Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: January 8, 2009
A New Year bringing new dreams and hopes looms ahead. Our shared hope is perhaps first and foremost for a year full of peace, whether it be in our homes, streets, our Island, our country, or the world. Our country looks forward to a new administration that will unite us in a common goal. But it has to start with us. What are we willing to do and what sacrifices are we willing to make to better this world? There is no doubt that the economics for this year look rather bleak, but that has happened before. We will persevere, but along the way we must make sure to help those who need a lift or encouragement. The cold winter months are harder on some people who now perhaps are losing what little they had. So let's share our time or whatever we can with those who need it.
The monthly meeting of the Fiber Folks will be on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 1 to 4 pm at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury. They are having their annual yarn, book, and equipment exchange, so clean out your stash and bring it to the monthly meeting. Last year's exchange was a big success. The exchange will continue the second Sunday of each month through May, and everyone is welcome to stop by.
The Friends of the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging will host a Ham and Bean Supper at the Senior Center on Wamsutta Avenue on Friday, Jan. 16. Supper will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and the cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Help the Friends in this effort to raise funds to support the activities and needs of the center and enjoy a scrumptious meal of ham, mashed and sweet potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, rolls and brown bread, coffee, and homemade desserts.
The adult education programs (ACE Martha's Vineyard) continue at the regional high school and hopefully will continue year-round. For more info on courses and instructors, email Lynn Ditchfield at ditch@gis.net.
The Martha's Vineyard Women's Network announces an upcoming breakfast meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The topic is what you need to know about starting up, maintaining, and expanding your business in today's marketplace. This program takes place in the Baylies Room at the Old Whaling Church from 7 to 9 am. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mvwomensnetwork.org.
A new series of programs and services begins this winter at the Oak Bluffs Public Library. The Illumination for Lifelong Learners series will include basic computer classes, lectures on topics of local interest, multi-generational gaming programs, and an information clearinghouse for community members. Funding provided by a Lifelong Access grant will be used to purchase various equipment for this program. You may monitor all of the library's programming at their website at oakbluffslibrary.org, or call the library at 508-693-9433 for more information
Mat Bose, from the Oak Bluffs Public Library, will give a demonstration on wireless use at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center. This program will take place from 12:30 to 2 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
We send birthday smiles to Brenda Leonard on January 10, and on January 11, grandson Sam Alley and Richard Combra, Jr.; Jack deBettencourt and Richard Mavro share January 12. On the 13th, Gert Knowlton and Gen Rogers will celebrate, followed by Pat Dorsey the next day. Roddy Santos will party on January 15.
Enjoy your week and send your news along to me. Peace.
