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
October 19, 2012
Savings Bank Names New President
A South Shore bank executive has been named president and chief executive officer of the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank, trustees announced on Thursday. Paul Falvey, 48, is a resident of Hingham and currently president and chief executive officer of the Holbrook Cooperative Bank. His 25-year career in banking began at the Bank of New England…
New Hire and Retiring Pro, Baton Is Passed in English Class
Keith Dodge walked swiftly and confidently down the halls of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School to his tidy classroom, where he welcomed first-year teacher Emma Mushnick. The two English teachers — one retiring, one beginning — sat down with the Gazette to talk about the challenges, joys and journey of teaching.
Archival Film of Swordfish Hunt Launches Gazette Initiative
The film is just 23 minutes, 14 seconds long. It’s silent, black and white and there are moments when the images jump around due to the choppiness of the sea — or of the editing. There’s a shot of a man with a long harpoon and dart leaning against the rail of a bowsprit. There’s…
Old Gay Head Light May Be Auctioned By Government
The Gay Head Light, the beacon of light at the furthest end of the Island overlooking the historic clay cliffs, is likely to be put up to bid by the federal government sometime in the next year, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum confirmed this week.
The disposition of the lighthouse follows the announcement by the GSA…
Shepherd of Stories; Past, Presents, Future
Paul Karasik walked into the West Tisbury Free Public Library late last Saturday afternoon looking for a gong. At the same time library director Beth Kramer was busy helping someone fill out a passport application. Lisa Nivala and her daughter Karinne were looking for their favorite book in the children’s section.
Tisbury Police Sergeant Firing Was Justified, Arbitrator Rules
The firing of a longtime Tisbury police sergeant over his alleged mishandling of a 2011 domestic and sexual assault case was upheld last week by an arbitrator. In a decision dated Oct. 12, arbitrator Richard G. Boulanger found that the selectmen’s November 2011 decision to dismiss Sgt. Robert Fiske was justified. Sergeant Fiske, who had…
More Affordable Housing Under Way
There was little need for ceremonial golden shovels during Wednesday afternoon’s groundbreaking for phase two of the Island Housing Trust’s Lake street project. Construction had already begun on the third and final duplex town house of the affordable housing mini-community in Vineyard Haven. When complete, the duplexes will house six families.
Main Street Smiles
Two eggs over easy, a side of bacon, rye toast with jam and a cup of coffee. Nothing really remarkable about an age-old breakfast standard. And yet when this breakfast is served at Café Moxie it becomes quite remarkable. This is not a restaurant review, although the food is quite good. What makes this scene…
Our Web Launch
The long arc of our history paused for just a few seconds this week at the Vineyard Gazette office, when after months of internal planning, a new website was launched.
Sand In My Shoes: Guru of the Heart Always Leads Homeward
There’s a reason that at this time of year many of us experience a breakdown of sorts. It can be anything from a momentary cri de coeur to a lingering sadness to a snap decision to, well, do something other than be here. The thing is, we long-timers occasionally feel stranded on the Island and…
Tales from Gosnold: Pillows of Comfort in Arms of Old Souls
When I can’t sleep I take long, late-night walks, mostly in the winter when I’ve got the place to myself. On quiet nights I usually head down Broadway past all the unlighted sleeping houses of people I know now and those I used to know, to the pier where the boats are sleeping, too. I…
Menhaden Harvest as Fish Oil Jeopardizes Ocean Food Chain
For centuries, probably millennia, the small, oily fish known as Atlantic menhaden have been the protein-filled food of choice for striped bass and many other large species in our waters. Fishermen call them pogeys or bunker, often using them as bait to entice stripers to their lines. Menhaden were once so abundant that early Americans…
Caught Off Guard by Guard Rails
It has finally happened. The old-fashioned bridge over the Mill River Ford in North Tisbury is no longer an old-fashioned bridge. Until three weeks ago, it was as close in character as the Island ever has had to a covered bridge. It’s not covered of course, but through the years it has retained wooden railings…
Red Stocking Time
Applications for Red Stocking, the Vineyard’s own effort to provide food and clothing for Island children from birth through grade eight, will be available by Oct. 26. Last year Red Stocking provided for over 419 children in need of neighborly assistance.
Calcutta Cuts
There has recently been a call by Oak Bluffs voters for thoughtful discussion around the many issues surrounding the Monster Shark Tournament. During last week’s selectman’s meeting, selectman Michael Santoro suggested that the town should consider asking for a portion of the gambling payouts called Calcuttas as a way of generating town funds to offset…
New Burdens
Regarding the Vineyard Gazette’s opinion piece from Oct. 12 titled Fatal Attraction, I must agree with the authors that we have entered a new era in which the viability of shark tournaments must be seriously reconsidered.
Managing Conch Responsibly
The following letter was sent to Gov. Deval Patrick from Cape and Islands Rep. Timothy Madden and Barnstable Fourth District Rep. Sarah K. Peake.
Dolphins Up Close
I do not profess to be an expert on the subject of Vineyard waters; however, I have spent many hours through more decades than I would like to admit in pursuit of its many bounties. I’d like to share what is, in my life, an unusual event. Earlier this summer, while on a trip with…
Health Care For Vets
I would like to thank the Dukes County commission, especially commissioners Carlene Gatting and Tristan Israel as well as our county treasurer Noreen Mavro Flanders, our previous county manager Russell Smith
Comment Not Heard
In the August 21 edition of this paper, I spoke of the violation of my rights as a private citizen. Now it seems that I have no rights as a member of the public.
Crop Report
Thank you, thank you, 101 crop walkers, caring givers, willing drivers, skilled secretaries, diligent counters, etc.
Heart Light
From the Vineyard Gazette edition of May 9, 1905: By the heart of West Tisbury I do not mean the geographical center of the little town, but the starting-point or points of its social, intellectual, educational, moral and spiritual forces. If you start from the beautiful residence of Squire and Mrs. Everett Allen Davis on…
At Least Two Trees Will Fall for West Tisbury Library Restoration
As ground breaking nears for construction of the new West Tisbury library, the town selectmen this week reviewed a tree-cutting plan to accommodate the larger design.
Oak Bluffs Man Sent to State Prison for Role in Safe Heist
An Oak Bluffs man was found guilty Tuesday in Dukes County superior court for the March 2011 theft of an elderly Oak Bluffs man’s life savings, and sentenced to five to seven years in state prison. A jury of 12 found Stanley Johnson, 52, guilty of unarmed burglary and larceny more than $250. The Hon.…
Land Bank Revenues: Oct. 12
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported no revenues for the business week ending on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012.
Main Street Flaunts Moxie with Year-Round Business Revival
After the last hurrah of Columbus Day weekend, many of the Main street business owners in Vineyard Haven hang signs on their doors saying “Closed” or “See You Next Season.”On the corner of Main and Centre streets, the long-awaited Cafe Moxie is finally open. On Tuesday morning couples were seated at tables in the cafe…
In Classroom and on Course, Golf Team Tees Up for Mental Challenges
While most of the regional high school’s sports teams have been busy contending with league play and thinking ahead toward their final games of the season, the golf team was quietly securing a place in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletics Association tournament. The team’s season ended Wednesday with a 38-18 match play victory over Cape Cod…
Field Hockey Clinches State Play, Cross Country Runs for Records
Football takes on undefeated Somerset tonight at home at 6:30 p.m. for the team’s first Eastern Athletic Conference game of the season. On Saturday, field hockey and both soccer teams travel to Nantucket for an day of inter-Island rivalry. Boys’ soccer plays Barnstable at home on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Tisbury Sends Shellfishing Changes Back to Drawing Board
Tisbury selectmen sent proposed changes to town shellfish regulations back to the drawing board after a public hearing this week. At the selectmen’s meeting Tuesday, shellfish constable Danielle Ewart presented four proposed amendments to shellfish regulations. One involves clarifying the definition of standard bushel boxes for commercial shellfishermen. Commercial fisherman Thomas Searle had asked for…
Chilmark Scalloping, Oyster Dates Set
Acting on the recommendation of the town shellfish committee, the Chilmark selectmen approved opening dates for scallop season Tuesday. Commercial scalloping begins Oct. 29 in Nashaquitsa Pond only, with Menemsha Pond set to open Nov. 19. Scallopers are limited to two heaping bushels per day. Family scalloping has been open since Oct. 1 and is…
Confessed Prostitute Receives 90-Day Sentence
A New York woman was sentenced to 90 days in a house of correction after she pleaded guilty Friday to several charges in Edgartown, including prostitution. Shannon M. Owens, 27, of New York, N.Y., pleaded guilty on Oct. 12 to sexual conduct for a fee, assault and battery, larceny less than $250 (amended from larceny…
Arms Up, Fishing Poles Down, Derby Champions Are Crowned
The 67th Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby came to an end Sunday afternoon when Adam Cummings and Robert Boyhan walked away with the monthlong event’s two largest prizes. Mr. Cummings, the grand leader in the boat-caught bluefish category (16.06 pounds), won the 2012 Chevy donated by Clay Motors. Mr. Boyhan, the grand leader for shore-caught…
Board of Trade Officers Announced
The Edgartown Board of Trade appointed new directors and officers at its annual meeting this week at the Harbor View Hotel. Stephanie Burke of MV Seacoast Properties, Christina Cook of the Christina Gallery, Annie Cooke-Ennis and Patrick Courtney, both of of Backwater Trading Company, Delos Lander of the Edgartown National Bank, Sydney Mullen of The…
Transportation Talk
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will hold a regional on Thursday, Oct. 25 to engage public input about air, highway, ferry and public transportation systems. The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.at the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, 1st Floor Conference Room 215, in Hyannis. Secretary Richard Davey,representatives from the RMV,…
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Oct. 19
The 1900s saw the Oak Bluffs economy faltering. As the religious and resort business in Oak Bluffs contracted, land earmarked for development was instead sold as farmland — a proposition welcomed by the newly-arrived Portuguese who also brought farming skills with them.
Chappy Town Column: Oct. 19
Chappaquiddick doesn’t have many places for people to gather, and mostly we’re fine with that or we wouldn’t live here. Much as we tend toward being reclusive, we do like to talk to other people every now and then. Before the community center was built, the ferry line was the most regularly social place on…
Edgartown Town Column: Oct. 19
Heat on, heat off. Windows open, windows closed. Jacket and long sleeves, shoes and socks, sandals — I guess we have to keep both wardrobes out for a few more weeks until it decides to be fall.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Oct. 19
Use your brakes! I had heard that a new stop sign was going up on the corner of Main and Woodlawn to give the seniors – and all of us – more time to cross from the Love House and Havenside over to the library, but I didn’t realize how soon. There was an officer…
West Tisbury Town Column: Oct. 19
The days are shorter now and leaves are turning. Linda Alley, also known as the jelly queen, reports that the winter farmers’ market begins tomorrow from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall. There will be many vendors; Kevin Keady will play music and hot lunch will be available. The market will be…
Chilmark Town Column: Oct. 19
Chilmark is very quiet. No fishermen following the tides at all hours, no more lawn mowers to be heard and not much of anything going on to attract a crowd. We will get used to it. The sun is shining again after a dreary week, so things can’t be all bad. The leaves are just…
Aquinnah Town Column: Oct. 19
The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living will hold the first in a series of cultural luncheons on Saturday, Oct. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Grill on Main. Chef Antonio Saccoccia will once again provide a delectable luncheon for all to enjoy. The featured speaker will be David R. White of The Yard…
Librarian’s Chicken Is Intuitive Chapter in Succulent Story
Roasted chicken is a comfort food I enjoy any time of the year. It is a simple pleasure that is accessible and easy for nearly all home cooks and provides a cost-effective meal for the whole family or for the individual with leftovers to be eaten for days and a carcass to be coaxed into…
Artists Enjoy October Shows, Coffee and Books Provided
On the Vineyard where art galleries abound and artists abound even more, there is, it seems, art everywhere. But it’s not just traditional galleries that showcase art. Venturing off the tracks, one can encounter not only art that enchants but artists who do so as well. This month the work of Chris Hughes is being…
Theatrical Harvest Is Locally Grown
This weekend and next the Island Theatre Workshop is presenting its annual Pick of the Crop play series. As its name declares ITW is a community theatre group of and for the Island. All of its playwrights, directors and actors are amateurs. By this we mean not paid, rather than unskilled or inexperienced. Most players…
Real Life at Heart of Detective Tale
Fans of both classic gumshoe detective novels and recent crime fiction will appreciate Jim Kohlberg’s new mystery novel The Golden Gate is Red. In this engaging book, the author gives readers a murder mystery set amid the atmospheric fog and steep hills of San Francisco. But unlike most crime fiction, Mr. Kohlberg focuses on the…
Local Photographer Featured in NYC
If anyone is headed to New York city next weekend, local photographer Michael Zide will be featured at the PhotoPlus International Expo to be held at the Javitz Center on Oct. 25 to 27. Mr. Zide will have a collection of his Martha’s Vineyard and Western Massachusetts images on display as well as participating in…
One-Woman Show Brings Loveland to Island
Next weekend, on Sunday, Oct. 28, Ann Randolph will perform her one-woman show Loveland at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven. Ms. Randolph was once a member of the Groundlings in Los Angeles with Will Ferrell and was perhaps headed to Saturday Night Live, too, but her desire to perform and write her own…
Poetry and Music
If when walking out among the autumnal stylings of nature, the urge to utter in capital letters In Leaves No Step Had Trodden Black comes quite easily, then perhaps Featherstone’s Fall Festival of Poetry and Music is for you. On Oct. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. the festival will feature the words and music…
PechaKucha: Bless You
Wednesday, Oct. 24, is PechaKucha Night at the Harbor View Hotel. Is this a new kind of trivia night, bingo or sporting event? Wrong, wrong and wrong again. PechaKucha night started in Japan in 2003 as an event for creative people to get together, network and show their work. It is now a worldwide celebration…
Fall Bounty: Garden Center Harvest Festival
Fifteen years ago Vineyard Gardens threw a harvest festival and they never stopped. This year’s party takes place on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vineyard Gardens is located at 484 State Road in West Tisbury. Ordinarily, directions would follow saying something about looking out for a garden center, plants and that…
Island Grown Businesses
The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network is hosting an event entitled Island-Grown Businesses. The event will be held at the Harbor View Hotel on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and offers an opportunity to get real world advice and hear tales from the front lines from women who have started their own Island…
Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Teacher Training Husband and wife, yogi and yogini, Robert and Sherry Sidoti are both helping to expand the yoga experience by training teachers at their new studio, Yoga Haven. In November, Sherry will begin her third teacher training course conducted on the Island under the auspices of her Fly Yoga program. The course is…
Fall for the Arts
Next week begins Fall for the Arts, a celebration of creativity on the Vineyard. The festival will be held at the Harbor View Hotel and runs from Oct. 24 to 28.The event lineup includes art shows, films, dance performances, a masquerade ball and a children’s carnivale. For a full list of events, times and descriptions,…
Permanent Endowment
The Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard has announced the addition of Carlene Gatting and Paul Karasik to its governing board. Ms. Gatling, a native of Connecticut, has worked both as a nurse and as a lawyer for the New York firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. She moved to the Vineyard full-time in 2001…
Feeling Blue
Dick Jennings has a reason to be blue. His beloved red cedar trees on Cape Pogue are bare of blue berries. Naked, scaly branches offer no lunch for wildlife wanting a terrific treat to tide them over. Evergreen red cedar trees nutritionally nurture nature. No less than 70 animal species rely on red cedar trees…
Please Adopt Us
The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has kittens and more kittens — all ages and colors, males and females who are looking for forever homes. Won’t you please call or stop by the shelter to see these sweet little creatures?
Shipping Out
Wow, call it an invasion, an irruption or a superflight, the Vineyard has had it! The definition of a bird invasion is a periodic southward influx into the United States from Canada and Alaska from those who normally live there year-round. This movement tends to happen when there has been an increase in these bird…
Freeze Tag
Last Friday evening’s mini cold snap caused a bit of anxiety in the garden world. It got down to the mid-30s. Naturally, I was totally unprepared for the event of an actual freeze. There is so much to be done. I like to save my geraniums and begonias. I just yank them out of their…
Northern Crown
A brilliant moon will dominate our evening skies in the week ahead. The month ends with a full moon. For the next week the gibbous moon moves through the zodiacal constellations Capricornus, where it is tonight. It moves onto Pisces, Aries and then finishes the month full in Taurus. As the night sky shifts from…
Houghs Celebrate 69 Years
George and Mary Lu Hough of West Tisbury will mark their 69th wedding anniversary on Saturday. They were married on Oct. 20, 1943, by a Navy chaplain on the day George was commissioned an ensign in the U. S. Naval Reserve. They honeymooned briefly, including a few days spent on the Island, then George went…
Welcome Riordan
Michelle and Keenan Delaney of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Riordan Bryant Delaney, born on Oct. 15, 2012 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Riordan weighed 7 pounds, 7.5 ounces at birth. He joins big sister Charlie.
Hello, Elijah
Hannah and Lenny Beford III of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Elijah Moss Beford, born on Oct. 13 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Elijah weighed 10 pounds, 15 ounces at birth.
Oak Bluffs School Trip
For their school trip this year, the Oak Bluffs School eighth graders are headed to Philadelphia. Declaration of Independence, Ben Franklin, the Liberty Bell, maybe a couple of laps up the stairs to visit the Rocky statue; the city of brotherly love awaits them all. But they need your help. On Friday, Nov. 2, beginning…
Cell Tower Plan Goes to MVC for Review
A plan by Verizon to build an 80-foot cell phone tower on New Lane in West Tisbury will go to the The Martha’s Vineyard Commission for review. At a public hearing Thursday, the West Tisbury zoning board of appeals voted to refer the plan to the MVC as a development of regional impact (DRI). It…
Field Hockey, Golf Team Advance to State Tournament, Football Falls in Homecoming
The Vineyard field hockey and golf teams have both qualified for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament.
