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
November 5, 2010
From Fenway to First Ballot, Leigh Cormie Goes American
Leigh Cormie searched the voter rolls at the American Legion in Vineyard Haven.
“There I am!” he said as a volunteer thumbed through the pages.
Taking his ballot into the voting booth, he officially exercised his democratic privilege for the first time — in this country at least.
“This…
Nonprofits Awarded Funds By Permanent Endowment
The Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard has awarded grants totaling $25,176 this fall to 14 Island nonprofit organizations. “It was wonderful to be able to provide financial support to almost two-thirds of the organizations who approached us for funding this cycle,” said endowment chairman Anne Williamson.
VNA Coordinator
VNA Coordinator
April McCarty has joined Vineyard Nursing Association as the nurse intake coordinator, the bridge between physicians and hospitals and the VNA’s home health care services.
“Having a nurse in this position is a shift for the VNA, in response to the growth in demand for services and the level…
Clearing Trees To See Forest’s Old Ecosystem
The red pine plantations of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest have been described as recently as 1998 by this paper as a “pine cathedral,” with evenly spaced rows of the northern evergreen towering above a forest floor nearly barren except for a carpet of needles. Now that cathedral has been all but sacked by…
Shore Shakes With the Sound of Munitions
A blast reverberated around the Island on Wednesday night as an off-Island team of Naval explosives experts detonated five potentially dangerous World War II-era bombs on the beach near Quansoo in West Tisbury.
On Wednesday morning a couple walking the beach near the cut between Tisbury Great Pond and the Atlantic Ocean discovered…
New School Services Mean Higher Costs In All Island Towns
The All-Island School Committee approved a $3.85 million 2012 shared services budget for Vineyard schools presented by superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss last Thursday.
The budget is up 7.65 per cent over last year, mainly due to three new programs. The superintendent’s office will expand the Bridge Program for children with autism, add…
Edgartown Settles on Carnegie Site
After months of discussion, the Edgartown library building committee has selected its current North Water street location as the site for expansion.
The committee had been considering either the current Carnegie building or the old Edgartown School as two possible sites for the new library. The preliminary structural report for both buildings came…
Library Designs in West Tisbury Build Momentum for Expansion
With a potentially generous state grant on the line, the West Tisbury Library trustees are gearing up for a grant application this winter to help underwrite an ambitious plan that would see doors to a dramatically expanded library open early in 2014.
Report from Chesapeake Bay Shows Fewer Young Stripers
The perceived decline in striped bass stocks was underscored by a report out of Maryland last month that shows fewer young fish than last year in Chesapeake Bay, the place where stripers spawn.
The annual young-of-the-year index for striped bass released by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is 5.6, well below the…
Sheriff McCormack Elected to Third Term
After the most intense contest in memory at a county election, Dukes County sheriff Mike McCormack was back in his office yesterday, but offering the prospect of some changes in response to the criticisms of his two challengers.
As it turned out, Mr. McCormack won re-election reasonably comfortably in Tuesday’s election, receiving 4,509…
Town Threatens To Exit MVC
The Edgartown selectmen are threatening to withdraw from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission amid ongoing complaints about whether the town is paying more than its fair share of the commission’s annual budget.
Garde Dogs Move Towns, Avoid Court
After several years and tens of thousands of dollars in legal costs, Tisbury has finally resolved its problem with the three poultry-killing huskies belonging to the Garde family. The dogs have been exported to Edgartown.
But the story did not end without more brinkmanship and controversy: a last-minute aversion of a court proceeding,…
Help Homeless Animals
Help Homeless Animals
Kym Cyr, who runs the Helping Homeless Animals shelter in Oak Bluffs, has a critical need for people to adopt cats. The summer season has left the shelter full of cats and dogs in desperate need of a home. Call Kym at 508-221-6931 for more information and directions to the…
To Ease Sale, Housing Fund Asks to Raze Denniston House
Three years after the Island Affordable Housing Fund saved the historic Denniston House in Oak Bluffs from demolition, it is applying for a permit from the Oak Bluffs historic commission to raze the building.
Dean’s List
Dean’s List
William Ledden of Oak Bluffs has been named to the dean’s list for the fall quarter at the New England Institute of Technology.
Tisbury Police Zero In on Peeping Tom
Tisbury police believe they are getting closer to identifying the town’s peeping Tom, who remains active despite publicity about the case and the arrival of colder weather.
Det. Mark Santon said police now believed the man had been active since the summer, peering in windows over a large area of town. The most…
Dirt Bikes Not a Nuisance, Building Inspector Reports
Dirt biking at Nip ’n Tuck farm does not rise to the level of a public nuisance, West Tisbury zoning inspector Ernie Mendenhall said at Wednesday’s meeting of the West Tisbury selectmen.
“I wrestled with this one,” Mr. Mendehall told the board. “I think dirt bikes really can be a nuisance. I’ve been…
Dean’s List
Dean’s List
Will Rogers was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He is the son of Lisa and Donnie Rogers of West Tisbury.
Octoberfish Tourney Is Catching On
There were more than enough good fishing days this fall to spread into October. The 18th annual Octoberfish tournament, offered by Larry’s Tackle Shop, saw plenty of fish and fishermen. The biggest fish was a 16.80-pound bluefish caught from the shore by Luc Mercier of Edgartown. He weighed in his fish at the tackle shop…
Home Economics Is Dropped To Level High School Budget
Regional high school principal Steven Nixon presented a $16.6 million draft operating budget to a school subcommittee Monday night, a 1.01 percent increase over last year. Even with many staff and faculty receiving contractual step increases this year, the budget remains nearly flat due to retirements and the elimination of the home economics program.
Bay Scallops Are Plentiful, Pricey
With the commercial bay scallop season off to a lively start, those who love to eat scallops will find plenty at the local market. But there will be sticker shock; the price is well up this year, with Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket again the only big sources for freshly harvested bay scallops.
Bay…
Marathon Man
Marathon Man
Robert W. Herman of West Tisbury competed in and completed the 33rd Cape Cod marathon on Oct. 31 in Falmouth.
Success Is More Votes Than Money
I congratulate Bill Keating on his win. This letter is not aimed at him, just the system in general in which we all live. I hope Mr. Keating has the ability to stand up to special interests and keep the people in mind when he is tempted with money and power. I would also like…
Beauty Should Not Cast the Last Vote When Impounding Nature
The town of West Tisbury has begun a discussion about what, if anything, should be done to maintain the Mill Pond, a man-made impoundment of the Mill Brook in the center of West Tisbury. So far, the discussion has focused mainly on dredging the pond again; the pond was last dredged in 1970.
Meditating on the Midterm Elections
The midterm elections are over. The president and Democrats did not so much lose as they abdicated to Republicans and the extreme right–wing of the Republican party, the Tea Party, by not effectively communicating a persuasive message of their vision for the nation, accomplishments, and the heavy lifting they were doing on behalf of the…
A Father’s Walk on the Blind Side
It was a beautiful fall evening on the Island and I was taking an after-dinner stroll with my children. My six-year-old son, Hardy, crashed about in the woods. My daughter, Pickle, not her real name but definitely her given name, walked a few yards in front of me.
Pickle is two and a…
Autumn Days
Autumn Days
It was a flash of white foretelling the future, the fine white coating on the fields along State Road Wednesday morning. Kids in cars cried out, Is it a snow day? Not yet, thought their parents. The first killing frost came late this year; fall has been gentle and colorful and…
Edgartown’s Too-High Horse
Edgartown’s Too-High Horse
The six Island towns have long coexisted like members of a lively, diverse and sometimes scrappy family, each with its own character, personality and style, but with an unwritten inside rule: Never think you are better than someone else.
Lately Edgartown has begun to show signs of doing…
Anna Markwica in Ecuador
Anna Markwica in Ecuador
Edgartown resident Anna Markwica is currently studying abroad through the Boston University’s international programs office. An early childhood education major, Anna will be in Ecuador through the end of the fall 2010 semester. She is scheduled to graduate in 2011.
Falmouth on Island
Falmouth on Island
Falmouth Academy will host an information session for Vineyard students and families on Sunday, Nov. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Arbor Inn at 222 Upper Main street in Edgartown.
Island Economics
Island Economics
Wondering how Island businesses fared this summer and what can be gleaned from these results to help prepare for next season?
Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, will speak to this subject on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at a breakfast program organized by the Martha’s…
Flu Shots in Two Steps At Veterans Day Clinic
The All-Island Seasonal Flu Clinic will take place on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School for adults and high school students. All participants must register at another location on the day of the flu clinic, however; go to either Waban Park in Oak Bluffs or the…
Gazette Closed Monday
Gazette Closed Monday
The Vineyard Gazette office in Edgartown will be closed on Monday in order to allow the staff to take a day off in place of Veterans Day. The national holiday will be observed on Thursday, Nov. 11, when schools, banks and post offices will be closed
Also, remember…
Chappy
BRAD WOODGER
508-627-4216
(ibwsgolf@aol.com)
If Chappy were to become a state — and I think that the subjunctive case is proper here as Chappy has yet to achieve statehood — then I believe it would be neither a red nor a blue state. No, I believe it would be…
Aquinnah
JUNE D. MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks@gis.net)
The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living will host a Cultural Luncheon, the first in a series of luncheons they will hold over the winter, on Saturday, Nov. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Grill on Main Street in Edgartown. The topic will…
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)
Well, they went off to see the Wizard. The Wizard of Oz, that is. Hugh Schwarz, his daughter, our cobbler, Nancy MacMullen, granddaughter Dawn, all travelled to Bridgewater State University to see Hugh’s grandson, Duncan MacMullen, who served in the Marine Corps, play the title…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
Well, Jack Frost hit us on Tuesday night and what was left of the summer flowers are now done for the winter. I also heard people saying they had finally to break down and turn on the heat.
Happy birthday to all who…
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Oct. 29 64 46 .01
Oct. 30 59 40 .01
Oct. 31 58 47 Trace
Nov. 1 60 36 .00
Nov. 2 49 39 .00
Nov. 3 50 28 Trace
Nov. 4 52 40 .08
…
Daylight Saving Time
Like the rest of the country, the Vineyard will shift from Standard to Daylight Saving Time on Sunday morning. “Spring forward, fall back,” as they say. The concept is that clocks should be turned back an hour. But for those who own old windup clocks, and many with battery-run mechanical clocks, it is better to…
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
The featured animal this week at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard is a black Lab cross named Nina. Nina is a handsome black dog with the most beautiful velvet coat. She came to the shelter from a Lab rescue. She loves people, cats and other dogs. She loves to…
Movie Float
Movie Float
Looking for a unusual way to spend your Wednesday nights? How about watching a movie, while floating around in a pool? Described as a fun, wet and warm event for the whole family, the Mansion House will be holding pool movies on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. throughout the winter months.…
No Cockles but Plenty of Veggies
No Cockles but Plenty of Veggies
The first frost has hit the Island but that doesn’t mean Vineyarders have to go cold turkey on their fresh produce. The fields are not completely fallow yet, plus there are greenhouses galore, not to mention local meat, milk and cheeses. Come see for yourself at the…
Students Go to the Mattress
Students Go to the Mattress
Will Queen Aggravain meet her match? Will Prince Dauntless the Drab learn how to lighten up? Will King Sextimus the Silent raise his still small voice. And how about Sir Studley? How does his dudeness fit into this mess?
All this and more will be played…
Artist Breaks New Ground With Eye on Eclecticism
Ah, to be free from over identifying with a particular technique or modality. Seems impossible really, since we are such a programmable species falling into ruts and routines as naturally as breathing.
But if looking for a way out, how about looking at art designed to free the viewer from any such constraints.…
Wampanoag Talk Leads Cultural Luncheon Series
The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living is launching the first in a series of cultural luncheons on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Grill on Main street in Edgartown. The program will offer a close look at the contributions and influences of the Wampanoag Tribe to the Island of Martha’s Vineyard.
Tribal elder and…
Green Tour
Green Tour
If going green seems like just a concept to you, check out the Oak Bluffs green building tour on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m.
Beginning at 37 Circuit avenue (above the Black Dog) the tour will reveal numerous examples of ways to light, furnish or remodel your home…
Your Town, Our Island Exhibit Looks for Input
Have some ideas about how you’d like the Martha’s Vineyard Museum to represent your town at its newest exhibit, Your Town, Our Island? Well you’re in luck; the museum wants to hear from you and to prove it, they will be holding a series of community forums.
The first forum will be for…
Holiday Shopping
Holiday Shopping
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at gift tables loaded with homemade items and more at the Trinity Parish House’s annual holiday fair and café. Located in Oak Bluffs across from the Tabernacle, the Parish House will also offer homemade clam chowder, salad, pie and a beverage, all for just…
Veterans Day
Veterans Day
Veterans Day begins with a raising of the flags at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven.
The parade kicks off at 10:45 a.m. leaving from Our Market in Oak Bluffs and marching to Ocean Park. Following the parade everyone is invited back…
Island Wordsmiths Spin Diverse Tales
If you’ve ever watched Larry David’s hilarious HBO sitcom, Curb Your Enthusiasm, you’ll know the last person you’d want giving you a ride on Island roads is Mr. David himself. The whole gist of each of his episodes is, “I work hard at being unlikable.” Nonetheless, when Paul Samuel Dolman spent a recent summer rambling…
Growers Gather Good Ideas For Business of Marketing Food
This past summer a resident walked into Cronig’s to return a beautiful tomato her husband had bought. She was told that the market would happily take it back. When asked why she was returning this perfect looking tomato, she said it was because the tomato had been grown in Chile and not right on the…
The Carnivore’s Dilemma : How to Enjoy Local Meat
There’s nothing like sinking your teeth into a nice juicy steak, making a mess of yourself with a sublime pulled-pork sandwich or enjoying a thick lamb burger. Your body sometimes craves an extra boost of iron, but on the Vineyard, more often than not, it hasn’t come from an Island source.
Sorry vegetarians,…
On Fathers
My granddaugher, Violet, and I left for Washington, D.C., a week ago for a long planned trip. We drove to Providence and hopped aboard the Amtrak.
Avian Visitors
Somehow, birds that should not be here sometimes are here. According to the books these birds should be found far away. Then one shows up. The birds, as birders like to comment on occasion, do not read the books.
Code Red: Kudzu
We’ve got trouble and it is not in River City. Trouble, trouble, trouble right here on Martha’s Vineyard.
Trouble for the botanist, trouble for the homeowner and trouble for our plants and landscapes: trouble, trouble, trouble.
