Heard on Main Street: When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of algebra.
Children should plan on M.V. Museum Storytime, Saturdays in February at 10:30 am. All ages can choose Game Time at the Museum on Fridays from 1 to 4 pm in the museum’s First Light Café. Free and open to all; pay-what-you-can donations support museum programs. Go with friends or join a table. Free and open to all.
Celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 am at the Edgartown library for a community program exploring the legacy of Reconstruction and its lasting impact. This includes a screening of “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War,” followed by a discussion and shared potluck brunch at the library.
Students, please note that Tisbury Waterways announces its 2026 Environmental Studies Scholarship. Students from Martha’s Vineyard majoring in subjects such as marine biology or environmental science who will enter their junior or senior year of undergraduate school, or graduate school, are invited to apply for the $3,000 award. Apply at tisburywaterways.org.
I recently received a new book, coming out in April. It is about the life of Katharine Hepburn, “The Original” by Priya Parmar,.This was an introduction to me of a beautiful movie star who grew up in Connecticut as the second child of six. She was very close to her slightly older brother, who died in his teens. It is the life of an accomplished and serious actress whom the studios tried to present simply as America’s sweetheart, though there is a lot to learn about the person she was.
After reading her story I feel as if I should apologize for not remembering much about this lovely movie star, and only rather vaguely about her movies. This book does not mention something I had heard about, the friends she made on the Island.
I was happy to read that regular exercise has been shown to strengthen brain regions that are vulnerable to aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Think of your brain like a muscle: the more you use it through movement, the stronger it becomes.
And that exercise can therefore make your brain more resilient, preventing or delaying cognitive decline. Plus, exercise can help treat depression, anxiety, and stress. Of course, I believe a little chocolate helps as well.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out to James O’Donnell and Jainaba Burton-Sundman on Tuesday. Happy birthday to Judy Pachico on Wednesday.
Heard on Main Street: Sometimes we just don’t realize what real friendship means until it is too late. Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you might not get them back.