It’s always nice to start off the first column of a new year with an uplifting story. A friend related to me that retired Fire Chief Nelson Amaral and retired Deputy Fire Chief James Moreis were very pleasantly surprised when after one of our recent snowstorms, their driveways and walks were being cleared of snow. The person who performed this good deed was Oak Bluffs Fireman Ken Davey. So to Ken goes our first Act of Random Kindness Award for 2010. If you have someone in mind that you think should be recognized for a good deed, please either call or email me.
On Saturday, Jan. 16, from 2 to 4 pm, our library will again be showing the very popular movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, again due to popular demand. Come and enjoy this movie on the wide screen while beverages and popcorn will be served.
To celebrate 25 years of ownership, the Mansion House is hosting a slumber party during the month of January. All Vineyarders are invited to book a room for $25 per person and view Main Street or the Vineyard Haven Harbor from their hotel room. This slumber party includes all the hotel perks including free use of the health club and a complimentary breakfast at Zephrus.
On January 12 the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network will have as their speaker Michael L. Bejtlich, a professor of management and entrepreneurship at Cape Cod Community College. Professor Bejtlich will offer detailed advice on writing a business plan to help you start or expand your business. You may get more details at info@mvwomens network.org. The meeting will begin at 11 am with registration and check-in.
How could I have possibly omitted Robert Duarte in my remembrance of those lost to us in 2009 in last week’s column? We shall remember him as a devoted police officer, husband, father, and grandfather.
On Friday, Jan. 22, the Oak Bluffs Senior Center Conversations Program will have as their guest speaker Melissa Vincent of TRI, who will talk about the Grant Program under which TRI distributes Federal Funds for Home Improvements for those people whose incomes do not exceed 80 percent of the local median income. For example: a family of four would be eligible for a Home Improvement Grant if their combined income does not exceed $65,000. The program runs from 10 to 11:30 am.
Mary Alley and her son Jeremy Alley-Tarter spent New Year’s weekend in Natick at the home of Heather and Leon Holt and their children Myles and Lucas. They all had an enjoyable but quiet holiday and made it back to the Island just before the weekend storm.
Lana BenDavid came from North Carolina to visit her parents Linda and Eddie BenDavid this past week. She visited with her brothers, Ed, Jason, and Randy and their families and her sister Vicky White and her two daughters also. All in all it was a happy family holiday week.
The library children’s story time will continue on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The toddler story time starts at 10:30 am followed by pre-school story time at 11:30 am. Martin Luther King and Peace are the themes for both groups.
We send birthday smiles to Brenda Leonard on January 10, Grandson Sam Alley and Richard Combra Jr. on January 11, Jack deBettencourt and Richard Mavro the next day, Gert Knowlton and Genevieve Rogers on the 13th, and Pat Dorsey on January 14.
Enjoy your week and please keep an eye open and a helping hand reached out for your neighbors during these cold winter weeks.
Peace.
