And the snows came, and kept coming and coming till everything was a black-and-white world. Meetings were canceled, and there was a delayed opening of the schools. Thankfully, most stayed safe and warm. I remember the snowy cold days when my two sisters and I walked to the Tisbury School from our home on Daggett Avenue. We did not have a car, and neither did most people in those days and years following World War II. We would anxiously wait as my father examined the thermometer and wait for his answer. If the temperature was above 32°, we would be so happy, but below that figure we sighed, as we knew it meant we would have to wear the dreaded long underwear. Then my mother would dress us in layers of clothing, sweaters, leggings, boot socks, boots, jackets, hats, and mittens, and we would waddle off into the snow, headed to school.
When we arrived back home, we would play outside until the snow would freeze the knit cuffs of our jackets and mittens, leaving a cold red ring around our wrists. But even so, when my mother would insist on our coming in we would cry and beg for more time, but had to go in. Inside, we were stripped of our warm clothing, wrapped ourselves in blankets, and usually got a hot drink. Of course we moaned about the fact that we were so cold, but given another opportunity to play out in the snow again, we would not have hesitated to do so.
I think most children today love the opportunity for playing and sledding in the snow. And most adults do not.
Keep in mind these two upcoming dates when school will be closed. There will be a professional day for staff on Friday, Jan. 13, and on Monday, school will also be closed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Another book drive held by the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs will be held at our Oak Bluffs library this Saturday, Jan. 14, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Check through your books and see if there are some that it wouldn’t break your heart to part with, and know that they will continue to be enjoyed by someone else if you donate them. DVDs and CDs will also be accepted. Of course they and any donated books must be in good to excellent condition.
Then on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 6 to 9 pm, in the library meeting room, the Vineyard Conservation Society’s film series on waste will feature an episode of documentarian Morgan Spurlock’s CNN show, “Morgan Spurlock Inside Man.” It will prove an eye-opening insight into what happens to waste, how it hurts the environment, and how we can reduce the amount in the first place. He asks, “When we throw something away, where is away?”
Our own Susan Klein is once again offering a “Spice of Life” memoir organizing and writing workshop. The workshop is scheduled for Thursday afternoons at the Tisbury Senior Center from 1 to 3:30 pm. Having done this workshop with Susan, I can tell you it is very informative, with helpful information, and also entertaining. Please contact Susan for more information or to register at 508-989-9264.
As of last Friday, the Tisbury Travel Club had two subscriber tickets available for this Friday, Jan. 13, to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra matinee. If you are interested, you may call the Tisbury Council on Aging at 508-696-4205, and see if they are still available.
Our Martha’s Vineyard Community Services has some more great programs planned. The Saturday Dads Playgroup is a facilitated playgroup for dads offering planned activities and open gym time. It takes place this Saturday, Jan. 14, from 3 to 4:30 pm at the Tisbury School gym.
“Mealtime Magic” with Laura Denman takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center. She will share strategies on developing competent eating habits. Preregistration is required, so please call 508-687-9182 for more info or to register.
We send birthday smiles to Sue Sequinha on the 13th, Pat Dorsey the next day, Shamus Kelley on the 15th, Jessica Peters and Chris Pantalone on the 16th, Kat deBettencourt on the 17th, Brad Tanner on the 18th, and Marcia Valentzas and Patti Linn on Jan. 19.
Enjoy your week. Peace.