It seems as the season starts we take a lot for granted. Perhaps too much time spent thinking about the person driving too slow or too fast causes folks to lose focus on things that matter in Oak Bluffs. The bunting on the bandstand in Ocean Park last week added even more color to one of our more colorful settings. And did you notice there’s a new rock with a plaque thanking the community for the support in building Niantic Park? The park looks especially more appealing filled with children as the weather has turned. Viera Park also looks so much better filled with little people and Mom’s and Dad’s cooking burgers and dogs alongside. There are new wooden steps being built at the Inkwell, a more practical solution than the wide concrete ones from days of old that I admit to being nostalgic about. A lesson was learned witnessing wind and weather wage war on what was considered rock hard after a toe stubbing.

There’s more we take for granted that’s missing like the boulders atop the sand at the Inkwell? I’m glad they’re gone. Do you miss the railings that, now removed, provide an unspoiled sight line from the lifeguard stand to Shark Jetty? You may not have noticed the three handicap ramps to the water at the lifeguard stand but they may delight the wheelchair bound more than the vista.

I counted the 67 benches from the Inkwell down to the steam ship dock (one with its plaques inexplicably removed) and the 70 parking spots on Circuit avenue to inspire you to spend a little more time looking around and catching your breath before the people who bring money to the Rock get here.

The Oak Bluffs Public Library is having a Stuffed Animal Sleepover where you may drop your buddies off on Friday and pick them up the next morning, safe and sound. There will be a light breakfast to greet you. I’m taking my soon to be 68-year-old Panda Bear over to socialize.

Saturday is Flag Day crafts at the library from 10 to 11:30 a.m. when flags will be decorated for Flag Day. BTW, you kids at the library need to update that website.

On Monday, June 12 and Wednesday, June 14 the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center is hosting a playgroup with activities including books, dress up and arts and crafts. Families with children aged 0-6 are invited to take part in a group circle with stories and songs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. On Tuesday, June 13 the family center has Marley Toole speaking with parents and expectant parents about Baby’s 1st Year. This session is focused on feeding. The conversation takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, June 14 Featherstone Center for the Arts has its annual house tour, showing five homes in the Farm Neck community from noon to 4 p.m. with tea served after 3 p.m. For reservations call 508-693-1850.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has its season opening party next Friday, June 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., highlighted by the new Local Immigrants Project exhibition featuring year-round residents who moved from all over the world to make the Island their home.

Next Saturday is Oak Bluffs’ annual Harbor Fest, one of the Islands more colorful events that gets larger each year. The harbor is one of the town’s most important economic engines, and June 17 will be a great opportunity to devote time to celebrating it. Rain date is Sunday.

By the way, go to eventsmv.com to find out about all the happenings going on around the Island.

Keep your foot on a rock.

Send Oak Bluffs news to sfinley@mvgazette.com.