Oh, the days are getting warmer and longer as we head into springtime weather in a few weeks. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the last vestiges of winter as we wish them away.

Elexis Pachico Wildanger reminds all who are interested in becoming foster parents to attend the meeting at her home tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. She is presently full, caring for four children in her home, and receives requests daily to take in more children. Please call her at 508-326-1155 for directions.

The Martha’s Vineyard Neighborhood Convention will meet on Tuesday, March 3 at 11 a.m. at the Federated Church in Edgartown. Joyce Kirkland of Felix Neck will discuss Animals in Winter. Please bring a bag lunch. Beverages and dessert are served. All are welcome.

Congratulations to Bruce Elliott who won the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services employee of the year award recently for going above and beyond. Bruce is well known by many in the community and a hero as he puts his heart and soul into the Chicken Alley Thrift Shop on a daily basis. Congratulations, Bruce — we could not do it without you!

Congratulations to Noah Manning for his high academic achievement and being on the head of school list for the first trimester at Falmouth Academy. On Feb. 20, Noah received fourth place for his independent research entitled The Effect of Different Types of Music on a Human’s Ability to Focus, at the 32nd annual science and engineering fair at Falmouth Academy.

Congratulations to Clara Athearn, daughter of Dan and Meg, who received a fourth place at the Falmouth Academy science fair for her research on The Purity of Ethanol Produced by Corn and Rye.

Congratulations to Waylon Sauer, son of Dan Sauer and Wenonah Madison, who received an honorable mention at the Falmouth Academy science fair for his research on Which Natural Substance Combats Escherichia Coli Best.

Congratulations to Oona Carroll, daughter of Christopher Carroll and Kendra Buresch, who received honorable mention at the Falmouth Academy science fair for her research on The Effect of Acidity on Brine Shrimp.

Condolences to the family and friends of Shelley Elaine (Devine) Carter who died Feb. 19 following a brief illness. Shelley was a tribal elder, serving on tribal council for most of the past two decades, as well as serving on many tribal committees. She really committed herself to serving, having previously worked for the tribe for years, as well as working as a legal secretary, bookkeeper for several businesses and the tribe, and for the town of Oak Bluffs as an administrative assistant.

Happy 51st anniversary wishes to Al Perry and Madeline (Cookie) Gazaille as they celebrate on March 1.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Dana Darcy who celebrated on the 21st. Cameron Widdiss will be 19 on March 1. Heather Ferreira Devine will party on March 2. Janis Wightman and fellow Vineyard Gazette columnist Kathy Noble Case will share the day on March 3. My daughter Sharon Spiller will party on March 4, sharing the day with Diana (Dilly) DeBlase, Robert Rosenberg, and Jolene Holtham. Wendy Andrews will observe her special day on March 5 as will Helene Hall and Charles Vanderhoop.