Well it sure will be like a ghost town all week mainly because of the school’s winter vacation that begins this afternoon. Many families have left the Island for a warmer climate while others have gone up north to ski. As we head into March we celebrate National Pig Day.

Frank Polagruto, formerly of Great Plains Road now of Havenside, is celebrating his birthday on Monday with his wife Celeste and family. Frank, who enjoys all kinds of music, reportedly will be featuring a Julie Andrews favorite of his on his website. Happy Birthday Frank.

When I was emptying my kindling box recently out fell a yellowed envelope postmarked December 1, 1933 to a Mrs. Edith Thompson. At that time every letter was hand canceled and it wasn’t a problem for the postmaster to place it in the correct postal box. It was a bill from Owens Nursery in Vineyard Haven for two bouquets of flowers for a total of $2. It was marked paid by Granville Shattuck, proprietor, on January 15, 1934.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports that MVY Radio’s Dave Kish will present a jazz documentary screening and discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The same day dementia care educator Alicia Seaver will give a presentation titled Dementia 101. Alicia will discuss different types of dementia and warning signs and possible treatments. You may RSVP to this event by calling 508-477-0043 or just come by and join them.

The uneasiness felt by citizens in town about the ownership of the town clock surfaced at the 1926 annual town meeting. William J. Rotch, chairman of the board of selectmen, was asked to conduct an investigation into the ownership of the clock and on March 7 he issued this report.

In 1895 the Church acquired a clock. It was inspired by Hannah Look, who in her will dated December 1, 1875, left to the Congregational Church Society the sum of $200 to be used in placing a suitable clock in the steeple with face and hands outside. The bequest was in memory of her husband David Look. By 1893 the money had doubled and there also had grown a real community interest in acquiring a clock. Suppers were held to raise money and one Gentleman reported he lost interest as he had had “too much chowder too many times.” Chain letters were sent out with sums received from 10 cents to $5. and a special issue of the The Sea Gull, a newspaper published by the Church ladies. The success of these efforts was great enough not only to make the clock possible but a new bell which corresponded with the clock machinery. The cost of winding weekly has been about $20.00 a year. Half was paid by the church the other half by public subscription. For nearly thirty years the town has paid $10.

If it is determined that the town cannot continue to do so, Mr. Rotch said he will undertake it to see that the public share of the upkeep will be provided rather than loose the clock. Many others are of the same opinion.

Happy birthday to May Baldwin, Nina Listro and Gaston Vadasz Feb. 21; Justin Dodge, Samantha Church and David Bowman Feb. 22; Paul Buckley, Julie Flanders, Joanne Peterson, Stuart Gardner and Ellen Wolfe Feb. 23; Frank Polagruto, Tara Lewis, Dennis Jason and Diane Wall on Feb. 24; Kelly Arruda, Stephanie Wade, Susan Bowan, Stephen Gallagher and John Anderson Feb. 25; Katherine Athearn, Mason Fischer and Natasha Taylor Feb. 26; Kevin McFarland, Kathryn Sullivan, Gene Bergeron and Shawn Emin Feb. 27. Belated Birthday wishes to David Schuster and Meg Higgins.

Well that is all of the social news for this week. I don’t want to miss the news about your vacation so please call or e-mail me with details. Have a great week.