Oak Bluffs

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The beautiful scene of the Oak Bluffs Harbor may once more be viewed on the webcam. Last week I printed an inquiry from a Florida resident who had observed the camera continuously being aimed at a house on the harbor. Oak Bluffs Harbormaster Todd Alexander kindly e-mailed me to tell me that someone had somehow gotten the passwords to the camera, but now they have been changed, and hopefully the cam will give us the beautiful water view again.

Our condolences to the family of Clem Packish. He was our first and only UPS driver for a while and was so cheerful and helpful to everyone. We are so sorry.Paul Manzi, the Financial Director for the town died last week. He fought a long battle against melanoma, but still maintained his positive outlook. He made many friends while he was working here, and we extend our sympathies to his family.

Barbara Hoyle has returned from a trip to Clearwater, Fla., where she attended the wedding of her nephew, R. Brendan Penney, to Zee Tran. Brendan is the son of Dr. Rob and Barbara Penney of Middlesex, Vt., and the grandson of Bob Penney and Betty Daniels of Oak Bluffs. Zee is the daughter of Ms. Nguyen Hong Diep of Trinity, Fla. She recently graduated from the Stetson College of Law and proceeded to pass the Florida Bar exam. Brendan is completing a doctorate in astrophysics. The couple will reside in Tallahassee, Fla.

We remember all veterans on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11. If you can, please help the volunteers at the Oak Grove cemetery in Vineyard Haven put up the flags for the Avenue of Flags at 7 am and take them down at 3 pm.

The flu clinic is also scheduled at the MVRHS on November 11, from 8 to 11 am. Contact your Senior Center for information and registration forms.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living is launching the first in its series of cultural luncheons on Saturday, Nov. 13, at The Grill on Main restaurant in Edgartown from 12 noon to 2 pm. The program will offer a close look at the contributions and influences of the Wampanoag Tribe to the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. For information, call Leslie Clapp at 508-939-9440. Proceeds will benefit the Center for Living effort to secure a home for the Supportive Day Program, a day-care program for seniors.

The Freebie Sunday on November 7 at the Mansion House will be featuring Pilates with Toni Cohen.

The request in my column last week regarding information on Peter Boak’s missing cat, Squirt, brought an instant response from Christie Rose. Sadly, she told me that he was hit and killed by a car on Barnes Road. She recognized the description as he had often visited her home to observe her two cats and chickens. The news was passed on to Peter, who said, “while the story did not have a happy ending, at least I know where he is.” He thanks everyone who cared enough to notify him.

The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society is presenting three films in November that tell wonderful stories: “Father of my Children,” “Strongman,” and “Monica and David.” All of these films are up on the MVFS website at www.mvfilmsociety.com.

The Oak Bluffs School’s fabulous Book Fair is running through November 12. The fair runs from 8 am until 4 pm. Friday, Nov. 5, is grandparents day, when grandparents are encouraged to bring their grandchildren to the fair. The hours will be from 7 am to 6 pm on that day. Also there will be breakfast treats available for that day from 7 to 8 am. While there, be sure to visit the Hall of Heroes Display drawn by the students.

Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, will speak on “Business Forecasting, Trends, and Opportunities” at a breakfast program on Tuesday, Nov. 9, organized by the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network. Registration for the program in the Baylies Room of the Old Whaling Church will begin at 7:30 am. The program will start at 8 and last until 9:30 am, with a light breakfast. Cost is $15 for MVWN members pre-registering by Monday, Nov. 8, and $25 for all walk-ins. Pre-register at mvwomensnetwork.org.

Every fall the Garden Club awards “main street” businesses and/or organizations in each town with a certificate for the most beautiful window boxes or landscaping. The winners for 2010 in Oak Bluffs are as follows: The Madison Inn, Alison Shaw Gallery, Dockside Bike Rentals, Secret Garden, The Wesley House, and Sanctuary. Circuit House receives an Honorable Mention.

We send birthday smiles for the month of November to Aidlyberg Village residents Doris Gregory, Eugene Foley and Hector Santiago, and Woodside Village residents Marjorie Toenges, Phyllis Chase, Sophie Silverman, Nancy Eddy, Florence Bruder, Judy Andrews, Barbara Dugan, Sylvia Rogers, Ilka List, Betty Holt and Helen Blasi.

More birthday smiles to Randy BenDavid and Kerry Alley on November 5, Susan Peters the next day, Wendy Rose on the 7th, Mark Landers on the 8th, and Todd deBettencourt on the 10th.

Congratulations to Sandra and Nelson deBettencourt who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on November 5.

Remember that this is the weekend to set your clocks back one hour and to replace your smoke detector batteries.

Enjoy your week.Peace