Mary Oliver
The wind wags its many tails. And in the evening the piled firewood shifts a little, longing to be on its way. —Mary Oliver
February 12, 2010
Scholarship Applications
Scholarship Applications
Nearly Ocean-Dipped, Chilmark Chocolates Anything but Fishy
With Valentine’s Day on Sunday, it’s all hearts and flowers — and chocolates — right now. Here on the Vineyard, the chocolates are Chilmark Chocolates, of course. Like most of us, I indulge whenever I can. I know that First Lady Michelle Obama is speaking out these days about obesity, but her main concern is…
Too Many Turbines in the Sea
As a Vineyard summer resident and owner of a small oil and natural gas exploration and producing company in Midland, Tex., I have followed with interest the public debate on both the Cape Wind project and the efforts of the state of Massachusetts to allow wind turbine development in state waters close to the Vineyard’s…
Consultant Sees Improvement In Tisbury Police Department
A consultant told the Tisbury selectmen this week that the town police force has made progress under the leadership of interim police chief Daniel Hanavan, who took over following the sudden departure of chief John Cashin last May.
“Dan has done a terrific job as acting chief. His heart is in it. He…
Son of Pastor Recalls Bradley Church, and Era of Prejudice
My father, Oscar E. Denniston, came to Martha’s Vineyard from the British West Indies in the year 1901. Captain Madison Edwards, the chaplain from the Seaman’s Bethel . . . used to sail between the Vineyard and Jamaica. On one of his trips he became ill over there and my father was a chaplain in…
Federal Muscle, Island Opinion Continue to Clash Over Turbines
As a Vineyard summer resident and owner of a small oil and natural gas exploration and producing company in Midland, Tex., I have followed with interest the public debate on both the Cape Wind project and the efforts of the state of Massachusetts to allow wind turbine development in state waters close to the Vineyard’s…
Sophomores Speak Out
In December a member of our sophomore class, Kunal Datta, traveled to his homeland of India. While he was there our teacher had asked him to take a few minutes each day and write down some observations about differences between the United States and India, especially in education.
February Days
February Days
Winter has become a familiar presence by now, and no longer carries the jolt that it did in December when the Montreal express first came screaming down from Canada with snow, bitter winds and temperatures in the teens.
Edgartown Library’s Second Chance
Edgartown Library’s Second Chance
Tisbury’s Preexisiting Condition
Tisbury’s Preexisiting Condition
Selectmen in the Island’s only year-round port town are known for their crowded meeting agendas; it seems as if there is always a long list of brisk business to conduct in Tisbury, and that’s a good thing.
Gazette Chronicle: Winter Chitchat
From Gazette editions of February, 1960:
Course Aims at Families Living With Mental Illness
The difficulty and frustration of having a family member with a mental illness is universal, but it is oftentimes a very solitary struggle. The mentally ill do not share the kind of popular support that is afforded to other, less common afflictions, a reflection of the stigma and fear that still surrounds disorders of the…
Loans for Women
Loans for Women
Presidents Day
The Vineyard Gazette office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of the national holiday. The office will reopen Tuesday at the usual time.
70 Years Later, Ozzie and Rene Still Smooching
They are the perfect Valentine’s Day couple. Albert O. (Ozzie) Fischer Jr., 95, met his future bride, Rene S. McLaughlin, at the Chilmark Tavern in 1938. They danced.
And just a few weeks ago they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
“When she first saw me, she was a little bit surprised.…
Library Plan Returns to Square One
The $15 million Edgartown library expansion project will go back to the drawing board, town selectmen and library trustees agreed this week.
Following the revelation last week that the cost of the project had spiked by another $1.4 million, in separate meetings on Monday selectmen and library trustees decided to replace a planned…
Saving, Making and Giving: Four Years of Our Island Club Success
It’s not easy to pinch pennies on the Vineyard. We all pay the price for the trouble it takes vendors to get their store shelves stocked and their gas pumps filled on the Island. In the best of times, it’s an inconvenience. In the worst of times, such as now, inflated Island prices can be…
Board Says No Permit Change
In an opinion that may carry broader implications for the growing array of affordable housing projects on the Island, especially those built using Community Preservation Act money, a Concord attorney advised the West Tisbury planning board this week that it has no authority to relax restrictions on the 250 State Road project that make it…
Vineyard Power Gets Fired Up
Catherine the Great once said: “A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache.” Islanders have experienced their share of both over the past decade, as visions of energy independence have been tempered by talk of viewsheds, environmental impacts and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Fiber Optic Backers Pitch Boost To the Economy and Bandwidth
A start-up company wants to connect an underwater fiber optic cable from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven that is intended to vastly improve Internet and mobile phone service to Island customers.
Pitched as a way to boost economic development through an increase in bandwidth, the plan by GPS Fiber Communications Inc. calls for…
Basic Conflict Resolution Training Course Available
Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program will conduct a 32-hour course in basic mediation training, the prerequisite course for training in specialized areas of conflict resolution. The training will be held over two weekends in March.
Four all-day sessions are scheduled to begin March 13 and continue Saturday and Sunday through March 20. Training will…
Medical Assistance Fund
Medical Assistance Fund
Last year the Mayhew-Nevin Memorial Fund, established 64 years ago to provide financial support to Islanders who need help with outstanding medical bills, awarded $15,226 to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, with 87 beneficiaries. Since the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard began administering the fund in 1986, over $530,000 has been…
Bank Awards Grants
Bank Awards Grants
Last month, the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank Charitable Fund awarded $15,000 in grants to ten community groups and local nonprofit organizations: the American Red Cross, the Aquinnah Cultural Center, Boy Scouts of Martha’s Vineyard, Island Theatre Workshop, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Close-Up Program, PAWS, Rising Tide Therapeutic Riding…
Computer Classes
Computer Classes
A series of free classes for beginner and intermediate computer users will be offered at the Oak Bluffs Public Library this winter. This is an opportunity to improve your computer knowledge and skills, learn how to use Microsoft Word and Excel, and get comfortable with Internet search tools and techniques. Space…
With Edgartown Buffs
By Kate J. Conde
Agricultural Grants
Agricultural Grants
Edgartown’s Colonial Inn Finds New Ownership
The Colonial Inn of Martha’s Vineyard, a 34-room boutique hotel, condominium and retail complex on North Water street, is under new ownership.
Martha’s Vineyard Colonial Inn LLC purchased the historic inn and complex in November at a foreclosure auction and closed on the property in December.
Mental Health Grants
Mental Health Grants
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation is accepting inquiries for its 2010 Community Mental Health grant cycle. Organizations located on Martha’s Vineyard that focus on preventing or alleviating psychological disorders and substance abuse among children and adolescents and that address one or more of the foundation’s funding priorities may…
Don’t Abolish Copeland District, Town Attorney Tells Oak Bluffs
A dispute between the boards for the Cottage City Historic District and the Copeland district of critical planning concern (DCPC) was resolved on Tuesday night when the Oak Bluffs selectmen voted to withdraw a request to abolish the Copeland DCPC, on advice from town counsel Ronald H. Rappaport.
Gazette Cited for Excellence in Journalism In New England Newspaper Competition
The Vineyard Gazette won 12 awards in the annual New England better newspaper competition sponsored by the small newspaper press association this year, including seven first place awards that recognized the weekly paper for excellence in journalism. The awards were for photography, writing, advertising, illustration and special section work.
Tisbury Selectmen Face Dog Dilemma
Tisbury town leaders hope the long saga of the Garde family’s chicken-killing dogs is over. But if his recent actions are any guide, Ken Garde thinks differently.
The selectmen have banned three of the family’s dogs from the town. A judge has twice backed their actions. The town now plans to enforce the…
Concerns Over Traffic, VTA Has Island Wary of New Tour Busses
The Vineyard could see a sharp increase in the number of tour busses this summer, as three new companies are seeking permission from the six Vineyard towns to offer Islandwide tours for day trippers coming off the Steamship Authority and Island Queen boats in Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.
Three different applicants recently…
Sail Martha’s Vineyard Will Offer Sailing Courses
Sail Martha’s Vineyard, in collaboration with The Black Dog Tall Ships, is offering a traditional sail training opportunity through this coming summer. The course will be available to all 13 to 18-year-olds and will involve an intensive five-day experience at sea on board the pilot schooner Alabama.
Vineyard Boys’ Basketball Takes Half of League Championship
In their second year in the league, the Martha’s Vineyard boys’ basketball team this week earned a share of the Eastern Athletic Conference regular season championship, with a thrilling and hard-fought 59-55 win against foe Bishop Stang on Tuesday before the largest home crowd of the season.
The team will share the conference…
Aquinnah Wampanoags Place Bets on Casino in Freetown
The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has suddenly jumped into the casino game again, telling the Freetown selectmen that they plan to try to secure a state license to operate a gambling facility in southeastern Massachusetts.
For Navigation at Sea, the End of an Era
On Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard shut down 24 of its American Loran-C transmitters around the country and afar. For many older commercial fishermen it marked the end of an era.
Fishermen today use the Global Positioning System (GPS), the same satellite system now used in automobiles and hand-held computer devices.
Film Follows History of Black Resorts
Film Follows History of Black Resorts
Screening at the Katharine Cornell Theatre tonight, Feb. 12, is A Place of Our Own, a documentary that examines the history, significance, and changing landscape of the African American resort community on Martha’s Vineyard and elsewhere, and its significance in the life of filmmaker Stanley Nelson.
Irish Music Masters Make Return to Katharine Cornell
Karan Casey and John Doyle return to the Island to launch the 2010 music series at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Island Voices Join in Song: All-Church Choir Concert
Voices will rise to the rafters of the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, at the second Annual All Church Choir concert Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. Church choirs from all over the Island, including the Faith Community Singers, the Federated Church Choir, the Good Shepherd Parish Women’s Choir, the Grace Church Choir, and the…
Fourth Grade Theatre Project: Kids Run The Show, from Backdrop to Front Row
As the lights went out and The Jackson 5’s ABC began playing, there was nothing left to do backstage, for adults and kids alike, but to get down with a final preshow dance, reveling in the excitement of closing night of the Fourth Grade Theatre Project performance of Calculated Risk.
This past weekend…
Adopt a Drain
Adopt a Drain
Edgartown School sixth grade teacher Gale Meister and her former student teacher Kathy Smith received the 2009 New England Water Environment Association’s public educator award, recognizing those who promote cleaner water, increase public awareness and take action on water pollution control.
High School Artists Win Awards In State, Nationwide Contests
The creativity of students at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School has made a big impression on the mainland, and they have the awards to prove it.
Senior Hannah Marlin’s photography portfolio has garnered national attention for the young artist, one of only 20 students nationwide to receive a merit award for photography…
Caribbean Night Dance
Caribbean Night Dance
Drag that summer wardrobe out from under the bed and get on your flip-flops, because this Saturday, Feb. 13, is Caribbean Night at the Chilmark Community Center from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The Smokin’ Flamingos will provide the music for the evening, while partygoers enjoy dancing, beer, wine and dessert.…
Valentine’s Haiti Benefit
Valentine’s Haiti Benefit
Savor the Sweetness
Savor the Sweetness
This Valentine’s Day, Jane Norton invites Island couples to Savor the Sweetness, a combination of partner yoga, chocolate tasting and benefit for organizations working against child labor in the chocolate industry. Ms. Norton will lead the Anusara-inspired yoga session at the Split Rock Athletic Center on State Road in West…
Women Voters Party
Women Voters Party
Party like its 1920! The League of Women Voters celebrates 90 years of service with a birthday party at Zephrus restaurant on Main street in Vineyard Haven on Monday, Feb. 15. The party is a fundraiser for the local league, as well as a time to enjoy friends. Call 508-693-3416…
Guitar Poems at Che’s
Guitar Poems at Che’s
Dan Waters, former West Tisbury poet laureate, guitarist, writer and all-around nice guy, will perform his guitar poems at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at Che’s Lounge in Vineyard Haven, a part of the ongoing Island Voices poetry series.
Dean’s List
Dean’s List
Regina Antolick, of Edgartown, made the dean’s list for the fall 2009 semester at High Point University.
Guided Nature Walk
Guided Nature Walk
Camp Registration
Camp Registration
Registration for Felix Neck’s Fern and Feather Summer Camp is now open. For more than 40 years, the camp has provided opportunities for children ages four to 13 to explore the wildlife sanctuary’s 350 acres through outdoor games, activities, hikes, stories and crafts.
Information is available at massaudubon.org/felixneck, or…
Announcing Aliyah
Announcing Aliyah
Angeline Weir and James Fournier of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Aliyah Jane Fournier, born on Feb. 7, 2010, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Aliyah weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces at birth.
Hello Kevin
Hello Kevin
Neide Gales Martins and Robert De Carvalho Ramos of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Kevin Martins Ramos, born on Feb. 4, 2010, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Kevin weighed 7 pounds, 6.4 ounces at birth.
Aquinnah
JUNE D. MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks@gis.net)
Congratulations to the Vineyard Gazette for their numerous awards at the New England Newspaper and Press Association annual meeting and awards presentation. Toast — to another great year!
The Aquinnah community programs committee flea market will be held at the Aquinnah town…
Jupiter, Venus and the Moon
It will be tough, but for anyone with an unobstructed view of the southwestern sky tonight, there is a show to be seen shortly after sunset. The planets Jupiter and Venus appear close together with a thin crescent moon. The three, forming a triangle, will appear amid the glow of twilight.
The Vineyard Gardener
Kudos to Andrew Woodruff and the laborers at Whippoorwill Farm. I went to the final community supported agriculture pickup of the season last Friday. I don’t belong to CSA as I grow plenty of food myself. I wanted to support the farm last week and check out what was being offered. It was a chilly…
Chappy
MARGARET KNIGHT
508-627-8894
(margaret02539@yahoo.com)
Lots of people don’t like February, but I think it’s the nicest winter month. It’s much lighter than December, warmer than January, and more sunny than March – generally speaking. By now, we’re well past the halfway point, which means the rebirth period is already…
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER
508-645-3378
(slaterjn@comcast.net)
Chilmark is enduring yet another northeaster as I write tonight. The wind is howling and snow is blowing and the power went off for an hour and a half this evening. We enjoyed a dark and mysterious dinner as we tried to find our…
Edgartown
Kathleen Case
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
If we were in Delaware we would be a little upset with the 21 inches of snow plus the 12 more inches they got on Wednesday, but, no, we are in New England and we are happy to have our little bit of snow. So…
More Leucistic Birds on Island?
A reminder: The Great Backyard Bird Count starts today, Feb. 12, and continues through Monday, Feb.15. For details on the count, visit birdcount.org,
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Feb. 5 33 17 .00
Feb. 6 37 28 .00
Feb. 7 31 16 .00
Feb. 8 33 19 .00
Feb. 9 34 22 .00
Feb. 10 38 26 Trace
Feb. 11 33 30 1.23*
…
Please Adopt Us
The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has a few nice animals who need good homes.
Cupid’s Food
“Forget love . . . I’d rather fall in chocolate!”
While no one owned up to that quote, I say, whychoose? Enjoy both this Valentine’s Day.
On Sunday there will be lots of love and lots of chocolate, and though some may thank Cupid for finding them love, the chocolate fans should be…
Dean’s List
Dean’s List
Gretta and Ellie Hehre, daughters of Nancy Hehre and the late Fred Hehre 3rd of Vineyard Haven, were both named to the fall 2009 semester dean’s list at the University of Connecticut.
Dean’s List
Dean’s List
Ryann Emin of Chilmark, the daughter of Wanda and Keith Emin, has been named to the Bridgewater State College dean’s list for the fall 2009 semester. She is studying early childhood education.
