Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: November 26, 2008
County Road will now be the center of attraction Island-wide, as the Gatchells' annual Christmas display once more lights up the neighborhood. This hard-working family spends hours setting up the display for all of our enjoyment. Do make it one of your stops this holiday season.
The Oak Bluffs Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 3 at 6:30 pm at the David Healy Square near the post office. Come join in for the festivities; Santa will arrive via fire truck around 7:20. Please bring an item for the food pantry, and if you would like to bring a baked good to share, it can be dropped off at the Game Room after 4 pm.
Although many people refer to this area as the Post Office Square, it was named in memory of David Healey, a teacher and longtime Oak Bluffs resident. David was a person who greatly loved Oak Bluffs and did much to enhance the beauty of this area, so let us all call it by the correct name and continue to honor David and the good works he accomplished.
You are going to have to move fast to take in all the events planned for December 6. First, the Legion Hall in Vineyard Haven will be the site for the Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Bazaar. It will take place from 10 am to 2 pm and will include a raffle, silent auction, baked goods, and theme baskets, among other holiday temptations. Perhaps it would be a good place to start or end your Christmas shopping.
You may also stop by the Holly Day Fair and Luncheon at Grace Church in Vineyard Haven, which takes place the same day, from 10 am to 2 pm. A festive sit-down luncheon will be served from 11 am to 1 pm, featuring the famous lobster rolls in mini form, among other delectable items. There will be many tables offering baked goods, Island-made crafts, knitwear, White Elephant gifts, affordable centerpieces, door swags and doorstep baskets of fresh greens, and a children's room. The funds raised go to the Episcopal Relief and Development fund, aiding people in need around the globe.
December 6 seems to be a popular date for bazaars, because that is also the date for the one at the Oak Bluffs School to benefit the seventh grade. So check this column for further info on this bazaar also.
And lastly (so far) for the same day, we have the Saturday movie matinee at the Oak Bluffs library at 2:30 pm. The first and third Saturdays of December, the library will be showing a newly released DVD summer blockbuster. Join them as Harrison Ford stars in the latest installment of his archaeological adventure series.
Fred Hotchkiss will be the guest lecturer at the library on December 11 at 6:30 pm. He will speak on the topic of "The Noble Horseshoe Crab." Learn how this fascinating creature affects migrating shorebirds, bait fisheries, and biomedical research.
Dion and Debra Alley, along with their daughter Paige, are here to join in the family Thanksgiving festivities in Oak Bluffs. It is a bit cooler here than in South Carolina, but the family welcome warmed them up a bit.
The Oak Bluffs School has benefited from parents' participation in Target's "Take Charge of Education Program." When school supporters enroll in this program and use their REDcard, Target will donate up to one percent of every purchase they make to the Oak Bluffs School. So far, the Oak Bluffs School has received several hundred dollars worth of donations from this program. You can apply online at target.com/apply.
We sent birthday smiles to Priscilla Sylvia, who celebrated on November 25, Yvonne Ponte on the 28th., and Brittney Jardin, Bill Anderson Sr., and Estelle Suprenant all share December 4.
My Thanksgiving wish for you all is that you are able to spend it with those you love. Please remember to reach out to those who might be alone during the cold days ahead.
Enjoy your week.
Peace.
