Oak Bluffs: Sounds of spring

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Morning brings a glow these warmer days, and when I awaken there is a golden light shining through the windows. At last the long-awaited sunshine reflects all around the yard and enhances the forsythia, which bring a pleasant view among the still leafless trees. The slowly emerging spring bulbs bring color here and there, and the return of the yellow goldfinches and flirtatious sounds coming from the feeder signal spring is here at last.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac engagement calendar contains daily words of wisdom or beautiful quotes. The April 30 page has a quote from American poet Alfred Kreymborg: “The sky is that beautiful old parchment in which the sun and the moon keep their diary.” How perfectly true.

We send our support and sympathy to all of law enforcement as we reflect on the tragic death of one of their own who lost his life in the performance of his duty. How we do take for granted the safety we enjoy because of their commitment. We are so very grateful.

The only unpleasant noise in the neighborhood is created by the cars that are racing down the street, driving right through the four-way stops as if the signs are flags signaling the start of the race at the Indianapolis 500. As this neighborhood is inhabited by many families with small children, walking, running, riding bikes, and playing, please make the decision to slow down and stop at the stop signs to avoid a tragedy.

There is a change of location for the May meeting of the Neighborhood Convention. It will be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Vineyard Haven on Tuesday, May 1, at 11 am. The program, ”Island Theater Workshop: Community Theater at 50 Years,” will be led by artistic director Kevin Ryan. There is handicap access available. Please bring your bag lunch and beverage; dessert will be provided. All are welcome to these monthly meetings.

Rosewater and the Harbor View Hotel are once again sponsoring the Mom of the Year essay contest. Write a one-page essay on “My mom is the best mom because …” The contest is open to all Martha’s Vineyard students in grades 1 through 8, and prizes will be awarded in three categories: grades 1 through 3, 4 through 6, and 7 and 8. Winning essays will be read at the Harbor View’s Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13. So get writing, kids, as the deadline is Monday, May 7, and really great prizes await the winners. Email your entry to juliamv@rosewater.com or drop it off at Rosewater.

Alex’s Place at the Y will be holding a Middle School Hangout tomorrow night, April 27. From 7 to 9 pm, sixth, seventh and eighth graders may enjoy free food and drink, play video games or pool, and dance for a $5 charge.

Our Oak Bluffs library will host the Martha’s Vineyard Commission Forum with Senator Cyr tomorrow, April 27, from 2 to 4 pm. For more info, contact Christine Flynn at the MVC at 508-693-3453, ext. 113.

More upcoming events at the library include: A drop-in for Lego Club for all ages who love Legos on May 4 from 3 to 4:30, Coffee Corner on May 9 from 10 to 11 am, and an offsite event, Game Night at the Barn, Bowl and Bistro on May 7, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

The Friends of the Library Book Drive is on May 5 from noon to 3 pm. Bring your gently used books to donate to this drive, which funds many of the library events we all enjoy.

A reminder that East Chop Drive Is closed for safety reasons in both directions from Munroe Avenue to Brewster Avenue until further notice. And fourth-quarter taxes are due on Tuesday, May 1.

We send birthday smiles to granddaughter Paige Alley on April 27, Janet Morris, Tabatha Clark and granddaughter-law Melanie Dickson on April 28, and Aaron Campos on April 29.

Enjoy your week. Peace.