Well, now we know who the winners are in all those elections. It seems as if the campaigning went on forever — at least the phone calls did. I was bombarded with phone calls from all over the country either extolling the virtues of one candidate or the vices of another. Then at least three times a day I would receive a phone call from someone who said: I have a very brief survey. It turned out briefer than they expected as I quickly hung up. I attempted to just let the answering machine pick up, but once in a while I would succumb to the habit of answering my phone and as soon as I realized it was just more campaigning, I would terminate the call. Time is too precious to be wasted in this manner.
The town of Oak Bluffs is starting to create this year’s Block Grant application and is asking seniors to come up with strategies that can be useful to those creating this year’s grant. The Block Grant would be very lucrative if awarded to our town and they want to know what you think about your neighborhoods, the services provided for people in our town who are our age, your Senior Center and the activities it provides, your accessibility to our downtown, social opportunities available to you in Oak Bluffs, or whatever else is on your mind. Please read the draft report on the town web page and contribute your thoughts and comments to make it a stronger document that reflects all the voices of our community. You may pass on your ideas on line to ewellhopkins@icloud.com
The dentist is coming back to the Oak Bluffs School. Vineyard Smiles will be there on November 7, 20, and 21. You can register online at emailmeform.com/builder/form/f6w3e4477CPphor see your school nurse for a form. When you register, your child will receive a full dental exam, including an oral health screening, cleaning and fluoride treatment, oral hygiene instruction, and as needed they will receive x-rays, sealants and fillings.You need to re-register your child every school year. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Vineyard Smiles at 508-696-0020, ext. 14. The school annual book fair continues on November 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12. Give the school a call for more info. School will be closed on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11.
Our Library will show a Throwback Thursday movie classic on Thursday, November 13, at 6 pm. The film is Miracle on 34th Street. There will also be a bonus feature at 5:30 pm of Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Popcorn will be served.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has an opening reception for its Nancy Luce exhibit on Friday, November 7, from 5 to 7 pm.
Hilde and Bert Combra will have been married for 50 years on November 21, but they have already done some celebrating of this milestone event. Two weeks ago they participated in the Bishop’s annual Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River which honors couples who are celebrating significant wedding anniversaries. The new Bishop of the Fall River Diocese, Edgar M. daCunha, formerly of Brazil, was the celebrant and 119 couples who were present also renewed their wedding vows. After the Mass the Combras had the priviledge of meeting and speaking with the Bishop and were most impressed by his friendliness and hospitality. After the services, the Combras were joined by their friends Father Gomes and Fr. Ozug, both of whom previously were assigned to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. The group traveled to Westport where they continued their celebration by dining at White’s Restaurant.
Our Council on Aging wants everyone to know that their program “Matter of Balance” was a great success. They hope to repeat the program in April of 2015, so if you are interested please call Rose at 508-693-4509. For those who are housebound or eating alone plans for Thanksgiving dinner fare are underway at the center. So if you wish a meal delivered to your home on Thanksgiving, just give Rose a call at the center as soon as you can. Rose also wishes to thank the Oak Bluffs community for their support and dedication to the Senior Center.
Melanie and Michael Marchand spent a few days down in Florida for a brief vacation in the warm sun. While there, they met their nephew and niece, Kat and Michael deBettencourt, ,and all four enjoyed spending some time together.
We send birthday smiles to Wendy Rose on the 7th, Mark Landers November 8, Todd deBettencourt and Trulayna Rose share the 10th, Amanda Gonsalves on the 11th, and Katie Davey on the 13th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.