The annual town meeting was this past Saturday, and it went pretty well. People behaved themselves for the most part and we got through all the business in under three hours. The meeting started off with a standing ovation for Jim Newman, who has served as selectman for 18 years. Jim’s seat will be filled by one of three candidates, Adrian Higgins, Tom Murphy, or Nancy Slate. There was a moment of silence to honor Jerry Weiner, who passed away last week. Jerry served for many years as the building inspector in town and he will be missed by many. Juli Vanderhoop read a poem commemorating Juneteenth; Saturday’s meeting was held on the first federal acknowledgement of the day. Then it was down to business. There was a delay in voting on the budget once it was realized that attendees didn’t have the current budget that was being voted on, so we voted on all the other warrant articles, while budgets were printed and voted on the budget at the end. By that time, people were a little weary and the budget passed without a hitch. Perhaps it should happen like that every year?
Remember to vote in the town elections today, Thursday, June 24. The polls at the town hall are open from noon to 8 pm.
Pathways ARTS is teaming up with the Orange Peel Bakery this Friday to present: “Proud on MV! We Dance,” in honor of Pride month. The evening begins at 5:30 pm with pizza and salad to share. Then from 7:30 to 10:30 pm, DJ Wayne Elliott takes over and the dancing is on. This event is free and open to all, but be prepared to dance.
The Aquinnah Shop is returning to indoor/outdoor seating next week on June 29. Here is the schedule from now until then: open for takeout on Thursday, June 24, from noon to 8:30 pm, closed for a private event on Friday, June 25, open for takeout on Saturday, June 26, noon to 8:30 pm, and closed on Sunday and Monday. Starting on Tuesday, June 29, they will be open for dinner service from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Reservations are highly recommended, call 508-645-3867 or go to theaquinnahshop.com. I can’t wait to sit out on the deck and enjoy a great dinner and sunset again.
The Chilmark Community Center is holding an afternoon art camp from 12:30 to 3 pm starting on July 5. The camp runs every week through August 13. There are two options, an all ages “open studio” and teen workshops with themes that are more structured for ages 13 to 18. The Chilmark Community Center camp that runs from 9 am to noon is also back this year. To register for any of the center’s camps and programs, go to chilmarkcommunitycenter.org.
My heart goes out to the family of Jerry Weiner, his wife, Carolyn Felz, and their son, Jessie. I know Jerry was sick for a long time and that must have put a strain on them. Every time I have seen Carolyn in the past few years, she has always had a smile for everyone and something positive to say. I wish them peace and healing as they adjust to life without Jerry. Congratulations to Matahquhs Vanderhoop, who graduated from preschool at the Island Children’s School last week. He will be on to kindergarten in the fall. Happy Birthday to the great Mary McConneloug, who celebrates today, June 24. Alexander Weinstein and Jonathan Kaye share June 27 as their birthdays.
If you have any Aquinnah Town Column suggestions, email Molly Purves, mlpurves@yahoo.com.
