People are beginning the task of cleaning up the yard after the long winter, throwing away the Christmas tree that is beginning to turn rust color out in the back yard, and raking the lawn and flower beds. Some folks have already begun planting peas and other hearty vegetables in their garden. Businesses are re-opening for the season ­— Middletown Nursery and 7a Foods, to name just two. Last Sunday was the last of the discount gas until after Christmas. We want to thank Pat and Joan Jenkinson for making it available to all of us.

Chilmark has a whole new look with bright daffodils nodding in the wind all over town. What a lift to our winter-numbed spirits the flowers are. There are many other colors nestled in the groundcover in sheltered yards and fat buds on many trees. Welcome, spring!

The Aquinnah Public Library will assist you in obtaining your new CLAMS card, which may be used at all Vineyard libraries. Stop by to obtain your new library card. Spring programs are continuing at the library, including story hour on Thursday afternoons.

Voter registration will be held at the Aquinnah town hall on Wednesday, April 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m.

Vineyard Haven has been named number four on the list of America’s small-town ArtPlaces for 2013. This distinction is reserved specifically for small towns with the highest concentration of arts non-profits, core arts-oriented businesses and workers in creative occupations according to data analyzed by Impresa, Inc., a Portland-based firm specializing in the study of regional economies.

The white couch at Jesse Hayes’ home office serves two purposes: business and therapy. It’s okay, designer Mr. Hayes tells his clients as they settle into the large futon. It’s going to be cool.

“We want to create a high quality product in a comfortable atmosphere,” Mr. Hayes said at his office this week. Five guitars are stacked neatly in the corner, an antique typewriter sits on his desk.

Slow Food is holding its annual meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Everyone is invited for an evening of local food, conversation and education. This year’s annual meeting will also introduce the new Martha’s Vineyard Slow Food president, Aaron Oster.

The Island Community Chorus presents its spring concerts this weekend. Showtimes are Saturday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 7, at 3 p.m. Both shows will be held at the Performing Arts Center at the regional high school.

This year’s concert features the music of John Rutter and Stephen Sondheim.

The Martha’s Vineyard Fibershed Project has received a SARE farmer’s grant to help Island fiber producers promote the use of local fibers, local dyes and local labor. The group uses Island-raised fiber for art and clothing.

Any fiber producers interested in cooperative marketing, call Native Earth Teaching Farm at 508-645-3304 or come to a meeting at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury on Tuesday, April 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This weekend a group of villains, heroes, lovers and a crooked lawyer are taking over the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. No, this is not the opening day of the farmers’ market.

That most of these characters will resemble school kids might be a tip off. But don’t let the fake mustaches fool you.

The Library Friends of Oak Bluffs is holding a book drive on April 6 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Friends are looking for used books for children, teens and adults, including hardcover and paperback, fiction and nonfiction. They are also accepting DVDs, CDs, Audio Books on CD, and recent textbooks (last three years only).