I write this on Sunday morning as our first nor’easter of the year is gearing up to blow its raucous wild self around our Island. Charley and the cat and I are safe and warm inside, and the house is full of the delicious smells of cooking. I am grateful for this, but my heart is heavy. I try not to read or listen to the news every day, in an attempt to keep my spirit filled with hope and kindness, but I do look at it on Sunday. So here is what I want to say.
Like most of us, I recited the Pledge of Allegiance at school every school day. The words “and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” were chanted, hands over hearts, on our feet. Like the jump-rope rhymes we sang at recess, we said those words without really analyzing what they meant. But they meant something, nonetheless. The news today is filled with acts that divide us, with insults to the ideals of separation of powers, the rule of law, due process, the sanctity of the right to vote, and to the basic morality of kindness. I protest.
I hope you are moved to protest too. On Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1:30 pm, come to Five Corners and join the No Kings Freedom Rally. It’s a chance to stand up and say “Not in my name.“ This day of nonviolent, loving, hopeful protest is happening all over our country. It is expected to be the largest demonstration in the U.S. in modern history. Join in and show your true colors. Now is the time.
The Aquinnah library is holding an October costume swap. All month long you can bring your gently used costumes to the library, and swap them for something that someone else has brought in. They have lots of other activities taking place. For example, they display classic and notable works of global literature in their displays. This month they feature works from South Africa. Go by and take a look. They also want to remind you about their Tick Talks, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 16, and Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 to 7 pm. These talks, by Aubrey Stimola Ryan, will help you understand alpha-gal syndrome and other tick-borne illnesses.
A group of Aquinnah citizens have organized into a coordinating committee of a proposed Town Center Overlay District. They are holding a public input session on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Town Hall. You can also attend virtually via a link that will be posted on the town website. They will present the results of the survey taken over the summer, and attendees can help refine the ideas developed. Snacks will be provided. This is a chance to help shape the future of our town, so attend if you can.
Way back in June, Beth Green wrote to ask knitters and crocheters to make baby items for Clothes to Go, a worthy group that provides clothing to those in need. I offered to make a baby quilt, which I have just now finished, which gives you an idea of how slow I am at this type of work. If you’re inclined to knit or crochet or quilt for young ones, contact Beth at bgreen123@yahoo.com.
This week holds only one birthday that I know of: It’s that of my wondrous granddaughter, Tillie Taylor. It’s a biggie. She is turning 13 on Oct. 17. If you see her, give her a salute — she deserves it.
Send me your Aquinnah-related news; I’d love to share it.
