Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: June 18, 2009
I guess I have lived long enough to know that family doesn't necessarily consist of a mother, father and two and a half children. It was never more evident than on Sunday at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School's Class of 2009 graduation ceremony on Sunday last. The sun came out in time to shine on this class as they held their heads high and marched into the Tabernacle to receive their diplomas. They were all encircled with the love of their Island family as they were supported with applause from great grandparents to siblings and friends on this day that was such a landmark, and also, under the circumstances, most difficult. We send them out into this new stage of their lives with our best wishes and prayers.
We also remember in our prayers and thoughts the families of Jena Pothier and Kelly McCarron. Our prayer is for healing for Kelly and condolences to Jena's family on the loss of their loved daughter and sister. I have memories of Jena as she made her way through the Oak Bluffs School and watching her participate in many sports throughout her grammar school and high school years. Her sparkling energy was a pleasure to watch. She was a caring person and frequently visited with my granddaughter, Talia, as she was caring for her elderly great-grandmother. Jena sat patiently, listening to her stories and questions. That caring she showed was just one of the memories I will always have for her. To Terry, David and D.J., please know how very sorry we are and how loved Jena was by everyone she touched.
Bradley Cortez of Oak Bluffs will be leaving soon for Fort Knox, Kentucky for basic training. Then in September, he will continue on to Georgia for OTT training. Our best wishes go with him.
On Tuesday, June 23, there will be a lecture on Robert M. Copeland's design for Oak Bluffs at the meeting room in the Oak Bluffs Library. Pamela Street, former journalist and Islander, will present a slideshow and discuss her research on the topic of Mr. Copeland, landscape gardener, and his work designing the plan for Oak Bluffs. The program takes place from 6:30 to 7:45 pm and refreshments will be served.
I received an email from Kelley Metell, the former Kelley Edwards, daughter of Brad and Bev Edwards, telling me she has been reading this column online for the last few years from her home in New York. She remembered me from when I was the secretary at the Oak Bluffs School and she looks forward to continuing to read about what is going on in Oak Bluffs, the town in which she lived for 15 years.
The sign at Eastville Point Beach is "lost." Anyone who finds it is invited to bring it to the county offices at the airport. The Eastville Point Beach committee is trying hard to improve conditions at the beach and will have a new information kiosk installed as soon as the wet weather breaks. The sign will be used for that kiosk and the committee would love to get it back.
Last Friday morning, in a recognition ceremony at the weekly Community Meeting, the Oak Bluffs staff honored the contributions made by volunteers this year. Students sang songs and gave the volunteers gifts for their outstanding work. The Vineyard Sound dedicated their performance to the volunteers. The gifts were geraniums grown in the greenhouse by school committee chairman Priscilla Sylvia.
