Oak Bluffs

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Our “White Christmas” sailed in on heavy winds Saturday night. Now today the icy roads and snow are a good excuse not to venture out. Even my Lab, Molly, seems content to remain sleeping on the rug or vanishing only to be found snoozing comfortably in the middle of my bed. The daylight lasts a bit longer giving a hint of longer daylight hours to come, as we now settle down for serious winter.

When you read this, only memories will remain of 2012 — some of which will be joyful and unfortunately some with sadness mixed in as well. We survived the political promises that bombarded us throughout the campaign year but truthfully, when all was said and done, it appears that more was said than done as we seem to be ready to plunge over the edge of the “fiscal cliff.”

But life goes on and the West Tisbury library story time continues at different locations throughout the Island while they are in their temporary space. On Thursdays, January 3, 17, 31, and February 14 at 10:30 am, story time will be at the Oak Bluffs Library.

The library is celebrating the release of their new website and logo, complete with mini-golf in the library. They have scheduled the following times for this new venture. The first is Friday, February 1, from 5 to 8 pm.The cost is $25 for a couple or $15 per individual. There will be food and drink, and 18 holes of mini-golf in the library, door prizes and more! This is a 21+ event. Then on Saturday, February 2, from 10 am to 4 pm, there will be Mini-golf all day while the library is open — free for all ages and open to everyone. Donations are welcomed. If you are interested in sponsoring a hole, a tee, or becoming a tournament sponsor, please contact Sondra Murphy or Miki Wolfe at 508-693-9433 or smurphy@clamsnet.org.

Congratulations to Kathy Peters whose daughter Shannon Peters presented her with another grandchild. Shannon gave birth to Malikai Bentley Lesesne in Gainesville Florida on December 13. The dad’s name is Donal Lesesne and big sister Arianna Marie was with her during the birth. Little Malikai weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and she was 19 inches long. Arianna was excited to be able to pick out his middle name.

The Martha’s Vineyard Horse Council will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 10 at 6:30 pm, at the Agricultural Hall. Among business to be discussed will be the planning of 2013 events. All are invited. You may get more info at www.mvhorsecouncil.org.

If you enjoyed the book “Martha’s Vineyard ~ Now & Zen,” you may appreciate the new online series, “The Zen of Now — A Vineyard Journal.” These are short multimedia essays about seasonal aspects of Island life with Susan Klein’s powerful prose at its core. Alan Brigish’s images are juxtaposed in a compelling new format that includes photographs, video, and music with Susan’s ongoing reflections about sustaining our glorious Island.

The first chapter can be found by clicking Chapter 1, Island in Transition.

School re-opened yesterday, January 2, so please be aware of students walking, running and bike riding to school; they frequently have their minds on more than obeying traffic rules.

How we shall miss the many Oak Bluffs friends who passed this past year. Some of them are Nelson Amaral, Joyce Bernard, Pat Suarez, Julian Robinson, Phyllis Rogers, my dear friend Linda BenDavid, Estelle Surprenant, Lu Healy, Betty Blankenship, Marion Morton, Bob Hughes, Shirley Pachico, Roddy Santos, Johnny Seaview, Betty Rose, Bill Blakesly, and Shirley McCarthy.

Let’s make this year one of gratefulness for all the helping hands who usually go unnoticed. The unsung heroes of this past year include the personnel of our EMS and Fire, Police, Highway, and Park Departments, the post office and newspaper delivery people who serve us so well, the schools and Town Hall staff and among those who care for us, the hospital staff and Windemere and all volunteers who make life easier and bearable for so many. Close your eyes and imagine life without any of them and you will find it is impossible.

We send birthday smiles to Nola Mavro, Chris Alley and Nicole deBettencourt on January 3, Kate Fieffer and Jules BenDavid share the 5th, Michael Araujo and Patricia Costa on the 6th, and Brenda Leonard on the 10th.Enjoy your New Year.Peace.