Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: February 19, 2009
Sunrise comes sooner now, bringing the light to us a smidgeon earlier. Here in this neighborhood the crows announce daylight's approach with their annoying cawing sending out their plans for the day to the scattered near and distant flocks. I listen, hoping that their responses come fairly far away, and that the sounds soon fade in the distance. That would mean that their plans do not include invading my suet feeder again. Not that I resent feeding hungry birds, but the greedy ones are ruthless, even snatching the peanut treats I toss out to the squirrels right out from under their noses. The next visitors are the tiny wrens who peck their curious way around the leaves and ground while turning their inquisitive heads back and forth looking much like shoppers at a yard sale picking over everything before they make a choice. But no matter, watching the birds' antics brings a happy start to the day.
A lot of the old Vineyard Avenue gang got together at Sandra and Nelson deBettencourt's home on February 5 to celebrate the milestone birthday of Maureen Fisher Anderson. Gathered together to help her celebrate were, in her words, "her best friends." Those there for the toast or roast, along with their hosts, were the happy birthday gal and her husband Bill, Wendy Rose, Megan and Denny Alley, Barbara and Jules BenDavid, and Sylvia and Jim Rogers. Oh how the tall tales flew as Maureen, Denny, Jim, and Jules related the adventures of growing up on or near Vineyard Avenue. Along with the good food and gifts that were shared was evidence of much love and affection between the people gathered together to celebrate not only this birthday but over 50 years of enduring friendships.
Alley Furlong, along with her cousin Emma Furlong, is here from Connecticut visiting her grandparents Pat and Kerry Alley. There is a special reason for her visit as she celebrated her 13th birthday on February 13.
Millie and Bob Scott celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on that most romantic of days, Valentine's Day. What an appropriate day to be recognizing such a long-lasting marriage. The couple has two sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren. We wish you many more years of happiness.
Keep in mind the benefit spaghetti dinner for Linda Ben David that takes place this Saturday, Feb. 21 at the P.A. Club from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets are $15 per person. Proceeds will help defray the costs of medical expenses and travel to Boston for treatment for Linda who is fighting colon cancer.
The annual American Cancer Societies' Daffodil Day will be taking place in March. You must place your order by Thursday, Feb. 26. The cost is $10 for a bunch of 10 blooms. You may call Dorothy Bangs at 508-693-0969 or Pat and Kerry Alley at 693-2324.
The Oak Bluffs School winter recess is from February 23 through the 27th.
The guest speaker at the Friday, Feb. 20 Friday Conversations program at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center will be Michael Dutton, administrator for the town of Oak Bluffs. Michael will talk about the financial pressures that Martha's Vineyard towns are grappling with, and the measures being explored to cope with the problems.
The Oak Bluffs Public Library is publishing a new quarterly newsletter. Copies of the first issue of "Books & Beyond" are available at the library's checkout desk or "be green" and view it online at oakbluffslibrary.org. Learn about the latest library programs, resources, services, staff recommendations, and more by reading this new publication.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6:30 pm, Elaine Cawley Weintraub will speak about the African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard with a special emphasis on sites located within Oak Bluffs. Refreshments will be served. You may call 508-693-9433 for more information.
Sara Crafts passes on the sad news of the death of Maxine Barrett who long ago owned one of the houses near the Seaview and was the hostess at the Rare Duck. She was 81 living in Venice, Fla., still full of vim and vinegar and involved in politics and her UU church. Sara said she had just spoken with her a couple of days ago and was going down to Florida in March and planning to meet up with her. Our sympathies to her family.
Take time to go to the Oak Bluffs Senior Center today as Jim Mclaurin will be speaking on Black History Month. He will speak on several topics, among them will be the presidential inauguration and the Tuskegee Airmen. The program starts at 12:30 pm.
We send birthday smiles to Kaitlin Marchand, Rita Jeffers, and Karla Martell on February 22, Melanie Marchand and Kristen MacLean on the 25th and Earl Peters on the 27th.
Enjoy your week and send your news along.
Peace.
