Always nice to wait for the spring thaw. We had a day of sunshine with temperatures in the 50s. It dipped down to 11 degrees Monday morning but once the sun came out it was in the 40s. Sixty days until spring.

A few new programs at the Aquinnah Public Library this month. On Saturday, from 11 to 3, the kids craft will be printed winter hats. On Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. the book group will meet. The book for January is Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini. On Thursday the 26th at 5 p.m. is a movie for adults: The Light Between Oceans. The movie will be screened at the old town hall, and popcorn will be served. The after school program and the reading program schedule remain the same.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services has new programs that will interest many. One is Raising a Thinking Child, an eight-week interactive program to explore how to improve your child’s problem-solving skills and ability to resolve conflicts. This program begins on Friday, Jan. 20, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center across from the Vineyard Haven Library.

Family Zumba is on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative on the MVCS campus. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, Parenting Journeys will be held, a support group for parents raising a child up to age eight with special needs. Dinner and childcare is provided. This group meets 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Family Center.

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m., Molly Purves will lead an art group with found materials for ages 18 to 26 at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative. This group will meet every other Wednesday throughout the winter. Materials are provided, although people are encouraged to bring a journal.

In the 1960s we had very musical neighbors during the summer. Some still reside in the neighborhood while others have moved on. Congratulations to James V. Taylor, who was honored in December at the Kennedy Center Honors for his contributions to the music world. The ceremony was presided over by President Barack Obama while James was introduced by former President William J. Clinton.

Congratulations to Livingston Taylor, who was honored for his 50th year of making music and acknowledged with his own special day on Jan. 18 in Boston. Livingston received a special proclamation issued by Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston mayor Marty Walsh. Happy Livingston Taylor Day!

Thomas Murphy Esq., his wife Christine, and their children Tim as well as Kate and her Tim, celebrated a milestone birthday for Tom in Boston. They were surrounded by quite a few of their summer Aquinnah neighbors.

Durwood and Jamie Sue Vanderhoop and their sons Sowunahsh, Kuhpay, and Mataquhas returned home Monday after spending the weekend in Rhode Island with family and friends. They especially enjoyed celebrating father and grandfather Ronald Spears birthday. Ronald and Joanne are visiting family in Rhode Island before heading back to their winter home in Florida.

Condolences to the family and friends of Francine Kelly, who died in California while visiting her daughter. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Featherstone.

Condolences to the family and friends of Lynn Murphy who died on Jan. 12 at his Chilmark home. Glad we were able to spend time with Lynn at his home just a few weeks ago. He was a multi-generational family friend whom I have many memories of for more than 60 years, as he would respond, “give or take a few.” Lynn will certainly be missed around the Menemsha waterfront.

Condolences to Stanley and Lanette Larsen, and to Janelle and Kayla, in the loss of their mother and grandmother, Mrs. Suzanne Smith, who died Jan. 9.

Happy anniversary wishes to Michael Ciancio and his bride Elaine as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 14.

Belated happy birthday wishes to John (Chip) Mancuso on Jan. 14 and to Tanya Larsen on Jan. 17.

Happy birthday wishes to Savannah Hooe as she celebrates on Jan. 23. Shaun MacPhail will party on the 23rd, as will Holly Nadler and Tysean Thomas, who will be 11. Louis Paciello will party on the 25th as will Ivan Vanderhoop.

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