The holidays have passed and so has 2014, but we have many days ahead of us in this year of 2015. Like turning the calendar to a new page, this year is new, and what we write on its pages for better or worse will be written for the first time. The weather is already changing from mild to cold, and as I am writing this on Monday I am watching the temperature sink lower and lower. But thanks to my grandchildren, the inside and outside wood boxes are full, and I don’t know who is enjoying the warmth from the wood stove more, my yellow Lab Molly or myself. She is perfectly happy staying close to my side and just has me convinced that we are both growing older and more content with peace and quiet when in the blink of an eye, she will search for a ball, drop it in front of me, do a little dance and then persuade me to go outside for a bit of exercise.
Heads up for a special event: Dine to donate to the Friends of Oak Bluffs on Thursday, Jan. 22 at Offshore Ale. During lunch from 11:30 am to 3 pm, 20 percent of your food bill will go to the Friends. Order off the Pub menu from 3 pm to 5 pm, and 30 percent of your food bill will go to the Friends. During dinner from 5 pm to 8:30 pm, 20 percent of your food bill will be donated. Offshore will take reservation requests on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not necessary but are recommended. They cannot guarantee all seating requests, however, as all space will also be made available to walk-in guests. An extra attraction will be a silent auction with several items that you may bid on anytime during the day. You will also need a free ticket to present to the waitstaff at the time of payment, so if you plan to attend, you may either email Duncan Ross at dross157@verizon.net or call him at 508-693-0541 for your ticket or for more info.
Please spread the word that the Federated Church will resume serving free lasagna dinners from 12:30 pm to 2 pm every Sunday starting Jan. 11 thru the final Sunday in March. Everyone is welcome, Island-wide. For questions, or in the case of inclement weather, please email antispung@aol.com.
You need look no further than our Oak Bluffs library to learn and participate in interesting programs throughout the winter. On Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6 pm “In Our Own Voice” will feature presenters with video who will tell their story of mental illness. Presentation structure will be by the National Alliance for Mental Illness. A question and answer period will follow. The library’s mental health collection will also be introduced, and refreshments will be served. Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10 am to 11:30 am, the Dads and Donuts program will be held. Donuts, stories, and songs, and donut decorating and crafts will be featured. This event is for all ages.
The Oak Bluffs Senior Center was very busy this past holiday season, and now everyone is looking forward to the new programs coming up. The Men’s and Ladies’ Luncheons are ongoing on the first Wednesday of each month. If you are interested, please give Rose a call at the center to sign up. Starting in February, there will be a bridge program every Tuesday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. A program on pets as animal companions will start on Mondays at 1 pm with Karen Ogden.
Alicia Oliveira has returned to her studies at Providence College after spending a brief time with her parents Margaret and David. Alicia will be one of 15 students going to Nicaragua this month to assist in building a school and helping teach grade-school children. She is a political science major and is also a member of the Army ROTC. Upon graduation she will be a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
I want to say thank you to Whit Griswold, who has been my go-to person at The Times these many years. Whit has now retired from his position and is looking forward to free time to pursue writing and other adventures. Thanks, Whit, for your guidance and gentle instruction over the years.
We send birthday smiles to Jerry Baric on the 9th, Brenda Leonard the next day, Richard Combra Jr. and grandson Sam Alley on the 11th, Jack deBettencourt and Richard Mavro on the 12th, and huge smiles to Gert Knowlton, who will be 103 on Jan. 13.
Enjoy your week and peace.
