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
May 2, 2014
Memories of a Second Mom and Endless Days of Summer at Inkwell Beach
The dads were both engineers and the moms were stay-at-homes with young ones. The more liberal of the two mothers was Ann Margetson, whose idea it was to share a summer vacation in Oak Bluffs.
Vineyard House Expands Footprint
For most Vineyarders, driving off the ferry back onto the Island is a moment filled with excitement or a sigh of relief. But for those returning from detoxification units for alcoholism and addiction it is a time of temptation and anxiety.
Stop & Shop Hearing Closes; Deliberations Begin Next Month
A 10-month review of the Stop & Shop expansion plan came to a close Thursday night before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. The plan has been a lightning rod for debate in Tisbury and around the Island.
Federal Ruling Favors Alabama Tribe in Casino Rights Case
A federal judge ruled early this month that the state of Alabama cannot interfere with casinos on tribal lands. The case has caught the attention of both sides in the dispute between the Vineyard Wampanoag tribe and the commonwealth over casino rights on the Island.
Where Art Thou Milky Way?
Tomorrow night the crescent moon and Jupiter appear together as a pair, high in the western sky after sunset. The two are in the zodiacal constellation Gemini, a constellation we usually associate with winter.
Chilmark Rejects Squibnocket Plan, Favoring More Study
Chilmark voters rejected the much-discussed public-private improvement project at Squibnocket beach by a slim margin at the annual town meeting Monday night, deciding instead to study alternatives under a newly appointed committee.
Staying True to the Land, Small Farms Try to Stay Viable
The Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has long been a model for small farms to gain needed capital. Today, some small farms on the Island are tweaking this idea to adapt to changing times and customer preferences.
Citizen Scientists Zoom in on Norton Point Breach
The Norton Point breach has been part of an ongoing cycle of nature. The current breach began seven years ago, and as a result erosion on Chappaquiddick has intensified.
Walking the Line in Chilmark and Aquinnah
Chilmark voters approved a change to the town line, but not before an amendment was added on the town meeting floor that will keep Aquinnah, the smallest town on the Island, from losing any more land. At stake was 300 feet.
Fashion and Flowers
Featherstone Center for the Arts hosts its fifth annual Garden Party and Fashion Show at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. Sip sparkling lemonade while taking in designs by Lorraine Parish, Bananas, Once In a Blue Moon and more.
Lines in the Sand
Chilmark voters have spoken, voting by a slim margin at the annual town meeting Monday to send the town back to the drawing board on the restoration project for Squibnocket Beach.
Sliding Into the Season
Earlier this week a man walking down the street announced, “If it snows, I quit.” What he would quit was not entirely clear, but his sentiment was written all over his body — hands tucked deeply into his pockets, jacket collar turned up and a thick hat pulled down on his head.
Then as Now, Stalking the Elusive Trout
When I was a young boy growing up in Chilmark, this was the time of year when my friends and I would spend most of our days fishing the brooks and ponds for native brook trout.
Growth of a Politician
From the Vineyard Gazette edition of May 6, 1977: The first woman to be elected selectman in Chilmark remembers being the sixth Democrat to register in the town.
Overlooked and Unfair
Again, Gail Barmakian, a long-serving and devoted member of the Oak Bluffs selectmen, was overlooked to fill the seat as chairman.
Carl to the Rescue
Dear Carl: I am the woman you rescued two weeks ago Thursday on the uphill part of Main street in Vineyard Haven as a cyclonic wind knocked me down.
Public Sentiment Running High, Stop & Shop Hearing Continues Tonight
With public sentiment running high on both sides of the issue, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission convenes a public hearing in Tisbury tonight on the Stop & Shop expansion plan. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Tisbury senior center.
Health of Menemsha Pond at Stake
The following letter was sent to the Army Corps of Engineers; the author is chairman of the Chilmark selectmen.
Mindless Redevelopment
This is not about the corporate world, this is about mindless redevelopment. Stop & Shop’s owner Ahold, a large corporation on par with Walmart, is using a cookie cutter plan to maximize profits.
Design Challenges, Alternatives
I have viewed with interest the SSA’s plans for the Woods Hole terminal renovations.The initial proposals were all predicated on three full-sized slips and the removal of the present terminal building and earth fill dock.
Cool New Gadget
There is exciting news which makes saving the ponds and estuaries of the Cape and Islands possible and affordable.
Community Beach Cleanup
I want to express our sincere appreciation to the Vineyard community for coming out and helping with this year’s Earth Day beach cleanup.
Capturing the Muse by Sitting Still
I have passed the Point Way Inn, home of Noepe Center for Literary Arts and Martha’s Vineyard Writers Residency, hundreds of times. My family vacationed on the Island for 30-plus years, and now my daughter lives here, a full-time resident on the cusp of marrying a Vineyarder.
Remember the Hammer
In order for a democracy to remain viable, participation by voters is essential. Many brave souls have fought to live in a free country and to defend its principles.
Altered Reality on Stop & Shop
The suggestion that Stop & Shop is doubling the size of its store is a stretch beyond belief.
Second Chance
Can’t Chili the ram have a second chance with his family now that he’s been castrated?
Chilmark Passes Budget Overrides, Re-elects Warren Doty
A sparse turnout of Chilmark voters at the annual town election Wednesday overwhelmingly approved two override questions to help pay for education costs. Warren Doty was elected to a sixth term as selectman
Little League Opening Day Is Home Run
On Saturday morning, starting at 10 a.m., Circuit avenue in Oak Bluffs will be closed to traffic, but that doesn’t mean the street won’t be packed. In fact, it will be bursting with color, as all the kids from the Martha’s Vineyard Little League celebrate in uniform the opening day parade, beginning at the Oak…
Tisbury Finishes Two-Night Town Meeting; Override Still to Be Decided
Tisbury voters approved a $23.1 million operating budget and set the stage for a general override question at the town election this month. The $1.3 million override is the first in Tisbury in 20 years.
Pond Stocked, Tangle Tent Ready; Kid’s Trout Tournament Reels Them In
The Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club’s annual trout tournament is Saturday and Duarte’s Pond off Lambert’s Cove is teeming with trout. If you’re 14 or under, be there at dawn. Here are some tips from the experts on how to best angle for the winning fish.
Shade Trees, Taxi Issues Occupy Edgartown Selectmen
The town of Edgartown bids adieu to two more shade trees this week, following hearings held at the selectmen’s meeting Monday. A diseased sycamore maple will removed from Robinson Road and a dying oak will be taken down from Planting Field Way.
Please Adopt Us
At the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard social plans for the spring and summer seasons are underway. Coming right up on Saturday, May 10, is the Pink and Green celebration in Edgartown featuring people and pets sporting those preppy colors. Awards and ribbons for appropriately attired animals will be handed out in the small park…
Tisbury Candidates Forum
Meet the candidates for Tisbury on Thursday, May 8, at 1 p.m. at the Tisbury Senior Center.
Aquinnah Candidates Forum
The public is invited to a candidates forum on Wednesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. at the Old Town Hall in Aquinnah.
Real Estate Transactions: April 21 – April 27
Janine Simon-Daughtry and Lloyd Daughtry purchased 11 Flamingo Drive in Edgartown from Candace A. Nichols for $473,000 on April 23.
Land Bank Revenues: April 25
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $71,772.29 from 14 transactions for the business week ending on Friday, April 25, 2014.
Chilmark Town Column: May 2
Chilmark never ceases to amaze. I must admit I have never been to a less-than-memorable town meeting here — all standing out for different reasons.
Raise a Glass at Second Annual Wine Festival
A wine festival taking place from May 8 to 11 will include dinners and tastings taking place around the Island at restaurants and private homes. Visit winefestmv.com for tickets and information.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: May 2
When the Oak Bluffs Land & Wharf Company built Oak Bluffs, the homes, hotels and buildings were constructed of wood, perhaps, as my father suggested, out of Loblolly pine — a fast-growing tree grown throughout the southeast coast. Clay from the old brickyard in Menemsha was used for bricks. Making bricks from clay required heat…
Vineyard Haven Town Column: May 2
Our senior centers and the Center for Living are doing a wonderful job with adult day care programs. Unfortunately, the program is moved from center to center because we do not have a single location large enough for daily use.
Library to Host Readings from Residency Writers
On Wednesday, May 7, and Wednesday, May 14, from 5 to 6 p.m. the West Tisbury Library will host readings showcasing writers from the Martha’s Vineyard Writers Residency program.
Three Musketeer Auditions
This Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m. the Vineyard Playhouse is holding auditions at the Katharine Cornell Theatre for its July and August outdoor performances of the Three Musketeers.
Edgartown Town Column: May 2
If you remember, last year we fought to shut off the heat in April. When we could shut the heat off, we had to turn on the air conditioner and it stayed on most of the summer.
Still Lives of Flowers and Landscapes
This Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. artist Teresa Yuan will hold an opening reception Island Art Gallery/Kennedy Studios in Vineyard Haven. Ms. Yuan was born in Taiwan but has lived on the Island since 1978.
May Musical Tea
The annual May Musical Tea complete with sandwiches, cake and music with Martha Child and Friends is Saturday, May 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the parish hall of the First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven. This year’s tea offers a hat contest so be sure to shine up your chapeau. Cost for the…
Taking Down the Youth Tennis Bubble
Help Vineyard Youth Tennis take down the bubble from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 3. Sign up is required and if there aren’t enough volunteers to help, they will need to reschedule.
On Chappy: May 2
Out at Wasque, Mother Nature has been trying out some new designs. The sand spit that has been growing offshore in front of the Fisherman’s Landing has extended all of the way to the mid-point of the Schifter’s bluff.
Aquinnah Town Column: May 2
Spring is springing with the dogwoods in bloom, the forsythia with bright yellow blossoms, crab apples are blossoming, daffodils still dazzling, pinkletinks are in loud chorus, robins finding their worms, neighbors opening their summer homes.
Rare Bird Alert
Adam and Rand Burnett were birding on Chappaquiddick and have added two new species to the Vineyard bird list: a zone-tailed hawk and a common raven.
The Green Season Begins
Mother nature is finally giving us the green light. Forget the spinach in cellophane and prechopped bagged salads — now is the time for a taste of dock, one of the season’s first wild greens.
Tisbury Town Meeting Continues to Second Night
Tisbury voters approved several zoning changes at a special town meeting Tuesday evening. The annual town meeting continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Tisbury School gymnasium.
Vineyarders Rally Around Families Injured in Off-Island Car Accident
An interfaith healing service is planned for Wednesday night at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center for members of two well-known Island families who were injured in a car accident in Virginia Sunday.
A Farmer Heads to the Pulpit
On Sunday, May 4, Chris Fischer, chef of the Beach Plum Inn, will be the guest speaker at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury. His grandfather was minister there from 1974 to 1982.
Post Time: League Hosts Derby-Watching Event
The League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard brings the Kentucky Derby to Chilmark on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center.
Rise Dance Troupe Earns Honors
Recently the Rise dance troupe participated in the Turn It Up Dance Challenge in Springfield. The dancers earned 10 platinum awards, 22 high golds and four national invites.
West Tisbury Town Column: May 2
We had a mixed bag of weather over the weekend. Saturday was great but it went downhill after that with rain, wind and lower than average temperatures. It doesn’t look much better for this weekend. It is May but it feels like late March sometimes. However, it is a lot better than the horrible weather…
Budget Override Tops Tisbury Town Meeting
The main theme will be spending as Tisbury convenes for town meetings tonight, with the town facing its first general override in 20 years.
Welcome, Edmund
Emily Cottle and Edmund Charles Cottle 3rd of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Edmund Charles Cottle 4th born on April 22 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Announcing Aaron
Nili Morgan and Dylan Morgan of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Aaron Raymond Morgan, born on April 25 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Staying a Step Ahead of Mother Nature
Brrr . . . what a chilly weekend, but typical of spring on the Vineyard. We get a few days of sun and warmth as a little tease followed by a reminder that we are out here in a cold ocean. Remember, this phenomenon is in our favor in the fall. One plus to the…
Town Postpones Action on Squibnocket Plan
A large public-private improvement project at Squibnocket beach was rejected by a slim margin at the annual town meeting Monday night; instead the majority favored studying alternatives for the beach.
High School Principal Stephen Nixon Resigns
Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss notified school parents and teachers Monday that Mr. Nixon, who had been on leave of absence since last week, had resigned. Assistant superintendent Matthew D’Andrea has been named acting principal.
Mother’s Day Walk for Peace
Gather at the right fork parking lot at Katama Beach at 12:45 p.m. on May 11 for rain-or-shine Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. The walk, sponsored by St. Andrew’s and Grace Episcopal Churches, can be as long or as short as you like.
Jumping for Joy at the Horse Council Open House
Sophie Shalhoub sat atop her horse Gigja under drizzling rain at Woodbe Farm in West Tisbury on Sunday. Ms. Shalhoub, who rode Gigja to the farm from Chilmark, was showing the pony as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Horse Council’s second annual open house.
Walk Honors Victims of Sexual Assault
A passionate band of Islanders took to the streets of Oak Bluffs Sunday in honor of victims of sexual assault. Bearing signs and wearing teal blue T-shirts that read, “I Walk Because I Care,” the group of about 30 walked two miles along Beach Road in honor of the survivors in their lives.
Back-to-Back Town Meetings Begin Tonight
In Chilmark Squibnocket beach is expected to dominate discussion when voters gather for their annual town meeting tonight. In Tisbury tomorrow night the main theme is spending, with the town facing its first general override in 20 years.
Craft Beer Tasting; Where Everyone Gets an A for Effort
On Saturday, around 350 people arrived at MV Wine and Spirits, the Island’s newest liquor store to smell, sip and savor a vast selection of craft beer. Rachel White said her favorite was Purple Monkey Dishwasher Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter, created by the Evil Genius Beer Company.
Hebrew Center Guest Speaker
Yuval Elizur, former deputy editor and economics reporter for Israel’s largest daily newspaper Ma’ariv, will be the guest speaker following the Shabbat service at the Hebrew Center on Friday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m.
Some Fee Hikes Approved for OSVs at Norton Point Beach
Fees are going up for over-sand vehicle permits, as the Trustees of Reservations work to enhance stewardship and generate more revenue for the fragile barrier beach. The county commission approved hikes to annual permits, but held off on approval for daily pass increases.
Garden of Eating
Join the regional high school’s culinary arts students as they work with chef Kevin Crowell at the Sweet Life Cafe for this year’s spring garden feast on Saturday, May 3.
