Oak Bluffs: Snow Moon, Best Photo Nominees, Fun Basketball and Cake Walk

“The only limit to the height of your accomplishments is the scope of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them.” –Michelle Obama, August 2008

I love this quote from our first African American first lady. Another black woman who changed the course of history was Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet. She was born into slavery in 1744 in New York City and was given to the slave owner’s daughter as a wedding gift when she was 7 years old. After 30 more years as a slave in Massachusetts, she successfully pursued her freedom in 1781. Think about it: 1781 It’s amazing to think of the courage it took for her to pursue this – and win. Her attorneys argued in Great Barrington Court, and when the jury found in her favor, she became the first African-American woman to be discharged under the Massachusetts State Constitution — and the case effectively abolished legal slavery in Massachusetts.

A person can accomplish a lot when they decide they’ve had enough!

The February full moon is February 5. This moon is called the “snow moon”, although I don’t see any snow in our forecast. Which suits me. If you want to get out into the woods and see the full moon, you can join the Felix Neck “Owl Prowl” full moon on Monday, February 6. From 6-7pm, a guide will lead you through the property, watching and listening for nocturnal owls. Ho-hoo! Hoping for a clear night!

Pathways Arts will present an evening of jazz on Friday, February 3. Jeremy Berlin, Eric Johnson and Taurus Biskis will support a stellar lineup of island singers, who will perform music in a slightly different genre to what we’re used to hearing them sing. It should be an amazing musical evening at the Chilmark Tavern. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 508-645-9098.

The Oscars at the Library begin this Saturday! Every Saturday at 4 p.m. leading up to the Academy Awards on March 12, the library will feature one of the best nominated photos. The first on February 4 will be “Elvis”. I can not wait to see it ! I heard it was awesome, and the young guy playing Elvis has already won a few awards.

Do you remember the Harlem Globetrotters? On Friday, February 10, “Showboat’s Entertainment Basketball” presents its show at MVRHS. The “MV Dream Team” against the Harlem Triksterz will amuse and amaze the public! It starts at 6:30 a.m. at the MVRHS Gym. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. This is a collaboration between MVRHS and the MV Boys and Girls Club.

Also on Friday, February 10, the Oak Bluffs School PTO presents its Cake Walk fundraiser. What is a Cake Walk, you ask? The island’s bakers give away their best and most beautiful cakes as prizes for a fun competition. Each participant pays $1 per spin. You start in your numbered space, then walk or dance when the music starts. When the music stops, you move to the nearest numbered space. The announcer will call a number, and if you stand on that number, you can choose a cake to take home! The fun starts at 6 p.m. at the OB School Gymnasium.

Calling all writers: Featherstone began its “Open Writing” on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. Come to the gallery for a nice quiet space to write and connect.

On Sunday, February 5, Barn Buddies is a program offered by the MV Family Center at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury from 3-4:30 p.m. The Ag Hall becomes an indoor playground, with plenty of space for parents and young children can run, jump and play with friends.

Ada Macomber, who lives in Woodside Village, will turn 100 on February 6. She will celebrate this milestone birthday with her children and family members, Donna and David Blackburn of Edgartown, Curtis and Judy Macomber of NYC, and Brian, Cindy, and granddaughter Jenna Macomber of Austin, Texas.

Happy birthday to Missy Smith and Emma Williamson on February 3! Jeremy Driesen shares February 4 with Tom Dresser, Matt Rivers and Rosa Parks. On February 6, we’re sending balloons to Kelly Pacheco and Kristen Heller — they’re sharing the day with Bob Marley! Marc Rivers and Lana Schaefer celebrate on February 7. Two of my favorite polar bears share February 8: Sabrina Bayne and our fearless aerobics leader, Brenda Davenport. Enjoy your special day!

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If you have suggestions for Oak Bluffs Town columns, email Joanne Lambert, [email protected]