Greetings from the most western tip of the Vineyard. Snowbound once again. Last winter the storms occurred for about three weekends in a row. This winter they arrive usually on Wednesdays, although we had about five inches of snow on Sunday through Monday. Freezing temperatures, now rain, sleet, and slush. Where is that little groundhog?

While you are snowbound, the Best of the Vineyard voting has started, go to bestofthevineyard.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-the-Vineyard-2014. Your votes count!

Thank you to the Friends of Aquinnah Public Library for the open house on Saturday. It was well-attended by many throughout the afternoon — great food, and even greater fellowship. Next Thursday, Feb. 13, there will be a Valentine’s chocolate tasting, revisiting a very popular event with beverages and a romantic movie at 5 p.m.

Reminder, lunch is still served on Thursdays at the Up-Island Council on Aging at the Howes House at noon. Lunch is only $2 per person and the discussions are priceless. Please call by Monday to reserve your luncheon space on Thursday. There will be a special treat at the Valentine’s luncheon on Feb. 13. For reservations, please call 508-693-2896.

Romancing the Oyster, a benefit for the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group and the Edgartown Growers Association will be held at the Harbor View Hotel on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple. You can taste executive chef Nathan Gould’s delicious creations around the Martha’s Vineyard oyster and meet the men and women behind this amazing product. If you are unable to attend, donations may be sent to MV Shellfish Group at Box 1552, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Tickets are also available online at romancingtheoyster.brownpapertickets.com.

Mimi Davisson, vice chair of the MV Democrats, would like to invite you to Howes House on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. across from Alley’s General Store. Leaders of the new organization 350 Martha’s Vineyard Island (350MVI) will be guests at the monthly meeting of the Democratic Council of Martha’s Vineyard. They will describe the Island chapter and the work they have been doing to address climate change and to create a website (350MVI.org) as a resource for organizations interested in conserving a healthy environment for the Vineyard. All are welcome to attend.

Rock Away the Blues is tomorrow night at the Chilmark Community Center from 7 to 11 p.m. for the benefit of the Chilmark School PTO and the Outing Program. Dance to Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. Desserts and beverages will be served along with live and silent auctions. This is a great way to divert your attention away from the snow. Tickets are $15 per person.

Valentine’s Day is next Friday. Chilmark Chocolates will be open for your shopping pleasure and will close again on Feb. 16. While in Chilmark, stop at the Bank of Martha’s Vineyard at Beetlebung Corner across the street from the Chilmark Community Center. Lisa Bibko Vanderhoop will have an array of her Vineyard Seadog’s cards and calendars for your Valentine. There are also cards with the elusive snowy owls (responsible for this arctic air this winter) and other Vineyard scenes. Lisa will have her artwork, calendars and cards on display at the bank throughout the month of February.

It is rather quiet around town. Many have left for the month of February for their extended vacations, some have moved down-Island for the winter to be closer to the necessities of daily life, but for the most part people are planning their school vacation time.

Condolences to the family and friends of Gary Aubin who passed away on Feb. 28 in Falmouth. Gary had been a patient at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital and then to Falmouth. He will be missed around Aquinnah.

Adriana Ignacio has been with her grandsons Skyler and Riley while their mother Ona has vacationed in Jamaica. Of course Adriana has been spending time with her grandsons Ivan and Lyle as well.

Kathleen Kendrick is thinking summer as she is busy each day showing homes for summer rentals.

Dawn Widdiss made a quick trip to her family home in Aquinnah, returning to the snow in Framingham.

Beverly Wright and Robert MacDiarmid arrived a week ago to attend meetings, returning to their winter home in West Virginia.

Happy 4th anniversary wishes to Judd Fuller and Dana Radford on Feb. 8.

Happy 14th anniversary wishes to James Boales and Eloise Moreis on Feb. 12.

Belated happy birthday wishes to Logan James Manning who celebrated his second birthday on Feb. 2.

Happy birthday wishes to Aquinnah selectman James Newman on Feb. 8. Sir Brook Zern will celebrate his special day on Feb. 10. Nicki McHugh Miller will party on Feb. 12. Leona White will observe a major milestone on Feb. 12. Albert O. Fisher, affectionately known as Bert, will celebrate his very special day and milestone on Feb. 13. Heather Vanderhoop will party on Feb. 14.