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
April 25, 2014
Green Thumbs Up: SBS Still Going Strong
In 1910, when the Vineyard was about to get its first A&P grocery store, three independent Vineyard Haven merchants decided to merge as a way to fight this new off-Island threat. Today owner Liz Packer carries on the Yankee tradition at SBS, the grain and dry goods store.
Waning Crescent Moon and Venus
The Big Dipper is in a perfect viewing position in spring. An hour after sunset, the constellation is almost overhead.
Horse Council Gallops to West Tisbury for Open House
The Martha’s Vineyard Horse Council is hosting its spring open house from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27.
Watch Out Garden and Lawn, Here Comes Tilton Rent It All
Leafblowers, hedge clippers, scaffolding and concrete mixers, Tilton Rentall in Oak Bluffs has it all. “People come alive and they start to think about projects and events,” says Tilton owner Sandra Lippens.
Stop & Shop Critics Mobilize
As a long public review of the Stop & Shop expansion winds down before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, opposition to the project has begun to heat up. An Island citizens group is circulating an online petition and organizing a letter-writing campaign to the MVC.
Shellfish Plan Spans Chilmark and Tisbury
With nitrogen pollution a perpetual concern for Vineyard waterways, two towns are hoping that a shellfish experiment will be the latest puzzle piece to fall into place. Voters in Chilmark and Tisbury will be asked at their respective town meetings next week to fund pilot programs aimed at reducing nitrogen levels in two locations: Chilmark…
Chilmark Divided Over Squibnocket Beach; Town Meeting Monday
The controversial improvement project for Squibnocket beach is the talk of the town and comes to a vote Monday night in the Chilmark Community Center. Moderator Everett Poole said he will give a free rein to debate.
Budget Override Main Focus of Tisbury Town Meeting
There are 35 articles on the Tisbury annual town meeting warrant and 22 articles on the special town meeting warrant. Moderator Deborah Medders will preside on Tuesday night.
Coast to Coast for New Freight Boat
The design process for a new Steamship Authority vessel that will replace the freight ferry Governor begins in Seattle with the Elliott Bay Design Group, the same firm that designed the Island Home. Final contract drawings and specifications are expected to be completed by the end of October.
Sunday Strolling at Indian Hill
At last, despite frost some mornings, spring seems to be in the air. On Easter Sunday and one day before, it was announcing its presence with enthusiasm.
Chilmark Selectmen: Seeking a Vote of Confidence
The board of selectmen has brought a plan forward. It is now up to the wisdom of Chilmark voters to decide how to proceed.
Squibnocket Farm: Homeowners Will Not Stand By For Endless Debate
The lead sentence in the April 14 story in the Gazette said it best: public discussion over the Squibnocket Beach and access project has grown “increasingly complicated.”
Squibnocket: Viable Alternatives
The headline of the Gazette’s March 7 front page article about the proposed changes to the Squibnocket beach, parking lot, and two-lane bridge project was “Careful Study Advised at Squibnocket.” We could not agree more!
Squibnocket: Better Options Exist
Observing nature and geology are lifelong interests and passions of mine, and some of the reasons I fell in love with this beautiful Island, like so many other people who choose to live in Chilmark.
Squibnocket: Take Time to Do it Right
I do not support Chilmark’s warrant article 28.
Squibnocket: VOLF Weighs In
The Squibnocket Ridge subdivision is the result of over 10 years of study, planning, and design by the Vineyard Open Land Foundation.
Squibnocket: Amendment on Deck
Stewardship is defined as “the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving.”
Squibnocket: Ill-Conceived Project
I am writing in opposition to the proposed two-lane bridge and parking lot to be voted on by the residents of Chilmark on April 28.
Squibnocket: Invaluable Benefits
I am an interested party, owning a home adjacent to Squibnocket Farm, and ask that readers consider the following.
Squibnocket: Slow Down, Think Through
As an abutter to the proposed bridge at Squibnocket, I would ask that the town and all interested parties slow the approval/permitting process to consider alternative proposals.
Squibnocket: Back to Drawing Board
At our annual town meeting Chilmarkers will be asked to support a proposed solution to parking and access issues at Squibnocket beach.
Stop & Shop: Scale it Down
To the MVC: Please vote against the enormous expansion of the Stop & Shop store in Vineyard Haven. While I recognize that the store needs to be renovated, I do not support the size and scale of their endeavor. A look at the pole on the roof to show the actual height of the structure…
Stop & Shop: Petitioners Speak Out
Everyone who cares about the Vineyard should memorize this central tenet of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s mission statement: “The MVC’s mission is to help carefully manage growth so that the Vineyard’s unique environment, character, social fabric, and sustainable economy are maintained as development takes place.”
Stop & Shop: Stay True to MVC Mandate
The following letter was sent to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. I urge you to deny the Stop & Shop application DRI 89-M3 for the following reasons:
Stop & Shop: No Compromise on MVC Values
The following letter was sent to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. I believe you should deny the Stop & Shop application, as presented, for the following reasons:
Stop & Shop: Large Steel Box Store
Stop & Shop, in accordance with its international parent company Ahold’s corporate model for dominating any marketplace it enters, has instructed its team of developers, engineers, architects, and lawyers to shoehorn in the largest shopping center they can fit, and, for a first on Martha’s Vineyard, a parking garage.
Stop & Shop: Take Responsibilities Seriously
I urge you to deny the Stop & Shop application DRI 89-M3 for the following reasons: • By allowing the applicant to submit information after the fact, and not requiring that this data be provided up front so that you can review it, you are shirking your duty as specified in Chapter 831. In addition,…
Stop & Shop: Preserve the Harborfront
I am writing this letter to voice my objection to the proposed Stop and Shop in Vineyard Haven. This project is simply too big for the site, and will consequently have deep and severe impacts on traffic, parking, visual appeal and our already sensitive environment.
Stop & Shop: Unwelcome Eyesore
I am a West Tisbury property owner and four-month-a-year Martha’s Vineyard resident and I have never approved of chain stores establishing themselves on the Island. This is one of the few populated places that is not swamped with the same boring establishments. The plan to increase the size of the current Stop & Shop in…
Stop & Shop: Too Big, Too Corporate
Islanders want the new Stop and Shop to be better in every way but do they understand that it will also be twice the size of the current store. The proposed plan will visually and psychologically dominate the Steamship Authority’s gateway to the Island and Tisbury itself. This bigger store is too big for the…
Stop and Shop: Strong Support
I am writing to offer my strong support for the application of Stop & Shop to build a new store on Water Street in Vineyard Haven. Our local officials and representatives from Stop & Shop have worked hard over the past year to ensure that the new store is a benefit to the entire community.
Stop and Shop: Excellent Design
It is shame to walk down Water Street and see the current row of buildings in disrepair. We should applaud Stop & Shop’s efforts to revitalize its building. The design is excellent and will be an asset to Vineyard Haven. The proposed size is appropriate and much needed. The benefits of this project will be…
Stop and Shop: A Good Neighbor
I enthusiastically support Stop & Shop’s proposal to invest more than $15 million in our community to replace their outdated store with a new building in Vineyard Haven. It is beyond me why anybody would oppose this project. The existing store has served the Island well, but it is time for a much needed upgrade…
Stop and Shop: Facts Speak
I hope that the members of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission will have the wisdom to ignore the naysayers and stick to the facts when it comes time to approve the new Stop & Shop in Vineyard Haven. Anybody with an ounce of sense would immediately recognize that the current store is ugly and outdated and…
Stop and Shop: No Concerns
Please accept this letter of endorsement for the Stop and Shop Company’s application for a new store in Tisbury. While some people have expressed concerns with the proposal, I am anxious to see it built. The downtown area is in desperate need of revitalization. There is no doubt in my mind that a new supermarket…
Stop and Shop: Attractive Design
Downtown Vineyard Haven is in desperate need of revitalization, and Stop & Shop is in desperate need of a new modern grocery store. I think that through the years of good service to the Island, Stop & Shop has proven that they deserve this opportunity. I fully support this proposal.
Stop and Shop: Community Benefit
There have been a lot of myths swirling around the proposed Stop & Shop in Vineyard Haven. Let’s talk about the facts. The proposed new Stop & Shop is sorely needed, and will be a tremendous benefit to the community.
Stop and Shop: Sound Project
I am in favor of Stop & Shop’s new store in Vineyard Haven. I have many reasons for wanting to see the new store built to replace their old, run down store.
Stop and Shop: Impressive Proposal
Recent letters about Stop & Shop’s impressive proposal for Vineyard Haven attempt to make the case that somehow the months long review process by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission regarding the much-needed new Stop & Shop store planned for Vineyard Haven have been less than transparent.
Breaking Ground
As Vineyard House breaks ground on the construction of our new consolidated campus it is only appropriate to thank other Island agencies that also support our population and our mission. Primary among these is the New Paths Program at Community Services. This six-week day program offers counseling and helps those in early recovery from substance…
One Too Many
Thousands of cigarette butts observed (and many collected!) along the bike path at Joseph Sylvia State Beach on Earth Day. When a single smoker tosses his butt on the ground, thinking, this butt won’t cause any significant harm, his belief is no doubt true. But when thousands of smokers act on that same belief, it’s…
Health Care Access for Veterans
The following letter was sent to Dr. Michael Mayo-Smith, director of the VA New England Health Care System. We are writing to you today in the hopes that we can begin a discussion to address the urgent needs of a population of Massachusetts veterans who are struggling with access to quality health services in a…
Tisbury Appoints New Emergency Services Director
Tisbury police Lieut. Eerik Meisner was appointed as new town emergency services director this week. His recommendation to the post came from town fire chief John Schilling.
Two-Way Race For Aquinnah Selectman
Incumbent selectman and board chairman Beverly Wright will be challenged for her seat by Julianne Vanderhoop. A candidates forum is scheduled for May 7 at 7 p.m., sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard League of Women Voters. The annual town election is May 15.
Selectmen Hear Concerns Over Quality of Sand at Inkwell Beach
Citizens voiced concerns surrounding the sand deposits from a beach nourishment project at Pay and Inkwell beaches to Oak Bluffs selectmen this week.
West Tisbury Town Column: April 25
The spring flowers are in bloom almost everywhere, even though the weather up until last weekend was unseasonably cold and damp.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: April 25
Marvelous Marathon Monday! Reaffirmation is so sweet. Thanks to all who participated.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: April 25
In 1869 Lucy P. Vincent Smith and her whaling captain husband found housing for their son and were able to take a short vacation.
Edgartown Town Column: April 25
Spring is really trying to get here. We have had some very warm days, then the next day will be freezing cold.
Chilmark Town Column: April 25
Chilmark has pushed the go button. A couple of hours of sunshine and we are off and running toward our busier seasons.
On Chappy: April 25
Sidney Morris’s oxen Apollo and Zeus spent a week and a half on Chappy before heading off-Island to Vermont for the summer.
Aquinnah Town Column: April 25
The weather over the past week has felt a little more spring-like, with temperatures in the mid 60s.
Operator, Please
The dial telephone system, which will be introduced to Martha’s Vineyard on May 5 in Chilmark, will need no introduction to Mrs. Janet Swift of Vineyard Haven, whose father, James Laurence McQuarrie, was responsible for its invention.
Please Adopt Us
The population of the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has increased by four. Our mama cat finally delivered her kittens sometime Thursday night or early Friday morning.
Two Island Advocacy Groups Work Together to Provide Essential Services
Family Planning of Martha’s Vineyard and Connect to End Violence are set to strengthen their partnership with a collaboration that begins May 1. Call volume for domestic violence and rape counseling was up on the Island this winter.
Springing Forth
I have some opium poppies, bachelor buttons and nigella coming up in the vegetable garden. If I did not know them, they would get raked up with the debris and weeds.
Penikese to Reopen as Youth Treatment Center
After more than a year pursuing a state license, a small treatment center on Penikese island is preparing to open its doors. The newly-licensed Penikese, a program for adolescent boys with substance abuse and mental health issues, expects to open June 23.
Edgartown Police Join Ranks at Boston Marathon
The handful of Islanders who ran the marathon this week were not the only ones who had trained for the big day. Officer Jeff Trudel and Det. Michael Snowden of the Edgartown police department trained to be among 100 members of a special bicycle unit that patrolled the marathon route Monday.
Village Concerns Delay SSA Decision on Woods Hole Terminal
The Steamship Authority this week postponed making a decision on the proposed Woods Hole terminal redesign because of additional questions from village residents. Woods Hole community members thanked the boat line for listening.
Permanent Endowment Fund Awards Grants
The Permanent Endowment Fund for Martha’s Vineyard, in its spring grant cycle, has awarded more than $43,000 to 11 local nonprofit organizations.
The Force Is Strong With This Cod
Cod Show Too, an exhibit at the Centerville Historical Museum’s Chequaquet Gallery, features illustrations by 22 Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School students.
Free Fun, Fitness at YMCA Kids Day
At the YMCA from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, kids and families are invited to take part in fun, creative activities that help foster a more active lifestyle.
Walk to End Violence
Connect to End Violence, a program of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, sponsors its annual sexual assault awareness walk on April 27.
Butterflies and Barbecue
Help get the garden ready at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Shear Fun on Saturday at Island Alpaca
Shearing day is set for Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. There will be fiber demonstrations and refreshments available while you watch the alpacas get their annual haircut.
Cheers for Beers
Martha’s Vineyard Wine and Spirits will hold a tasting party of all things hoppy and delicious on Saturday, April 26, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Never Never Land Awaits Actors of All Ages
This Saturday and Sunday, the Island Theatre Workshop is holding auditions for its August production of Peter Pan. Roles still needing actors include Mr. and Mr. Darling, the Indians, some pirates, Nana and the Crocodile.
Hello Lillian
Brooke and Derek Avakian announce the birth of a daughter, Lillian Marie Avakian, born on April 12 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Kody Arrives
Lindsey and Jason Chapa of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Kody Axel Chapa, born on April 18 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Island Grown Schools Host Seed Summit
From April 27 to 30, Island Grown Schools is hosting a workshop with a variety of leaders in the sustainable farming field to help plan for the future. They are also hosting a benefit dinner on May 3.
The Birds Are Back
Spring migration is definitely picking up and it is hard to decide what the “bird of the week” is. Sightings of thrashers, a ruby-throated hummingbird, snowy egrets and more were reported.
From Briny to Beautiful, Bivalves Benefit
With oysters, you can go crazy or be more refined. My favorite use of oysters is using them as food. Deciding on whether to go wild or cultured, though, can be a conundrum.
Island Artisan in the Company of Stone
Eben in Hebrew means stone, so becoming a stonemason seemed liked destiny for Eben Armer, founder of Contact Stone. His father first brought him to a jobsite when he was five years old. He’s never left.
Land Bank Revenues: April 18
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $146,500 for the business week ending on Friday, April 18, 2014.
Hunger Banquet Gives Taste of Food Disparity at Annual Event
On April 30 the Vineyard Committee on Hunger brings the issue to the center of the plate, so to speak, at its annual Hunger Banquet. The dinner reveals the disparity in food security around the world in a simple yet direct manner.
Staying True to the Muse by Staying True to Emotion
At age 81 Oak Bluffs poet laureate Michael Achille prefers the quiet side of inspiration. As for advice on the poetic life, he says, “you have to be a real feeling person and just have an interest in things.”
Boatline Takes Up New Ferry, Woods Hole Terminal Plan
Cost estimates for a ferry to replace the Governor and a plan to rebuild the Woods Hole terminal top the agenda of the Steamship Authority governors this morning. The monthly board meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Marine Biological Laboratory Candle House in Woods Hole.
Gannon and Benjamin Boats Take Top Honors in Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
Nat Benjamin’s Juno and Ross Gannon’s Eleda placed first in their class at the Caribbean regatta held over the weekend. Races concluded Monday. Eleda also won the Arne Frisell Prize for greatest attention to structural integrity and safety.
Hawaiki Rising Wins Nautilus Award
The book by Oak Bluffs author Sam Low traces the Hawaiian cultural renaissance. The award, which carries a monetary prize, honors books about social and environmental justice.
Ceremony Highlights Role of Coast Guard Auxiliary as Mission Critical
Two Vineyarders were presented with their auxiliary boat crew certifications at a ceremony in Menemsha. The events marks another step toward Martha’s Vineyard having its own auxiliary flotilla.
