Nantucket commission approves Athenaeum Turkey Plunge fundraiser and a bandstand yoga class

The Nantucket Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved permits for the Nantucket Athenaeum’s annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Plunge and a one-time yoga class at the bandstand during its meeting Thursday, Oct. 16.

The Turkey Plunge, presented by the Nantucket Athenaeum, is scheduled for Thanksgiving morning with setup at 7 a.m. and cleanup concluding at noon. Catherine, a representative of the Athenaeum, said the event is the organization’s 24th cold turkey plunge and that proceeds “go straight to children’s programming and our resources within the library for children and families.” She told commissioners the event typically draws about 900 plungers and about 1,100 people total, including viewers and participants.

Commission staff recommended approval for the Athenaeum event. Commissioner Jesse moved to approve; Commissioner Nikki Drew seconded. The commission voted unanimously (aye from Jesse, Nikki Drew and Chair Michael Kozhort) to grant the permit.

The commission also approved a request from Lavender Farm Wellness to hold a yoga class at the bandstand on Oct. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 29. The class was described in the application as a mindfulness meditation followed by yoga postures; the organizer requested space for up to 12 participants. Commissioners noted the bandstand is public space and reminded the organizer the event cannot be held as a private, members-only activity and that soliciting is not allowed. Nikki Drew moved to approve the bandstand request; Jesse seconded; the vote was unanimous.

The meeting also included a routine approval of the commission’s Sept. 18 minutes. Nikki Drew moved to approve the minutes, Jesse seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

The two event approvals were presented as routine items by Diana Weatherly, the commission’s special events coordinator, and Catherine answered commissioners’ questions about turnout and fundraising use. Commissioners did not impose additional special conditions beyond standard reminders about public access and no soliciting.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve minutes of Sept. 18: mover Nikki Drew; second Jesse; outcome: approved (ayes: Nikki Drew, Jesse, Chair Michael Kozhort).
- Motion to approve Nantucket Athenaeum Turkey Plunge permit (Thanksgiving morning; setup 7 a.m.; cleanup noon; proceeds to the children’s library; estimated 900 plungers/1,100 total attendees): mover Jesse; second Nikki Drew; outcome: approved (ayes: Jesse, Nikki Drew, Chair Michael Kozhort).
- Motion to approve Lavender Farm Wellness yoga class at the bandstand (Oct. 28, 2–4 p.m.; rain date Oct. 29; up to 12 participants; public allowed; no soliciting): mover Nikki Drew; second Jesse; outcome: approved (ayes: Nikki Drew, Jesse, Chair Michael Kozhort).