Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: May 1, 2008
How many of us have admired the tubs of beautiful flowers along the harbor bulkhead and then by the trees on Circuit Ave? Every spring these magnificent displays, which so enhance our town, have been planted through the hard work of Mark Crossland, his wife Bernie and his workers. Not only that, but Mark has donated his labor and materials so that there has been no cost to any of us. Now all of this beauty is in danger of ceasing because of the actions of individuals who seem to have nothing better to do in life but destroying. Sometime over the weekend many of the flowers were pulled out of the tubs and otherwise vandalized. Now the Crosslands have decided they have had enough, so the sight that will greet you is only an empty tub where once a colorful array of flowers was seen.
I wonder what kind of person would destroy someone else's labor of love? Do they make a list of possible sites to damage? Do they hold meetings where suggestions are made as to what to destroy next? Are they older than three years of age as this is behavior most often found in three-year-olds. If they are asked what was their greatest accomplishment in life, will their reply be "I was the one who vandalized the flowers in Oak Bluffs"? Only flowers you might say, but it is more than that. It is the complete lack of respect for the people who did all the work, the Town and our world. Grow up.
Now on to more pleasant subjects. The annual Book Fair at the Oak Bluffs School Library runs until May 9. You may visit Mon. through Thurs. from 8 am until 4 pm. Friday, May 2, the hours are extended from 7:30 am until 4 pm. There are many wonderful books available for purchase for ages pre-school to adult. All proceeds from the sale go directly into the school library fund.
The Oak Bluffs Historical Commission and the Public Library invite you to A Round Table Reminiscence of Growing Up in Oak Bluffs. A group of Oak Bluffs notables will share their summer, school, and work experiences from when they were children. Please join them at the library's meeting room on Thursday, May 8, at 6 pm on to hear those memorable stories. Refreshments will be served, just to tempt you further.
Mark June 17 on your calendars for the O.B. Senior Center trip to Foxwoods. The cost is $25 for the bus ticket and each person will be responsible for their own boat ticket. The group will leave Vineyard Haven at 7 am and return on the 6:15 boat from Woods Hole. Please contact Rose at 508-693-4509 for further information.
The Breakfasts at the Center ended on April 1 but there are many volunteers to thank for their help. So Kudos to Shelley Carter, Dennis Rose, Ann McManus and Barbara Dutton.
The last knitting class at the Center has been held and everyone is looking forward to classes returning next winter. Thanks go to Barbara Morrison who led these successful classes throughout the winter.
Congratulations to Marguerite Cogliano, a Martha's Vineyard Regional High School graduate who recently received the Excellence in Leadership Award at U-Mass Amherst. Only eight students in the student body received this award and Marguerite was the only freshman. She is involved in managing the Student Run Business at McManus Dorm. Marguerite is the daughter of Rose Cogliano of Oak Bluffs.
We send Birthday Smiles to grandson Marques Rivers on May 10, who shares that day with Marguerite Cook. Special smiles to Cee-Jay Jones who turned 91 years young on April 22. Wedding Anniversary wishes are sent to Nora and Gary Jardin on May 11.
Enjoy your week and send your news along to me.
Peace.
