The weather in Aquinnah has gone from freezing, to rain, to snow, and yet it is expected to reach 60 degrees by the weekend. The first snowfall of the year did not really leave too much on the ground.

The Aquinnah Public Library is now fine-free, so you may return all of your overdue books without having to pay a fine in any of the libraries in the CLAMS network.

Congratulations to the Aquinnah Police Department on completing a pledge to improve response to those suffering from mental illness. The pledge is part of an initiative called the One Mind Campaign started by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Island Wide Youth Collaborative is launching a new group on Wednesday, Jan. 15 for parents and caregivers of students in grades seven through 12 for a conversation around substance use and vaping. To learn more, contact 506-693-7900, ext. 401, or visit mvcommunityservices.org/calendar.

I finally made it to the Outermost Inn for brunch on Sunday and it was well worth the wait. Our chosen delicacies were delicious. We will not have to wait for the Outermost Inn to open in the spring as Alexandra Taylor and her staff will start serving barbecue dinners as of Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Reserve a table now by calling 508-645-3511. Barbecue dinners will be held for the next three months.

It has been a very sad week around the Vineyard for many of us, losing long time friends and family members. Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Tom Pachico who passed away on Dec. 26. His services were held on Saturday. He always had an honest answer whether he was serving as a Tisbury selectman, on the board of health, shellfishing or hunting.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Everett (Porky) Francis, who was a long time family friend. Porky always enjoyed his days of fishing in the derby in and around Aquinnah.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Maria (deBettencourt) Bettencourt, a schoolmate at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Susan Hagen Bettencourt, a former co-worker at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital who was always there for many members of our family over the decades. Her care of patients in the emergency room was always comforting to the patients and their families, as her nursing skills were the best.

Belated happy birthday wishes to Zuzu Sauer who turned three years old on New Year’s Eve. Belated wishes to Jennifer Christy on New Year’s Day.

Happy 13th Birthday wishes to Hayden Higgins on Jan. 10; Gloria Fisk parties on Jane. 11 as will Moryn Widdiss who will be seven years old. Gordon Perry celebrates on Jan. 12, sharing the day with Alex Mayhew and Priscilla Belain. January 13 is a day of celebration for Brian Athearn, Marilyn Manning, Edie Baker, and twins, Jocelyn and Dillon Woods. Megan Rajala will party on Jan. 14. Faith Vanderhoop and Carol Mayrand share the day on Jan. 15. Thomas Murphy and Chester Cook share Jan. 16.