This past weekend was the first really good one I have had since the election. The women’s marches in America and all over the world were incredible to be a part of and to witness. My family and I went to the march in Falmouth, where we saw many friends from the Island including Juli Vanderhoop, Dardy Slavin and her mom, and Sheila Muldaur. Congressman Keating and others spoke about actions we could take in Massachusetts to help the environment, and suggested contacting the governor’s office about any issue you feel is important right now (the opioid crisis, the environment, health care, immigration, human rights, budget cuts, etc.). It has become clear that this is not a time to be complacent but to speak up about the issues that affect you and your community.

I saw many great pictures from friends at marches around the country. Many people from the Vineyard made the trek to D.C., some went to N.Y.C., and others to Boston (like my neighbor, Kathy Newman, who marched with her daughter and grandson). It was amazing to see the outpouring of humanity around the world standing up for truth, dignity, and the Constitution. Then the weekend was capped off by the Patriots 36-to-17 win over the Steelers. That made it even better; now I feel like anything is possible.

The Aquinnah Democratic Town Committee will have a meeting Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6 pm at the Town Hall to caucus on the Democratic Party platform, and to select delegates to the State Democratic Convention in June. All are welcome, and refreshments will be served.

At the library this week: Tonight (Thursday) at the library at 5 pm, there will be a “Movie Night for Adults,” with a screening of the awardwinning movie “Light Between Oceans.” Popcorn will be served, and the movie will play at the Old Town Hall. This Saturday, Jan. 28, from 11 am to 3 pm, the Kids Craft will be Mandalas and circular patterns. On Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 5:30, the Knitting Group will meet. All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Aquinnah’s own Connie Hyde will be leading the group! As always, story time is on Thursdays at 3:30 pm and Saturdays at 10:30 am. The Afterschool Group meets on Tuesdays at 4 pm.

At Pathways this week: Tonight, Thursday, Jan. 26, “Navigating the Media Landscape: An Interactive Round-Table Session” with Alison Rose Levy will take place. Participants will discuss tools for respectful listening, communicating diverse perspectives, and navigating the complexities of the media landscape. Alison Rose Levy is an environmental journalist who hosts “Connect the Dots,” a radio show featuring interviews with leading researchers, scientists, environmentalists, health experts, and authors. The program runs from 7 to 9 pm. The Music Series continues at Pathways this Friday, Jan. 27, at 7 pm. Performers include Jemima James, Seth Cooperrider, and Stephen Hart. 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 are provided. On Tuesdays, Pathways hosts a “Writers and Poets” series. You can go to pathwaysmv.org for more information on all their events.

Happy birthday to Lyle Vanderhoop, who turned 4 this past Wednesday. Happy birthday to Marvin Jones, who while he does not live here in Aquinnah, is truly an original on Martha’s Vineyard. He is one of those people who belong to the whole Island, not just a specific town. He is also one of the best chefs on the Island. I hope someone is baking him a cake somewhere.