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
March 27, 2015
Verdict Is In; Judge Williams Declares Himself Retired
The Hon. H. Gregory Williams has had a career path that led him from herpetology to English major to 10 years as the first justice in the Edgartown district court. He retired on Friday at the age of 65.
Court Backs Town in Boch Helicopter Dispute
Edgartown can prohibit resident Barbara Boch from landing a helicopter on her lawn, according to a court ruling in a long-running dispute between the widow of car dealership owner Ernie Boch and the town.
State Challenges Airport Appointments
The state agency that oversees airports is casting doubt on the official makeup of the Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission, following a vote by the Dukes County Commission early this month to replace incumbents with new members.
Center For Living Looks to Towns for Help with Building Purchase
The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living is looking for support for a new building from town meeting voters in all towns, who will be asked whether to support a $1.6 million bond for the purchase of the former Vineyard Nursing Association building.
In Aftermath of Fatal Fire, Officals Stress Preparation
Victims of a house fire in Edgartown that claimed the life of 32-year-old David Cleary last week have received an outpouring of support from the community, including an online fundraising campaign that has raised thousands of dollars.
Preserving the Future and the Past, Gazette Upgrades Printing Process
The Vineyard Gazette this week welcomed a new piece of technology into its decades-old printing operation with the addition of a new computer-to-plate unit.
Gutter Ball
When Sam Dunn came before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission seeking permission to build his bowling alley, one key selling point was a nitrogen-removing septic system.
March Goes Out
After months of deep snow and bitter cold, it comes as little surprise that spring has struggled to begin.
Amid Uproar from Neighbors, Oak Bluffs Park and Ride Plan on Hold
The Oak Bluffs selectmen have canceled plans to use a town lot for a new park and ride service after neighborhood residents came out in force to oppose it.
Chilmark Extends Bay Scallop Season
Chilmark has joined Edgartown in seeking to extend its commercial scalloping season to make up for lost fishing days this year. Shellfishing around the Island took a major hit following winter storms in January and February.
Start Small, Aim High; Biddy Ball Is Slam Dunk for Fun
Start small, aim high. It could be the unofficial motto of the Biddy Ball program at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club, which teaches first and second graders the basics of basketball.
Young Science Whiz Takes Top Honors
Earlier this month, junior Christopher Aring won first place in the South Shore Regional Science Fair, held at Bridgewater State University. No student from the high school has ever taken a first place at the regional event, although there have been several seconds, thirds and honorable mentions.
Please Adopt Us
There is good news and bad news at the animal shelter this week. Last week we had a little brown dog of indeterminate parentage who needed a home.
Real Estate Roadshow
Vineyard Open House Real Estate offers a look at everything from financing to flood insurance as it hosts information sessions on Fridays in March.
Susan Mercier Joins Youth Collaborative
Susan Mercier joins Martha’s Vineyard Community Services as the new Island Wide Youth Collaborative program coordinator.
Real Estate Transactions: March 16 to March 22
Imprimis LLC purchased 31 N. Summer street in Edgartown from John Stobart for $1,350,000 on March 16.
What Happened to Comet Lovejoy?
Last winter a number of us had a chance to observe the faint Comet Lovejoy as it moved through the evening sky.
Shaping it Up at the YMCA
On Fridays at 3:30 p.m. the YMCA After-School Program is hosting art days with a different theme and teacher each week. This Friday, March 27, Althea Miller will work with children in creating block printed stamps.
Man Held Without Bail on Rape, Assault Charges
A Vineyard Haven man is being held without bail after being arraigned last week on 23 charges, including assault to murder and rape.
Finding Your Calling Can Be an Art Form
The teacher who had taught in the art room before me was a gray-haired superhero in an apron. I know this because she was once my teacher.
Passing the Hat and a Spinnaker, Too
Pity poor West Tisbury. It has needs, wants and aspirations but does not have a stable renewable source of funds.
April Is Autism Awareness Month, But For Some It’s a Daily Embrace
April is autism awareness month, but around our house we’re acutely aware of autism every day.
Permanent Home Needed
I am writing to urge people in all six towns to vote in favor of the bond issue to secure a home for the supportive day program.
Worthwhile Project
I’m in my late sixties and still able to get around, workout at the Y, see friends, independently go to public events.
Expand Collaboration
The supportive day program provides respite for Island families and caregivers.
Critical Expenditure
My husband hauled moorings on Menemsha Pond until he was 81 years old. He is about to turn 87 in another month.
Accessory Housing Bylaw
The Chilmark housing committee, working with the planning board, the board of health and the zoning board of appeals, has come up with another way to address the shortage of available year-round housing for our working families, friends and community.
Pathetic Inconsistency
I am writing this as a holder of two certificates in turf grass management from the University of Massachusetts and a commercial turf grass certification from the state of Massachusetts.
On Chilmark Pond
I am a resident of Connecticut with some 80 years of experience and knowledge of Chilmark Pond. My family built a summer home overlooking the pond and have owned a beach lot since 1934.
Dorothy Days
Thanks to the late Dorothy Bangs for her decades of enthusiasm, organization and efforts toward raising money through selling bunches of daffodils to help ease the pain of a cancer diagnosis.
Taking Off
The debate as to the extension of the airport runways is wholesome even though from one point of view it is belated. To counter the accusation of tardiness, critics of the project emphasize that their opposition rests primarily upon technological advances in aviation.
Land Bank Revenues: March 20
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $133,340.40 for the business week ending on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Porter Arrives
Elizabeth and Christopher McMahon of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Porter Joseph McMahon, born on March 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: March 27
Dorothy West (June 2, 1907 – August 16, 1998) who wrote this column from 1967 to 1993 was born in the year Oak Bluffs seceded from Edgartown.
Aquinnah Town Column: March 27
Well, spring has sprung but with a light dusting of snow over the weekend just to remind us that winter is really not over yet. Most of the snow has melted except for the massive snowbanks along some of the roads. A few more weeks and it will all disappear.
Basil Welch Captured the Island, One Moment at a Time
Basil Welch photographed nearly everything there was to see on the Island: boats, buildings, people, animal tracks, trees.
Chilmark Town Column: March 27
Chilmark continues to thaw although the temperatures are a challenge to the sunshine that is trying to do its job. We still have a wintery aspect, but our snow cover is beginning to be a memory.
On Chappy: March 27
For those who can’t fathom a winter on Chappy, especially this winter, I say “you get used to it.” If this were a day in late September, temps hovering around freezing, I’d be bundled in layers of sweaters.
Still on the Market, Flatbread Plans to Reopen for Summer Season
After a brief period of uncertainty, Flatbread will again open for the upcoming season, though the restaurant is still on the market.
Edgartown Town Column: March 27
As I write this it is supposed to be in the 50s but we all know living in Edgartown, cold water and warm air creates fog, but the positive side of that is that it also helps melt the snow faster.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: March 27
I was going to play some April Fool’s jokes on you in advance but, alas, I have been bested by the internet and Mother Nature.
West Tisbury Town Column: March 27
The spring flowers are hard to find, but many birds are back. We should be so lucky as to see the grass, never mind what color it is.
Goodbye Party for Winter
It seems that the drudgery of winter has been a common lament throughout history, and one that continues today.
Spring Seedlings on the Move
The weather, just like my family members, will not respond to criticism. Because I am able to dig in my hoop house, I keep trying to do some work.
Migratory Birds Make Their Comeback
My guess is that most of us are ready for something warmer, although if we can’t have that, at least the spring migrants are starting to show up.
Trustees of Reservations, Farm Institute Announce Merger
The Farm Institute and The Trustees of Reservations have announced plans to merge by the end of the year, with the Trustees taking the 15-year-old nonprofit teaching farm under its wing, leaders from both organizations told the Gazette Wednesday.
Emergency Drill Planned Sunday at Martha’s Vineyard Airport
The Martha’s Vineyard Airport will be closed for about three hours Sunday as Island emergency responders join in an exercise of the airport’s emergency response plan. The airport warns that passengers and other airport users may not be able to access the airport during brief periods on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Discovery of Endangered Plant Poses Problem for Gay Head Light Project
The Gay Head Light relocation project has hit a potential snag following recent notice from the state Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program that the site contains habitat for the broad tinker’s weed, an endangered wild plant.
Old Coach Road in West Tisbury Protected as Ancient Way
A historic mail route in West Tisbury has been set aside for special protection from future development. The Martha’s Vineyard Commission late last week agreed to add Old Coach Road to a growing group of historic Island footpaths protected under the special ways critical planning district.
From Farming to Bats, Fellowships Go to Islanders With Sustainable Vision
A film documenting commercial fishing, studies of northern long-eared bats and farm equipment fueled by waste vegetable oil are among the projects named for this year’s Vision Fellowship Awards.
Contracts, Salaries Set for Incoming School Superintendents
Incoming assistant superintendent Richard Smith will be paid $140,000. Superintendent Matthew D’Andrea, who takes over when Dr. James Weiss retires in July, will earn $165,000. The all-Island school committee was divided last week over the salary for Mr. Smith.
West Tisbury Town Column: March 27
The spring flowers are hard to find, but many birds are back. We should be so lucky as to see the grass, never mind what color it is.
Spring Potluck
Spring is here but in case you’re still chilly, you can warm up to the sounds of Serendipity with Danny Whiting at the annual potluck and social at the Agricultural Hall on Saturday, March 28.
Island Poets Open National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month gets a kickoff when Lee McCormack, Arnie Reisman and Rose Styron present their works at the Vineyard Haven Public Library on Wednesday, April 1, at 7 p.m.
Piano Concert for a Cause
Join the Daybreak Clubhouse community as they host a classical piano performance at the Whaling Church featuring New Zealander Charles Whitehead.
Young Dancers Dazzle
Dancers from the Rise Dance Company will perform their award-winning 2015 competition choreography on Sunday, March 29, at the Oak Bluffs School.
A Walk in the Dark
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is highlighting energy reduction by turning off the lights and offering an exploratory night hike.
Divas Take to the Ice
Divas on Ice will entertain with some spectacular figure skating this weekend, Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m. and again Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m.
Write Your Spice of Life
Susan Klein leads a workshop on memoir organization at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging on Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3:30 p.m. beginning March 31 and continuing through May 26.
Old Mansion on the Move: Renovations Begin on Warren House
A late 18th-century home has been on the move in Edgartown. The historic Warren House, which usually fronts North Water street beside the Edgartown library, has been temporarily relocated as part of a major restoration effort.
Real Estate Transactions: March 16 to 22
Denise Shapiro and Martin Nager purchased 57 Old Oklahoma Road in Vineyard Haven from Marian Ragan Halperin TRS, Steven P. Ragan, TRS, and MRH Nominee Trust for $825,000 on March 20.
Oak Bluffs Welcomes New Police Officer
The Oak Bluffs police department welcomed a new member last week as police officer Timothy Millerick was sworn in March 18 at the police station.
It’s a Wrap, Film Festival Put Spotlight on Artists and Community
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival once again brought filmmakers and the Island community together for an overflow of riches.
Regional High School Announces Honor Roll
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School announced its honor roll for the second quarter of the 2014-2015 school year.
Sofia Amida Thanhauser Earns Degree
Sofia Amida Thanhauser of Vineyard Haven earned a master’s of fine arts from University of Wyoming at the conclusion of the fall 2014 semester.
Vineyard Football Coach Receives Hall of Fame Honors
Varsity football head coach Donald Herman will lead his final season this fall, but before that he has an award to pick up.
One Act Theatre Festival Brings Many Delights
The One Act Play Festival by the Island Theatre Workshop opened on Friday night. It continues Saturday and Sunday, and next weekend.
After Debate, Oak Bluffs Lets New Business Hook Up to Sewer
After heated deliberations Thursday afternoon, the town of Oak Bluffs will allow developers of a new bowling alley to hook up to the town sewer. The wastewater commission voted 2-1 to extend sewer lines to Uncas avenue.
Tisbury Asks SSA to Look Into Moving Ferry Terminal
In light of persistent traffic problems in downtown Vineyard Haven, the town is asking the Steamship Authority to look at alternative sites for the Island’s main ferry terminal. The Steamship Authority has agreed to look into the issue but has not committed to a study.
Tisbury Selectmen Institute New Harbor Regulations
Tisbury selectmen approved a host of new harbor regulations covering everything from dinghy length to docking time limits during their Tuesday meeting. They also set new rates for mooring fees, which will increase by five per cent across the board for commercial, town lease, and private moorings, beginning with the current billing cycle.
