Oak Bluffs: Spirit of giving

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“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Thus said Edith Sitwell, English poet. How perfect it all sounds, and some of us are fortunate to enjoy this, but so many are not. It is always the time to reach out and offer that helping hand to those who need it, but especially at this time of year. There are many organizations on our Island that need your help so that they may help others. The Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, the Island Food Pantry, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, the Y, M.V. Hospital and Windemere, our local churches, the M.V. Animal Shelter, and the Red Stocking Fund would appreciate your donations so they can continue to give assistance where needed.

So many people are enjoying the Christmas and holiday display at the Gatchell residence on County Road. Big thanks go out to this family for donating not only the cost but also the many hours it involves. Their only request is that you make a donation of nonperishable food to the Food Pantry when you stop to enjoy the lights. Thank you for your unselfish request.

In the spirit of giving, this week has been Red Stocking Week at our Oak Bluffs School. Students have been bringing in coins all week, and they will be collecting them through tomorrow. If you can, please contribute to this giving organization that has been making sure that children on the Island have the gifts of clothing, treats, and toys for this Christmas.

Our Oak Bluffs library offers kids of all ages an opportunity to decorate their own mini gingerbread house. Preregister for this event, which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 11 am to noon or noon to 1 pm, as space is limited.

Every month the library will provide everything needed to assemble a dish to take home and cook later. This Make-N-Take event for Saturday, Dec. 22, from 10 am to noon is lasagna. Preregistration is required, and children and teens of all ages may participate.

Holiday Caroling takes place on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 4 pm. Don’t miss out on your chance to sing inclusive songs through the library neighborhood. All ages are invited to make some joyful sounds at this sing.

The Oak Bluffs Middle School is holding a “Glow in the Dark Dance” on Friday, Dec. 14, from 7 to 9 pm. This is for grades 6 through 8, and Oak Bluffs students are allowed to bring one guest from another Island school as long as they have a note signed by the guest’s parent that includes their telephone number. Admission is $4, and there will be snacks and drinks for sale, and photos and face painting for $1. Be sure to bring some extra money for raffles, and there will be door prizes. All this great stuff takes place in the cafeteria.

Vineyard Transit Authority Youth Annual Passes for 2019 are now available for sale at the schools. The $50 passes are for those ages 7 to 19 years old, and it is suggested than when you purchase one, you sign the back and take a photo of the pass, including the number, in case it is lost.

The Highway Department requests that If you happen to notice street lights that are not working by today, please call 508-693-0072 giving the pole number and street address of the light so they can replace the bulb. Then none of us will be left in the dark.

The Advent season journey held at the Federated Church in Edgartown continues on Sunday, Dec. 16, with “The Gift of Love,” the story of Mary and Joseph. It is held during the 10:30 am service, and all are welcome.

The church is also hosting a Community Partners program on Sunday the 16th with Edgartown Chief of Police Bruce McNamee as a guest speaker. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about current issues and meet the new chief in person.

There is early deadline for town columns for the next two weeks, so please forward your news for that time period as soon as possible.

We send birthday smiles to Peter Tennant on the 13th, Pat Law, Livy Rogers and my daughter-in-law Debra Alley on the 14th, and Mike Marchand on the 15th.

Enjoy your week. Peace.