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
September 13, 2013
Writer Seeks the Throughline for His Life and Many Others
Ben Greenman is a novelist, short story writer and a ghostwriter who collaborates with musicians on autobiographies. He’s an editor at The New Yorker and the composer of Fake Celebrity Musicals (most recently 2011’s Weiner! The Musical). He is a popular if reluctant tweeter and the creator of charts and graphs about charts and graphs.…
State Closes Katama Bay Oyster Farms
Katama Bay oyster farms in Edgartown were closed this week after two people who ate oysters from the bay contracted Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries announced the closure Monday.
Ladies, Gentlemen and Kids, Unspool Your Reels, It’s Derby Time
The shack at the end of Main street in Edgartown lies dormant most of the year. During summer months it is used by the Edgartown Junior Yacht Club. During the winter, it sits empty, a little outpost on the harbor. And for five weeks in the fall, the shack comes alive.
Dan Wolf Petitions Ethics Panel in Conflict of Interest Decision
Cape and Islands state Sen. Dan Wolf, joined by several other petitioners, will make a case to the state ethics commission next week for a regulation allowing him to remain in office despite his ownership in Cape Air. In early August, the Massachusetts state ethics commission issued a decision that Mr. Wolf’s 23 per cent…
Police Continue to Investigate Fraudulent ATM Withdrawals
The Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank, local police and the FBI are continuing to investigate automatic teller machine skimming devices that led to the theft of about $180,000 from various bank customers early this month. This week, more information has emerged about fraudulent withdrawals made on customer accounts over Labor Day weekend. The scam took place…
High Risk Nurse Leads Way in Preventive Care
Patients with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and renal dialysis all fall under Cheryl Kram’s purview. She’s not their doctor — and she reminds them that she is not their mother — but Ms. Kram is certainly their advocate. Ms. Kram is the high-risk care manager for Martha’s Vineyard Hospital’s new integrated care management program.…
Sheldon Hackney Was Noted Historian and Humanitarian
Sheldon Hackney, a noted historian, humanitarian and longtime Vineyard resident, died Thursday, Sept. 12, at home, surrounded by his family. He was 79. The cause was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Mr. Hackney was a well-known figure on and off the Vineyard. Born in Alabama, he was a professor of…
Oyster Farms on Ice
September quiet settled over Katama Bay this week, as a handful of sailboats scudded in and out of the harbor. It was quiet too on the twelve oyster farms scattered across the broad saltwater bay that lies at the eastern end of Edgartown.
Vacant Downtown Businesses Cause of Concern in Oak Bluffs
As the summer season comes to a close, business owners in Oak Bluffs begin to reflect on the season, its successes and failures. And they start to plan for next season. Representatives of town government and the Oak Bluffs Association have also begun a discussion of the summer’s economic performance.
Continued Deferrals Over Circuit Avenue Lot Raises Ire of Owner
A months-long dispute between the Oak Bluffs selectmen and a Circuit avenue businessman came to a head this week when the owner of an unbuilt lot at 16 Circuit avenue saw fresh opposition to his latest proposal for a business venture.
Menemsha Boathouse Construction Begins
The summer crowds and seasonal yachts have left Menemsha and were replaced this week by a 55-by-185-foot barge and crane for construction of the new U.S. Coast Guard boathouse. The large barge arrived Tuesday night in Menemsha harbor, tugged in by the Jaguar of New Bedford and the Patrick J. Hunt of Narragansett, R.I. “It’s…
Program Gives Students Tools, Toys to Choose Own Adventure
Only a few weeks into the job, and already regional high school vocational director Bob Drobneck was on a mission. It was a late Wednesday afternoon when Mr. Drobneck climbed into his black sedan, one of a handful of cars still remaining on school grounds at the end of the day, and pulled out onto…
Chilmark Green-lights Landfill Solar Array
Chilmark will contract with the local energy cooperative Vineyard Power to build the town’s first solar array. Pending final approval from town counsel, the Chilmark selectmen Tuesday voted to approve a contract for about 530 solar panels at the town landfill off Tabor House Road. The 173-kilowatt system is planned to produce up to 215,000…
Trash Pickup Triggers Noise Complaints
Tisbury selectmen issued a warning to town trash pickup vendors and truck delivery companies this week after complaints continued to surface about early morning deliveries in violation of a town bylaw. Building inspector Ken Barwick told the selectmen Tuesday that he had spoken with both Bruno’s and ABC companies, but complaints continued about truck activity…
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts As Fall Sports Take Center Stage
After a long preseason, high school sports began in earnest last week. This weekend football and boys’ soccer play at home, with football taking on Brighton at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and boys’ soccer playing a home rematch against Nauset Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Football Playing before a large home crowd at the Daniel McCarthy…
Please Adopt Us
Greta is a great dog. That is the consensus of the staff and volunteers at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard. She is a medium-sized bundle of love with a grizzled but soft coat, a tail that starts thumping when you speak to her, and big brown eyes. Her intelligence shows in her expression and…
A Fast and Flawless Sail Wins Moffet Race
It was a bright, late summer day as the fleet sailed north from Vineyard Haven on an 18.7-mile course that would take the boats across the sound then off to the east to Wreck Shoal where they would continue on southward and westward legs that would test each skipper’s ability to cope with differing winds…
Weighing Time at Derby Shack Lures the Faithful and Curious
The gray-shingled shack that sits in front of the Edgartown Yacht Club in the harbor goes unnoticed by most visitors to the Vineyard, but during the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby it comes to life for four short weeks when fishermen bring their fish in for the morning and evening weigh-ins. Twice each…
Rotary Is in Motion Year Round
The Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard is completing its 24th year of service to Vineyard communities and residents. This has been an extremely busy and positive year for the Rotary Club. Beginning in June, new officers were selected at the annual induction ceremony held at Martha’s Vineyard Sailing Camp. The officers are Rolfe Wenner, president;…
Capturing Brush Strokes of Fond Memories
Last summer, my mother came across this photograph of the painter and longtime seasonal Vineyard resident Thomas Hart Benton while rummaging in her house on Menemsha Pond. It was taken in the summer of 1960 by my father, Wally Scheuer (who died in 2004), on his motorboat, either on Menemsha Pond or the Vineyard Sound.…
Striper Lure
I pick what’s left off a wave’s last edge: blue wood bullet, two white eyes and brass rings. Hooks gone. Pop, it’s one you could have used and lost like we lost you. Something in deep grabbed hold would not let go — then the line snapped and you were gone. — Warren Woessner
Journey Came and Went With the Tide
It was almost Labor Day and we were hoping to get through the summer without too much drama at least until we got to the annual I’m Sorry I Called You What I Called You on Broadway in July but I Was Stressed Out dinner, which would come right after. But that was not to…
Soothing Shrug of the Shoulder Season
True story. It’s early on a Saturday morning in late August on Main street in Vineyard Haven. The sun is shining down on at least a dozen adults and children taking coffee and munchies back to their boats. They are heading toward Owen Park. The first squawk sounds low and short. Then it starts up…
Off Season
The “Season” is closing fast. Labor Day brought thousands of people to Oak Bluffs and it is surprising how quickly they were absorbed and became a part of the community. There were large crowds at the Tivoli, the two theaters, the skating rink, the bowling alleys and the band concerts. The churches were well filled…
Peace, Not War
I oppose U.S. military action in Syria. Military action will not stop the killing, or bring those responsible for the use of chemical weapons to justice. Diplomatic engagement with all regional stakeholders is what is called for right now. For more details, I suggest going to fcnl@org. I encourage everyone to immediately contact Sens. Elizabeth…
Moral Indignation
The following letter is addressed to President Obama:
The other day, watching some replays of the march on Washington in 1963, I was telling my eldest daughter about how, when the bus I was on left Boston, I waved to my husband and my three little children then three, four and six, and I was…
Library Friends
Our Pennywise Path Run/Walk to the New Library was a big success. We raised money for the library, but also raised awareness of the Edgartown Public Library’s many contributions to the life of the town. The Edgartown police, the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, the Edgartown School as well as the Edgartown selectmen and trustees of…
Aquinnah Town Column: Sept. 13
Jannette Vanderhoop will be the presenter at the Aquinnah Cultural Center today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vanderhoop Homestead. There will be a $10 craft fee as you learn how to create a sailor’s valentine and as you listen and learn about Wampanoag whaling. On Saturday, Jason Mancini of Connecticut College and…
Chilmark Town Column: Sept. 13
Chilmark is more than happy to welcome the shoulder season. The weather is agreeable and mostly sunny. The crowds are moderate and friendly and the chores are still doable at an easy pace. The U.S. Coast Guard has started their work project this week. Last night was a mild one with little wind as two…
West Tisbury Town Column: Sept. 13
Well, throw a little salt over your left shoulder before reading the column for good luck. Today is the first Friday the 13th of this year. The weekend weather was a mixed bag and with a couple of cool mornings. The ducks and geese have begun their trek southward, and for years that has included…
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Sept. 13
Cottage City was the first Island town to have electricity in 1884 and the first with street lights in 1895. One writer called ours the “City of Lights, a fairy land,” and nothing exemplified the magic of our town, renamed Oak Bluffs in 1907, better than when the Tivoli Ballroom was built. Originally called the…
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Sept. 13
Last Monday night was one of our famous escargot party nights in my neighborhood. A few times each season Jim Hart kindly provides the snails and Bill and Jan Stokes lovingly cook them in butter with lots of garlic, serving them with warm bread. Floral arrangement was provided by Teri Praskach. The usual suspects —…
Chappy Town Column: Sept. 13
The summertime hubbub at the Chappy Community Center has died down and my favorite fall activity is about to begin again. Potluck suppers will resume on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. and will continue through spring on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. We still need someone to host the very first…
Edgartown Town Column: Sept. 13
What can I say, I love this weather. The sun has been out and it is still warm, but with the breezes, (except the wind on Tuesday) it has been pretty nice. The cool evenings help us to sleep a little better, but now it gets lighter later and the eyes don’t want to open…
Legend and Lore Bait Hook at Derby Hot Spots
Fishermen participating in the 68th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby are already out plotting a strategy for success. Nearly all of them will visit one or all of four popular fishing spots: Menemsha Jetty, Joseph Sylvia State Beach, Memorial Wharf and Metcalf’s Hole.
A Kitchen Oasis Awaits After Following a Few Golden Rules
“A man’s kitchen is a reflection of himself,” the great French chef Alain Chapel confidently reflected as he looked upon his kitchen.
An Artful Soul Puts the Pieces Together
It may not be obvious what a garter, a spool of thread, yellow lace, old keys, feathers, antique sheet music and cowry shells all have in common, but once inside Suesan Stovall’s garage-converted art studio, it becomes clear.
Harvest Moon
Tonight the gibbous moon appears high in the evening sky soon after sunset. In the nights ahead, the moon dominates the evening sky while it moves through the constellations of late summer. The full harvest moon is Wednesday, Sept. 18. The moon earns its name from the fact that it is a full moon closest…
Richard Lee Exhibit Opens at Featherstone
Last year, on June 22, the artist Richard Lee died at the age of 79. Mr. Lee was beloved as an artist and as a friend. On Sunday, Sept. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. there will be a retrospective of his work held at Featherstone Center for the Arts. The exhibit is guest curated…
Passion for Fashion — and a Good Cause
Fashion Week is about looking good but on the Vineyard it is also a chance to do good. There are fashion shows and parties all week long from Sept. 16 to 22, but underneath all the clothing and accessories the event is a benefit for Angel Flight NE.
Conjuring Ringside Seats to Survival Tales
Author Michael Tougias likes to focus on real life adventure stories, particularly tales of disaster and rescue. One of his books, The Finest Hours, is based on what is often considered the most difficult rescue missions the U.S. Coast Guard ever attempted. His most recent book, A Storm Too Soon, recounts the journey of survival…
Walk With the Animals
Walk with the animals, talk with the animals, or perhaps grunt and squeak and squawk with the animals at the second annual Walk for the Animals to benefit the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard on Saturday, Oct. 12, beginning at 10 a.m. Meet at the Oak Bluffs School parking lot and bring your leashed animal…
Tivoli Day Book Signing
One of the events at Tivoli Day in Oak Bluffs this year will be a book signing by Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Richard Michelson. Ms. Hunter-Gault is a prize-winning journalist and author of To The Mountaintop. Mr.
Tivoli Day Is Harbinger of Fall
Tivoli Day, the annual (37 years and counting) festival to commemorate the end of summer and celebrate the return of the off-season, returns to Oak Bluffs this Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival takes place on Circuit avenue which is closed to traffic during the party. Restaurants serve food at…
Fusion for Students
The Fusion Drop-In program for middle school students at the YMCA takes place every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The program offers supervised activities, free time and a chance to get started on homework. Transportation is provided from school to the YMCA. The program is free for members and $60 per session…
Long Term Care Workshop
A workshop explaining long-term insurance options will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Howes House in West Tisbury. Titled “Long Term Care . . . What is Your Plan?” the free workshop features John Bridges, a certified long term care insurance specialist. Call the Up-Island Council on Aging at 508-693-2896 to…
Trees Do Grow in Brooklyn
It’s all about Brooklyn at the Polly Hill Arboretum on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Chris Roddick, senior arborist at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden kicks it off with a talk about pruning techniques and tool maintenance from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be a hands-on demonstration and a chance to practice newly learned pruning prowess. Bring…
Beautiful but Inauthentic, Vineyard Reality Show Season Ends
They fell asleep to a sunset on the beach, drank coffee at Mocha Mott’s and had drinks at the Chowder Company. And on Tuesday night, they sealed the summer with a kiss atop the Gay Head Light. The Vineyard, the ABC Family reality show filmed on the Island over the spring, concluded its first season…
Warbler Watching
On Sept. 7 Tim Spahr, an excellent birder from the mainland, was birding with Allan Keith in the Gay Head Moraine. They were on a small bridge over a trickling stream when Tim heard a chip note that Tim said was a hooded warbler. Allan Keith and I both have difficulty hearing and identifying chip…
Let Them Eat Grapes
E.B. White found appreciation in even the simplest of life’s tasks.
Pastor Says Goodbye After Blessed Tenure
Last Tuesday Gerald Fritz’s day started off a lot like every other. Around half past 10 he embarked on a leisurely stroll from his four-bedroom parsonage on South Water street and crossed town to the Espresso Love coffee shop. Before he’d rounded the corner by the courthouse, he spotted a young acquaintance. “’S’up, Jerry?” the…
Floating Finback Whale Discovered Near Noman’s Land
A dead juvenile finback whale was found floating in the ocean between the Vineyard and Noman’s Land last Friday. David Damroth, a Chilmark resident, said he spotted the whale from a hill above Squibnocket Beach. He later took his boat out on the water and got a closer look at the animal, which was largely…
Family Planning Names New Island Director
An outreach and education manager in human services has been named director of Martha’s Vineyard Family Planning, the organization announced on Tuesday. Brenda Grandizio most recently worked as a program instructor counseling young parents at Chester County Intermediate Unit, an educational agency which provides direct services to school districts outside of Philadelphia, Pa.
Land Bank Revenues: Sept. 6
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $255,825 for the business week ending on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The land bank receives its funds from a two per cent fee charged on many Vineyard real estate transactions.
School Superintendent Announces New Director of Student Support Services
An experienced educator from central Massachusetts has been named as the new director of student support services for the Martha’s Vineyard public schools. Philip Campbell, current director of pupil services for the Auburn public school district, will begin sometime in mid-November, Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss said.
Swallowed Up by Majesty of Migration
By the numberless thousands they descend. The birds arrive as a great host, flying from the northeast, following a sinuous path on invisible, atmospheric currents. The flock appears as a river of birds, curving through the air, with birds pouring forth in a flow that seems unceasing. The great flocks of migrating tree swallows have…
