The weather has been giving us a run for our money all week. Many people in Aquinnah lost power in the storm last Thursday, some for five hours, others for 12. I knew of one family in West Tisbury who were without power for over 24 hours. We were lucky in that we have a fireplace; we gathered around our fire and played Parcheesi and crazy eights and read by headlamp. Since our heat is electric, we slept in front of our fireplace too; I wore my snow pants to stay cozy. The next day and through the weekend, there was some good sledding to be had. There is supposed to be more snow in the coming week. As this is the time when people begin leaving the Island in droves for warmer climes, I hope no one’s travel plans are upset.
Attention to all parents of school-age children: The Chilmark School provides weekly tours of their school. If you are interested in taking a tour and finding out all about the curriculum, please call 508-645-2562 to sign up. My son has been at the Chilmark School since kindergarten, and loves it. The classes are small, and the kids get a lot of personal attention. It also fosters a strong sense of community.
At the library this week: Story Time is on Thursday at 3:30 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am. The Knitting Group will meet Thursday at 5:30 pm; all supplies are included, or you can bring a project you are working on. This Saturday, Feb. 18, from 11 am to 3 pm, the Kids Craft will be “Make a Collage of a Person Catching Snowflakes.” The Afterschool Club meets on Tuesday at 4 pm. Also on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 5 pm, Dinner and a Movie is back. The library will screen “Trolls.” Pizza and veggies will be served to our local trolls.
Pathways has a lot going on this week. Tonight is the Third Thursday Digital Art Event. Doors open at 6:30 pm, event starts at 7 pm. This is an evening of “Creative Expression with New Media” hosted by Graham Smith, with digital choreography editing by Danielle Doell and installation work by Richard Skidmore. There will be performances by Carole Vandal, Andy Herr, and others. On Friday, “Music at Pathways” continues with Phil DaRosa and Friends, Rick Padilla, and Graham Smith. Performance starts at 7 pm. Every Monday at Pathways: “Wool for Water” from 1:15 to 3 pm; spin and knit for any cause dear to your heart. All materials are provided. The Gallery Store is open at Pathways, come and browse and perhaps purchase handmade Island art by local artisans. Pathways is open from 11 am to 5 pm daily, closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
In the winter months, we must rely on Island-wide activities to get us through and keep us sane. Thank goodness for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services; they are offering some wonderful programming this winter. Today, Thursday, they will host an “Afternoon Art Adventure” from 4 to 5 pm. Join the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center for an incredible parent-child activity. Nichole Shank, art teacher at the Edgartown School, will lead an art adventure. If you are interested, RSVP to Kim at 508-687-9182 or mvfamilycenter@hotmail.com.
On Saturday, Feb. 18, from 9 am to noon, there will be a CPR Certification hosted by the M.V. Family Center, led by Scott Gertsman. Earn your CPR certification during this three-hour course. Preregistration is required: Call 508-687-9182. It will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services boardroom.
Every Saturday there is a “Dads’ Playgroup” from 3 to 4:30 pm at the Tisbury School Gym.
There is an “ARTiculation Support Group”: Art Journaling Support Group for young women, 14 to 18, who have experienced dating violence. This group will continue Wednesdays through March 22, from 2:15 to 3:45 pm at the Island Counseling Center. Preregistration is required: 774-549-9667, ext.102.
Last, I am leading an “Upcycled Art Group” for ages 18 to 26 at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative on Wednesday at 6 pm for an evening of writing, drawing, or collaging using recycled materials. Materials and dinner will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own notebooks and journals — blank or used. While drop-ins are welcome, preregistration is encouraged: 508-693-7900, ext 400. This group meets every other Wednesday through the winter.