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
March 2, 2012
News Update: Thursday, March 8 – Outdoor Seating, New Dining Options Slated for Edgartown
There are signs of life in downtown Edgartown: two new dining options got the green light Wednesday night.
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved Patrick Courtney’s proposal to open a 49-seat restaurant at 55 Main Street, the former In the Woods location, and Bryan MacPhail’s proposal to serve food and ice cream from…
Sounds of Spring
Beldan Radcliffe reports that she heard pinkletinks singing at Pilot Hill Farm on March 7. Hers is the first pinkletink report of the season. Welcome, harbingers of spring!
News Update: Wednesday, March 7 – Boys’ Basketball Squad Advances to Finals
The last Vineyard team standing in the postseason, the boys’ basketball squad, took one step closer to being the last team standing in the state on Wednesday evening, defeating Westwood 89-69 in Taunton in the semifinal round of the MIAA Division 3 South Section Tournament.
News Update: Wednesday, March 7 – Large Donation Saves Oak Bluffs Fireworks Show
The annual firework display in Oak Bluffs will continue this August, thanks to a substantial donation from the cable network Black Entertainment Television.
The future of the firework show was called into question last year when the Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Civic Association, the longtime sponsor of the show, said it could no longer…
Scholarship Deadline Looming
The deadline is fast approaching for 2012 educational scholarships administered by the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard. All scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 15.
The permanent endowment will award 17 scholarships this year to both high school seniors and Vineyard students currently enrolled in college or graduate school. Last year, $144,300…
News Update: Wednesday, March 7 – Mitt Romney Wins Massachusetts — and Island — in Presidential Primary
Mitt Romney can count Martha’s Vineyard among his Super Tuesday victories.
The Island, like the rest of Massachusetts, voted for Mr. Romney in the Republican primary on Tuesday, with the former governor receiving 64 per cent of the Republican vote.
The Boston Globe reports that Mr. Romney won 72 per cent…
Women’s Network Social Gathering
Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network will host a social get-together at the Cellar Bar in Edgartown on Thursday, March 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Bring your business cards and a friend to the bar, located downstairs from Atria restaurant. The meeting is free and open to all members and nonmembers. Cash bar and dinner items…
News Update: Tuesday, March 6 – Selectmen Back Off on Expanding Beer and Wine Sales
The bylaw that allows beer and wine sales in Vineyard Haven will not be expanded — at least not this year.
The Tisbury selectmen announced on Tuesday that a special town meeting article asking voters to allow wine sales at the Tisbury summer farmers’ market failed to gain the backing of the finance…
News Update: Tuesday, March 6 – Edgartown Will Host St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Boston has its famous St. Patrick’s Day parade and revelry. This year, Edgartown will have its own, smaller, celebration of all things Irish.
On Monday, the Edgartown selectmen approved the Kelley House Inn’s proposal for the first annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 17. The parade route is small enough for…
News Update: Tuesday, March 6 – Wampanoag Tribe Makes Play for Fall River Casino
The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has jumped into the casino game again and is requesting a referendum vote from the city of Fall River to operate a gaming facility there.
Fall River mayor William A. Flanagan said he received a request from the tribe’s chairman, Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, on Monday for a…
News Update: Tuesday, March 6 – Girls’ Basketball Team Ends Tournament Streak
The Vineyard girls’ basketball team’s season came to an end Monday night, with the team falling 55-41 to number-two Fairhaven.
The Vineyard girls’ basketball team’s season came to an end Monday night, with the team falling 55-41 to number-two Fairhaven.
This was the first season the team has been to the playoffs…
Super Tuesday is Primary Day
Tuesday, March 6 is Super Tuesday, when 10 states across the nation, and all Island towns, will hold primary elections for the 2012 presidential race.
The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs library, Edgartown town hall, the Tisbury American Legion Hall, the Chilmark Community Center and…
Sail MV Gives High School Sailing Team Gift of New Boats
Like so many Vineyarders do, the high school sailing team gathered Monday afternoon at the Steamship Authority docks to wait for a boat.
Or, more specifically, their six boats, which rolled off the Island Home on the back of a trailer to much applause and cheering.
Thanks to gifts from Sail…
News Update: Monday, March 5 – Basketball Teams Head to Semifinals; Hockey Season Ends
As both high school basketball teams head for the semifinal round of the South Sectional tournament, the Vineyard winter sports postseason has come to a close for both ice hockey team teams.
News Update: Friday, March 2 – Boys’ Basketball Squad Advances to Semifinals
A busy week of Vineyard sports continued Friday night, as the boys’ basketball team advanced to the semifinal round of the Division 3 South Section tournament after defeating visiting Bishop Feehan 71-52.
Deep Ocean Mystique
Last week several right whales were spotted off the Vineyard, and the Gazette ran a story about it. Of course any appearance of the endangered whales is highly unusual and newsworthy.
Women’s Network
Women’s Network
Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network will host a social get-together at the Cellar Bar in Edgartown on Thursday, March 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Bring your business cards and a friend to the bar, located downstairs from Atria restaurant. The meeting is free and open to all members and nonmembers. Cash…
Hello Hazel
Hello Hazel
Signe Benjamin and George Hearn of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Hazel Katherine Hearn, born on Feb. 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Hazel weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces at birth and joins big brothers Hoffman and Harper.
Youth Soccer Preseason Tournament Play
The Martha’s Vineyard youth soccer preseason is off to a busy start, with the under 12 division one boys’ team participating in the annual U.S. Youth Soccer Workshop in Boston last month. The team took part in a demonstration on defending principles. U.S. national team mens’ coach Jurgen Klinsmann provided the keynote speech for the…
In The Fish Bowl
In The Fish Bowl
Assault Charges Dropped
Assault Charges Dropped
An Air Force sergeant accused of assault while on the Vineyard in August as part of President Obama’s protection team will not face charges.
At a show cause hearing in November, district court clerk-magistrate Liza Williamson did not find probable cause to charge Master Sgt. Peter McNally, 41,…
Mites Skate to Title
Mites Skate to Title
Winter sports success continued even for the youngest of Vineyard hockey teams, with the Martha’s Vineyard Mites winning the 2012 Needham B Tournament championship last weekend in Needham.
The team was undefeated in the tournament, winning all three of its qualifying games, against Needham, Milton and Winchester,…
University Dean’s List
University Dean’s List
Counselor Training Begins
Counselor Training Begins
The regional office of the Massachusetts SHINE program has announced that a new training course for Vineyard residents will be offered beginning April 23. The five-day training program will prepare participants for the state certification exam to become a counselor for the state program that provides free and unbiased health…
Farm Institute Plots Innovative Future
A new grant landed by the Farm Institute in Edgartown will make it possible for Island farmers to experiment with innovative crops. The Pilot Parcels Project will make five one-acre plots available to both beginning and experienced farmers this summer.
Farm Institute executive director Jon Previant said this week it doesn’t matter how…
Solar Array at Town Landfill Slated for Spring Operation
A solar array panel at the Aquinnah landfill is on track to be fully operational this spring, after the town and energy cooperative Vineyard Power signed a final lease and power purchase agreement last week.
Voters approved the array at a special town meeting in December, and selectmen, town counsel and Vineyard Power…
County Commission Launches Search for Full-Time Manager
The Dukes County commission launched a search for a new county manager this week.
At a special meeting Wednesday morning the county commissioners decided to advertise for a full-time position and said they will look for someone with strong leadership and communication skills, grant writing abilities and financial management skills.
Call it Confirmed: Rare Chappaquiddick Squirrel Spotted
There are no squirrels on Chappaquiddick. Well, that is until a week ago.
High Price of Gas? Islanders Are Used To It.
As the price of gasoline climbs across the country, putting economists and travel analysts on watch for the coming summer season, Vineyard gas prices that famously top the charts suddenly have good company.
Will gas prices reach $5 a gallon, the national experts ask? On the Island they are almost there.
…
Boston Students Say Edgartown Traffic Headed in Wrong Direction
Concern over traffic and parking problems in Edgartown’s historic town center has spread all the way to Boston.
To Northeastern University, specifically, where a group of transportation engineering students have tackled the town’s traffic situation as part of their senior project.
Vineyard Teams Ignite Martha Madness
March Madness began a few days early for the winter sports postseason, with Vineyard teams going four-for-four in their first games of the state tournament. Girls’ basketball picked up two wins this week, defeating Ashland 49-45 in an away game Tuesday and downing visiting East Bridgewater 52-34 late yesterday, while the boys’ team took a…
State Jobless Rate Falls, But Vineyard Outlook Remains Mixed
While the state unemployment rate fell last year, the economic picture on the Vineyard remains a bit more muddled, with some reporting that workers in this seasonally-driven economy are in a mighty struggle to make ends meet during the winter months.
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
Honoring Island Brazilians
The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living is holding its second in a series of cultural luncheons for 2012 on Saturday, March 3, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Grill on Main in Edgartown. The luncheon will honor our Island Brazilian community. The program speaker is Valci Carvalho. Mr. Carvalho, pastor of the Alliance Community…
Selectmen Hear Neighbors’ Dog Dispute
Tisbury selectmen were called on last week to mediate a barking dog dispute.
Since last spring Nick Mosey claims he has had to withstand relentless barking from a group of five Shetland sheepdogs on an abutting property on West Spring street. But Mr. Mosey told the selectmen his formative upbringing in postwar London…
Pas de Deux on Pickled Wood
Their ages range from 25 to 77, their backgrounds in dance range from ballet to belly dance. But among this group of women, age is rarely a subject for discussion. The women have been meeting since 2008 to practice improvisational dance in Sally Cohn’s beautiful studio in the woods down Pennywise Path in Edgartown. And…
Code Red Use Criticized
A new emergency management protocol for use of the Code Red system has drawn criticism from the Chilmark selectmen, who say the reverse 911 phone system should be streamlined and used only in extreme circumstances.
Bringing Her Songs Home
Her soulful voice has taken her around the world; this Saturday, March 3 it’s taking her back home.
Vineyard native and singer-song writer Jill Zadeh has performed back-up vocals for the likes of Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5, Diana Ross, Patty LaBelle and Joss Stone. This Saturday, March 3 she will take the stage…
Oak Bluffs
HOLLY NADLER
508-274-2329
(hollynadler@gmail.com)
Talk in the most fashionable circles these days revolves around egregious banking practices, but I must say I’ve always loved my local bank, the Oak Bluffs branch of Edgartown National, as well as the amiable and smart folks who work there. I know other townies…
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Feb. 24 57 31 .73*
Feb. 25 51 34 .35
Feb. 26 46 29 .00
Feb. 27 41 21 .00
Feb. 28 51 38 .00
Feb. 29 49 28 .00
…
Thorny Newcomer
It is a strange-looking plant growing in a wetland beside the road — a three to four-foot stump that is maybe three-quarter inches in diameter all the way from its base to its tip, and completely covered with a dense layer of many small thorns. These stumps appear to be broken off, but on closer…
Remembering Julian Robinson
The birding community was saddened to hear of the death of Julian Robinson. His photographs, poems and love of sharing them with young and old alike will be sorely missed. I hope Rob Bierregaard will name the next male osprey that he fits with a transmitter Julian.
Back to the Land
Last Thursday’s New York Times had an article on Eliot Coleman and Barbara Wamrosch of Four Seasons Farm. They are raising food year-round in Harborside, Me. Mr. Coleman purchased 60 acres of land from Helen and Scott Nearing in 1968 for $33 an acre. The Nearings, socialists and free thinkers, built their house out of…
All Eyes on Mars
Astronomers are focusing much attention on the red planet Mars these days. Tomorrow Mars is in opposition or at its closest approach to the earth in two years. The planet is 62.6 million miles away.
Named to Dean’s List
Named to Dean’s List
Juliana Dye of Vineyard Haven has been named to the dean’s list at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for the fall semester. Juliana is pursuing a degree in dental hygiene.
Quiet Island
There are no statistics to show how many Islanders actually leave the Island during the winter school break, which falls this week, one week after most of the rest of public schools in Massachusetts take their winter break. The Martha’s Vineyard Commission does not track the numbers nor does the Steamship Authority, at least with…
Boating Skills Course
Boating Skills Course
The Vineyard detachment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a 10-week boating skills and seamanship course beginning Wednesday, March 7. The course will meet weekly from 6 to 8 p.m. through May 16 at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
(alleys@vineyard.net)
It sure has been like a ghost town all week; this is school winter vacation and many people have left Dodge for a warmer climate while others have gone up north to ski.
Even the usually busy Reliable Market down in Oak…
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
Once again Mother Nature is throwing us a loop. I watched three channels for the weather reports; two said rain and one said snow, so when the storm started I thought for sure we would see snow in some amount. Then it started pouring and…
Chappy
Margaret Knight
508 627-8894
(margaret02539@yahoo.com)
This is one of my favorite weeks on the Island. Anywhere you want to park, there’s a space. Roads are uncrowded; if you need to get somewhere at 3 p.m., you won’t find yourself stuck behind 20 cars and a school bus. Just don’t…
Consider the Albatross
On Tuesday, March 6 beginning at 5 p.m. the West Tisbury Library is hosting a talk by Virginia Carmichael, coauthor of The Albatross and the Fish (University of Texas Press, 2011). The albatross family is currently the most threatened bird group in the world and in their extensively researched book, Robin W. Doughty and Virginia…
Ancient Atlantic Sturgeon in Peril
Atlantic sturgeon, an ancient fish that once swam in local waters and has since become scarce, has been listed by the federal government as an endangered species, setting in motion a long-term effort to restore the fish to previous levels.
Pit Stop Starts New Tradition
By the end of the grand opening night last Friday, it was standing room only at the Pit Stop.
The newest Oak Bluffs music venue that’s housed in a converted Dukes County avenue garage echoed with jazz, folk and rock and roll as Vineyard musicians took the stage to celebrate the first official…
Storm Arrives
Storm Arrives
Kristina Almelda and Chris Pierson of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Storm Ryder Pierson, born on Feb. 24, 2012 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Storm weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces at birth.
Gabriel Arrives
Gabriel Arrives
Angelica Moreira and Laudinei Vilaca of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Gabriel Bonjour Prata Vilaca, born on Feb. 21, 2012, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Gabriel weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce at birth. He joins big sister Julia.
Hello Jhoseph
Hello Jhoseph
Alice Alves Ribeiro and Sebastião Marques Martins of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Jhoseph August Martins, born on Feb. 26, 2012, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Jhoseph weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces at birth.
Boating Skills Course
Boating Skills Course
The Vineyard detachment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a 10-week boating skills and seamanship course beginning Wednesday, March 7. The course will meet weekly from 6 to 8 p.m. through May 16 at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
Award Winning Photos on Display
Award Winning Photos on Display
March is roaring in like a lion with a taste for talented high school students’ artwork.
Fishing Striped Bass: Public Deserves Striped Bass on Menu
At a first-class Vineyard seafood restaurant a diner asks the waitress: “What is the local Vineyard catch of the day?” The waitress responds: “I am sorry, we have no Vineyard fish on the menu today.” And the customer is surprised. “How can that be? I was down on the jetty this afternoon and I watched…
Fishing Striped Bass: A Polarizing Issue – Dwindling Numbers Require New Limits
Figures recently released by a federal monitoring program should have more than raised loud alarm bells: total catch of striped bass by recreational fishermen in Massachusetts has fallen by almost 84 per cent over the past six years. In 2006, more than eight million fish were reported taken by rod-and-reel sports anglers. In 2011, the…
Sophisticated Loan Scams Target Seniors
Here is a short quiz: When does 202 equal 876? Think of telephone area codes, not mathematics. As the 876 area code (Jamaica, West Indies) is increasingly publicized as a red flag for scams on caller ID, schemers are responding by disguising their true locations with seemingly safe substitutes, such as 202 (Washington, D.C).…
For Better or Worse, Dogs Are Like Us
Vampire bats share blood with sick bats too ill to get their own. Who would have thought? Rats laugh when tickled. Who would have thought? A biologist recounted how his dog followed a cart carrying the body of a mule who had been his companion for 12 years. When the mule was buried, the dog…
Smiles Replacing Sorrow in Haiti
You step off the airplane and the hustle
begins. This is Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Bags are temporarily possessed by throngs of porters pushing for tips. Then we are off in a pickup truck with our hosts Margaret Penicaud from the Vineyard, who heads up the Haiti Fish Farm Project here, and Margo Barnes.
…
Chilmark, Alone
From Gazette editions of March, 1937:
Now the last resident of Christiantown is gone. No Indians have lived in that almost deserted village of old times for some years
History Lab
History Lab
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has begun work to transform its current kids’ space into an interactive history lab for children and families to enjoy year round. Following a generous grant from the Leavens Foundation, the museum staff has begun planning the new space, which will open to the public this summer.
Library Logo Contest
Library Logo Contest
The Library Friends of Oak Bluffs are holding a contest to select a logo design to be used on the library’s Web site. The contest is open to any resident on the Vineyard; there is no entry fee. Rules and details of the contest may be obtained by contacting Colleen…
