So sorry, readers, but I gave out some wrong information about Cranberry Day, October 12. The picking of cranberries on tribal lands is only for tribal members and their children. All Wampanoag children will be excused from school that day if they participate. The community potluck at the Tribal center is open to all, but the picking is not. I am sorry for any confusion I caused.
Well, the big news around here is all about Jessie Little Doe Baird, who in the course of a couple of weeks received two grants totaling a little over $1 million dollars. The first $500,000 came from the MacArthur Foundation in recognition of her work to resurrect the dormant Wampanoag language. The second grant for $530,000 was from the federal Administration for Native Americans for a master apprentice teaching program.
This is wonderful news for Jessie and her family but even greater news for the Wampanoag here and in Mashpee who will be able to learn and speak their native tongue, a language that until Jessie started her work on it had been dormant for more than 100 years. Congratulations to Jessie, her family, and the Wampanoag tribes of Aquinnah and Mashpee.
Tonight from 5 to 9 pm at Flatbread Pizza there is a fundraising dinner for Island Grown Schools. A portion of all meals sold will go to I.G.S., which is headed by Aquinnah’s Noli Taylor.
On Saturday at 11 am at the Aquinnah Library, renowned storyteller Lillian Kellman will be spinning some tales. Come one, come all: I hear she puts on a great show for the kids.
On Sunday you can meet and talk to Neal Maciel who is running for sheriff of Dukes County. Stop by Farm Neck Café at Farm Neck Golf Course off County Road in Oak Bluffs from 4 to 6 pm. Appetizers will be served, and there is a suggested donation of $20 per person.
Chilmark Tavern’s last day of the season will be Monday, Columbus Day, so stop by to say goodbye. It’s been a great first season there, and I will be sad to see it close for the winter.
Do you need a way to stave off the winter blues that can permeate all of Aquinnah this time of year? The Martha’s Vineyard Donor’s collaborative can help. If you have time to volunteer, they can help connect you with an organization that would be right for you. You can check their website at mvdonors.org.
Next Friday, October 16, at the Performing Arts Center at MVRHS, ACE-MV will hold a cultural festival from 6 to 9 pm. This is a celebration of Ethnic Studies Week and Island diversity. There will be an ethnic food court, booths, vendors, music, and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 (children under 12 free). Go to acemv.org or call Lynn at 508-627-8373 for more information.
Congratulations to Dardy and Sean Slavin whose son Corrick was born at home on Monday, September 27. All are healthy and well, and Corrick is very cute with a little fuzz of red hair.
Lastly, Halloween is upon us. My son has been practicing all year by wearing his Patriots uniform and insisting upon being called Tom Brady. I was asked to assist in planning the town/tribe Halloween party. If you have any ideas and/or would like to help, please give me a call. I am greatly looking forward to seeing all the little witches and goblins of Aquinnah in their glory.
