KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

It has been getting warmer. People are working longer in their gardens, the perennials are starting to show and the buds are on the bushes and trees.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. The big balloons are delayed till next week when the April list gets here.

I do have balloons for my brother Frank Noble who celebrated his day on April 8, and to Nancy Shemeth who celebrated her day on April 6.

HOLLY NADLER

508-693-3880

(sunporch@vineyard.net)

A secret, insidious syndrome affects a majority of Islanders, and I think it’s about time we brought it out of the closet and gave it a name.

If you harbor this mental disorder, you’ll recognize the symptoms: A friend calls, or you see a notice in the paper about a coming event that sounds fun or interesting or self-helping or all of the above. You agree to do it. At this early point, you actually are eager to attend.

By KATE J. CONDE

The year 2008 truly is a year for change, both nationally and locally. Established in 1936, the Edgartown Firemen’s Association always had a gentleman leading the monthly meetings — that is, until recently.

Noted permaculture designer and teacher Dick Pierce will present a slide show and talk called An Introduction to Permaculture: Practical Sustainability on Thursday, April 17, at 5 p.m. at the Chilmark Public Library.

Permaculture, a movement begun in the 1970s, initially focused on soil management to promote agricultural sustainability. It has segued into a holistic approach to sustainable living.

The idea is this: develop ecologically suitable design systems for sustainable living in all parts of your existence.

Tax time is usually suffered in private. The Oyster Bar Grill aims to make the task more communal and enjoyable, particularly for those who collect social security benefits and otherwise would not have to endure IRS forms at all.

This year, thanks to the federal economic stimulus package, a rebate of $300 or more will be sent back to most taxpayers, even those who collect social security.

To receive a tax rebate check, you have to file a 2007 tax return (for most people, this would be Form 1040A). You can file a return online at IRS.gov or at AARP.org.

Ocean Eversley, as her name suggests, has been able to produce profound change in her personal landscape, using deep and powerful personal resources.

“I felt as if I were decaying, that I was incomplete,” said Ms. Eversley, 50, about her six physically inactive years following a successful life in track, body building and a personal training and Island business career. “Then last winter I decided to make a life change.”

Congratulations are in order for Jack Blake of Sweet Neck Farm in Edgartown, whose Sweet Petites oysters tied for third place in an oyster tasting competition in Providence, R.I., on Monday evening.

“It was real fun, there were a lot of good oysters out there,” Mr. Blake said after the winners were announced. Mr. Blake’s oysters beat out a bevy of bivalves culled from all over the country.

Plum Lunch

Plum is readying a new summer show Creative Lunch hosted by ad-man Richard Kirshenbaum, founder of Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners. Mr. Kirshenbaum has helped develop such brands as Kenneth Cole, Snapple and Target and is regularly featured in the New York Times, Wired and as a commentator in US Weekly’s Fashion Police section.

Collaborative Schedules

Workshop for Nonprofits

The Martha’s Vineyard Donors Collaborative has scheduled its spring workshop for Vineyard nonprofits, Strong Boards For Effective Governance and Good Fundraising, on Wednesday, April 16 at Outerland, 17 Airport Road, Edgartown.

The workshop is designed for organizations that have a challenge recruiting and retaining good board members or need to restructure their board to improve their governance and fundraising in an increasingly competitive environment.

JOHN S. ALLEY

508-693-2950

(alleys@vineyard.net)

It was a cold raw weekend that did not feel like spring. It seemed warmer in January. The wind made it bone chilly cold. Red cardinals are forging around for food and not feeling very warm either. Trout fishing in the Mill Pond continues each day and should increase next week. If the weather warms up, we shall see our first prolonged visit by summer folks who will be coming down to open up their camps or houses for the summer.