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Monday, February 13, 2012

By Megan Alley
Published: May 21, 2009

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching. Memories come forth in waves to me during this time. This Island was so different during the 40s than it is now and as isolated as we were back then, World War II affected our lives greatly. I remember rationing, few cars, the USO, military personnel everywhere, blackouts, those terrifying air raid drills, and the sorrow of seeing small banners in house windows with a gold star in the center indicating another lost loved one. Stop and think how really different life would be today if not for the sacrifices of so many people. Remember and say thank you by participating in the Memorial Day observances. The Avenue of Flags and parade takes place on Monday, May 25, at the Vineyard Haven Cemetery. Help would be appreciated for erecting the flags at 7:30 am and again at 3 pm when they are taken down. This year there are eight new names added and there are over 450 flags. The parade starts from Legion Hall at 9:30 am and proceeds to the cemetery. Veterans, police and fire departments, scouts, and military personnel are all invited to participate in this parade. There will be a brief ceremony at the cemetery including the dedication of a World War II memorial to the Merchant Marines and there will be a fly-over. Afterwards units will proceed to Legion hall for food and drinks.

The Oak Bluffs School will be holding their Memorial Day celebration tomorrow at 2 pm in the school gym.

Due to lack of funding, two of the after-school programs at the school are coming to an end: the homework club for middle-school students and the library program.

The Oak Bluffs Library continues with its interesting program. Wii Play Games for all ages takes place Saturday, May 23, from 2:30 to 4 pm. Play Mario Kart and a wide selection of new and classic board games and enjoy refreshments and community fun. Congratulations to Lana BenDavid, daughter of Ed and Linda BenDavid, who received the Duke University Outstanding Service in Student Organization Advising Award. She received many congratulatory messages form Duke's staff and students.

The 16th Annual Oak Bluffs Memorial Day five-kilometer road race and one-mile fun run takes place this Sunday, May 24, at 11 am, starting at the Wesley Hotel. This will benefit Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, one of my most favorite Island charities. I first became aware of this wonderful organization in the 80s when they were relatively new, and they came to the assistance of my family when my mother was diagnosed with ALS. In the 90s I was able to return their kindness and help by working on their summer fundraisers under the direction of the late Marsha Campbell. So come and support them by participating or donating to this marvelous organization.

Sandra Macias and Rory Moreis proudly announce son Mitchell Antonio Moreis's commencement at Columbia University on Wednesday, May 20. Mitchell received his Bachelor's degree in Economic /Political Science.

Stacy Cotterill and Don Hatch were married at their home on April 25. Stacy was given away by her son, Josh, and her granddaughter, Juliane Toth, was her flower girl. After the ceremony the couple proceeded to the P.A. Club for a reception on their motorcycles with Stacy wearing a helmet over her veil and a "Just Married" sign attached to the back of the bike.

Kerry Scott kindly sent me an update on the animal shelter and I want to pass the news along.

Lisa Hayes is the manager at the shelter and if you have any questions she can be reached at 508-696-3840. We are so fortunate to have the county manager, Russell Smith, along with his assistant, Martina, and the County Commissioners giving unending support to this project. As on-going financial support is always needed, your tax-deductible donations are most welcomed. Please mail them to County of Dukes County, P.O. Box 190, Edgartown, MA 02539.

Good luck to Jessica Forend and her horse, Bella, who will travel to Frenchtown, N.J., in June and July for an internship with Betsy Steiner, an American World Cup Team member. Betsy observed Jessica's win at the 2009 IDA Nationals and asked her to submit a resumé. Jessica is a sophomore at Johnson and Wales University, where she is studying Equine Business Management and is co-captain of her IDA team. She is the daughter of Lisa BenDavid of Oak Bluffs and Oak Bluffs fire chief Pete Forend. I remember Jessica's mom Lisa during her teen years when she too won many championships with her equestrian skills.

Marie Doubleday's son, Arthur, has completed his first year law exams at Suffolk and arrived on Martha's Vineyard on Friday to celebrate family birthdays, including Marie's, on May 17 and his on May 25. He has been awarded a Rappaport Fellowship for the summer through which he will work at the Massachusetts Housing Authority.

Marie also reminded me that her dog, Sarafina, and her sister (my dog, Sophie) recently celebrated their 14th birthdays on May 13. She said Sarafina continues to walk Tradewinds Field along with her two-year-old Lab/daschund Ricky and feline Charlie. My dog Sophie continues to recline on the couch getting up for an occasional walk and to enjoy her favorite treat of Twinkies, not given to her by me.

The annual Miles of Memories Alzheimer's walk was a great success. Team Bink raised almost $1,000 and everyone's generous donations are appreciated.

We send birthday smiles to Doreen Anderson on May 22, Kay Manning on May 24, Kayden Devine on May 27, and her big sister, Jasmine Devine, on May 31.

Enjoy your week.