Aquinnah: Wampanoag New Year

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It was a busy weekend in Aquinnah. On Saturday, the Friends of the Aquinnah Public Library hosted a community potluck at the Old Town Hall. The library is still putting together its long-range plan, and the librarians and the trustees wanted more community input about what people would like from their library. People came and shared their views, kids ran around, and everyone ate well. There was also a “flash tattoo” station, where Joan LeLacheur gave people rub-on gold or silver temporary tattoos. Many people, young and old took advantage of it.

The following day, the Aquinnah Cultural Center hosted a Wampanoag New Year’s event in the same space. There was traditional music by Carole Vandal and the Black Brook Drummers. Of course there was a wonderful meal, and there were beautiful craft items for sale as well. It’s great to see all this activity in town and everyone coming together in celebration of spring.

At the library this week: Story Time is on Thursday at 3:30 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am. This Saturday will be a special Story Time in collaboration with the Family Center. Thursday, April 12, at 4:30 pm, there will be a Technical Help workshop; you can bring in your laptop and/or device and get some help. There will be a craft on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm; you can make a kite. School vacation starts this Friday, and the library will have extra crafts and activities scheduled. Stop in or check the Facebook page.

On Saturday, April 21, Jennifer Burkin will lead her popular Acrylic Landscape Painting workshop from 2 to 3:30 pm. Jennifer will lead everyone through a step-by-step exploration of landscape painting, during which everyone will create their own piece of landscape art. This class is well attended, so please call the library to sign up at 508-645-2314.

At Pathways this week, there is a schedule change; Tuesday’s Writer’s Program will be this Thursday, April 12, due to many town meetings on Tuesday night. Come on Thursday to see Jenny Allen, Julia Kidd, and Holly Nadler read. These are three phenomenal authors; you will not be disappointed. On Friday, Pathways will host, “Alternative Strings” an evening of music made on stringed instruments that are not guitars. There are many wonderful musicians in the lineup. The knitting group led by Rebecca Gilbert will continue to meet on Mondays from 1 to 3 pm through April 23. On Tuesday, April 17, the Peter Luce Play Readers Group will read Nora Ephron’s “Love, Loss and What I Wore.” All evening programs at Pathways begin at 7 pm, and there is no admission charge.

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a Disaster Shelter Training this spring. It will be held over three dates, starting April 20 from 6 to 8 pm at the West Tisbury Fire Station. The next two will be May 4 from 6 to 9 pm at the Oak Bluffs Police Station, and May 12 from 10 am to noon at the Oak Bluffs School, respectively. Everyone is welcome and the training is free; this is a great way to be of service in your community. If you would like to sign up, call 508-645-2105 or email mlent@chilmarkma.gov.

Michele Dupon from Meals on Wheels will give an informational talk this Sunday, April 15, at 11:30 am at the Federated Church Meeting House. The Meeting House is located at 45 South Summer St. in Edgartown. If you have any questions about the program, this is an opportunity to ask and find out more about what Meals on Wheels does.

Happy birthday to Lexie Roth, who celebrates on the 14th; I know there are many talented people in her circle who can perform a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Happy birthday to Carole Vandal, who celebrates on the 16th; this year is extra-special for Carole, as it is the first year she has her grandsons living with her.