The dawning of a new day, new beginnings in our democracy, new vision in our government. Welcome to President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. It is as if a great weight has been lifted off the shoulders of America. Let us rejoice.

As we greet this new day, it is lightly snowing in Aquinnah. After enjoying temperatures in the 40s and 50s for the past couple of weeks, it has turned to winter time and freezing temperatures on a daily basis. Scalloping will be on hold for a few days through this freezing weather.

The date for the Aquinnah Annual Town Meeting has been set for May 11 at 7:30 p.m. The annual election will be on May 13 from noon to 8 p.m.  Nomination papers will be available at the town clerk's office and will be due back in the office by March 25 at 5 p.m. The last day to register to vote for the annual town meeting and annual town election will be on April 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Of course, you may register to vote in Aquinnah during normal town clerk hours between now and then, or change your party designation.

While we are still experiencing this time of uncertainty, please be reminded that the Up-Island Council on Aging is working very diligently every day for our up-Island elders aged 60 and above. If you need assistance or guidance, please feel free to call 508-693-2896 and schedule an appointment.

Jannette Vanderhoop has an exhibit for the next few weeks at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum of her treasure boxes exploring her relationship to time, history, and natural world through found objects and keepsakes. Jannette will lead a workshop for up to six participants on Sunday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Morgan Learning Center. For registration, please call 508-627-4441.

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Frank Errera, son of Virginia Coutinho. Frank passed away on Jan. 8 at home in Baltimore, Md., survived by Ginny, his brother Greg, his spouse Sherry, and his extended Vineyard family.

Happy Birthday wishes this week to Nipaphai Nirandone on Jan. 20; Eli Parent will be 11 years old on Jan. 21 and Isaac Parent will be seven years old on Jan. 22; Nora Riemer will be 16 years old on Jan. 24; Holly Nadler parties on Jan. 25, sharing the day with Louis Paciello; Jan. 26 is a day of celebration for Sam Hoppe, Wally Woods, and Duncan Ross; Jan. 27 will be a day of celebration for Devin Reston, Daniel Gonzalez-Respito, Kristin Zern, and Tom Engley; Alexander Stanley Hart will be two years old on Jan. 27; Carl Hustler Widdiss will be six years old on Jan. 28, sharing the day with Laura Hacker Durbin.