The Sargent Gallery (formerly the Gay Head Gallery) is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Megan Sargent is always happy to schedule an appointment as well; simply call her at 508-645-2776. The gallery will be open through Columbus Day. Megan got a scare last week when her cat Poppitt disappeared; luckily he turned up, obviously not feeling well. Hopefully it is nothing too serious.
The Aquinnah Cultural Center at the Cliffs is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. You can always stop in during those hours for a tour of the old Vanderhoop homestead. On Saturday, Sept. 17, there will be a wampum demonstration and activity while the museum is open. Join Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe as he demonstrates the traditional method of making wampum beads and other items. Use an old-style pump drill to make your own wampum pendant. There is a $5 fee to attend the demonstration, plus admission. “Our Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History” will be up through Oct. 5. Take the opportunity to view this powerful and informational exhibit of little-known early 17th century history and the impact of European settlement on the Wampanoag and other Native peoples. “Captured 1614” returns, with the new addition of “The Messenger Runner.” For more information on all ACC exhibits and programs, please call 508-645-7900 or email aquinnahcc@gmail.com.
The Aquinnah library schedule is as follows: Story Time is on Thursdays at 3:30 pm and Saturdays at 10:30 am. Kids Craft is Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. This week the craft is Popsicle Sticks Apple Core. On Tuesdays at 4 pm, the After-School Club meets. On Thursday, Sept. 29, at 5 pm, the library will be offering henna tattoos again. Bridgette from Maple Mehndi will return, and tattoos will be free of charge to the public. Everyone is welcome to join in this fun evening.
This Monday, Sept. 19, at the Old Town Hall, there will be a dinner at 6:30 pm and then a housing production plan meeting at 7 pm. This is an important meeting to help determine the needs, and a plan of action, for affordable housing in Aquinnah. Go to the town website, aquinnah-ma.gov, for more information.
Chances are you know someone who has fallen or is afraid of falling. “A Matter of Balance” is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and to increase their physical activity. The Martha’s Vineyard Partnership for Health is looking for new volunteer coaches from each town to help provide this program. This free training for volunteer coaches will be held on two half-days: Monday, Sept. 19, and Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 8 am until noon. Preregistration is required. Training materials and snacks will be provided. For more information, email ksamways@ihimv.org or call 508-627-5797, ext. 114.
The Aquinnah Wampanoag Pow Wow was this past weekend. I went on Sunday and had a wonderful time. I missed the grand entry and tribute/thank you to Bettina Washington, both of which sounded spectacular. I was glad that I did get to see the very moving tribute to Hakeem Madison, who died unexpectedly at the age of 24 earlier this year. Bettina led the tribute, speaking of Hakeem’s work ethic and dedication to his family and tribe. He seemed to be a man who made friends wherever he went. After Bettina spoke, there was a receiving line for people to express their sympathy. And then a dance, which seemed fitting. Then his family spoke. The older I get, the more I understand that while the death of a young person is horrible and seems out of the natural order of things, it is a gift to feel and mourn their loss and to witness that grief and be present for it. The tribute was very fitting, given the theme of the Pow Wow was “Honoring our Young Warriors.”
Happy birthday to one of the most vivacious people in Aquinnah: Ona Ignacio celebrates on Friday. Happy birthday to Eliska Suryckova, who works at the Chilmark Tavern, and to Buck Reidy, who helms the Menemsha Bike Ferry most weekends. They celebrate on Saturday and Wednesday, respectively. Happy September and start of football season, everyone. Tom Brady will be back in action before you know it.
