Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: October 1, 2009
Now the ferns in the forest park, in the back of the house, have turned bronze and are slowly sinking back into the ground, as if getting ready for a long rest. Other plants are starting to slow their growth also, so we know the summer is just about over. But if nature is slowing down, certainly the events going on in town are increasing as each day progresses.
Cub Scouts are selling popcorn during the month of October. Tins full of specialty popcorn will be available for purchase, and they make great gifts for the holidays. They also can fill you in on an exciting program that allows you to buy popcorn for military personnel serving overseas.
The school is preparing for weather-related school closings and delays information. They have been advised by Channel 5 that parents can sign up to receive school alerts either by text message or email. You may sign up at the following website: thebostonchannel.com/closingssignup/index.html.
More than 40 parents came out to take part in the first PTO organizational get-together. PTO President Michele Moore warmly welcomed everyone and, after introductions, new officers were elected. Kris O'Brien was recognized and thanked for all her remarkable work over the past four years as both president and vice president. Anyone who was unable to attend might consider signing up for the many volunteer committees that have been established for the many activities that take place throughout the school year.
The school is also looking to recruit members of the community to serve on the School Advisory Committee (SAC). Responsibilities include adopting education goals for the school, identifying educational needs of students, reviewing the annual school budget, and formulating a school improvement plan. If you are interested in serving, please contact Principal Laury Binney at the school.
Tomorrow, October 2, the sixth grade will return from their annual trip to Camp Alton Jones.
School pictures take place on October 6 and 7; and save October 7 for the kindergarten through fifth grade Open House and Pasta Dinner.
Remember that on October 12, Columbus Day, there is no school.
October 10 at 11 am to 2 pm brings us the annual Harvest Festival and Luncheon at the Federated Church Parish House, located on South Summer Street in Edgartown. There will be crafts, plants, stitchery, baked goods, drawing, attic treasures, and fun for children. Harvest soup, chili, and apple crisp will be served.
Save October 24 from 5 to 7 pm for the Oak Bluffs Firemen's ham and bean supper. It will be held at the Portuguese-American Club and the proceeds benefit the Oak Bluffs Fire Museum. You may purchase tickets at the Nelson W. Amaral Fire Station or from any EMT or fireman.
The American Legion Post in Vineyard Haven will be starting up their monthly breakfasts on October 4. They are held from 8 to 10 am the first Sunday of each month. Good food and good friends make for a good time.
The third annual Living Local Harvest Fest (LLHF) on Martha's Vineyard is a fun and free community event that aims to celebrate the Island and accelerate the uptake of sustainable living on Martha's Vineyard.
On October 3 at the Agriculture Hall, located at 35 Panhandle Road in West Tisbury, come to the fest from 9 am to 3 pm. There will be a community potluck from 6 to 10 pm.
The Oak Bluffs Public Library will be showing a new DVD release on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 7:45 pm. John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, and Maggie Gyllenhaal star in this popular romantic comedy.
The buzz about town this week as all about the "boil water" order issued by the DEP, then the Water District. Confusion reigned as a delay in getting this information to citizens of the town resulted in an upset and irate response from many people. By Sunday, Oak Bluffs Health Agent Shirley Fauteaux and Emergency Management Director Peter Martell had arranged for a van-load of bottled water to be delivered to the town and it was distributed to residents on Sunday and Monday. In hindsight, it is apparent that until we have the capability of reverse 911 calls, there has to be a better and quicker way to get such vital information to the town's residents. Although a notice was put on TV and WMVY, there are many people who do not have cable and do not listen to the radio. Also, we need to keep in mind that some disasters might result in the loss of electrical power. Perhaps the commissioners should ask for volunteers to not only assist in forming a plan but also help in implementing the plan when needed.
We send birthday smiles to Grace Vanderhoop and Elyse Madeiras on Oct. 2, Will deBettencourt IV and Marc Hanover on Oct. 3, Tony White on Oct. 5, Robert Moreis the next day, Donna Joyce on Oct. 7, and Ann Knight on the 8th.
Enjoy your week and send your news along to me.
Peace.
