It is amazing what a difference a week makes. Now the election will be over by the time you read this column, and we will know who the members of our selectmen’s team will be. No more campaigning for a while, but on to other town business. The carpenters are hurrying to complete alterations, and even new construction, along Circuit Avenue and the outskirts of town, so that all will be ready when the streets explode with people and activities in just a few weeks.
And so the cycle goes on.
We send condolences to the family of Brianna Combra, who died Sunday in an auto accident. Brianna’s father Russell built our house some 18 years ago, and he would often bring his happy and pretty 6-year-old daughter with him that summer. Brianna adored her dad, and he her. We send her mom Tekla, her large extended family, and everyone who loved her our sympathy, love, and prayers.
The Oak Bluffs Council on Aging is a busy place this spring, what with activities and planning future events. There is a trip to Foxwood planned for the end of June. If you are interested in going along, you should call Rose at the center at 508-693-4509, ext. 3. As a list has already been started, it would be a good idea to call as soon as possible so you will not be disappointed. The Friends of the OBCOA also have some exciting plans for this summer. They are planning a flea market and fair on Saturday, July 11, from 9 am to 2 pm. Tables will cost $25, but if you register early, you will get a $5 discount. Contact Lou Gagnon, president of the Friends of the OBCOA, at 508-693-5507 to reserve a table at the discounted rate. Finally, the new landscaping around the center should be commencing in early June.
Hungry anyone? Head for the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs today between 5 and 7 pm for another great fish fry. Not just fish, you know, but delicious sides, including mac and cheese, French fries, salad, coleslaw, rolls, and various desserts.
The Library Friends of Oak Bluffs are once again accepting donations of books in good to excellent condition for the July book sale. You may bring donations to the library on Saturday, April 25, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. They will accept books for adults, teens, and children, including paperbacks and softcovers, DVDs, audio books and CDs. They request no Bibles, Readers Digest books, or videotapes. Any reference material should have been published in the past three years. The July sale is for the benefit of the Oak Bluffs Public Library.
John and Sarah Lolley enjoyed a weeklong visit with daughter Kate and her husband Brad Hawkins. Before their Vineyard visit, Kate and Brad participated in the Global Health Conference in Boston. They have returned to their jobs in Suriname, South America, where they are both employed in the public health field.
We send birthday smiles to Mark Baird on April 19, Mathew Leonard who turns 17 on the 20th, Shelby Ponte and Cee J Jones on April 22, Gloria Steere the next day, and Peter Martell and James Moreis Jr. on the 24th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.