A good friend of mine once told me that the only thing you can be certain of in this life is change, and how true that is. It seems as if as soon as I get accustomed to something, the rules change and it is start-over time again. Stores have been switching places in downtown Oak Bluffs, the Wesley Hotel’s name has been changed to Summercamp, the bulkhead and remaining beach down at the North Bluff will be entirely different, and of course we are all waiting to see what changes the November primary elections will bring. I guess we have to be flexible and prepared for whatever happens.
In honor of Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21, the Oak Bluffs library hosts an afternoon event to recognize veterans and celebrate their service to our country. This is an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the value of our veterans. This year the library invited three local authors to discuss their book, “Martha’s Vineyard in World War II.” Tom Dresser, Herb Foster, and Jay Schofield will talk about the role the Vineyard played during the war, including construction of the airport, practice bombing runs off South Beach, and the use of ferryboats in the D-Day invasion. The Armed Forces Day event runs from 1 to 3 pm at the library. It is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Veterans are encouraged to enjoy the camaraderie.
Welcome to the latest store soon to be opened on Circuit Avenue. Peter Martell and his wife Natasha are opening a new children’s clothing store near the end of Circuit Avenue, named after their twin children Vera and Alex. The store will offer clothing for infants and children through age 10. Spring hours will be 9 am to 6 pm, and you will find many selections.
We all know what spring brings along with May flowers: Lobster rolls. The Grace Church Lobster Roll sales start this Friday, May 20, from 4 to 7:30 pm. For $22 you will get a lobster roll overflowing with lobster meat, chips, and a beverage. If you prefer a hot dog, that will be $4, and for $5 you may get a slice of pie. For info and advance orders, call 508-693-0332. The lobster roll committee members are distressed that they have had to raise the price of their rolls, but the cost of lobster meat has risen quite a bit, so they have no other choice.
On May 26 the library will be hosting a talk on “Ayurvedic Cooking Essentials” with Erika Davies of Five Sense Therapies. The talk will run from 6 to 7 pm. On May 28 the library will host an exciting joint author talk with Lee Johnson, whose first book “Nitro Mountain” comes out this month, and his mentor David Gates, who has released several acclaimed novels and short story collections. David has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for fiction and a National Book Critics Circle Award.
And once again there will be an animal sleepover at the library. Children will drop off a stuffed animal at the Children’s Room on Friday, May 27, at 3:30 pm and pick up their stuffed animal friend on Saturday, May 28, between 10 and 11:30 am. The animal enjoys an overnight, and when you come to pick him up you can enjoy a simple breakfast and hear an account of your animal’s antics.
The Oak Bluffs Quilters have been meeting at Glenna Barkan’s house all fall, winter, and spring. Now that summer is coming, all of the “snowbird” quilters will be back, and they will need more space. Starting the first Monday in June, the group will be back at the Good Shepherd Parish building at the corner of Pacific Avenue and School Street. Anyone who would like to join them is most welcome. They meet Monday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm. They have made a dozen baby and childrens’ quilts for the Red Stocking Fund, and are now quilting on a large raffle quilt. They would love to have you join them. It has been very generous of Glenna to keep this group going, and offering her house for their projects, which are then donated. Thank you, Glenna.
Springtime brings teatime, and the annual Baptist Church Musical Tea will take place this Saturday, May 21, from 1 to 3 pm. Music by Martha Child, Philip Dietterich, Dorian Lopes, and Mary-Jean Miner. There will be a hat contest with prizes, and tea, sandwiches, and cake will be served throughout the program. Come and enjoy the whole musical afternoon, or stop by and browse the black-and-white elephant sale tables. Tea tickets are $10 for adults, and children under 12 are $5. For more info, call 508-693-1539.
We send birthday smiles to Bob Kinnecom, Keith Crossland, and Jaime and John Pachico on May 20, Annette Moreis and Viviane Destefani on the 21st, Doreen Anderson on the 22nd, my good neighbor Kay Manning on the 24th, Jack Garrett on May 25, and James Tripp and Connie DeFelice on the 26th. Enjoy your week. Peace.