I still remember the absolute horror of that day in 1970 when four Kent State students were shot by members of the Ohio National Guard. It seemed absolutely unbelievable that this would happen in our “safe” United States. But since that time, the horror and the carnage has continued with shootings in schools of innocent victims ranging in age from children as young as 5 to their adult teachers who tried their best to protect them. Each tragedy brought forth a wave of outrage against the availability of assault rifles and then like an ebb tide, it was quickly gone with no solution. But, hopefully, this time as protest arises from children and adults to the ownership of weapons that seem to be designed to be used only in war time, perhaps, please, sensible legislation will prevail.
So very sad to hear of the death of Jon Harris. I first met Jon when he became an assistant in the Oak Bluffs School office when I was working there. He was so knowledgeable, patient and kind. Then he went on to teaching at the school and parents and students remember him as a wonderful and compassionate teacher. What a loss to those who knew him and those who will never have the opportunity of his friendship. Condolences to his family and many friends.
Congratulations to all who were involved in the recent MVRHS production of “West Side Story.” I was fortunate to attend Sunday’s performance and was awed by the talent of the students and all of those who supported them from directors, choreographers, lighting and sound techs to the orchestra members.The singers, dancers, and actors all excelled and the tributes paid by the cast, at the last curtain call, to their instructors showed the great rapport and love between all.
Just a few short weeks ago, Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School senior basketball player Molly deBettencourt reached and then surpassed the 1,000 point mark of her basketball career. Now, Molly recently committed to play at Emmanuel College in Boston, an NCAA Division 3 school. Many of us remember when her father Mike deBettencourt was an outstanding player at MVRHS also.
Congratulations Molly. We will be watching as you continue your basketball career.
Tonight, Feb. 22, at our Oak Bluffs library there will be a repeat of the January program, “The Inheritance of Trauma and Memory 101.” This is a workshop with Merissa Nathan Gerson, a consultant to Amazon’s hit show “Transparent,” exploring how trauma is passed from one generation to the next. The program runs from 6 to 7 pm.
Observance of Black History Month continues at the library with the movie screening of “A Zest for Life-Afro Peruvian Rhythms” on Feb. 24 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. This is an hour documentary, with Lalo Izquierdo, master dancer, percussionist, choreographer and folklorist of his Afro-Peruvian community. He will lead us on a journey of discovery of a little-known community with strong parallels to African Americans. The screening will be followed by a discussion session.
Ages 10 and up will enjoy a Wii afternoon on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 1 to 2 pm and on “Drop in Wednesday,” Feb. 28, Crafternoon for Kids takes place from 11 am to 4 pm.
Each day of the February school vacation, Feb. 26 through March 2, the Island Grown Initiative will be serving a soup and bread lunch at the Island libraries from 11:45 am until 12:45 pm. Wednesday, Feb. 28, and Friday, March 2, the lunches will be held at our Oak Bluffs library. Meals include bread, soup, beverage, and dessert. All are welcome.
Reminder to all that this Saturday is the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs book collection day from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, when they accept all donations of gently used books for their summer used book sale.
Island schools winter break starts Monday, Feb. 26, with students returning to school on Monday, March 4.
We send birthday smiles to Melanie Marchand, Kristen MacLean and Paul Buckley Jr. on Feb. 23, Ben Peters, Wendy Macy and Linda rice on Feb. 25, the 25, and Earl Peters on Feb. 27.
Enjoy your week. Peace
