Oak Bluffs

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It is Monday morning as I am writing this column and I just returned from a brief errand in Vineyard Haven. I was well chaperoned by my grandson Matt who insisted I not go alone, never mind drive, in this weather. The pier at the Lagoon landing was absolutely invisible and the water from the Lagoon had covered the Lagoon beach completely. We got as far as Packers and were forced to turn around as the road was impassable. Hopefully, by the time you read this, this will be calm and the roads cleared, but the TV stations are constantly reminding us that the worst is yet to come and will perhaps peak around 8 tonight. I think by then we will all be glad to bid Sandy farewell.

A seasonal tradition is returning to the Mansion House today when more than a dozen scarecrows will gather on the Inn’s porch offering a perfect portrait of Island creativity. This year’s scarecrow festival boasts a literary theme with a diverse cast of characters from favorite books and stories. Each scarecrow is sponsored by an Island business with proceeds benefiting the Charter School. The Mansion House will again host a celebration for the Charter School and Scarecrows.

The storm has resulted in a number of cancellations and postponement dates for numerous events.The Edgartown Community Supper was cancelled, but it’s on for this coming Monday, November 5, at 5 pm. The menu includes salad, home-made minestrone, rolls, butter, meatloaf and gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables and an assortment of deserts — plus beverages. A free-will offering will be taken and the doors open at 4:45 pm.

The Oak Bluffs School has new dates for the Alton Jones Trip. New dates are Monday through Wednesday, November 26 to 28. It has been discussed with the students and they are aware that the trip has been postponed to those new dates.

Don’t forget the wonderful 8th Grade Auction, on Friday, November 2, at 6 pm at Dreamland in Oak Bluffs. A benefit the Oak Bluffs School 8th Grade class trip to Philly in June 2013, the Auction is a fun-filled evening with lots of exciting and interesting items up for bid with our own assistant principal Carlin Hart serving as auctioneer.

A school Wellness Committee is mandated by the State and part of the PTO! You are all invited to the first meeting on Thursday, November 14, from 7 to 8 pm to hear from Helen Hall and Leah Miranda about the most recent training. Wellness Policy is about the food served and the exercise that is encouraged each day at the school. This has influenced a lot of changes at the school and the garden and salad bar with local produce are just two of many wonderful things going on there. Child care can be provided if you pre-register with the nurse by email or call her line at 508-696-822, ext. 281.November 1 and November 5 are Noon Dismissal days for parent-teacher conferences, and on November 5 and 6 Vineyard Smiles will be visiting the school.

Birthday smiles to Barbara Morgan, Ann Davey, and Adam Rebello on November 1, Ryan Gonsalves on the 2nd, and James Moreis Sr. on the 3rd. Randy BenDavid, Kerry Alley, and Jeanne Moore party on November 5, followed by Susan Peters on the 6th and Wendy Rose on November 7th. Happy Birthday to those I might have missed and get well wishes to those who need a healing smile.Congratulations to Bob and Jodie Falkenburg who celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on October 22 and to Sandra and Nelson deBettencourt who will celebrate theirs on November 5.Enjoy your week.Peace.