“The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” —Harriet Ann Jacobs
Spring comes slowly to Martha’s Vineyard, but we can already feel it in the longer days and the increased warmth of the sun. The daytime temperatures now begin with a 4, or even a 5 — which feels practically balmy! I’ve been enjoying walking the Land Bank trail behind the school over to Farm Pond, and feel grateful for the workers who keep the trails open and lovely for us to enjoy. Another one I really enjoy is the Caroline Tuthill Preserve, a beautiful walk to the shore of Sengekontacket (I really like trails that lead to water).
We have experienced a terrible tragedy in our community this month, and I cannot write this without acknowledging the sadness and grief that we are all feeling for the Oak Bluffs family who lost their dear child, Frank. I hope and pray every day for peace in their broken hearts. I know that this community will pull together for them and support them in every way possible.
The M.V. Family Center is there to support all Island families with young children. They offer a weekly schedule of fun parent-child playgroups, plus parent support groups, from “Expectant Parents” to “Baby’s First Year,” to “All Families Touched by Adoption.” They have a tool for parents concerned about a child’s development, and they can help parents navigate the process of securing childcare. If you need help, advice, or referrals, please contact the Family Center at mvfamilycenter@gmail.com, or call 508-687-9182.
Head Start of Martha’s Vineyard is currently enrolling for their home-based program for families with children from birth to 5. Head Start home visitors are early childhood education professionals who believe that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. They bring their skills and curriculum to the home environment, and offer tools for parents to help children build their skills and thrive. For more information about this opportunity, see mvcommunityservices.org/headstart, or contact Cindy Flanders at 508-693-7900, ext. 280.
This Saturday the Oak Bluffs library will host a community climate discussion on the proposed regulation of gas-powered leaf blowers. A new bylaw seeks to reduce air and noise pollution, and will be voted on at town meetings this spring. Come to the library on March 29 at 1:30 to get more information, and offer your input on this matter.
Happy Birthday to Ms. Clementine DeForest on the 27th! I believe Clementine is blowing out 11 candles this year — I hope it is a fun day, and a year filled with joy and happiness! New dad Randall Jette celebrates on the 27th also, and sending Dan Zoll birthday hugs across the country. Happy birthday wishes to island musician Rob Loyott on March 29.
Miss Natalie Rose Potter celebrates on March 30, blowing out THREE candles this year! Also celebrating on the 30th are Grace Oslyn and Ann Murphy. April 1st brings lots of birthday celebrations: Robin Meader, Carla Cooper, Danielle Light, Heather Kochin, Tyson Araujo, Sandy Moreis, and Adrian Wright are all April Fools Day babies!
April 2nd brings birthday balloons for Mike Barnes, Casey Ciciora, Brandyn Sylvia, and Marvin Gaye.
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If you have any Oak Bluffs Town Column suggestions, email Joanne Lambert, joannelamber@gmail.com.
