Just 365 days ago, Oscar Thompson was sifting through pieces of colored glass, finishing the designs and putting all of his tools onto a work bench, to begin a stained glass project.  At the time, I am sure that Oscar was not thinking about this being his last June project period at MVPCS.  He was filled with the expectations of going to college, and consumed with the process of taking SAT tests, filling in applications, and writing essays.  On the 2^nd of June, Oscar graduated from high school, and in an enthusiastic roar for a job well done, we all shout out “hip, hip, hooray!”

It was not long ago that Liz Packer, the owner of SBS, recalls a budding entrepreneur running around Spring Moon Farm without any shoes on while tending the chickens.  Oscar started collecting the farm fresh eggs to sell at SBS about seven years ago.  He is part of the new generation of farmers on Martha’s Vineyard, and was written about in the Spring, 2009 issue of Edible Vineyard magazine and again in the High Summer, 2012 issue.  Looking after the chickens, pigs, sheep, cows, oxen, and peacocks, would be more than enough activity for many, but not Oscar!  He has traveled to Nepal, wilderness camped in Maine, and is a competitive swimmer with the YMCA Makos.  This summer, Oscar will be working nearly every day at SBS to save up some much needed spending money for college.  When I made a trip into the store today, Liz was enthusiastically listening to Oscar’s ideas about watering the plants.  It’s her proud smile however, that says how thrilled she is to have her son working at the store this summer!

Written by:  Leslie Digby Rizza