Aquinnah

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We have reached that point in the winter when people start escaping the island en masse, headed to warmer climes. Just this morning in the span of five minutes I heard three different people say they were going away: one to Costa Rica for a month, another to St. John’s and the last was going on a Caribbean cruise. The Island already and Aquinnah especially feels deserted, and I always forget that in February, it gets worse. It just does.

Today, a cute puppy named Biscuit will be stopping by the Aquinnah Library at 3:30 pm. Biscuit is featured in many stories that if you are not familiar with, your child probably is. There will be games and refreshments. This Saturday from 1–3 pm is the Friends of the Aquinnah Public Library open house at the library. There will be light refreshments and you can learn about what the Friends do for the library.

On Tuesday, February 4, at 5 pm there will be a “Forks over Knives” potluck, you can pick up a recipe from the library. On Thursday, February 6, at 5 pm, there will be another dinner and movie for kids. The one last week was so much fun, and I didn’t have to make dinner!

It’s not too late to get a raffle ticket for the Save the Gay Head Lighthouse Committee’s raffle this month of 100 gallons of propane and 100 gallons of heating oil generously donated by Vineyard Propane. Someone will be selling raffle tickets at down-Island Cronig’s from 11 am to 4 pm on January 31 and February 1. Tickets are $5 each, or five for $20. The winning name will be drawn on February 1. The committee is also looking for help on any additional days this month; if you can help, please contact Berta Welch at bertawelch@hotmail.com.

If you have a teenager who is looking for good summer work, the American Red Cross will be starting a course on waterfront lifeguarding this weekend at the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven. The swim pretest will be on Sunday at 3 pm. The class will be held throughout February and is approximately 31 hours in total. The cost is $350. And you must be at least 15 years old. Contact the Mansion House to register at 508-693-2200.

The Chilmark School fundraiser is just one week away. Saturday, February 8 at 7 pm at the Chilmark Community Center you can dance the night away with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. Tickets are $15. Be sure and bring your checkbook as there is a live and silent auction. This is a very fun night so come on out and dance.

I don’t know if everyone saw this notice in the paper but two weeks ago Derril Bazzy was given a Kuehn Community Preservation Award. Derril was awarded this honor because of his many years of work and dedication as the Chairman of the Aquinnah Preservation Committee. The award is given to people who put into action the principles of the Community Preservation Act throughout Massachusetts. He also received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, presented by Representative Tim Madden, and congratulations from Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo. Congratulations Derril! Thank you so much for all your service to the town of Aquinnah.

Chilmark Chocolates reopens on Saturday! Just in time to test your selections for Valentine’s Day. Speaking of Valentine’s Day Lisa Vanderhoop has wonderful cards available, and you can contact her through her website at vineyardseadogs.com.