I seem to be spending a great deal of time at my kitchen sink lately and it is not because I am in love with washing dishes. It is because in front of the sink window, is my new “squirrel-proof” bird feeder which is actually working: most of the time the squirrels find it too frustrating to figure out. But working well it is, bringing in all species of birds, and even the many cardinals, usually ground feeders, are able to perch happily and feast away. Watching them all sweep in like a rainbow of colors and activity and chirp away, as if relating the latest news in the neighborhood, is peaceful way to begin the day.
People have come up with some wonderful ideas for revitalizing downtown Oak Bluffs, but there was one suggestion that I would discourage. That is the idea of laying cobblestones in some areas. As someone who uses a cane, I can testify how difficult it is to walk along the streets and sidewalks, and the brick areas are especially challenging. Many of our daytrip visitors use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, and trying to wend their way along a cobblestone surface might prove too challenging.
Both good entertainment and support for the MV Center for Living, the Island Theater Workshop will present a benefit performance of Peter Pan on Friday, August 15, at 7:30 pm at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center. Directed by Kevin Ryan, the play will benefit several Center for Living programs and services for Island seniors, The Supportive Day Program (a social day care program for elders), The Medical Taxi Program, the Emergency Food Program, and the Support Group for families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related dementia issues. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $12 for children. Call 508-939-9440 for tickets and information.
The Oak Bluffs Senior Center is hosting an open house on Wednesday, August 13, from 3 to 6 pm, when they are opening the doors for everyone who is 50 or older. There will be great food and beverages, music of the 50s and 60s to take us down Memory Lane, and Door Prizes from Oak Bluffs merchants drawn every 15 minutes. The afternoon is being sponsored by the Friends of the OBCOA.
A movie on the life of Maya Angelou will be shown at the Senior Center on August 14, starting at 1:30 pm. All are welcome.
You still have two more chances to enjoy the Sunday evening band concerts in Ocean Park. So mark the following dates: August 10, August 24. The concert will be in the Tabernacle for Illumination night and on August 24 it’s back to the Park. All concerts start at 8 pm.
Condolences to the family of Jane Maseda who died last week. Jane, who was a cousin of my husband, and her husband, Tony, were part of a small group that used to gather weekly to play cribbage, back in the early 50s. There were six of us in the group, which also included Jane’s brother Charlie Combra and his wife, Barbara. How much fun we did have on those nights. She was the mother of Antoinette and James Maseda and the grandmother of four. Jane worked many years at the Oak Bluffs Library and will be missed by her many friends as well as family. We are so very sorry.
The Friday Conversation program at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center tomorrow, August 8, features speakers Tom Dresser, Herb Foster, and Jay Schofield who will be speaking about their new book “Martha’s Vineyard in World War II,” which is in a second printing. The program runs from 10 to 11:30 am. The book is filled with interviews of people who were teenagers during the war, accounts of military activities and descriptions of the war effort, including submarine activity offshore. All are welcome. There is no charge and there will be an opportunity for comments and questions. Their book will be available for sale for $20.
On August 12, Tuesdays at Twilight at the West Tisbury Grange Hall will present Spotlight on Youth, a concert showcasing the Vineyard’s best new talent. The concert is sponsored by the West Tisbury Library Foundation.
Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association proudly presents the 19th Annual Gingerbread Cottage Tour on Wednesday, August 13. This is one of the most anticipated events of the summer season. The tour runs from 10 am to 3 pm with the last ticket being sold at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 and proceeds benefit the Tabernacle Restoration Fund. The tour includes visits to the interior of six gingerbread cottages, admission to the Cottage Museum, and delicious refreshments. Tickets are available in advance at mvcma.org or the day of the tour at the Tabernacle.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is holding its annual meeting, which will be highlighted by the 2014 Martha’s Vineyard Medal award ceremony, on Monday, August 11, at 5 pm at the Federated Church in Edgartown. This year’s recipients include Renee Balter who will be introduced by Skip Finley, Dorothy Bangs (posthumously) presented by Denys Wortman, and Richard Paradise introduced by Jennifer Smith Turner. Since 1923 the Martha’s Vineyard Museum has been the “safety deposit box” for the images, stories, objects, and voices of Martha’s Vineyard. The museum introduced the Martha’s Vineyard Medal in 2009, which is awarded annually to leaders in the community in recognition of their outstanding commitment to preserving the history, arts, and culture of Martha’s Vineyard.
Remember Hula Hoops? I do, though I don’t recall ever being too successful at it. Well our library is holding a Hoop Fest on Wednesday, August 13, at 11 am. Activities include a Hula Hoop party and games outside, weather permitting. It will be canceled if raining. All ages can attend. Then get ready for Illumination night when the Library holds two Illumination craft sessions on Tuesday, August 19, at 10:30 am. Decorate a lantern for Illumination Night. Space is limited to 50, so pre-registration is required. This session is for ages 3 to 8 years. At 4 pm the Illumination Craft for teens will start. Again, space is limited to 15 so pre-registration required. Ages 9 and up are invited to participate.
Make plans now for a trip to Foxwoods Casino on August 26 sponsored by the Oak Bluffs Council On Aging. To sign up and for additional information, call Rose at 508-693-4509, ext. 3.
We send birthday smiles Ben deBettencourt on the 7th, Ken Debettencourt and Bob Gatchell on the 8th, John rose on the 9th,, followed by Danielle Sedlier and Sarah Trudel on the 10th, Deb Hammett and my daughter Kati Alley on the 11th, Terry McCarthy and Richard Mello III on the 12th and Nelson Oliver and Shaun dePriest on the 13th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.
