The season of the bugs has arrived. Big ones, small ones, flying ones, crawling ones, they seem to think that I have a bed and breakfast as they crawl or munch their way around my house. I am learning to use a tissue to pick up anything that appears to be a crumb as most often it is a spider of some strange variety. With all the birds flying around in the yard or drinking nectar at the flowers, you would think the bugs would disappear. But the birds, like myself, prefer flowers over bugs any day.
So many things have changed the past few years, not the least of which is the content of the town columns. No longer is the news we write about just relating people’s vacations, marriages, birthdays, and visitors. Now the news about our town consists of meetings, new businesses opening, and, unfortunately, many times well-established businesses that have been around forever closing, new school buildings, town halls and the list goes on. However, we still welcome news about your family events and any other happenings about town.
My happy family news this week is the arrival of my 12th great-grandchild. Elizabeth Marie Rivers was welcomed into this world on June 17. Family arms waiting to greet her were her mom and dad, Melanie and Matt Rivers, and her two brothers, Mike and William. Grandparents Linda and Glenn Dickson and Kati Rivers and David Tchorz are over the moon with joy. Elizabeth also has two great-grandmothers, Eleanor Amaral and myself, waiting in the wings to hold her. She is also lucky enough to have many aunts, uncles, and cousins to keep an eye on her.
Our Oak Bluffs library has increased the browsing hours. They are now open from 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The first floor is open for safe materials browsing; masks are required and hand sanitizer is provided throughout the building.
Stop by the library to receive a take-home kit that includes an interactive movie script, “Gremlins” and required items to host the movie event at home. Movies are not shown at the library.
The park and recreation facilities at Niantic Park and the Skate Park are now open for the season. The summer basket program also has a schedule posted on the town of Oak Bluffs website. For further information you may call 508-693-0072.
I spoke with Rose at the Council on Aging and she told me that the plans are still in the works for re-opening the center. As soon as it appears they can keep both the workers and members safe they will open. In the meantime, you may still reach Rose by phone at 508-693-4509 for assistance.
Bishop Edgar da Cunha, Bishop of the Diocese of Fall River, has announced that he has accepted the retirement of Father Michael Nagle, current pastor of Good Shepherd Parish. The effective date of his retirement is Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Bishop da Cunha also announced that he has appointed Father Paul Fedak as the new pastor, effective on the same date.
Eat with Austin and Maura at the P.A. Club at 137 Vineyard Ave. in Oak Bluffs. Weekly theme dinners will be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 to 8 pm. For now, the sandwich shop at the club will be open Fridays through Sundays from 11 am to 8 pm. Take away or eat-in is available and all are welcome. Because changes in hours and days might be made, for more info call 508 687-9744 or visit moslunch.com.
We send birthday smiles to Ashley Andrews and Leanne Giordano on June 28, Abbey Marchand, Donna Leon, and Jim Maseda on the 30th, and Madeline Alley on July 1.
Enjoy your week. Peace.
If you have any Oak Bluffs Town Column suggestions, email Megan Alley, meganislandmegan@comcast.net.
