Daffodils are in full bloom, more songbirds arriving each day, and the herring will be running soon during this long awaited spring. It is so nice to see the sun shining upon us these days.

Congratulations and all the best to Seth Gambino and Sarah Hebb who were married on the terrace at the Aquinnah Restaurant on March 27. A reception was held for them, provided by Anne Vanderhoop and her family. Seth is the son of Rosemary Gambino of Tisbury.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Steven Maida who passed away on March 27. Steven was the son of Margaret Maida of Chilmark and the late Charles Maida, Sr. I have fond memories of babysitting for Steven and his siblings when he was an infant.

Congratulations to Samantha Maltais, daughter of Daniel Maltais and Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, who has been accepted at Harvard Law School. Samantha will be the first Aquinnah Wampanoag to attend Harvard Law School.

Condolences to the family and friends of Conrad Noble who passed away at his home in Pleasantville, N.Y. on April 5. In his youth, Conrad spent most of his summers at the home of his sister Jacquelyne Manning and her family before heading off to Boston University where he was captain of the soccer team. As a young adult he worked at White Plains Electrical Supply Company in Elmsford and eventually bought the business where he worked for more than half a century.

Congratulations to Joseph and Maggie Queen on the birth of their daughter Jolene Marie Queen born on March 31, weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces. Joseph served at USCG Station Menemsha while Maggie was a teacher at the West Tisbury School.

Billie Diamond Vanderhoop Shepherd, daughter of Faith Vanderhoop and James Shepherd, returned to Key West this past week, after spending her school vacation with her cousin Heidi Vanderhoop and her sons Erick and Lewis Moore. She enjoyed visiting with as many family members as possible.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Aquinnah tribal elder Geraldine Smalley Smith who passed on March 16. She was born in Tisbury in 1927, the daughter of the late Norman and Clementine Smalley. Gerri and her husband Mack were owners of Smitty’s Mini Mart. In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her friends Joanne Robey, Jewel Vanderhoop and Esther Chandler.

Welcome to Ahsun Coby Spears Vanderhoop, son of Durwood and Jamie Vanderhoop, who was born on April 3 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Ahsun weighed in at 8 pounds, 1.6 ounces. He is welcomed home by his brothers Sowonahsh, Kuhpay and Matahquhs. His aunt Coby Spears Myrtle arrived just in time on Saturday morning to take care of her three young nephews as they awaited the arrival of their brother. Ahsun is the grandson of Roxane Ackerman, and Ronald and Joanne Spears.

Captain Buddy Vanderhoop and his wife Lisa are the only two still dragging for scallops at this time, after finding another bonus spot to harvest.

Congratulations and all the best to Jesse Wiener and his bride Maggie Anderson who have decided to settle in Centerville and purchased a new home in honor of their daughter Ruby’s second birthday. They are looking forward to being close to Maggie’s family on the Cape and closer to Jerry Wiener and Carolyn Feltz in Aquinnah. For many years, they resided in Manhattan until the pandemic arrived.

Happy 60th anniversary to John Occouch Vanderhoop and his bride Gabi on April 14.

Happy 47th anniversary to Captain Hugh Taylor and his bride Jeanne on April 15.

Happy 44th anniversary to Walter and Linda Woods on April 16.

Happy 12th anniversary to Durwood and Jamie Vanderhoop on April 12.

Celebrating birthdays this week are Mato Wagner who was 11 on April 4. April 11 is a day of celebration for Judith Manning Milavsky, Robert Rose and Tim Kausch. Barbara Wallen, Kathy Mercier, and Ed Cisek share the day on April 12. Erick Moore will be 11 years old on April 13 as he shares the day with Prudy Whiting, Jill Woollacott and Jan Hatchard. Wow, Lucas Belain will be 16 years old on April 14. Todd Keegan parties on April 15. Brooks Carroll and Peyton Jeffers share the day on April 16.