New Year’s Eve is this Saturday, and you know what that means: the beginning of the dark days in Aquinnah, when there is really, absolutely nothing going on. The town will feel deserted, and you will wonder where everyone is and if you are now living in a ghost town, but no, you are not, it’s just deep winter. Personally, I’m thinking of hibernating. That’s right, I’m just going to go to bed on Jan. 2 and get up just in time for the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival in March. But then again maybe I’ll just stay in bed until May. This will make my New Year’s resolution to give up sweets much easier.
It’s not over quite yet: Pathways will host a New Year’s Eve Drop-In on Saturday, Dec 31, from 6:30 to 9 pm. Their next “We Dance!” evening is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 6, with DJ Wayne Elliott. There will be guest dancers on hand, including Leah Crosby, Danielle Doell, and Christina Montoya, who will get you dancing the salsa. For more information and complete schedule of events, go to pathwaysmv.org.
There will be a Neighborhood Convention at the Unitarian Universalist Society this Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 11 am. The church is located at North Main Street in Vineyard Haven. The meeting will begin with a worship service. Rabbi Lori Schaller will present the program, “Conversations with Clergy.” Everyone is welcome to attend. Please bring a bag lunch; dessert and beverages will be provided by the hosts. For more information, contact Mary-Jean Miner at 508-696-8589.
There will be a special presentation at the Chilmark Community Center on Tuesday, Jan. 10: Dr. Yvonne Spicer, who is a national and international speaker and advocate for precollege science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) education, will speak. She will present from 6 to 8 pm after visiting the Chilmark School, and will be presenting information about STEAM for parents on the Island. Please come and learn more about this Island initiative.
A very big thank-you to all who contributed to the Aquinnah town Christmas party. Lisa Vanderhoop and Nancy Benoit did the bulk of the decorating, along with Juli Vanderhoop, Emerson Mahoney, and Amira Ignacio. Theresa Manning and Nonie Madison (a.k.a. Santa’s elves) procured gifts for every child in Aquinnah. June Manning, Margie Spitz, Noah Manning, and Heidi Vanderhoop wrapped gifts. Berta Welch and Theresa Manning cooked roasts, and many, many people brought delicious food to share. Of course, Buddy Vanderhoop must be recognized for his role as Santa. From all reports, he did a tremendous job and didn’t make any kids cry. Ken Wentworth took beautiful pictures, and of course everyone who came made it the great event that it always is.
A belated happy birthday to Theresa Manning, who celebrated last Thursday. Happy birthday to Olive and Violet MacPhail, who turn 11 on Dec. 30. Happy birthday also to Jenny Christy, who celebrates on New Year’s Day! How cool is that?