“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” —Maya Angelou
This quote from one of America’s great poets got me thinking about the potential that exists in traveling to new places, and in having people travel from all over the world to our Island. Although we may complain about the influx of visitors in the summer, it does provide us with the opportunity to interact with people from places we might never see! I don’t think there is any doubt that when people live in isolation, fear and misconceptions about “others” grows.
I think our children are particularly fortunate to grow up having these experiences at a young age — meeting and making friends with peers from all over the country and the world. I may never get to Bulgaria, but our daughter’s friend Nevena lived with us for a summer while she worked on the Island. We learned so much about her country through her stories and her love for her culture. We continue to connect, grieving with her on the loss of her father, celebrating the birth of her first child. Bulgaria doesn’t seem so far away and foreign anymore.
Living in a small place that is a destination for travelers has many advantages, if we can just see them!
Easter Sunday is March 31, which may seem early to some. In fact, it is the first time in eight years that it hasn’t been celebrated in April. It is actually on the same DAY every year, although not necessarily the same DATE. That is because Easter always occurs on the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, which is the full moon that occurs on or after the Spring equinox date of March 21. Next year, the March full moon is on March 14, which is before the spring equinox. So Easter 2025 will be on April 20, the first Sunday after the April full moon.
Easter is the most holy day in the Christian calendar, symbolizing the core belief of the faith. It also seems to symbolize the beginning of spring, with flowers, bunnies, and chicks everywhere. Oh, and candy. What’s not to love?
I was excited to see an Island resident will be running for the State House, as Dylan Fernandes is stepping down as state representative for Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Gosnold, and Falmouth. Arielle Faria, who is well-known on the Vineyard through her housing advocacy work, will be on the primary ballot in September, hoping to gain the nomination for the election in November. It would be great to see an Island face in the State House; I wish her well!
Congratulations to Grace and Albie Robinson, who have been good parents, and now are going to become GRANDparents! And also to Aunties Keisha and Kendall! Randall and Claudia are expecting their first child in August. Wishing everyone all the joy a baby brings.
There’s going to be a new shop in Oak Bluffs this summer. Curio M.V. will be located in the Slight Indulgence space in Healy Square. We lost Scott Robinson suddenly and much too soon last year. His dear friend, Amelie Loyott (artist and author of “Vanessa”) will be continuing Scott’s legacy by offering Slight Indulgence Jewelry along with new offerings of M.V. Coastal Curiosities for Home and Life. The store hopes to open around May 15.
Oak Bluffs resident Richard Michelson has written a new picture book, telling the story of Sydney Taylor, who wrote the first children’s book about a Jewish family in 1951. “One of a Kind: The Life of Sydney Taylor” tells her story, with beautiful illustrations by Sarah Green. I’m a big fan of Michelson’s children’s books; can’t wait to grab this one at the bookstore.
Happy birthday wishes to Rob Loyott on March 29.
There will be two candles on the cake this year for Miss Natalie Rose Potter on March 30. I’m sure her fabulous Grammy, Leslie Frizzell, will be helping her blow them out! 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 our fierce island activist, Carla Cooper, as well as Heather Kochin, Tyson Araujo, Sandy Moreis, and Danielle Light. April 2 brings birthday balloons for Mike Barnes, Casey Ciciora, Brandyn Sylvia, and Marvin Gaye. April 3 birthdays include sweet Rita Chiaravalle and poet Maya Angelou.
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If you have any Oak Bluffs Town Column suggestions, email Joanne Lambert, joannelamber@gmail.com.
