Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: April 9, 2009
The hints of lawns turning green, yellow buds ready to burst forth on forsythia shrubs, and spring bulbs putting forth their colorful blossoms mean that here we are at Easter week already. For some, Easter brings forth visions of bunnies, candy, and Easter egg hunts, and for others it is a week of religious celebrations. Whatever your beliefs, we hope this week brings you time together with your friends and families and some moments of happy memories. James Rebello, Ben Madieras, and Jesse Nicholson have just returned from a three-day competition at Cal Poly in Pomona, Cal. Along with several other students, they represented UMass Amherst & Stockbridge School of Agriculture in the National Collegiate Lawn Care and Landscape competition. Their teams placed well and they had a great time. James actually hooked up with his uncle Earl Wadsworth and celebrated his birthday California style.
Kate Feiffer is happy to announce the publication of two new books, both of which look gorgeous, thanks to two phenomenal illustrators. "My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life" is illustrated by Diane Goode, and "Which Puppy?" is illustrated by her father, Jules Feiffer.
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Connect to End Violence will present a panel discussion titled "Raising Boys" on Monday, April 13, from 6:30 to 8 pm at the MVCS Board Room. A diverse panel of fathers will share their understanding of masculinity and reflect on the importance of raising nonviolent sons. This discussion is open and free to the public and for more information you may contact Aita Romain, Social Work Assistant/Advocate Volunteer Coordinator at 508-693-7900 ext. 218.
Did you know that you can download books and music directly to your MP3 player at the library? The Oak Bluffs Public Library has a download station and broadband Internet connection that you can use with the library's audio-book and music download service to download bestselling and classic books, as well as a variety of music, directly to your MP3 player. Visit the library today and ask a library staff member how you can take advantage of this convenient and money-saving service.
John Swan Sr. celebrated his birthday with his family and a few close friends on March 29. Those who joined in at the Swan home along with his wife, Pam, and children John, Julian, and Jackie, were Mary Alley and her children, Talia and Jeremy, Kati Alley and David and her children, Matt and Nick, and Megan and Dennis Alley. Good friends, good food and good laughs were enjoyed by everyone.
Melanie Bilodeau would like me to get word out that she has withdrawn from the School Committee Race. After much contemplation, she said she made this decision for personal reasons also based on her family obligations.
Spring parent-teacher conferences continue on Tuesday, April 14, and there will be a 12 noon dismissal on that date. On Wednesday, April 15, there will be conferences for grades 6 through 8 only. Only middle school students will have a half-day for that date with dismissal at 12 noon. Transportation for the Boys and Girls Club will be a 12 noon as well.
