So the Vineyard looks more like the Arctic than any of us could have imagined, and cabin fever seems to be at an all-time high.
I have seen some great cartoons this week, including one of Moses standing in front of a classic New England home with his arms outstretched, parting the high-as-a-house banks of snow. But Snowmageddon — the ice and snow — is no joke. For those families trying to leave on vacation last Friday, there was a great deal of frustration with no standbys and curtailed boats.
If you like ice, you could choose any pond to skate, or just head out to snowshoe or cross-country ski. Instead of listening to rocks tumble on our shorelines, you can hear the shore ice cracking like glass as the tides roll in and out. With pipes freezing, gutters breaking, rain melting, and imminent basement flooding, this is a winter none of us will forget.
Please check on your neighbors, wear those winter cleats when you walk, take your time driving, and don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help, whether it’s for errands or anything else. If you don’t know who to call, just ask our local librarians; they’ll be able to help.
In the meantime, until further notice, Friday-night movies at the Chilmark library will not be presented, due to technical difficulties. Don’t forget free walk-in blood pressure clinics are every third Wednesday. Call the library at 508-645-3360 for further information.
Join poet Jill Lupen at the West Tisbury library on Monday, March 2, from 4:30 pm to 6 pm to learn about the life of poet Thomas Lux. No sign-up required, and all levels welcome. The series will continue each Monday through March 30; call 508-693-3366 for more information.
ACE MV spring classes start on March 3. Walk-in registration at the MVRHS lobby on will be on Tuesday, March 3, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Classes include Fertilizer Safety Certificate (UMass, Amherst), Pesticide Licensure, Understanding Tick & Mosquito Control, ServSafe Food Handling, Financial Planning, Investing, Sustainability: Addressing the Challenges (Northeastern University), Women’s History, History of Cuba (Fitchburg State), Cooking and so many more! Sign up at acemv.org or call 508-693-9222. Catalogs are available at local libraries.
Don’t forget you can still shop at Grey Barn’s farmstand on South Road, which is fully stocked with pork, ground beef, veal, eggs, cheese, and raw milk. They are open daily from 7 am to 4 pm.
Pathways is continuing to hold a variety of art, music, and creative events; check their Facebook page for the latest updates on their happenings. All are free, and all are welcome to come in from the cold for a little creative inspiration.
