My loyal readers know that I revel in the amount of artists, writers and musicians who live here on Martha’s Vineyard. So, here we go!

Mark Lovewell and Molly Conole are on the road to Astoria, Oregon, to bring their weekly Songs of the Sea to a fabulous venue, the Inferno for food, drink and music on Sunday, Feb. 25. This place overlooks the Columbia River. Molly reports the river is huge, with big ships passing by. Perfect for stories and songs of the sea.

Gretchen Baer, an accomplished artist who grew up in Vineyard Haven, just completed a wonderful show in Bisbee, Ariz. at the Belleza Gallery. Gretchen’s many friends helped with the exhibit, the food and the music. Her paintings are colorful, whimsical and delightful. Her artistic parents would be so proud.

Another Vineyard artist who deserves accolades is Charly Palmer of Atlanta, Ga. and Vineyard Haven. The United States postal service was looking for illustrations of great people for new stamps for Black History Month. They chose Charly’s drawing of Judge Constance Baker Motley. The stamp was unveiled at a ceremony in New York City last week. Be sure to go to our friendly postal staff and purchase the new stamp.

Charly Palmer also has an art exhibit up at the Oak Bluffs public library this month.

Now our kids need mention. The winner of the Oak Bluffs School spelling bee is Charlotte Cramer. Congratulations! Charlotte will participate in the all-Island spelling bee in March.

The National Honor Society chapter at our high school has made a great impact on our Island’s food pantry. The kids raised more than $1,000 for the pantry and collected more than 1,000 pounds of food. What a great accomplishment.

Speaking of food, our Good Shepherd Parish, which helps provide food monthly for those in need, is looking for help. A fundraiser is at the Edgartown Stop and Shop.

In the sports realm the Lady Eagles basketball team of the Edgartown School has completed an undefeated season. Way to go, Ladies.

The extreme cold is getting me down but March is around the corner. Make a note that our clocks spring ahead on March 10.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along my dear friend Tavia L. Essie on Feb. 21. And on Feb. 29 Fella Cecilio takes the cake. Many happy returns.