Town Column : Aquinnah
By Molly Purves
Published: December 31, 2009
Well here we are again, the end of another year. And more momentously, the end of another decade. This I find a little scary, because I think of the 90s as not that long ago. However, 1990 was 20 years ago and that does sound like a long time ago, doesn't it? I know I am not that old but graduating from high school 20 years ago does not sound young or as young as I'd like. I hear it gets worse, this "where did the time go?" thing, especially if you have kids. That's not good news as far as I'm concerned. New Year's Resolution #1: Live fully in each day. #2: Eat more chocolate (I'm tired of giving things up).
It seems like many Aquinnah residents were homebodies this holiday: the Newmans, Berta and Vern, Richard and Joanie, Spa, Noni and Jed all stayed home this Christmas. Some spent the holiday with their kids while others saw friends. I went away on Thursday when there was still a lot of snow and came back on Sunday to none, which seemed odd, but at least now I'm not going to get stuck at the end of my driveway.
Today is not only the last day of 2009, it is the last day that you can hunt that deer. Deer season ends today. If you have an excess of venison that you cannot possibly eat, let me know. I'm happy to take it off your hands and I'll even trade you some chocolate for it from my Christmas stash. Bartering: the first trend of 2010. You heard it here first. I know we've been doing it on the Island for a while, but I think it's time to take it to the next level, I'm not sure what that level is yet, but I'm sure we will discover it together in the new decade.
If you live in Aquinnah and have not received an H1N1 vaccine yet, and you were unable to get to the town clinic yesterday, you can call our town nurse, Juleann Van Belle, at 508-693-6659, and schedule a time to get it. All restrictions have been lifted from this vaccine and everyone is eligible for it. The next town clinic will be Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 2 to 6 pm.
We all know that there can be a lack of social activities in the winter for up-Island residents, so with that in mind, I'm passing along a little West Tisbury news. The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury will be hosting community suppers every Wednesday starting January 6, through March. Supper begins at 5:30 pm; bring a side dish if you are able, or more importantly bring someone who cannot or will not get out and socialize on their own. Everyone is welcome.
Ella Mahoney is in rehearsal for the high school's production of "Rent." She is playing a city dweller and is having fun with it.
If you see a blur on the road speeding by you, it's just Cole on his sleek new skateboard that he purchased right before Christmas.
Happy New Year, everyone. Be well, be safe, be happy. We live in the best place on Earth. Let's take care of it and us in the New Year day by day.
