We are looking prettier as the days go by. Thanks to all the town workers who take such good care of the town properties, and also Crossland Landscape for the vistas of shrubs and flowers that greet us everywhere in town. But I want to give a shout-out to some private citizens also, for their hard work in beautifying our roadsides. Brian Packish has done a great job with plants and also erected a new “Give and take” lending-library book box in that area on Dukes’ County Avenue. And David Morris has certainly gone above and beyond just installing a fence to obscure his firewood business along County Road. Not only did he install an attractive fence, but he planted shrubs, roses, and other plants against it.
Let me know of anyone else you would like to acknowledge for their commitment to making our town even more attractive.
Many good things are happening at Featherstone! They have made many innovations and improvements, and as more are in the works, their fundraisers are crucial. Featherstone’s third annual House Tour will take place on June 14, with a rain date of the 15th. There will be five fabulous houses open for tours in Farm Neck from 12 noon to 4 pm. Tea will be served after 3 pm. For reservations and information, please call Featherstone at 508-683-1850.
Clean out your garage, attic, and sheds, and dig out your old electronics. Here is a chance to dispose of them and benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. The annual electronics disposal day, sponsored by Bruno’s Rolloff, will take place this Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm at the MVCS campus. Costs range from $2 to $30 per item, with a 10 percent discount for full car loads. For more information, contact Jessica Rogers at 508-693-7900, ext. 267.
The Martha’s Vineyard Partnership for Health is taking registrations for their free series, the “My Life My Health” chronic-condition self-management program, and announcing the dates the series will be held. For six Thursdays starting May 25, from 3 to 5:30 pm, the class will be held in Oak Bluffs; location will be provided when you preregister. For more info or to preregister, please call Kathleen at 508-627-5797, ext. 114.
The writing group will continue to meet weekly every Tuesday at the Up-Island Council on Aging Howes House in West Tisbury. The group meets from 11 am to 1 pm. Bring a bag lunch or snacks to share. Former members are welcomed back, along with new members.
Tickets are now available for the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society’s Memorial Day Concert, the first concert of the 2017 season. Guest artists Jonathan Davis and Patricia Cloud will join Delores Stevens at the Old Whaling Church on Sunday, May 28, at 4 pm, to present selections by Bach, Edwards, Saint-Saëns, Poulenc, and more. You can purchase your ticket online now at mvcms.org.
Alicia Oliveira, daughter of Margaret and David Oliveira of Oak Bluffs, was recently promoted to 1st Lieutenant, and has just completed the Army Air Assault course. 1st Lt. Oliveira is stationed with 25 Infantry Division Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii.
The MVCS Family Center will collaborate with our local libraries each month. This month they will be visiting the Aquinnah library on Saturday, May 20, from 10 to 11:30 am.
Tom Dresser will be speaking at the Oak Bluffs library this Saturday, May 20, at 2pm, about his new book, “Hidden History of Martha’s Vineyard.” It focuses on five main topics, including unusual Vineyard names, the backstory of prominent Vineyard buildings, the Underground Railroad, shipwrecks off the Vineyard shores, and Vineyard graveyards. There will be a PowerPoint program of slides, refreshments, and Tom will be glad to answer any questions.
The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club will host its annual Memorial Day weekend plant sale at the Old Mill, across from Mill Pond in West Tisbury. The plant selection is wide and interesting, and includes vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The general public is invited to the sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28, from 9 am to 2 pm.
Stanzalone Books is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural publication, “The Roses on the Wall Paper,” by Oak Bluffs author Kate Hancock and Oak Bluffs artist Lane Gregory. The launch will take place at Featherstone Center for the Arts on Sunday, May 21, from 4 to 6 pm. The author and the illustrator will be present to sign books, and refreshments will be served. Children are very welcome.
Our Oak Bluffs library is continuing with the Lego Club for kids 6-plus on May 19, from 3 to 4:30 pm, Coffee Time on May 24, where you can come and read today’s paper, drink some complimentary coffee courtesy of Tony’s Market, have some pastry, and chat from 10 to 10:30 am. And the same day, join the free computer class from 10:30 to 11:30 am and enjoy coffee and refreshments, again courtesy of Tony’s Market.
Starting Tuesday, May 23, and continuing on May 24, 25, and 26, head to the Oak Bluffs School for the annual Book Fair.
The annual plant sale at the school will be held on Friday, May 26.
We send birthday smiles for the month of May to Woodside Village residents Brenda Macdonald, Lorraine Huffman, Warren Conklin, Barbara Ward, Norman Gardner, and Leonora Devaney. Smiles to Keith Crossland and Jaime and John Pacheco on May 20, Annette Moreis and Vivian Destefani on the 21st, Doreen Andersons on May 22, Kay Manning on the 24th, and Jack Garrett on the 25th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.