“I think that I shall never see /A poem lovely as a tree.” –Joyce Kilmer
This windy winter has done a number on trees all over the Island. Lots of cleanup is in progress already, and piles of branches along roadsides are a normal visual these days. Pine trees seemed to take the worst beating, especially from the blizzard.
The Oak Bluffs Tree Stewards need you! This group has been doing a fantastic job planting and maintaining new trees throughout our town. On April 18, volunteers are needed to plant 10 more trees in town parks. Meet at Niantic Park at 9 am to split into teams to do the planting. Dress appropriately — gloves are helpful, and you can bring your own tools, though they will be provided as well. This effort will bring the total number of trees planted to 60! For more info, contact pmeleney@comcast.com.
The M.V. Hospital annual Health Fair is Saturday, April 11, from 8 am till noon. More than 50 vendors will be sharing their services. There will be free health screenings and informative workshops, including topics like tick-borne illnesses. All town Councils on Aging are offering free shuttles to the hospital for the Health Fair. Contact abhoughton@mgb.org for more information.
After the Health Fair, head over to the library for an afternoon concert. From 2 to 3 pm, enjoy “The Great American Songbook,” featuring timeless standards by Cole Porter, Gershwin, and others, performed by Darby Patterson and David Mintz. This community offering is funded by the M.V. Cultural Council, with thanks to the O.B. library for hosting!
I talked last week about town meeting and voting coming up on April 14 and 16. The town meeting warrant includes a proposal for the town to take ownership of the Island Theatre. I do not claim to have the financial expertise to know if eminent domain is the right process, but all I can say is Hallelujah! that something can finally be done. That condemned building has been an eyesore and embarrassment for this town for too long. Can you just imagine that corner of Circuit Ave. with a clean and fitting building — or maybe a small park with benches and shade trees? I know the theatre was iconic, and the memories are strong. But I’m glad the town is ready to move on from the crumbling, defaced structure there now.
Happy birthday to Donnie Combra on April 9! He shares the day with Beth Kaeka, Richard Giordano, Kelly Metell, and Ann Palches. Sandy Ciciora celebrates on the 10th, Carleen Cordwell on April 11! She shares the day with Diane St. Pierre and Newell Isbell-Shinn. Michael Rebello celebrates his day on the 12th. Send a happy-birthday cartoon to Kathy Ham on April 13. Happy Birthday hugs go to Miss Skyla Blue Zacharski on April 14! Birthday wishes for Leslie Look on the 14th, and a big Meow birthday to my grandcat, Sheriff Sylvia.
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