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
September 11, 2009
Islander Amanda Wallas Receives Rotary Scholarship
Amanda Wallas, who was recommended by the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard, has won a scholarship award of $25,000 to spend one year abroad as a student and goodwill ambassador.
Budding
Budding
In our neighborhood the Russian Olive
Is first to extrude its buds.
Along its slender branches, and at their tips,
Ten thousand tiny commas and apostrophes
Suddenly appear in March.
Within them,
Deep down,
Are ten thousand unborn…
Fast Ferry Better Off in Private Hands
The recent request from the New Bedford fast ferry operator to eliminate winter operations makes this an appropriate time to review the SSA’s actions in establishing the New Bedford service.
Contrary to the opinion expressed in a recent editorial in the Martha’s Vineyard Times, Islanders are fortunate that the SSA decided not to…
Pondering the Pleasures of Porches
It’s a late summer evening and I’m playing cards with my friend Heidi at the kitchen table as breezes waft through our rented farmhouse. It’s one of my favorite things about summer: how the wind fills the house like a welcome tide. Lie down near an open window and it drifts across your body in…
Remembering Wally Scheuer: A Dynamo in Film and Life
This is the 30th anniversary of the Film Mao to Mozart, and of Isaac’s Stern’s historic trip to China opening it up to the musical West as written up lavishly in a recent New York Times article.
A Walk in the Park
A Walk in the Park
Open Chamber
Open Chamber
The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce Open House and Business After Hours is on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall in downtown West Tisbury. Refreshments will be provided by Sharky’s Cantina and Jim’s Package store. Bring a non-member friend to double your chances of winning…
The House the Houghs Built
The House the Houghs Built
Has the importance of history and the preservation of old architecture in the Island community fallen down a rabbit hole?
It would certainly seem so, and the scant public outrage over the proposed demolition of the Hough house on Pierce Lane in Edgartown is just the…
Jewish High Holidays
As the Jewish high holidays approach, the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center welcomes all for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services with Rabbi Caryn Broitman. Advance reservations are appreciated for the following services: Erev Rosh Hashanah on Friday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.; Rosh Hashanah first day on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9:30 a.m. and Rosh…
Birds and Wind Turbines Can Live Together, Expert Suggests
Private and commercial wind turbines should not have a significant impact on bird populations in the town of Aquinnah as long as suitable regulations are in place, said Matt Pelikan, Islands program director for The Nature Conservancy, in a public forum held Wednesday night.
The forum was part of a series sponsored by…
Voter’s Ink
Voters’ Ink
Recycle your ink jet and small laser cartridges as well as your old cell phones, by dropping them off in the cartridge and phone collection box located at the rear of Educomp in Vineyard Haven, provided by the League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard.
The idea is, your…
Letters to the Editor
VANDALS AT WORK
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
You know who you are and shame on you!
Twitter of Excitement for Derby Start
More than $300,000 in prizes are stashed and ready for the 64th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, which begins at 12:01 Sunday morning and runs until 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
And this year if you catch a big one, watch for the tweets. Derby chairman Greg Skomal confirmed yesterday…
Leading Lady Turns Director In Her Next Act
The opening scene of Pet Peeves, a short film written and directed by actress and longtime Chilmark summer denizen Brooke Adams, begins with a pretty, perky twentysomething in blonde, braided pigtails named Sherry (Sunny Mabrey) wandering from her new home in Hollywood to a neighbor’s bachelor pad for a cup of sugar. Instead, she gets…
First Day for Chilmark Students Who May Enjoy Toys Provided by Principal
Susan Stevens didn’t last long when she stepped outside the Chilmark School to greet incoming students on their first day yesterday morning. Her thin cardigan and long, flowing dress provided little warmth for the recent Florida transplant. But back inside the school, with doors closed against the crisp Vineyard late summer weather she hasn’t yet…
Weak Economy Leads to Talk About More Regional Services
Take a quick look at the annual town reports for Tisbury and Oak Bluffs and it becomes immediately apparent why the towns have begun investigating the prospect of cutting back and/or merging their police departments.
They are extraordinarily expensive.
Selectmen, County Commission Hope to Slow State Wind Plan
A growing group of elected officials this week raced to stay ahead of a state plan that could allow large-scale commercial wind farms to built within three miles of the Vineyard’s southern shore, with little or no oversight from Island regulatory agencies, including the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Pond Project Interrupted By Found Indian Artifact
An Oak Bluffs dredging project in a key area of Sengekontacket Pond aimed at improving tidal circulation and reducing bacteria levels in the pond hit a snag last week following the revelation that an Indian artifact may have been found along the shore of the pond.
The artifact is a piece of wood…
Walter Cronkite Tribute
Walter Cronkite Tribute
The Stone Soup Leadership Institute held an event to launch their tribute to Walter Cronkite at the Vineyard Haven Library on Thursday, Sept. 3. People viewed the online tribute and shared their stories about Walter Cronkite.
Founded on the Vineyard in 1997, the institute is a 501c3 organization…
WISP Enrollment
WISP Enrollment
WISP, the Work Income Sharing Project at the Farm Institute in Katama, is accepting enrollments for full and half-day farm apprenticeships for middle and high school students on Wednesdays from Sept. 15 through Nov. 20. Learn to tend the fields and greenhouse, and how to market produce. For details, visit farminstitute.org…
Littlefield Celebration
Littlefield Celebration
Memorial Celebration and Potluck for Al Littlefield of West Tisbury is on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Polly Hill Arboretum. All of Al’s friends are invited. Park across State Road and enter through Littlefield Lane. Bring a favorite side dish or salad.
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
(alleys@vineyard.net)
The weather could not have been better over the Labor Day weekend. The beaches were nearly full, traffic was brisk, wedding bells were in the air, business at the Dumptique was busy (a fair amount of people were dropping off items they enjoyed over…
Former Gazette Intern Wins Writer’s Award
Helen Phillips, a former summer intern for the Vineyard Gazette, was chosen to receive a 2009 Rona Jaffe Foundation Writer’s Award, the foundation announced this week.
The Rona Jaffe awards are given annually to six women writers who demonstrate excellence and promise in the early stages of their careers.
Oak Bluffs Council on Aging Honors Two Citizens
The Oak Bluffs Council on Aging held its annual awards ceremony to honor two of its senior citizens.
Al Hopp has been a loyal volunteer for the council’s biweekly luncheons, assisting with commodities and wherever else he is needed. Without his help, the center would not run as smoothly.
Rev. Douglas Sermonizes
Trinity Episcopal Church in Oak Bluffs wraps up its summer season with the Rev. Ian T. Douglas as celebrant on Sept. 13. Reverend Douglas is the Angus Dun Professor of Mission and World Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge. He served for the last five years as one of eight members of the Lambeth…
Congratulations, Angela
Congratulations, Angela
Angela Francis has successfully completed her registration exams and is a registered architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects in the State of Massachusetts.
Welcome, Hannah
Welcome, Hannah
Cindy Wansiewicz and Adam Wansiewicz of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Hannah Elizabeth, born on Sept. 2, 2009, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Hannah weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces at birth. She is welcomed by big brother Henry.
Hello, Sofia
Hello, Sofia
Stefanie Wolf Fisher and Charles Fisher of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Sofia Denise Fisher, born on Sept. 2, 2009, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Sofia weighed 8 pounds.
Hello, Hollis
Hello, Hollis
Elizabeth and Kevin Oliver of Chilmark announce the birth of a son, Hollis William Oliver, born on August 27, 2009, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Hollis weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces at birth. He is welcomed by older brothers Solon and Barrett and older sister Delilah.
Children’s Memorial Ceremony Slated for Saturday
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum will hold the eighth annual ceremony of remembrance at the Children’s Memorial, Edgartown Lighthouse on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. The museum is the steward of three lighthouses and caretaker of the Children’s Memorial.
New Faces, Coaches, Conference For High School Sports Teams
Change is a constant in high school athletics, as players graduate at the end of each year and are replaced the next by a new crop of underclassmen. But as the fall sports season begins this week at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, there is so much change you might need a guide to…
East Chop
RICK HERRICK
508-693-8065
(herricklr@verizon.net)
For some couples the wedding is the calm before the storm with a hurricane that sadly follows. Christina Cinelli and Jim Wilkerson did things differently. They were married on Squirrel Island in Maine on Saturday, August 29, during the storm named Danny.
Chappy
MARGARET KNIGHT
508-627-8894
(margaret02539@yahoo.com)
In the beginning of summer, it takes awhile to get used to all the people everywhere. I get easily irritated when someone stands in the middle of a road where I once drove along without stopping. By July, I usually adjust — I start taking…
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER
508-645-3378
(slaterjn@comcast.net)
Chilmark has enjoyed a week of lovely fall weather. The folks visiting us now are looking for fish rather than suntans and the mood is generally turning to the enthusiasm of the hunt! Let’s hope that the fish cooperate. We are all looking forward…
Housing Trust Presents
Housing Trust Presents
The nonprofit Island Housing Trust is holding a meeting open to the general public on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Common House at Island Cohousing (17 Rock Pond Road off Stoney Hill Road) in West Tisbury. The meeting will include presentations on the organization’s policies,…
Shelf Life: Aquinnah to Open Refurbished Library in October
After being closed for renovations for nearly a year, the Aquinnah Public Library is set to reopen sometime next month, the town selectmen said at their regular meeting this week.
Selectmen announced on Tuesday that the library renovation project is nearly finished, although several months past the original projected completion date.
Not Guilty Plea for Island Teen Charged After Fatal Car Crash
The teenager who was behind the wheel in the June single-car accident that claimed the life of her passenger, 18-year-old Jena Pothier of Oak Bluffs, was arraigned Tuesday morning in Edgartown district court.
Kelly McCarron, 18, was arraigned on three counts of motor vehicle homicide, two counts of negligent operation and five counts…
After Layoffs, Oak Bluffs Eyes More
As part of an ongoing effort to cut $500,000 from the current Oak Bluffs budget, two town employees were laid off this week and two other workers learned their hours will be cut in half. At least two more employees will be laid off or have their hours cut in the coming days as town…
Court Hears of Drunken Thief Doorknocking Naked
Oak Bluffs police last Wednesday arrested a naked and highly intoxicated man who reportedly stole a motor vehicle and a bicycle, broke into several parked cars and tried to break into a residence along Ocean Park, frightening the mother and young daughter who lived there.
Robert J. Robinson, 27, of Haverill, was charged…
Mysterious Magnetic Stones May Have Made Big Impact on Island Geography
Sometime between the last glacier age 18,000 years ago and the beginning of recorded history, a huge meteor may have landed on Chappaquiddick. And Mike L. Jackson, 40, and his older brother, Dennis L. Jackson, 42, of Edgartown, believe they have evidence.
The two men believe they have recovered pieces of the fallen…
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
World Class Choreographer Visits The Yard
Islanders have a rare chance this weekend to see the creative process revealed in words and movement, when Carolyn Dorfman presents what is being called an intimate evening of dance, dialogue and discovery. The choreographer is an Island favorite — last year her dance company performed Mayne Mentshn at the Performing Arts Center; in the…
Five Traveling Art Exhibits To Visit the Tisbury School
The Tisbury School will host five traveling art exhibits during the upcoming school year, thanks to the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard. This grant award has given the school the opportunity to bring quality museum reproductions to students and the public.
The size of the reproductions within the exhibit are remarkable, measuring up…
Studying Abroad
Studying Abroad
Endicott College junior Allison Silva has been accepted to spend the fall 2009 semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Allison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Silva of Vineyard Haven, is majoring in psychology.
Garden Club Meets
Garden Club Meets
The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m. at the Old Mill in West Tisbury. Sue Silva will present the program: The Techniques of Fabulous Flower Arrangements. Refreshments and hospitality hour follow. Guests $5; no charge for members. Interested parties are welcome. For details,…
A Sea Change
A Sea Change
A groundbreaking documentary about ocean acidification, A Sea Change, screens at the Chilmark library on Wednesday, September 16 at 5:30 p.m. The screening is free, sponsored by the Menemsha Fisheries Development Fund and the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library.
Said one critic, “The story that ‘A Sea…
52 Boats Set to Sail in Annual George Moffett Memorial Race
The 32nd George Moffett Memorial Race is tomorrow, a waterfront event that attracts more than 100 sailors for a full afternoon of fun and sailing.
At press time 52 sailboats were entered in the annual race. “Not the highest number of sailboats we’ve had in the race, but it is a respectable number,”…
Dragonfly Show
Dragonfly Show
September Light on the Vineyard, an exhibition of works by Island plein air artists, opens Tuesday at the Dragonfly Gallery. The show runs through Sept. 27, and the opening reception is next weekend, Saturday Sept. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Artists include Thaw Malin, Marjorie Mason, Hemine Hull,…
Permaculturist Returns to Vineyard
Permaculturist Returns to Vineyard
Healing Intensive
Healing Intensive
Free Seminars Confront Pornography Problem
Pornography is a $10 billion per year business that dehumanizes women, harms children, destroys relationships and is addictive. Because of widespread access to the internet and adult television channels in the privacy of the home or workplace, anyone can now access images that used to be limited to low lights and out-of-the way places. Faith…
Healthy Relationships
Healthy Relationships
A women-only workshop called Promoting Healthy Relationships In Your Life will take place on Tuesdays from Sept. 15 to Oct. 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the basement of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. This workshop focuses on learning ways to create, maintain and reinforce healthy boundaries and will include a…
Plant Sale
Plant Sale
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury holds a plant sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff have chosen plants noted for ornamental qualities and adaptability to Island conditions, including natives, ornamental trees, shrubs, and fall-blooming perennials. Call 508-693-9426.
Island Futurist Gives Talk at Library
Technothriller writer, essayist, postmodern literary fabulist and Island resident John Sundman will discuss his work and the meaning of literature in the age of the Internet at the Vineyard Haven library at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The talk, entitled Cheap Complex Devices, is free and open to the public.
The Vineyard Gardener
By LYNNE IRONS
Laughing Galls, Flying Ants
It was like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Birds. Trudy Taylor called and Bob Shriber e-mailed me to describe the scene that occurred on Saturday, Sept. 5. Hundreds of laughing gulls were flying overhead along the Lobsterville Beach. They were acting like swallows, swooping down and up, combing the air for insects. It…
Avian Astronomy
September is for the birds.
Now, Soo Whiting, don’t get your feathers ruffled, I won’t tread on your turf (see column to the right). These birds of September are in the sky but won’t fly away or be found in a Sibley Guide. My birds live in the autumn night sky, immortalized forever…
Islanders Stay for Free Program at the Winnetu
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort at South Beach promotion is offering an Islanders Stay for Free program, after a similar promotion in the spring brought an overwhelming response.
Island residents dining at the resort’s Lure Grill on Sundays, Wednesdays or Thursdays between Sept. 13 and 27; on Thursdays between Oct. 1 and 22; on…
Rotary Club Announces Great Lobster Raffle Winners
The Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard held a drawing recently at the Ocean View Restaurant in Oak Bluffs to select the winning tickets in this year’s Great Lobster Raffle: first place of $500 or 50 pounds of lobsters went to Ben Walkowicz, an Island vacationer from Madison, N.J. Second place of $250 or 25 pounds…
Kid’s Got Moxie: A-Trot Tackles the Issues
He may be one of the youngest television producers on the local access channel MVTV, but that hasn’t stopped him from being one of the most productive. Alex T. Trotter, 12, of Tisbury is out in the community, taking his A-Trot Report to a high level.
Drumming Up a Powwow for All
T omorrow when the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe’s fifth annual powwow begins, it will be with the Grand Entry, when members of different tribes from all over New England proceed into the arena at the Aquinnah Circle, that grassy open meadow near the Cliffs, to music and drumming. All spectators stand in welcome.
