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
October 17, 2008
Flag Travels from Baghdad to Vineyard
On Sept. 22 at the regular meeting of the Oriental-Martha’s Vineyard Lodge, Sgt. Daniel (Cuzy) Dunlap presented to his lodge the flag that had flown over his company headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. In the photograph that he also presented he appears near the bunker in which he waited out a mortar attack for nine hours…
Announcing Michael
Announcing Michael
Ashley J. Waters and Michael A. Waters of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Michael Herbert Waters, born on Sept. 25, 2008 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Michael weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces at birth. Big sister Danielle Ponte also welcomes Michael.
State Representative Candidates Face Off
Introducing last night’s debate between the four candidates competing to take the state house seat being vacated after 20 years by Eric Turkington, host Judy Crawford noted the absence of a Republican candidate as a complicating factor.
The choice would have been much easier, said the president of the League of Women Voters…
Few Vineyard Customers Are Fooled By Sophisticated Bank Fraud Scheme
A sophisticated phone fraud scheme which targeted large numbers of Vineyard residents last week, seeking access to their bank details, appears to have fooled very few people and netted little for the perpetrators, Island banks reported this week.
The phone calls, which began on Thursday night, purported to be from local banks, informing…
Voter Registration Rush Includes Students Fired Up for First Ballot
The last day to register to vote in Massachusetts was Wednesday, and the deadline saw a flurry of activity in town halls across the Island.
“I’m working fast and furious,” reported Edgartown town clerk Wanda Williams yesterday morning. Ms. Williams said nearly 60 new voters registered in Edgartown on Wednesday. Because she is…
Sophomores Speak Out
This year’s sophomore class has been giving very serious consideration to the world they have inherited and have much to say that they would like the candidates for the presidential election to hear. Writing to the politician of their choice, they have asked the questions and made the observations that are important to them. In…
Alley’s General Store
Alley’s General Store
In times of yore, one humble store
Sustained our tiny town.
‘Twas not the kind where one might find
A fancy evening gown.
Instead, our needs — from nails to seeds —
Were modest as the dickens,
And Nancy…
Letters to the Editor
MADDENING CAMPAIGN
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
The following letter was addressed to the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror:
Living the Good Life — Can We Sustain It?
Editor’s note: What follows is a paper read at the leadoff session to the Living Local Harvest Festival on Sept. 26. It responds to the question: From your point of view, what do we need to think about and do to ensure that your grandchildren can live well on the Vineyard?
Art Sale for Hope
Art Sale for Hope
Sunday afternoon, a line of hopeful Islanders snaked from Dragonfly Gallery’s front door around the corner in Oak Bluffs. Lines outside an art gallery? In October? That’s right — with a frisson of anticipation, even competition, pulsing up and down the street’s edge. “It’s like trying to get World…
Reading the Fine Print
Reading the Fine Print
As big as the ocean itself, the Massachusetts Oceans Act adopted six months ago by the state legislature is an ambitious but largely hollow piece of legislation that remains to be filled out in the months ahead, partly through the development of an accompanying ocean management plan. The plan,…
Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur Play Unplugged from Jugs
Not since the Sixties have Jim Kweskin and Geoff Muldaur made music together on the Vineyard — but they will be back on Saturday at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Spring street in Vineyard Haven.
Patrons of the old Mooncusser Coffee House in Oak Bluffs may recall the pair jamming as part of…
Nature Conservancy Needs Native Plant Helpers
The Nature Conservancy is seeking volunteers for a seed-cleaning project. All are welcome to join the conservancy’s Massachusetts Islands Program staff and intern with separating and sorting seeds from the native plant nursery. Seeds harvested throughout the season and stored in the Hoft Farm field station need the final step of cleaning by being taken…
With Edgartown Buffs
By Kate J. Conde
My, how time flies. It seems as though the summer gets shorter each year and before you know it, it’s time to trade swimsuits for sweaters. It feels like just yesterday we had our summer kick-off barbecue, and now we are ready to start our monthly dinners again. Summer…
Oak Bluffs School to Host Talk on Brazilian Students
Oak Bluffs School principal Laury Binney will be showing a short film and speaking about his recent travels to Brazil on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. It is free and open to all.
Mr. Binney, who took an unpaid sabbatical last year, and his wife Marcy, a reading teacher, spent six months…
Food Aid Begins Today; Help with Holiday Meals
The organizers of the surplus food program, now called Helping Hands, begin distributions today, continuing monthly through April, 2009.
Future dates, all Fridays, are: Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Feb, 13, March 13, and April 10.
All distributions will take place at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Parish…
Wildlife on Noman’s Land Figures in Plan
Visited by increasing numbers of migrating birds and marine mammals, both rare and common, Noman’s Land is increasing in value as a wildlife refuge.
Edgartown Awards Affordable Houses
BY JULIA RAPPAPORT
A 2003 graduate of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School who works as a dispatcher for the county sheriff’s department was one of three lucky Islanders who won an affordable Edgartown home in a town lottery this week.
“I’m too shocked to think,” said a teary Maria Williams…
Towns Try to Coordinate Emergency Site
The all-Island selectmen on Wednesday took up a wide range of topics during their semi-regular meeting at the Tisbury senior center, from algae blooms in Edgartown Great Pond to the possibility of new bylaws that would set residency restrictions for convicted sexual offenders.
But the only topic to generate any heat was a…
Winter Coat for the House: Learn How at the Library
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Vinyard Haven Library Evening Lecture Series will present Bundle Up for the Cold: How to Winterize Your House at 7 p.m. Energy consultant Chris Fried will discuss energy-saving improvements for your home or business. Many improvements cost little and are easy to implement, yet save a lot.
Drug Dealer Sentenced to Jail
Jeffrey Alley, 55, of Oak Bluffs was sentenced to between two and a half to three years in state prison last week in Dukes County Superior Court after pleading guilty to distribution of illegal prescription drugs, court records indicate.
Mr. Alley, who has an extensive criminal record on the Island, will serve his…
Special Town Meeting Is Set For Tuesday Night in Aquinnah
Winter is coming and the Aquinnah town hall needs a new furnace.
But first town voters must approve $8,500 to pay for it.
The money for the furnace is one of 10 articles and some $25,000 in spending — all transfers from one fund to another — that will confront Aquinnah…
West Tisbury Selectmen Speak Against Luxury Ads at Airport
Two members of the West Tisbury selectmen appeared before the Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission on Wednesday to urge the panel to deny a proposal from an advertising company to sell space in the airport terminal and along the tarmac that would cater mostly to high-end, affluent visitors arriving on Island by private jet.
Cottage Demolition Violated Bylaw
The Oak Bluffs historical commission on Wednesday unanimously agreed that a cottage in the federally protected Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association that was partially torn down earlier this year does fall under the protection of the town’s demolition delay bylaw.
As a result, commissioners agreed the extensive work done on the cottage at…
Oceans Act Unclear on Power of Review by the Commission
The same state agency which has backed the controversial Cape Wind development could allow similar projects even closer to the Vineyard under the new Oceans Act, Cape and Islands Rep. Eric T. Turkington said this week.
The new law, signed by Gov. Deval Patrick in May, lifts the previous blanket ban on alternative…
Wall Street Fallout: Harbor View Hotel Halts Construction
Construction has been halted on a planned $55 million renovation project at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, at least until the fall.
And while the scenic hotel overlooking the outer Edgartown harbor remains open for business, the owner and his Vineyard attorney said this week that the decision was prompted by a…
Fishing Derby Enters Home Stretch
Fewer fishermen and fewer fish — that has been the main theme for the 63rd annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby this year. The fall premiere saltwater fishing contest has been affected this year both by the economy and the state of fish stocks. Participation is down.
The tournament that began…
West Tisbury Town Hall Project: Borrowing on Temporary Hold
In another example of the national economic crisis hitting home, West Tisbury finance officials have been advised to wait until the end of this month before attempting any short-term borrowing for the town hall renovation and expansion project.
An initial attempt at financing failed last month.
Sewer Water Seeps Into Park
After years of soggy and sometimes smelly conditions at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs that some residents and officials suspected were due to failing septic grids beneath the park, the Department of Environmental Protection recently confirmed the source of the problem and formally notified the town that it is in violation of state law.
Grant Workshop
Grant Workshop
Cultural Council
Cultural Council
Nancy Benoit was appointed on Oct. 6 by the Aquinnah selectmen to serve as a member of the town cultural council. Ms. Benoit is an artisan and business owner who has lived in Aquinnah since 1989.
Welcome, Robert Arthur
Welcome, Robert Arthur
Robert and Annmarie Dickson announce the birth of their grandson Robert Arthur Dickson on June 18 at Newton Wellesley Hospital. The parents are Robert and Suzanne Dickson of Canton. The Canton grandparents are Joan and John McLoughlin. Great-grand parents are Arthur and Priscilla Dickson of Vineyard Haven and Helene Sullivan…
Announcing Keiry
Announcing Keiry
Sandra Gomes and Wescley Pereira of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Keiry Cristall Gomes Fonseca, born on Oct. 1, 2008 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Keiry weighed 7 pounds, 2.4 ounces at birth.
Announcing Luan
Announcing Luan
Francis Carla deOliveira and Luiz Prado of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Luan Henry Oliveira De Prado, born on Oct. 6, 2008 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Luan weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces at birth.
English Classes
English Classes
Nancy Gardella is offering a free weekly ESL class at the Edgartown Public Library on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The group will not meet on Nov. 11. For more information, call 508-627-4221,
Temperature
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Oct. 10 70 55 .02
Oct. 11 71 52 .00
Oct. 12 67 49 .00
Oct. 13 65 50 .00
Oct. 14 67 54 .00
Oct. 15 63 55 .00
Oct. 16 63 49 .00
…
Hello Hailey
Hello Hailey
Julia and Ryan Smith of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Hailey Elizabeth Smith, born on Oct. 2 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Hailey weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces at birth.
Aquinnah
JUNE MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks@gis.net)
Get well wishes to Nancy Delaney who was admitted to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital this past week. Nancy is improving and anticipates returning to her home by this weekend.
Oak Bluffs
HOLLY NADLER
508-687-9239
(hollynadler@gmail.com)
The big buzz around town this past week was the boffo success of the Artists For Obama event at the Dragonfly Gallery. (Oh oh. Boffo? I’m starting to sound like the Hollywood Reporter.) But putting show biz talk aside, participants were amazed at the turnout…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
The leaves are starting to show their colors. There is a slight smell of woodstove smoke in the night air, the pumpkins are sitting on people’s doorsteps, and you know that in some kitchens there is the smell of apple pie. Happy fall.
Shooting Stars
The last quarter moon will interfere with observing the Orionid meteor shower on Tuesday morning, but there may be a few to be seen before moonrise. Meteors, often referred to as shooting stars, will appear to come from the rising constellation Orion, which is low in the southeast late at night.
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)
Those harvest suppers roll around quickly. It’s time for the annual one at the Stone Church on Saturday, Oct. 25 (that’s a week from tomorrow). There will be two seatings, 5 and 6:30 p.m. I know from past experience that reservations fill up quickly, so…
Here’s Maximus
Here’s Maximus
Allyson and Chad Metell of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Maximus Veira Metell, born on Oct. 10, 2008 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Maximus weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces at birth.
Oct. 10: Sunny and Warm
Friday, Oct. 10: Sunny and warm. Lawnmowers sing out in downtown Edgartown. Yellow bittersweet leaves decorate tall trees on Clevelandtown Road. Red poison ivy leaves decorate the edge of a path.
Cold Weather, More Food
Everywhere I go, the post office, the grocery stores, exercise center I am asked the same question. When should I start feeding the birds? There is no single answer for that question. Some say wait until the first frost as the insects will perish and some fruits and berries will become more inedible. Others say…
Death of a Manatee
Along with penguins, polar bears, and baobab trees, there are some topics that I always assumed would never be the subject of this column. Dennis falls into that category.
The Grateful Dead were definitely not thinking of him when they sang, “What a long, strange trip it’s been,” but after recent events, it…
The Vineyard Gardener
By LYNNE IRONS
For years I have grown celery — both the golden self-blanching and the Utah green varieties. It has been, for lack of a better expression, a crap shoot. I start it in the mid spring in flats on a 60-degree propagation mat in an unheated greenhouse. It resembles parsley as…
Make Space for Peace
Make Space for Peace
PeaceCraft volunteers are seeking a donated space and more volunteers to host their annual sale of crafts from Third World self-help projects.
Organized annually since 1997, this holiday season sale of beautiful, hand- made, affordable gifts help fund projects in the poorest areas of our world including…
The Fishermen
By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL
Recreational fishing doesn’t end with the derby. Although tomorrow night brings closure to the 63rd annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, don’t put the fishing rod away. The word is out, there is still plenty of fishing left in this season. The water is still warm and…
Meet and Eat
Meet and Eat
Slow Food Martha’s Vineyard holds its monthly local food potluck and informational meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Agricultural Hall from 6:30 to 9 p.m. In the Slow Food tradition, please bring a dish to share using at least one local ingredient if possible and a place setting for…
Fighting for Life, Live at Lola’s
Tonight is an evening for turning lemons into lemonade.
Islander Joyce Garde, a 14-year cancer survivor, was recently diagnosed with another cancer. Rather than fight the battle alone, she is celebrating with friends and is doing it in style — at a benefit held tonight in her honor at Lola’s restaurant in Oak…
Flying Elbows Harmonize to Help Island Food Pantry
The Flying Elbows, the Island’s own old-time string band, will crank out another night of zany songs and high- energy fiddle tunes next Friday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven.
Currently a foursome, this band has been through many incarnations over the years. Original member Bob…
Champagne Style
Champagne Style
Stina Sayre Design of Vineyard Haven offers Islanders and visitors a preview of her 2008 Winter and Holiday collections this Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at her studio across from The Black Dog Tavern.
Picturing What We Believe: Featherstone Opens Show
Jeanne Campbell — photographer, advisory board member of Featherstone Center for the Arts, and ardent supporter of the This I Believe series popularized by NPR’s Jay Allison — has invited artists to submit their own interpretations of This I Believe for an exhibition at the Oak Bluffs gallery.
All are invited to the…
Chapter 22: The Doubloon
In this year-long serialized novel set on the Vineyard in real time, a native Islander (“Call me Becca”) returns home after two decades to help her eccentric Uncle Abe keep his landscaping business, Pequot, afloat. Abe has a paranoid hatred of Richard Moby, the CEO of an off-Island wholesale nursery, Broadway. Convinced that Moby wants…
Fall Food Festival Stirs Up Spirits, Too
Bartending. The job used to be simple — pour a glass of wine, shake up the occasional martini, pop off a beer cap and call it a night. Not so any more. Today there are career bartenders. Mixologists. Professionals who stir the cocktail to levels of esteem usually reserved for celebrity chefs’ creations.
