When Jim Osmundsen goes to work on certain summer mornings, he is off to the most peaceful job on the Vineyard: under the water.
“The phone doesn’t ring, there is no traffic, it is quiet down there,” he says.
Jim is a certified divemaster, who works with Heidi Raihofer, who runs Vineyard Scuba with her husband Joe Leonadro. Most of the time the assignment involves cleaning the underwater parts of a boat, scraping barnacles, algae and slime from the hull, propellers and running gear. Sometimes the job involves salvage or surveying or training. Jim is a former West Tisbury EMT and has taught other emergency workers basic marine life-saving skills.
But last week, after the torrential rainstorm that flooded Five Corners, one of the super yachts parked at the Vineyard Haven dock got stuck in the mud and needed to be set free. We have all driven past those yachts, the ones with a formidable sculpture of antennae on top. Or maybe with a helicopter aboard, ready to fly off to Washington or, only in my fantasies, to Moscow or Tokyo.
But this particular private hotel wasn’t going anywhere. The harbormaster needed the boat to move on out. Moreover, she was scheduled to sail to Nantucket. So Jim and Heidi strapped on their tanks and fins, and dived in. They discovered that the storm had churned up the sea bed and the yacht’s two 600-pound anchors were stuck in the sludge.
The biggest problem for the divers was visibility. The water was a pea soup of silt, sand and dirt.
“You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face,” Jim said. They had to feel around for the chains and the anchors and the big lift bag, the tools and the parts. But after about 45 minutes in the blinding muck, the yacht was afloat and the undersea adventurers were headed for the nearest shower.
If you are a runner, jogger, stroller or aimless saunterer, join the Doug Flutie Jr. 5K Race for Autism starting at the West Tisbury School on Saturday, July 25, at 8:30 a.m. The race is sponsored by a foundation named for the son of the Patriots’ one-time quarterback. The younger Doug Flutie, you may recall, was born with a rare type of autism.
The course is a scenic route through the state forest, ending back at the school. After the run, head for the Island Autism hub house at 515 Lambert’s Cove Rd for coffee, breakfast treats, yoga and socializing. Local advocate and marathon runner Casey O’Connor will be there as well. The morning workout is a benefit for Island Autism, and beneficial for you too.
On the theme of what’s good for you, fruit is top of the list these days. The West Tisbury Congregational Church offers its annual berry festival Saturday, July 18, from noon until 6 p.m. All sorts of baked treats and parfaits feature the berries that are peaking just now. Shortcakes and smoothies made by lovely church ladies, to nibble on site. And pies to take home. The timing a good match for National Ice Cream Day on Monday, July 20. It is okay to celebrate a little early.
Happy birthday on Saturday, July 18, to Arnie Fischer, Phoebe Hersh and Bruce Haynes. Tuesday, July 22, is the big day for Joannie Jenkinson.
This article appears in July 17, 2026.