I know this column is about Aquinnah, but all I really want to talk about is David Bowie, who died earlier this week from cancer at the age of 69. This was a devastating loss to the world of music and art. For people of my generation and the generation prior, he was perhaps the most influential artist of our time across all art forms. If you talk to a Bowie fan, there is not so much a fanaticism but a deep belief that David Bowie is the only one who could really understand them, and that what he communicated through his art was exactly what they, his fans, were feeling. For many of my friends who were Bowie fans, it feels like they lost a best friend rather than an artist they admired. Thankfully he left behind a huge body of amazing work that can be experienced by generations to come, and thankfully we have many wonderful artists here on the Island who are inspired by his work.
At the library this week: On Saturday, Jan. 16, from 11 am to 3 pm, there will be a book-making craft event. You can come in and sew a book that can be used for a journal or scrapbook. Tuesday, Jan. 19, there will be another kids’ movie night at 5:30 pm. The library will show “Minions” and serve pizza (both gluten-free and regular), veggies, and juice. The Family Center will be hosting a playgroup at the Old Town Hall the third Wednesday of every month. It’s from 10-11 am and is open to kids below school age. The first one will be held this coming Wednesday, January 20. On Thursday, Jan. 21, is the next book group meeting at 5 pm. The book is “Defending Jacob,” by William Landay. Copies are available at the library.
There will be music at Pathways this Friday, Jan. 15, from 6:30 to 9 pm. Performers include Dana Edelman, Taurus Biskis, and Mike Kerr. As always, admission is free and refreshments will be served.
This Saturday starts the new series at Sassafras. There is also a winter party and potluck jam at Sassafras on Sunday at 8 pm. On Sunday, Jan. 24, there is a bird language class. Go to sassafrasmvy.org or call Saskia Vanderhoop at 508-645-2008.
On Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the Vineyard Haven library, Liz Witham and Ken Wentworth will show episodes of their film series, “Sustainable Vineyard,” along with footage from the Paris climate talks. The evening runs from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Next Friday, Jan. 22, the Chilmark School will host a fundraiser for the Red Stocking Fund at the Chilmark Community Center. “Italian Night” will be a dinner for the whole family. Tickets are $12 each or $30 per family. It starts at 5:30 pm, and you can email meggiemorrow@gmail.com for tickets.
Happy birthday to Megan Woods, who celebrates today, and Faith Vanderhoop who celebrates tomorrow, Jan. 15. Good luck to the Patriots who are, in case you weren’t aware, playing their first playoff game on Saturday.
