Heat off, windows open, out with just a light jacket and a walk on the beach — who could ask for anything better? Of course it is only Tuesday night and there is a nor’easter in the forecast. Then we’re supposed to have cold temperatures, then warming up this weekend. It’s all a big tease but I love it.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Kaio Reis who celebrated March 9 and to Emily McKeon who celebrated March 13.

Special birthday wishes to Gail Avakian who celebrated her day March 6.

Since I live close to the school, I can somewhat recognize the kids’ moods as they go by. Well maybe not, but I love the laughter and I love watching them on the first day of school in their new clothes and shoes and their somewhat smiles. I love the last day of school when they come out with piles of papers and big smiles on their faces knowing they are free for a couple of months. Half days are good days also, but the best half day is when they leave at noon and go straight to Dairy Queen because it is opening day. That was the case on Tuesday, and they were all smiles.

The Martha’s Vineyard Poets’ Collective will be reading from their new publication at Pathways Institute at the Chilmark Tavern on Tuesday, March 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. Edgartown poet laureate Steve Ewing will join them. Members are Ellie Bates, Tom Durawa, Liz Fauteux, Madeline Fisher, Jill Jupen, Don McLagan, Annette Sandrock, Andrea Quigley and Ted Hoagland, who is an honorary member. The collective encourages community participation during the evening so bring any original work to share!

The Edgartown Public Library hosts a free public lecture, Horseshoe Crabs: A Story of Beach Trysts and Blue Bloods, at Island libraries starting Thursday, March 20, at Oak Bluffs library at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 25, Vineyard Haven Library, 7 p.m; Wednesday, April 9, Chilmark library, 5 p.m.; Wednesday, April 16, Edgartown library, 5:30 p.m. Often misunderstood by casual beachgoers and in high demand by the bait and biomedical industries, the horseshoe crab plays essential roles in both the natural world and world-wide modern medicine.

Susie Bowman, Felix Neck teacher/naturalist and coordinator of the Island’s spawning horseshoe crab surveys, and Fred Hotchkiss, director of the Marine Paleobiological Research Institute will present the lecture and slide show about these ancient marine residents of Martha’s Vineyard. Please come, and please tell friends and strangers. Mingle.

Also, please step up and be a citizen science volunteer to help count spawning horseshoe crabs on lunar high tides in May.

It is time for the first Federated Church cabaret! With added time to wonder and speculate and, yes, rehearse, they are ready to amuse and amaze. If you have wondered about hidden talent, amazing skill, and just plain fun that exists in our midst, plan to come to the cabaret on Saturday, March 22. Come early for a good table for the 7:30 p.m. curtain time. Under the direction of Peter Boak, Louise DuArt, the Federated Fellas, as well as the Sweet Fedolines, and many others, will present a variety of music, magic and silly stuff. Admission is $15 and includes refreshments. Wine will be $5 a glass. This is a benefit fundraiser for Peace Quilts for Haiti and the Federated Church search and call committee. If you have any questions, please email elliebethmv@yahoo.com or antispung@aol.com. Plan to come and bring friends! This is guaranteed to cure those winter doldrums.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.