Edgartown Town Column: January Blues and Winter Activities
Navigating the Post-Holiday Slowdown and Embracing Winter
As the calendar turned to January 2024, a sense of post-holiday slowdown settled upon the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. The festive cheer of the holiday season had faded, and the weather had taken on a dreary and unpredictable pattern, alternating between cold and warm, with an underlying dreariness that permeated the atmosphere.
Amidst this seasonal shift, Gail Gardner, a local columnist, found herself grappling with the January blues. She reflected on the absence of her colleagues, Riley and Amelia, who were still away from the Island, and the impact of the dreary weather on her mood. She acknowledged the importance of staying active and exercising to combat the negative effects of the winter season, but the prospect of starting to run again after a long hiatus seemed daunting, especially given the challenging weather conditions.
Upcoming Events and Community Gatherings
Despite the January blues, the Island community continued to offer a variety of events and activities to engage residents and visitors alike.
The Barn, Bowl, and Bistro announced an upcoming performance of TBD Improv, a comedy show featuring unscripted and spontaneous performances by improvisers from various cities. The event promised an interactive and hilarious evening of entertainment, inviting audiences to participate and enjoy the quick wit of the performers.
The M.V. Family Center organized a gathering called Barn Buddies, a fun and active event for young children aged 18 months to 8 years old. The event would take place at the Agricultural Hall, where Family Center staff and caregivers would provide bikes, trikes, scooters, and games for the children to enjoy. Parents were encouraged to dress their children warmly for the occasion.
St. Andrew’s Church continued its tradition of hosting Community Suppers every Monday evening at the church on North Summer Street. These suppers welcomed all members of the community to come together for a shared meal and fellowship.
Exploring Nature and Embracing End-of-Life Planning
For those seeking outdoor activities, Long Point Wildlife Refuge offered a Toddler Tuesday: Nature Explorers program. This guided exploration of the refuge allowed toddlers and their caregivers to embark on a scavenger hunt and engage in nature-related activities. The program aimed to foster a sense of adventure and connection with the natural world, while providing an opportunity for learning and exploration.
The Edgartown library presented a unique and thought-provoking workshop series titled “Living Fully, Dying Prepared,” facilitated by local death doula and community educator Jelisa Difo. This three-part monthly series delved into end-of-life planning, using sections and exercises from the book “The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared” by Francesca Lynn Arnoldy. The workshops aimed to engage participants in discussions about mortality and end-of-life planning in a supportive environment, encouraging reflection, insight, and connection.
Seeking Inspiration and Sharing Stories
As Gardner struggled to find creative inspiration amidst the quiet news week, she invited readers to share their stories and adventures, whether they were traveling or exploring the Island. She encouraged them to reach out to her with suggestions and contributions that could enrich the Edgartown Town Column.
Gardner concluded her column with a wish for a less flooded week for the Island, reflecting on the recent heavy rains that had caused flooding in some areas. She expressed her hope that the community would come together to support one another during challenging times and share their experiences to uplift and inspire each other.
Is there anything specific you’d like to share about your January experience on Martha’s Vineyard? Whether it’s a winter activity you’ve enjoyed, a community event you’ve attended, or simply a reflection on the beauty of the Island during this time of year, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to me at [email protected], and let’s keep the conversation going.