Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: August 27, 2009
We welcome President Obama as he and his family are here on our Island for a week-long vacation. We sincerely hope they manage to enjoy a relaxing time in spite of the anticipated interference of the press and sightseers.
A least one expected visitor missed us and we are grateful that the hurricane weather didn't touch us very badly, only resulting in just enough surf to close South Beach.
Come and enjoy the second annual Evening of Music on the Lagoon with John Alaimo and Michael Tinus on Sunday, Sept. 6, 6 to 9 pm. It will be held at the home of Jim and Pam Butterick, 359 Barnes Road in Oak Bluffs. Admission is by donation of any amount. While they strive to meet the goal of $25,000, enjoy the ambience of sunset and fabulous music on the Lagoon on this last Sunday of summer, 2009. Wine and appetizers will flow, and all for the wonderful cause of restoring the historic 1895 Hook and Hastings organ of the Federated Church. For questions, please call the Buttericks at 508-693-6871 or 508-939-0335.
If you drive down Wing Road from the County Road intersection, you will eventually be rewarded by a view on your right of a small cottage surrounded by beautiful flowers. The cottage and garden are the results of the efforts of Alice Rose. We still spot her frequently out in her yard as she lovingly cares for her flowers. Would you believe that Alice celebrates her 99th birthday on August 29? Best wishes to this marvelous woman.
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6:30 until 7:45 pm acclaimed journalist and local author, Jill Nelson, will visit the library to discuss her latest book, "Let's Get It On," a complex narrative that involves the mob and politics.
Ken triumphs again. In only his second attempt at formidable red tomato competition, Ken Rusczyk took his second Blue Ribbon in two years at the West Tisbury Ag Fair. Not an easy goal in the worst tomato growing season in 25 years. All tomato growers look forward to next year.
Doug Peckham will open his home and studio for an art show and sale on Friday and Saturday, August 28 and 29 from 4 to 7 pm. New work will be featured, along with acrylics, watercolors, pastels, pen and ink, and photographs, some digitally altered. The studio is located at 56 Pennacook Avenue in Oak Bluffs, behind the Catholic church.
This is highly unusual - a Florida resident asking a Massachusetts resident how they were affected by a hurricane, but John Nagle of Port Charlotte, Fla., emailed me and was wondering if we had any damage from Hurricane Bill. One Oak Bluffs resident, Cee Jay Jones, is a good friend of his and he was concerned. I assured him all was well on this Island and he has since been in touch with Cee Jay.
Learn "How to Approach a Foundation," a workshop for grant seekers that have identified potential funding organizations and want to learn how to effectively approach and communicate with foundations. On Thursday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 7:45 pm there will be a free workshop at the Oak Bluffs Library. Sign up is required, so call 508-693-9433.
On Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6 until 7:45 pm, the Oak Bluffs Library will be showing a new DVD release on a large projection screen. Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange give memorable performances in this drama, based on a documentary with the same title, about the Bouvier women.
We send birthday smiles to the brothers Marchand, Matt and Andrew, and grandson Christopher Alley who share August 28, Pam Melrose and Bink deBettencourt on August 30, Nancy Giordano, Sean Flynn, and Leslie Phillips the next day, Tony Ferreira on Sept. 1, and Evelyn Christopher and Ed Ben David Sr. on Sept 2. If you want to wish Bob Pacheco a happy day on Sept. 3, you can find him in his usual spot behind the meat counter at Reliable Market.
Congratulations to Kyle Crossland who recently was certified as a Massachusetts Horticulturist. Kyle, the son of Bernie and Mark Crossland, also has a degree in Landscape Architecture. This family is responsible for most of the beautiful gardens and plantings you see in the parks and along the bulkhead in Oak Bluffs.
Enjoy your week and send your news along to me.
Peace.
