I have no words for last Sunday night. I have no words, but I had plenty of screams and cheers and smiles. Who does that? Patriots Nation, that’s who! I admit I was feeling very bleak. Then Tom Brady turned things around so that my hair went completely white and I am sending him a bill for my next session at Rosemary’s Rosecuts. Even friends of mine, and, yes, there are some, who wanted the Falcons to win were very gracious in sharing my enthusiasm as they had to admit it was an extremely exciting game. The drive for five was a success. Same time, next year.

As a poet and writer myself I do so enjoy encouraging the young who are coming up to add to the literary pool. I had the pleasure of being introduced to a new poet, Jessica Vanderwerff, who attended the same high school I did and went on to major in English at Pace University. Jessica’s first book of poetry, Like A Child, is available on Amazon and I know you will like it. Jess is hard at work on her second book now. Stay tuned.

Another artist I know and love is the Renaissance woman, Marcia R. Rossi. Marcia spent years working and teaching the arts to kids on the Island. Now she is located in the Boston area and a member of Fountain Street Fine Arts in Framingham. Every year, one month is devoted to the work of the Yellow Core Member Group. This year it’s February. The reception was last Saturday, and 22 core artists of this amazing group will have their work up for the whole month. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you get off the Rock make a beeline there.

Our library has its annual Food for Fines book return this month. Bring in items for the Island Food Pantry, nothing perishable, nothing past date. The amnesty does not apply to damaged or lost books, Remember, our food pantry has been depleted after all the winter activities.

I told you about this meeting last week and I remind you now it is tomorrow at our library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Kara Hemingway, the Foster Care Recruiter for the Department of Children and Families, will present the introductory steps to taking in a foster child. She has a vast list of back up services and help for this project.

In honor of Valentine’s Day next Tuesday, our library has a perfect free movie to present, refreshments included. The title is Loving. It is the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving and their interracial marriage, and court ruling in 1967.

The word “mad” is not always derogatory. I can think of several examples. My favorite movie, It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, the hilarious Mad Magazine, the comedy Mad About You, and our own Island offering, the Mad Potter, William O’Callaghan. William’s work is on display this month in Art in the Stacks during regular library hours. Bill, I’m mad about you.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along James Johnson, Ian Ridgeway and Jainaba Burton-Sundman on Feb. 10, and Feb. 11 belongs to Zadoc Moreis, Sabrina Leuning and Joao Prata. The last time I saw Joao he was wearing his Patriots hat for sleeping, cooking and socializing just to bring good luck to our team. February 12 is for Sandy Pratt, Sukhi Bahal and Nat Benjamin; Feb. 13th honors Brenda Campbell, Linda Amaral Dickson, Kristen Daly, Tom Buchert and Fiona Catherine Mayhew; Valentine’s Day smiles on Ray Whitacker, Gayle Stiller, Linda O’Leary, Alan Hirshberg and Sam Bungey; Feb. 15 is a party for Grace Burton-Sundman and Heliliani Mendes Souza; and on Feb. 16 Father Michael Nagle, Mary Lee Gerber and Chelsea Rose King take the cake. Many happy returns.

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