Oak Bluffs

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Just enough to make a bit of a mess but not enough for serious complications. That is what Hurricane Irene did to us on Sunday. We were more fortunate than much of New England and we are so grateful for that. I am so glad that Irene decided the Island was only worthy of a brief visit and not a place to spend an extended time. Thanks to all the emergency workers for making such good plans and taking good care of us.

On Monday morning we woke to glorious blue skies, great dry weather and some raking up to do. The Town Highway crews were already about cleaning up the town in their usual efficient manner so we will be neat and tidy again.

Information from the Oak Bluffs Senior Center informs us that Bingo for September is on September 21 not the 14th.

Condolences to the family of Buddy Thurber who died this past week. A down-to-earth person who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

We also send condolences to the family of Keith Graves who died this past week.

The Vineyard Playhouse is extending the run for 5 Mojo Secrets, a new play starring Suzzanne Douglas and John Douglas Thompson with bassist Eric T. Johnson. It will be shown September 1, 2, and 3 at 8 pm.

The Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival is less than two weeks away. It will take place from September 8 to 11. Films are just the start as Festival-goers enjoy nightly parties, filmmaker discussions, events, and more. The complete festival schedule is available now at http://mvfilmfest.festivalgenius.com/2011/films.

Forget about baking on Saturday September 3. Just go right down to the Labor Day Weekend Bake Sale sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard from 9 am to 12 noon at the Arcade next to Sharky’s in Oak Bluffs. The United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard is also sponsoring a Tivoli Day Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, September 17, from 8 to 10 am at Trinity Parish House in the Campground in Oak Bluffs. The full breakfast will include pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and beverages.

He’s back! After a one-year intermission, Ken Rusczyk won the Ag Fair Blue Ribbon for the best tomatoes on the Island. He entered five prodigious orange heirloom beefsteaks that tipped the scales at nearly seven pounds.

Featherstone’s last Summer Event is coming up Saturday, September 10. They are hosting a tour of 15 of the Island’s most talented artists’ studios. Alison Shaw, Lucinda Sheldon, and Washington Ledesma are among the 15 who have studios in Oak Bluffs.

The Artists Studio Tour is from 10 am to 4 pm and starts at Featherstone: where maps and programs will be provided. Don’t miss this great opportunity to see the inside workings of these talented artists. You will be able to meet the artists, see their most recent work, and pieces in progress! Studios are located all over the Island, in many different shapes and sizes. End the day with a closing reception at Olga Hirshhorn’s home from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

On Sunday, Sept. 4, Peter D. Weaver, Bishop of the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church, will be at Trinity Church in Oak Bluffs for the 11 am Communion Worship of Praise and Thanksgiving. A community potluck lunch will follow at 12:30 pm. Bring a covered dish or snack to share.

The 21st Annual Martha’s Vineyard Oar & Paddle Regatta takes place on Sunday, September 4, at the Little Bridge, Sengekontacket Pond, Oak Bluffs. Kayaks, canoes, and rowboats are welcome. Come join in for a 2-mile competition! Registration is from 8:30 to 9:30 am and the races start at 10 am. Post-race picnic, entertainment, awards and tee-shirt are provided as part of $25 entry fee. There is a category for paddling with your dog too. For more information contact Chick at 508-693-9727. Paddle for Cleaner Waters is the event’s motto: all proceeds are donated to the Friends of Sengekontacket.

We send birthday smiles to Tony Ferreira on September 1, Ed BenDavid Sr. and Valerie O’Donnell on the 2nd. We think Bob Pacheco should take September 3rd off from Reliable Market to celebrate his special day. Smiles to Skylar Christopher Hall on September 6 and Susan Philips on September 7. Big smiles to Evelyn Christopher, who celebrates a milestone birthday on September 2, and who also is celebrating over 60 years of singing in the Catholic Church choirs on the Island.Enjoy your week.Peace.