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
May 2, 2008
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
Those mighty mites are back and a few days early at that. Ruby-throated hummingbirds have been reported in Chilmark and Ocean Heights so wash your feeders well, fill them with sugar water and hang them up! Don’t forget that the feeders should be cleaned frequently, especially in warm weather. The weekend of May 16 is…
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER 508-645-3378 (slaterjn@comcast.net) Chilmark continues to green up and folks are busy gearing up for the warmer, busier days to come. Everyone seems to have a project and is intent on getting it done. Chilmarkers took time out to attend the annual town meeting on Monday evening. A less-than-record crowd attended but the…
Spring Litter
Spring Litter Last week on Earth Day, 26 Island beaches were cleared of empty bottles and cans, plastic odds and ends and other debris. The beaches are much the better for it; 250 volunteers filled 250 bags. It is fun to find an occasional treasure on a Vineyard beach after the long winter, but such…
Teens on Late Night Car Ride Chased by Police and Arrested
Three Island teenagers who reportedly stole a car from the Tisbury Park and Ride for a late-night joy ride were apprehended by Edgartown police following a high-speed pursuit in Katama early Saturday morning that ended when their vehicle collided with a police cruiser on Clevelandtown Road.
The Vineyard Gardener
By LYNNE IRONS How is it even possible that the weeds have already overtaken my gardens? You have to admire them. They get pulled, cut, cultivated and mulched and yet they persist. I wish I knew my weeds better. I need to give Abigail Higgins a ring and get some identifications. I have several with…
Quest Martha’s Vineyard Sets Two Day Workshop
Quest Martha’s Vineyard has scheduled a two-day village quest workshop on May 28 and 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sail Martha’s Vineyard building on upper Main street, Vineyard Haven. This workshop with Steve Glazer and members of the Quest MV program will give participants the skills to create community treasure hunts…
Museum in Limbo
Museum in Limbo Less than two years ago, the board and staff of the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society, now called the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, were brimming with optimism about their chances for raising twenty-five million or more dollars to pay for an extensive new campus in West Tisbury. The time had come, they said, to…
Bluesman Maynard Silva Has Island Bands Jamming
Get Island musicians riffing about what makes a chord-sparring, memory-jarring, above-par, raise-the-bar jam session here, and the name Maynard Silva inevitably comes into the conversation.
Mytoi Cleanup
Mytoi Cleanup The Trustees of Reservations will sponsor a Mytoi spring planting and garden cleanup at Mytoi on Chappaquiddick from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3. The Trustees will provide lunch as thanks for spending a spring morning caring for the Island’s only public Japanese-style garden. Participants should bring their own work gloves, rakes,…
Welcome Kylee
Welcome Kylee Kathleen and Marc Brasefield of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Kylee Joe Brasefield, born on April 17 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Kylee weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces at birth.
Sophomores Speak Out
Boycotting The Olympics By Jesse Shayne The issue of boycotting the Beijing Olympics has been raised to a whole new level. Recently, when asked if he would attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics, President George W. Bush said he is not sure yet.
The Rap (Rhythm and Poetry) on Ben
It was Sunday afternoon, deep underground in the sub-basement studio of community radio WVVY, and they were having what one of the flustered on-air staff called “real extreme technical difficulties.” The monitor outside the studio, an ancient Aiwa radio cassette, was not picking up any signal. Hurried phone calls were made and the suspicion was…
Wood Anemones
I guess that it is true that you can’t have it all. Wood anemones should know this adage well since they lack much.
Transit Authority Shifts To Expanded Schedule
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority will shift to its expanded, in-season schedule starting Saturday, May 3. The schedule will be in effect through Monday, Oct. 13. Despite the rise in fuel costs, the transit authority at this time is not increasing its cash fares or pass prices.
It’s All Positive for Campers Who Find They Are Not Alone
Warm temperatures may have shaken some Vineyarders out of their winter slump last week, but for Islanders who came across the kids enjoying Safe Haven camp, the surest sign of vitality was the joy on their faces.
Original Brazilian Samba Music Premieres at Che’s
Samba Chocolate, a performance of original samba music, will be presented for the first time at Che’s Lounge this Sunday, May 4, at 7 p.m. Inspired by a cold, dark winter, Island musicians Bella and Daniel Waters composed some hot and spicy music for nylon-stringed classical guitar and for cavaquinho, an authentic Brazilian four-stringed soprano…
West Tisbury Allows Taxicab Service
If you need a taxi in West Tisbury, first call the town selectmen. That is exactly what Morgan Reitzas, the owner of MVY taxi, a new company, did and this week he emerged with a license to operate a cab service in town.
Correction
Correction A story in the Vineyard Wedding Planner published by the Gazette last Friday about Tulle, a bridal boutique in Edgartown, contained three errors. Tulle does not carry gowns by Heidi Elnora Standridge or Chrysale Parrot. The boutique also does not host cocktail parties. The Gazette regrets the errors.
Chilmark Allows Peaked Hill Tower
Despite the small size of the crowd, the debate among Chilmark voters at their annual town meeting this week was passionate and at times heated. On Monday night voters gathered at the Chilmark Community Center to take up a 27-article warrant. Moderator Everett H. Poole presided. A total of 113 voters attended, well over the…
Growing Up Island Show: Kids, Windemere Friends
The Chilmark School and Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will be concluding this year’s inter-generational program with their annual photography show, called Growing Up Island. Once again, the students were “buddied up” with Windemere residents in the fall. The students are given cameras (through a grant from the Permanent Endowment Fund) and asked to take…
Nomination Papers Filed For County, State Seats
Tuesday was the last day to file nomination papers with local towns for candidates seeking a seat on the Dukes County Commission. Three of the seven county commissioners are now serving out the last months of their four-year terms: John Alley of West Tisbury, Leonard Jason Jr. of Chilmark and Roger Wey of Oak Bluffs.…
Island Ice Skaters Bring Home Medals
Members of the Martha’s Vineyard Figure Skating Club recently competed and received awards at the 42nd Annual Worcester Open Figure Skating Competition. Alexandra Clark received a bronze in limited beginner freestyle, a silver in limited beginner compulsory moves, and a silver in pre-preliminary team compulsory moves. Lindsy Dario received golds for limited beginner freestyle and…
Caught in Money Bind, Sheriff Supports a Takeover by State
Faced with a near-certain fiscal crisis due to pressure from state officials and political maneuverings on Beacon Hill, Dukes County Sheriff Michael McCormack has quietly agreed to trade his independence for a state takeover of his department. Two weeks ago, Sheriff McCormack joined with the sheriffs of Barnstable, Norfolk and Plymouth counties to back an…
Island Author Plays Political Football
Vineyard-born author A.F. Cook (known to many Islanders as the artist Anne Cook) recently published her first book, Democrats in the Red Zone: an Independent Voter’s Take on the Game of Political Perception. The book looks at the Democratic Party’s strategic failures through the lens of a football fan — specifically, a longtime New England…
Fire Levels Edgartown Home; Late Call Delayed Response
A powerful fire swept through an Edgartown home on Fourth street early Wednesday morning, completely destroying the two-bedroom residence and leaving eight people homeless. Edgartown fire chief Peter Shemeth said yesterday that a delay in the reporting of the fire caused firefighters to lose considerable time and may have contributed to the home’s total destruction.…
Spring Sports Teams Hit Road, And Sky, for Competition Wins
The girls’ varsity lacrosse team represented their high school, their Island and their country with honor over two weeks during a 12-day jaunt to England where they played some of that nation’s top youth lacrosse teams while also making new friends and visiting some historic sites in Europe. For coach Betsy Dripps and her globe-trotting…
Turning Twelve, Charter School Grows Up Well
It’s been a long day for Bob Moore, the 53-year-old director of the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School, and sprawled in his office chair at the front of the school, he’s having trouble recalling the school’s six pillars of education.
Artists Weave Together Jewelry for Home
One is a wampum jewelry designer. The other is a fiber artist. They share many things — friends, a love of Martha’s Vineyard, a penchant for creating — and this week, they will add one more to the list.
Luiz Arrives
Luiz Arrives Camila Nascimento and Mauricio Brandao of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Luiz Mauricio Nascimento Brandao, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on April 16. He weighed 6 pounds, 12.4 ounces.
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip. Day Max. Min. Inches. Fº Fº April 25 74 38 0.00 April 26 63 42 0.00 April 27 57 44 0.00 April 28 59 42 0.00 April 29 56 47 1.17 April 30 57 36 0.44 May 1 56 30 0.00
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 56º F.
With H2B Visa Gap, Vineyard Employers Scramble for Help
For 10 years, Mark Luce, innkeeper at the Dockside Inn and Oak House, has employed the same seven-member Jamaican extended family to help run his business. But this year, they won’t be coming. Darren Morris hires the drivers for the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority. Every year he hires 15 or 20 Bulgarian workers to drive…
Is the Kid an Art Prodigy, Or Is the Market Crazy?
Modern art, commercialism and child development collide in the documentary My Kid Could Paint That, screening this Saturday at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society series. Parents all watch and admire as their offspring first pick up a paint brush; most encourage their children to express themselves through art. But what…
Lottery Picks Jenney Way Residents
Nine ecstatic Vineyarders won the right to buy affordable homes in the Edgartown’s Jenney Way project by lottery in an elaborate public ceremony at Edgartown town hall Monday. The culmination of years of work by several Island housing organizations, the sophisticated design, energy-efficient homes were awarded to the winners from 26 applicants, at knock-down rates…
Chilmark Caper Surprises Larsens at 60th Anniversary
By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL The surprise 60th wedding anniversary party for Louis S. and Mary Larsen on Sunday at the Chilmark Community Center will go down in history as one of the town’s great capers. The ability of 200 people to keep the secret from Chilmark’s notoriously in-the-know couple was remarkable.
Advance Bookings Seen as Promising
The struggling U.S. economy and a strong euro are pushing summer rental bookings ahead of a strong 2007 season. While home rentals are even or slightly ahead of last year, hotels report increases of up to 15 or 20 per cent more than last year. Soaring domestic fuel prices and airfares, along with a favorable…
Nicole Galland’s History Novel Crosses Neatly into Modernity
CROSSED, a Tale of the Fourth Crusade. By Nicole Galland. Harper Paperbacks, New York, N.Y. 2008. 641 pages. $15.95 softcover.
Blending history with humor is a great way to communicate and Vineyard native Nicole Galland achieves this tender mix in her latest novel, Crossed, A Tale of the Fourth Crusade, in which she…
Chappy
MARGARET KNIGHT 508-627-8894 (margaret02539@yahoo.com) As the natural world comes to life, the plants’ new growth has the appeal of the young of any species — the delicate tree leaves with creases like newborns’ skin, the vibrancy of youth that appears in the radiant green of grass and leaves, before time turns them ordinary.
Mercury
Mercury will be superbly placed for viewing in the nights ahead, above the western horizon about an hour after sunset.
Tisbury Town Clerk Takes All Newfound Notoriety in Stride
Marion Mudge typed her own name into Google on Wednesday. In a fraction of a second, the search engine came up with 370,000 references. The self-effacing Tisbury town clerk has become a big name in the news. Media in Detroit, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Eugene, Oregon, not to mention some specialty publications including a wine magazine,…
Louisa Gould Showcases New Artists: Spring Show
The Louisa Gould Gallery is celebrating the completion of its winter renovations, reopening today with its annual Spring Show. The artists’ reception will be tomorrow, Saturday, May 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. with refreshments and appetizers created by chef Liberty Russell. All are welcome to kick off season. Artists exhibiting work in the Spring…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE 508-627-5349 (kathleencase@comcast.net) I am sitting here in my winter houserobe and my sheepskin slippers and can’t believe that last week we were in shorts. I think we all expected this as we have lived here long enough but the warm weather was nice and next we go into the fog. If we were…
The Doctor Is Not Accepting Patients
As organizations across the United States mark Cover the Uninsured Week (April 27-May 3), so will the five community health centers of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, which are working to implement the state’s landmark health care reform legislation. As a result of this legislation, approximately 340,000 individuals are newly insured statewide. Yet, 18.4 per…
Voters Pass Three Overrides
At their annual town election Wednesday Chilmark voters easily approved three Proposition 2 1/2 overrides and reeelected selectman Warren Doty to a fourth term. The overrides included $78,000 in education spending and two funding requests that will allow the town to help pay for the county health care access and pest control programs. A total…
IMPers Zoom into Season With New Comedy Show
The IMPers will present a night of improvised theatre next Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Spring street in Vineyard Haven. This two-act show will include two types of improv: first, short-form improvised games and skits — a fast-paced act with lots of audience participation as well as laughs.…
Oak Bluffs
HOLLY NADLER 508-274-2329 (sunporch@vineyard.net)
Sand Box Closed for Renovations
The Oak Bluffs shoreline is a busy place these days.
Oak Bluffs Selectmen Review Planned Street Improvements
Oak Bluffs selectmen Tuesday elected a new chairman, hosted a public hearing on a state plan to resurface several downtown streets and heard updated plans to repair the crumbling waterfront and dredge Sengekontacket Pond.
Minnesingers Bring Home the Hot Stuff
Sounds of chattering teenagers filled the performance hall as they slowly gathered around the piano at the center of the stage. Dressed in causal clothing, some of it splashed with names of colleges they hope to attend next fall, these Island teens appeared relaxed in their role as international performers fresh off a seven-engagement tour…
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA 508-693-3308 (vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)
Letters to the Editor
ALL WELCOME HERE Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
Homesite Board Asks: Do We Exist?
When the Oak Bluffs resident home site committee was established by a nearly unanimous vote at a special town meeting in September of 1987, it was widely heralded as an innovative and proactive measure to combat the dearth of affordable housing on the Island by creating low-cost lots for qualified, year-round town residents. Since that…
Maine Fisheries Experts Share Strategies for Future
The Menemsha Fisheries Development Fund presents Securing a Future for Coastal Fishing Communities: Ideas from Eastern Maine on Wednesday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Chilmark Public Library. Robin Alden, executive director of the Penobscot East Resource Center and former Maine commissioner of marine resources, and Ted Ames, life-long commercial fisherman, scientist and 2005…
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY 508-693-2950 (alleys@vineyard.net) We had a mixed bag of weather over the weekend. Saturday was great but it went downhill after that with rain, wind and lower-than-average temperatures. It will be improving this weekend. Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican Independence Day, is celebrated on Monday.
Gazette Chronicle
From the Vineyard Gazette editions of May, 1983: There is no true analogy between the migration of birds and the comings and goings of seasonal vacationers on Martha’s Vineyard, the regular ones, the ones who have been coming for years and years, yet in both cases there is a design, and maybe an appropriate relevance…
Permanent Endowment Fund Distributes Grants
The Permanent Endowment Fund for Martha’s Vineyard has announced its spring grant recipients with a total of $45,000 awarded to 14 Island organizations.
Wampanoag Youth Bring Energy to Spring Social
Aquinnah’s young people are a renewable tribal energy source, the annual spring social potluck showed last Sunday. The annual event was sponsored and organized by members of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) youth program. Featuring traditional Wampanoag singing and dancing and a 20-foot-long potluck food table, the event drew more than 125 celebrants…
Trout Tournament
Trout Tournament The 34th annual trout tournament sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club will be held rain or shine at Duarte’s Pond off Lambert’s Cove Road from 5 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10. More information is available by calling Bob De Lisle at 508-627-3019.
Casting for Dinner, or Possibly Pizza Tonight
I was hoping for beginner’s luck when a friend introduced me to the rites of surf casting on South Beach one morning. It was a very early morning, by this retiree’s standards, anyway — barely rise and no shine. Are fish clear-eyed at this time of day? Would the early worm get the fish?
Group Seeks Exhibitors For Oak Bluffs Festival
On June 21, the Oak Bluffs Association will kick off summer with HarborFest 2008, a free event featuring music, arts, crafts, food and entertainment. The association, which is producing the event, is accepting applications for booth space from artists, non-profits, food concessions as well as children’s games and entertainment. Applications are available at daRosa’s on…
Foreign Film Series Begins
The Vineyard Haven Library begins a new foreign film series on Wednesday, May 7, at 1 p.m. The first movie is Russian, with subtitles for the Russian, Finnish, and Sámi (spoken in Lapland) languages. The film begins in September, 1944, a few days before Finland went out of the Second World War. A Lapp woman,…
Aquinnah
JUNE MANNING 508-645-2574 (lthslnks@gis.net)
Garage with a View
Garage With a View The controversy over Joseph G. Moujabber’s illegal garage in Oak Bluffs has gone on for a long time — too long — and that may be the only point on which Mr. Moujabber and his neighbors can agree. But the neighbors have good reason to be upset, and indeed, this conflict…
News Update: Friday, 4pm – Tisbury Dry by Two: Beer and Wine Vote Fails on Recount
Tisbury will remain a dry town, after a recount of the tied April 15 ballot on restaurant beer and wine sales found two more votes in opposition to alcohol sales. Shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, the new result was announced – 692 against alcohol sales and 690 in favor. Two votes previously recorded as blanks…
