Thomas Dresser>
508-693-1050
Red-winged blackbirds are serenading the shores of Crystal Lake and besieging our bird feeder. Can spring be far behind?
Today teachers take on students at the annual basketball game at the elementary school at 1:30 p.m.
In honor of Black History Month Carrie Tankard and Elaine Weintraub will speak on the African American Heritage Trail at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center at 1 p.m. today.
A benefit spaghetti dinner will be held at the Portuguese American Club on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. as a fund-raiser for medical expenses incurred by Linda BenDavid, wife of Eddie BenDavid.
Elaine Weintraub will also speak at the library on the African American Heritage Trail with an emphasis on Oak Bluffs sites on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Call 508-693-9433 for information.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2:30 p.m., the library offers Wii and board games for all ages. Play Wii tennis, bowling and golf or try a board, card, or classic game from their wide selection. I hear it’s a lot of fun.
Children’s librarian Jessica Bowers hosts a book club, based on The Wimpy Kid book series, on Feb. 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. targeted at children ages 9 through 12.
And more for kids: Kate Feiffer announces her latest book, The Problem with the Puddles, is due out this week. It is described as “an interactive romp, with short chapters and a wacky story.” Sounds delightful. Aimed at children 7 and older.
The library has a newsletter, Books & Beyond. Check it out at oakbluffslibrary.org. Most intriguing are staff picks of fiction and nonfiction books, music and film.
Featherstone makes studio time available to life-drawing artists on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. Call 508 693-1850 for details. Look for a gallery show of life-drawings in late spring.
Town Profile
“Everything happens at once,” says Judy Williamson as she readies her writing for a class and prepares hors d’uvre for a party.
Judy Williamson moved to the Island at the tender age of six. “My parents came here to make a life for themselves,” she says, noting the inspiration was her aunt Isabel who worked as dental hygienist for Dr. Amaral whose office was on Circuit Avenue years ago.
In 1964 Judy married Peter Williamson. “Peter was 6 years older. He moved here when he was 8. After high school he went in the Army, then worked at DeBettencourt’s Garage, before he joined the Oak Bluffs Police.” Peter served on the force for 33 years and was a well-loved chief. He passed away a year ago.
Judy is an artist. “I took painting classes at Featherstone a long time ago. I go to most openings. They’re great shows.” She still takes classes and works diligently on her oil paintings. She arranged the sale of the popular Ocean Park Christmas poster which raised a great deal of money, now earmarked for bandstand repair. And she designed advertisements and programs for the Possible Dreams Auction.
For a number of years, she worked as the traveling art teacher for Edgartown, Chilmark and West Tisbury. “The art supplies were in place, but I did the lesson plans,” she explains.
Along with Nancy Billings, Priscilla Silvia, Renee Balter and Estelle Surprenant, Judy is on the board of the Friends of Oak Bluffs, “We’re the core,” she smiles, revealing she’s the baby of the group which ranges in age from 66 to 90. The Friends were founded by David Healey “to establish pride in the town of Oak Bluffs.” Judy proudly says, “I’ve been part of it for over 35 years.” The group functions, “because we all care.” She goes on. “We’ve done the light posts on Circuit avenue, Ocean Park and the harbor, and sold memorial benches.” The Friends prepare flowers for Memorial Day and make bows for town Christmas decorations. “We’re looking for new people,” she adds.
“I served two terms on the board of Hospice. Peter and I got involved when his brother passed away in 1986. We became aware of Hospice and were always supportive of the mission.” In 2005 Judy was recognized with the Hospice Spirit of the Vineyard award, presented to a volunteer who donates time and energy to Island charitable causes.
Judy has to get back to her life story. “Now I’m very interested in writing. I’m working with Susan Klein, and this is the third week of class.”
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Recently we read John Lennon by Philip Norman. It’s a well-researched, in-depth account of the Beatle’s life.
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