We made it through February! The worst month on Martha’s Vineyard, and it was one day longer this year — congratulations, everyone. As far as I know there were no homicides in retaliation for people posting pictures on Facebook of their tropical vacations, but some people are still away, so it’s probably best not to speak too soon. I realize that it is still winter and that spring in Aquinnah feels like it doesn’t arrive until June, but the fact that it is now March gives me some hope.
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival will be happening from March 17 to 20; go to tmvff.org for the complete schedule.
Lambs will start being born soon, and baby animals are always cheering no matter what the weather. And in other good news, Chilmark Chocolates reopens today.
At the library this week: There are no programs on Tuesday this week, as the After School Club has moved to Thursdays at 4 for the interim. On Thursday, Story Time is at 3:30 pm. On Saturday, Feb. 5, Story Time will be combined with yoga, and will meet at 10 am in the Old Town Hall. Also on Saturday will be a kids’ craft: making lion masks from 11 am to 3 pm. On March 15 the library will show “The Peanuts Movie” at 5 pm; pizza (both regular and gluten-free) will be served.
The new session of Sassafras Saturday camp will start this Saturday at 11 am. For information and to register, go to sassafrasmvy.org or call Saskia Vanderhoop at 508-645-2008.
In honor of International Women’s Day this Saturday, March 5, Pathways Gathering Space presents “Women Live! Making art/Realizing change.” The show is from 6:30 to 9 pm, and will feature many female performers including the Vineyard Belly Dance & Revue, Danielle Doell and Leah Crosby, Lynn Ditchfield, poet Susan Puciul, and digital artist Heather Goff.
The gathering space and gallery gift shop are still open daily from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm except Wednesday and Sunday; the gallery features work from Island artisans.
The Ripple Group will start meeting tonight from 5:30 to 7 pm at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Island Counseling Center. The group meets for six sessions, and is an educational and supportive group for loved ones (age 18-plus) of those experiencing substance abuse who are seeking an understanding of addictions and support. This group seeks to provide a safe space for loved ones to learn accurate and up-to-date information about addiction, recovery, treatment, and its effects, as well as provide support to one another and themselves in their roles as family and friends of those in active addiction or recovery. For more information or to sign up, contact Jaime Schwab at 508-693-7900, ext. 375.
On Monday, March 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm there will be a talk for parents at the MVRHS Library, “Rethinking Challenging Kids,” a parent workshop with Dr. Larry Epstein, sponsored by the Island Wide Youth Collaborative. To register, contact Jenn Chang at 508-693-7900, ext. 400, or go to mvcommunityservices.com/iwyc/thinkkids.
The Aquinnah Cultural Center’s “Fun-Raiser” was this past Saturday at the Old Town Hall, and everyone who went said it was a great time. Traditional venison stew and quahog chowder were served. Wampanoag elders told stories of old Gay Head, and there was drumming and dancing. I am sorry to have missed it, but I hear there will be another one in April.
