Oak Bluffs: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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“The time is always right to do what is right.” So spoke Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., well over 60-plus years ago. This Baptist minister was the most well-known leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 through 1968. This gentle but courageous man preached and acted nonviolently based on his Christian beliefs and inspired by the activism of Mahatma Gandhi. Fifty years ago yesterday, his life was ended by an assassin. Much progress has been made in equal rights for all during these past 50 years, but there is also much still to be done. We must all act courageously but in his gentle manner to reach this goal.

Does working at a library a few hours a week sound like a dream job to you? If so, you might be interested to know that our Oak Bluffs library is now accepting applications for part-time library aides for 3 to 19 hours per week. These hours may include some evenings and weekends. You will be using computer software to locate and circulate materials to patrons, organizing physical items, and giving assistance to those wishing to use the public computers. You may apply online by visiting the Town of Oak Bluffs employment page. The library is also seeking an innovative programing coordinator for a full-time benefited position. Check out the library website for more details and to apply online.

That Easter bunny is still hanging around, and he has hidden some eggs at our library. There will be an egg hunt Saturday, April 7, at 10 am sharp. Bring your basket and meet on the parking lot side of the library. As the hunt is quick, make sure you arrive there before 10 am, or the bunny might hop off with the eggs before you get there.

The next Meditations of Peace event will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Chapel on Saturday, April 7, at 4 pm. All are invited to this event, sponsored by the interfaith community of Martha’s Vineyard, which includes local artists, musicians, and clergy. Please call 508-696-1839 if you have any questions.

Oak Bluffs School STEAM Night will take place tomorrow, Friday, April 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Come and learn about our school’s STEAM initiative that is happening in grades K through 8. You will be able to participate in STEAM activities and games at each grade level, and view student displays of projects and writing. Parents, children, and community members are encouraged to attend this family-oriented night.

Starting tonight, April 5, and running through April 13, is the Bunch of Grapes Book Fair. Twenty percent of all book sales during this fair will be donated to Island school libraries. The kickoff party is tonight from 5 to 7 pm, when you can enjoy games, a scavenger hunt, snacks, prizes, and more.

The Vineyard Conservation Society’s 26th annual beach cleanup day is April 21 from 10 am to noon. Areas and beaches in Oak Bluffs that need cleaning include Eastville Beach, Jetty Beach, State Beach, the Little and Big Bridge, Town Beach and areas between the SSA and the Pay Beach and Inkwell Beach. Volunteers will supply rubbish bags and gloves, or you may bring your own. After the cleanup, participants are invited to go to the Oak Bluffs Sailing Camp Park and enjoy refreshments, raffles, and conversation.

Remember our annual town meeting on Tuesday, April 10, at 7 pm, and the election on Thursday, April 12. There are many important issues for both nights that will affect Oak Bluffs town government and your taxes, so please take the time to help make these important decisions. You may view the town meeting warrant online at the Oak Bluffs town website.

We send birthday smiles to Sandy Ferreira on April 6, David Tchorz and David Hill on the 7th, Ben Hall III on the 8th, Donald Combra and Richard Giordano on April 9, Tevin Araujo on the 10th, and Michael Rebello on April 12.

Enjoy your week. Peace.