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
December 19, 2008
Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Eve Service
The Christmas Eve Service will be at the Edgartown United Methodist Church (Whaling Church) on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.
The pastors, Rev. Susan Heafield and Pastor Richard Rego, and musicians Martha Child and Cliff Earle invite you to join in this service of worship with heartwarming candlelight,…
More Charges in Heroin Case, and More Seeking Treatment
New charges of felony drug trafficking were brought this week in Edgartown district court against three defendants charged in one of the biggest heroin busts in Vineyard history.
At the same time there is evidence that the arrests and confiscation of heroin has led to a higher rate of people seeking treatment for…
Vineyard Hockey Season Starts; Boys Win Two, Girls Lose One
In the start of what is expected to be another strong season, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School hockey team rolled over Mansfield at home Saturday 7-1 before taking down perennial power Whitman Hanson two days later 4-2.
The Vineyarders took eight shots on goal in the first period against Mansfield Saturday and…
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Dec. 12 59 41 1.64
Dec. 13 58 27 Trace
Dec. 14 33 19 .00
Dec. 15 52 32 .02
Dec. 16 59 40 .21
Dec. 17 44 33 .42
Dec. 18 53 31 .07
…
Who’s Your Local Hero? Tell American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, Cape Cod and Islands chapter, is looking for nominations for local heroes who live or work on Martha’s Vineyard. Their the heroic act must have been performed between Dec. 15, 2007 and Dec. 25, 2008.
Man Injured and Charged Following One-Car Crash
A Vineyard man who was seriously injured in high-speed crash last Saturday night on State Road in West Tibsury has been charged with negligent driving by West Tisbury police.
William Scott, 28, of West Tisbury, was just past the junction of County Road headed up-Island at approximately 12:08 a.m. when he lost control…
How to Say I Love You — Bake this Chocolate Cake
What follows is the recipe for Holly Eger’s I Love You Chocolate Sour Cream Fudge Cake.
Message To A Widow
Message To A Widow
In a small, protected inlet of the evening pond,
loud white in a strong shaft of final, flaming sun,
one swan lies on quiet water,
(not the two of daily habit),
head buried into breast,
asleep on the movement…
A Christmas Letter Scored for Laughs
Since I am in the holiday spirit (and, having just consumed a mug of hot toddy, a glass of eggnog and a nip of cheer, the holiday spirits are in me), I have once again decided to follow in that great tradition of boring everyone silly by writing a Christmas letter.
That is…
Letters to the Editor
WORTH A LIFETIME
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
Better late than never.
This is just a thank you letter to all of the people who sent me well wishes, cards, flowers, and notes when I lost my sister, Eloise Downing-Allen, five years ago. I think of her every single day and…
Community Services at the Ready
We at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services are concerned about the impact of recent events in our community. Clearly the economic downturn is affecting most, if not all of us. Although Community Service does not provide financial support, we recognize that having a place and person to go to when there are concerns can be helpful.…
One Methodist’s Faith Lost and Found
This is the time of year I miss going to church . Christmas and church always seem to go together. I was a lapsed Methodist when I retired to the Vineyard. Up until then I had had what I thought were good reasons not to go to church. I worked many Sundays and spent lots…
Journey Through the Darkness
The early onset of darkness in November is a dramatic change. I recall a parishioner from an earlier parish who suffered from depression every year during this darker time. Winter darkness has measurable effect on the way we live: whether it is (for some) a depressed feeling; taking fewer walks and jogs when you get…
Notes from the Superintendent
In last week’s newspaper, Vineyarders were confronted by a story of an incident involving a Martha’s Vineyard public school educator allegedly acting inappropriately, and as a result, I feel compelled to address this type of situation with the entire Island community. Let me say first that in our legal system, everyone is innocent until proven…
Christmas 2008
Christmas 2008
Half Price Time for Books at Chilmark Library Sale
The annual December used book sale at the Chilmark Public Library will continue through the end of the year. From now through Dec. 24, everything is half price.
From Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, everything is free. The sale is held during regular library hours, as follows.
Mondays 10:30 a.m. to…
Yard Receives Grant
Yard Receives Grant
Legal Talk for Students
Legal Talk for Students
The Oak Bluffs police department will host a free informational night at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School culinary arts dining room to provide parents and students with legal information regarding students. The information night is being presented on Thursday, Jan. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. Materials reviewed…
In the Ivy League
Ivy is in a league of its own.
However, this plant is never really alone. Since it is a parasite, it needs a partner to survive. English ivy, which adorns buildings and trees, is called Hedera helix by botanists. Its scientific name means twist and turn, which aptly describes its ascent up walls…
Island Students Selected For Elite Music Festivals
Several high school musicians auditioned for two off-Island festivals recently. All were selected for the All Cape and Islands Festival: chorus members Zach Rabin, Rosie Bick, Hannah Marlin, Emma Frizzell and Sidra Dumont, and string players Shaelah Huntington, Bethany Pennington, Anna Yukevich and Willoughby Smith.
Sidra Dumont and Bethany Pennington also were chosen…
Energy Savings Available for Vineyard Farmers
Farmers across Massachusetts who are interested in becoming more energy efficient are invited to apply for a new audits and incentives program offered by the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program. The program will provide energy audits, renewable energy assessments and financial incentives for implementation of audit recommendations, including those recommended by public utility programs.
Welcome, Kaelah
Welcome, Kaelah
Patricia and Rodrigo Assis of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Kaelah Oliveira Assis, born on Dec. 10, 2008, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Kaelah weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces at birth.
Abigail Arrives
Abigail Arrives
Teresa and Jim Geary of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Abigail Barbara Geary, born on Dec. 10, 2008, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Abigail weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at birth. Big brother Cameron welcomes his new sister.
Hello, Giovanna
Hello, Giovanna
Hellen and Micael Medeiros of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Giovanna Ramos Medeiros, born on Dec. 13, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Giovanna weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces at birth.
Oak Bluffs
HOLLY NADLER
508-687-9239
(hollynadler@gmail.com)
A few years ago – if memory serves, it was in the fall – those of us whose homes had views of Vineyard Sound beyond the ferry docks, gazed out one morning, and our eyelids flapped open like over-rolled window shades. “What the hell is…
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER
508-645-3378
(slaterjn@comcast.net)
Here we are up to the holiday week already. There are lots of lights on Chilmark houses and trees and there is a buzz in the air. We have been spared . . . so far . . . all the bad weather that…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
Well, Mother Nature is testing us for the winter months. First there was wind and rain, now we are hearing rumors of 12 inches of snow this weekend. I can hear Ralph in the other room muttering that he doesn’t have to shovel rain, so…
Aquinnah
JUNE MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks@gis.net)
Community Baptist Church of Gay Head will be observing their very inspirational Candlelight Service at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Special music will be performed by members of the congregation. The candlelight service will be conducted by Rev. Roger H. Spinney, and we will look…
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
(alleys@vineyard.net)
Winter officially begins on Sunday and the temperature has jumped around as much as the Energizer bunny recently. Warm, spring-like one day, then cold and raw another day. We might have our first snowfall this weekend. This Sunday marks the winter solstice and will…
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)
The Red Stocking elves have certainly been busy making a Merry Christmas for all Island children. Our thanks go to Lorraine Clark, Kerry Alley, and the many, many people who help them make it possible for every Island child to have gifts under the tree…
Saturn and Moon
For those up really late tonight there is an astronomical event worth noting. Tonight’s last quarter moon appears close to the ringed-planet Saturn. Both are in the zodiacal constellation Virgo. Saturn is the brightest “star” in the area and has a yellowish tint. Find the moon and the solar system’s second largest planet is nearby.
Dean’s List
Dean’s List
Christine Anthony-Kurth, of Oak Bluffs, is on the Dean’s List for the first quarter at Ulster Boces Nursing School in Lake Katrine, N.Y.
Coach Donald Herman Wins Two Awards
The Vineyard high school football team may have suffered a disappointing finish to the season — losing 40-19 to Amesbury in the Division 3A state championship game — but there has been much to be positive about in recent weeks as the postseason awards continued to pile up.
Adult and Continuing Education Offering Forty Subjects; from Geology to Google
Interested in blogging? Bioethics? Belly dancing? The Adult and Community Education Program (ACE MV) announces its new catalog of courses — including each of those — for the winter session at the high school from Jan. 12 to Feb. 13. There are 40 subjects included. Classes meet once a week on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday…
Lighting Up a Cold Winter’s Night
The variety is amazing on the Vineyard’s electric avenues of holiday decorations. Pack the family in the car and do some exploring in the dark of night; conveniently, that starts about 4:15 at this time of year.
Nurses Association Donates Money for Defibrillators
The Massachusetts Nurses Association regional council kicked off the automatic external defibrillators for life program with a $500 donation to Martha’s Vineyard VFW Post 9261.
The new program was started to help purchase AEDs for nonprofit organizations that have 25 or more members. At an event at the VFW last summer, a patron…
Russell Smith Named Full-Time County Manager by Commission
The Dukes County Commission voted without dissent on Wednesday to name Russell Smith, the longtime legislative liaison to outgoing state representative Eric T. Turkington, as the permanent full-time county manager.
Mr. Smith was hired in April to fill the vacant county manager position as a subcontractor on a part-time basis. With the unanimous…
Holly Bear Lane Residents Seek Town Intervention on Messy Yard
Residents of Holly Bear Lane in Edgartown wanted to complain about the collection of cars, trucks and boats that they see at the end of their road.
But putting a name to the problem at a Monday meeting of the selectmen proved tricky.
“We came here to express concerns and frustration…
Ferry Service to Be Cut Next Season
High-speed ferry service to the Vineyard will be cut significantly next season, under changes approved this week by the Steamship Authority to the Hy-Line schedule.
Hy-Line, which operates the Lady Martha service between Hyannis and Oak Bluffs, will cut back by two round trips per day in the shoulder seasons, and one per…
Reach Out This Season, To Find What’s Been Lost
Almost every year, during the Advent Christmas season, I spend some time thinking of Christmas past and how the past may help us celebrate the meaning of this season in the present and in the days to come. The other day, I sat in the silence of my study rereading my Christmas sermons of yesteryear.…
Safe from Hunters, Deer Found Locked Inside Vacant Building
It was the last day of shotgun season for deer hunting and the state forest was the place to be to bag a buck before the sun went down. Or a land bank property. Or a private estate, for those with permission.
No hunter would have thought to look inside the old Edgartown…
Museum Will Not Move to School; Town Seeks Bids
While the Martha’s Vineyard Museum continues to stall on the question of shifting its base to the old Edgartown school, selectmen have formally put the historic building back on the market.
Following six months of debate, the museum board of directors Friday voted to ask the town for more time, requesting a one-year…
Aquinnah Scrambles for a Plowman
As meteorologists yesterday charted a storm creeping inexorably toward the East Coast, in Aquinnah a race was on to get someone behind the wheel of the town snow plow.
Though the retirement of highway surveyor Forest Alley is apparently imminent, town coordinator Jeff Burgoyne said yesterday Mr. Forest will be manning the plow…
Nell Coogan Is Named New Legislative Liaison
An Island native and young attorney with a bit of political legacy in her own right has been appointed as the next Vineyard legislative liaison.
Cape and Islands state Rep. Tim Madden, who takes office in January, announced this week that he has appointed Virginia Nelligan Coogan — she goes by the first…
Homelessness Looms in Cold
Like most Vineyarders, Connie Teixeira had not given much thought to the specter of homelessness on the Island. Then, this year, she found herself looking the reality of it in the face, day after day at the Tisbury Senior Center.
“We have a gentleman who comes and spends most of the day at…
Juvenile Ospreys
Soo Whiting, on her annual southbound migration, asked me to fill in for this week’s Bird News column. While Soo and Flip Harrington are navigating their way to Florida, it seems a perfect time to wrap up the story of this year’s osprey migration.
The Vineyard Gardener
Load 16 tons,
What do you get?
Another day older
And deeper in debt!
I ran into Nancy Hall in the Vineyard Haven post office, who reminded me of this song from the early sixties. We spent some time lamenting our sorry state of financial affairs nation…
Want to Direct?
Want to Direct?
Island Theatre Workshop, Inc. is searching for new stage directors join the company for its third annual Short Play Festival to be performed in March, 2009. Anyone who has a short play, either classic or contemporary, that she or he would like to direct should contact artistic director Lee Fierro…
Holiday Classic Transforms Into Radio Play at Vineyard Playhouse
Here’s how to prepare for It’s A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play (by Phil Grecian), based on the 1946 movie by Frank Capra, now showcasing at the Vineyard Playhouse: Bring tissues because you’re bound to cry at the end (happy tears), even if you don’t normally well up at theatre events. The second piece of…
International Dinners Set for January: Fisher House
Guest chef Robert Lionette is helping the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School to continue its tradition of organizing five-course international dinners in January. Partnering with Zephrus, chef Lionette will prepare foods from two countries for elegant evenings of exquisite, locally grown international menus. Food from Italy features on Saturday, Jan. 17, and food from Mexico…
Chapter 31: Labyrinthitis
In this year-long serialized novel set on the Vineyard in real time, a native islander (“Call me Becca”) returns home after two decades to help her eccentric Uncle Abe keep his landscaping business, Pequot, afloat. His staff includes Mott, the big-brotherly general manager, and Quincas, a cute Brazilian. Abe has a paranoid hatred of Richard…
Gifts for All, Good Tidings for Island
In Tisbury town on Church street,the traffic all was stuckSo those who’d gone on shopping spreeswere clearly out of luck.They grumped and groaned and left their cars,And some among them longed for barsThough they could find right many a snack,To soothe frayed tempers, but — alack —There was no wine or beer for sale,Only soft…
