JOHN S. ALLEY

508-693-2950

(alleys@vineyard.net)

Today is the start of a long holiday weekend. Presidents Day is celebrated on Monday. The school, post office and all municipal buildings will be closed. It is school vacation week for the rest of America’s public school systems. Ours starts next Friday and many of you will be taking a winter break off-Island. Well, now you will have time to dispose of the rusted Christmas tree, assess winter damage to your property and work on your taxes.

We expect to have a modest influx of visitors next week if the weather is reasonable. Several stores will be offering special sales on Monday.

Business at Chilmark Chocolates was brisk last weekend and on Valentine’s Day. I noticed that a company has nearly finished installing cell tower poles on South Road. It will be handy to have service in that area soon.

Anna and Sam Alley, of State Road, returned home Sunday night after a brief visit to see grandson Robby in East Taunton and bring home an elliptical machine from her sister Nina’s for us to exercise on.

Glenn and Rosemary Jackson, of Stoney Hill Farm, proudly announce the birth of their seventh grandchild. Shealyn Grace Kennedy was born last Tuesday. Her parents are Jennifer and Mark Kennedy of Gilbert, Ariz. She will join her sisters, Victoria, Haley and Danielle.

Kevin Cusack, of Autumn Construction, is busy doing major renovation work to the former Jane Newhall house, now owned by Prudy Woods at Brandy Brow corner. He has uncovered all sorts of historical facts: The last major renovation was done in 1918, at one time it was converted to a two-story house and some time in that time frame the basement floor of wood was replaced with poured concrete. The old fireplace still stands in the basement, or “street level” entrance. Folklore says it was home to a tavern during the Revolutionary War.

Tara Whiting, town clerk, reports that she has absentee ballots in her office for the March 6 presidential primary. You may come in and vote in town hall, or she will mail them out if requested. Call with any questions at 508-696-0148. Remember that census forms are not the correct way to register to vote or change your party affiliation. If you add a member of the household who wants to become a voter, he or she must come in and fill out a voter registration form. The same applies if you want to change your political party designation

The political season has taken shape. The only candidates to appear on the ballot are those seeking re-election. Whether any citizens’ petitions will be filed is not yet certain as folks have until next Thursday to submit papers. Town administrator Jen Rand reports that the board of selectmen will begin to discuss regulations for beer and wine at their meeting on Wednesday. This is intended to allow voters the chance to understand what the regulations would be should the question pass at the ballot box in April. If you have any questions please call her at 508-696-0102.

Barbara and Bob Day, of Willow Tree Hollow, returned home on Monday after a trip down to Bethel, Conn., to assist their son, Matthew, with his children, Jackson, Garrett and Caroline, while his wife was away for a few days. She reports that they all had a wonderful time.

Welcome back to Ellen Gaskill, who now is the membership director for the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce. She lived in this town for several years before moving off-Island.

Andy Boas and his wife, Susan, one of the famous Glimmerglass girls, arrived for an indefinite stay at the Middle Road home. Susan reports that she expects to finish up the “family tree” before the end of March.

Ginger Duarte reports that the Martha’s Vineyard Order of St. Luke is sponsoring a Day of Prayer and Reflection retreat on Saturday, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church Parish House in Vineyard Haven. Bring a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided. The suggested donation is $10. The presenter is Ethel Fraga of Boston. Ms. Fraga has been a daily meditator and student of contemplative spirituality for 45 years. In this mini-retreat, Ms. Fraga brings together her experience and deep respect for scripture and for mindful and contemplative living. To preregister or for more information call Susan Kelly at 508-627-9946, Peggy McGrath at 774-953-7464, Alden Besse at 508-693-3930 or Gloria Wong at 508-696-5856.

June Manning reports that the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living provides a round-trip medical taxi from Woods Hole to various medical appointments in Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich and Hyannis. This service has become increasingly popular with the 55 and over clients who pay at a significantly reduced rate. The Center for Living applied for and used grant money to partially fund the service, but that grant money is now nearly depleted and the Center for Living has six months remaining in the fiscal year. Though clients are responsible for the service, funding is needed to fill unmet needs. For more information on this service and how to help, please call MVC4L director Leslie Clapp. If you would like to send a small donation to assist in providing this vital service for our elders, please mail to MV Center for Living, Box 1729, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. All gifts are tax-deductible and appreciated.

Jill Lane reports that the school and ArtFarm Enterprises will present The Fabled Fourth Graders of West Tisbury Elementary School, a production of adapted Aesop’s Fables, tonight at 6:30 p.m. and tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center. There is no charge, please bring a non-perishable item for the food pantry.

Happy Birthday to: Nick Pohl, Lesley Eaton, Janice Feltz, Murray Frank and Angela Jones Smith today; Patricia Duffy, Robert and Susan Wasserman and Marilyn Bergeron tomorrow; Bob Knight, Joyce Wright, Christina Wiley, Michelle Aluia and Florence Paul on Sunday; Margery Benjamin and Charlene Kelly on Monday; Lila Fischer, Gaston Vadasz and Dick Johnson on Tuesday; Samantha Church, David Bowman and Richard Patterson on Wednesday; Lenny Jason, Ellen Wolfe, Sally Segal, Stuart Gardner and Sarah Omer on Thursday. Belated anniversary wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mavro and Keith Bassett and Sian Williams. Also, belated birthday greetings to Meg Higgins, David Schuster, Doug Fortes, Albert Fischer and old friend Don Evon.

Well, that is all of the social news for this edition. Please call or e-mail with news you wish to share with others. Have a nice Presidents Day weekend and a great week.