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
August 3, 2012
Health Care Reform
Like the Vineyard Gazette, I am a firm supporter of Obamacare. Much effort and thought went into developing a plan that phases in changes over several years that are intended to fix our ill-performing health care system.
More on Obama
What did you think when you heard President Obama say, “If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.” Did this statement make you angry or nod your head? Prof. Elizabeth Warren shares this bitter ideology and has used it against Sen. Scott Brown.
Sounds Like An Island
I have been going up to the Vineyard on a regular basis for the past 22 years, spending several weeks each in the spring, summer and fall. Early fall is my favorite time of year; the water is still warm, a lot of shops are still open and the huge crowds are gone.
Unfair Decision
Recently I read David Hearn’s letter regarding the denial of his request to install a pier from his property on the Vineyard Haven side of Lagoon Pond. The conservation commission denied his application yet again, based on the town bylaw. Generally, local bylaws are put in place by communities to compliment the Wetlands Protection Act…
Lyme Literature
Everyone who has Lyme disease or knows someone who does, go to your local library and see if they have two notebooks compiled by Steven Cabana. One is titled Ticks, and the other is Chronic Lyme Disease Recovery Protocols Used by Lyme Literate Practitioners.
Right to Arms
Ed Gyne in Milwaukee in the 1960s, Charlie Manson’s gang in the 1970s, the Oklahoma City bombing, genocide in Rwanda and 9/11 — it appears the perpetrators relied on knives, fertilizer, machetes, box cutters and airplanes to perpetrate their atrocities. It seems that mass murderers employ many means, so much so that one might easily…
EMS to the Rescue
A recent heavy rainstorm, complete with thunder and lightning, set off an alarm on our property. We needed help to deal with this situation and called the communications center. Within minutes of our call, fire chief Manny Estrella was at our house, and happily all was satisfactorily and speedily resolved.
Concrete Plan
There has been a strong appeal by recent letter writers to retain the 16 transient fixed wooden dock spaces in Menemsha harbor in lieu of replacing them with concrete floating docks as proposed by the harbor master.
The proponents of this appeal claim that the concrete floating docks will “dramatically change the character of the…
Menemsha Compromise
The Chilmark selectmen are ready to move on to phase three of our plan for rebuilding the docks in Menemsha harbor. This part of our plan calls for rebuilding the fuel dock, the transient yacht dock and other small repairs to our harbor.
Mansions Welcome
I read with increasing alarm about people who want to limit the size of the their neighbors’ homes. I wonder what the old whaling captains would think of this. If you don’t want a big house, don’t build one.
I currently live in the largest house in Edgartown and thoroughly enjoy it.
Little to Love
In Mending Wall, the poet Robert Frost wrote that “something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” I thought of this poem after reading “Super-sized Houses Are Talk of Towns” in the July 27 issue. I think I know what Frost meant.
Big House Oversight
I congratulate the Gazette on its coverage in your July 27 issue of the large house issue and of the related zoning board of appeals hearing in Chilmark last Wednesday concerning the Zoia property on the shore of Nashaquitsa Pond. In fact, we are fortunate to have had this hearing which has highlighted the weaknesses…
Land Bank Revenues: July 27
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $110,650 for the business week ending on Friday, July 27, 2012. The land bank receives its funds from a two per cent fee charged on many Vineyard real estate transactions. Much of the land bank revenue last week came from the town of Edgartown, where five transactions…
More on Obama
What did you think when you heard President Obama say, “If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.” Did this statement make you angry or nod your head? Prof. Elizabeth Warren shares this bitter ideology and has used it against Sen. Scott Brown.
Phone Scam Alert
Phone Scam Alert
Dukes County Veterans Agent Jo Ann Murphy is cautioning Vineyarders to be wary of telephone solicitations to raise money for veterans.
Ms. Murphy said that she’s heard from a few people who have received the phone calls, but she has not been contacted about any fundraising endeavors that…
A Peek Past the Gate of Key Beaches
Driving down Moshup Trail in Aquinnah, it’s easy to feel left out of the cool kids club as you pass by gate after gate, chain after chain of locked-away beach. But for a few lucky souls, there exist magical keys. Jiggering a key into a rusted and salted-over lock is a two-person project. There’s a…
Bill on Great Ponds Remains Stalled As Legislature Begins Summer Recess
A controversial bill that could dramatically affect property rights for some of the Vineyard’s barrier beaches was left stalled as the state legislature wrapped up its session Tuesday.
Vineyard Veterans Locked in Ongoing Battle for Health Care
Almost six months later, the story is the same: still no access to on-Island health care for Vineyard veterans, with no clear end date for the waiting game.
It’s been about four years since officials became aware that a contract for on-Island health care expired, and ever since, veterans have been largely forced…
Possible Dreams Auction Unites With New Focus
For years, the Possible Dreams auction has been uniting the Vineyard. Year-round residents and summer visitors, dreamers and donors, come together for a night of philanthropy and possibility.
Young Entrepreneur Donates Dream in Honor of Mentor
Among the many donated items to the Possible Dreams auction on Monday are two watches that tell much more than time. Rubin Cronig, owner of Vineyard Time watches and AquaNaut in Vineyard Haven, is donating two West Chop Lighthouse watches to the auction featuring dials scrimshawed by the late Tom DeMont, a well-known Edgartown scrimshaw…
Island Prepares for Hurricane Season
Emergency preparedness leaders on the Vineyard say they are not only well along in their plans for this year’s hurricane season — which began officially June 1 — but their preparations have improved over a year ago.
Last summer’s close approach of Hurricane Irene was not as severe for the Island as in…
Island Hopping for a Cause, V.I. Governor Comes to Vineyard
Governor John de Jongh is no stranger to island-hopping. After all, he’s in charge of a territory that includes three main islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands — St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. But last weekend he traveled over 1,000 miles to visit this Island, and attend an event to celebrate…
Gibbous Moon
A gibbous moon dominates the evening sky this weekend and well into the coming week. The moon rises tonight soon after sunset. The moon is two days past full moon, and still a bright night-time object.
Temperatures
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
July 27 78 70 Trace
July 28 85 70 Trace
July 29 77 67 1.96
July 30 75 65 .03
July 31 78 61 .00
August 1 74 66 1.68
…
Nature’s Veteran, John Mayhew Receives Full Geese Flyover
John W. Mayhew would have liked the flyover at his graveside service on Saturday afternoon. Preceding a brief service that included military honors, a large flock of Canada geese flew over in chevron.
There were gasps as all looked overhead and watched the event. The timing, in unison with the salute, was perhaps…
After Selling Alcohol to Minors, Sophia’s Suspended for 10 Days
The Edgartown selectmen have suspended an Edgartown package store’s license for 10 days after repeated violations for selling liquor to minors.
The board voted at their meeting Monday to suspend the liquor license for Sophia’s One Stop Mart on Upper Main street from August 15 through August 24, acting on the recommendation of…
Vineyard Hosts Junior Windsurfers
Three beeps from the race committee horn and the group of windsurfers competing in the U.S. Junior Windsurfing Championship pull up their sails, get settled on their boards and glide to the starting line.
Two beeps and it’s two minutes to race time at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.
One beep…
Arena Begins Fundraising for Makeover
In the mid 1970s, shortly after the all-volunteer crew had begun work on the exterior walls encircling the patch of ice that would become the Martha’s Vineyard Arena, a gale swept through the Island and knocked down nearly all the cement blocks, destroying the steady progress.
A call went out. More volunteers rallied…
Reaching Out to Men, To Stand Up for Women
A line of men holding signs and standing on the seawall along Vineyard Haven harbor Saturday prompted motorists to slow down, wave and honk their horns in support of the group’s message: end domestic and sexual violence.
Among those on the wall near the drawbridge landing were several police officers, including Oak Bluffs…
Please Adopt Us
Please Adopt Us
The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has a very special offer to all cat lovers on the Island — the adoption fee will be waived for all the long-term cats at the shelter.
Menemsha Dock Plan Set for a Vote
The character of Menemsha is expected to be a topic for debate at a Chilmark special town meeting on Monday, when voters will be asked to approve an extensive new dock and pier system in the historic fishing village.
The meeting begins at 8 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center. Longtime moderator Everett…
Creatures of Habit
From the Gazette editions of August, 1934: Bradlee Martin, sage of Tiah’s Cove, came into town on Tuesday, looking, as he said, “for a sight of them yatches.” “Big doin’s up around our way,” observed Bradlee. “I’ve always told Pashy not to set the alarm clock for earlier than 3 o’ clock, and the other…
Thoughts on the Gene Pool In Oak Bluffs Harbor
Learjets on final approach ride wakes of noise, the whoosh of traffic throbs off the seawall and the wail of the lumpen mob soars over Circuit avenue.
It’s summer.
It’s time for the earnest toilers of commerce to harvest the golden hordes. In fact, it’s July 21 and the Monster Shark…
Friends in Need, Philanthropic Deeds
Today is Philanthropy Day on Martha’s Vineyard. Proclaimed by Dukes County, it’s a day to honor everyone, seasonal and year-round for the tremendous amount of time and money you donate to preserve the Vineyard and keep its nonprofits running.
In the last year there’s been a lot of philanthropy to thank you for.…
Vineyard Haven Town Column: August 3
I can definitely say that the three Nancy Gardellas were on-Island last weekend. One was no doubt very busy at the chamber of commerce, one had made a circuitous route here from Florida to New York to Pennsylvania, and the other one is running a combination youth hostel and pet retreat.
West Tisbury Town Column: August 3
This past weekend automobile traffic seemed to increase everywhere and it appears busy all around town. We have passed the peak of the summer season as some college students will begin leaving to return to school or get ready for it by next weekend.
Trinity Episcopal
Trinity Episcopal
The Rev. John Rice, former Canon for Congregations in the Diocese of Massachusetts, will lead services at Trinity Episcopal Church in Oak Bluffs on August 5 and 12.
Trinity Episcopal Church, located across from the Steamship Authority in Oak Bluffs, is the first Episcopal house of worship built on…
Chilmark Town Column: August 3
Chilmark has enjoyed soaking up the heavy rains of the past week. I can almost hear the sighs of relief from every plant in view. It was a great treat and a good start to August. No one can doubt that it is August. Somehow, the volume of cars, visitors, needs and chores all hit…
Aquinnah Town Column: August 3
Today at the Aquinnah Cultural Center, Janette Vanderhoop will demonstrate traditional painted clothing decoration. Paint is applied to deerskin with toothpicks, simulating ancient methods of decorating. Paint and take your deerskin sample home. Crafting fee, $5. On Saturday, August 4, Doug Vanderhoop and his family will show how to weave and bead your own dreamcatcher.…
Balancing Act
It is fascinating to watch the perennial storm over regulating large houses play itself out this summer in Chilmark, known as much for its Yankee individualism as for its wealth and rural charm. It is unfortunate, but perhaps unavoidable, that the issue has become so personal: the tension between personal property rights and community standards…
Beware of Riptides
August is the month when ocean swimming is at its best; the water has warmed enough to make long swims a pleasant escape from the heat and dust of summer. This is also the month when hurricanes and tropical storms can come barreling up the coast from the warmer waters south of us and kick…
On Gosnold Time: Do NOT Have a Heart Attack There
Somewhere on a chain of islands off Martha’s Vineyard:
You may recall the headline of last March 6: “Angry Island Mob Attacks Bird Watcher; Injuries Result.” Angry? Probably not. Mad? Absolutely. Elvin Jane, the birdwatcher in question, visited the island again last week and we pretty much got things straightened out.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: August 3
“The history of one’s own locality should be known to each of its citizens, since one cannot appreciate the present conditions without some understanding of the causes which have produced these conditions.” This prefaces Martha’s Vineyard, History-Legends-Stories by Henry Franklin Norton in 1923.
East Chop
I am on a plant-only diet. With all those beans in my tummy, you won’t be surprised to learn that when I recently walked over to see my friend Bob Coe, I couldn’t keep my eyes from looking across the way at the old Ahoma Inn. The Ahoma Inn was a favorite eating place for…
Shopping for the Betterment of Women’s Health
Judy Hartford, owner of Red Mannequin Boutique and Bananas, and Stina Sayre, owner of Stina Sayre Design — both board members of the Friends of Family Planning of Martha’s Vineyard — are taking their convictions to their cash registers.
Meet the Coaches
If the Olympics has taught us anything, it’s that behind every strong athlete stands a possibly less strong, but certainly more patient coach coaxing athletes to success. On Tuesday, August 7, stop by the regional high school to meet this year’s crop of coaches who aim to have a similar impact on our Island kids.…
Chappy Town Column: August 3
I learned early that life is full of disappointments (thanks, little league and school dances). And my tenure on Chappy has done little to dissuade those lessons of youth. Chappy has a way of reminding one of one’s limitations, and of punishing too-generous helpings of pride.
Sharks Scavenger Hunt
Funhunters Scavenger Hunt has teamed up with the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks to make America’s favorite pastime pass by even more enjoyably.
Announcing Kai
John W. Larsen and Venuta M. Carulli announce the birth of their son, Kai Mangan Larsen, on July 2 at the Family Health and Birth Center in Northeast Washington, D.C. Kai weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and was 21 inches long at birth.
Edgartown Town Column: August 3
We have rain. I know some don’t want it, but the ground is so dry it is a welcome to farmers and the animals who depend on ponds and greens for survival. So for now let’s be happy we have some rain.
Subscription Offer
The Vineyard Gazette is being distributed free across the Island this week as part of an annual effort to encourage new subscribers. The full issue is also available for free online. For a limited time offer, you can subscribe — or renew your subscription — for two years, and get your choice of two new…
Keeping Up With the Siegels
In 2007, David and Jackie Siegel were living in a rather large home in Florida — 26,000 square feet of large home, that is. But they felt hemmed in and needed more room to roam. Consider them the human equivalents of antelopes seeking the wide open range, albeit with appliances, a roof and walls, eventually.
Urge to Create More Than Guilty Pleasure
Some people can do everything. Case in point, artist Elizabeth Langer not only creates magnificent artwork, she was also a successful lawyer working for the U.S. Depatment of Justice in Washington, DC and later in private practice.
But all that legal eagle stuff is behind her now, the creative lure so much more…
Extraordinary Doctor
Some people simply do amazing things and Dr. Darrell Pone is one of them.
On Monday, August 13, at 5 p.m. Dr. Pone is coming to the Vineyard to share the story of how he became a physician despite being born with cerebral palsy. He has practiced in the field of physical therapy…
Dream On, Read On
Tex: A Book For Little Dreamers, is, in a way, about all of us. It’s about wanting what you don’t have, and dreaming about far-off places and a different life. It’s about a little boy who lives near the ocean and his dreams of having tall mountains to climb, wide open fields to
…
African American Film Festival Rolls
Run and Shoot may sound like a basketball slogan, but it’s actually the name of a transmedia company that founded the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival ten years ago. This year’s festival, headed by husband and wife team Floyd and Stephanie Rance, will feature close to fifty films, including shorts and feature-length films, which…
All-Island Art Show Arrives
In London, the Olympians are battling it out in feats of strength and endurance. Here on the Vineyard, we have our own contest coming up, no less feverish in its pursuit of glory, ribbons to the victors, too, but with the scales tilted to right brain activities rather than speed and brawn. Welcome once again…
Chamber Society
This Monday, August 6, will bring an unlikely visitor to the Island, a Dodd harpsichord. It’s not a total stranger to the Island, but Chamber Music Society artistic director Dee Stevens estimates that it’s been 20 years since it’s been heard here. This Monday and Tuesday, Ms. Stevens will play the rare instrument in a…
Jill Iscol Speakeasy
Author Jill Iscol headlines the Speakeasy series on Wednesday, August 8, at the Granary Gallery, located on Old County Road in West Tisbury. The Speakeasy events are hosted by the Granary Gallery and State Road Restaurant, in collaboration with the West Tisbury Library Foundation, Inc., to benefit the library’s capital campaign.
John Lennon’s Artistic Message Will Possess, Caress Vineyard
It was fitting, maybe inevitable, that Yoko Ono and John Lennon met in an art gallery at a showing of her work in London. Now, more than 40 years later, Ms. Ono has established a tradition of exhibiting Mr. Lennon’s art around the United States to celebrate her late husband’s passion for peace and love,…
What if Goliath, Not David, Had Won?
Dressed in a simple tunic, carrying only his slingshot and a sack of stones, a poor shepherd boy approached the nine-foot-tall giant.
With courage and a steady hand, David slung one small stone right smack at Goliath’s head, knocking out the Philistine’s war hero.
It’s a tale most are familiar with…
Passing the Apron at Aquinnah Shop
You won’t find beef tripe on the menu at the Aquinnah Shop Restaurant. It’s made from part of a cow’s stomach, which may be slightly less appealing to Island visitors than fresh seafood caught offshore. But Jacob Vanderhoop, head chef at the restaurant, knows how to cook tripe. He learned this and other exotic cooking…
Washashore Art
Washashore Art
One clever way to clean up a beach is to collect trash and turn it into art. That’s what artist and art teacher Wendy Shalen did, using found floating debris from beaches on the Vineyard, Long Island and Florida as subject matter for her handmade paper seascapes. The series is called…
At Last, Fair History Explored and Explained
The first Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair was held on October 26, 1858: it was announced on September 15 of that year. And thus began a pilgrimage that would be unfamiliar in nature though familiar in spirit to modern-day fairgoers: 1,800 people made their way to the Grange Hall in West Tisbury…
Artist Barney Zeitz Celebrates His Window on the World
Up the stairs to Barney Zeitz’s bedroom, light peeks in from the stained glass pieces on the wall, leaving purple and blue shadows on the wood. The railing on the right, welded by Mr. Zeitz, curves alongside the stairs until it meets his and his wife’s bedroom door.
“That’s one of the first…
From Hutch to Table a Short Hop
Our rabbits live in little cages made out of different odds and ends left around the farm. We have four cages with chicken wire covering the bottom to keep them from burrowing their way to freedom. They are placed in our fields over our spent crops with the idea that the bunnies will clean up…
Beetle Mania
These brilliant beetles are easy to spot and hard to forget.
Spots are the way to identify the six-spotted green tiger beetle, but don’t take the name too literally. The beautiful beetles defy the confines of their given name.
For instance, don’t waste time counting spots for an identity confirmation. The…
Joyce Carol Oates Stirs Up Wild Night, Miniature Emily Dickinson in Tow
What would happen if we actually were able to live with the celebrities we fawn over? You’d need to fully restock your kitchen three times a day to support Michael Phelps. Annie Oakley would surely stir up trouble with the neighbors. Whoever it is, normal life would simply go awry.
In her work-in-progress…
Birds and Words Make the Man
Warren Woessner, a self-described Renaissance man, is a poet, a chemist, a lawyer, and an active blogger. But on the Island, Mr. Woessner, 68, is primarily a “birdwatcher.” The term is, technically, outdated, he says, since bird enthusiasts began trying to distinguish themselves from the “little old ladies in their tennis shoes,” by referring to…
Life Lesson: Follow Your Art
It’s hard to pinpoint the best label to suit Louisa Gould. Is she a photographer, a painter, a business consultant or a sailor? She’s worked on Wall Street, photographed the Olympics and multiple sailing events and worked as a videographer. But this weekend, Ms. Gould will play the part of gallery owner, as she celebrates…
The Decisive Rock and Roll Moment
After graduating from Whittier College in the 1960s, Guy Webster decided to join the army reserves for a six-month stint rather than go to Viet Nam. For the first three months he purchased, shipped and decorated Christmas trees. For the second half he taught photography, even though he had never even held a camera before…
Fresh off Ruining Lives, Now Breaking a Leg
My mom is trying to ruin my life. A simple sentence that has become a catchphrase for generations of young people. But one of these life-ruining moms recently embraced her status and wrote a children’s book in honor of her role as the so-called villain in her daughter’s life.
Refreshing Rain
Last Saturday night’s rain made me completely happy. It was a serious downpour. Sunday morning was refreshing with all the green world at peace once again. No amount of irrigation can equal a nice rain. It’s remarkable how quickly the lawns bounce back. Some were so dry it felt like walking across potato chips.
Poetry of the Present: Emotional and Alert
Poet Terrance Hayes, a former college basketball player, prepares for all of his readings as if they were basketball games. “I have got to bring my A-game,” he said. “If you score by making dunks, or even if you are playing great defense, people can be appreciative of what you are doing if you are…
Hard-Boiled Jake Cleans Up the Vineyard
There are all manner of real-world characters who escape to Martha’s Vineyard — to start a new life, to get away from their old one or simply to enjoy the Island. Some are accomplished lawyers, some are alcoholics, some are philanderers, some failed husbands. Jake Dellahunt, Vineyard Lawyer, with an office on the Cape, happens…
Recent Island Real Estate Transactions
Chilmark
Edward Solomon purchased 27 Old Ridge Hill in Chilmark from JP Morgan Chase Bank for $1,000,000 on July 27.
Elizabeth Rose and Cindy Anderson purchased Black Point Beach Lot, Parcel Two in Chilmark from Susan B. Whiting, individual and trustee, and William A. Oates, Jr. trustee of the John W.…
Kids Got the Fever, But No Worries: It’s Just Heat of the Dance-O-Rama Beat
Red and green lights flash around the stage and disco balls twirl overhead. Music thumps from the speakers. Neon necklaces glow from amidst the dancing crowd.
Peter Asher, Sister Kate Reunite For Live Memoir Performance
When Peter Asher first heard Kate Taylor sing, he was instantly impressed. “I loved the texture of her voice and her phrasing, so I said, let’s make a record.”
Not one for idle chatter, Mr. Asher then produced her first record, Sister Kate. The year was 1971.
“She was even more of…
Jazz Summers on the Vineyard Too
On Monday John Lee stood in the Tabernacle, excitedly talking about the second annual Martha’s Vineyard Jazz Festival. It was the same place he first came up with the idea. He pointed to the front few rows. “I sat in these pews with my daughter and visualized having a festival,” he said.
At…
Hummingbird Moths
I must deviate from bird news to speak of other winged creatures, the snowberry clearwing and the hummingbird clearwing. These two belong to a group known as the sphinx moths and they mimic hummingbirds in shape, size and behavior. They have been everywhere this summer. The hummingbird moths are about an inch to an inch…
When Night Falls
Night fishing is one of the hidden pleasures of the Vineyard. Travel along the beach during a bright sunny day and there are a few anglers out there trying to catch the big one. Visit the same place, hours later at night, and there is a community of quiet fishermen. The beach may seem eerie…
July 27: Partly Sunny in the Morning
Friday, July 27: Partly sunny in the morning. Cloudy late morning. Edgartown inner harbor is a forest of masts and big sailboats. Outboard powered dinghies crisscross the harbor like ducks on a pond.
Bustle Lies Beyond These Small Walls
Most of the time the Aquinnah Public Library lies dormant. Activity in the center of Aquinnah takes place at the town hall, not at the little red schoolhouse building across the street.
0 Black Point Beach Lot, Chilmark
00 Black Point Beach Lot in Chilmark sold for $315,000 on July 27.
88 South Water Street, Edgartown
88 South Water street in Edgartown sold for $2,700,000 on July 25.
27 Old Ridge Hill, Chilmark
27 Old Ridge Hill in Chilmark sold for $1,000,000 on July 27.
15 Young street, Edgartown
15 Young street in Edgartown sold for $550,000 on July 23.
70 Curtis Lane, Edgartown
70 Curtis Lane in Edgartown for $284,000 on July 25.
