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 24, 2010
Cutting a Tangle of Red Tape to Free Funds for the Needy
Over the past eight years the Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant program has funneled more than $14 million toward vital housing needs of Martha’s Vineyard residents. Thanks to concerted last minute lobbying by Island leaders over recent weeks, it will continue to do so.
But it was a close-run thing.
Veterans Enjoy Derby Battle With Fish
Rahul Harpalani caught his first fish ever, a striped bass, on Tuesday. The 24-year-old active duty first lieutenant with the Army had a smile on his face like no one else on Menemsha charter captain Scott McDowell’s boat. Out fishing a mile south of Squibnocket, Mr. Harpalani was having the time of his life. “It…
Oil and Water: Island Director Films Gulf Crisis
In a charming shack overlooking Menemsha, replete with scattered lobster traps, leatherbound nautical books and twin glossy Apple desktops, each armed with the latest in video editing software, Vineyard filmmaker Bob Nixon is putting the finishing touches on his latest documentary. His ambitions for the new film are modest: he wants to save the world.
SSA Plans Fare Hikes For the Coming Year, to Cover Higher Costs
The Steamship Authority is set to hit travelers to and from the Vineyard with fare increases totaling more than $1 million next year.
Boat line management proposed the fare hikes on the Vineyard route, as well as increases of $1.5 million on the Nantucket route, as part of the 2011 draft budget at…
Bleak Economy Sees More Requests for Help
Five of the six Island towns are applying for Community Development Block Grants for the 2011 fiscal year, with more applications than ever expected this year from needy residents. At their meeting Tuesday, Aquinnah selectmen praised the block grant program, which this year includes funds for rehabilitating homes and child care assistance for income-eligible residents.…
Corrections
Corrections
The name listed under a picture of a regional high school cross-country runner in last Friday’s Gazette was incorrect. The picture was of Chris Serpa, not Sam Cerna. The Gazette regrets the error.
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A story in last Friday’s Gazette about the West Tisbury firemen’s pig roast incorrectly named a…
Wind Development Crosses State Lines
In the effort to develop wind energy in the ocean between Block Island and Aquinnah, Massachusetts will follow the lead of the Ocean State.
About 7,500 Pounds of Fish Tip Scales in Derby Already
More than three tons of fish have been weighed in so far in the month-long 65th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. At least 460 bluefish have been weighed in, three times more than the number of striped bass.
False albacore is again the scarce fish in the derby; only 35…
Government Challenged In River Herring Decline
Commercial and recreational fishermen are challenging two government agencies for failing to protect river herring and shad from being caught and killed by Atlantic industrial fisheries.
COMSOG Festival
COMSOG Festival
The Community Solar Greenhouse’s annual Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 3 from noon to 3 p.m. at 114 New York avenue. Islanders anticipate the COMSOG soup each year (it’s free!) as well as the music, games, trifles and treasures sale, raffle and vendors.
MVC Set to Begin Deliberations Over Big Sky Tent Project
By PETER BRANNEN
Last week the Martha’s Vineyard Commission closed a public hearing on a proposed warehouse at the edge of the light industrial district in West Tisbury after Big Sky Tents owner Jim Eddy made his final offers, and abutters had one last chance to air grievances.
Voters to Confront Costs of July Fire
Funds for replacement of the West Dock and carway at Menemsha, emergency response funds from the July 12 fire, money for the Tea Lane Farm project and a bathroom addition at the Chilmark School will come before Chilmark voters at a special town meeting Monday night.
Ten articles are on the warrant; the…
Felix and Flatbread
Felix and Flatbread
Part of the proceeds of every pizza sold at Flatbread on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 5 p.m. until closing will go directly to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary to support nature and wildlife protection on Martha’s Vineyard.
Felix Neck naturalists will be on hand to talk about fall’s bird…
Edgartown Library Committee Narrows Options for Building
At a meeting Monday, the Edgartown Library building committee discussed three early-stage construction options for a new town library: renovating the Carnegie building and adjacent Warren House; renovating the old Edgartown School, and renovating only the Carnegie building with a small addition on the back. The last two options would include the sale of the…
Understanding Zionism
Understanding Zionism
Zionist Thought Then and Now, is a new class being led by Rabbi Caryn Broitman. The class will focus on the many different understandings of Zionism in the past 100 years, through reading thinkers both religious and secular, both left and right.
There will be 4 sessions: Oct. 12,…
Bottom Grants for Blue Mussels
The Chilmark selectmen will award bottom grants next month for 15 acres of north shore water to shellfishermen who want to grow blue mussels in Vineyard Sound.
The selectmen will hold a public hearing on the grants on Oct. 5. The current site has been used for an experimental mussel program supported by…
Generational Shift at Arts Center: Featherstone Names New Director
Featherstone Center for the Arts, the nonprofit arts campus on a hilltop in Oak Bluffs, has a new executive director, after its board appointed Ann Smith to replace Francine Kelly at its annual general meeting last Wednesday.
Ms. Kelly, who has vastly expanded Featherstone’s programs and fundraising since arriving in 2003, asked the…
Storied Schooner Once Owned by General Patton to be Sold
When and If, the 63-foot John G. Alden schooner built in 1939 for the late Gen. George S. Patton that has been a familiar presence in waters from the Vineyard to Maine and beyond, is for sale.
The historic schooner was recently appraised at $680,000.
Owner Candace Ruitenberg confirmed that the…
Nurturing Curiosity is in Her Nature
Standing on an Andean peak, looking down a 5,000-foot drop, marvelling at what nature can produce at its fullest capacity, Elliott Bennett was thinking about her students at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
Oak Bluffs Fishing Pier Could Become Newest Island Treasure
The following letter was sent to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
I am writing on behalf of the many, many Island residents and visitors who are familiar with the pure pleasure of wetting a line in the hopes of catching a fish, on behalf of every little kid who is fascinated by the ocean…
Contradictions of Being Brazilian in Brazil
Do you have any idea what it feels like to be in Brazil during election time? Well, it’s pretty insane.
Next Stop London for Katie Mayhew
There are two programs on the Internet that most people of my generation do not generally use. Facebook and YouTube are used by the younger generations to cultivate friendship and inspire wonder. But because my three children and three granddaughters are all computer literate, I have been cajoled into using them both, occasionally. And sometimes…
Sam Leighton’s Kind Influence Rippled Through Community
The death of Sam Leighton certainly marks a sad moment for the people who grew up in Edgartown during his tenure as director of the boys’ and girls’ club, including myself. Sam’s influence helped so many to navigate those teenage years which can often be troubled times. Sam knew what it was like growing up…
Letters to the Editor
SCIENCE HIGH HONORS
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
Congratulations to the entire eighth grade and Karl Nelson, their eighth grade science teacher, on bringing honor and distinction to the West Tisbury School.
The Boston Globe on Sept. 15 ranked West Tisbury School’s eighth grade as the highest performers in the entire…
Library Jump Start
Library Jump Start
Edgartown prides itself on a long and well-earned reputation as a town of fiscal expediency with no infighting. But the story of the Edgartown Public Library expansion has been the exception to the rule in this town of white clapboard whaling captain’s homes, rose-covered fences and, in the middle of…
Profiles of Courage
Profiles of Courage
They come looking for adventure, excitement, travel, challenge — the reasons that bring some fishermen to the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby are the same reasons some soldiers give for joining the military. But for those men and women who have been at the adrenaline-drenched war front, it…
Electronics Disposal
Electronics Disposal
Electronics disposal day is Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the campus of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, across from the high school.
Everyone is encouraged to bring their old and tired computers, monitors, televisions, printers, notebooks, copiers, scanners, air conditioners, stereo equipment, dehumidifiers, cell phones,…
Children’s Gardens
Children’s Gardens
Award-winning children’s garden designer Jane L. Taylor, founding curator at Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden at Michigan State University, will lead a program about creating educational and entertaining gardens for children. Open to all teachers, parents and community members, the program will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to…
Island Triathlon Proposal Receives Mixed Reviews
The Vineyard is home to road races, bike races and fishing derbies, but next September athletes may have the opportunity to compete in an Island triathlon. Competitors would swim one mile across Katama Bay, bike 26 miles through Chilmark and run 6.2 miles to the cliffs in Aquinnah; part of the proceeds from the race…
High School Cross-Country and Football Teams Stay Undefeated
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School teams continue to roll through their fall season, with three undefeated squads competing at press time. Look for several home games during the coming week.
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School teams continue to roll through their fall season, with three undefeated squads competing at press time. Look for several…
Kids’ Day a Keeper at Derby’s Junior Fishing Tournament
Sweatshirts, polar fleece jackets and flannel pajama pants were the fashion items of choice last Sunday during the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Kids’ Day.
Fisher Poet Casts Long Line Of Words
Fisher Poet Casts Long Line Of Words
West Coast commercial fisherman and poet Capt. David Densmore, a founder of the West Coast Fisher Poet movement, will speak at the Chilmark Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Goldenrods Are Forever
The Polly Hill Arboretum will be offering two classes for those interested in learning more about the scientific study of plants.
Farmtastic Festival
Farmtastic Festival
Dive for donuts, bob for apples and compete in a tug-of-war contest with a rope big enough to encircle the Island. Okay, maybe the rope is a wee bit shorter, but what’s a farmfest at RunAmok Farm without a tall tale or two?
What’s guaranteed is a day of…
Sample Autumn Offerings For Adults at Course Fair
Adult and Community Education of Martha’s Vineyard (ACE MV) will hold a course sampling fair with walk-in registration on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the regional high school.
Enrichment courses begin the first week of October, as will two Island courses being offered for college credit (English composition and a medical…
Choreography Residency Unveiled
Choreography Residency Unveiled
Go ahead. Fall on your face. Try something you’ve never done before.
This advice was given by the Yard’s associate artistic director, Lise Brody, to the artists taking part in this weekend’s Bessie Schönberg Choreographers’ Residency. But it’s something we all could take to heart, this notion of…
Business Awards
Business Awards
The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce will hold its second annual “Martha’s” business awards on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lambert’s Cove Inn in West Tisbury.
Nonmembers are welcome to attend and learn about the benefits of chamber membership. There will be fabulous refreshments…
Short Film Festival Puts Viewers on Worldwide Jury
The aspiring Australian filmmaker Nicholas Mason had no idea what his Manhattan Short Film Festival would become when he first imagined the by-the-people-for-the-people-to-vote global movie contest more than a dozen years ago.
Islander Leslie Baker Opens Art Show at Copley Society
West Tisbury artist Leslie Baker recently opened a show of her landscape work at the Copley Society of Art in Boston. A painter, portrait artist and children’s book author, Ms. Baker’s plein air oil studies are well known on the Vineyard, where she has lived year-round since 1997. The Copley show is anchored by a…
Networking Women
Networking Women
The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network will kick off the new off-season with a social event from 6 to 8 p.m. at the back bar at the Atlantic restaurant in Edgartown. Bring your business cards and enjoy Atlantic’s great bar, dinner menu and get a chance to reconnect. Bring a friend. This…
First Stop for Arts Lounge Road Trip
Twinkling Ingmar Bergmanesque lights sparkled in the spooky, dark woods of Chilmark. A big bowl of baby tomatoes sat on an outdoor table. Inside the anterior barn space at the Yard, the makeshift stage was adorned with microphones, drums and a hand-waving papier-mâché R2-D2. It seemed everyone and everything was welcome at the Satsang Lounge.
Tivoli Day Celebration a Hit With Businesses and Shoppers
It was a Tivoli Day organizers dreamt about: good food, music, people and even better sales. Circuit avenue was busier than a weekend night in August last Saturday afternoon for the 33rd annual street fair, as the street bustled with Oak Bluffs businesses, food vendors and shoppers seeking end of the season deals.
Canvas Is Cure-All at Painting Retreat
By HOLLY NADLER
Perhaps the most fruitful painters’ retreat occurred in the fall of 1888 when Vincent van Gogh invited Paul Gauguin to join him in Arles. Gauguin brought a bale of jute which the two artists cut into canvases. The rough-hewn quality of the jute changed the brushstrokes of both the painters…
Our Town: Sketching Island Character In Six Parts With New Museum Show
As the response to a recent non-hurricane demonstrated, there is a longstanding tension on the Vineyard about whether it is one cohesive Island or rather a balkanized land mass of individual towns, each with their own personalities and interests. This Saturday the Martha’s Vineyard Museum celebrates that tension in kicking off a year-long exhibit titled…
Great Places Abound on Martha’s Vineyard
A commission to designate 1,000 great places in Massachusetts was signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick on Jan. 15, 2009. Its mission was to identify and recognize 1,000 truly special places in the commonwealth, in order to celebrate pride in our history and culture, increase knowledge of our natural surroundings, and encourage regional and…
Gazette Chronicle: Keeping the Light On
Keeping the Light On
From a 1932 Gazette:
“Work for Uncle Sam, the best employer there is,” read various advertisements. The following is written about a man who has spent virtually his entire life in the service of the United States, and is still holding a government position: Solomon McLeod Attaquin…
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
(alleys@vineyard.net)
September has slipped away as quick as you can say Jack Frost! We know he is waiting just around the corner but it doesn’t seem possible with this beautiful Indian summer weather we are having. As the leaves are just beginning to turn, folks…
Oak Bluffs
HOLLY NADLER
508-274-2329
(hollynadler@gmail.com)
I want to be a part of it, Oak Bluffs, Oak Bluffs!
After a summer away, it’s so good to be back and, of course, that’s easy to say with these blue skies and dappled gold light through the still-leafy trees. Jack and…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
Igor has been having quite an effect on our weather this past week. Even though we are still reminiscing about how Earl was a dud, Igor has made up for it with winds that have been very gusty. However, the warm weather is still upon…
Venus, Mars and Jupiter
Our two nearest neighboring planets are now low in the western sky after sunset. Venus, which was a beacon all summer, is now so close to the horizon at dusk that it is difficult to find. Mars is faint and nearby.
Chappy
BRAD WOODGER
508-627-4216
(ibw sgolf@aol.com)
I’m still writing the column as you can see.
So two quotes come to mind as I begin this week’s column. The first comes from Kevin Spacey in the movie The Usual Suspects: “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing…
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Sept. 17 70 62 2.05
Sept. 18 74 58 .03
Sept. 19 70 51 .00
Sept. 20 73 57 .00
Sept. 21 67 50 .00
Sept. 22 70 50 .00
Sept. 23 74 66 Trace
…
Welcome Jaiden
Welcome Jaiden
Carrie and Saurabh Chhibber of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Jaiden Abhishek Chhibber, on Sept. 16 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Jaiden weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces at birth.
Hello, Daniel
Hello, Daniel
Mariana and Danillo Carvallo De Souza of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Daniel Cleiber A. De Souza, on Sept. 20 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Daniel weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces at birth.
Welcome Daniel
Welcome Daniel
Lorena Crespo and Marlon Garcia of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Daniel Alejandro Garcia, on Sept. 16 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Daniel weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces at birth. He joins big brothers Mateo and Andres.
Adelaide Arrives
Adelaide Arrives
Skylar Menton and Garry Metters of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Adelaide Hartley Metters, on Sept. 17 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Adelaide weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces at birth. She joins big brothers Shane, Devon and Oliver.
On the Green
Eat your greens.
Good advice for health and for taste. I can’t get enough greens, ever! Bring on the kale, collards, spinach and lettuce of all sorts.
There is one lettuce that you might have overlooked. Sea lettuce is a succulent slice of photosynthetic goodness, available for the taking and tasting.
The Vineyard Gardener
By LYNNE IRONS
Forster’s Tern
The Vineyard’s familiar terns have left and headed south. The smallest, the least tern, is the first to go in early September. The common and roseate follow later in the month. Their cousins the black terns usually are around into late September but the Forster’s terns are the Vineyard’s terns of the fall and early…
