Oak Bluffs

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Are we there yet? Meaning, Are we almost at the end of this stormy, snowy winter? The snow and ice have brought many planned activities to a screeching halt, but there are blessings scattered here and there also.

For instance, I have found that my car’s gas consumption has been cut in half, because after observing the “weather du jour,” it seems to make more sense to remain home. The automatic-opening doors to the emergency entrance of the hospital have become quite finicky in these extremely low temperatures. On that freezing cold day last week, they would not slide open when someone approached, although maintenance personnel had worked on them tirelessly.

Later that afternoon we heard a crash, and much to everyone’s surprise a large deer had run directly into the doors. If the doors had been working properly, the deer would have run right into the emergency room waiting area. Apparently the deer was uninjured, and ran quickly across the parking lot and disappeared, while we all looked at each other wondering if it had really happened.

ACE MV classes are starting for the spring session and, hopefully, that must mean that winter is winding down. The classes start on March 3; you can sign up at acemv.org or by calling 508-693-9222. Among the many classes being offered are Fertilizer Safety Certificate (UMass, Amherst), Pesticide Licensure, Understanding Tick and Mosquito Control, ServSafe Food Handling, Financial Planning, History of Cuba (Fitchburg State), Cooking and more.

The Oak Bluffs School spelling bee was held Tuesday, Feb. 17. The competitors were from grades 4–8. Sixth grader Zack Smith and fourth grader Nora Riemer were the finalists. In the end, Nora spelled “phonics” to make it to her championship word, “ipso facto.” The Oak Bluffs School congratulates Nora, and looks forward to supporting her at the Island-wide spelling bee, which will be held on Friday, March 13, at 9:30 am at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center.

Schools are closed this week for winter break, and will reopen on Monday, March 2.

Last week, due to an editing error, some of the information in the item I wrote about Susan Von Steiger was left out. Susan was the outreach coordinator for the Oak Bluffs Senior Center for close to 20 years. She recently retired from that position. Last week, a group of Susan’s friends, 19 in number, wanted her to be recognized for her longtime service to our seniors and the town. So her friends decided to honor her themselves by taking her to lunch at the Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co. They had a wonderful time sharing many laughs and memories. Congratulations, Susan, and we hope you enjoy your retirement.

We send birthday smiles to Earl Peters on the 27th, Heather Ferreira on March 2, Reggie Kriszewski and Kathie Case on the 3rd. Alison Ferreira, Amy Billings and Christine Buckley celebrate on the 4th, and Marguerite Cogliano on March 5.

Enjoy your week, and stay warm and safe. Peace.