I really have appreciated the air conditioners these last weeks, but just when I thought I could not stand one more minute of their noisy humming, the weather changed. At last I could open the windows and greet cool dry air. The sounds of the birds singing back and forth to each other was doubly sweet because it had not been heard for days. How much more pleasant those sounds are than the mechanical noises that were filling the house.
A memorial for Jim Nolan was held on Sunday at the P-A Club. Jim, the husband of Renee Surprenant, died on June 4, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer and one week after spending the Memorial Day weekend at his summer home in Oak Bluffs, the place that he loved best. A lifelong summer resident on Nashawena Park, Jim married Renee three years ago after being best buddies growing up. Family and friends who arrived for the memorial included Renee’s mother, Estelle Surprenant, and her sisters Diane Beck with her husband, Jim and daughters Lindsey and Emma from Snellville, Georgia; Muriel and son Shawn O’Rourke from Arlington and his wife, Kathy, and kids Connor and Catherine; and Jeanne and her husband, Stan Popielarz, from Bedford, N.H. Her brothers Dennis and his wife, Maureen, from the Campground and Ashland; and Gerald and Nancy Surprenant from Seekonk were also in attendance. Renee’s daughters Emily Hartford from N.Y.C. and Liz Hartford who is living in Oak Bluffs and directs the Summer Stars Program at the Vineyard Playhouse were here to support their mother. Many more friends and relatives were here to show their respect and love for Renee and Jim.
Attention all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders. There are ongoing summer sign ups for Junior High Cheerleading for this fall. The program focuses on leadership, teamwork, school spirit, conditioning, community service, dance, choreography, and, of course, cheering. The sooner you sign up the better.If you are interested, please call Sue Costello at 508-627-9568.
The Tabernacle in the Campground is going to be a busy place for the next few weeks. On Saturday, July 30, at 8 pm, Vineyard Sound will be in concert. It’s always a great time with the Island’s favorite a cappella group. Tickets are $15. Family Movie Night at the Tabernacle on Monday, Aug. 1, at 7 pm will feature “Shrek 2.” Sunday Worship Services are at 9:30 am in the Tabernacle. There is a different guest preacher each week. On Sunday, July 31, the preacher is Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jones, and on Sunday, August 2, the preacher is Rev. Father John Beck, C.P. On Monday, August 1, from 9 am to 4 pm, the All Island Art Show takes place, followed by the Junior Art Show on Tuesday, August 2, from 10 am to 12 noon.
Our library is holding a Bilingual Storytime with Peggy McGrath on Saturday, July 30, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Peggy will read her new book, “Cock-A-Doodle Who” in Spanish and English. Come and meet the illustrators too. A craft project follows. This free event is for ages 5 and up.
Esther Richmond is back at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center to lead line dancing. For info on days and times, please call Rose at 508-693-4509, ext. 3.
We send birthday smiles to Travis Bernard, Rachel Barrett, and Denise Alwardt on July 29; Heather White, Ashley Madeiros, and Luke dePriest on the 30th; Bernadette Crossland on the 31st; Sophia McGroarty Sampaio on August 1; and Tricia Bergeron and Donald Mitchell on August 4.Enjoy your week.Peace.
