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 10, 2012
Bright Lights, Big Game
Coach Donald Herman reported to the Gazette that senior Delmont Araujo has been selected to play for the South squad in this years Shriners All-Star football game. The game will be played in Gillette Stadium on Friday, June 15. Congratulations Delmont!
News Update: Wednesday, Feb. 15 – Selectmen Reconsider Euthanizing Dogs
West Tisbury selectmen postponed their order to destroy two Akitas for another week with the condition that the owners come up with a plan to turn over ownership of the dogs to a third party.
Not Enamored With Occupy Movement
I write as a detached observer who can witness how the remnants of Occupy mobs are still agitating and causing problems in our nation’s capital and at other locations, although in Washington they are probably regarded as a welcome distraction from failed current policy. If these people are eating, it is because they are being…
Stella Arrives
Jennifer LoRusso and Joel Glickman of Chilmark announce the birth of their daughter, Stella Delfina Glickman, born on Dec. 30, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Sea Dogs at the Bank
The sea dogs are headed to the bank, the Chilmark bank to be specific.
This month, through March 2, Lisa Vanderhoop will be holding an exhibit of her photography at the Sovereign Bank located across from the Chilmark Community Center.
She is also branching out. The exhibit features numerous valentine cards…
News Update: Tuesday, Feb. 14 – Whales, Wildlife Top List of Remaining Wind Farm Concerns
As the federal government presses ahead with plans to develop wind farms on a 1,300-square-mile plot of ocean south of the Vineyard, on Monday night the Island had its turn to have a say about it.
Representatives from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, accompanied by members of the Gov. Deval Patrick…
News Update: Monday, Feb. 13 – Voters Approve New Lease on Life for Tea Lane Farm
With sweeping support Chilmark voters approved the long-term leasing of the historic Tea Lane Farm house at a special town meeting Monday night.
The vote was 62 to 5.
This was the fourth time selectmen have come before voters with a plan to return the property to a working farm. Selectmen…
MVTV Romance
On Valentine’s Day why settle for just one suitor when you can fall in love with a host of Island poets, without ever leaving your home, no less?
On Feb. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. MVTV will host a live reading hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Society. Tune into channel 13…
News Update: Monday, Feb. 13 – Selectmen Delay Decision to Euthanize Dogs
In another reverse decision, the West Tisbury selectmen did not sign a euthanization order over the weekend that would have ordered two Akitas to be destroyed.
The selectmen were set to sign the order at a special meeting Saturday afternoon, but selectman Richard Knabel said Monday he would not make a motion to…
News Update: Monday, Feb. 13 – Commission Takes New Look at Grocery Store Expansion
Entrepreneur Elio Silva’s ambitious plans for a new grocery store on State Road in Vineyard Haven just got more ambitious. On Thursday the Martha’s Vineyard Commission reviewed a proposed expansion of the store that would bring over 20,000 square feet of new floor space to the property.
News Update: Monday, Feb. 13 – Edgartown Woman Found Dead at Nature Preserve
An Edgartown woman was found dead Sunday at the Caroline Tuthill Nature Preserve, police have confirmed.
Sherry Winnette, 59, was found at about 4 p.m. Sunday, after being reported missing earlier that morning.
State Police Sgt. Thomas Medeiros said there is “nothing suspicious at this time” about the case, and that…
A Generally Excellent Night
The Vineyard Gazette collected 27 awards, 12 of them first place, at the New England Newspaper and Press Association awards on Saturday. The Gazette also captured the night’s top prize, the award for general excellence.
Film Society Presents Oscar Shorts
This Saturday and next the folks at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society are bringing to the Island a cast of short characters for their annual screening of all the Oscar nominated short films.
Commission Approves Vineyard Haven Movie Theatre
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society made a giant leap toward its dream of a permanent home on Thursday night when the Martha’s Vineyard Commission approved a new 6,000-square-foot, 190-seat theatre at the Tisbury Marketplace overlooking Lagoon Pond off Beach Road in Vineyard Haven.
The developer for the project is architect Sam Dunn, who…
Letters to the Editor
The following letters were received by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission commenting on the plan by Vineyard Power to build a solar canopy over the parking lot at Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven.
•
Forward Thinking
Please note I support the Cronig’s Solar Canopy Project. It is in a great location and…
Fine Points of Stream Restoration Talk
Over 50 people turned out to hear Michael Hopper, president of the Sea Run Brook Trout Coalition, talk about the successes and lessons learned from stream restoration efforts at Red Brook in Wareham, and the Quashnet River in Falmouth, and how those could be considered in the discussion about our own Mill Pond/Mill Brook. The…
Building Bridges of Love, Every Day
When introduced in the seventh grade to the story of Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, I have to admit I was most interested in the description of the character’s gross nose. But I also responded to the 19th century setting and, of course, the love story, in particular the character’s willingness to be used…
Glass Overflowing Tips Just a Bit
As we drive off the ferry my wife, Cathlin Baker, turns to me and says, “Don’t mind me, I have an extreme sense of well-being.” She then proceeds to chatter and laugh, even waving occasionally to strangers in cars beside us as we wait in traffic on our way to Boston.
Not So Fast, Governors
Islanders love their ferries. They loved the stately old Naushon, a converted coastal steamer and the last of a line of truly elegant ferries to ply the Vineyard route, with her staterooms, leather banquettes and rounded bow that carved a smooth path through the rough chop of the Sound.
Tree Hugger
From Gazette editions of February, 1987:
The Martha’s Vineyard State Forest by any other name still brings the name of Manuel F. (Manny) Correllus to the minds of most Islanders, and some of them now want the state legislature to make it official.
Hug a Pats Fan
If you were out and about on the Island before the Super Bowl on Sunday, you saw ample evidence that you don’t need a ferry reservation to be a Patriots fan. A father and child dressed in matching Patriots jerseys wandered the aisles of the grocery store. A woman buying her latte sported a windbreaker…
Roundabout Referendum
Do Vineyard voters really want a roundabout? Thanks to a grassroots effort, that question will appear on the ballot in all six Island towns this spring.
The results of what is effectively an Islandwide referendum on the controversial construction project slated for the blinker intersection in Oak Bluffs are nonbinding. So state and…
Announcing Keyshawn
Announcing Keyshawn
Heather Ferreira and Keith Devine of Aquinnah announce the birth of a son, Keyshawn Joseph Devine, born on Jan. 29 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Keyshawn weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces at birth and joins brother Kayden and sister Jasmine.
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
(alleys@vineyard.net)
Well, it sure has been quiet in town. There has not been any skating activity this winter, nor do I recommend any, because of the relatively mild weather. Our weather was bright and sunny but a bit on the cool side this past weekend.…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
My record for daffodils surfacing has been broken. I looked in the garden this past weekend and found that one has a bud on it. I have not been the only one with flowers getting ready to bloom this winter. I only hope there are…
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)
Well, last Sunday was certainly very exciting and unfortunately very disappointing. Same time next year, different outcome.
Barbara Armstrong at the Tisbury School wants you to know packets are ready to register your child for kindergarten next fall. Children must be five years…
Levi Arrives
Levi Arrives
Elizabeth Kent and Spencer Binney of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Levi Walker Binney, born on Feb. 2, 2012, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Levi weighed 7 pounds, 1.5 ounces at birth.
West Tisbury Historical Commisssion Goes Digital
The West Tisbury historical commission has completed its project to update and digitize over 300 records of historic properties inventoried by the commission from 1980 to 2000. The upgrade, entitled the West Tisbury Historic Resource Inventory project, was begun in 2007 and was funded through the Community Preservation Act.
Captains of Catboats Gam in Connecticut
In the depths of winter, more than 400 sailors gathered last weekend to talk about sailing — much of it centered on the waters of Martha’s Vineyard — at the 50th anniversary annual meeting of the Catboat Association in Groton, Conn. Sailors attended from as far south as Florida and from as far north as…
Moon and Planets
Tonight’s gibbous moon appears near the bright red planet Mars. The two are in the zodiacal constellation Leo, a constellation we usually associate with spring and early summer. Mars rises first before 9 p.m., followed by the moon; but the best view of them as a pair will be closer to 10 p.m. or later…
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Feb. 3 45 30 .00
Feb. 4 42 29 .00
Feb. 5 46 31 .00
Feb. 6 41 22 .00
Feb. 7 44 32 .00
Feb. 8 49 28 .00
…
One Oyster License Left
Edgartown selectmen this week granted an aquaculture license to Jeremy Scheffer to grow oysters on a one-acre space in Katama Bay. The bottom grant marked the 11th of 12 licenses that the town can give out to shellfishermen.
Shellfish constable Paul Bagnell said the shellfish committee had approved Mr. Scheffer’s request, and he…
Tisbury EMS Building Costs Mount
As the troubled Tisbury emergency services facility finally nears completion, the town selectmen were frustrated this week to learn of additional charges to a project already over budget.
On Tuesday emergency services facility building committee chairman Joe Tierney told selectmen that the town owed the architectural firm and project manager HKT an additional…
Aquinnah, Power Co-op Contract Nears
Aquinnah selectmen this week inched closer to a final contract with Vineyard Power to install a solar array at the landfill, but pressed for clearer contingency plans from the community energy cooperative in the event of a problem.
History at Home
History at Home
Authors of a new book documenting the first 150 years of the agricultural fair are looking for missing premium books throughout the years. Susan Klein and Alan Brigish are in search of fair booklets from 1872, 1919 through 1925, 1929 through 1940, and all of the 1950s and 1960s. Booklet…
Solar Parking Lot Project Stalls Over Possible Conflicts
It was an unusual week in front of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission for the developers of a $1.1 million, 210-killowatt solar canopy project over the parking lots at Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven. Last Thursday commissioners wondered aloud why there wasn’t more opposition to the project, then on Monday the commission announced that it faced…
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
Everyone who has shown an interest in our beautiful Chesapeake Bay retriever Mackenzie will be happy to know that he has found a wonderful new home in New York state on a 300-acre farm with two ponds and some other Chessies to run with. We are thrilled. It is our…
W.R. Deeble, Defender of Island Way
By PETER BRANNEN
As New Bedford once again pushes for freight ferry service to the Vineyard, at least one man can be relied on to be a hawk-eyed observer. An inveterate letter writer and frequent contributor to the Gazette, W.R. Deeble has kept a close eye on the machinations of the Steamship Authority’s…
Seniors Get Cooking
Seniors Get Cooking
Researchers from Simmons College will hold workshops on innovative nutrition education programs for seniors Feb. 10 and 17 at 10 a.m. The program, Eating Well on a Tight Budget, looks to inspire a renewed interest in food selection with an emphasis on healthy economical choices. The cooking demonstration is free…
Court Orders Apology For Racial Assault
A Maryland man who authorities said unleashed a string of racial slurs and water from a garden hose at a Vineyard taxi driver has been placed on 18 months probation and ordered to write a letter of apology.
Duane B. Dillard, 70, of Hagerstown, Md., on Feb. 2 admitted to sufficient facts on…
Back from Brink, Animal Shelter Stands Secure on Nonprofit Paws
On the surface, not much has changed at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard in the past few years. The unassuming building on Pennywise Path in Edgartown still draws Vineyarders old and young searching for the perfect new friend. Inside, shelves of pet care books line one side of the front office, next to a…
Hello Logan
Hello Logan
Samantha BenDavid and Robert Manning of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Logan James Manning, born on Feb. 2. 2012, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Logan weighed 9 pounds, 7.5 ounces at birth and joins big sister Ryleigh and big brother Robbie.
Announcing Natalie
Announcing Natalie
Thamiris Marta and Vitor Silva of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Natalie Marta Silva, born on Feb. 6, 2012 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Natalie weighed 7 pounds, 8.5 ounces at birth.
Tiernan Arrives
Tiernan Arrives
Suzanna Crowell and Kevin Crowell of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Tiernan James Crowell, born on Feb. 3, 2012, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Tiernan weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces at birth and joins big sister Sienna Rose.
New Nutrition
New Nutrition
Josh and Prudence Levy of Edgartown are the new owners of Vineyard Nutrition. After 24 years, Denise Guest has sold her practice to focus on her Be My Guest Granola product line development.
The Levys recently moved back to the Island to raise their two young boys close to…
Chilmark Special Town Meeting Tackles Future of Tea Lane Farm
The fate of the historic Tea Lane Farm will come before Chilmark voters for a fourth time at a special town meeting on Monday. Voters are being asked to decide whether the town should enter into a long-term lease with a tenant farmer.
The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Chilmark Community…
High School Assessments Stay On Par; Chartwells Raises Bar
Most Island towns will be footing approximately the same share of high school costs next year, except for the two up-Island towns that contribute the smallest percentages of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s nearly $13.59 million in expenses, the regional high school committee reported this week.
Chilmark’s share of the budget is increasing…
Oak Bluffs Makes it Permanent, Hires Interim Town Administrator
Robert Whritenour, who has served as interim town administrator in Oak Bluffs since September, has been permanently appointed to the position by the town selectmen.
At a meeting Tuesday Mr. Whritenour earned glowing praise from the selectmen, who voted unanimously to appoint him. After the vote, the selectmen and an audience of about…
Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening
Never mind what the groundhog predicted. Spring is on the way.
Peter Herrmann of Edgartown reports that crocuses are blooming in his yard at 12 South street. Mr. Herrmann said four crocuses are already in full bloom as of Wednesday, with several more not far behind. “They’re lovely,” he…
Islanders Will Get to Vote on Roundabout
Voters in all six Island towns will now have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the Oak Bluffs roundabout this spring.
Selectmen from five of the six towns have agreed to place a nonbinding resolution on their town ballots. The resolution asks voters whether they approve of the proposed roundabout at the…
Selectmen Vote To Euthanize Dogs
In an abrupt about-face from a decision made just a week ago, the West Tisbury selectmen unanimously voted on Wednesday to destroy two dogs that had killed a neighboring farmer’s chickens. It was the first order to do so in the town in at least 20 years.
County Manager Steps Down After Four Years on the Job
Dukes County manager Russell Smith announced this week that he will resign after four years on the job.
Mr. Smith announced his resignation in public at the county commission meeting Wednesday night, although the plan for him to step down was discussed in executive session with the seven-member elected commission on Jan. 31.…
Visiting Nurses Take Expertise Into the Home
On a recent Monday morning, visiting nurse Kristine Cammorata attended to Marcia MacGillivray at her home in Vineyard Haven to check on a melanoma recently removed from her shin. Mrs. MacGillivray had called the Vineyard Nursing Association (VNA) the previous weekend because she thought the wound was looking too red and puffy.
“See…
Mr. Alosso: Resignation and Reprieve – Criticized in Edgartown Inquest, Joe Alosso Tenders Resignation
Edgartown wastewater plant manager Joseph Alosso resigned Tuesday, bringing to an end a tenure that culminated in a scathing report from special counsel last week alleging Mr. Alosso had acted with “reckless disregard” for Edgartown taxpayers through lax billing practices at the plant.
Wind Farm Project Picks Up Speed Amid Renewed Government Interest
The stage is now set for the development of a massive swath of ocean south of the Vineyard, as the federal government pushes forward with plans to open a 1,300-square-mile plot to wind farm developers beginning 14 miles offshore.
Mr. Alosso: Resignation and Reprieve – Oak Bluffs Wastewaster Commission Tries New Tack To Eliminate Manager
The Oak Bluffs wastewater commission Tuesday rescinded a recent decision to eliminate plant manager Joseph Alosso’s position, instead forwarding a recommendation to the town selectmen that they take the same action.
Pure of Heart
Before there were chocolate, roses, and sentimental cards, there were animal sacrifices, whippings, and nakedness. It must have been quite a party!
Early celebrations of the holiday that would eventually be known as Valentine’s Day were a bit more raucous than our modern-day traditions. As with most Christian-based holidays, there was a pagan…
Edey Foundation Grants
At its annual meeting last week, the Edey Foundation awarded $72,160 to the following organizations:
Have a Heart, Eat a Heart, Day Of Love Not Just for Snuggling
My first memories of making valentines are from my days going to school in Chilmark.
Chicks in the Mail
The baby chicks arrived. They came on Sunday which is very unusual. By a fortunate twist of fate I received the phone message from the Vineyard Haven Post Office in the nick of time. They would have had to spend the night. They already were two days in shipment. The good news about baby chicks…
Eye Trouble
Adam deBettencourt sent us this e-mail while we were attending the festival in Florida: “I have observed what appears to be a conjunctivitis infection in both a male house finch and male American goldfinch that have been visiting my feeder in Chilmark. Has this been noted elsewhere on the Island? I have done some reading…
Youth Hockey
The Mites had an exciting two days of play last week, defeating Gateway 3-1 on Sunday in an away match and traveling to the Garden in Boston itself on Saturday to play a scrimmage between periods of the Bruins/Penguins game. Congratulations to the Mites for their “three minutes of fame!”
Boys’ Basketball Clinches Conference
It may not yet qualify as a dynasty, but the boys’ basketball team has clinched their third Eastern Athletic Conference title in as many years. The Vineyarders defeated Bishop Stang 61-47 Wednesday in the last league game of the season, finishing with a 7-1 record in the conference.
Poets on Television
Poets on Television
On Valentine’s Day why settle for just one suitor when you can fall in love with a host of Island poets, without ever leaving your home, no less?
On Feb. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. MVTV will host a live reading hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Poetry…
Shabbat Service
The Hebrew Center is hosting a Shabbat entitled A Different Friday Night tonight, Feb. 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This service, led by Rabbi Caryn Broitman, is designed to meet the needs of those raised in a Classical Reform Jewish tradition with a liberal mix of Hebrew and English language prayer. There will be…
Woof, Woof for Sea Dog Love
The sea dogs are headed to the bank, the Chilmark bank to be specific.
This month, through March 2, Lisa Vanderhoop will be holding an exhibit of her photography at the Sovereign Bank located across from the Chilmark Community Center.
She is also branching out. The exhibit features numerous valentine cards…
High School Play Airs Good Gossip
High School Play Airs Good Gossip
Each year the Martha’s Vineyard High School drama department creates an original play from scratch to be taken to the annual METG high school theatre competition. The play is created by the students, alumni and staff at the high school. This year the troupe is traveling with…
Love Letters on Stage
Love Letters on Stage
On Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. a production of A.R. Gurney’s play Love Letters will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society located at 238 Main street in Vineyard Haven.
Love Letters was first performed in 1989 and has since been translated into more than 12…
Beach Clean-Up
Beach Clean-Up
That beach isn’t going to clean itself.
This Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon The Trustees of Reservations are hosting a cleanup at Leland Beach on Chappaquiddick. The morning’s work will focus on clearing logs and limbs that have washed up due to the erosion at the…
Short Film Festival
Short Film Festival
This Saturday and next the folks at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society are bringing to the Island a cast of short characters. It’s their annual screening of all the Oscar nominated short films.
On Feb. 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven,…
Vintage Voices Show
Vintage Voices Show
Vintage Voices are presenting a variety concert on Tuesday, Feb. 14, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Tisbury Senior Center. The show features selections from Carousel, Show Boat, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Sesame Street, Gigi, Brigadoon, Fiddler on the Roof, Pajama Game, Guys and Dolls, The Sound of Music, and hits…
Poetry in Chilmark
Poetry in Chilmark
Valentine’s Day starts on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 12, when the second annual Valentine’s readings gets under way at the Chilmark Tavern. The program is hosted by West Tisbury Poet Laureate, Fan Ogilvie. This is the first in a series of six readings to be presented by the Pathways Projects Institute,…
Walking Land Bank Trails — All of Them
The five women range in age from 66 to 84, and their goal is to hike every single one of the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank walking trails. Thus far they have checked off twenty of them, even repeating a few favorites.
Last Sunday the women allowed this reporter to join their hike. We…
