We’ve got a hearty bunch of kids in Aquinnah who love basketball. Maybe you saw their marvelous performance at the Aquinnah Variety Show this last winter. They deserve a great place to play right here in Aquinnah, and they almost have it, but the basketball court behind the town offices needs a new court surface and a safe and secure fence, along with sealcoating and court lines. We must raise a total of $60,000 to get it done. We’re so close. Right now, a local family has offered to match every donation up to $25,000, and we’re into the final week to meet that challenge. You can drop off your checks or mail them to Aquinnah Town Hall, 955 State Road, Aquinnah, MA 02535. Make it payable to town of Aquinnah, with “basketball court” indicated on the memo line, and know that its value will be doubled. Please step up, folks. Those kids surely deserve what kids in most other towns already have.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, at 2 pm, Brad Lopes, education and program manager for the Aquinnah Cultural Center, will be at Town Hall exploring the history of Noepe. Drawing from both oral traditions and historical sources, this presentation will examine the Island’s landscapes and history while highlighting the enduring presence of Wampanoag people. The program is free, and all are welcome.
On Monday, Sept. 28, and again on Monday, Oct. 5, go to the Up-Island Council on Aging to pick up some free fish, courtesy of the M.V. Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby. It’s first come, first served. Also, this month’s Up-Island Council on Aging luncheon for seniors will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Aquinnah Town Hall. Give them a call at 508-693-2896 and let them know if you can be there.
The Aquinnah Cultural Center also reminds us that Sept. 30 marks Orange Shirt Day, an observance of the atrocities committed at Canadian and American Indian boarding schools beginning in the 19th century. There are a few events coming up next weekend. On Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2 pm at the Chilmark library, there will be a presentation about “Menemsha’s Working Waterfront” by the M.V. Fishermen’s Preservation Trust and the Menemsha Commercial Dock Working Group. I suggest going for a coffee and treats at the new Menemsha Market, pick up a few groceries while you’re at it, and then attend this, the first Climate Conversation presented by the Vineyard Way “Climate Action Plan.” Callie Brust, the wonderful new program coordinator at the Aquinnah library, has announced a fun event presented by all the libraries on the Island. Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 3 to 4 pm, you have a chance to take a partner dance class right here at our own Town Hall. The class will be led by Ellen Brodsky, sponsored by the M.V. Ballroom Dancers. If you’d like more information, call Callie at the Aquinnah library, 508-645-2314, or just grab your favorite partner and attend.
Birthday greetings to Lewis Moore on Sept.25, to Spa on Sept. 26, and to Paul O’Donnell on Sept. 27.
