I accepted that I would be in class all day during the Women’s March, and had a great sense of inner peace that so many women and men I know participated in events across our country and abroad. It was much more than about healing from the reeling of our political dilemma. I do want a healthy and sustainable planet for my grandchildren, and believe that this peaceful show of solidarity is about the need to care, for one another and our planet. Each of us must find our own ways to participate in active change. I highly recommend Gloria Steinem’s last book, which I’m still listening to, “Stories from the Road,” though it’s chilling to feel we are going back to such dark times. I am grateful she, and so many others, have laid seeds so we can have our voices heard despite the setbacks of a leadership not interested in the needs of its citizens.
The Mopeds Are Dangerous Action Committee (MADAC) is going before the Oak Bluffs selectmen on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 4:30 pm at the Oak Bluffs library meeting room presenting the committee’s investigation on how the Oak Bluffs moped bylaw, passed in 2004, has been violated for the past 12 years. As it is an Island-wide issue, all can attend.
Environmental journalist Alison Rose Levy will host an interactive roundtable to discuss tools for respectful listening, communicating diverse perspectives, and navigating the complexities of the media landscape on Thursday, Jan. 26, at Pathways Projects. On Friday, Jan. 27, it’s the Music Series, with Jemimah James and friends Seth Cooperrider and Stephen Hart. Tuesdays the Open Writing/Poetry Series continues, where writers of all forms are invited to share work in progress. Doors open at 6:30, followed by programs and performances from 7 to 9 pm. Native Earth Teaching Farm’s Rebecca Gilbert’s “Wool For Water” meets every Monday afternoon from 1:15 to 3 pm for an instructive session of knitting and spinning for Standing Rock. No experience necessary, materials provided. All ages welcome. For more info, call 508-645-9098.
The Yard offers free weekly movement classes, but you’ll have to head to the Oak Bluffs library on Thursdays at 5:30 pm to enjoy them. All ages and abilities welcome. Check dancetheyard.org for more information.
Happy birthday to photographer Peter Simon, who turns 70 on Jan. 26. He’s throwing a Dance Bash on Saturday, Jan. 28, themed “The Summer of Love” (that’s 1967), and inviting everyone to come out “dressed accordingly” and celebrate with him at the Barn, Bowl and Bistro in Oak Bluffs, starting at 8 pm.
The Martha’s Vineyard Community Horse Center is hosting a Horse Farm Kid’s Game Day from 10 am to noon on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Misty Meadows. The cost is $20 per child; for more information, call 508-338-7198.
Join We Stand Together/Estamos Todos Juntos MV Meeting on Sunday, Jan. 29, from 1 to 2:30 pm at the West Tisbury library. This is “a community organization focused on civic engagement and democratic ideals” that meets “every Sunday to discuss and organize on local, state, and national issues.”
If you enjoy music and poetry from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque, head to the First Congregational Church at 3 pm on Sunday, Jan. 29, to hear classical guitarist Eric Johnson, historical wind player Ed Merck, and actor and narrator Niki Patton perform as We Minstrels 3: $15 suggested donation.
Stories and Songs at the Chilmark library are offered Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am. Come in from the cold with your takeout lunch and enjoy it in the library’s meeting room.
All are welcome at Community Suppers on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Chilmark Community Church, free.
If you’re still looking for things to do, be sure to check out the great offerings from acemv.org; new classes are beginning this week.
Have a good week.