Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: June 23, 2011
It is not only the national scene that is embroiled in campaigning and elections. Soon these events will take place locally as well. This is another season on the Island that we call the "Political Season." If you think that politics in Oak Bluffs gets somewhat "rambunctious," shall we say, just read excerpts from the following article that was printed in the May 17, 1928 edition of the local paper. I quote from the article as follows. "The constitutional right of free speech was indulged in to an unusual degree at Oak Bluffs town meeting on Tuesday. Sunset Lake, perennial source of argument, was discussed at length and the proposal to purchase two swans to clarify its water was voted down amid loud laughter. Fire Chief Antone Alley's persuasive arguments convinced the town of the need of a new pumper, purchase of which was voted 110 for and 23 against. The park board drew fire not only on the subject of the lake but on its financial report and its work on the water. Rejoinders were made by Park Superintendent and selectmen in which 'cheap work' and 'contemptible', 'miserable' and 'dirty' were used with due regard for grammatical arrangement. Moderator Frederick W. Smith swung his gavel with the strength and regularity of the village blacksmith working at his anvil." Some things don't change that much.
February is Black History Month and the Oak Bluffs School is asking students, families and community members to share in their celebration by listing names of black historical or contemporary Americans that have worked to make our country a better place. Already on the list are those individuals named by writer Sally Rogers. They are Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King. Biographical posters of Black Americans were made by the students at their last Community meeting and there will be on display in the hallways of the school during this month.
As they have done every year for the last 18, the third grade is sponsoring an Island Food Pantry Drive until Feb. 15. Canned and boxed healthy foods would be greatly appreciated.
The school nurse is requesting any extra children's pants you might have. Any size is welcome. Just bring them into her please at the school and if your child is sent home in something from the school and would like to keep them, he/she may. Please just send in another pair that your child doesn't wear anymore.
The drama department is holding open auditions for Waking Beauty, a new musical that will be held on March 28 and 29 so be sure to remember these dates as these school productions are always very entertaining.
Check out the Art Exhibit at Featherstone, which runs through Sunday, Feb. 17. Three artists' works will be on display. They are Jack Greene, Caterina Verde, and Dick Stroud.
Maureen and Bill Anderson recently returned from their annual trip to Florida. Their first stop was at Orlando where they met up with Ben Hall, their daughter Gretchen and the couple's daughters, Astoria and Olympia. Everyone enjoyed the sights at Disney World for the next few days. Then it was off to St. Pete's Beach to see their daughter Kris and their grandson Ian. They spent a week with this family and did some sightseeing including Busch Gardens. While there, Maureen celebrated her birthday on Feb. 5. They returned home this past Thursday just in time to enjoy the ups and downs of our New England weather.
This Saturday, Feb. 16, at the library there will be a Portuguese-English story time with a valentine and love theme. There will be snacks from a Brazilian store and you will learn how to make a mouse from hearts. The pre-school story time at 10:30 on Feb. 20 will feature a sing-along with Jeremy Berlin and his keyboards.
Be sure and stop by the Oak Bluffs meeting room at our public library and view the fabulous new photography display. Samplings of photographs taken by Tracy DeVine, Vanessa Grand, Hayley Panek, and Amanda Tate, all students who attend the Rebecca Amos Institute, are on display during the month of February. Come and enjoy the creative work of these four talented artists. Check out the Library's web site at oakbluffslibrary.org to learn more about upcoming Black History Month events, activities and displays.
We send Birthday smiles to brothers Eric and Michael deBettencourt on Feb. 15, Carol deBettencourt and Kathy Farrissey on Feb. 16, and Carol Tankard and Joel Rebello on Feb. 18.
And of course we celebrate many Presidents on Feb. 18 - Presidents' Day.
Enjoy your week. Hope you all have a "sweet" Valentine's Day and send your news along to me.
Peace.
