Aquinnah: Sacred September

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My sister-in-law has a note on her mirror that reads, “Grandchildren are your reward for not killing your teenagers.” I think we need one on the Vineyard that says, “September is the reward for not killing the tourists.” Don’t you think that would make a great Vineyard bumper sticker? Someone ought to get on that. But right now, we are all too busy enjoying the peace and quiet and beautiful weather.

The West Tisbury School is putting on the musical “Aladdin Jr.” this year, and there are a few stars from Aquinnah. Clyde Smith will play Babkak, Aileen Mahoney will play Iago, and Yossi Monahan will play Prince Abdullah. We do have to wait until November to see them (the show goes up Nov. 9), but that just gives them extra time to get really, really good. But no pressure everyone, just go out there and have a good time.

Christina Montoya will give a Cuban dance presentation today, Thursday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 to 8 pm. It will be held at the Oak Bluffs library. She will share a short film she made about Cuba, then there will be a Q and A, and then (the best part) a 45-minute Salsa Suelta Cubana dance class. Everyone should go to this.

Sassafras Earth Education is hosting an open house and village day on Saturday from 1 to 3 pm. There will be demonstrations, crafts to make, fires to build, and other cool stuff. If you register for any of their upcoming programs on that day, you get 10 percent off. Sassafras is located at 5 Church St., two driveways past the library on the right. They offer great outdoor programming for kids (no screens!) all year round.
The Aquinnah Wampanoag Indian Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. You can get a tour of the Vanderhoop homestead any time during those hours. Current exhibits include Wampanoag whaling, 19th century tourism in Gay Head, Gay Head pottery from the many colors of clay in the Cliffs, and the ongoing tradition of Cranberry Day. For more information, please call the museum at 508-645-7900 or email at aquinnahcc@gmail.com. Regular admission is $5 for adults, $3 seniors and children 12 and under.

Island Elderly Housing (IEH) will be holding an Art Show fundraiser from 12 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Woodside Village 2, 60B Village Rd., Oak Bluffs. Village Road is located across from the high school. Funds raised will go to support IEH’s quality-of-life programs, which provide community meals and transportation via its Blueberry Van for IEH’s 168 residents. The show will feature original paintings, jewelry, pottery, prints, cards, as well as handmade knitted, sewn, and crocheted items. The afternoon fun will include door prizes, a 50–50 raffle, refreshment, and a silent auction. Late afternoon music will be provided by Griffin McMahon from 3 to 4 pm.

Welcome home to Naushon Vanderhoop. She has been living in New York City for the past 20 years, but is now back home to stay in Aquinnah with her two little girls. I know her mom, her siblings, and well, everybody are very happy about this. Happy birthday to Spa Tharpe, who celebrates on Sept. 26; I think this may be one of those milestone birthdays for him, like 40 or something like that.