Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: January 8, 2009
So here we are in 2009. Does it feel different? I always think that "it" will feel different and "it" never seems to, but I always do. I always feel like it's a new chance, a fresh start, to wipe off last year, leave behind all the troubles and sadness that last year brought our way, shed it like a snakeskin and begin anew. I look forward to embracing 2009, facing my future with excitement and anticipation of all the good things that will come my way. It's an exciting time. I am looking forward to the "January thaw" though as well. It's cold and grey, so I'm not all hearts and flowers. But I'm trying.
The Fiber Folks are having their annual yarn, book, and equipment exchange. Clean out your stash and bring it all to the monthly meeting on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 1 to 4 pm at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury. Last year's exchange was a big success including yarn for knitting and rug hooking, needlework supplies, and many books and magazines too. Recycle what you don't want and let someone else reuse and renew it. The exchange will continue the second Sunday of each month through May. Everyone is welcome to stop by.
I never fail to be amazed at the creativity I encounter almost daily. By and large, people are very clever. The latest clever idea I heard is a library-sponsored event, one that I really want to be a part of. Tomorrow night, Friday, at 7 pm, the Edgartown Public Library will hold a Pajama Read-in and Movie program in the children's department. This event, sponsored by the Friends of the library, is oriented toward children in grades three through five. The evening will begin with a half hour of quiet reading, followed by a brief discussion of what everyone is reading, then a movie screening with popcorn. To sign up and for information, call the library at 508-627-4221, or stop by the library desk.
The Adult and Community Education on Martha's Vineyard courses begin again next week, with several very interesting offerings. I'm quite impressed with the choices, including various forms of dance, languages, health and fitness, business and computers, creative writing, cooking, parenting and education, history, government, community, and Island living and gardening. This is the slow time of year, when so many of us seem to be looking for something to do. What a wonderful time to pick up a new hobby or learn a new language or learn to belly dance or salsa. For more information, visit their website at acemv.org, where you can download the catalogue or register for classes. You may also contact them via phone at 508-693-1033 ext. 240, or email at lynn@acemv.org.
I really haven't gotten much news from people lately. Everyone is too busy with the holidays, I guess, so things here are pretty quiet. School started again Monday morning, and we will be back in full swing by the time you actually read this. Two weeks off seemed exciting at first but it now seems a little too long. I think I'd welcome them in March, but the holidays are so crazy that I didn't fully enjoy the break. And as usual, I didn't get nearly the amount of stuff done that I wanted to get done. Oh well. My family members are all healthy and well and have food on the table and warm places to come home to. We are, ultimately, very lucky indeed. Happy New Year.
