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
April 13, 2012
News Update: Wednesday, April 18 – West Tisbury Clears Final Hurdle for Beer and Wine Sales
West Tisbury selectmen voted Wednesday to pass regulations for the sale of beer and wine, the final step in turning the historically dry town wet.
The move comes less than one week after voters at the town election overwhelmingly approved permitting the sale of beer and wine at restaurants with more than 50…
Cast Your Vote for your Favorite Island Faces
Martha’s Vineyard Museum and Featherstone Center for the Arts need your help to determine the People’s Choice winner of the Island Faces Portrait Competition. The artist whose portrait of an Island character best captures the voters’ attention will have his or her work displayed at Featherstone in fall 2012. To see the submissions and cast…
News Update: Wednesday, April 18 – Chilmark Asks Coast Guard to Reconsider Rejected Fire Claims
Chilmark selectmen will ask the U.S. Coast Guard to reconsider its denial of town insurance claims from the Menemsha boathouse fire. On advice of their town counsel, the selectmen decided not to pursue an appeal through the U.S. District Court, at least for now.
News Update: Tuesday, April 17 – New Bedford Keeps Pressure on for Freight Service to the Vineyard
New Bedford civic leaders this week doubled down on their push to have the Steamship Authority begin summer freight service between their city and the Vineyard, despite a detailed analysis from SSA senior managers that shows the service would be both impractical and prohibitively expensive.
At the monthly boat line meeting held in…
Marathon Victory for Island Athletes
Congratulations go out to seven hardy Vineyarders, who ran — and completed! — the Boston Marathon in near-record breaking heat on Monday. James Lanctot, 46, of Oak Bluffs, led the pack of Islanders, finishing with a strong 3:47:41. Marylee Schroeder, 47, of West Tisbury and Hilda Lewis, 30, of Vineyard Haven, followed closely behind with…
News Update: Friday, April 13 – Tribe Looks To Build Casino on Vineyard
The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has announced that the tribe is considering bringing gaming to the Island, according to a new Web site published by the tribe’s gaming corporation this week.
“The tribe currently holds land in trust on Martha’s Vineyard for economic development and we would consider that option,” the…
Home
Home
So heist the sails
And cast her off
We’re free
As we can be
Leave the mainland
Far behind
And head her
Out to sea
Forget the stragglers
Let ’em stay
Set…
Vineyard Was Haven, Place of Magic
Editor’s Note: Mike Wallace wrote the following piece for Peter Simon’s book On the Vineyard II, published in 1990. It appears here with permission. Mr. Wallace died on April 7 at the age of 93.
Something extraordinary happens each time I leave my “real” life in New York city and arrive at home…
Titanic’s Legacy In a Small Irish Village
The little village of Lahardan in the parish of Addergoole, built on the banks of Lough Conn and nestled at the foot of Mount Nephin in County Mayo, Ireland, seems an unlikely place to be chosen as Ireland’s Titanic Village. But 100 years ago 14 young men and women left the village to travel to…
Shiretown
Shiretown
I see the Island
As a tall
Sailing ship
In open sea
Each of the six towns
Is a mast
Rising mightily
Above the listing deck
Canvas billowing
Before the
Stiffening breeze…
Goodbye to an Old Friend
The extraordinary longevity of the CBS news magazine 60 Minutes made Mike Wallace feel familiar to Americans of every stripe who planned their Sunday night suppers around the show. On the Vineyard, his familiarity was more than an illusion, and his death last week was a genuine loss to the Island.
He Took the Path Less Traveled
You have to go out of your way to see the Arabian oryxes at the Phoenix Zoo.
The paved loop that circles the zoo splits slightly after you leave the giraffes behind. If you go straight, you go by the lions and tigers, the zebras and cheetahs. This is what most people come…
Letters to the Editor
MORNING AFTER
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
There were some disturbingly undemocratic elements at last night’s West Tisbury town meeting. I wasn’t able to clearly articulate them as the hour grew late, so I didn’t speak.
Three Towns See Big Election Wins; Beer and Wine Allowed
West Tisbury will allow the sale of beer and wine in restaurants for the first time in modern history, Oak Bluffs saw a vote of confidence in town government, with two incumbent selectmen reelected, and spending was approved for two major public library construction projects, one in West Tisbury, the other in Edgartown.
…
The Liberty Oak of West Tisbury
The Liberty Oak of West Tisbury
This old oak tree in West Tisbury has stood so long
in the center of its field close to the center of its town
close to the center of its Island off center of its
country, but certainly center of its…
Oak Bluffs Passes Conservative Budget, Eyes Sustainable Future
There were no harsh cuts this year, and little of the tense, prolonged debate that has come to epitomize recent annual town meetings in Oak Bluffs. Instead, voters in the financially-strapped town worked quickly this week to pass a modest $24.1 million operating budget for the coming fiscal year and approve 24 articles that will…
Edgartown Voters Says Yes to Library Funds
Edgartown voters easily approved $4.9 million in funding for a new town library, along with dozens of other spending requests during a lengthy annual town meeting Tuesday night.
With a gathering of 305 voters at the Old Whaling Church, town meeting members approved most of the items on the 63-article annual town meeting…
West Tisbury Backs Library, Mill Pond Dredging
There was debate and also compromise at the West Tisbury annual town meeting Tuesday night, where a record turnout of voters overwhelmingly backed a new town library and a dredging plan for the Mill Pond, and found a middle ground on paving town roads and allowing dogs on Lambert’s Cove Beach.
Three hundred…
Tisbury Detours Proposed $3 Million Connector Road
Tisbury voters rejected the controversial $3 million connector road proposal at their annual town meeting this week, ultimately convinced by critics of the project that it was too expensive for the town.
Iconic Newsman Mike Wallace Found Peace on the Vineyard
Mike Wallace, the CBS newsman who was a household name across America and a longtime summer resident of the Vineyard, died on April 7 at the age of 93. The familiar television anchorman for the CBS Sunday evening show 60 Minutes was also a familiar figure on the Island, where he had visited since boyhood…
100 Years on, Titanic Still Evoking Emotions, Yielding Scientific Treasures
At Coffee Obsession in Woods Hole on Wednesday morning, Dr. David Gallo, director of special projects at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), thumbed through the pictures on his iPad. But they weren’t of family members or far-flung vacations. Instead he pulled up a high-resolution photo mosaic he took of the RMS Titanic, settled in…
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
For some time the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has been without a single dog looking for a home, but as of this week we have just one — an adorable little pug named Rascal who is eight years old and as sweet as can be. Rascal loves people and…
More Than 300 Attend Easter Service
The hall was filled with people, the message from the minister powerful.
“Go and testify to the way God works, for that is what Jesus’s life, ministry, death and resurrection is all about,” said the Rev. Cathlin Baker to conclude the Easter service last Sunday morning. “Jesus showed us the way God works.…
Aquinnah
JUNE D. MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks2004@yahoo.com)
The warm weather has returned again this week and has brought families to their summer residences for brief stays to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Anne Vanderhoop Madison and her family are getting busy preparing to open the Aquinnah Shop; Berta Welch and her…
Vineyard Haven
NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)
Great flowers are shooting up all over! I meant to get to the Hebrew Center’s second night Seder but couldn’t. However, Renae Brown and her girls, Cheyenne and Monique, had me over for a lovely Easter dinner the next day, with quite a few surprises.…
Nursing Rehab Manager
Nursing Rehab Manager
The Vineyard Nursing Association has named Kathleen Samways, PT, DPT, manager of rehabilitation services and continuous quality improvement. The VNA said it created the new position to respond to the growth in demand for physical and occupational therapy services, which has more than doubled in five years. In 2007 there…
Kids Week at Bank
Kids Week at Bank
Saturn
Sunrise Sunset
Fri., April 13 6:05 7:19
Sat., April 14 6:03 7:20
Sun., April 15 6:02 7:21
Mon., April 16 6:00 7:22
Tues., April 17 5:59 7:24
Wed., April 18 5:57 7:25
Thurs., April 19 5:56 7:26
Fri., April…
High School Teams Off to Good Starts as Spring Season Begins
Girls tennis and boys lacrosse and baseball will all play home games this week before the start of April vacation, with tennis taking to the courts today at 3 p.m. and the boys’ teams playing tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.
Baseball
The Vineyarders’ baseball record stands at 1-0, despite playing two games.…
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
April 6 51 34 .00
April 7 53 31 .00
April 8 53 38 .00
April 9 55 43 .00
April 10 60 40 .00
April 11 59 37 .00
…
Ocean Wilderness
Ocean Wilderness
On Saturday, April 14, Pathways Projects Institute will present the first of a two part exhibition, Ocean Wilderness: A Conversation Across the Arts, Writings & Collaborative Forms. The event — a mix of poetry, music, videography and photography — will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pathways Gathering…
Hello Nathan
Hello Nathan
Gabrielle Joubert and Derick Brodeur of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Nathan James Brodeur, born on April 5 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Nathan weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces at birth.
Victoria Arrives
Victoria Arrives
Jaime Wood and John Dowling of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Victoria Mae Dowling, born on April 4 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Victoria weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces at birth and joins big sister Ashley and big brother Brendon.
Welcome Anderson
Welcome Anderson
Guinevere and Matthew Cramer of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Anderson James Cramer, born on April 9, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Anderson weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces at birth.
Welcome Isaac
Welcome Isaac
Celia Dos Reis and Abraaó Alves of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Isaac Reis Alves, born on April 4 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Isaac weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces at birth.
Welcome Freya and Hailey
Michele Mayhew and Jeremy Mayhew of Chilmark announce the birth of twin daughters, Freya Greer Mayhew and Hailey Risa Mayhew, born on March 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Freya weighed 6 pounds, 6.5 ounces and Hailey weighed 5 pounds, 4.3 ounces at birth.
Chilmark
JANE N. SLATER
508-645-3378
(slaterjn@comcast.net)
Chilmark is glowing yellow this week as the yellow flowers persist with lots of green leaves adding themselves to the visual treats. So the seasons meld and move along in the county.
Edgartown
KATHIE CASE
508-627-5349
(kathleencase@comcast.net)
April Showers bring May flowers. We have the flowers but we really do need the showers. Though we have had beautiful days, the wind has been keeping the temperatures down. Still, the sun makes you smile and gives the energy you need to get though…
Chappy
Margaret Knight
508-627-8894
(margaret02539@yahoo.com)
As the grass greens and the honeysuckle and autumn olive start to leaf out on Chappaquiddick, the feeling of spring is firmly established despite cool and windy days, and nighttime frosts. On warm nights the peepers’ chorus can be heard, but there have been many…
With Help From Island Friends, Their House Becomes a Home
Ralph Gross stood in his brand new living room one afternoon this week, the freshly painted yellow walls and new furniture a far cry from the room that once held two bunk beds for his five sisters and mother.
“We washed the clothes over there,” Mr. Gross, 74, said pointing to the new…
Beetlebung Coffee House
Beetlebung Coffee House
In search of a Bungaccino? An Eggwich? A panini? Fans of the Beetlebung Coffee House, located for nearly seven years on Beach street in Vineyard Haven, will now have to travel up-Island to enjoy their coffee and sweet treats. Renee Molinari, who co-owns the Beetlebung coffee shop and sister retail…
Former Probation Officer Is Sentenced on Drug Charges
The former longtime chief probation officer for Suffolk superior court was sentenced to three to five years in prison on Friday on drug charges that occurred on the Vineyard.
Milton Britton Sr., 66, pleaded guilty in Dukes County superior court to possessing class B drugs (cocaine) with intent to distribute.
By SARA BROWN
…
Business Grant
Business Grant
The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network has extended the application deadline for a small business grant to Friday, April 13. The $2,500 grant will be awarded to a local small business person (man or woman) based on the Vineyard who plans to improve, grow or start a new business. The applicant’s project…
Honors List
Honors List
Claire Chatinover of Edgartown and William Kadison of Vineyard Haven have been named to the Tabor Academy honors list for the first semester for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Selectmen Will Revamp Town Dredge Committee
A few months after an unauthorized dredge project was carried out in Katama Bay, the Edgartown selectmen Monday agreed to a plan to reconfigure the town’s dredge advisory committee.
The new committee will consist of one member of the marine advisory committee, one member of the conservation commission, one member of the shellfish…
Cable Contract With Comcast Now Expected in May or June
Nearly a year after talks began to renew a 10-year franchise with Comcast for cable television service on the Vineyard, the Island cable advisory committee chairman said this week that she now expects to see a contract completed by May or June.
Committee chairman Jennifer Rand said service to Chappaquiddick remains a key…
Bunch of Grapes Turns the Page, Will Move to Bowl and Board
The Bunch of Grapes, the landmark Vineyard Haven bookstore that has been the go-to place for Islanders and summer visitors alike — including sitting U.S. presidents — to buy their books for more than 40 years, will relocate, owner Dawn Braasch announced last week.
Protecting Firefighters
Protecting Firefighters
Firefighters’ work is stressful enough. Now, thanks to legislation passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives, they may have one less burden to bear.
Pink Slime Beef Additive Is Expelled from Vineyard Schools
The beef additive known as pink slime is off the menu at all Vineyard public schools.
Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss said this week that as of two weeks ago all the meat in question has been put aside. “We are not using it in any student lunches across the Island,…
Statewide Pornography Sweep Nets Oak Bluffs Man
A statewide sweep by criminal investigators of child pornography suspects this month has resulted in the arrest of more than 30 people across the commonwealth, including an Oak Bluffs man. The sweep was led by Massachusetts state police and the state Attorney General.
Josemar Boldrini, 43, of Oak Bluffs, was arraigned in Edgartown…
Bicoastal Musical Sounds Come Together at the Pit Stop
Longtime friends Kenny Lockwood, Paul Thurlow and Nancy Jephcote joined with Washington state-based Daniel Macke on Friday at the Pit Stop to play a medley of their original compositions for a large and appreciative audience. Nancy and Paul met Daniel in Port Townsend last year on a trip to the west coast, played music with…
Julius, Seize Her: This Is Shakespeare?
The Ides of March are coming a month late to the Vineyard.
Friends, Romans, countrymen, and Vineyarders are invited to Shakespeare for the Masses’ staging of Julius Caesar at the Pit Stop this weekend.
Pieces of Eight
Fowler’s Modern English Usage takes a hard line.
Just try to pluralize the word octopus; I dare you. Say “octopodes” and Fowlers calls you “pedantic;” using the term “octopi” is simply misconceived. Fowler’s asserts that there is only one acceptable option and that is “octopuses.”
Fast and Furious
p>The bird sightings have been fast and furious. Spring is definitely on its way.
Mugwort Runs Rampant
My perennial beds are in serious disrepair. I did manage to get them cut back of last season’s debris. However they haven’t seen a cultivator or any fertilizer in a few years, forget about any weeding taking place. The mugwort has run rampant. For those of you unfamiliar with this weedy artemisia, it is in…
Blood Drive
Blood Drive
Arrangers Represent Vineyard at Art Show
Floral arranger Mary Louise Perry and assistant arranger Simmy Denhart will represent the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club during the annual Art in Bloom show at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston this month. Ms. Perry and Ms. Denhart will create a flower design that interprets a work of art, one of 50 designs submitted…
Authors Discuss Books at State Road Speakeasy Series
State Road Restaurant’s Speakeasy Series returns next week with more unrivaled chances to mingle and speak with respected authors. This Tuesday, April 18, author John Hough Jr. will discuss Seen the Glory, a novel about the Battle of Gettysburg and two young brothers who volunteer to serve their country. Future participating authors include Alexandra Styron,…
Singing for Supper
Singing for Supper
Cultural Luncheon
Cultural Luncheon
The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living is holding the third in a series of cultural luncheons on Saturday, April 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at The Grill on Main in Edgartown. The luncheon will examine the history of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association in Oak Bluffs. Tickets are $25,…
Lobster Rolls
Lobster Rolls
Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven will serve its last round of off-season lobster rolls this Sunday, April 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a lobster roll, chips and a beverage for just $15 — a perfect way to lighten your wallet after tax returns. Hot dogs and assorted…
Saints and Sinners
Saints and Sinners
Calling all Minnesingers, past and present! Your dulcet tones linger in our memories, but what about your photos of concerts and travels with the minstrels? Those are harder to recall. That’s why the Minnesingers needs your help.
Ten Years of Ad-Libbing; Now That’s IMPressive
Three teens, two girls and a boy, clad in jeans and nondescript navy blue sweatshirts stand on a stage and wait for a cue from the audience. “France!” shouts a woman from a few rows back. The performers leap into action, willing to personify whatever they think means All Things French. “Oui!” shouts the boy.…
