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
May 30, 2014
Planets Overhead and Underfoot
There are three visible planets in our evening sky, and a fourth under our feet. On any clear night, right after sunset, it is possible these days to see Jupiter, Mars and Saturn. Jupiter is low in the western sky. It is brilliant, resides near the edge between the two zodiacal constellations Cancer and Gemini.…
Honors Night Showcases Impressive Range of Talented Vineyard Students
What follows is the list of awards given to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School students at the annual Honors Night ceremony, held last night at the high school’s Performing Arts Center.
Wedding Bells Ring, Bringing Big Business to the Vineyard
By many accounts the wedding business is booming on the Vineyard this year, with caterers, hotels and inns, florists and others who work in this growing cottage industry reporting they are busier than ever.
Hospital Cited for Two Safety Violations After On-Site Inspection
The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for two violations and must pay a $7,000 fine.
Island Community Gathers To Honor and Celebrate Life of F. Patrick Gregory
F. Patrick Gregory will be remembered for his kindness and gentle spirit, his passion and generosity. He was a man of uncommon decency. Those were a few of the words used to describe Mr. Gregory at the West Tisbury Agricultural Hall Wednesday afternoon.
All Ashore: Steamship Bookings Are Up
The Island may be busier this summer, if advance reservations on the Steamship Authority are an indication. Reservations for vehicle passage from Woods Hole to the Vineyard are up 3.5 per cent over last year, and bookings in the other direction are up 4.6 per cent, according to data collected by the Steamship Authority at…
At the Ready
It took a pickup truck flying into the harbor from the ramp of the Chappaquiddick ferry slip to highlight something Vineyarders can often take for granted — the exceptional readiness of the men and women who are called on to respond in an emergency.
Legacy of Kindness
On Wednesday, as nearly a thousand members of our Island community crowded the Agricultural Hall to honor F. Patrick Gregory, it was impossible not to sense a collective longing for the simple virtues of respect and kindness.
In Appreciation
We would like to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to Mike Hathaway of the Edgartown harbor master’s office as well as to the Edgartown police, ambulance, fire and rescue personnel, the Chappy ferry personnel, the staff of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital emergency room and especially to the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services emergency services staff.…
East Chop Drive Traffic May Stay Limited to One Lane
In an effort to stall the deterioration of an eroding bluff in Oak Bluffs, the town may keep the seaward side of East Chop drive closed for the summer.
Senior Center Reorganization Possible
The Oak Bluffs Council on Aging is facing possible reorganization of personnel following a months-long investigation that found mismanagement of a fund operated in connection with the senior center.
Island Students Named to Dean’s List
Four Island students were named to dean’s list at Northeastern University for spring 2014 semester.
Maili Scott Graduates from St. Lawrence
Maili P. Scott of Vineyard Haven graduated from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., on May 18.
Preparing for Aging Population Is Essential to Island Future
As a working task force on the Vineyard begins to prepare for a graying population in the decades ahead, the state Secretary of Elder Services paid a visit to the Island last week to hear about their work in tackling the issue of healthy aging. Secretary Ann Hartstein said there are unique challenges involved in…
Jenny Mullin of Edgartown Graduates
Jenny Mullin of Edgartown graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans on May 17.
Grant Awarded for New Energy Coordinator
The three down-Island towns have been awarded a joint grant to hire a full-time energy coordinator. The $50,000 grant will be given to Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Tisbury by the state department of energy resources, and will fund a one-year salary beginning in fiscal year 2015.
Shaelah Huntington Graduates
Shaelah Huntington of West Tisbury graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College on May 18.
Finding Stillness Amid Deep Emotions
On the day Jennifer Tseng’s daughter was born, her father called her at the hospital. He called to congratulate her, but also to tell her he was having health problems which at the time were unknown. The illness turned out to be terminal cancer. Red Flower, White Flower is Ms. Tseng’s first book of poetry…
Charting Their Own Distinct Path
On Thursday afternoon, 10 days before graduation, the small class from the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School gathered at the Polly Hill Arboretum for lunch in the garden.
Smooth Sailing Ahead
The regional high school sailing team competed in the National Invitational Tournament last weekend, placing eighth of 10 teams. The team gained entry into the tournament after competing in the New England Sailing Schools Association championship races on May 17.
Making the World the Classroom
In 1992 a group of parents and teachers collaborated on a new academic program for the Chilmark School. It sprang from the belief that children and adults can learn together outside the classroom.
Parents’ Glow Magnified by Community
Last month we invited folks who support Danny at school and in the community to what we called a “vision party.” We invited them but we really didn’t expect them to show up.
Paying Respect
Yesterday about 1,000 people attended a memorial service for Pat Gregory. Attendance was driven by love, sorrow, admiration and camaraderie, but perhaps the most universal and overriding reason was, respect.
Hospitalist Program Explained
The role of primary care physicians at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is going through a big change. Primary care doctors will no longer be treating patients while they are admitted to the hospital.
Cliffside Perch Is Front Seat Worth Saving
Chilmark has its scenic moors, West Tisbury its tree-shaded Middle Road. Edgartown has Chappaquiddick’s North Neck, Tisbury has the headland at the West Chop light and Aquinnah has the Gay Head cliffs (even if rain and sea have washed away the colorful clay that gave them their name). What a pity it would have been…
Lost and Found: Go Pro Camera
I found a Go Pro Hero camera while clamming with my family in Katama Bay last fall and am hoping to locate the owner.
Praise for ACE MV
I am grateful to be part of a community that supports the enrichment and cultivation of our human resources.
Lavish Lilacs Still in Bloom
Right now, this very week, perhaps even this very day and this very minute, spring is at its wondrous peak of perfection.
Always Something Sprouting at Seed Summit
On a recent Sunday evening, the West Tisbury Library Community Room was crowded with people leaning over tables covered with white paper bowls. Each bowl was filled with a different kind of seed — some tiny, some huge, some fuzzy, some smooth, and in every shade of red, gray, white, black and brown.
Real Estate Transactions: May 19 – May 25
Heather McQueen purchased 9 Sparrow Lane in Edgartown from Scott Meserve and Denise Meserve for $520,000 on May 23.
Discover the Island, One Step at a Time
There are beetlebung trees and pinkletinks to identify, a heath hen sculpture to find and constantly changing landscapes to behold at either end of the Island. The Vineyard is a place of natural discovery and a new field guide hopes to capture just that.
Calm Mind, No Judgment and Lobsters, too
In two talks last week, Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche outlined the steps he teaches toward achieving happiness. He said that the basis for happiness includes a calm and kind mind, and a life with less judgment. “You should always strive to have a kind mind,” he said.
Relay For Life Goes Around the Clock
On Saturday, May 31, the 11th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Martha’s Vineyard takes place at the MVRHS track. Participants will take turns walking around the track from 1 p.m. Saturday until 8:30 a.m. Sunday to celebrate cancer survivors, honor those who have lost the battle and raise awareness for cancer prevention.
Wanted: Musketeers
The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse is seeking actors for this summer’s production of The Three Musketeers to be directed by Scott Barrow.
From Sea to Farm and Field, Food Connections Are Locally Grown
Martha’s Vineyard is practically overflowing with wildlife and vegetation. To highlight this, a group of local farmers, fishermen and food-lovers have created an experience that doesn’t just talk about the wonders of local food, it showcases how it is produced, cooked and eaten.
Land Bank Revenues: May 23
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $230,397 for the business week ending on Friday, May 23, 2014.
Please Adopt Us
On Memorial Day, you might have seen Sean O’Malley, Grace O’Malley and Kaya Seiman at Tradeswinds dog park. Every year, they hold a walk for dogs to raise money for the shelter.
Pat Gregory Remembered for His Kindness, Gentle Spirit
A crowd of nearly 1,000 people filled the West Tisbury Agricultural Hall Wednesday afternoon for the memorial service for F. Patrick Gregory. Son Tim Gregory called his father a whistler and believer in the human spirit.
Taking the Plunge for a Good Cause
Officer Bradley Cortez is one of many Islanders participating in the Cold Water Challenge. Those challenged are asked to jump in cold water to bring awareness to a cause. If they opt not to take a chilly plunge, they can donate money to the charity.
High School Looks to Add Portuguese to World Language Program
Changes are on deck for the world language program at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in the coming school year, with a plan to reintroduce Portuguese as full academic course.
Summers with Seastreak
After a winter on the rock, you might enjoy a Seastreak trip to Six Flags. The excursion line offers trips to the theme park on June 6, July 25 and August 29.
Neighborhood Convention Luncheon
The luncheon program at the June 3 neighborhood convention gathering includes the topic Behind the Scenes at The Yard: Choreographers Share Their Vision.
Aquinnah Town Column: May 30
Friday afternoon in Menemsha this past week was rather interesting. The tug boat pulled the barge and crane out from where the new Coast Guard boathouse dock is being built, which is similar to a landing strip.
Chilmark Town Column: May 30
Memorial Day was marked with proper solemnity by the Chilmark School students who took flowers to Menemsha and cast them into the harbor in honor of all who have served and died for our country.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: May 30
The old arcade leapt from the headline of an old New Bedford newspaper I happened to be perusing — in a story quoted from the Gazette about another popular Oak Bluffs character, Blind Nathan.
Getting the Garden In
I’ve never been bored a day in my life. I say this with neither pride nor shame. I’m simply stating a fact. At any rate, there is always something to do in a gardener’s world.
West Tisbury Town Column: May 30
The rhododendrons at the old Foote tennis court (the only clay court remaining in town) were absolutely beautiful this past weekend. Bunny Fales would have been so proud of them.
On Chappy: May 30
The Slipaway Farm welcome back party and pig roast was a huge success. Attendees feasted on pulled pork by Local Smoke and frittatas made with farm eggs and vegetables straight from the Slipaway fields.
Edgartown Town Column: May 30
We got to see our summer friends for the weekend as they came to open houses and visit with friends. But there were also many new visitors. The triangle was backed up and the bike riders were out.
Announcing Theo
Joziane Costa and Leonardo Costa of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Theo Costa, born on May 25 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Osprey By the Numbers
Rob Bierregaard was introduced to the Vineyard’s osprey population by Gus Ben David and has been studying the Vineyard’s ospreys since the 1960s.
Service Today for Pat Gregory
A memorial service and potluck celebration of life for F. Patrick Gregory begins at 4 p.m. today at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share. Town halls in West Tisbury and Chilmark will close early.
Lululemon Pops Up in Edgartown
The yoga-inspired apparel chain will test the Island retail market this summer with a four-month pop-up store on South Summer street in Edgartown.
Land Bank Expands Wapatequa Woods Reservation
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank announced Tuesday that it will continue to expand the reservation that stretches between Vineyard Haven and West Tisbury. The land bank paid $925,000 for 36 acres.
Two Merciers Graduate With Honors
Nicole Mercier and her brother Justin Mercier graduated this month magna cum laude and summa cum laude from Salem State University and Johnson and Wales University respectively.
Pet Party
It’s a pet party when the Harbor View Hotel and the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard hosting their annual Celebration of Pets on Saturday, June 7.
The Morgan is Coming
Charles W. Morgan visits Martha’s Vineyard June 21 to 24. Martha’s Vineyard Museum gears up for visit with lecture on history of whaling by author Eric Jay Dolin.
Children’s Benefit Golf Tournament
Farm Neck Golf Club hosts the 20th annual Children’s Benefit Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 1, beginning with registration bright and early at 7 a.m.
Celebrity Fishing Tournament
The Harbor View Hotel hosts the John Havlicek Celebrity Fishing Tournament on June 5 to 8 to benefit the Genesis Foundation for Children.
Chilmark Benefit
Live local talent, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle will help support Ed Colligan as he returns home from the hospital.
Uncovering the Ukraine
Recent events have shined a spotlight on Ukraine. Alan Brigish will share photos and information from his trip there in 2000 at a presentation at the West Tisbury library.
Welcome, Madelyn
Sarah Ward and Knolls Ward of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Madelyn Jane, born on May 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit’s Paradox
While many think Jack-in-the-pulpit describes a flower with pious pedigrees, I now know that the devil is in the details.
Edgartown Library Construction Hampered by Water Table Issues
Crews are working to remove water encountered at the site more than one month ago during the excavation of an elevator pit. Previous explorations into the ground had not shown the true height of the water table.
Man Pulled Safely From Harbor After Driving Truck Off Chappy Ferry Ramp
A Chappaquiddick man and his truck were safely rescued from the Edgartown harbor late Monday morning after the man drove off the ferry ramp on the Chappy side and landed in the water. The incident prompted an immediate call to emergency responders including police, fire and rescue, and attracted a small crowd around the harbor…
No Major Injuries, Square Rigger Spared in Sunday Morning Accident
A woman passed out and drove a truck off the road Sunday morning, police said, with the truck stopping just short of hitting the Square Rigger restaurant.
Flowers and Remembrance as Edgartown Students March to Sea
Traffic came to a halt in Edgartown Friday afternoon as the Edgartown School took to the streets for their annual Memorial Day march to the sea. At 1:00 p.m., the entire school followed the seventh grade class down to Memorial Wharf for a short ceremony.
Art for a Cause at Family Planning Art Show
More than 250 guests packed into the Agriculture Hall Thursday night to celebrate the opening of the 25th annual Friends of Family Planning Art Show. During the opening gala, artists mingled with the public and unveiled their work for all to see.
