Easter is this weekend, and finally the weather is getting appropriate to the season. The warmth has brought out the spring flowers everywhere, and I keep thinking that perhaps it is time to launder the winter jackets and put them away until next fall, but I have thought that twice before and it just seem to result in another snowstorm or a spell of below-freezing weather. Many families are expecting family members to arrive this weekend, and I am looking forward to a visit from my son Dion, daughter-in-law Debra and granddaughter Paige, coming for a few days. Our weather, however, will not seem warm to them, as they have already had temperatures in the upper 70s at their home in Texas. But we will have a few days to catch up on Island news and Texas news before they return home. The family Easter egg hunt will take place as always, but we are running out of babies and toddlers in the family, so now the hunters consist of more friends than family members — but it is always a joy.
On Easter Sunday at 3 pm, the Deer Run Association in Oak Bluffs will be dedicating their meadow in the beautiful memory of Michelle Davis. Michelle was the sweet daughter of Ann Davis and George Davis, and big sister to Simone Davis. There will be a reception immediately following. If you wish more information, please contact Sandy Mott, DRPOA secretary at mott67@verizon.net.
Our Island Food Pantry at Old Stone Church in Vineyard Haven is going to remain open after their Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule ends on Friday, April 14. They will continue to provide groceries for those in need every Wednesday from 3 to 6 pm until the three-day service resumes in the fall. Please continue to contribute to the Purple Boxes located in libraries, grocery stores, and places of worship. The supplies given out each week would be very limited without donations and those contributions.
Condolences to the friends and family of Anna Duarte, who died last week. Known to many as the “American Legion Red Poppy Lady,” she was a kind and caring person. I used to see her frequently when I visited my late husband in Windemere, and Anna would fill me in on how he was doing and what activities they had recently shared. She was always thinking of the other patients even though she had many health problems herself.
Condolences to the family and friends of George Medeiros, who died this week. A hard worker, he will be missed by his family, children and grandchildren, and his many friends.
A discussion of ways to increase soil carbon content in farm fields and gardens, to improve productivity and reduce carbon dioxide greenhouse gas, will be the subjects of a program at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Hall in West Tisbury. The program is sponsored by: Dukes Soil Conservation District, Island Grown Initiative, Polly Hill Arboretum, and the Agricultural Society. It will be held on Friday, April 21, from 7 to 9 pm, and is free and open to the public.
Just a reminder to let everyone know that the schools on the Island will be closed April 17 through the 21st for spring vacation. So be aware of enthusiastic students riding bikes, running, and walking throughout the town, perhaps with fun on their minds and not quite so much thinking of safety.
All kids are invited to celebrate Earth Week, with a Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Oak Bluffs library children’s room. The hunt takes place on Tuesday, April 18, through Saturday, the 22nd, during open library hours. It may be completed indoors or out. Find all the items on the hunt to win a prize.
While you are doing your spring cleaning, take those books in good condition that you don’t know what to do with to the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs Book Drive. The drive will be held from noon to 3 pm on Saturday, April 15, and provides books for the summer sale, which in turn helps defray the costs of the very interesting programs the library holds throughout the year.
We send birthday smiles to granddaughter-in-law Sarah Rivers on April 13, Nicholas BenDavid on the 15th, Mark Baird on the 19th, and Matt Leonard on the 20th.
Hope you all enjoy a peaceful weekend, and are able to spend Easter with those you love. Peace.
