My goodness, what a week it has been here in Aquinnah. A furious snowstorm with three days of school canceled, and then more snow and rain this week that prompted another day of no school and oh, the Patriots won the Super Bowl! That was an amazing game, and such a great way to end the football season. So close all the way through, up then down, then up again, and then that crazy interception by the Patriots in the last minute of the game. I think this puts all the debate to rest. Tom Brady is the best quarterback. Ever. The only one to start in six Super Bowls and win four. There was much rejoicing in Aquinnah and all over the Island on Sunday night. Usually I hate the month of February on this Island, but this year it is off to a great start. I’m OK with another snow day because the Patriots won. I’m not sure how long the euphoria is going to last, but I’m going to ride it out for as long as it does.
The library will host dinner and a movie for kids Thursday, Feb. 5, to make up for the one that didn’t happen last week. The library was closed last Tuesday and Thursday; let’s hope the weather doesn’t cancel this one. It starts at 5 pm, and there will be pizza crusts provided by the Orange Peel Bakery, and a movie. Come on by. This Saturday from noon to 2pm, there will be a master class in flavored extracts. Make your own vanilla extract, and two other flavored extracts, to take home. On Feb. 12 there will be another dinner and a movie for kids, and on Saturday, Feb. 14, (also known as Valentine’s Day) from 12 to 3 pm, the library will host “How Do I Love Thee?” It’s a Valentine’s Day poetry reading, vintage card making, and chocolate tasting. And because the library loves us, they have extended the fine amnesty through the month of February. Just bring in a nonperishable food item for the Island Food Pantry and have your library fines forgiven.
Lisa Vanderhoop and Jessica Kramer will have their work on display and for sale at the Chilmark branch of Santander Bank. Lisa will be selling her Valentine’s Day cards (some are a little racy this year) and calendars. Jessica will be selling her beautiful jewelry. They will host a reception this Friday from 5 to 7 pm, complete with cosmopolitans and pink cupcakes. You know those Vanderhoops can throw a good party; I would definitely stop by and get your Valentine’s gift handled one week early.
Remember that Chilmark Chocolates has reopened as well.
Sassafras is hosting their outdoor Saturday program, “Squirrels and Coyotes,” every Saturday in February and into March. This is such a great nature program, and an amazing way for your kids to learn more about our habitat, AKA Aquinnah. Call Saskia Vanderhoop at 508-645-2008, or go to sassafrasmvy.org to register.
The blizzard did not just bring us school closings and impassable roads, it also brought us a baby: Tiffany Vanderhoop and Jason Widdiss’s son, Carl Hustler Widdiss (I love that he is named after Carl Widdiss). He was born on Jan. 28 at 2:42 am, and weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Baby Carl joins older siblings Brian, Maysel, and Novella. Welcome sweet baby!
Megan Ottens-Sargent would like to start an Aquinnah Democratic Committee. Members need to be registered Democrats in Aquinnah. The group will focus on the issues of the party platform, meeting a few times a year and possibly at times with MVDems. If you are interested, please call Megan at 508-645-2776.