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
June 15, 2012
Restaurant Week
Get a taste of what Vineyard restaurants have to offer at the fourth annual Restaurant Week, starting this Sunday, June 17 and running through Thursday, June 21. Enjoy three and four-course meals at most Island restaurants. Lunch costs between $10 and $20, dinner between $25 and $45. Visit marthasvineyardrestaurantweek.com for a full list of participating…
Community of Boosters
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire community of Martha’s Vineyard for their continued support of the high school athletic program. We had another very successful year. Of the 18 varsity sports programs at the high school, it is a pleasure to announce that 15 of the 18 programs saw post-season…
Renewable Message
The lack of natural gas from Yemen needed to generate electricity at New England power plants this summer has grid managers preparing for possible summer power disruptions, including the possibility of what are sometimes called rolling blackouts. In March, April and May of this year, terrorists in Yemen repeatedly destroyed natural gas pipelines, preventing the…
Good Eggs
Last Saturday there was a memorial service at the Martha’s Vineyard Unitarian Universalist Society on upper Main street in Vineyard Haven. The gathering of family and friends was for John Eggs, a unique individual. Several spoke up about their experiences with John. A few brought down the house with laughter. They all loved him and…
Ageism Alive and Well
As a 46-year-old woman and full-time resident, I felt compelled to write this in response to the job hunting experience I have had this spring. Early on I submitted my resume with 25 years of retail management and sales experience including a college degree in marketing to virtually every retail store in the three down-Island…
Faulty Parking Design
I went to the Tuesday selectmen’s meeting this week to talk about the new angled parking, but opted not to speak in the public comment time because very few listen with empathy. Politicians are funny birds; they know all and are best left to themselves.
Farm Futures
I was pleased to learn on Tuesday morning that the former Thimble Farm, the land that the CSA and others have been working for eight years to protect as an Island resource, has finally made it into the hands of an Island nonprofit. Island Grown Initiative (IGI) will be the new owners, thanks to Eric…
Oak Bluffs Harbor Fest
This Saturday Oak Bluffs Harbor will be packed with food, faeries, and fireworks. The annual Harbor Festival, celebrating the summer solstice and approaching season, starts with a stretch of over 40 vendors selling arts, crafts, antiques and food. There will also be non-profits talking about their missions and plenty of live music.
News Update: Friday, June 15 – Man Accused of Rape, Soliciting Murder Denied Change of Trial Venue
A Dukes County superior court judge Friday denied a change of venue for the upcoming trial of a Vineyard Haven man accused of rape and soliciting the murder of a prosecutor, with the defendant’s lawyer arguing that news coverage of the case would prevent a fair trial.
Tisbury Town Hall Renovation
The Tisbury Town hall offices at 51 Spring street will relocate for the day on Friday, June 15 to complete work on a town hall restoration project. The tax collector will be available Friday at the town hall annex at 66 High Point Lane. The town clerk will be available at the public works office…
Return of an Old Whistle: What a Hoot
It begins with a hiss, rises momentarily toward a cathedral organ blast, then fades to an echoing cry — ancient, urgent, soulful and powerful.
Before the end of the month, if all goes well, Vineyarders and visitors alike will hear this wail calling across Vineyard Haven harbor and, at other moments, along the…
Class of 2012 Celebrates Close Ties Before the Fond Goodbyes
One hundred and fifty-six students gathered under the roof of the Tabernacle for one last time Sunday as they prepared to graduate from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School as the class of 2012.
In the moments before the ceremony began, families, friends and teachers chatted anxiously about the lack of sleep they suffered…
Tisbury School Awards
Tisbury School Awards
The Tisbury School held its Recognition Day for the fifth to eighth grades on Wednesday, June 13. During the ceremony, all students were recognized for their individual contributions towards a positive school environment.
The following special awards were also given:
Jeffrey T. Goodale Memorial Award to…
Emergency Services Facility In Tisbury Nears Completion
A year late and still not ready to be occupied, the Tisbury Emergency Services Facility is slowly but surely inching toward completion.
Wasp Attacks on Black Oaks May Be Spreading on Island
Inside the Polly Hill Arboretum office on Monday afternoon sits Collections and Grounds Manager Tom Clarke with a number of black oak twigs and branches on his desk, one just brought in by arborist John McCarter an hour earlier. With acorns dangling and new foliage sprouting, the twigs are seemingly healthy.
Look closer…
MVC Set to Revisit Roundabout Again
In the wake of overwhelming votes in five Island towns against the controversial roundabout project, a longtime member of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission has called for the regional planning agency to revisit its own position on the plan.
At the end of the MVC meeting last Thursday night, Leonard Jason Jr. announced his…
Vineyard Boys Are State Tennis Champions
SHREWSBURY — Capping a dream season, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School boys’ tennis team won the Division 3 state championship Thursday for the first time in history. The boys defeated Nashoba 4-1 on outdoor courts at the St. John’s High School tennis complex, finishing their season with a perfect 23-0 record.
Thimble Farm Is Saved By Two Large Donors, Island Grown Initiative Will Take Ownership
Thimble Farm, 40 acres of fertile farmland in the center of the Vineyard whose future has been uncertain for the better part of the last year, will be saved as a working farm.
Gladys Widdiss Dies at 97, Was Widely Respected Tribal Elder
Gladys Widdiss of Aquinnah, a longtime Native American leader, noted potter and tribal historian who led the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head for many years, died at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Wednesday. Although she was 97 and frail, Mrs. Widdiss was alert and active. The day before she died she had gone on a…
Return of an Old Whistle: What a Hoot
It begins with a hiss, rises momentarily toward a cathedral organ blast, then fades to an echoing cry — ancient, urgent, soulful and powerful.
Before the end of the month, if all goes well, Vineyarders and visitors alike will hear this wail calling across Vineyard Haven harbor and, at other moments, along the…
Leaving Comfort for New Challenges
On behalf of all the graduates, I would like to start by thanking all the teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, secretaries, custodians and other faculty members who have made today possible. Your dedication and professionalism have had a positive impact on all our lives. I would also like to thank the families of the graduates, whose…
Appreciate and Practice the Little Things
Sixteen days ago I was in Mr. Brissette’s room and had the pleasure of putting the final touches on my last drawing. Even though the lines turned out to be straight, I’m pretty sure I was shaking because I had been anticipating that moment for four years. I was more than excited. It was my…
Chappy Homeowner Is Cited by Board of Health
The Edgartown board of health this week took enforcement action against a Chappaquiddick homeowner who has advertised his Sampson’s Hill properties as luxury vacation rentals, saying the homes may exceed their allowed septic capacity.
In a June 12 letter, health agent Matthew Poole told Stephen Olsson that the board of health is concerned…
Senior Graduate Scholarships and Awards
Senior Graduate Scholarships and Awards
Albridge C. and Margaret Righter Smith Scholarship Fund: PEF, Harcourt, Maya, $1,000.
Alfred F. Ferro and Arthur T. Silva Scholarship Fund: PEF, McCormick, Victoria, $700; Tripp, Ian, $700.
Alfred Metell Memorial Health Sciences Scholarship: DeBettencourt, Kelsey, $1,500.
Alice Blackwood Memorial Scholarship: Yukevich,…
Growing Pains at Rising Tide Nonprofit
Six years ago Vickie Thurber filled a void.
In spite of the numerous horse farms and riding barns dotting the roads and fields of the Island, there was, Ms. Thurber felt, something missing in the equestrian community: therapy riding.
Flyrod Striper Tourney is Big Catch, Release
Superb weather and good fishing helped participants enjoy the 21st annual Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club Flyrod Striped Bass Catch and Release Tournament held last Saturday night. There were 129 fishermen in the event and a total of 123 fish were caught and released. The largest fish measured 43 inches in length and was…
Tennis Season Ends in Dramatic Fashion
They are one of the most successful Vineyard teams of the year, their record only surpassed by their undefeated male counterparts and the 21-3 boys’ basketball squad. They won a second league title in the Eastern Athletic Conference; their only two regular-season losses came at the hands of Barnstable, an undefeated Division 1 powerhouse.
Sharks Back With Bite for Second Season
Welcome back, wooden bats. The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks are back for their second season as the Island’s representative in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. The league, also in its second season, has added five more teams to its ranks since its inception.
Plowing New Ground
Thimble Farm has been rescued once again from possible sale into private hands. And a collective sigh of relief went around the Vineyard farming and conservation community this week at the news that thirty-seven acres of friable farmland in the center of the Island will remain in active food production, hopefully this time forever.
Twice a Week for Summer
It began in June of 1929. That was when the publishers of the Vineyard Gazette made the announcement that the newspaper would begin publishing twice a week.
Twice a Week for Summer
Coming up Roses
They’re cascading over fences, shedding their petals along the edges of sidewalks along downtown streets and villages like so much fragrant, lush confetti. They come in all colors — shell pink, lemon yellow, deep scarlet, creamy white.
Microbes in the Brig
From the Gazette edition of May 15, 1953:
“I’m easing the limber holes in the floors,” Cap’n Roy Smith explained. “This brig doesn’t leak, but she does take rainwater, and there’s something gone wrong with the rain lately. She comes down loaded with germs and microbes, some of ‘em so big that they…
Vineyard Regains Block Grants for Housing, Child Care
The Vineyard has been awarded $2 million in community development block grants by Gov. Deval Patrick for housing rehabilitation and child care subsidies.
Edgartown, West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah were awarded a total of $1.1 million, while $991,000 went to Tisbury and Oak Bluffs. The money will provide some 50 applicants with money…
Coast Guard Names Newest Chief of Woods Hole Station
As the summer recreational boating season begins, the local branches of the U.S. Coast Guard are gearing up in a big way, with a new officer in charge of the Woods Hole station and a new 47-foot motor lifeboat at the Menemsha station.
Chief boatswain’s mate Justin M. Longval was installed as chief…
College Dean’s Lists
College Dean’s Lists
Benjamin Hopkins of Vineyard Haven has been named to the dean’s list at Connecticut College for the 2012 spring semester.
Life-Saving Fisherman Honored Following Car Crash at Big Bridge
Robert (Hawkeye) Jacobs, 64, of Oak Bluffs received a hero’s greeting from a few of his friends at the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Jacobs was honored for saving the life of a 22-year-old woman who was driving a car that went off the Big Bridge in Oak Bluffs…
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has just taken in two adorable, beautifully-trained, well-mannered Lhasa Apsos named Meadow and Mink. Meadow is eight; her daughter Mink is six. They won’t be at the shelter long because they are so nice, but the shelter is insisting that the two go to…
Dredge Committee Chairman Pays Fine
The former chairman of the Edgartown dredge committee said this week that he would take full responsibility for an $8,000 fine levied against the town by the state Department of Environmental Protection for an unauthorized dredge project in Katama Bay early this year.
Vicious Dog Hearing Results In Leash and Muzzle Decision
After a tense vicious dog hearing Tuesday, the Oak Bluffs selectmen ordered the owner of an American Staffordshire terrier to keep the dog muzzled and leashed after she severely injured another dog.
During the hearing, which took more than an hour, some of the selectmen and the town animal inspector advocated for euthanizing…
Brycen Arrives
Brycen Arrives
Emily Cray and David Millen of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Brycen Lee Millen, born on June 7 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Brycen weighed 7 pounds, 1.5 ounces at birth.
Hello, John
Hello, John
Lucie Rodegast and Matthew Townsend of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, John Eric Townsend, born on June 10 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. John weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce at birth.
Welcome Neyla
Welcome Neyla
Jennifer and Erivelton Abreu of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Neyla Maria Abreu, born on June 7 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Neyla weighed 8 pounds, 7.5 ounces at birth.
Scholarships Announced at Class Night
Senior Graduate Scholarships and Awards
Albridge C. and Margaret Righter Smith Scholarship Fund: PEF, Harcourt, Maya, $1,000.
Alfred F. Ferro and Arthur T. Silva Scholarship Fund: PEF, McCormick, Victoria, $700; Tripp, Ian, $700.
Alfred Metell Memorial Health Sciences Scholarship: DeBettencourt, Kelsey, $1,500.
Alice Blackwood Memorial Scholarship: Yukevich,…
Aquinnah
JUNE D. MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks2004@yahoo.com)
With the death of Gladys Anna Widdiss on June 13 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, our Aquinnah community has lost one of its national treasures. She was surrounded by her family. Gladys was a crusader in our Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, representing our tribe across the…
Chelsea Grain Graduates
Chelsea Grain Graduates
Chelsea A. Grain of Chilmark and Sarasota, Fla. graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover on June 3. While at the academy, Chelsea’s achievements included earning a varsity letter in track and field, being elected president of the African American Latino Society, and appearing on the honor roll. Chelsea will attend…
Trinity Church Schedule
Trinity Church Schedule
The 2012 season of Trinity Episcopal Church in Oak Bluffs begins this Sunday, June 17 at 9 a.m. with the Reverend Jack C. Burton as preacher and celebrant of the Holy Eucharist.
The Rev. Burton first came to the Vineyard in the summer of 1958 and moved to…
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
(alleys@vineyard.net)
The weekend weather was superb. The Father’s Day weather forecast for Sunday is for a reasonably good day, but dad will relax at least for one day, no matter what the weather is. Also he will not have to clean up after dinner even…
Edgartown Town Column: June 15
We are still in our transition mode for weather. One day we are in shorts, the next day we need sweatshirts. But it looks like we are going to get the summer weather sooner than later so we just have to be patient.
Chappy
BRAD WOODGER
508-627-4216
(ibwsgolf@aol.com)
I’m back. I know — I said I was leaving, and even made a big deal about going. But the lure of the column game (and its big money) proved too great a draw.
So much has changed on Chappy since I left.…
Zombies Are Hungry So Is Young Auteur
High school students turning into zombies. It’s not only a fair description of students with looming finals — it’s what viewers at the Capawock Theater in Vineyard Haven witnessed on the big screen last Thursday evening at the world premiere of Ian Chickering’s latest film, Last Night on Earth.
Mr. Chickering, the writer,…
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
June 8 70 51 .10
June 9 71 58 .01
June 10 77 57 .00
June 11 78 52 .00
June 12 71 56 .00
June 13 71 58 .13
…
New Faces Grace Museum Exhibits: Island Portraits
Last fall, Nancy Cole the education director of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum visited the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. When she returned she and the assistant curator of the museum, Anna Carringer, came up with an idea for a new exhibit.
“We thought it would be fun to try out a portrait…
New Faces Grace Museum Exhibits: Hands-on History
It is not often a child gets to hold history. That’s why Nancy Cole, Education Director at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, is especially excited for the summer. The museum debuts a Hands-on-History exhibit today, which will bring the past to life through physical interaction. Opening in the old kids’ space of the museum’s Pease House,…
Awarded Degree
Awarded Degree
Alicia Lauren Agnoli has graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine. The daughter of Francine and Jeffrey Agnoli of Edgartown, Alicia received a joint M.D. and master’s degree in public health in ceremonies held May 20. Dr. Agnoli, a 2001 graduate of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, will begin her residency…
Moon, Venus and Jupiter
Sunday morning offers an impressive sight for those up early, particularly for those who have a clear, unobstructed view of the eastern sky. A thin crescent moon appears right next to the bright planet Jupiter, low in the east. The two are in the zodiacal constellation Taurus.
Cape Air to Providence
Cape Air to Providence
Cape Air will resume seasonal non-stop service today, June 15, between TF Green Airport in Providence, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
There will be between four and eight daily flights (depending on the day of the week) between Providence and Martha’s Vineyard and between three and seven daily…
Oak Bluffs School Announces Honor Roll
Oak Bluffs school principal Richie Smith has announced the honor roll for the second trimester of the 2011-2012 academic year.
Eighth grade high honors go to Madeline Alley, Emma Caron, Oliver Carson and Courtney Howell.
University Graduate
University Graduate
Zoe Shanor Crossland recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a bachelor of science degree in plant-insect and soil sciences. She was speaker for her class at graduation. Zoe will continue working for her dad at Crossland Landscape.
Doctorate Degree
Doctorate Degree
Nancy Langman of Vineyard Haven, program director at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Island Counseling Center, received her doctorate in nursing practice in public health leadership from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst on May 11.
The degree carries a specialty focus on Alzheimer’s disease and caregivers.
Her…
Potato Punks
Newspaper man Horace Greeley was overly optimistic in his assessment of the outcome of the battle between human and pest. In the mid 1800s, he insisted that “Man is bigger than the potato bug and he will master it.” I hope Horace wasn’t a betting man.
Mystery Critter
I do my best planning in the middle of the night, since I tend to wake up way too early. I read or schedule my day ahead in my mind. The problem is when I try to get out of bed, the body betrays me. We’re talking stiff and sore here. Wouldn’t I be something…
Terns Turn Up
All of us have been impressed by the birds that have shown up at the old jetties at Harthaven this spring. The latest highlight is Alex Greene’s royal tern on June 8. This species now occurs regularly on the Vineyard in the late summer, but it is unusual in the spring. Another unusual spring tern…
Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week
Get a taste of what Vineyard restaurants have to offer at the fourth annual Restaurant Week, starting this Sunday, June 17 and running through Thursday, June 21. Enjoy three and four-course meals at most Island restaurants. Lunch costs between $10 and $20, dinner between $25 and $45.
Visit marthasvineyardrestaurantweek.com…
Recent Island Real Estate Transactions
Oak Bluffs
Patrick R. and Sandra L. Burt purchased 82 Worcester avenue in Oak Bluffs from James M. and Patricia A. Bowler for $378,000 on June 5.
Edgartown
James A. and Jean M. Hunter purchased 15 East Meadow avenue in Edgartown from Susan H. Bettencourt, trustee of the Susan…
On the Farm, Tending Family Mirrors Garden, Lots of Love
I live with my 97-year-old grandmother Rena in the farmhouse she bought with my grandfather in 1963, as a place for them to retire.
Summer Reading for Kids
Summer Reading for Kids
The joy of reading is endless. So is the joy of cookies.
P.A. Club Artisan Fairs
P.A. Club Artisan Fairs
The P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs is holding a series of Vineyard Creations Fairs, the first one taking place on Sunday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fairs serve as fundraisers for the club’s many outreach activities, including their benevolent work and student scholarships. This year…
Student Art Exhibit
Student Art Exhibit
The Martha’s Vineyard Art Association and Old Sculpin Gallery student scholarship show is Sunday, June 17, at 5 p.m. at the gallery on Dock street in Edgartown.
The student winners are Noelle Nelson, Courtney Mussell and alternate Christine Janak. Noelle Nelson works with graphic drawings with a focus…
Learning to Dance With The Yard
When Laura Roosevelt, the Yard’s new president of the executive board, first started funding the arts in the early 1990s, she did not “get” contemporary dance.
Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival, Faeries Too
Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival, Faeries Too
Harbors are for boats, right? Not necessarily. This Saturday, Oak Bluffs Harbor will be packed with food, faeries, and fireworks.
The annual Harbor Festival, celebrating the summer solstice and approaching season, starts with a stretch of over 40 vendors selling arts, crafts, antiques and food.…
New Yoga Studio
He calls it a studio. She calls it a school. The rest of us call it a great new place to do yoga.
Husband and wife team, Robert and Sherry Sidoti, have just opened their own studio located at 517 State Road, Vineyard Haven, next to the Black Dog cafe. There will be…
Vineyard Playhouse Still Hopping
The Vineyard Playhouse may be under construction this summer, but that isn’t stopping them from putting on plenty of shows. First up are their Monday Night Specials, beginning June 25 and continuing throughout the summer. This year the shows are being held at the Hebrew Center, 130 Center street, Vineyard Haven.
West Tisbury Farmers’ Market Blooms
Jane Hurst woke up last Saturday morning with a challenge: Think way back to last summer and collect all of the items necessary to conduct business at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market, the first of the season.
Fish Farm Love
Fish Farm Love
The Martha’s Vineyard Fish Farm for Haiti project is holding a tennis tournament fundraiser next weekend, June 22 through 24, at Farm Neck Tennis in Oak Bluffs. There will be men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles of all levels.
The cost is $50 per player/per event. Players…
Bloomsday
Bloomsday
James Joyce didn’t name Bloomsday, a worldwide celebration of music and drama based on his work, but he did choose the date. It’s June 16, the day his most famous book, Ulysses, takes place, and the date of his first romantic liaison with his future wife, Nora Barnacle.
Ghostly Gadabouts
Ghostly Gadabouts
Swimmers and sunbathers aren’t the only people moaning for their Vineyard summers to begin. There’s also the plethora of Island ghosts who habitually haunt the downtown streets of the Vineyard. But they are a shy lot, often passing unseen, through and around you.
