The leaden skies of January are surely upon us. I’ve continued to be plagued with a nasty cough and the soreness and weariness that go with it, so the weather seems somehow appropriate. It’s giving me a mindset to do some reading and some deep thinking.
Our town had a great gathering last week to honor and celebrate the election of Kevin Devine as chairperson of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe. The Town Hall was filled with townspeople and tribal members joining together to celebrate what promises to be a great collaboration between town and tribe as we search, together, for solutions to challenges. Many thanks to Tom Murphy for the idea, and to Kevin Devine for allowing us to gather as neighbors who all care passionately about this place we call home.
If you’re looking for things to do this week, there’s much going on. On Thursday, Jan. 15 from 4 to 6 pm, the Aquinnah library hosts a Kid’s Movie Night. They’ll screen “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken.” The movie is rated PG, and refreshments are provided. It’s for the kids, but please note that children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the screening.
Then on Saturday, Jan. 17, the Aquinnah Library Film Group hosts a free screening of “King in the Wilderness,” a documentary that porParticipants of all ages are invited to explore Wôpanâak material culture across time, from soapstone and wood to woven cedar and cattail mats, then to create their own item.trays Martin Luther King Jr.’s final years, from his part in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to his assassination in 1968. Please note that this film is rated R and features “mature themes.” It’s being shown in honor of Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Jan. 19. It warms my heart that our nation has dedicated this day to honor him. Up until now, you could visit our beloved national parks for free in his honor on this day. It hurts my heart that our president has decided to replace that day with his own birthday as the day for free fun on our national lands. (I swear, if you aren’t outraged by this guy, you really aren’t paying attention.) Anyway, replace that bitterness with some great viewing.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 4:30 until 6 pm, go to the Aquinnah library to join Brad Lopes, education manager for the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe and education coordinator for the Aquinnah Cultural Center, for a special hands-on workshop. You’ll get a chance to learn about cultural boundaries and respectful appreciation around creation. Brad is a warm and knowledgeable teacher. Try not to miss this one! The program is free, and all are welcome.
Then at 10 am on Saturday, like all Saturdays in January, Jannette Vanderhoop is offering an hourlong Kripalu yoga class suitable for all ages and yoga levels. It’s a virtual class, meaning you can gather your kin about you, turn on your screen, and all try breathing and stretching calmly together under the guidance of a wonderful, local, registered yoga teacher. Sounds good to me. To register you can call the library at 508-645-2314, or email gwilbur@clamsnet.org. If you don’t have Wi-Fi, the library even has Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout, so no excuses.
Happiest birthday wishes to Tom Murphy on Jan. 16, and to Carrie Anne Vanderhoop on Jan. 18.
