Town Column : Aquinnah
By Molly Purves
Published: June 25, 2009
I sometimes feel that living on Martha's Vineyard is like living in a never-ending Cheers episode: everyone knows your name and a whole lot else. Or as Aquinnah Witham once told me, "Everyone is famous on Martha's Vineyard." This is fun, as long as you're not infamous. It also seems like we keep track of who we know by what they do, or what they are known for. If I were asked if I knew Pam, I would say, "Pam's Pesto Pam?" Or if I were asked if I knew Jen I would say, "Library Jen, married to Todd, or gardener Jen, married to Lev?" Whatever you do it seems like you can't go anywhere without a chorus of "Hey Mollys," or whatever your particular name is, which I have to say is one of the things I really like about living here.
Watch out, Menemsha. There's a new place to see the sunset. The Aquinnah Lighthouse is now open on weekends, an hour and a half before sunset and half an hour after, which now is 7 to 9 pm. Richard and Joanie are also looking for an assistant lighthouse keeper. If interested, please call 508-645-9954. Joanie also told me that she has eight relatives visiting, six of whom are Australian.
Saskia Vanderhoop is starting her summer camp, Sassafras Earth Education. The first session is July 6 though July 10, for ages 6 to 12. Call 508-645-2008, or go to sassafrasmvy.org.
The next town clinic will be Monday, July 6, from 1 to 3 pm at the Town Hall. JuleAnn Van Belle RN will be on hand to answer your questions. To schedule a home visit, call 508-693-6659 or 774-563-0666.
The strategic planning meeting at the Aquinnah Library went very well. People decided that the priorities for library services are larger and more flexible space, lifelong learning programs, and cultural history. It will be exciting to see how the library develops over the next few years.
Noni Smith (who owns the store in Edgartown, not Nonie Madison who works in the tax office) threw a beautiful baby shower for Heidi Blau last week. We ate chicken potpie and cupcakes and talked about babies and Angelina Jolie and played guess whose baby picture. Noni did a wonderful job.
September does seem like a long way away, but the Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival is looking for volunteers for its September Festival. Call Mary Spencer at 508-645-4011 or email maryvineyard@verizon.net if you would like to volunteer.
And lastly, this past Sunday was Father's Day, so a happy belated Father's Day to Isaac, James, Dan, Jed, Buddy, Chip, Jeffrey, Curtis, Peter, Jim (selectman Jim), Jim (roofer, contractor Jim), David, Paul and all the other great dads of Aquinnah. I hope you got a nice tie and some appreciation for all your hard work.
