Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: October 16, 2008
How fortunate we were with the great weather over Columbus Day weekend. The skies were clear and depending if you were in the shade or sun you had your choice of very warm or somewhat cool temperatures. The harbor was not crowded but enough boats were docked there to provide a picturesque scene worthy of a painting. Leaves have just started to turn color making it appear as if someone happened to splash a little orange or red paint over their green leaves. There were many people here enjoying Martha's Vineyard, the weather, and the Columbus Day Road Race was observed by many along the banks by the Wesley House facing the harbor. Now the activity has subsided and we are left in the quieter October atmosphere.
Susan and John Goddard were visiting at their Vineyard Avenue home from their home in Hopkinton and enjoyed meeting up with their Island friends. They, along with Pat and Kerry Alley and 96-year-old Elizabeth Alley, were among the spectators watching the race. And coming from Connecticut for the weekend, the Alleys' daughter Sarah Lavallette and her husband John and their children Alley, Logan and Jake also joined the family group.
Some important dates at the Oak Bluffs School are: picture retakes on Oct. 15; noon dismissal on Oct. 22, and of course the fabulous eighth grade auction that will take place on the evening of October 25 at the P.A. Club starting at 7 pm.
Congratulations to the school track team for its Island championship.
Our sympathies to Linda BenDavid and her family on the death of Linda's mother, Gerda Canha. Also, we have received word of the death of Debbie Steere Olsen. Debbie was born and raised in Oak Bluffs and lived here most of her life until moving to Centerville in 1997. Along with her son Zeb, she leaves many siblings here on Martha's Vineyard.
Please remember the annual Crop Walk that takes place this Sunday, Oct. 19. It starts at 2 pm at St. Augustine's Church in Vineyard Haven and goes to Trinity Church in Oak Bluffs, then returns to the Church in Vineyard Haven. If you can help by walking or donating, please do, as it is a most worthy cause.
We send birthday smiles to Renee Balter October 16, Kayla Bryn deBettencourt and Richard Mello Sr. both party on the 17th, followed by Vincent Frye and Fritz Knight the next day, Erich Luening and Herbie Landers on the 19th, and Judy Williamson on the 22nd.
Nathan Francis, a fifth grader at the Oak Bluffs School, is wished the happiest birthday ever by his family when he turns 11 on October 20.
Enjoy your week and send your news along to me.
Peace
