Oak Bluffs’s celebration of the holidays and Christmas this year certainly excelled, bringing visions of sugar plums alive. It seemed everyone pitched in to garnish Ocean Park, the harbor, Sunset Lake, Circuit avenue and Post Office Square, outdoing the efforts of years past. Homes townwide have gotten into the spirit, led by all of the highly visible and well-promoted activities downtown, from multiple visits by Santa to horse-drawn rides happily absent the snow required for sleighs. Bands played, carols were sung, and trees were lit—all of which produced several Norman Rockwell-like scenes that were captured on film for social media with the quality to make Currier and Ives envious.

Our (stocking) caps are off to all who assisted and contributed with special thanks to the Oak Bluffs Association and the Friends of Oak Bluffs. You can lend support by shopping locally for gifts and supplies and a tax deductible donation to the Friend of Oak Bluffs at PO Box 1281. Along with that sentiment remember that the Featherstone Center for the Arts Holiday Gift Show and Sale continues until Sunday, Dec. 20. They have high quality handmade gifts from Island artists. All the stores open on Circuit avenue have extraordinary end of season and end of year sales — and plenty of one of a kind of seasonal window displays.

Friday Dec. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. the Art Cliff Diner welcomes you to Ewell Hopkins’ kick-off reception for his candidacy for the Cape Cod and Islands state representative.

The Oak Bluffs Library closes from noon on Christmas Eve until Monday, Dec. 28. On Tuesday, Dec. 29 the library begins its new adult coloring nights from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They will have “sophisticated” adult coloring books that have become popular recently, designed to reduce stress and aid in relaxation. Soothing music will be played with herbal tea served to calm one’s nerves. Everyone’s favorite DJ Steve McCullough will like this; I’ve heard he wanted one of those coloring books for Christmas. I’m wondering if by “sophisticated” they mean there will be some centerfolds to color in. Just kidding kids!

Congratulations to Oak Bluffs attorney, producer, co-author of children’s books and health advocate Tonya Lewis Lee and filmmaker Stanley Nelson. who were recognized by Ebony Magazine as part of their Power 100, which acknowledges those who lead, inspire and demonstrate through their individual talents the very best in Black America.

My Christmas wish last year was for the T and the R in the Strand Theater: I got an even better gift when it was renovated and open for business during the season. Continue to support the Strand and our Island theatres at mvtheaterfoundation.com.

I hope you had a chance to visit the new fire station that opened last week. It appears the town has done a good job in getting the project executed quickly and efficiently. Now might be a good time for a second look at a new town hall because its present shabby, forlorn, weathered appearance doesn’t seem quite so representative of the town and people we have come to be; Proud to be from OB.

I hope your season is merry and your new year healthy, wealthy and wise. Thank you very much for reading the column in 2015—and please continue in what’s sure to be a fabulous 2016.

Keep your foot on a rock.

Send Oak Bluffs news to sfinley@mvgazette.com.