And here we are approaching Memorial Day Week-end again. To some, it is an occasion for picnics, big sales at stores, visiting tourists, and the start of what they hope will be a profitable summer season.
But let’s not forget the real reason for this day, which is to remember so many who were willing to give up their lives or interrupt their lives, so that we in America can live the life of freedom we have today.
Once more the American Legion asks for your help in helping to erect the 425 flags for the Avenue of Flags in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. They will start erecting the flags at 7:30 am and need assistance to take them down at 3 pm.
The parade, which will include veterans, military personnel, and Scouts among others, starts at 9:30 am from the Legion hall where it will proceed to the cemetery where there will be a brief ceremony. Then the parade will return to the Legion hall where parade participants are invited to partake of refreshments.
Ryan Lehman, who was an Oak Bluffs policeman for eight years, was honored at the Concord, N.H., statehouse for a Hero Award. The New Hampshire Union Leader nominated seven men who risked their lives to save lives of others. In December Ryan pulled a 20-year-old serviceman from a burning car in Raymond, New Hampshire. He was on duty and in the right place at the right time.
The soldier recovered and is back on duty. The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double A professional baseball team based in Manchester, have asked Ryan to throw out the first pitch at their game this Saturday, May 28. Ryan is very surprised at all the attention, and he felt that he was just doing his job.
Ryan’s sister, Lindsay Lehman, and 22 other teammates from the Imma Be The Cure, walked the 39.3-mile Avon Breast Cancer walk starting at UMass Boston. They raised an amazing $67,000 through the many fundraisers they planned. Congratulations, ladies.
We have received a correction and update to information about the Chilmark Flea Market: it will be open from 9 am to 2 pm, Wednesday and Saturdays, from June 29 to September 3.
The Oak Bluffs Senior Center is planning a trip to Foxwoods on June 1. Please contact Rose at the Center for more info on this trip.
Marion Cardoza was treated to a wonderful surprise birthday party on May 12. Marion wants to thank all of the wonderful people who remembered her on her 90th birthday, including those who donated food and gave her gifts. Ray Rochon coordinated the surprise, and Marion sends out a sincere “love you” to all.
To address the need of post-natal support for our rapidly growing number of Island families, a small group of Island moms, together with health, yoga, and childcare practitioners, doctors, M.V. Hospital maternity nurses, and nurse midwives and the M.V. Family Network, have created a free series called Nurturing Our Babies & Ourselves: an educational series to enhance the parenting journey. The series will take place every Thursday in June, from 12 noon to 1 pm, at The Family Center, located at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. All are welcome, including dads and caretakers. For further information, please call 508-693-7900, ext. 288.
Congratulations to Joe Cogliano and his sister, Marguerite, who both graduated from college on May 14. Joe graduated from Morarian College in Bethlehem, Penn., and Marguerite from UMass Amherst. Their mother, Rose Cogliano, is most proud of her two children.
Oak Bluffs Ladder Co. # 551 is holding their first annual fundraising raffle and open house and pancake breakfast at the Nelson W. Amaral Fire station on May 29 from 9 to 11 am. The prize is an Apple iPad 2. Purchase tickets from any of the company members, including Walter Hammond, Thatcher Brown or Anthony, Willy, Alan, Joseph, or Todd deBettencourt or at the breakfast where the drawing will be held. All ticket holders are invited to attend.
On Memorial Day, May 30, from noon to 4 pm, everyone on the Vineyard is invited to the Annual Memorial Day Picnic at the Tashmoo Spring Pumping Station located on State Road in Vineyard Haven. Families and individuals should bring a picnic lunch, and are welcome to enjoy row boating on the pond, children’s games, pony rides for the very young, and watermelon and ice cream cones. Grilling chefs will cook to perfection the hot dogs and hamburgers you bring. VTA buses, on their regular routes, will stop at the Tashmoo Overlook on State Road to drop off and pick up passengers. Please be advised that dogs will not be allowed and the rain date for the picnic is the following Sunday, June 5.
On Saturday, May 28, from 9 to 11 am the Annual Bake Sale sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard will be held on Circuit Avenue across from Phillips Hardware Store. You will find homemade cookies, muffins, brownies, breads, and more. Call 508 693-4424 for more info.
The VNA is pleased to accept a $2,800 grant from Our Island Club. Since 2009, Our Island Club owners Jonathan Bernstein and Geoff Rose have made annual contributions to the VNA’s Professional Education Program. Committed to employing the most qualified and highly trained caregivers, the VNA uses this fund to provide continuing education to its staff members.
We send birthday smiles to Viviane Destefani who celebrated on May 21, Jaime Reilly on June 1 and Mia Rebello on June 2.
Enjoy your week.
Peace.
