When one thinks of the YMCA, exercise is usually at the top of the list. Swimming, lifting weights, working out or yoga all take center stage at the Y. Beginning this weekend, though, sitting in place and becoming aware of the present moment gets added to the list of healthful activities.

Everybody dance now, no experience necessary. Starting on Wednesday, April 17, and running through May 22, a new modern improvisational dance group is beginning at the Anchors, across from the Chappy ferry. No previous experience is necessary, except life experience, that is — and you must be 21 or older to attend the class.

Just because the West Tisbury Library is in its small-but-beautiful stage at their temporary location doesn’t mean they don’t have a book drop — and it is hungry. To get ready for their spring book sale, the library needs your used books.

Dorothea Lynde Dix, 19th century crusader for the mentally ill, was also a champion for a special blossom.

The Cochise County of Arizona is a bird watcher’s dream. Located in the southeastern section of Arizona, it has a great mix of national parks, Forest Service property, state parks, Arizona Game and Fish property, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) holdings and the famous Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon property.

The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has three cats and one kitten waiting to find homes.

The kitten is Miss Moppit, an adorable 15-week-old medium long-haired tortoiseshell who will be ready to go to her new home in a few weeks after she is spayed. She is playful and sweet and loves to be close to anyone willing to play with her. Please come to see her.

The Tisbury School has announced its honor roll for the second quarter of the 2012-2013 academic year.

Eighth grade high honors: Elias Fhagen-Smith.

Eighth grade honors: Alexandra Barlett, Amanda Bernard, Robson Borges, Monica Carroll, David Caseau, Justine Cassel, Anthony Jackson, Emma Kristal, Colbeck Leuenberger, Benjamin Nadelstein, David Packer and Ashley Wood.

Seventh grade high honors: Margaret Burke, Carolyn Duarte, Evelyn Medeiros, Lily Pigott and Elizabeth Williamson.

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School has announced its honor roll for the second quarter of the 2012-2013 academic year. Twelfth grade high honors: Alan Ciminski, Julia Cooper, Kelsey Dandeneau, Amy Fligor, Charlotte Hall, Fionnuala Howell, Alayna Hutchinson, Kyle Joba-Woodruff, Jennie Lindland, Alexandra Mazza, Sterling Meacham and John Roberts.

The planets Venus and Mars, once the brightest planets in our night sky, have disappeared from view. They are still out there, but they are appearing so close to the Sun as to be hidden from us.

Looking ahead, both will reappear in our sky but at opposite ends of the night.

Venus is speeding around the Sun and will soon appear low in our western sky. The earliest you may be able to see Venus will be in May and it will be an evening planet. Venus spent last winter as our morning planet.

Live and rarely ever learn. I complained all week about the wind but went ahead anyway and planted out some teensy seedlings. They had been coming along nicely in a warm cozy greenhouse and, true to my nature, I could not wait to put them into the ground. Needless to say they were pretty much beaten to death. We’re talking about romaine lettuce, broccoli rabe, Russian kale and miniscule seedlings. Good thing I over-planted inside so replacement will not be a problem. Luckily, I’ve learned to shake my head at my own self.