No longer are we insulated, as we once felt, from events outside of our little island. Our world has changed dramatically from this tiny bit of land, expanding in an ever widening circle, now encompassing the whole world and beyond. This was so evident by the caring and emotional reactions to the most recent event, the tragic fire in Boston, resulting in the deaths of two firemen. Without hesitation a group of firemen from the Island, including 12 from our own Oak Bluffs Fire Department, joined thousands of others of their ilk to honor those who perished.
The following is a quote from their Facebook page, expressing their emotions and experience, which only those who attended the services could so appropriately describe. “We stood at attention next to thousands of Firefighters. The sea of patches ranged from Boston, The Cape and both Islands, Western Mass, New England, The East Coast; to multiple cities including NYC, Dallas, Seattle, Columbus, Detroit, and even Montreal, Canada, just to name a small fraction. The deep bass of the drummers rattled the street beneath our boots, and threw a vibrating force through our chests. This is one of the most intense, amazing, experiences and we will never forget, and have gratefully been a part of. Our thoughts and prayers to the families of our Fallen Brothers.” Yes, we are small but joining in with many increases our strength and divides our grief. So proud of you all.
Closer to home, please don’t forget the pasta dinner and auction for Lena Araujo Vanderhoop this Friday at 5 pm at the P-A Club in Oak Bluffs. Lena recently underwent emergency open heart surgery and as a result will no longer be able to continue her work as a CNA. She has helped so many people for so many years, so let’s all pitch in and help her when she needs our assistance.
Fish Fry tonight folks at 5 pm at our P-A Club. Great food, company, and a good cause.
If you are weary of the political scene of spring, head to our library where you will find a variety of interesting programs scheduled. Computer basics class will be held on Tuesday, April 15, at 1:30 pm where you will learn about moving from Windows to Mac with Miki. Pajama Party for Kids takes place on Saturday, April 12, from 10:30 am to 12 noon. Kids can wear their PJs, have a light breakfast, and hear bedtime stories. Adult supervision is required. This is for ages 1 and up. The Cloak & Dagger Literary Society will meet on Tuesday, April 15, at 10:30 am where the special guest will be Judith Campbell who will discuss the craft of writing. Learn about Internet security and staying safe online with Miki on Thursday, April 17, at 3 pm. Curious Minds: Shamanic Journeying has been changed from April 10 to April 17 because of a conflict with Town Meeting. Holly Nadler will be leading this monthly forum starting at 6 pm and there will also be a drum demonstration.
Because of Parent Teacher conferences, students at the Oak Buffs School will be dismissed at noon on Thursday, April 10, Monday, April 14 and Wednesday April 16. Lunch will be served on these noon dismissal dates.
Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Bunch of Grapes Book Fair on Friday April 11 through Friday April 18. If you mention mention Oak Bluffs School at the register 20 percent of your children’s and young adult purchases will go toward Oak Bluffs School K – 8 and classroom libraries!
We send birthday smiles to Tevin Araujo on April 10, Michael Rebello on the 12th, my Granddaughter-in-law Sarah Neubert on the 13th, and Nicholas Ben David on the 15th.
Enjoy your week.
Peace.
