As I am writing this column on Monday morning, I can’t decide if the weather forecast or the political news is more upsetting and unreliable. We are warned of damaging winds, changes, losses, and inaccuracies, and these could apply to either the weather or politics. And just to let you know that not everywhere is there snow, mixed with rain and winds blowing gusts of over 40 mph, Ken Rusczyk has checked in after his month’s vacation in Cancun, Mexico. His daily runs there were in a warm, sunny, 80° climate, dodging low palm fronds, but not anymore.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 30. The annual League of Women’s Voters public forum for Oak Bluffs political candidates takes place on that date. Come to our Oak Bluffs library at 7 pm, and be ready to listen to the candidates and ask questions, so you will be well informed for our town election and town meeting in April.
It’s Lego time, and time for kids ages 6 and up to come and join in the fun at the library on Friday, March 17. The weekly Lego building fun takes place from 3 to 4:30 pm.
The conversation group “Walk and Talk” continues to meet every Saturday morning, weather permitting, at 9:15 am at the library. The group is led by Allyson and her baby — go for a walk around the neighborhood and catch up on the latest news. No baby is required to participate.
A few weeks ago, many people were asking questions about the Oak Bluffs Water quality, the new pump station, billing, fluoridation, and other issues. Responding to these inquiries, the Water Commission will hold a community discussion at the library on Thursday, March 23, from 6 to 7:45 pm. Be prepared to listen and ask questions.
The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse will be holding a world music event on March 17 at 7:30 pm. The reconciliation program will feature songs of peace and protest. Admission is $15, cash only, at the door.
At 7 pm on March 20, the Playhouse Monday night at the Movies feature is “African Queen.” As usual, the fee is $5 cash at the door.
The Island-Wide School Spelling Bee will take place at the MVRHS PAC Center on Friday, March 17, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Students have been working hard to get ready for this event, and we will announce the winners next week.
For those of you who wish more information about the new town hall project, check out oakbluffsma.gov/301 and send any concerns or comments about the project to obnewtownhall@gmail.com to be part of the public record. There will be a public hearing about the project at 4 pm on Tuesday, March 28, in the Library conference room, if you would like to bring your concerns there.
There is an immigration resource center at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative building on the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services campus in Oak Bluffs. There will be an attorney in the office from 9 am to 3 pm on Friday, March 17, but please note an appointment is required to speak with the attorney. For more info or to schedule an appointment, call 508 693 7900, ext. 400 (Portuguese-speaking), or ext. 410 (English- and Portuguese-speaking).
We send birthday smiles to Edith Rouseau, Kelsey Debettencourt, Joe Moujabber, and Jaime Leon on March 16, Bo Fehl on the 19th, Erica Ponte, Cherrie Nunes, and Goldie Goldthwait on March 21, Ross Peters on the 22nd, and Marcelle BenDavid and Eugene DeFelice Sr. on the 23rd.
Enjoy your week. Peace.