Oak Bluffs: Ides of March

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Today, March 15, is the Ides of March. Beware the Ides of March, ’twas said, and 38 years ago today occurred an event on the Island which brought truth to that quote.

We are spending our time these days watching the weather with increasing disbelief. But perhaps we are better prepared for this third nor’easter of the month than the first one. The more enjoyable parts of March are the birds that continue to flock to the feeder in increasing number and variety. Carolina wrens, finches, woodpeckers from downy to flickers, and many others enjoy their free meals. They enjoyed the suet feeder also in this cold weather, until the crafty squirrels managed to open the suet cage and abscond with the entire block of suet treat. On the brighter side are the green shoots pushing bravely through the ground and the bright purple crocus that bring color to this depressing month.

Thirty-eight years ago, the ferry Islander hit a rock after leaving the Vineyard, tearing a hole in the hull. The quick-thinking Captain immediately returned to the Oak Bluffs dock, and passengers and vehicles were speedily evacuated from the vessel. The boat was saved from sinking by the quick response of Oak Bluffs firemen and others from all over the Island, who constantly pumped out the water from the boat until a temporary patch could be completed. It doesn’t seem possible that 38 years have passed since then.

Allan “Buddy” deBettencourt has served the town well as a park commissioner for 55 years, but he has announced that he will not run for re-election this year. Let’s all send him a thank-you for so many years devoted to that position. We appreciate your work and accomplishments during this long tenure.

Speedy recovery wishes are sent to two of our most devoted and hard-working citizens. We hope to see Mark Crossland and Brian Packish back on the healthy list soon, and let them know we are all wishing them well.

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Track and Field 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day-Ish 5K walk/run takes place on Sunday, March 25, beginning at 10:30 am sharp. The $25 preregistration will be held on Saturday, March 24, at the Ocean View Restaurant from 7 to 9 pm, or online at active.com. The day-of-race registration is $30, and will be from 8:30 to 10 am. So put on your walking/running shoes and come out and support our high school track and field teams.

Calling all builders to come to our Oak Bluffs library after school to participate in the Lego Club. The club meets Fridays from 3 to 4:45 pm. You can follow the prompt or use your imagination.

And of course there has to be a St. Paddy’s Day Craft at this time of year. This Saturday, March 17, from 10 to 11:30, drop in and make a lucky shamrock leprechaun.

Take care of your stuffies. Bring one to the library for the Stuffed Animal Clinic for a checkup and fun on Saturday, March 24, from 10 to 11:30 am.

The last two free lasagna luncheons at the Federated Church are on Sundays, March 18 and 25.The lunches are served from 12:30 to 2pm in the Parish House, and consist of a salad, lasagna, garlic bread, beverage, and dessert. Come have a good meal, meet old friends and new ones. For more info, call 508-627-4421.

 

 

On Wednesday, March 21 at 7 pm, come and enjoy the monthly Drama Solon at the M.V. Playhouse, featuring playwright, actress and humor writer, Jenny Allen with casual dramatic readings, interesting guests, stimulating conversation and great brownies-all in the Marilyn Meyerhoff Lobby. There is a $ 10 cash only admission fee which includes refreshments.

Don’t miss the “Wicked Good Musical Revue’, a showcase of Broadway tunes and well loved standards. The show will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 at 7 pm. For more info or to purchase tickets, call the Playhouse at 508 696-6300 or log on too www.vineyardplayhouse.org.

We send birthday smiles to Jib Ellis and Bill Stafursky on March 15, Edith Roussau, Kelsey DeBettencourt, Joe Moujabber, and Jaime Leon Erica Ponte on March 18, Bo Fehl on the 19th, Erica Ponte, Cherrie Nunes, and John Goldthwait on the 21st, and Ross Peters on the 22nd.

Enjoy your week. Peace.