It sure is good to see all the May flowers popping up along with the green grass and trees in bloom. Time to clean the deck furniture, weed and feed the lawn and get the boat ready to launch in between all the goings-on in our village and school.

The Weedsport Lions Club hosted a student talent show April 25 with a dozen entertaining acts including singing, dancing, juggling, magic, banjo strumming and special guest Betty Hitchcock yodeling her adorable heart out. Another show featuring Weedsport residents, as well as surrounding communities, with house band Lock 52, was held Friday.

Both shows served as fundraisers for Lions Club scholarships; thanks to coordinator Wally Meier who puts in countless hours putting the shows together, as well as Lions Club members who served as stagehands, greeters and techies.

Our elementary students enjoyed another visit from the National Circus Project this past week, culminating with the annual Fifth Grade Circus on Friday night. This year's Olympics theme was chosen in honor of the upcoming summer games, and the kids did a fantastic job as usual. Thanks to the A.P.T. and the parents involved in the many planning meetings and fundraising efforts to keep the circus going at Weedsport. Bravo!

Speaking of A.P.T., our next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, in the high school board room. We'll be holding our annual elections and finishing up our end-of-the-year plans. A big thanks to everyone who participated in the recent coffee/cocoa fundraiser; my family has been enjoying our Super Chocolate Truffle coffee this week, and we're looking forward to trying out the Jamaican Me Crazy next week.

The elementary school will host a K-2 Art Show at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, and the Art & Music Festival for third through fifth grades will be held at the high school at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. I've seen a wonderful sampling of art projects in the school halls, and it looks like art teacher Melissa Beerman has come up with many interesting and creative projects for the kids this year.

Don't forget: also on the 13th is our annual District Budget Vote from noon to 9 p.m. Be sure to get out and show your support of our district and school board nominees.

Weedsport's dance program, under the direction of Jill O'Hearn, will present its dance recital at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, in the high school auditorium. Due to seating constraints and the number of participants, the A.P.T. has offered presale tickets to the dancers and their families, with a very limited amount of tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the door on the night of the show. We certainly appreciate the community's support of our dance program and anticipate another great show; we also thank everyone in advance for their cooperation as we search for the best way to make the recital an enjoyable experience for all.

Congratulations to the Class of 2008. No, I'm not talking about our high school seniors, but the students in Mrs. Sims' 4-year-old class at Fun Beginnings Preschool. The following soon-to-be kindergarteners will graduate at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17, in the high school auditorium: Wade Brunelle, Jacob Field, Nathan Gilfus, Alexia Gilner, Erin Grady, Emma Grieco, Ryan (Buck) Hickey, Isaac Holden, Abbie Izzo, Allie Jeffers, Gracie King, Jack Komarisky, Graeden Manna, Lizzie Meyer, Hunter Morgan, Savanna Murray, Joshua O'Connor, Jaya Patel, Valerie Sholes, Tommy Sickler, Emma Stark, Jenna Strong and Jenna Sullivan. Happy Graduation, everyone.

Memorial Day is coming up, and with it Weedsport's parade at 9 a.m. (which begins at the elementary school, travels across Centennial Street and down South Seneca Street), immediately followed by a ceremony at the Clark-Heck American Legion (across from St. Joseph's Church). That evening a watchfire ceremony will be held in the high school parking lot at 8 p.m. (rain location, in the auditorium). These are wonderful opportunities for the families in our community to gather together.

Calendar alert: Weedsport's village-wide garage sale is scheduled for June 14. Time to clean out the attic, basement and garage and find new homes for your unwanted treasures. More information to come.

I'd like to pass along a special note to Mrs. Pat D'Agostino in the unexpected death of her husband. “Mrs. D” was one of my favorite teachers at WCS and a big reason why I became an English major in college. She continues to serve the Weedsport district as a substitute teacher, and I was happy to have the opportunity to chat briefly with her a few weeks ago at the school. Please know you are being thought of fondly and often, Mrs. D.

Wendy Bates has lived in Weedsport all her life and loves to write about her community