Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: February 12, 2009
Wendy Macey of New Jersey is a big fan of The Martha's Vineyard Times. When she first was a visitor to Martha's Vineyard, she walked into Benny's Barber Shop and met Linda Rice, who cut her hair. During their conversations she discovered that she and Linda are birthday twins as they both were born on February 25. Since that first visit she and Linda have become good friends. Wendy writes a column similar to this one and we had a great chat about ideas. One of her suggestions that I would like to pass on to you, is that these somewhat dreary days this winter are a good opportunity to go through things in your houses to see if you have something to pass on to other people who might be in need of help. Perhaps some clothing to the Thrift Shop, food to the Island Food Pantry, or look through your books and donate some of the ones you no longer read to one of the libraries for their summer book sales.
Reliable Market was busier than usual last Friday as everyone, employees and customers alike, was talking about the new addition to the Pacheco family. On February 6, Kelly Irene was born to Erin and Eddie Pacheco, making five grandchildren for Donna and Bob Pacheco. Kelly has twin brothers, Teddy and Robbie. I can just see the day when there will be five more members of the Pacheco family working at the market.
Speaking of many generations in a family business, this week is the start of the 91st anniversary sale at Phillips Hardware, right next door to Reliable. Susan Phillips said she has a hard time believing that the store has been in business for 91 years. Isn't Oak Bluffs fortunate to have two such enduring stores on Circuit Avenue?
On Saturday, Feb. 21, there will be a benefit spaghetti dinner at the P.A. Club for Eddie and Linda BenDavid. As you probably know, Linda is battling colon cancer and the treatment involves surgeries, and many off-Island visits to Massachusetts General Hospital for tests and chemotherapy. We can help this family out with these many expenses by attending this supper and at the same time show your support for them.
Saturday, Feb. 21, from 1 to 4:45 pm you will be able to enjoy a double feature at the Oak Bluffs library. The first movie stars Emma Thompson and is adapted from a 1945 novel by Evelyn Waugh. At 3 pm the movie stars Greg Kinnear as an engineer who invents the automatic windshield wiper and is forced to fight an automaker for the proper recognition. For movie titles and information call the library at 508-693-9433.
Jessica Bowers, the children's librarian, has started a new documentary film series for teens (and adults) that is scheduled for the first Saturday of the month at 2 pm. This month's film was "4 Little Girls" by Spike Lee in celebration of African-American History Month. She is also starting a Teen Poetry Group on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 4:15 to 5:30 pm. Teens can bring in an original poem or one they like that another wrote and are free to read or just listen. It is hoped this will be a monthly event as well.
The second grade at the Oak Bluffs School is sponsoring its Island Food Pantry collection this week. This is the 19th year they have been collecting for the pantry. If you wish to donate, please drop off nonperishable items off at the school. The drive ends tomorrow, so please bring all donations by that date.
Save Friday, Feb. 13, for the annual Talent Show at the school. The show starts at 6:30 pm and is always most entertaining and involves many students and their families.
There will be no school on President's Day, Monday, Feb. 16.
We send birthday smiles to Adam Barmakian and Nelson deBettencourt who celebrated on February 10, Eric deBettencourt and brother Michael deBettencourt share November 15, Carol deBettencourt and Kathy Farrissey both party on February 16, and Carrie Tankard and Joel Rebello on February 18.
Enjoy your week and send your news along to me. Peace.
