Dylan Thomas
The birds of the winged trees flying my name Above the farms and the white horses I rose in rainy autumn And walked abroad in a shower of all my days. – Dylan Thomas
September 17, 2010
Superintendent Seeks New Headquarters
Vineyard Schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss hopes to move his office from its current location in Vineyard Haven to the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School by the year 2014.
Mr. O’Leary Wins Island, But Still Loses Primary
Vineyard voters bucked the trend in the hottest contest of the Massachusetts primary on Tuesday, voting overwhelmingly for Robert O’Leary to be the Democratic candidate for Congress.
Mr. O’Leary, the current Cape and Islands state senator, got more than 80 per cent of Democratic votes on the Island — 1,478 of the 1,840…
Housing Fund Scraps Bradley Square Plan, As Coffers Run Empty
The Island Affordable Housing Fund has decided after more than three years to cut its losses on the proposed Bradley Square redevelopment in Oak Bluffs and sell the property.
The fund’s executive director, T. Ewell Hopkins, confirmed the sale plan this week, saying the organization could no longer “responsibly” carry the mortgage, given…
Derby Begins; Big Bass Tips the Scale
Autumn is in the air and there is no better evidence than the sight of pickup trucks loaded with fishing rods and gear. The 65th Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby opened on Sunday; so far there are 1,400 fishermen registered.
The biggest striped bass weighed in at the Edgartown headquarters is…
Vineyard Power Sees Strength in Numbers
In Vineyard Power’s humble headquarters just past the Grange Hall on State Road in West Tisbury hangs a dry erase board with a breakdown of the Island’s energy meters. One number stands alone in bold: 824. It’s the most important number to the fledgling energy cooperative, the number of members who have signed up so…
League Baseball To Hit in a New Vineyard Team
There’s nothing like a summer evening of baseball. The thwack of the bat hitting the ball, the smell of freshly cut grass wafting over the stands — this is the stuff of American tradition.
Now summer league baseball, long a presence on Cape Cod, may finally come to the Vineyard.
On…
State Commends Tisbury School as Island Students Meet Targets
Tisbury School principal Richie Smith can describe exactly the moment he learned how his students performed in the annual Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test: it was August 6, early morning, in his kitchen, on the telephone and he did cartwheels.
“Well, it was more jumps,” he revised. “But I react that way…
Motorcycle Crash Injures Two, One Quite Seriously
A Vineyard Haven man was seriously injured when he struck a fellow motorcyclist near the Airport Mobil Station Monday night and was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment.
Edgartown police said according to one witness at the scene, Peter Valach, 24, was traveling at 120 miles per hour when he hit Ryan…
Home Surveillance Footage Leads To Longtime Peeping Tom’s Arrest
Oak Bluffs police believe they have cleared up hundreds of peeping Tom incidents in the town stretching back over six or eight years, as well as two breaking and entering cases involving assaults on women, with the arrest of a man last Friday.
Irton A. DeSouza, 35, of Oak Bluffs, was arrested around…
Lawyer: No Breach at Crow Hollow
The new owner of Crow Hollow farm in West Tisbury has cleared trees, bulldozed soil, imported thousands of tons of landscaping materials and upset neighbors, but he has not breached an agricultural preservation restriction (APR) on the property, according to legal advice received by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank.
Library Plan: Edgartown Mulls Warren House Sale
As planning continues for the Edgartown Library expansion project, the town is now set to consider the sale of the Warren House, purchased five years ago with an eye toward converting it to a library annex.
A special town meeting article was discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Edgartown selectmen for funds to…
Project to Dredge in Sengekontacket Sees Costs Increase
Last April Oak Bluffs voters approved borrowing $500,000 to pay for a dredging project in Sengekontacket Pond, but this week town administrator Michael Dutton said the town is having difficulty keeping the long-stalled project under budget.
Girls’ Soccer Digging In
The Vineyard girls’ varsity soccer team has faced tough nonleague competition in its first matches of the season, most recently dropping matches to the mainland powerhouses of North Plymouth and Barnstable.
Cross-Country Team Wins Big at Home
Unlike their fellow fall athletes, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School cross-country teams only get one chance a year to compete on home turf. Vineyard runners made the most of this Island advantage last Saturday at the fourth annual Vineyard Cross-Country Invitational — as evidenced by head coach Joe Schroeder’s happy exclamation upon seeing the…
Pig Roast is Hot (and Delicious) Time For West Tisbury Firemen Celebration
As the sun rose over Flat Point Farm in West Tisbury on Sunday, so did the smell of a pork dinner. It was an odd time of day for it. Amid the quiet of the dawn, the bees visiting the wildflowers and the birds flying about a vacant field, there was the sound of sizzling…
Portable Dredge Digs into Great Pond
The Great Pond Foundation recently hosted a Get-to-Know Nessie festival on Edgartown Great Pond. Underwritten by an anonymous patron, this event gave donors and neighbors a chance to see firsthand the portable dredge that has been acquired to assist the town of Edgartown with its efforts to preserve Edgartown Great Pond.
Bad Weather Begets Good Birding
If you know people who bird along the coast, you know they get excited by the potential of tropical storms. Not just for all the usual reasons, but because terrible weather can be terribly good forbirding. Sometimes.
Casting a No Vote on the Fishing Pier
This is in response to David Nash’s letter to the editor backing the proposed fish pier in Oak Bluffs. I will do my best to respond point by point.
Letters to the Editor
CAPABLE MR. BABSON
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
I am writing about the resignation of David Babson, former manager of the Trustees of Reservations at Norton Point and on Chappaquiddick. I have read the previous letters and feel they were well written and each has had good points on this matter.
Preparing For a Whole New Preppy
TRUE PREP: It’s a Whole New Old World. By Lisa Birnbach with Chip Kidd. Alfred A. Knopf. September 2010. 256 pages. $19.95, hardcover.
Fall Tilt
Fall Tilt
The autumnal equinox will take place this Wednesday, Sept. 22, at precisely 11:09 p.m. At that moment the tilt of the earth’s axis will be inclined neither away nor toward the sun. It is as if the planet will be suspended, the sun hovering directly above the equator, for just a…
Bradley Square’s Broken Dream
Bradley Square’s Broken Dream
Guinevere Higgins to Wed
Guinevere Higgins to Wed
Guinevere Higgins, of West Tisbury and Charlottesville, Va., is engaged to be married to Gerald Soriano of Fairfax, Va., and Charlottesville, Va.
Guinevere is the daughter of Abigail and Tony Higgins of West Tisbury.
Gerald is the son of Fred and Florence Soriano of Fairfax,…
Flag Football Registration Begins
Registration for flag football and cheerleading is now open at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys’ and Girls’ Club,
Registraion is open today, Friday Sept. 17, Monday, Sept. 20 and Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Registration forms are available at the club and online at mvbgclub.org/flagfootball.
The…
Bucknell Graduate
Bucknell Graduate
Shannon Lobdell, daughter of Kenneth and Karen Lobdell of West Tisbury, graduated from Bucknell University with a bachelor of music degree in music education.
George Moffet Sailing Race Rides East Setting Current
The Holmes Hole Sailing Association sponsored the 33rd running of the George Moffett Race on Saturday, Sept. 11.
State Forest Discussion Focuses on Restoration
The Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold a public meeting on Saturday, Sept. 18, in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest to discuss ways to reduce wildfire risks and other public safety hazards while also restoring plantings of native trees.
The work scheduled to begin this fall is part of a three-year,…
Wedding Engagement
Wedding Engagement
David and Rhoda Schwab of Vineyard Haven are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Elizabeth Schwab, to Ryan Michael Doyon. Ryan is the son of Yvan and Paula Doyon of Beecher Falls, Vt. A Vineyard wedding is planned for the spring of 2012.
Aquinnah
JUNE D. MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks@gis.net)
Autumn will arrive this week, and the air is already crisp and clear. Great weather for the fishing derby.
Chappy
BRAD WOODGER
508-627-4216
(ibwsgolf@aol.com)
I’ve noticed the little black birds with the white bellies flying overhead (as opposed to underhand) in droves lately. Seems like they’re flying north, though. Turn around little buddies — it’s even colder up there! Or maybe you know something I don’t.
Gazette Chronicle: Prickly Thistles
Prickly Thistles
From Gazette editions of September, 1985:
The transition into the school season brings a big change into the lives of students across the Island each September, and the youngest sometimes feel this most poignantly. Mary Jacobson, principal of the Chilmark School, had a story to share this week about…
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Sept. 10 75 57 T
Sept. 11 69 53 .00
Sept. 12 70 55 .00
Sept. 13 68 57 T
Sept. 14 69 54 T
Sept. 15 76 52 .00
Sept. 16 68 46 .00
…
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER
508-645-3378
(slaterjn@comcast.net)
Chilmark is happy to tell all that the floating docks are in and that you can now reach the far end of the fill dock — just two months and a couple of days from the fire of July 12. Good work all around.…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
Everyone I talk to has always said September and October are the best months on Martha’s Vineyard, and so far they are not wrong. Of course there was that little incident with Earl, but otherwise we have loved the weather.
Hello Seamus
Hello Seamus
Melissa Mahoney and James Mahoney announce the birth of their son, Seamus Ritter Mahoney, born on Sept. 13, 2010, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Seamus Ritter weighted 7 pounds, 6 ounces at birth. Seamus is also welcomed by his big sister, Aileen Mahoney.
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)
Well, in retrospect, that was a quick season! Of course, it didn’t seem so when you were snagged in traffic or searching for a parking spot. Plenty of parking now.
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard is bursting at the seams with cats and newborn kittens. The kittens are only a week old, so they won’t be available for adoption for several weeks, but if you are looking for a kitten please put your name on our list and we…
Allison Carr Graduates
Allison Carr Graduates
Allison Carr, of Vineyard Haven, a student on Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham campus in Madison, N.J., has graduated as of May 2010.
Josephine Arrives
Josephine Arrives
Jessica Johns and Michael Johns welcome the birth of their daughter, Josephine Pearl Johns, born on Sept. 10 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Josephine Pearl weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces at birth.
Hello Larah
Hello Larah
Debora Ferreira De Souza and Mario Sergio Felicio of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Larah Ferreira Felicio, born on Sept. 8, 2010, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Larah weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces at birth.
Welcome Lucas
Welcome Lucas
Nevette Previd and John Guadagno announce the birth of their son Lucas Victor Guadagno, born on Sept. 15 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Lucas Victor weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces at birth.
Pumpkin Moon
The gibbous moon appears in the southeastern sky tonight. The moon is in the zodiacal constellation Capricornus.
Fleet Young Feet Race Chop to Benefit Library
Todd Cleveland of Oak Bluffs was first to finish the 13th annual Run to the Chop 5k, with a time of 19 minutes and 56 seconds. Erica Maker of Williamstown, was the first female with a time of 22 minutes, 52 seconds.
Eight-year-old Sam Cranston of Vineyard Haven also finished in the top…
Tivoli Day Rolls Into Oak Bluffs
Tivoli Day Rolls Into Oak Bluffs
Summer’s over but not the fun. This Saturday, Sept. 18, Tivoli Day takes over Circuit avenue in Oak Bluffs. Think of it as a huge Island block party without the August crowds. Fall is made for sauntering lazily, after all, rather than rushing city-style through a celebration…
Phil daRosa Performs
Phil daRosa Performs
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Phil daRosa will perform this Saturday Sept. 18, at the Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. Phil is about to release a new EP and this is your chance to say I heard it first.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Opening for Phil are Erich…
Art with Lani Carney
Art with Lani Carney
Lani Carney is beginning her fall season art workshops at Featherstone Gallery in Oak Bluffs. Miss Lani’s ever popular, imaginative classes offer something for every budding child artist.
The slate of classes includes portrait painting, animals in art, oil painting and world of color. Each class is…
Satsang Lounge
Satsang Lounge
Come to the cabaret, my friend, come to the cabaret. Billed as the Satsang lounge the Yard will be hosting this modern day art extravaganza featuring musicians, performers, dancers, artists, writers and filmmakers on Saturday, Sept. 18. Essentially, a smorgasbord of creative mediums.
What to expect? Who knows, except…
Scouts Host Early Morning Memorial Remembering 9/11
They themselves might not be old enough to fully remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001, but this fact was no barrier to boys of Cub Scout Packs 90 and 93 and Boy Scout Troop 194, who hosted a memorial ceremony at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on the morning of 9/11’s ninth anniversary.
…
Viking Scholar to Give Lecture
Viking Scholar to Give Lecture
Like any selfrespecting Viking, Leif Eriksson roamed far and wide. A difficult guy to pin down, the subject of his actual homestead has been in much debate among Viking specialists. Relatively recently, 1960 to be exact, L’Anse aux Meadows, translation Jellyfish Cove, a cozy nook at the northernmost…
Fall Tennis Tournament Swings into Edgartown
The Island Fall Tennis Classic to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Tennis welcomes all players to register for the Sept. 24 to 26 tournament. All entries must be submitted by Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. There will be men’s, women’s and mixed doubles matches, all to be played at Edgartown Yacht Club courts.
…
Wind Farm Talk
Wind Farm Talk
This morning, Sept. 17, Paul Pimentel of the Vineyard Power Committee, a grassroots group devoted to creating a windfarm at a site beyond Noman’s Land, will discuss the feasibility, benefits and economics of a wind farm at that location. He will also examine the feasibility of an electricity co-op.
…
Mink Meadows Golf Club Hosts Benefit Tourney
Swing for the kids this Sunday, Sept. 19, at the 22nd annual Howard W. Leonard golf tournament hosted by Mink Meadows Golf Club. Registration is $100 per player with proceeds benefitting the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program of Martha’s Vineyard.
Play begins with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Interested players can…
Open Casting Call
Open Casting Call
Calling all actors, directors and technicians. Your moment to shine, or at least strut your stuff, has arrived. This Sunday, Sept. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. the Island Theatre Workshop is holding an open casting call for its October 21 Pick of the Crop play festival.
Whether…
Portrait Painting Master Class is at Featherstone
Painter Mark Bullen is offering a three-day intensive master class in portrait painting at Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oct. 1 to 3.
Through daily demonstrations from the live model, Mr. Bullen will show you how to achieve drawing, form and color in your own work. There will be an emphasis on mixing…
Hot Words
Hot Words
Garden Club to Discuss Water-Wise Gardening
The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. at the Old Mill in West Tisbury. The topic for this month’s program is Water-Wise Gardening presented by Roberta Clark.
A hospitality hour with refreshments will follow the program. Anyone interested in horticulture, home gardening, flower…
Fall Farm Festival
Fall Farm Festival
A Family Fall Farm Fest is set for next Sunday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at RunAmok Farm, 200 Lambert’s Cove Road in West Tisbury.
Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish will be playing, and there will be food and family activities. Admission is $15 for adults,…
Two Wheels to Go
Two Wheels to Go
Cycle Martha’s Vineyard, a recreational ride with 100 and 50-kilometer routes around Martha’s Vineyard, is set for Saturday, Oct. 2 this year.
The 100k route circuits the Island, traveling along the Atlantic Ocean, Nantucket Sound and rolling farmland. The 50k route also offers breathtaking views of Nantucket…
Schools Find Art Beyond Borders
Tisbury School students received an additional lesson in geography and art this week with the weeklong installation of the traveling exhibition Art Beyond Borders on the second floor of their building.
Tisbury School students received an additional lesson in geography and art this week with the weeklong installation of the traveling exhibition Art Beyond…
International Film Fest Wraps Stars in Island Style
The Island band Ballywho performed a little bluegrass outside the Capawock Theatre in Vineyard Haven Sunday afternoon as patrons lined up to be let into the movie house. It was a gray September day, but within a few minutes, Islanders were swept off the streets of Vineyard Haven and into the heart of a failing…
They Write the Songs, Festival Adds the Bridge
It’s the singer, not the song or is it? After all, it is the melody that lingers, the words that capture the undefinable. Songs are mercurial things, each having a mystery path — so far from the iPod or radio dial — that evades the fan. But next weekend, at various locations across the Island,…
Dancers Are Leaders Not Followers
At the end of last Saturday’s afternoon performance at the Yard Mary Paula Hunter, the founder of the dance company Jump, took a bow with her dancers, all of them teenage girls. The girls wore what one might expect classically trained dancers to wear. Leotards, ballet shoes, a tutu or two here and there.
…
Guided Forest Walk
This Saturday, Sept. 18, explore one of the rarest plant and animal assemblages in the commonwealth, right here in your own backyard.
Created in 1908 as a “Heath Hen Reservation,” the Manuel Correllus State Forest continues to thrive as a vital and diverse ecosystem.
Tim Boland, executive director of the Polly…
The Vineyard Gardener
By LYNNE IRONS
I can’t remember a year when I grew so many tomatoes. I have painted myself into a corner. Wasting food is among my least desirable activities. This is going to require a real commitment to get them all processed. Be forewarned: I will be bringing tomato dishes to all potlucks…
Weird Warbler
“I’m seeing a weird warbler, it looks kind of like a chickadee” said Flip Harrington. That was the beginning of an exciting morning at the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah. The bird was identified by the two birders who have spent time in western United States, Lanny McDowell and Pete Gilmore. The mystery bird was…
Cling Crab
It is a dirt-y word.
Gardeners, landscapers and lawn care professionals, hold your ears (or close your eyes, in the case of this article), I am going to say it. Crabgrass.
Crabgrass is the archnemesis of those that seek a perfect lawn or weed-free garden. Instead of “Get off the grass,” they…
