The sun fell behind the Chilmark Pond the other day, casting long shadows across the landscape as sheep grazed above at the Allen Farm. It was one of those April days where the spring air felt washed and clean, like a fresh batch of laundry snapping on the line. A brisk wind made little ripples across the pond. And for just a minute it felt like everything was right with the world.

If the purpose of art is to provoke, the positive messages festooning the Vineyard this week have met
their objective.

For many, the eleven signs spouting love-oriented phrases are refreshing reminders that we need to be nicer to one another. And that appears to be one of the admirable goals of Julia Kidd, the West Tisbury artist who installed these signs across the Island landscape. “There is so much to love about you” and “I can’t get enough of you” are things most of us like to be told.

“Carry In, Carry Out” read the colorful crayon signs displayed on bulletin boards at many Island beaches, but as beach clean-up volunteers discovered last weekend, not everyone obeys the call to action by elementary school environmentalists.

Once again, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have participated in the Martha’s Vineyard pollinator project by helping to inventory the Island’s native bees. We are indebted especially to the volunteers who helped sample bees and generate important data—including the first recorded occurrences of over 150 species from the Vineyard.

From Gazette spring editorials:

The trailing arbutus is not the first flower of spring — it appears after the skunk cabbage, for instance — but it has as distinctive a place in the emblemology of the spring season as the Easter lily. Its appearance is hailed with singular delight, and with good reason, for in the whole cycle of the year there is no near equivalent of its delicate pink and white beauty, woodland essence, and unforgettable perfume.

MEMO TO COMCAST

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Thank you Pam Dolby, Jennifer Rand, Edgartown selectman and all the other Island town officials that are pushing Comcast to provide service to Chappaquidick. It is amazing to me that Comcast, a major corporation with massive financial and corporate resources, cannot find a way to either make the Chappaquiddick project financially feasible or see it as part of an overall obligation for the right to provide services to Martha’s Vineyard.

Recently during a meeting with high school seniors to talk about the civil rights movement, I learned their graduation was on May 17.

“Wow,” I exclaimed. “How wonderful to be graduating on such a historic day.” Seated at a round table in front of me, all of the students looked at me quizzically.

“You do know the significance of May 17?” I asked, only to be met with the same uncomprehending looks.

On April 10, I voted to uphold the West Tisbury bylaw prohibiting dogs at Lambert’s Cove Beach from June 15 to Sept. 15 of each year. This bylaw was approved by the Massachusetts Attorney General on Dec. 29, 2011. The result was that dog owners would be able to walk their dogs on Lambert’s Cove Beach for three quarters of the calendar year.

Sharks, community radio, green thumbs, bakers, and Bob Carroll, all in one sitting. This week the Martha’s Vineyard Magazine’s current issue hits the stands reveling in all things tasty, interesting, magical and mercurial. In other words, all things quintessentially Vineyard.

The magazine’s wedding edition is also on newsstands now. The issue highlights eight weddings, including a steampunk celebration in Chilmark, a Morning Glory Farm match made in the dirt, and a beach wedding for 300 at Chappaquiddick’s Wasque Point.

JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks2004@yahoo.com)

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) will hold its annual spring social on Sunday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Potluck luncheon will be served; please bring a dish to share. There will be dancing, drumming and an afternoon of fun for the family to enjoy. The entire Vineyard community is invited to attend on the grounds of the tribal building on Black Brook Road.