The sun makes a big difference, doesn’t it? So take time to enjoy it. It certainly has been an interesting winter. We have come to appreciate everyone who made it possible for us to function amid the storms and snow. Personally, for myself, I was made aware of all the help available in our community when in the midst of the Thursday snowstorm, I became suddenly ill with one of those numerous viruses raging through the Island. Thanks to the Comm. Center, OBPD, and OBFD Ambulance Service, I was whisked to our community hospital ER, and after a plethora of tests by knowledgeable and caring staff, was soon tucked away into acute care with a marvelous view of the moon in the stormy sky. Now I am home, mostly healed, but tired and ever so appreciative and grateful.

A friend recently lent me a 1924 copy of a publication of the Delta Alpha Class of the First Baptist Church of Vineyard Haven. It could best be described as a small booklet of places to see on the Island and numerous interesting ads. Some of the names will be quite familiar, such as LaBelle’s Restaurant, Island Laundry, Leonards Garage, the Wigwam, and my favorite, “Strand Theatre — the best run in New England,” and admission was listed at 25 and 30 cents. The booklet also had lists of what to see in each town, and for Oak Bluff a few of the sights to see listed were the Methodist Tabernacle and the Baptist Tabernacle on the Highlands, the Japanese Stores and the Country Club. Surprisingly, there was no mention of the Flying Horses.

There will be a reception at the West Tisbury library on Sunday, March 15, from 3 to 5 pm for the black and white photography exhibit of Max Skjoldebrand titled “Lines, Light, Shadows and Reflections.” This exhibit will be shown at the library throughout the month of March. During the reception, David Rhoderick will provide live piano music on the Library’s beautiful Steinway.

Island Moon Coffeehouse at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse takes place on Thursday, March 12, at 7:30 pm. The coffeehouse is hosted by Jemima James and features Isaac Taylor. There will be traditional Irish music with Mary Wolverton, Myles Thurlow and Tauras Biskis.

Offshore Ale Co. in Oak Bluffs has not only great food but also a giving heart. Now they have graciously chosen Island Elderly Housing to profit from their Dine to Donate fundraiser. On March 25, anytime between 11:30 am to 8:30 pm, 20 percent of the pre-tax dine-in food sales will go directly to Island Elderly Housing. For information regarding tickets, please contact Island Elderly Housing directly.

Here is an Island-wide community event: The Slow Food MV’s annual Farmers’ Brunch will be held on Sunday, March 15, from 9 to 12 noon at the Chilmark Community Center. There will be four speakers, as well as exhibits and displays, and a raffle of GMO-free products available locally. The cost is $12 at the door or at slowfoodmarthasvineyard.org; $10 for members.

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in a Memoir Organization and Writing workshop led by Susan Klein, M.Ed. The Spice of Life program will run on Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3:30 pm at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center from March 21 through May 26, with no class the week of April 13th. Thanks to the OBCOA, the cost of the workshop is only $169, which includes all materials. This is a wonderful opportunity, as usually the cost of this workshop is $325. Don’t hesitate if you are interested; call Susan Klein at 508-693-4140, as I did already.

Traumatic Brain Injury Presentation, Panel and Discussion takes place on Saturday, March 21, from 10 am to 12 noon at the Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown. In the second session of the Martha’s Vineyard Veterans Support Series, representatives from the Home Base Program, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Providence VA, and SAVE (Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment) will be speaking on the signs, symptoms, and treatments available for TBI. Following the presentation there will be an expert speaker’s panel, including an interactive discussion. Lunch will be provided! Please RSVP to Julie Meader at 508-693-7900, ext. 223, or jmeader@mvcommunityservies.com. This program was previously scheduled, but had to be rescheduled due to the weather.

We send birthday smiles for the month of March to Aidylberg resident Merle Beaulieu, Woodside Village residents Hershel West, Joan Fennell, Lucy Costa, Austin Cargill, John Ellis, Michael Haydn, William Thorp, Robert Martin, Dorothy Grant, Shirley Robinson, Mary Haigazian, and Frances Smith. Smiles to Jenny Hart on March 13, Will Farrissey on the 14th, Jib Ellis and Bill Stafursky on the 15th, and Edith Rouseau, Kelsey DeBettencourt, Joe Moujabber, and Jaime Leon on the 18th.

Enjoy your week and the sun. Peace.