Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: March 18, 2010
Windy, rainy March just will not give up and let us at least catch our breaths between storms. Does this mean that April will be absent of showers?
Several town residents have asked me why the town flags were at half-mast last week, and I could not find the answer. Does anyone know why?
Sorry that an editing error in last week's column deleted the Internet link to the website to view David Graupner's project of bringing Illumination Night to Eureka Springs in Arkansas. David's 20-plus years of summers in Oak Bluffs inspired him to attempt this project. The link is www.EurekaSpingsGrand Illumination.com.
Also thanks to Ryan, a better mathematician than I, who figured out that it was 30 years ago, not 20, when the Islander came close to sinking.
The Oak Bluffs Public Library is pleased to have a traveling doll and book exhibit by the Green Mountain Doll Club of Vermont. Dolls portray characters from a variety of children's books, both fiction and non-fiction. The exhibit will be in the Children's Room until March 26.
Ken Rusczyk has returned from more than two months in a sometimes chilly Florida. He accomplished two goals. Watching the 4:17 am night launch of the shuttle Endeavor from Kennedy Space Center and never seeing any snow or ice on his daily runs. The only downside was avoiding a rattlesnake he nearly stepped on in Hobe Sound while on a run.
A reminder from the school that Massachusetts bicycle helmet law requires that any person 16 years of age or younger operating in-line skates, a skate board, a scooter or other manually-propelled wheeled vehicle or riding as a passenger on any such manually-propelled vehicle shall wear a helmet. Please enforce this with your children and don't risk a head injury.
Oak Bluffs students in grades 2 and 7 have raised $2,353.07 to aid the survivors of the Haitian earthquake. Students raised this money through the sale of rubber bracelets. They are to be commended for their efforts.
Ginny Hall had a pleasant surprise last Friday when her daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Leon Holt, arrived from Natick, along with their twin sons, Myles and Lucas. The reason for the visit was to celebrate the boys' twelfth birthday. That evening the group was joined by Ginny's son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Helene Hall, and their son, Sklar, to share in the birthday supper and of course the cake.
Many of you already know that Heather has MS, and she is going to participate in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society annual Walk MS: Boston. Heather's best friend, my daughter Mary Alley, is also walking, as part of Heather's team and is asking you to join them in creating a world free of multiple sclerosis by making a contribution to support their efforts. You may click on http://main .nationalmssociety.org/ site/TR?px=7793062&pg=personal&fr_id=13114 to get Mary's personal page and make a secure online donation, or call Mary at 508-696-5432 for more information.
Oak Bluffs Public Library hosts its second Annual Technology Fair on Saturday, March 20, from 1 to 4 pm. The event is free and open to the public. One lucky attendee will win an MP3 player, courtesy of the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs. At 1 pm, Doug Cabral, editor of The Martha's Vineyard Times, will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented to community newspapers in the Internet age. Then spring into Wii Sports at the library on Thursday March 25, from 6 until 7:45 pm. This is for ages 18 to infinity, and beginners are welcome.
We send birthday smiles to Jim Dorsey on March 19, Erica Ponte and Cherrie Nunes on the 21st, Marcelle BenDavid on March 23, and Hunter Ponte on March 25.
Enjoy your week and send your news along to me.
Peace.
