Lilacs are starting to bud. The herring are running but in decreased numbers than what has been previously recorded over time.

Congratulations and all the best to USCG Chief Adam R. Smith who not only advanced to chief but received officer in charge certification, sector southeast New England’s enlisted person of the year, and orders to an XPO (second in command position). He was awarded all of these advancements and acknowledgments at a ceremony on April 29 at USCG Station Woods Hole and attended by his previous senior chief and now master chief Robert Riemer who drove up from Staten Island to attend.

Adam had served at USCG Station Menemsha for five years until June 2019 when he was transferred to USCG Cutter Sanibel in Woods Hole. Adam, his wife Meghan, and their Vineyard born daughters Elliana and Adelaide headed west on May 6 to their new home in Port Angeles, Wash. where Adam will serve aboard USCG Cutter Cuttyhunk.

USCG BM1 Joel Behr visited with Vineyard recently after serving aboard the USCG Icebreaker Polar Star since he transferred in June 2019. He spent three months in the Arctic returning to Seattle in February. Joel promises to visit next month to catch up with all of his friends he missed on this trip.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Peter O. Bettencourt who passed away at his Edgartown home on Sunday. Peter was the long term Edgartown town administrator.

Ally Macey and a friend returned to Colorado on Sunday after spending the week at her parents’ home to care for Snoopy while Jon and Amy enjoyed the week in St. Lucia.

Jenna Petersiel and her staff will open the Chilmark Tavern on May 20, with take-out dining at first, then dining on the deck until the pandemic subsides a little more, and then socially-distanced indoor dining.

The Taylor family will open the Outermost Inn on June 10.

Happy 40th anniversary to Keith Emin and his bride Wanda on May 9.

Happy 25th anniversary to Tim and Susan Anthony on May 11.

Happy 22nd anniversary to Darren and Nancy Leport on May 15.

Happy Birthday wishes to Heather Hamacek, Jerry Solin and Caleb Caldwell as they celebrate on May 7; Jon Macey parties on May 8; May 9 is a day of celebration for Mark Alan Lovewell, David Galan, Brody Schilling and Rob Decker; Paul Cotton, Cookie Gazaille Perry, Bonnie Ciancio and Lenny Polucci share the day on May 10, along with Phyllis Meras who will observe a milestone on that day; Robin Robinson, Barbara Rush and Lucas Batzer share the day on May 11; Marjorie Vanderhoop Galbraith will party on May 12, as will Marion Cardoza who will be 100 years old; Beverley Evans and Ed Belain share the day on May 13; Morgan Hodgson will celebrate her special day on May 14, as will Bret Stearns.