Town Column : Aquinnah
By Molly Purves
Published: February 26, 2009
So, I learned something this week: most people in Aquinnah don't really care about the Oscars. Some looked at me blankly when I mentioned them, some said "Oh yeah, is that this Sunday? Hmm." And some said that they used to care, but they hadn't seen any of the movies that were nominated, so they weren't really invested in any of them winning, so why bother staying up so late, etc. etc. I won't go into all the reasons for bothering to stay up late to watch them here because clearly you don't care. I apologize for going on about this, but I come from New York where in some circles the Oscars are like New Year's Eve: you better have a good party to go to and a good dress to wear. I'm still learning about all the nuances of life in Aquinnah and this one I must admit makes me a little sad.
It's school vacation week and life here seems extra quiet with many people away on vacation. This is another aspect of life here that can be lovely or unbearable depending on your outlook and the weather. People always ask "What's it like up there in Aquinnah in the winter?" They sound as though it's the North Pole.
"It's wonderful," I say, and it is for the most part. Sometimes though it does feel very lonely, especially in bad weather when going outside is not a good idea or now when a lot of people jump ship for sunnier shores (and really who can blame them?). Then it can feel like yours is the only occupied house for miles around and that all your friends have abandoned you. I find being here in the winter is a fine line between peace and solitude versus desolation and isolation. That's one of the reasons why the larger library has been so wonderful. We have a place to gather and see each other (and commiserate, if need be). Thank goodness as well for people like Joanie and Richard who have their Sunday salon and the tribal building that's always open during the week if you need some company.
The library has activities planned for those of us not away this week, so stop by and see what's going on. While you're there be sure to welcome back Natalie who has been out for the past month with a foot injury. I have really missed seeing her and am glad she's on the mend. Remember this afternoon there is a movie for kids at 4:30 at the library and snacks will be provided.
On Monday, March 2, the monthly town clinic will be held at the town hall, from 1 to 3 pm. You can get your blood pressure checked, get referrals, and ask questions. It is free to all Aquinnah residents. You can drop in or make an appointment with nurse Juleann VanBelle by calling 774-563-0666.
And folks, you know what I'm going to say next, don't you? The town meeting is this Tuesday at the old town hall, a.k.a the temporary library, at 7 pm. We need 39 registered voters to make a quorum and get our business taken care of.
Lastly, I will leave you with this: I was moping about the house on Sunday as it poured rain. "I want to go to a spa," I complained to my husband. "Go ahead," he said. "He's over on Church Street."
