“That is one good thing about this world … there are always sure to be more Springs.” –L.M. Montgomery, “Anne of Green Gables”
March has not been an easy month. It always seems to test our patience for gray days and winter winds. I know that in our community, there are many people struggling with loss and pain. The season of spring does bring a feeling of renewal and hope. Sometimes we are not ready for it, but it comes anyway, and drags us into the light. The water loses its stormy mood and shows off its palette of blues and greens, and the evenings stretch into long sunsets. Not to say we won’t have showers — it is April, after all!
The Steamship Authority has given in and announced that construction of the bridge to Falmouth will begin on April 1. They are going to redesign the new terminal in Woods Hole as a combination Peking Palace/Trader Joe’s/TJ Maxx. The temporary terminal site and parking lot will be turned into housing. I’m sure you already guessed, but APRIL FOOL’S!
Daffodil Days are here. Starting April 1,, brighten up your home, or a friend’s day, by picking up a bunch of daffodils to support the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group. Daffodils are supplied by Morrice Florist, and they will be available at Cronig’s, Reliable, and Stop & Shop, plus they might pop up in other spots. Help the MVCSG support our community members dealing with cancer.
Voting season is coming, so the League of Women Voters is hosting candidate forums, beginning Friday, March 31, at the Oak Bluffs library. Meet and listen to candidates for Oak Bluffs positions at 6:30 pm. All forums will be recorded and aired on MVTV, and also on the website leagueofwomenvotersmv.org.
The April full moon is called the Pink Moon. It rises on April 5, probably most visible to us on April 6 after sunset. This is the Paschal moon, as it happens after the spring equinox, which was on March 20. This moon creates the timing for Passover, which will begin at sundown on April 6, and Easter, which will be celebrated on April 9. The name “Pink Moon” came from a certain pink wildflower (Phlox subulata) that blossoms at the same time. However, the Native American names for this moon were much more descriptive and specific, like “Breaking Ice Moon” (Algonquin) and “Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs” (Dakota).
Save the date! On April 8, Gordon Healy and Friends will perform at the P.A. Club from 7 to 10. This “Gig for the Gigs” will benefit the Rowing Club of SailMV, and will include a raffle and silent auction. If for some reason you have not heard Gordon Healy sing, trust me — you don’t want to miss this! He has some amazing musical friends; this will be an epic night.
Featherstone Center for the Arts begins a new show on Sunday, April 2. “Textures and Patterns” will feature reflective windows, rippling waves, beautifully quilted textiles, and everything in between. The opening reception on Sunday is from 4 to 6 pm; the show will run at the Francine Kelly Gallery until May 7.
The Spring Egg Hunt at the library will be on Saturday, April 1 (no fooling). Kids, bring your baskets and your parents from 10 to 11:30 am to hunt the grounds for those special eggs! Saturday is a busy day at the library, with Tap Dance at 10:30 am, Salsa Dance at 11:30 am, and the all-ages chess club at 2 pm. On Tuesdays, Adaptive Yoga with Lorrane is at 10:15 am. This one-hour class is for EVERYONE, and focuses on strength, balance, and flexibility.
Sing happy birthday on March 30 to Miss Natalie Rose Potter, who will be celebrating her first birthday, with parents Josh and Lorrane, and devoted grammie Leslie Frizzell. Also celebrating on the 30th are Grace Oslyn and Ann Murphy. On April 1, we send birthday greetings and extra hugs to Robin Meader. She shares April Fool’s day with Tyson Araujo, Sandy Moreis, and Danielle Light. Stephen Grace will be celebrating a big birthday in Palm Springs on April 3, while he and Renee Nolan pack up the car to return to New England. Albie Robinson celebrates on April 3 also — have a great day, Albie! Other April 3 birthdays are sweet Rita Chiaravalle and poet Maya Angelou.
Send me your news!
If you have any Oak Bluffs Town Column suggestions, email Joanne Lambert, joannelamber@gmail.com.
