Temperatures reading minus 7° and 12° seem to be a mistake; that is, until you stick your head out the door. Then you are sideswiped by air so cold that your breath seems to actually crack. Damaged or broken shrubs and tree branches are seen everywhere, as they are helpless under the weight of the snow and cold. Events have been canceled, and we are cautioned that the cold temperatures along with the wind-chill factor are extremely dangerous. So when we venture out, we bundle up in so much clothing that we are unrecognizable, and I myself move precariously along, trying not to slip on hidden ice patches by doing the famous penguin waddle. So far I have been successful in moving along on my feet, not my back.

Check out the great new Town of Oak Bluffs website. There is so much information there, from meetings to updates on town projects, and it’s very easy to access. And for your convenience, you may also pay your tax bills online at this website.

Sincere sympathy to the family of Michael Medeiros, who died last week after battling illness during much of his life. I knew Michael from his school days at the Oak Bluffs School, and he was always a quiet, friendly person, greeting me with a soft word whenever we happened to meet.

Condolences to the family of Phillip Fullin, who died last week. Phillip was an Island boy who was married to Joanne Peters Fullin, and leaves behind his widow, his daughter, and his granddaughter. Sympathy also to the friends and family of Shirley Krikorian and Ruthann Ponte, who also passed last week.

When the Oak Bluffs School seventh grade was on their annual ski trip, the principal, Dr. Megan Farrell, was approached by one of the ski instructors, who asked her If she know who was in charge of this young group of skiers. She proceeded to tell Dr. Farrell how impressed she was with this group of students, as they were the best-behaved, most respectful, and the most helpful and kind group that she had encountered in a long time. As Dr. Farrell said, “That was a Proud to Be from O.B. moment.”

My grandson Jeremy Alley-Tarter, who set track records at MVRHS, has been named as the Assumption College Athlete of the week for his performances in the week ending Feb. 8, after setting his second school record of the season at the Dartmouth Classic. In the 500 meter he finished third overall in a time of 1:06.54, to topple the previous mark by a margin of 0.80 seconds; his time was in the fourth fastest in the Northeast 10 this season. The previous week, Jeremy broke the 800 meter record at the University of Southern Maine Invitational as he finished in a time of 1:57.07.

Did you know that National Fossil Day at the Oak Bluffs library is in the voting list of Best Off-Season Events in the larger category of Best Events/Entertainment in Martha’s Vineyard Magazine’s Best of the Vineyard survey? Now is the time to vote for Best of the Vineyard, and it would be appreciated very much if you would vote for this event. For more info, go to bestofthevineyard.com.

In spite of the blizzard conditions last Friday, the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative held its sixth annual Job Shadow Day and reception. Over a dozen MVRHS students shadowed various professionals and gained insight into prospective future careers. A small group of students and their mentors attended a reception at the Harbor View Hotel to speak about their experiences and receive a certificate.

It may be cold outside, but there are so many events happening inside our library that you will be warmed and entertained. Play Wii U on the library’s new console on Friday, Feb. 19, from 3 to 4:30 pm. This is for ages 8-plus. On Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 am to noon, at a DIY event you can make suet bird feeders to hang in a tree; children of all ages are invited to participate. Marshmallow sculpting sounds like a delicious event, but this time children of all ages will build a 3D creation with marshmallows and toothpicks, not create a tasty dish. This event takes place on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 1 to 3 pm. Ages 9-plus are invited to eat a pizza and watch an anime movie on Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

We send birthday smiles to Brenda Lehman and Linda Scott on the 21st, Kaitlin Marchand, and Rita Jeffers on the 22nd, and Melanie Marchand, Kristen MacLean, and Paul Buckley on the 25th.

Happy anniversary wishes to Lorraine and Richard Mavro on Feb. 19.

Enjoy your week. Peace.