Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: May 22, 2008
The predictions for this Memorial Day weekend are most optimistic, with promises of warmth and sun. No matter what actually occurs, please remember why we honor this day. On Monday, May 26, at 7:30 am, volunteers will gather at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven to start erecting the Avenue of Flags. This rite has a long history starting on May 25, 1991, when 135 flags were flown to honor our veterans. Now this year there will be over 400 flags honoring both living and deceased, most of whom are Island residents but also including some off-Island veterans. Please come and help set up this memorial and, if possible, help take the flags down at 3 pm. The parade will step off from the Legion Hall at 9:30 am, and after marching to the cemetery there will be a brief but moving ceremony. Then the parade returns to the Hall where refreshments will be served. Take a moment to thank the veterans who gave so much and also to the many volunteers who never have forgotten the many sacrifices made and continue to work so very hard to make sure we never forget also. Thank you.
The Trinity United Methodist Church from the Campground will hold their great annual food sale on Saturday, May 24, from 9 am to 1 pm. The sale will take place in the arcade at the entrance to the Campgrounds, so come and not only purchase some great food but help support their good works.
This Saturday also marks the re-opening of the other two churches of Good Shepherd Parish. St. Augustine's in Vineyard Haven and St. Elizabeth's Church in Edgartown as well as the winter church, Our Lady Star of The Sea in Oak Bluffs, will now be holding masses for this upcoming season.
On May 28, from 12 noon until 7 pm, there will be a dinner and informational meeting for any student in grades five through eight who is interested in junior high cheerleading and also for any eighth-grade girl who is interested in doing high school cheerleading. This is being held at the high school cafeteria and being sponsored by the Touchdown Club.
The library continues with its fine programs. Today from 3:15 to 4:30 pm, the ages 10 to 18 teen games will feature Guitar Hero and DDR. On Friday, the ages five to ten story time at 3:30 pm will have a Butterfly theme. Read, then make a caterpillar and a butterfly craft. On Wednesday, May 28, the preschool story time at 10:30 am will have a birds and eggs theme. You may make a felt bird and a real feather.
After May 30, the age five to ten story time will be on hiatus for the month of June while the staff is planning a great Summer Reading Program, which will start in July and continue through August. This story time will resume on Friday mornings at 10:30 am.
Don Hinkle, author and cartoonist, presents a slideshow and talk about graphic novels. He will discuss the wide variety and evolution of this popular genre of reading material while showing images on the library's big screen. Refreshments will be served.
Congratulations to Crystal Rose, a daughter of Robert and Janice Rose, who graduated from Bridgewater College on May 17.
James Rebello, a son of Lynn Rebello and the late Chris Rebello, graduates from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst this month.
We send birthday smiles to Kay Manning on May 24, followed by Bob Williston the next day.
Enjoy your week and send your news along to me.
Peace
