Spring is really trying to get here. We have had some very warm days, then the next day will be freezing cold. The wind has definitely been a factor, too. But with that being said, the sun has been shining, the flowers are blooming and the birds are really happy.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Travis Viera, who celebrated his day April 21, Sophia Alves, April 22, Rebeca Lima, April 23, and to Emily Freeman, Caroline Hurley and Ana Ribeiro who all celebrate their day today, April 25.

This past weekend I had another reminder of how lucky we are to live on this Island. I attended the Edgartown Fire Department retirement dinner at the Harbor View Hotel. Peter Look retired after 40 years of service and was praised for his knowledge and dedication for the button tub restoration, and getting it up and running for the parade. He was also honored for his help with the hydraulics on his truck and his reliability of being there whenever he needed. The Chappy department had three men retiring. Woody Filley, Harold Zadah and Skip Bettencourt have all retired after many years of service. The families were also thanked as there were many times the fire alarm sounded and these men left at all hours of the day.

I was once asked what I thought about the new ladder truck that was bought for the town and if I thought we really needed one since Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven each has one. My response was if my house were on fire I would rather the truck come from Edgartown rather than wait an extra 15 minutes to a half hour for the other trucks to come from the other towns. So, yes, I am glad we bought the truck. We are lucky to have so many volunteers willing to help our town.

We are also very proud of our town as the Edgartown Police were part of the security at the Boston Marathon. Two bike officers, Mike Snowden and Jeffrey Trudel, were among the many security officers.

Felix Neck sent me the following email. They will be hosting a volunteer day on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon as part of the annual Mass Audubon Statewide Volunteer Day. After a morning of hands-on work there will be a free barbecue lunch for the volunteers to celebrate all that was accomplished. To sign up, visit massaudubon.org/workforwildlife. For more information, call 508-627-4850.

By following my friends on Facebook I am reading about a lot of families on trips during the week of April vacation. Some went up north, some stayed in the state, but I have seen a lot of you venturing to Florida to see the big Mouse. I hope you will all drop me a line or call me with your adventures.

Don’t forget the Relay for Life is coming up. Ellen Blodgett and I went to the girls trivia night last Friday night and it was so well attended. They made a lot of money for the relay and it was a lot of fun. Congratulations ladies.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.