Oak Bluffs: New boardwalk

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I have spent the past week dodging the snowstorm of gypsy moths that have adopted my yard. They swirl around, up and down, plastering themselves against my window and house and even accidentally get into the house, where they are met with instant death. They have become so familiar that even the cats have ignored them, and would rather remain inside than be caught up in the buggy mess. I managed to escape Monday evening and found a parking space down at the North Bluff, and got my first up-close look at the new boardwalk there. It is quite nice, with a few benches here and there, and presents a great view of the surrounding waters and all of the boats passing by, both motor and sail. All in all, a wonderful asset to our town.

The All Island Art Show at the Tabernacle in the Campground takes place on August 1. This is an opportunity for emerging artists in all media — painting, photography, etc, to display their art. You may register by calling Bob Schaefer at 508-684-8052 or email allislandartshow@comcast.net. Artists must be at the show by 8:30 for registration and to set up.

The Feast of the Holy Ghost takes place this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, at the Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs. There will be free soup on Saturday, a parade Sunday morning, and food, food, food, games, dancing, and an auction on Sunday. Come meet friends you haven’t seen all summer, watch the Portuguese dancers, and bid on some great items. Everyone has fun at this event.

Upcoming at the Tabernacle: Sunday, July 17, Rabbi Caryn Broitman of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center will conduct the Sunday Service at the Tabernacle at 9:30 am. There will be three Bible Studies under the Tent that week, July 18, July 20, and July 21.

Nina Violet and Friends perform on July 15, and on July 22 there will be a special lecture by David McCullough.

A show called “The MVCMA Tabernacle: Past, Present & the Future” will be held at the Tabernacle on July 18 from 8 to 9:30 pm. Historical Overview will be presented by Sally Dagnall; Restoration: 1998-2009 will be presented by Russ Dagnall, and Restoration: Present and Future will be presented by Jeff Ferriell.

“History, Mystery and More”: An evening with Campground Authors presented by the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association will take place on Thursday, July 21, at 8 pm at the Tabernacle. It will showcase six of their published residents, and refreshments and book signings will follow the presentation.

Our Martha’s Vineyard Museum, in collaboration with the J.F.K. Museum, is welcoming author Andrew Cohen to the Island to present “Two Days in June: J.F.K. and the 48 Hours that Made History” on July 21 at 5:30 pm at the Federated Church in Edgartown. Admission is $15; patron tickets are available for $35 and include a catered reception and meet and greet with Andrew Cohen and Rose Styron back at the museum. For patron tickets, call 508-627-4441, ext. 119.

Amy Helm in concert will be brought to us by the West Tisbury Library Foundation and 88.7 FM WMVY. The concert will be held at the Union Chapel on July 24. Doors will open at 7 pm, and the performance begins at 7:30. Net proceeds benefit the West Tisbury Library Foundation and Friends of WMVY.

Please remember the Art Buchwald Possible Dreams Auction, which benefits Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and its six core programs. The concert takes place at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort and as usual takes place the last Sunday in July, the 30th. Jimmy Tingle will be returning as auctioneer, and there are already some amazing dreams donated to this worthy cause.

If your children are getting bored with the usual summer activities, then head to our Oak Bluffs library for some entertaining activities. Teen and Tween Construction Challenge takes place every Wednesday through August 24 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm in the Children’s Room. The materials in a brown paper bag will be used to meet a building challenge. For ages 10-plus. Recess! on Thursdays until August 25, from 3 to 4 pm, is a series where you will learn different tag and team-building games for school-age kids. (Indoor Recess! if it is raining.) Family Board Game Night on Tuesday, July 26, from 6 to 8 pm, and Touch a Truck Saturday on July 23 from 10 to 11:30 am. Our local heroes are coming to the library, and you will be able to explore a fire truck and more. For kids of all ages.

The Oak Bluffs Council on Aging is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, from 3 to 5 pm. They are located at 21 Wamsutta Avenue in Oak Bluffs. For additional information, please contact them at 508-693-4509.

Help support the historic First Congregational Church of West Tisbury while attending the fourth annual Blueberry Festival on Saturday, July 16, from noon to 4 pm. All are welcome to enjoy many blueberry treats: smoothies, cobblers, pies, muffins, scones, and jam, and all things blueberry. There will be vintage jewelry, kid’s activities, African crafts, puppets, flowers, and a blueberry bush raffle. For more info, call 508-693-2842.

Ripple is an educational and supportive group for people ages 18-plus whose loved ones are experiencing substance abuse. It provides a safe space to gain up-to-date information about addiction, recovery, and treatment for family and friends of those in active addiction or recovery. It is a six-week series, and runs Thursday evenings through August 18 from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Island Counseling Center. Contact Jaime Schwab at 508-693-7900, ext. 375.

Belated wedding anniversary wishes to my grandchildren Sarah and Marques Rivers, who celebrated on July 5.

Birthday smiles to Dianne Kenney and grandson Nock Rivers on July 15, and Sophie Combra and Livy Butler on the 16th. Russell Rogers and Summer Clements share July 17, Suzanne Metell and Michael Daniel the 18th, and Lynn Webster on the 19th.

Enjoy your week. Peace.