Well that was quite the northeaster, missed the entire storm by resting my eyes for way too many hours. It was quite a revelation as we journeyed out on Tuesday evening with all the branches and puddles everywhere.

Peace: that is what I feel with the millions of people who peacefully marched from Tisbury, to Falmouth, to Boston, to New York, to Washington D.C. and around the world on Jan. 21. Although I could only be there in spirit — peace.

As January comes to an end, the programs at the Aquinnah Public Library include kids’ craft: mandalas and circular patterns on Saturday Jan. 28 from 11 to 3 p.m. And on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m. is the knitting group. All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Aquinnah’s own Connie Hyde will be leading the group.

Dr. Sofia Anthony reminds us that the February Neighborhood Convention will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in West Tisbury. The Rev. Cathlin Baker will present The Journey — Reflections on Faith and My Sabbatical Journey. Bring a bag lunch. Dessert and beverages will be provided. The offering collected will benefit non-profit organizations across the Vineyard. All are welcome.

The Aquinnah Democratic Town Committee will meet Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. at town hall to caucus on the Democratic Party platform and to select delegates to the state Democratic Convention in June. All are welcome. They will have refreshments.

Immense pride in my grandson Noah James Manning as he accompanied the West Tisbury School fifth through eighth grades at their concert on Tuesday, conducted by their music teacher Ali Saiff. Noah has recently learned to play the guitar and was the accompanist on the final song of the evening, Divisionary—Do The Right Thing. Aquinnah students performing along with Noah included May Alice, Aileen, Menasha, Max, William, and Peyton.

Thank you to Isaac Taylor for plowing during the recent blizzard. A great neighbor who not only plows in the winter but has been known to mow the lawn during the summer.

Welcome home to Tobias Vanderhoop, his parents Edward and Fawn Fantasia, and his aunt Anita Keegan on their return from a visit to two Hawaiian islands over the past week. They visited Honolulu, and then Lahaina, Maui while visiting friends who had been on the Vineyard over the summer for the Hokule’a visit.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Leigh Carroll, who passed away at his home on Jan. 27. Leigh was a multi-generational family friend all the way back to hunting days in the ‘50s and during the steamship strike in 1960 and beyond. Many great memories.

The Menemsha Pond dredging project will come to a close this week as the winter flounder spawning season begins once more in the pond. There have been many days of mechanical failure over the past few weeks. Will this mean the return of J-Way dredging company returning for a third time next winter? The northeaster this week certainly rearranged some of the sand on the beach at Lobsterville. Oh, will this ever end.

It was 50 years ago this week when our family home caught fire with our bedridden great-grandmother Anna Smalley alone inside. Thanks to our mailman at the time, the late George Costa, who noticed the smoke and notified neighbors and the communications center. Many townspeople came to assist with rescuing our beloved Grandma Smalley. Our grandparents Capt. Walter and Ada Manning were down-Island shopping at the time. It was determined that the fire most likely was started by electrical wiring. According to the Vineyard Gazette archives, “the Coast Guard crew with its pump went to the Schoolhouse Pond, so called, and there filled the truck tanks as fast as they were emptied. By such efficient means the fire was confined to the peak of the large bungalow-styled dwelling.”

Happy 61st anniversary wishes to Peter and Cora Weiss.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Keyshawn Devine, David Vanderhoop, and Mary Vanderhoop on Jan. 29. Lois Craine will celebrate on Jan. 30. Bethany DeBettencourt will celebrate her special day on Jan. 31 while she and Steve Hammond enjoy their Caribbean honeymoon. Feb. 1 is a day of celebration for Christine Murphy, Andrew Fischer, and Angela Waldron. Feb. 2 is a day of celebration for Emmett Carroll, Dr. Ronald Low, Betty Joslow, Mark Shea, and Logan James Manning will be five years old.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.