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
February 8, 2013
Crescent Moon
The moon returns to our evening skies in the coming week. Only a few Vineyarders will see it hovering close to the western horizon right after sunset on Monday night. Planets Mercury and Mars are nearby and they look like “stars.” Mercury is the brighter of the two and right under the moon. Mars is…
Effort Underway to Save Chappaquiddick Home on Eroded Bluff
Wasque Point is a remote place; this is the far southeastern corner of Chappaquiddick, an island off an island. The name comes from the Algonquin word Wannasque, which means “the ending.” Where the land ends, there is nothing but Atlantic Ocean, dotted with flocks of scoters bobbing where the waves break, and then it’s ocean…
Island Braces for Weekend Blizzard
Martha’s Vineyard officials are bracing for a weekend blizzard that could bring 18 to 24 inches of snow, hurricane-force winds and coastal flooding to the Island. The storm, predicted to arrive Friday morning and last through Saturday afternoon, has prompted early release from school, travel restrictions and parking bans, and is expected to result in…
Drastic Cuts to Imperiled Cod Fishery
The New England Fishery Management Council dramatically cut landing limits on cod and yellowtail flounder last week for the coming year. Meeting in Portsmouth, N.H. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, the council voted on a plan to reduce the landings of cod in the Gulf of Maine by as much as 77 per cent from the…
Buchwald House Sells, But His Roots Remain
The Vineyard Haven home of Art Buchwald, the late humorist and columnist who summered on the Vineyard for more than 40 years, was sold last month for $1.395 million. The buyers are Michael E. Sneed and Emily Ann Riddell. The seller was Joel Buchwald, representative for the estate of Arthur Buchwald. The sale took place…
Aquinnah Voters Back Plan to Relocate Historic Lighthouse
The Gay Head Light, the beacon at the farthest end of the Island, helping boats navigate Vineyard waters safely for more than 150 years, inched closer this week to becoming town-owned. Voters unanimously backed the acquisition and move of the lighthouse at a special town meeting on Tuesday, paving the way for the town to…
School Committee, Teachers Unions Ratify Contracts
The all-Island school committee and the teachers unions ratified a tentative agreement for a contract that will boost teacher salaries by as much as 11.5 per cent in salary and step wages over the next three years. The new contract, which goes into effect Sept. 1, calls for a two per cent increase in teacher…
Linda Marinelli Gave Voice to Life
Linda Marinelli, a career Vineyard politician and former longtime Oak Bluffs selectman whose firebrand style and tireless, bruising crusades in the name of open government were legendary, died Jan. 31 in Falmouth. She was 81.
Moving Company Specializes in Big Jobs
For the International Chimney Corporation, moving Richard and Jennifer Schifter’s Chappaquiddick home is a relatively small job compared to some of the other jobs the company has completed. Besides chimney work, the Buffalo, N.Y.-based company specializes in building relocation and historic preservation, among other things, all over the world (the company just completed a chimney…
Scholarship Connection Makes Sweet Music
For the past four years Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School principal and amateur musician Stephen Nixon has played a concert to raise money for the David Brand Scholarship fund, established in honor of the science teacher’s untimely passing.
Loan Repayments by Affordable Housing Fund Raise Questions
West Tisbury selectmen voted to seek legal advice this week after a report from the town accountant found that money earmarked for second mortgages was inappropriately spent by the Island Affordable Housing Fund. Bruce Stone, town accountant, presented the selectmen with a report that town-appropriated money for second mortgages was used for paying off prior…
Police Address Medical Marijuana Law
Edgartown police are issuing a criminal complaint summons for a man who was allegedly growing marijuana in his Twentieth street home, an early test of the state’s recently approved medical marijuana law. While responding to a reported theft at Keith Bassett’s apartment on Jan. 27, Edgartown police allegedly found a marijuana grow room. According to…
Tisbury Names New Town Administrator
Following a four-month search, the Tisbury board of selectmen voted Tuesday to name John W. Grande as town administrator. Mr. Grande currently serves as planning board director for the town of Framingham, a position he has held for 16 years. “I’m very thankful for their vote of confidence in me,” said Mr. Grande when reached…
Land Bank Revenues: Feb. 1
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $63,952 for the business week ending on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013.
Radio Vineyard
Today the music dies on 92.7 FM when the signal formerly owned by Island-centric WMVY will pass to WBUR, a Boston-based National Public Radio station. Those of us accustomed to filling our homes, our offices and especially our cars with the eclectic blues-folk-rock sounds of WMVY will have some adjusting to do.
Artful Learning
The results of the Boston Globe Scholarship Art Awards are in and once again Vineyard students did very well. This year was in fact the best ever as thirty-three Island students were honored for a total of forty-one awards. The acknowledgment spanned nearly all art mediums imaginable including photography, drawing, writing, painting, ceramics and jewelry.…
Washashore Chronicle: Come Winter Colds, Its Always Something
The other day I was watching the umpteenth news item about how the flu bug is everywhere. Midway through the story I think I may have missed a crucial piece of information because the dry cough I’ve so far endured for every single day of 2013 decided to go into its impersonation of a garbage…
Vineyard Youth Make Large Splash at Scholastic Art Awards
In Brendan Coogan’s classroom at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, student Amy Fligor daintily painted her nails; all fifty of them. “We have a pot, like a deep fryer that we melt wax in,” Amy said. “I stuck my fingers in the wax . . . Now I’m trying to make the fingernails a…
Requiem for Keeper of the Waterfront
The Vineyard waterfront community lost a friend last week. Michael J. Syslo, 60, of Chilmark was always at the bow when it came to the biology of lobsters and the science that goes with the waterfront. When word of his death last Tuesday, Jan. 29, reached the Island, the news passed quickly by phone and…
A Storyteller’s Lasting Legacy
When Diane Wolkstein’s book, The Magic Orange Tree and other Haitian Folktales was published in 1978, it became a favorite among American storytellers in the early years of a storytelling renaissance in which I have been privileged to participate. Sitting with Diane at a story event in Appalachia in 1981, she insisted I learn the…
New Development Director, Auction Location for MVCS
With the hiring of a new director of development and community relations, planned changes to its annual summer fundraiser, and a continued search for a new executive director, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is spending its winter on a forward path. “I’m excited; I’m looking forward to this next phase,” said Victor Capoccia, chair of the…
A Drop in the Bucket, A World to Help
Every Wednesday afternoon Martha’s Vineyard Rotary members meet for lunch at the Ocean View restaurant and drop happy dollars into a bucket. “I have a happy dollar for my last tuition paid for Kate, at least she swears it is,” said Chappaquiddick ferry captain Liz Villard, referring to her daughter’s master’s degree. “Happy dollar for…
Summons Issued for Drug Cultivation
Edgartown police are issuing a criminal complaint summons for a man who was allegedly growing marijuana in his Twentieth street home, an early test of the state’s recently approved medical marijuana law. While responding to a reported theft at Keith Bassett’s apartment on Jan. 27, Edgartown police allegedly found a marijuana grow room. According to…
Katama Farm Cell Antenna Approved
The Edgartown Planning Board Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to place a cell antenna in an abandoned silo in Katama, despite some opposition from neighbors. At meetings over the last few months, Katama residents had opposed AT&T’s plan to place the antenna in an abandoned silo at the Farm Institute, citing perceived concerns about radiation…
Cancer Care
During the last election, seven out of ten people in the state of Massachusetts voted to decriminalize marijuana and legalize it for medicinal use.
Dredging Is Best
The West Tisbury Mill Pond is a biological treasure. To remove the dam would be a biological disaster.
First Rate Fishmonger
I was delighted to see Stanley Larsen spotlighted on the front page of this week’s paper. Not only is his Menemsha Fish Market a first rate business, but Stanley
New Sound Track
When I heard that WBUR’s programming, including my little show Here and Now, would be carried on the Vineyard, I was over the moon and flooded with memories.
No Towering Above Zoning Laws
I read with great interest your editorial, “Living By The Rules,” [1/25/13, MV Gazette] regarding the propriety of obeying zoning laws on Martha’s Vineyard.
Let’s Talk About Gun Laws
I and many others would welcome an invitation to share our concern over gun violence at one or more gatherings sponsored by hunting and shooting clubs
Clergy Supporting Gun Restrictions
As members of the clergy affiliated with St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Edgartown, we deem it important publicly to state our strong support for legislative measures currently being considered and debated that would address the obvious need for enhanced safety and protection of all people related to gun violence.
Haggis Huzzahs
The Scottish Society of Martha’s Vineyard would like to thank all those who helped to make our annual Robert Burns dinner such a success. We’d especially like to thank those who contributed to our scholarship fund auction and raffle.
Road Trip
From the Vineyard Gazette edition of Aug. 24, 1874: On the afternoon of Saturday last the Island Home was described coming down the bay toward Katama, bearing on her gangway an object which for some time kept a merry throng of expectant guests in a flutter of excitement and anticipation, and when finally the steamer…
Chappy Town Column: Feb. 8
Chappaquiddick has had more snowy days recently than we’ve seen in several winters put together. The snow hasn’t amounted to much, though. Last weekend a perfectly dry fluffy snow was just enough to cover all flat surfaces, creating a sort of Etch A Sketch record of all of winter’s living, moving critters.
Chilmark Town Column: Feb. 8
Chilmark parties on. Don’t miss the big Rockin’ Away the Winter Blues event coming up tomorrow, Feb. 9, at the Community Center. It is the annual fundraiser for the Chilmark School PTO outing program and offers dancing to Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, lots of food, some auction action and lots of socializing. Not to…
Edgartown Town Column: Feb. 8
I have heard people say they are sick of the snow, can’t wait to see more snow, or that maybe spring will come early this year. Well, according to Punxsutawney Phil, spring will be six weeks early. But first we have to get through the snowstorm this weekend.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Feb. 8
The privilege of spending the whole summer in Oak Bluffs is rare and virtually unthinkable in terms of black history, despite many of us having been so fortunate.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Feb. 8
So much to say about Linda Marinelli. I have an autographed copy of her book Never Say Die, subtitled “the private life and political thunder of a dying breed,” and I treasure it and re-read it frequently. Linda’s life spanned over decades, with all kinds of work, family and friendships. “Some of the experiences of…
Aquinnah Town Column: Feb. 8
Valentine’s Day hearts and cards will be the work of the young ones and those young at heart at Aquinnah Public Library tomorrow with the assistance of Barbara Lampson. Stop in during library hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Barbara has also offered to assist college-bound seniors of Aquinnah and those already in college…
West Tisbury Town Column: Feb. 8
Last weekend was cold and it snowed on Saturday. It is mighty quiet around town; a lot of people have been or are leaving for a winter vacation but don’t you think that finding a deer asleep in your neighbor’s backyard is something a bit unusual?
When the Wild Things Are Roosting in Your Bedroom
Dirty Joe was a crow and a friend of my father’s when he was a child. When my father was nine years old he took an egg from a crow’s nest, hatched it, then raised Dirty Joe to be his pet. My dad would feed him cereal to give him strength when young, and kept…
High School Performs Secret Garden
The hills are alive with the sweet scents of the Secret Garden, this year’s Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School musical, which begins next Thursday, Feb. 14. The play will be performed at the performing arts center at the regional high school with additional shows on Friday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m.. and Saturday, Feb. 16,…
Please Adopt Us
Adoptions at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard have slowed down a bit in the last few weeks, with several cats and dogs in residence. Sandy is a sweet, small dog who is part Shih Tzu who gets along with people and other animals, and loves car rides. Jerry, an older brown Chihuahua who loves…
Mardi Gras Parties
Tuesday is not just another Tuesday. It’s Fat Tuesday and that means Mardi Gras and pancakes. On Tuesday, Feb. 12, the West Tisbury Congregational Church is hosting its third annual Mardi Gras pancake supper and party. The pancakes will be made from local ingredients including Morning Glory Farm eggs and Mermaid Farm yogurt. The music…
Free Lunch Exists
The Federated Church in Edgartown is stepping into the void to make sure anyone who needs a hot meal can do so every day of the week. After realizing that the Islandwide soup suppers occur every day but Sundays, the church decided to begin holding a free lasagna luncheon on Sundays from 1 to 3…
Slow Food Panel
Slow Food is presenting a brunch and panel of local farmers this Sunday, Feb. 10, beginning at 9 a.m. The program takes place at Focus Center, 450 Lambert’s Cove Road, West Tisbury. Brunch will be prepared by the Slow Food crew and served from 9 to 10 a.m. The panel begins at 10 a.m.
Lyme Disease Forums
The Vineyard Haven Library is holding two events that focus on Lyme disease. On Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. the library will screen the documentary Under Our Skin. This movie follows the journey of several patients and their difficulties with both the disease and the health care industry. For more information, visit underourskin.com.
Grant Applications
The Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard is accepting applications for its spring grant cycle. Grants will be awarded to Island nonprofits seeking funding for new or continuing projects that benefit the Vineyard community. Past grants have supported arts and culture, civic affairs, community development, education, the elderly, the environment, housing, health and human services and…
Camp Super Kid
Is your kid a super kid? The Vineyard Montessori School is now accepting applications for its summer program, Camp Super Kid, for children ages 2.9 to 7. Campers will use books to delve into magical worlds that bring the stories to life. Activities include movement and music, visual and theatre arts, scientific exploration, water play,…
O’Brien — Sullivan
Donna O’Brien of Boulder, Colo., daughter of Donna and Richard O’Brien of Boulder, will marry Patrick Sullivan of Rochester, N.Y., son of Barry and Dorothy Sullivan, of Rochester and Aquinnah. Donna graduated from Barrington High School in Barrington, Ill. and the Rhode Island School of Design with a bachelor of fine arts degree. She is…
Rabbit Redux
Somehow I missed it. How did it happen that this naturalist was unaware of the rabbit-repeating tradition? This convention is completely new to me. A friend recently shared that her husband says “rabbit, rabbit” on the first day of each month as soon as he wakes up. When uttered on the first it is believed…
Lovey Dovekie
The Christmas Bird Count is behind us and there have been many interesting birds seen since. So let’s catch up with several of the attention-grabbing sightings. Dovekies have again caught people’s attention whether they are birders or not. In the recent easterly gales a number of these little alcids, which are about half the size…
Welcome Emily
Sara Hoffman and Jeremy Houser of Chilmark announce the birth of a daughter, Emily Elizabeth Houser, born on Jan. 29, 2013 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Emily weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce at birth.
Welcome Myles
Lara and Keith Maciel of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Myles Hadi Maciel, born on Feb. 1, 2013 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Myles weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces at birth.
Dean’s List
Benjamin Bitoun of Tisbury has been named to the dean’s list at the Georgia Institute of Technology for the fall 2012 semester.
Seize the Day
As soon as we pass the first of February I am into a new garden year. The light has noticeably changed and the sun is getting stronger every day.
Dean’s List
Sarah Antolick of Vineyard Haven has been named to the dean’s list at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for the fall 2012 semester.
Gazette Sales Manager
BJ Yerdon has been promoted to sales manager for the Vineyard Gazette Media Group, company publisher Jane Seagrave announced this week. Ms. Yerdon has been in advertising sales at the Gazette since May 2001. Prior to that, she owned her own company, Maine Sports Posters, which produced calendars for high schools and colleges throughout New…
Headmaster’s List
David C. Faus, headmaster of Falmouth Academy, has announced the headmaster’s list for the first trimester of the 2012-2013 academic year. Class of 2015 honors go to: Aidan Huntington of West Tisbury.
Real Estate Hire
Tom Hallahan of Oak Bluffs has been named a sales associate at Kelleher Real Estate Services. Mr. Hallahan will handle both sales and rental transactions for the firm. A member of the Island community for more than 30 years, he has held leadership roles with the Vineyard Playhouse, the Oak Bluffs School Advisory Committee and…
Felix Neck Camp
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is once again offering Fern & Feather Natural History Day Camp scholarships and discounts to year-round Vineyard residents.
Postseason Play for Four Island Teams
Lightning never strikes twice, unless it’s hitting the winter sports teams at the regional high school. On Wednesday night, the girls’ hockey squad scored a decisive 10-3 victory over Nauset to pick up the final two points needed to send them to the playoffs, making it two years in a row that four high school…
Upside to Bitter Cold, Frozen Ponds May Benefit Oysters
Bitterly cold temperatures in January kept the bay scallop fleet grounded for many days, but frozen ponds may provide future benefits to some shellfish, including scallops and oysters, Island marine biologists say. Rick Karney, director of the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group, said last week that a drop in water temperature in saltwater ponds helps to…
