It’s definitely fall-ish. We’re cleaning out our woodstove in preparation for colder mornings. Shorts and T shirts are getting washed and packed away, while sweaters and sweats and leggings are getting unpacked and gratefully worn. In our crafty house, we are already thinking about end-of-year holidays. The Derby is upon us. I have no idea how this all has happened so fast. It seems that I just get used to one season, and here comes the next.
For several years now the Aquinnah Cultural Center has been working on creation of a Food Forest, and the Aquinnah parks and recreation committee has been working on creating a beautiful playground, all behind town offices on State Road. Phase 2 of the playground will begin on Oct. 19, adding a new play area designed for children ages 2-5, and completing installation of the plan made collaboratively with town children back in 2020. To prepare for construction, the entire playground will be closed beginning Oct. 1 and remain closed through early November.
Meanwhile, the parks and rec committee is also hard at work on creation of a new and safer basketball court there. They need to raise $60,000 by Oct. 1 to complete fencing and sealcoating/court lines. It’s a lot of money, but here’s the great news. An anonymous local family has offered to match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, and then, if we can get there, will also give the final $10,000. Every donation, no matter the size, is therefore crucially important right now this minute, so dig out your checkbook, empty your piggie banks, step on up, and help. Address your donation to town of Aquinnah, marked “basketball court,” drop it off at Town Hall, or mail it to Aquinnah Town Hall, 955 State Road, Aquinnah. If you have questions or ideas, contact the committee via ruthfolchman@me.com. Our kids deserve this. It’s time.
On Thursday, Sept. 17 at 5 pm, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum will be showing a video that will include the indefatigable Beverly Wright, Aquinnah Wampanoag elder. Titled “Generations of Stories/One Island,” the video features 15 elders from Martha’s Vineyard’s BIPOC and immigrant communities telling their stories in conversation with Island students. The program is sponsored by the M.V. Diversity Coalition education committee and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, MV Branch, and reflects the work of the Martha’s Vineyard Living Legends Oral History program. The video will be followed by a panel discussion, including teachers, students, elders, and video professionals. Admission is free.
The name of the new program coordinator at the Aquinnah library is Callie Brust. She’s the one responsible for the colorful signage out front, and for so much of the activity going on inside the building. She has rolled up her sleeves and gotten to work, and has lots of exciting programs already planned. One of the programs is co-sponsored with the Aquinnah Cultural Center. It takes place on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 pm, featuring the fabulous Brad Lopes, education coordinator at the ACC, reading “Cranberry Day” by Jannette Vanderhoop and “A First Clay Gathering” by Nora Naranjo-Morse. While you’re there, check out the bulletin board for news about other upcoming events, and then give Callie a warm welcome.
Laura Jordan is again offering performing-arts classes at the Town Hall for children in preschool all the way to teens. Sessions run for 12 weeks, with a small community showcase at the end. Reach out to Laura at laurajordandecker@gmail.com for scheduling and other information.
Birthday greetings this week go to Nadia Aiguier on Sept. 18, Jay Bodnar on Sept. 21, and Haoa Vanderhoop on Sept. 22.
