Monday, February 13, 2012

By Megan Alley
Published: April 30, 2009

What a warm surprise Sunday was, but it was so lovely out that I found it hard to concentrate on any one project. I wandered outside, looking at the gardens and all of the flowers starting to blossom, sat in a chair and watched the birds, fed peanuts to the squirrels, and dozed off in the chair for a few minutes. Every time I tried to start an inside project, I found myself outside looking for an excuse to linger in the sun. I even counted the rings in the stump of a tree that was just cut down because it was way too close to the sunroom. I counted about 137 rings, so that was a very old tree, and of course that made me feel a bit guilty about having to cut it down, especially since it meant re-locating the bird feeders. The birds adjusted well to their new dinner site and also sang and flitted about in the sun. I think we will not see such a warm day again for a few more weeks, and I am so glad that I took the day off and accomplished absolutely nothing but enjoying the moment - all day long.

We sent sincere condolences to the family of Raymond Moreis Sr. We remember him as a steady and dependable worker for the late Tubby and Marilyn Rebello at the former Anthony's Restaurant and then as the very helpful attendant at the recycling center in Oak Bluffs. He always greeted us with a smile and cheerful words. He will certainly be missed around our town and by his very large extended family. We are so very sorry.

After more than 40 years of service, Oak Bluffs resident David Cook retires this week from the Oak Bluffs Post Office. He looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and at his wife's store, Good Ship Lollipop. Photo courtesy of Marguerite Cook

David Cook, one of our friendly and hardworking postal clerks at the Oak Bluffs Post Office, is retiring. His last day will be today, so when you see him, be sure to thank him for his many years of faithful service to all of us. Would you believe it has been more than 40?

Those of you who have missed seeing Rose Cogliano at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center will be happy to know that I have recently spoken to her and she has returned to Martha's Vineyard after a medical leave off-Island. Rose assures me that she is healthy and happy and is so looking forward to returning to her duties at the center and greeting her many friends there. She called me to give me some very important information regarding the New England Serve Food Co-op Program. The program distributes nutritious food. This is an Island-wide program open to everyone. Once a month, usually the fourth Saturday of the month, food ordered the previous month may be picked up at the Unitarian Church in Vineyard Haven. The next pick-up will be May 30 between noon and 1 pm. For more information regarding ordering or more about the program, you may call Rose at 508-693-4724 or Shelley Carter at 508-560-0983.

Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman give dramatic performances in the blockbuster movie set in a 1960s Catholic primary school, which will be shown at the Oak Bluffs Public Library on the large projection screen on Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 8 pm.

The Savor the Moment Photography Contest & Exhibition, sponsored by the Oak Bluffs Public Library in conjunction with the annual celebration of Della Hardman Day on Saturday, July 25, is once more being planned. The photograph contest is to select 14 images featuring Martha's Vineyard that reflect Della Hardman's legacy, "Savor the moment." The entry deadline is May 29 at 5 pm.

One of my friends, Quezia Mariano, who works with me, is floating on clouds these days as she has recently become engaged. Her fiancé is Ronaldo de Andrade, and the happy couple plans to marry this coming summer. With all the friends this couple has, I think they are going to have a hard time finding a place large enough to contain everyone.

Proud grandfather Francis Bernard related a happy tale about his grandson Anthony Bernard, who on his eighth birthday went to see a Celtics game with his father, Billy Bernard. That was exciting, but what happened outside the court was an experience that young Anthony will never forget. He actually got to meet Kevin Garnett and shake his hand.

We send birthday smiles to Fred Hall Jr. and Todd Alexander on May 5, Lisa Cottrell on May 8, Marguerite Cook on May 10, and my grandson Marques Rivers on the same day. Preston Michael Averill is wished a happy fourth birthday on May 11 from his Grampy and Grammy in Arizona.

And congratulations to three couples: Andy and Kathy Farrissey, who will be celebrating their wedding anniversary on May 6, Nora and Gary Jardin, who will be celebrating theirs on May 10, and Helen and Peter Valentzas, who celebrated their 63rd anniversary on April 28.

Enjoy your week and send your news along to me remembering that the deadline is noon on Monday before the Thursday publication.

Peace.