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
January 4, 2008
Announcing Kauan
Announcing Kauan Giscella and Diego Martins of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Kauan Nunes Martins, born on Dec. 12 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces at birth.
School Lunches
Charter School Monday, Jan. 7: Baked ham, rotini primavera, pears and milk. Tuesday, Jan. 8: Corn chowder, grilled cheese sandwich, fruit smoothie. Wednesday, Jan. 9: Hot turkey sandwich or roasted veggie sub, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, pineapple. Thursday, Jan. 10: Pizza (plain cheese, pepperoni or pesto and artichoke), tossed salad, fresh fruit and milk. Friday,…
With Dawn of New Year, YMCA Resolves to Build Its New Facility
The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago when the new year began with the first new moon after the vernal equinox, which we know today to be the first day of spring. At that time it was thought that…
Eli Arrives
Eli Arrives Emma Kiley and Justin Bryant of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Eli Copper Bryant, born on Dec. 22 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Eli weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces at birth.
Hello, Lea
Hello, Lea Andrea Finlay and Myron Maynard of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Lea Madison Maynard, born on Dec. 26 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces at birth.
New Library Locale
New Library Locale Edgartown Public Library remains open at its temporary location in the selectmen’s meeting room of town hall, located on Main street. Public computers with Internet access are available but all activities, including story hours, are temporarily suspended until further notice. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and…
Sophomores Speak Out
Greetings from the sophomores and best wishes for 2008 to all our readers. For this special issue, students reflected on the world that they are living in, and their own personal aspirations for the new year. Our young people feel strongly about the state of the world, our overuse of its resources, world peace, fear…
Land Bank Monies Fall Slightly as Market Slows
In a clear sign of a cooling real estate market here, revenues at the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank fell in 2007 for the second straight calendar year. The total number of real estate transactions also was down last year, for the third year in a row. The land bank collected $10.9 million in revenues in…
Corrections
Corrections A story in the Dec. 28 Gazette about news stories in 2007 misidentified the town in which Chickie the rooster and his owner reside. They live in Vineyard Haven. • In a story in last week’s edition on David Belcher, the first name of Foster Silva, the original superintendent at Cape Pogue and Wasque…
With Songs on Their Lips, Island Musicians Bid an Affectionate Farewell to 2007
Island musicians were the dominant revelers at the Vineyard Haven observance at the close of 2007. The event could have begun at any time for members in the audience at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Monday afternoon. For some it began with a belly dancer revue. For many it was Johnny Hoy of the Bluefish…
Vineyard Birds II Tracks Island’s Avian Changes
VINEYARD BIRDS II: Where and What to See on Martha’s Vineyard. By Susan B. Whiting and Barbara B. Pesch. Vineyard Stories, Edgartown, Mass. 2007. 152 pages, photographs and illustration. $19.95, softcover.
Conservation Tax Law Has Few Takers on the Vineyard
About 130 acres of land on the Vineyard was permanently protected from development under new conservation restrictions in 2007, according to state government figures. The relatively disappointing result was in spite of generous tax incentives — which expired at year’s end — and in sharp contrast to figures for the state as a whole. Statewide,…
Hello, Caleb
Hello, Caleb Lauriete Miller and Ubaldo C. Miller of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Caleb Nunes Miller, born on Dec. 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Caleb weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces at birth.
Swimmers Plunge in on New Year’s Day
When three golden girls from East Chop went swimming Tuesday morning, they had little trouble finding their spot at the beach. No beach towels were in the way, nor were there children on the shoreline to dodge, as they sped down into the water in front of the East Chop Beach Club. Except for a…
Can Boot Camp Before Breakfast Make Fitness a Walk in Park?
Streetlights glimmering overhead, breath conjuring clouds in the chilly air, I spring after the guy lugging a strung-up stack of newspapers into the hotel, wondering if my scrawny arms could lift the day’s news. It’s quarter to six in the morning, heading to the gym.
Building Codes Changes Cause Construction Costs to Increase
New home construction costs on the Island could increase more than 10 per cent as a result of new state building codes requiring one and two-story buildings to withstand winds of 110 miles per hour beginning Jan. 1. For some prospective home owners and builders, the changes have already blown away their plans. Tisbury building…
Hello, Ethan
Hello, Ethan Esther and Alan Hartmann of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Ethan Riley Hartmann, born on Dec. 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Ethan weighed 6.7 pounds at birth.
Moon and Venus
A thin crescent moon appears low in the southeastern sky tomorrow morning, just before sunrise. The moon appears underneath the brilliant planet Venus. Both are in the zodiacal constellation Scorpius. Venus and the moon are 10 degrees apart, and are the two brightest celestial objects in the sky, easy to find, and a pleasant and…
Ali Berlow Cracks the Art of Cooking
By LINDA BLACK The egg, despite its bad rap for cholesterol, is a symbol of wholeness. It also is one of only a few so-called “complete” foods. Some nutritionists call it a perfect food, because it has the highest protein content of any one food and it kicks in a large part of your recommended…
Islanders Rush to Find Health Coverage As State Deadline Runs Out at New Year
Health insurance administrators report fielding a rush of Island residents before a Jan. 1 state deadline that requires all commonwealth residents to have coverage. Under the health reform law, signed by former Gov. Mitt Romney in April 2006, people without health coverage in 2007 will lose their individual personal income tax exemption, which amounts to…
Claus Arrives
Claus Arrives Noni and Jed Smith of Aquinnah announce the birth of a son, Claus Maple Smith, born on Dec. 20 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Claus, who weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces at birth, is also welcomed by big brother Clyde.
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA 508-693-3308 (vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip. Day Max. Min. Inches. Fº Fº Dec. 28 40 34 .04 Dec. 29 48 30 .19 Dec. 30 53 29 .00 Dec. 31 40 30 .40 Jan. 1 43 25 .00 Jan. 2 47 32 .28 Jan. 3 39 11 .00
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 40º F.
If the Island Were Iowa on Caucus Night? Unscientific Poll Picks Obama, McCain
Barack Obama and John McCain were the official winners of a scientifically bereft poll conducted Wednesday and Thursday among voters across the Vineyard. But as Iowa kicked off the 2008 primary elections last night, the informal going over of this Island’s body politic found a pulse palpitating in fits and starts.
Matthew Arrives
Hello, Caleb Lauriete Miller and Ubaldo C. Miller of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Caleb Nunes Miller, born on Dec. 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Caleb weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces at birth.
Chappy
MARGARET KNIGHT 508-627-8894 (margaret02539@yahoo.com) As the new year rolls in across the Chappaquiddick marshes, bringing with it what it will, I wonder about this season’s weather, especially as I started noticing cabin fever — even before the official start of winter. A storm can come along and disrupt island life at any time of year,…
Vineyard Comes Up Just Short In Marathon Hoops Matchup
What was supposed to be a nice matinee match-up between two high school basketball teams turned into an all-out war on Saturday, as the Vineyard and Wayland waged battle for four periods and three overtimes in arguably one of the best games ever played at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. After nearly three hours…
Winter Means Lean Business
The Sun Dog clothing store on Main street in Edgartown has a simple door sign: “Open seven days. Year-round.” But while more Island businesses are choosing to remain open year-round despite the winter’s long chill, it is not always simple. Their reasons for staying open differ, but all include a degree of community service, the…
Target Mars
Chicken Little would do well to duck and consider taking cover if he were a Martian. The little green men should definitely watch out and possibly follow his lead. The sky may not be falling, but an asteroid is! Last week brought the news of a football-field-sized asteroid making a beeline for the equator of…
Oak Bluffs
HOLLY NADLER 508-693-3880 (sunporch@vineyard.net) We all have our personal New Year’s resolutions (lose weight, call Mom more often, stop storing sealed bills in the trunk of the car . . . ) but here are a couple of self-improvement policies we might adopt communally:
Cowley’s Letters Lead His Army To Recognition
The war was not yet over, but the Germans were on the retreat and General George Patton’s 94th Infantry Division was marching towards the Rhine River. The changing tides brought hope to America, besieged by years of war and renewed the strength of Allied soldiers ready to return home. But for Edward Cowley Jr. —…
Amy Resnick Becomes Bride of Strider Wibel
Amy Resnick Becomes Bride of Strider Wibel Amy Resnick of South Hadley and Strider Knight Wibel of the Vineyard have announced their marriage. The bride is the daughter of Mitch and Jan Resnick of South Hadley. The bridegroom is the son of Leslie Wibel of Vineyard Haven and Richard Wibel of Melbourne, Fla. The couple…
With Edgartown Buffs
By KATE J. CONDE The temperatures may be dropping outside but a fiery blaze made it feel like a sultry August afternoon in November as the boys, plus Kara and Morgan, practiced their skills during a smoking hot drill. The controlled burn took place over a two-day period with all engine companies participating, including one…
Hello, Boden
Hello, Boden Jennifer and Jackson Rouse of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Boden Mahapfey Rouse, born on Dec. 29 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Boden weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces at birth.
Nantucket Christmas Bird Count
Tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 5 is the Vineyard’s Christmas Bird Count. We hope for good weather, although last Saturday, Dec. 29, Nantucket had lousy weather and a good number of birds still were seen on that Island’s count.
Vineyard Golf Foundation Announces Annual Donations
The Vineyard Golf Club Foundation has announced the donation of about $66,000 in cash in the past year to nonprofit organizations on the Island. The foundation also gave more than $24,000 in donated golf games in the past year. These games generated even more money when auctioned for the benefit of Vineyard nonprofits. Over the…
Red Cross Offers Refresher Classes
The American Red Cross, Cape Cod and Islands Chapter, will organize an extensive number of adult, infant and child review and first aid classes. They will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard YMCA at Cottager’s Corner in Oak Bluffs. The four-hour adult CPR/AED class costs $45. The certificate is valid for one year. The class…
Diana Milliken Marries Nicholas Klingensmith
Diana Milliken Marries Nicholas Klingensmith Diana Milliken of Springfield and Nicholas J. Klingensmith of the Vineyard were married on Sept. 22. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Milliken of Springfield. The bridegroom is the son of James Klingensmith of Edgartown and Lynn Roberts of Oak Bluffs. The couple now lives in…
Charter School Tours
Charter School Tours The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has scheduled visiting days for the coming weeks. Informational tours will be held for parents interested in learning more about the charter school on Wednesday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 16, 23 and 30, Feb. 6, 13 and 20. Please call the school…
Business Strategies For Winter Survival
Island year-round business owners, canny survivors of the Ides of March (not to mention January and February), offer these practical tips about Vineyard winter business: • Start a winter savings account in the summer. If you’re serious about staying open, put money away. • Be consistent. Let people know your winter hours and be open…
The Vineyard Gardener
By LYNNE IRONS I seem to have developed a method for column writing. I carry a piece of paper on the truck dashboard during the week and when I see something of interest, I jot down a word or two. Then, on Saturday morning, I somehow throw it together. Finally, I haul out the trusty…
A New Energy Course
A New Energy Course With the passing of the holidays, winter stretches out before the Vineyard. Islanders bracing themselves for the season’s short days, long nights and pervasive isolation are facing an added burden this year: heating costs forecast to rise twenty-five per cent over last year’s levels.
Faulty Generator Hampers New Ferry
The Steamship Authority has ordered a replacement for one of the main generators on the ferry Island Home following a string of malfunctions which have disrupted service. The ferry missed eight trips in December alone, according to the boat line. Through the month of November, 13 of its 3,146 scheduled trips had been cancelled —…
Vineyard Sound Views for Bryant, Cetrulo Vows
Sarah A. Bryant and Erik J. Cetrulo, both of New York city, were married July 21 on the front lawn of the bride’s parents’ summer home on North Neck Road on Chappaquiddick island. Denise A. DiCenso, master of divinity, officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Bryant of West Falmouth.…
Comparing the Ferries
Comparing the Ferries Nine months ago, the Steamship Authority ferry Island Home replaced the ferry Islander on the Woods Hole-Vineyard Haven route. Now that Vineyarders have had some time to ride the new vessel, how does she stack up against her venerable predecessor? In what ways does the vessel excel the Islander, and where does…
Health Council Looks For Potential Members
The Dukes County Health Council has announced openings for new members in 2008. The council has vacancies in its consumer, public official and health care practitioner categories. Membership on the Dukes County Health Council requires attendance at a monthly meeting and active participation in at least one of its committees. The council is a coalition…
Survivors Celebrate
Survivors Celebrate The Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group is having a potluck party celebrating survival and support, on Sunday, Jan. 13, at the Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs from 5 to 7 p.m. No charge, open to all — come share your story, enjoy delicious food and celebrate the group’s happy history of support and…
Letters to the Editor
In Defense of Yo-Yoing Editors, Vineyard Gazette: In view of the fact that I am already considered by many in the “sport” fishing community as one of those dirty commercial bass fishermen, it will do little to hurt my reputation to shed some light on the history and practice of yo-yoing that has been conveniently…
Owners of Ritz Cafe Plan To Sell Oak Bluffs Tavern
The Ritz Cafe, a well-known family-owned tavern on Circuit avenue in Oak Bluffs, is under agreement to be sold. The buyer is John Reveruzzi, a Connecticut businessman with ties to the Vineyard. Mr. Reveruzzi is a part owner of David Ryan’s restaurant in Edgartown and the Sugar Shack, a Caribbean pub and eatery on the…
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER 508-645-3378 (slaterjn@comcast.net) The holidays are over and Chilmark is experiencing a drop in activity as our holiday visitors head home and the rest of us head indoors. The skies are gray these days and so is the landscape. Hopefully, as my arm improves, so will my mood.
Hopedale Founders Built Town on Idealism
Looking for something a bit different? Well, in a quiet way. Next time you’re off-Island with nowhere particularly to go you might try Hopedale. It’s a small town in the Mill River Valley near Milford. In fact it was once part of Milford, but had a very special history beginning around 1840.
Fire Call Brings Police Officers To Basement Drug Operation
Oak Bluffs police received a call on New Year’s Day from a women who reported the unlikely combination of a fire and domestic violence at a residence on Beacon avenue. But when police responded, they came across something entirely different. They eventually confiscated 70 pot plants while arresting a local man on charges of cultivating…
West Tisbury
Several parties were held around town on New Year’s Eve. The trend in recent years seems to be more toward family or neighborhood gatherings to welcome in the new year.
Gazette Chronicle: Hard Work, Simple Pleasures
Hard Work, Simple Pleasures From the Vineyard Gazette editions of January, 1975: Renewal, the theme of a new year, has turned Islanders to the past to rediscover some of the old-time values and joys for 1975. Reactions here to the recession nationwide resemble lessons from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self Reliance — above all the individual…
