Last Saturday the Aquinnah Circle was crowded with hundreds of people gathered for Aquinnah Public Safety Day and for the Aquinnah Cultural Center’s Native Artisan Market and Festival. The hot and sunny day was relieved by a cooling breeze, and the air was punctuated with the gorgeous sounds of the Black Brook songs and drums, the occasional screech of sirens initiated by curious youngsters allowed to crawl around the public safety vehicles on display, and by the unmistakable roar of Harleys slowly circling on the roadway. The Aquinnah Fire Department served up hundreds of hot dogs and hamburgers and veggies, the police department handed out free ice cream, and children and adults alike were thrilled when the State Police helicopter landed right there in our Circle, just for fun. Meanwhile, visitors were roaming the tables and stands of the artists at the Artisan Market, wandering the stores on the Cliffs, purchasing gifts and treasures to take home. It was a good day here in Aquinnah.
One of my favorite summer things to do is to take the bike ferry from West Basin over to Menemsha, grab a bite at the Galley, and stroll the dock down to the beach before going into the fish market to grab something special to cook for dinner. I love our Aquinnah beaches, but find the beach in Menemsha a great place to walk because it is relatively flat, and always filled with interesting people.
While most people are respectful, just the sheer number of people that use that beach almost guarantees that right along with the beautiful water, rocks and shells, and soothing sand, you will find candy wrappers, paper cups and straws, and other human-discarded debris. You can help make this better. On Saturday, July 27, from 8 to 10 am, the Beach BeFrienders are sponsoring a beach cleanup on Menemsha Beach. Load the family into the car and check in with the Beach BeFriender host on the beach that day to pick up bags and gloves. In exchange for helping, kids under 12 will be given a coupon for free ice cream from the Ice Box, and all of you will have the joy of service.
On Wednesday, July 31, at noon, the Up-Island Council on Aging is holding its third monthly free lunch at the Aquinnah Town Hall. I have signed up for this every month, and each month life has interfered, so I haven’t been able to attend, but I understand that it is a lovely gathering with good food and great company. I am determined to be there this time. (Knock on wood; spit over your shoulder; toss some salt; cross your fingers.) You need to sign up in advance, so pick up that phone and call 508-693-2896, and, God willing, I will see you there.
There are a passel of birthdays to celebrate this week, each one of them absolutely dear to my heart. On July 26, I celebrate Joan LeLacheur; on July 27, it’s Max Decker; on July 28, it’s Vera Dello Russo; on July 29, it’s Hollis Smith; and on July 30 I celebrate Jamie Vanderhoop.
Be safe. Be well. Appreciate.
If you have any Aquinnah Town Column suggestions, email Kathie Olson, aquinnahcolumn@gmail.com.
