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
February 27, 2009
“Seabreezes” Wins Award
“Seabreezes” Wins Award
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School literary magazine Seabreezes was selected to receive a rank of excellent in 2008 by the National Council of Teachers of English in their program to recognize student literary magazines. A total of 489 schools entered the competition.
Chamber Seeks Applicants for Scholarship
The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce has announced that applications for the 2009-2010 Jim Lambert Memorial Scholarship are available now at the Chamber office on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven. The office is directly across the street from the Tisbury fire station. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications may…
Savings Bank Gives Back
The Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank board of trustees awarded $40,000 in donations at their fiscal year-end to 22 local nonprofit organizations and community groups. The donations will help fund programs in support of the arts, education, the elderly, the environment, health care and youth.
Water Talk
Water Talk
William E. Marks of Edgartown presented a 90-minute workshop titled Awakening To Water at the Conscious Life Expo in Los Angeles recently. After his presentation, Mr. Marks performed a flute meditation on stage with actor David Carradine and his Cosmic Rescue Team in the grand ballroom before a live audience with…
Announcing Evren
Announcing Evren
Terrence and Simone McCarthy of Oak Bluffs, William and Gayle Manley and Johnny and Sandra Smith, of Tallahassee, Florida announce the birth of Evren Patrick McCarthy. Evren was born to Jeremiah and Catherine McCarthy of Oak Bluffs on February 19, 2009, weighing 8 pounds, 8.2 ounces at birth.
Prize-Winning Blankets: Island Alpaca Wins Gold
The Island Alpaca Company participated in the 2009 Symposium and Fleece Event in Syracuse, New York in early February, with the submission of two of alpaca fleece blankets. Made from the super-soft prime fleece that is shorn from the backs of two different alpacas, Estrada and Angelina; these blankets were each awarded blue ribbons. In…
Ten-Month DEA Investigation Leads to Arrest of Island Men
Two Island men were arrested this week in connection with a nearly 10-month investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking operation by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Martha’s Vineyard Drug Task Force. The arrests led to search warrants being issued in three different states.
Sean Herrmann, 31, was arrested by a…
Hello, Emily
Hello, Emily
Marcileia and Adeilton Dasilva of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Emily Rodregues Dasilva, born on Feb. 15, 2009, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Emily weighed 7 pounds, 8.8 ounces at birth.
Consumer Price Watch
Gas
You’ll be tacking on another 19 cents per gallon soon if Governor Deval Patrick has his way. But that’s okay because that tax will preclude the need to raise tolls on roads you don’t use. Wait, what? The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority just approved a set of toll hikes before the vote on…
Aquinnah Meeting Slated for Tuesday
By SAM BUNGEY
An Aquinnah special town meeting postponed three times since last October and now scheduled for Tuesday, has picked up steam with a new proposal to stage a seasonal performing arts program at the Aquinnah Cliffs, and a growing host of housekeeping issues becoming more pressing as the fiscal year end…
No Injuries in Edgartown Reported
Edgartown firefighters have been busy battling blazes — one in the early morning hours last Thursday at Schoolhouse Road and the other Monday evening on Teaberry Lane.
There were no injuries in either incident, and firefighters are credited with saving the homes and helping to save several family pets.
Scallops in the White House
Scallops in the White House
Dear Mr. President: We read in The New York Times last week about your first state dinner, and we loved the kitchen tour that Mrs. Obama gave to culinary students and her comments about eating locally grown foods. And we read that the first dinner included Nantucket scallops,…
Moving Venus
The brightest planet in the western sky is about to dramatically shift its place in the heavens. You have seen it if you have been outside after sunset. Venus is a spectacle, the brightest “star” in the sky.
Home Port Changes Hands; Owners Hope Loyals Return
The owners of the Home Port, who completed their purchase this month of the long-running Menemsha seafood restaurant, plan to make few changes in their first season.
Susan and Robert Nixon bought the restaurant from William and Madeline Holtham on Feb. 10, paying $2.3 million.
The Nixons, who also own the…
Women’s Network Lecture Tackles Difficult Economy
The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network will host Lynn Switanowski of the Boston-based Creative Business Consulting Group to present an interactive seminar titled Embracing the Economic Challenges of Today, aimed at discussing how businesses can thrive during economic downturns and recessions if they know the right strategies to use.
Savings Bank Consolidates Vineyard Haven Branches
The Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank announced this week that it will consolidate its two Vineyard Haven branch offices. The downtown Main street branch will be closed while the larger branch office (formerly the Cooperative Bank headquarters) at the corner of Main and State Road will become the sole Vineyard Haven branch, with its on-site parking…
Black Irish Comedy Hits Vineyard Haven
The Lonesome West, a play by award-winning playwright Martin McDonagh, is being performed at the Katharine Cornell Theatre this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Kristian Seney is directing, and the cast includes Chris Brophy, Rob Myers, Katharine Pilcher and Xavier Powers.
Dean’s Lists
Hamilton College Dean’s List
Genevieve Flanders, the daughter of Joy and Steven Flanders of Chilmark, and Samantha Rabin, the daughter of Karen and Steve Rabin of Edgartown, have been named to the dean’s list at Hamilton College for the fall 2008 semester.
Bridewater State Dean’s List
Colleen Campbell was…
Aloha, Floreana
Anna and Jim Greene of West Tisbury announce the birth of a daughter, Floreana Jade Greene, born on Feb. 18, 2009, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Floreana weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces at birth. She is welcomed by her big sister, Tikopia Greene.
Alishay Arrives
Alishay Arrives
Brigette Gibson and Moe Johnson of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Alishay Marie Johnson, born on Feb. 2, 2009, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Alishay weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces at birth.
NAACP Celebrates Its Centennial
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the oldest and largest United States grassroots based civil rights organization. It was founded on Feb. 12, 1909, by a multi-racial, multi-ethnic group of progressive thinkers and activists of varying political and religious backgrounds including Ida Wells Barnett, W.E.B. Dubois, Henry Moscowitz, Mary White…
Local Author Writes on Taliban
Witness to the Rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, by Barbara Bick, The Feminist Press, $14.99.
History has left us the chronicles of a number of intrepid women of the West who have traversed the Near and Middle East. In this tradition, but surpassing it in many ways, Barbara Bick of Vineyard Haven…
For Vineyard Stargazers, Even Distant Bodies Within Reach
The Vineyard is an ideal place for stargazing, and of course comet-gazing. The skies are dark, and unlike in urban and suburban areas on the mainland, light pollution is not a problem.
Comet Lulin is fast-moving. Last week, the comet resided in the zodiacal constellation Virgo. This week it resides in Leo and…
Good Deeds Cannot Replace Deep Faith
Sometime around Christmas a letter appeared in the Gazette from a “lapsed Methodist.” I’ve thought of it on and off for the past few months as I pondered what was the point in keeping open and attending the Chilmark Community Church, which happens to be Methodist. Could doing good while serving on community boards replace…
Letters to the Editor
KEEP HOSPICE SEPARATE
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
I am not surprised to hear that the Vineyard Nursing Association is adding Medicare hospice services, even though they have been assuring the board and directors of Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard for several years that they are not. It is vital to recognize the difference…
Angels of the Morning
Angels of the Morning
Why does the Vineyard Nursing Association want to get into the hospice business, when there is already a hospice on the Island?
The answer is not completely clear yet.
Gazette Chronicle: How Old Are You?
How Old Are You?
From a February, 1991 Just a Thought column by Art Railton:
You’re getting old if you can remember when:
You came to the Vineyard on a steamer, not a ferry, and she landed at Oak Bluffs. But not in a slip.
And a…
Trail of Lawsuits
Trail of Lawsuits
Moshup Trail is an ancient place, named for the legendary giant of the Wampanoags, the indigenous people of the Vineyard. Its windswept, salt-blasted heathlands are rare and unlike even any other rare place on the Island. The clean air is washed with salt and the light that plays across the…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
There have been more signs of spring around. First the sun has been great, then there are two more crocuses in the garden and there was a red-winged blackbird on the feeder. Their song is music to the ear in spring.
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER
508-645-3378
(slaterjn@comcast.net)
Chilmark will mark the last day of February with a flea market at the community center on Saturday. All are invited, there is no charge and there will be food available for purchase as well as many crafts, antiques, jewelry and Ethel Sherman’s favorite…
Oak Bluffs
THOMAS DRESSER
508-693-1050
(thomasdresser@gmail.com)
Though the thermometer is still registering chilly temperatures, we want to think spring. The first crocus is peeking through the ground. Julian Robinson spotted a snowy owl by the hospital last week.
We’re grateful at the outpouring of support for Linda and Eddie…
Aquinnah
JUNE MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks@gis.net)
Once again, we will attempt to have a special town meeting on Tuesday evening, March 3 at 7 p.m. at the town hall. You are needed for a quorum, so please bring a neighbor and vote.
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Feb. 20 47 23 .00
Feb. 21 32 27 .00
Feb. 22 40 27 .00
Feb. 23 42 28 .23
Feb. 24 37 20 .00
Feb. 25 36 23 .00
Feb. 26 40 24 .00
…
Boys’ Hockey Team Makes Quarterfinals in State Tournament
The juggernaut Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School boys’ hockey team easily defeated two powerful opponents this week to advance to the quarterfinals of the division 2 south state tournament, setting up an epic showdown tonight against old rival Coyle-Cassidy, the team that has knocked the Vineyarders out of the playoffs for two out of the…
Clear Skies Reveal a Hazy Visitor from Outer Space
A new visitor to our solar system is high in Vineyard skies this week. Comet Lulin, despite being barely visible to those with even the keenest vision, has gained attention around the world.
Twelve years ago, Comet Hale-Bopp was the last newly discovered comet that anyone could see overhead. That comet was considerably…
Too Quiet in Winter? Try Farming
Though the national economy is tanking at a fevered clip, the pace of one industry remains unhurried: Vineyard agriculture.
But then much is timeless — or out of time — about these farm businesses, some fully commercial, others family-run, part-time and increasingly labors of love.
Jim Athearn counts heads of Polled…
Going, Going, Gone Online: Ferry Islander is Sold on Ebay
A farmer and trucker from upstate New York bought the Islander this week for $23,600, placing bid 58 on Ebay Monday for the vessel that ferried Islanders to and from the rest of America for over fifty years.
The auction looked like it might be a humiliating episode with the old girl fetching…
MSPCA Releases Some Financial Data
The Island adoption center run by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) has operated with an average annual loss in excess of $100,000 for the past five years, according to an agency spokesman.
Breaking a silence of several weeks on the operational details of the Vineyard shelter scheduled…
Town, MVC Prevail in Moshup Trail Case
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court last week upheld the town of Aquinnah and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission in a key leg of a complicated and long-running property rights case that will ultimately decide whether a large swath of rare coastal heathland along Moshup Trail remains forever wild or is opened up to private development.
Brian Ditchfield to Play Leading Role at Island Children’s Theatre Workshop
He confounds the stereotype of a starving artist. Formally educated and with an impressive career at just over 30, Brian Ditchfield is a dynamo in camouflage, a person whose intellectual heft is couched in a personality free from pretension or posturing. He is a quiet leader among his peers in theatre and the dramatic arts.
Spring Classes Begin
The Adult and Community Education Program (ACE MV), which offers classes on a wide range of subjects from taxes to nautical knots, has a new catalogue of 50 courses for the spring session, which begins at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School March 9 and runs until April 16. Classes meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and…
Vineyard.Net Makes Moves to Improve Service Quality
Vineyard.net, the only locally-owned Island Internet service provider, announced this week that it will continue to operate, despite struggles to stay afloat in the face of rising telecommunication costs and the introduction of broadband services to the Island. In what she said was a difficult decision, owner Kathy Retmier has decided to locate some of…
Island Brethren Visit House of Blues
A strong Vineyard contingent turned out to help warm the new House of Blues in Boston last Saturday night. It was an old-home night of sorts, with singer-songwriter Carly Simon making an unscheduled appearance to dance and belt out a number on stage with Dan Akyroyd. Judy Belushi Pisano, a Vineyard Haven resident and widow…
South Africa Travels
Four intrepid travelers from the Vineyard met in Atlanta, Ga. and climbed on a plane to cross the Atlantic. Eighteen hours later, after a stop in Dakar, they arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa. They dropped their gear in their rooms, gathered in one room, turned on CNN and watched Obama’s inaugural address. Afterwards they supped…
Neighborhood Convention
Neighborhood Convention
The Neighborhood Convention will meet at 10:45 a.m. at the Federated Church in Edgartown on March 3. Dr. Sofia Anthony, a family physician with added qualification in geriatric medicine who has retired to Martha’s Vineyard, will speak. Her talk is entitled Plan Ahead: No One Gets Out Alive.
All…
Model Airplanes Keep Spirits Aloft
This has been an interesting winter and perhaps one of the hardest things has been controlling all the pent-up energy of the young. The Edgartown Boys’ and Girls’ Club has been busy trying to do this, and succeeded one recent afternoon when the Martha’s Vineyard Model Flying Club came and flew in the gymnasium.
…
Short Films Hit the Big Screen
Animation has come a long way from Walt Disney’s Steamboat Willy, the black and white prototype that later became the world’s most famous mouse. The immense popularity of television shows like the Simpsons has demonstrated that cartoons aren’t just for kids any more, while advances in computer generated graphics have introduced a stunning new standard…
Chapter 41: An Oncoming Train
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. Abe has a paranoid hatred of Richard Moby, the CEO of an off-Island wholesale nursery, Broadway. Convinced that Moby wants…
The Vineyard Gardener
By LYNNE IRONS
Aliens
You probably know the Island is under attack by invaders. They are not very conspicuous until one learns to look for them closely. For the most part, they are plants and are thus just seen as part of the background for most of us.
