Town Column : Aquinnah
By Molly Purves
Published: November 12, 2009
What a great week of weather we are having. It's making up for the months of infernal rain we endured in the spring and summer. I wouldn't go swimming but I would go for a walk along the beach. I love how the view shifts in Aquinnah as the weather gets cooler. With the leaves coming down and the boats out of the water you can see so much more of the landscape, houses you usually can't see come out of hiding, and the water feels more present.
Our beloved library has reopened and it does indeed look lovely. The floors are bright and shiny, the shelving is new and sturdy, and there is a fancy new bathroom in the front. Because the shelving was so pell-mell before the renovation the library has lost some shelf space due to its new orderliness. It will take some creativity and more shelving to get more of the collection housed.
It was a delight to see the librarians in their native habitat. Lots of people dropped off baked treats on opening day and many townspeople stopped by to visit. It is not as big as their temporary home was, but it is very cozy and new looking, and I am very glad they are open again to brighten our dark winter. I do also promise to the people on the "Mad Men" season one wait list that I will return it on time.
Tomorrow Janette Vanderhoop will read excerpts from her book "Wampanoag People of the First Light: Introduction to Arts, History and Culture" at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School library at 6:30 pm. This event is sponsored by ACE MV and it's free.
On Saturday, Jim Newman and Chris Murphy will host a returned Peace Corps potluck. Volunteers and staff are welcome. Call Chris at 508-693-6610 for more information.
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 5:30 there will be a talk sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project to discuss the benefit our community can derive from renewable energy and resources in our area. This is not about the Cape Wind project, this is about Vineyarders who want to pool their resources and develop a renewable energy source for the Island. The consensus in Aquinnah on Cape Wind seems to be that since we are not directly benefiting from it (none of the power goes to us, nor are we to be compensated for use of our waters) but it will be right in our front yard, so to speak, that it is not a reasonable proposal. But I'm sure there will be more debate, heated and otherwise.
We are on the fast track now to the holidays, so enjoy this fine weather and let's avoid Christmas shopping as long as we can.
