Last week I posed some questions for the Oak Bluffs Water District that many people expressed concerns about. Water commissioner Michael deBettencourt was kind enough to respond to some of my questions. Michael explained that over three years ago, the Lagoon Pond well was highly contaminated by a dead bird. The level of the contamination reached compelled the Department of Health to rule that the well must be treated for its life. So at this time, that is the only well in Oak Bluffs that is being treated. Michael is encouraging anyone who has questions to attend one of the meetings, and the commissioners would be more than happy to explain in detail the water rates and any other subjects relating to the department. Thank you, Michael, for responding.
Children who feel creative are invited to our Oak Bluffs library for cookie decorating on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 to 11:30 am. This event is for ages 3 and up; they will be able to design a sugar cookie or two.
A Seuss Scavenger Hunt will take place from Tuesday, Feb. 28, through Saturday, March 4, during the hours the library is open. The search for favorite Seuss characters throughout the library is a perfect activity for those on-Island over the school break. Kids of all ages may participate.
A Dine to Donate Benefit at Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs takes place on Feb. 23. This is to benefit Options in Education, for repairs and renovations to the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School. Options in Education leases the land and buildings to the Charter School, and is raising funds to renovate the 20-year-old building during the summer of 2017. Twenty percent of all proceeds from food sold during lunch from 11:30 am to 4 pm, and dinner from 5 to 8:30 pm, will be donated to this organization.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) is offering a variety of programs over this month. You can earn your CPR certification at the three-hour course led by Scott Gertsman on Feb. 18. The course will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services boardroom on the MVCS campus in Oak Bluffs. As preregistration is required, you will need to call 508-687-9182 to register.
The Saturday Dads’ Playgroup will take place this Saturday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 4:30 pm at the Tisbury School gym. This will be a facilitated playgroup for dads, offering planned activities and open gym time.
Also on Saturday, Feb. 18, Gene Baer will have an art exhibition of recycled Meals on Wheels Container Art at MVCS’ Chicken Alley Thrift Shop. The exhibit will take place from 2:30 to 4 pm.
The West Tisbury Town Democratic Committee invites you to come help shake up the Democrats on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10 am. They will elect officers and delegates to the state convention in June. For questions, call Paddy Moore at 508-693-1627.
A great event to help support Island Elderly Housing’s quality-of-life programs for their residents will take place at the Tin Hanger Restaurant on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 4 to 8 pm. Last reservations are for 8 pm; for reservations, call 508-693-1137. Tin Hanger will donate 20 percent of food sales, takeout as well as dine-in, to Island Elderly Housing. IEH will have a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. For more info, call IEH at 508-693-5880, ext. 12.
The eighth graders at the Oak Bluffs School are fundraising for their spring trip to Philadelphia. Tonight is a benefit Dine to Donate at Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs, where a portion of all food sales will be donated toward the school trip.
Remember that school will be closed on Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 20.
We send birthday smiles to Carrie Tankard and Joel Rebello on Feb. 18, Brenda Lehman on Feb. 21, Kaitlin Marchand and Rita Jeffers on the 22nd, and Melanie Marchand, Kristen MacLean, and Paul Buckley Jr. on the 23rd.
Enjoy your week. Peace.