Dianne Smith and Jane Slater set off for New Bedford between storms to enjoy a program of Celtic music for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. The adventure included a pub dinner and an overnight stay. The same intrepid ladies traveled to Portsmouth, N.H., on an early March weekend to see a theatrical production and enjoy some of the restaurants of the area. To their surprise, the city was busy and crowded in spite of the winter date.

Pam Goff happily shares that there will be a sunrise Easter service held on Sunday April 1 at 6:30 a.m. on Menemsha Beach. Any ambitious early risers interested in walking to the service should meet at Chilmark Church at 5:15 a.m. Breakfast will be served after the service and will wrap up in time for the 9 a.m. service held at the church. Not only will a traditional egg hunt follow the 9 a.m. service, but childcare will be provided during the worship for anyone who may need it.

Don’t forget, Tuesdays are pizza night at the Chilmark Church. Cheese and pepperoni are the choices put forth on the table along with a mix of salads and cookies shared by the occasionally ambitious attendee. If you know you will join the faithfuls, give Julie Flanders a call at 508-645-3723. The light in the sky gives the kids an opportunity to kick a ball around or play a game of tag so if you’re thinking ahead put those feet in sneakers.

Sweet Sarah Jean Flanders, youngest daughter of Steve and the late Joy, has returned to town from a Pacific Northwest adventure. She’s back in her childhood homestead happily spreading a fresh coat of paint and adding her 20-something touch. Did you know this blonde haired, blue eyed beauty, along with her two older sisters Genevieve and Allison, was one of my flower girls? I can still picture the adventurous personality that shines through today, shoeless, jumping off hay bales with a big hole in her, what used to be, white tights. That is the way any child should spend their afternoon.

MV United, with the help of Chilmark’s Alex Poole, a 2009 MVRHS grad, held a two-day soccer clinic with the Revolution Academy program. Kestutis Biskis, Dash Christy, Bryce Cioffi, Adam Knight, Peter Miller and Lucas Sherman all participated. According to 11-year-old Bryce, they really helped him develop his skills and he really loved the drills they did. The kids and parents are all hopeful this connection between MV and the Revolution Academy will be the start of a wonderful collaboration.

Bill Wilcox of the Dukes Conservation District has asked that I spread the word about an upcoming soil health workshop. The workshop is a collaboration of the MV Agricultural Society, IGI and the Polly Hill, and takes place on Saturday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall. Lunch will be provided to those who register by April 2 at dukesdistrict@yahoo.com. Among others, our friend, neighbor and green thumb grower Matthew Dix of North Tabor Farm will be one of the panelists along with Simon Athearn and Andrew Woodruff.

Friday, March 30, two very special members of our community celebrate their birthdays. Rhoda Diamond celebrates 97 years and that Irish music loving, ship carving conversationalist James Morgan celebrates his 94th birthday. Guess who celebrated 90 on March 25. Carl Leaf, if you can believe it, has walked this earth for nine decades. Although she’s not approaching her nineties for quite some time, another notable birthday was celebrated by my fellow columnist, June Manning. I was lucky enough to give her a birthday hug and enjoy some quality conversation. Happy birthday to all.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.