Mary Oliver
The wind wags its many tails. And in the evening the piled firewood shifts a little, longing to be on its way. —Mary Oliver
November 21, 2014
Film Director Mike Nichols Is Remembered By Island Friends
Vineyarders joined countless others this week in mourning the loss of Mike Nichols, the noted film director who died Wednesday in Manhattan at the age of 83. The cause was cardiac arrest. Mr. Nichols and his wife, broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer, were longtime seasonal residents of Vineyard Haven. They were married in 1988 at the…
In Facility Tour, High School Gets Low Marks for Maintenance
During a tour of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School early Tuesday morning, new principal Gilbert Traverso outline several building maintenance concerns. The schools superintendent said a revenue shortfall meant money was not put aside for maintenance.
Towns Weigh in on Sand Mining as Comment Period Closes
Sand mining was the talk of the town in at least four Island communities this week, as officials lined up on both sides of whether to support dredging for sand in waters off the Vineyard.
Good News at Off-Island Pumps Doesn’t Translate to Vineyard Gas
The average gas price nationwide has declined steadily for almost 50 days — the longest decline since 2008 — and has reached its lowest point since 2010. But Island gas prices are still among the highest in the state.
Sister Islands Go Toe to Toe for Gridiron Gold
Call it Clean Slate Saturday. Anyone who has seen the Vineyard football team face off against rival Nantucket will say the same thing. Win-loss records don’t matter. It’s the Island Cup. The teams face off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the regional high school.
Chocolates on the Line: Victory Is Sweet, Friendship Even Sweeter
Victory, to Martha’s Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss, tastes like chocolate-covered cranberries.
Land Bank Revenues: Nov. 14
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $361,060 for the business week ending on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014.
Taxi!
Of course we don’t hail cabs on the Vineyard the way it’s done in the big city; like almost everything else on the Island, we’re a little more laid back when it comes to finding a taxicab.
Walk Through History
As part of its upcoming fiftieth anniversary, the Vineyard Conservation Society begins its winter walks series on Saturday afternoon this weekend with a walk back in time — to the Gay Head Cliffs.
Back When Coach Herman Was a Freshman
The following was excerpted from an article written on Nov. 18, 1988 by Gazette reporter Mike Kolleth just before Coach Donald Herman’s first Island Cup Game.
Good Night Sweet King of Kings
One of the questions I have dreaded for the last four years is, “Do you have kids?”
Wi-Fi on the Boat: None
So the ferry rates are being raised. That is an accepted fact of life on the Vineyard and one of the increased expenses we pay for the lifeline to our beloved Island home (the Vineyard, not the vessel, per se).
Honoring History by Walking in Its Footsteps
History is the human story that embraces all of us, but so often it is presented as a lifeless catalogue that leaves the learner to conclude that whatever history is about, it’s not something that applies to the lives of ordinary people.
Changes Everything
Last week, I started reading the recently published book, This Changes Everything, by Naomi Klein. What an informative, disturbing eye-opener it is!
Tim Johnson Appreciation
I appreciate Timothy Johnson’s photos of the Island. Although we reside in Windsor Heights, Iowa, I am no stranger to Martha’s Vineyard as my wife, Arenda Randolph Maxwell, grew up in Oak Bluffs.
Sand Mining Discussion Needs All Voices
Beyond the economic forces and aesthetic values that will drive interest in restoring eroding beaches at any cost, there is also a serious environmental argument in favor of beach nourishment via the addition of sand taken from elsewhere.
Cape Cod Hospital’s Great Care
Three weeks ago I went to Cape Cod Hospital for an angiogram after doing poorly on a recent stress test. It was determined that I had major blockage in three arteries, one in the rear of my heart.
When Building Roads, Remember People
Most roads in the U.S. are built for cars, not for pedestrians. Whether we’re happy or unhappy with this, most of us are aware of it.
Senior Feast
Last Friday, the Edgartown patrolmen’s association sponsored its annual senior fall feast, a sumptuous dinner offered free to all Edgartown seniors.
Scallop Season
From the Vineyard Gazette edition of Nov. 15, 1929: This is the season of the year when all the Vineyard goes scalloping. The toothsome bivalves spatter and flit along the surface of the water in every cove along the marshy shores of the great ponds.
Soft Hands, Strong Arm Equal Big Payoff
Junior Jacob Cardoza and senior Mike Mussell make a formidable combination on the high school varsity football team, Mussell’s strong arm matched with Cardoza’s athleticism and speed. This year Cardoza broke the school’s single season record for receiving yards.
Hard Loss for Soccer; Football on Roll
High school sports for the fall season are wrapping up. The football team is intent on going out with a bang as they defeated Bellingham on Friday. But it was a somber occasion for the boys’ soccer team, which ended its season with a loss in a hard-fought contest.
Children’s Organization Honors Marney Toole
Marney Toole has been honored for her work at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center.
Supporting ACE MV
Adult and Community Education of Martha’s Vineyard, also known as ACE MV, is launching its first annual appeal for donations.
Chilmark Addresses Affordable Housing
Citing a clear demand for affordable housing in their town, the Chilmark selectmen are discussing making more town land available for homesites.
The Storm that Rattled Windows
Monday’s stormy weather was a cut above the usual rain storms that pass over the Vineyard in November. There was lightning and thunder and for a while leaves flying through the air carried by gusty winds. More blinding was the significant rain, almost three inches. The National Weather Service cooperative station in Edgartown recorded 2.83…
Real Estate Transactions: Nov. 10 to Nov. 16
Adam M. Zaiger, TRS and 295 Katama Nominee, TRS purchased 295 Katama Road from KZ Vineyard Land LLC for $15,000,000 on Nov. 10.
Exhibit Honors the Hard Words of War
Cindy Kane has collected mementos and notes from foreign correspondents sent to cover embattled areas and covered old metal Viet Nam era war helmets with the artifacts. The exhibit premiered in 2008, but a show that just premiered at the Flatiron Building in New York city has given it new life.
Daily Sketches Become Body of Work
At the start of the year in January 2012, Heather Goff made a resolution of sorts. She vowed to do a drawing each day and post the result on the internet.
Move Over Turkey, Duck Is on the Table
In the how to make a turkey smile category, Slow Food MV in conjunction with Cayuga Duck Project is cooking up a whole lot of ducks on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury.
Winter Walk at Gay Head Cliffs
The Vineyard Conservation Society is hosting its first guided winter walk of the season on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. at the Gay Head Cliffs.
Hug a Big Teddy Bear
They are big, they are furry and they want your love — and some money, too.
Holiday Gift Show at Featherstone
Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs is beginning its 12th Holiday Gift Show with a preview show on Friday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Chamber Music Society Thanksgiving Concert
The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society is holding its Thanksgiving concert on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Whaling Church in Edgartown.
Handbell Choir Wants You
The West Tisbury Congregational Church handbell choir has been quiet of late. For a year or so the bells have been silent.
Grant Applications Due
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation is accepting inquiries for its 2015 Learning Disabilities grant cycle.
On Chappy: Nov. 21
With more than a hint of winter in the Chappy air, I am reminded of the yin and yang of this particular season. Gone are the afternoons swims, but also missing are the horseflies and mosquitoes, Chappy taketh and Chappy giveth away. The houseflies however (or the “immortals” as Arlene calls them) are impervious to…
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Nov. 21
Professor Ellen Weiss’s iconic and evocative book City in the Woods points out that in February 1879, just before our incorporation as Cottage City in 1880, there were 769 cottages and 1,058 taxable buildings. There were also two steam mills, 15 hotels, two markets, two blacksmiths, seven grocery stores and three churches. We were a…
West Tisbury Town Column: Nov. 21
Holiday activity is humming at a fever pitch around town. Folks are coming from near and far to be with family and friends for Thanksgiving. All town buildings, post office, bank and 7a foods will be closed on Thanksgiving, creating a long weekend for many of us.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Nov. 21
Ah sweet mysteries of fruitcake! Holly Nadler has a very interesting theme going on on her Facebook page right now about the best recipes for fruitcake. Betty Burton weighed in with her grandmother’s not so secret recipe that included soaking the finished product in cheesecloth soaked in bourbon, making it at Thanksgiving time and distributing…
Aquinnah Town Column: Nov. 21
GO VINEYARDERS! KEEP THE CUP! HARPOON THE WHALERS!! The annual Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket football game will be held tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Daniel G. McCarthy Football Field.
Tuber Time
Last Saturday night was a real surprise with temperatures dipping into the teens here in Vineyard Haven.
Tree Talk
The pride and sense of accomplishment was tremendous as we placed a bough of a white pine tree atop of our newly framed home.
Welcome, Jaslyn
Mariza Oliveira and Samuel Oliveira of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Jaslyn Eli Paim Oliveira, born on Nov. 18.
Oak Bluffs EMTs Will Become Firefighters Too
Oak Bluffs EMTs and paramedics will now add firefighting work to their regular duties. The change is part of an effort to consolidate the town’s firefighting and ambulance forces. Volunteer firefighters will continue to assist in the event of a large fire or accident.
SSA Adjusts Fall Schedule to Accommodate Heavy Traffic
Islanders who have trouble getting their cars off-Island in the early fall will see some relief next year. Steamship Authority governors agreed this week to modify the fall schedule for earlier trips out of Vineyard Haven.
Improved Access Studied at Lambert’s Cove Beach
West Tisbury wants to make Lambert’s Cove Beach more accessible for elderly residents and people with disabilities. That’s the idea behind a subcommittee formed Tuesday night at the West Tisbury conservation commission.
Please Adopt Us
Perhaps some patrons of the animal shelter will remember Diva, her name changed from O.B. because she disliked other cats and all humans.
Edgartown Town Column: Nov. 21
We have had almost all the different weather patterns that New England could have. Wind, rain, sun, warm, cool and cold, and yes even snow. We even had a thunderstorm. I read on Facebook a saying, “Thunderstorms in fall no snow at all.” We will see how that turns out.
Shade Tree Removal Occupies Edgartown Selectmen
The board reviewed three requests for shade tree removal at their meeting Monday, including on South Summer street. In Edgartown, trees that stand within a public way cannot be removed without a hearing in front of the selectmen.
Chilmark Town Column: Nov. 21
Chilmark is moving rapidly though fall with mostly bright sunshine, although I did note that Chilmark recorded more than two inches of rain one day last week. The winds are quickly stripping the trees of their leaves but in some sheltered areas the colors are still vibrant. There is more color in town. The new…
New Squibnocket Plan Begins to Take Shape
Town leaders are now discussing the possibility of acquiring land for a new parking lot in several locations. The final recommendation will address the need for parking, beach access, and access to the homes at Squibnocket Farm.
At Bea’s Fabric Shop, Pulling at the Threads of a Busy Life
In March of 1969 Bea Amaral set up her fabric shop on State Road in West Tisbury. The shop is still there today, open every day but Sunday, and Bea is there, too. At age 89, its hard to break a good routine.
Crowning Achievement
Orange-crowned warblers have been plentiful on the Island. I realized I know little about this dainty warbler so decided to do some research.
Priorities in Sight, Tisbury Moves Forward With Town Visioning Process
Tisbury planners are heading into the holidays with a better sense of the town’s future priorities, thanks to an ongoing vision planning process that began in October.
Up-Island School District Decides Against School Resource Officer
The up-Island regional school committee voted Monday to remove a much-debated school resource officer position from their $10.7 million draft budget, following another lengthy discussion on the financial plan for 2016.
Carol L. Sylva and Matthew B. Flanders Wed
Carole Lee Sylva and Matthew B. Flanders were married on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Farm Neck Golf Club.
Emanuel Arrives
Joelma Lage and Isaias Neto of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Emanuel Oliveira Lage, born on Nov. 17 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Each Seed Has a Story at West Tisbury Seed Library
The seed library, a collaboration between the West Tisbury Library, IGS and the Farm Institute, hosted a seed saving workshop on Sunday where Islanders could learn how to process the seeds of beans, lettuce and tomatoes, as well as donate seeds from their own gardens.
Hello, Hannah
Christopher and Joanne Nelson-Unczur of Pittsfield announce the birth of a daughter, Hannah May, on Nov. 12 at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital.
Announcing Felicity
Sarah Henry and David Sprague of West Tisbury announce the birth of a daughter, Felicity Diana Sprague, born on Nov. 15.
Welcome, Jose
Mirella Mendes and Diego Mendes of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Jose Augusto Barbosa da Costa, born on Nov. 13.
Ethan Arrives
Sarah Rivers and Marques Rivers of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Ethan Gunnar Rivers, born on Nov. 10.
Hello, Wiley
Alexandra Bullen Coutts and Eliot Coutts of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Wiley Cedar Coutts, born on Nov. 10.
Fine Dining Among the Fire Trucks; Edgartown Police Cook for Seniors
Edgartown seniors were treated to a hot meal at the Edgartown Fire Station Friday afternoon, compliments of the town’s Police Patrolmen’s Association. The beef tenderloin and mashed potatoes supper began with handmade crab cakes and ended with pie.
Football Team on a Roll as Island Cup Nears
Junior Ben Clark notched two touchdowns and rushed for 141 yards to lead the Vineyard football team’s offensive effort Friday night as they defeated visiting Bellingham 28-0. The team now holds a 5-5 record as they head into the final game of the season, the annual Island Cup clash against Nantucket.
Push for Uniform Taxi Rules Sees Pushback from Cabbies Over Meters
It’s not uncommon to take an Island taxicab from one place to another and pay one fare, and on the way back pay something different. A committee formed by the All-Island Selectmen’s Association is exploring ways to bring uniformity to the taxi landscape.
Vineyard Boys’ Soccer Season Comes to End with Loss to Norwell
A spectacular season for the Vineyard boys soccer team came to an end Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Norwell in the south section finals. “They need to be proud of themselves,” coach Esteban Aranzabe said after the game. “They had an exceptional season.”
Competing Interests Over Prospect of Sand Mining
A public discussion hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission aimed to find common ground on the controversial topic as a comment period on the draft state Ocean Management Plan nears an end. Many oppose sand mining, but leaders in Oak Bluffs are not ready to close the door on it yet.
Waiting on Pins and Needles; Excitement Builds for Oak Bluffs Bowling Alley
It’s been years since the Vineyard had a bowling alley, and Islanders are eagerly anticipating the opening of The Barn, Bowl and Bistro, a new bowling alley and restaurant in Oak Bluffs. Teams are forming.
