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
August 22, 2008
Take Me Out to the Ball Game With the Stars Saturday
The Dukes County Deputy Sheriff’s Association annual celebrity softball game is Saturday, August 23, at 1 p.m. at Veterans Field on Lagoon Pond Road in Tisbury. The Dukes County Deputy Sheriff’s All-Stars vs. The All Pro Celebrity Softball Team. Scheduled players include former Boston Bruins star Rick Middleton, Gary Doak, John Carter, Bob Miller, Tom…
Moon
Tomorrow night’s last quarter moon resides in the zodiacal constellation Taurus. It is hard to believe our summer has moved so quickly our attention now shifts to constellations we associate with autumn and winter.
Living in the Top One Per Cent is Subject of Independent Film
In the opening scene of The One Percent, an 80-minute expose of the wealthiest Americans, three croquet players clad all in white are filmed through the bushes of an undisclosed course. Director Jamie Johnson shot the trio on the condition that their whereabouts would not be revealed, lest the plebes discover where the leisure class…
Dr. Terrence Roberts
Before he was Dr. Terrence Roberts, the boy Terrence and eight of his classmates turned into the Little Rock Nine, a group of young African Americans who in 1957 inspired the world and the modern civil rights movement.
Old Sculpin Exhibit Takes Stock of Tall Artist on the Waterfront
Strollers along Edgartown’s Dock street who would like to pause for awhile and watch the Chappy ferry come and go, can now sit on a brand new bench outside the Old Sculpin Gallery. It was dedicated last Sunday to Fred and Jane Messersmith of DeLand, Fla. and Edgartown for their decades of service to the…
The Vineyard Gardener
By Lynne Irons
Vineyard Rotary Club Offers Russian Study Trip
Vineyard Rotary Club Offers Russian Study Trip The Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard is seeking applications for team members for a group study exchange to western Russia. The program provides a unique educational and cultural opportunity for young professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 to travel in the host country in a 4-week…
Cape Wind Responds to Mr. Wattley
In a recent piece published in this newspaper, Glenn Wattley made misleading statements about wind power and Cape Wind that I would like to address. Mr. Wattley is chief executive officer of the organization that formed solely to oppose Cape Wind, he has a background working in the coal industry, and he incorrectly argues that…
Volunteer Firemen Struggle To Keep the Show Sparkling
In the annals of thankless jobs on the Vineyard, the Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Civic Association’s effort to organize the annual fireworks display — a staple of summer on the Vineyard for over three decades — ranks right up there with moped dealer and traffic cop.
Merlins, Falcon and Bald Eagle
I may have to change the name of this column to the raptor report. Great excitement on Chappaquiddick, first the Fowle family observed four merlins on August 14. Two were immature merlins. How did they know they were immature? One merlin was being fed by the adult female and the other was begging food and…
Chappy
JO-ANN TILGHMAN 508-627-7669 (Tilghmanjb@aol.com) This morning’s cool temperatures are a reminder that summer will be coming to an end all too soon. During last weekend’s dedication of a Japanese-style lantern at Mytoi I noticed the first hint of color on the Japanese maples, goldenrod is in bloom, and the occasional red leaf can be seen.
Island Seen Through 15-Year-Old Eyes
On the Vineyard I can wake up at sunrise, walk into town and go fishing without a soul worrying about my safety or my whereabouts. I can feel safe swimming in the ocean here, even though I am deathly afraid of sharks. I can approach any of the few strangers there are to me on…
Aquinnah Selectmen Pull Plug On Pioneering Energy District
In a move which acknowledges almost a year of bureaucratic missteps, Aquinnah selectmen have announced their plan to scrap an energy district of critical planning concern, created to help push through a pioneering bylaw on wind turbines. But those involved have voiced a determination not to give up on an initiative praised as much for…
Hungry Caterpillars
My chickens wish that we had a garden. It is not that they are avid vegetable eaters, although they do enjoy the produce leftovers that they get from our kitchencompost. Nor is it that they are looking to get a greenthumb. It is the protein from the garden that they desire.
Chappy Pong Champs
Chappy Pong Champs Sam Funk won the summer Chappy Pong table tennis tournament at the Chappaquiddick Community Center August 16, downing Alina Wen in three straight games, 11-6, 11-7, and 12-10 in the championship match. The modern game of table tennis, including international play at the Olympics, defines a game as 11 points; and a…
Extra Patrols Watch for Drunk Drivers
From now through Sept. 3 the Oak Bluffs police department, along with the Massachusetts State Police and more then 240 other local police departments, will participate in a Labor Day program called Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security has provided $725,000 in federal funding for the…
Chilmark Cyclist Competes in Beijing This Week
Martha’s Vineyard resident Mary McConneloug, 37, will compete in her second Olympics tomorrow morning, in the women’s mountain bike race. The Chilmark cyclist is the highest ranked cross-country mountain biker in the nation and is one of two women on the 2008 United States mountain bike team.
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip. Day Max. Min. Inches. Fº Fº August 15 80 64 .00 August 16 79 64 .45 August 17 79 60 .00 August 18 81 65 .00 August 19 83 67 .00 August 20 84 53 .00 August 21 83 56 .00
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 74º F.
Four Artists in Carol Craven Exhibit Opening Sunday
The Carol Craven Gallery presents an exhibition of recent watercolors by Vineyard artist Gretchen Feldman. This is Mrs. Feldman’s fifth show with the gallery, and her vibrant watercolors continue to grow in their complexity. There also will be a poster of one of her paintings for sale with all proceeds going to benefit Memorial Sloan…
Accused Brazilian Priest Flees to His Homeland
A Cape Cod-based priest who previously led masses at the Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven fled to his native Brazil this week after allegations surfaced that he sexually abused a minor in Connecticut.
Nothing Wimpy: Major Show for Elza Minor
This much is known about WIMP, the adult improvisational theatre troupe: they are funny, they like funny and they like being funny. Equally important and much less known is this: they are generous, they like generosity and it was through their own generosity that their troupe formed nearly 15 years ago.
In Stage Battle of Sexes, Mark Twain Wins
There’s an old Rabbinic saying that in every generation we are Adam and Eve in Eden, able to begin again. Considering the current state of global affairs, we can certainly take heart that, like the original couple, we too can survive the Fall with grace and optimism. No less an inspiration than the American master…
Aquinnah
JUNE MANNING 508-645-2574 (lthslnks@gis.net) Happenings at the Aquinnah Cultural Center this week begin today with Holly Herbster of Public Archeological Lab discussing artifacts excavated from non-ceremonial archeological sites and explaining why site preservation is important. Saturday the center is open for house tours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. On Wednesday, August 27, Woody Vanderhoop…
East Chop
RICK HERRICK 508-693-8065 (herricklr@verizon.net) Dr. Calhoun L. H. Howard, a longtime resident of East Chop, died on August 12 following a brief hospital stay in Rutland, Vt.
Baby Barbara
Baby Barbara Ermelinda Peixoto and Alberto Neto of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Barbara Da Cuhna Peixoto,] on August 7. Barbara was also welcomed by big brother Barnado Peixoto.
Boatline Reexamines Rules of Residency
Back in the year 2000, Nantucket town clerk Catherine Flanagan Stover learned a startling statistic: that for each person not recorded on the street list — the official record of town population — the town lost some $1,100 in state and federal funds each year. Ms. Stover, the keeper of Nantucket’s street list, quickly became…
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER 508-645-3378 (slaterjn@comcast.net) The Chilmark weather continues to be fit for all sorts of summer activities so the beaches, the harbor and the roadsides are scenes of activity still. Fair week is here and we wish good luck to all who have made entries at the Agricultural Fair.
Trinity Sunday Service is With Bishop Cederholm
The Rt. Rev. Roy F. (Bud) Cederholm, Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts, will be the preacher and celebrant at the 9 a.m. service of worship at Trinity Episcopal Church this Sunday, August 24. The concelebrant will be the Very Rev. John P. Streit, Jr., Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in…
Georgia Arrives
Georgia Arrives Joann Cassidy and Joel De Roche of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Georgia Marie De Roche on July 24 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Georgia weighed 8 pounds and 12 ounces at birth.
Golf Day Honors Ken Williams, Who Began Polaroid Revolution
Caroline Hunter opens up a binder densely packed with years of newspaper clippings, decades-old photos, letters and other paper mementos. Beside her is a stack of books marked with dozens of blue Post-it notes. The meticulous bookkeeping is not a hobby. And though the man to whom these records pertain is Caroline’s late husband, Ken…
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA 508-693-3308 (vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com) When the air turns drier and cooler, you know it’s time for the fair. My little family had to return to Illinois two weeks ago, unfortunately, they have missed it. But I know many eager children who no doubt started there yesterday. A lot of my little friends have entries in…
Dorothy Burnham Collages are at Featherstone
Featherstone Center for the Arts announces the opening of a retrospective of the work of Dorothy Burnham, an artist who flourished both in New York and on the Vineyard. Ms. Burnham began her artistic career in oil and acrylic with some watercolor. In the 1980s she became intrigued with collage and continues to work in…
Welcome Giuliana
Welcome Giuliana Jamika McGougan and Mac McGougan of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Giuliana Amelie McGougan on July 28 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Giuliana weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces at birth.
Jenny Allen Puts Punchlines in the Pain With Comedy About Cancer Experience
In her one woman show The Big Boot, writer Jenny Allen takes a candid look at the cancer diagnosis that turned her life upside down and sent her on a soul-searching journey through complex internal landscapes. Rather than wallow in maudlin bathos, the play combines wit, humor and insight to frame the illness in a…
Oak Bluffs
Bettye Foster Baker 508-696-9983 (bdrbaker@comcast.net)
Tennis Benefit Time
Tennis Benefit Time For the third year in a row, Farm Neck Golf Club is hosting an action-packed tennis extravaganza in Oak Bluffs this weekend — and once again all proceeds will go to the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group which is dedicated to assisting people with cancer.
Phylipe Arrives
Phylipe Arrives Kivia Roseann Bonjour Moreira Assis and Rrogerie De Assis of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Phylipe Bonjour Moreira Assis, on August 13 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Phylipe weighed 9 pounds and 8 ounces at birth.
Field Gallery Show Benefits Cancer Support
The Field Gallery will host a Cancer Support Group benefit exhibition, with a free public reception on Sunday, August 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. This is the seventh year that the gallery has hosted a benefit to aid local causes. A portion of the proceeds from sales of original art work will benefit the…
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY 508-693-2950 (alleys@vineyard.net) With the fair in full swing it is hard to believe our summer season is fast becoming history. The weather has been, for the most part, quite warm. It has also been hectic for most everyone with house guests and the fair. The traffic was a nightmare everywhere backed up…
Techno-Personal Training
Techno-Personal Training Curves for Women fitness club has introduced the technical version of a personal trainer. Called the Curves-Smart personal coaching system, the new technology offers a precision designed workout with moment-to-moment feedback. See it at open houses on August 26 and 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. with…
Receives Scholarship
Receives Scholarship Comcast has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Rachel Schubert of Vineyard Haven, a graduating senior at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. She received the scholarship under the company’s Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program, which annually recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership skills.
Stage and Che’s
Stage and Che’s
Gazette Chronicle: Moving to Maine
Moving to Maine From the Vineyard Gazette editions of 1933: Who on Martha’s Vineyard has paid a visit to New Vineyard, Maine? Who, among the many thousands journeying to the Island every year and taking an interest in its scene, its history and its people, knows that there is a place named New Vineyard and…
Vineyard Artists Share Friendship and Weekend Exhibit
Color photographer Paulette Wexler and Impressionist painter Bettie Eubanks met in an exercise class on Martha’s Vineyard several years ago and quickly discovered they shared a passion for color, texture, reflected light and beauty. They will present their work at the Weekend Garden Gallery at 106 County Road, Oak Bluffs (one mile from the hospital)…
Livestock Show, Fair Begins Under Sunny Skies in West Tisbury
All paths, roads, streams and trails point this weekend to the 147th annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Fair in West Tisbury. Clear skies and warm, dry temperatures are predicted for the next three days and that means, if you’ll pardon the pun, fair weather. “The summer colors are here. Blue and green. The sky is…
Bill Croke Joins Firm
Bill Croke Joins Firm Bill Croke has joined Hughes & J.C. Murphy Real Estate in Edgartown as a sales associate. A seasonal homeowner for more than 20 years, Mr. Croke recently relocated to the Island with his wife Joan, the owner and manager of a successful event management firm.
Edgartown Library Wins State Grant for Its Expansion Project
The Edgartown library has been provisionally awarded $4.59 million as part of an omnibus bond bill that authorizes a total of $137.5 million for public library construction across the state. The grant would help pay for an expansion project for the library on North Water street with a price tag of $15 million. The library…
Newly Certified Trainer to Offer Boating Course
Boat Safe Martha’s Vineyard was recently reaccredited by the United States Coast Guard and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators for the boating basics course taught on Island by Ron Walsh.
Real Estate Remains Slow; Scattered Foreclosures
The statistical evidence shows the real estate market on Martha’s Vineyard remains in a hole, but the anecdotal evidence suggests it might at last be beginning to climb out. Figures for the period up to the start of August this year show sales numbers and prices both down sharply compared with the same period in…
Car Donations
Car Donations Boys’ and girls’ clubs throughout the country are accepting car donations. The car campaign is coordinated by the Arlington boys’ and girls’ club. Boys and girls throughout the country are pleased to call their clubs The Positive Place for Kids; income from donated cars helps to keep clubs as positive places. To donate…
Repeat Chicken Killing Spree Sends Siberian Husky to Rescue
Just days after the Tisbury selectmen made the difficult decision to ban a Siberian husky named Storm from town after he got loose on several occasions and caused problems in a residential neighborhood, the dog reportedly got loose again last Friday and killed four chickens on Chase Road.
Women’s Rights
Women’s Rights On Monday the Democratic National Convention begins in Denver, and before it ends history will be made. Senator Hillary Clinton, an Island icon after years so many stays here as First Lady, and the former presidential candidate who gave the presumptive nominee, Senator Barack Obama, his biggest challenge yet, is scheduled to speak…
Lighting the Lanterns of Tradition
It was hard to believe on a casual drive through the Camp Ground down Jordan Crossing and around Trinity Park encircling the Methodist Tabernacle on Tuesday afternoon, the day before Illumination Night, that some 24 hours later cottages on these same streets would be dressed in their finest lanterns and lit to the highest heavens…
Vineyard Figure Skaters Take Home Silver, Gold
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…
Funds Boost Oak Bluffs Housing Plan
The town of Oak Bluffs this week received a $443,654 state grant to convert the old town library at the corner of Circuit and Pennacook avenues into a mixed-use building with three rental units of affordable housing. “Working people of Massachusetts need more affordable housing opportunities,” said Gov. Deval Patrick, in a prepared statement about…
E.B. Collins: 1925-2008
E.B. Collins: 1925-2008 He was a consummate gentleman, a man firm in his beliefs, soft spoken in expression, sensitive to the views of others and deeply committed to the vital interests of the Vineyard. The death of E.B. Collins last Sunday recalls a period of political civility in a time of rising contention at the…
Chapter 14: Blame it on August
In this serialized novel set on the Vineyard in real time, a native Islander (“Call me Becca”) returns to help her eccentric Uncle Abe keep his landscaping business, Pequot, afloat. Abe is convinced that Richard Moby, the CEO of an off-Island wholesale nursery, wants to destroy Abe personally and all Island nursery businesses generally. Abe…
Crab Blues
This has not been a good blue crab season on the Vineyard. The Edgartown Great Pond is doing poorly compared with last year and there are lackluster reports from the Island’s other coastal ponds. But that is the story with blue crabs. Some years the fishing is great and some years it is bad. Feast…
Campers Sense a Wonderful World
As Vineyarders are bogged down in renewable energy regulations and the Cape Wind project languishes, some Island kids are well aware of what adults are just beginning to understand; “solar ovens/ and solar cars/ will make you all/ into stars/ . . . to prevent global warming/ you can turn off lights/ when it’s storming/…
Letters to the Editor
PUBLIC, PRIVATE VIEWS Editors, Vineyard Gazette We live on Sengekontacket Pond, on property that has been in our family for decades and is sentimental to us. Over the years we have removed pine trees from our property on Sengekontacket and a parcel across the street, by request of neighbors, to open up their views. One…
Pink House Painter Gets Retrospective Exhibition
A Lifetime of Art, a retrospective exhibit celebrating more than 50 years of impressionistic art from the estate of the late regional artist Jean Van Vliet Spencer. The show — open Saturday, August 23, at the Trinity United Methodist Parish Hall in Oak Bluffs from 4 to 7 p.m. — will feature paintings ranging from…
August 15: Hot and Sunny Beach Day
Friday, August 15: Hot and sunny beach day. Clouds increase in the afternoon. Thunderstorms pass to the north and south of the Island in the afternoon. Sun shines occasionally through high altitude clouds. Sunset is muted. A severe, noisy thunderstorm arrives before midnight. Rain is heavy.
Sharks: The Real Story, by Greg Skomal
The Vineyard can claim some ownership to a book that came out earlier this year: The Shark Handbook, the essential guide for understanding the sharks of the world, by Greg Skomal. Fortunately, the connection has more to do with the author than the subject, though at times the Vineyard does have its sharks. An authority…
After I Waved Goodbye to My Boy
What I didn’t tell you as you waved to me from the ferry that early September morning and left me, literally, watching from the pier, was that I was overwhelmed with a wave of grief the likes of which I first felt only after my mother died.
