It looks like this weekend will be a busy one both locally and nationally. The presidential inauguration will be held this Friday, and then on Saturday there will be many protests nationwide. The main one is in Washington, D.C., but there are many satellite protests in Boston, New York City, and even Falmouth. Information about them can be found online and on various Facebook pages. And there is plenty to do here this weekend if you need a distraction from all things political.
At the library, this week: Tonight, Thursday at 5 pm, is a brand-new acrylic painting workshop for adults. The workshop is free, open to the public, and all of the supplies will be provided. No experience necessary. Refreshments will be served. The program will meet at the Old Town Hall from 5 to 6:30 pm. On Saturday, Jan. 21, from 11 am to 3 pm, the kid’s craft will be printed winter hats. On Tuesday the 24th at 5:30 pm, the monthly book group will meet. January’s book is “Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker” by Jennifer Chiaverini. Next Thursday, Jan. 26, there will be a movie night for adults. “The Light Between Oceans” will be screened at the Old Town Hall at 5 pm, and popcorn will be served. Regular programming of Storytime on Thursday at 3:30 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am, and the Afterschool Club on Tuesday at 4 pm will be the same.
At Pathways, this week: On Thursday is the Digital Arts evening with a screening of “Tomorrow We Disappear,” a film chronicling the last days of Kathputli. The synopsis reads, “Hidden away in New Delhi, a colony of magicians, acrobats, and puppeteers deal with the approaching eviction to make way for the city’s first skyscraper.” The film starts promptly at 7 pm, the doors open at 6:30 pm. On Friday, Jan. 20, Pathways presents “Arts & Scripts: A Taste of Projects in the Works.” This will be a multimedia evening of music, art, writing, video, and poetry. Performers and artists will include: Barnyard Saints, Christina Montoya, Anne Cooke, Rob Hauck, and the Pickpocket Bluegrass Band. The program will start at 7 pm. There is free admission to both events, and refreshments will be served. Every Monday at Pathways: “Wool for Water.” Spin and knit for any cause dear to your heart from 1:15 to 3 pm. All materials will be provided. Pathways is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, they are closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Go to pathwaysmv.org for information on all their events. Pathways Gathering Space at the Chilmark Tavern is located at 9 State Road in Chilmark.
Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish are playing Friday night, Jan. 20, at the Chilmark Community Center. This is a DanceHall Public Dancing Allowed event sponsored by the Yard. Come dance off the inauguration blues. If you made a resolution to be in better shape this year, dancing is a great form of exercise. The show is from 7 to 10 pm, and tickets are $10. Free for children under 12.
In light of some recent accidents, there is renewed interest in revisiting the renting of mopeds on Martha’s Vineyard. While this meeting is happening down-Island, we are gravely affected by mopeds up-Island, on our narrow roads. There will be a presentation of the Mopeds are Dangerous Action Committee at the Oak Bluffs board of selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 4:30 pm, at the Oak Bluffs library, downstairs. For more information, visit the MV Mopeds Are Dangerous Facebook page.
Happy birthday to Steve Broderick, whose birthday is this Sunday. On Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 6 pm, I will lead an art group with found materials for ages 18 to 26 at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative. This group will meet every other Wednesday through the winter. Materials are provided, although people are encouraged to bring a journal.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services has some new programs that sound great, notably, “Raising a Thinking Child.” Through this eight-week interactive and research-based program, you will explore how to improve your child’s problem-solving skills and ability to resolve conflicts, while encouraging her/him to think for her/himself. This program begins on Friday, Jan. 20, from 9:30 to 11 am at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center. “Family Zumba” is on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 1 to 3 pm at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, “Parenting Journeys” will be held; it is a support group for parents raising a child up to 8 years old with special needs. Dinner and childcare is provided. This group meets 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the M.V. Family Center.