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
June 6, 2014
Full Moon and Extreme Tides
Tides will run higher and lower than normal in the coming week as the moon gets both closer to the earth and enters the full moon phase. Full Moon is next Friday. On Sunday, June 15, the moon will be closest in its routine orbit around the earth and this is called perigee. These two…
Caps, Gowns and Open Road of the Future
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School class of 2014 showed promise four years ago as freshmen, their teachers said. At class night Friday they will be recognized for their achievements when more than $1 million is awarded in student scholarships, a first in school history.
Baseball, Hot Dogs and Hungry Sharks
On Wednesday evening, the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks showed promise for another summer of first-rate baseball, crushing the North Shore Navigators 11-1 in the season opener. But for many in the audience, Wednesday’s game was less about the score than the spirit surrounding the event.
Goodale’s Pit Comes Under Fresh Scrutiny by Town
The Goodale Construction Company has long mined for sand and gravel without restrictions. But what was once an isolated, sparsely populated region today includes residential homes. The town is asking Goodale’s to obtain a special permit for its operation.
Valedictorian Is Top of the Class but Down to Earth
Valedictorian Sarah Ortlip-Sommers was editor of the school newspaper and took more AP classes in a year than most take in four. She calls her violin an extension of herself and credits her parents Michele Ortlip and Josh Summers for her achievements.
Ritz Cafe to Be Sold, Ending Decades-long Run for Family Owners
The Ritz is a true neighborhood bar — a dark, honky-tonk blues joint that’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s just how regulars like it. The Circuit avenue institution is due to change hands at the end of the month.
Tragic Loss Leads to Desire to Help Other Families in Need
The inaugural Joseph Jerome Memorial Golf Tournament is a natural extension of efforts the Jerome family have already been making to assist other families, thanks to a memorial fund created in the fall.
Fish Proves Nine Lives Not Just For Cats
You’ve heard those fish stories about the one that got away. Jason Hershey of Edgartown has a tale about the many things he did just to let one go. The story begins at Lobsterville Beach and ends at Sengekontacket, with a few twists along the way.
Turbulence at the Airport
Meetings of the Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission are turning into a spectacle that might be comical but for the fact that they involve a commission charged with oversight of the Island’s only commercial airport.
Turning the Tassels
What begins as a small circular bond between parents and child quickly becomes a communal enterprise of fellow parents, teachers, coaches and the community at large.
Fueled by Hope, Anchored by Love
This amazing middle of the night heroic effort is a tale of hope and kindness.
The Awesome Power of Sheer Awe
He looks up into the heavens and says in a voice filled with wonder, do you realize that neutrinos can pass through the earth and never touch anything. His voice a whisper. The man is truly in awe.
In Spring, No Such Thing as a Bad Walk
I like to wake up by walking somewhere each morning in any season. I have favorite walks. In West Tisbury, one takes me through the woods past Glimmerglass Pond, another across a Whiting field.
Takes a Legal Seagull to Lose the Beach
The story has it that 40 years ago this spring, Massachusetts state Sen. William (Billy) Bulger was on Nantucket and decided to go for a dip in the deep blue sea.
Triangle Apartments Controversy
A development project that will prove highly disruptive, and dangerous, to traffic flows in and around the Edgartown Triangle is moving forward with little notice and even less outrage.
Remembering Normandy
It was 70 years ago, on June 6, 1944, that Allied ships landed in Normandy in the D-Day invasion. Church bells tolled across the Island that day.
Profound Loss
The board, the staff and the greater Seven Gates Farm community would like to express our deep shock and profound sadness at the unexpected passing of Pat Gregory.
Nice to Read
I just arrived for the summer and grabbed the latest Gazette. What a pleasure it was to read Katie Carroll’s article, “Making the World the Classroom.”
Kind and Ethical
While it is almost always tempting to write a letter to the editor criticizing poor service, it is much more enjoyable to give praise where it is due.
Rink Warriors to the Rescue
Our community has seen cutbacks, layoffs and appeals, and many who spend a large amount of their time at the rink are (in true Vineyard pioneering spirit) all too willing to help.
Summer’s Dance Returns
We are inclined to think that those who rise fairly early, say around 5:30, on any sunny morning on Martha’s Vineyard in this month of June can walk with summer hand in hand.
Vineyard’s Got Talent, but Musicians Say Off-Island Mix Essential
Members of the Vineyard music scene are working hard to keep the scene fresh and alive. However the financial constraints of bringing off-Island bands to the Island often make it feel like an uphill battle. But the love of the music keeps them going.
Two New Trustees for Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Warren Spector of Chilmark and New York city and Ronald H. Rappaport of Chilmark were both elected as trustees of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital at a meeting May 24.
Going Deep With Saltwater Hero
Swordfish used to swim close to the Squibnocket shore, but 30 years ago they began disappearing. Local fishermen had to go farther and farther east, to the edge of Georges Bank to find them.
Land Bank Revenues: May 30
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $145,943.62 for the business week ending on Friday, May 30, 2014.
Real Estate Transactions: May 26 – June 1
Krystle A. Rose purchased 8 Tower Lane in Edgartown from Eleanor H. Burke for $400,000 on May 28.
Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank Opens Branch in Falmouth
Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank opened its new branch in Falmouth this week, the bank’s second off-Island location and ninth branch overall.
Pizza, Baseball, Selectmen’s Meeting: All in a Day for New Town Leader
Juli Vanderhoop runs the Orange Peel Bakery, her home business in Aquinnah, and is a busy single mom. And last week she took her place in as the newest member of the Aquinnah board of selectman.
New State Regulations Could Mean Fewer Beach Closures
Fewer beach closures are expected this summer due to changes in state regulations governing swimming safety. Under the new rules, water samples will have to show high bacteria counts on two consecutive days before a beach is closed.
Films by the Pond at Lunafest
Thursday evening, residents and visitors of the Island are invited to relax by the Sengekontacket Pond and enjoy a festival of short films at the Rod and Gun Club in Edgartown.
Please Adopt Us
The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard is down to three guinea pigs for adoption. Sci-fi fans would love these little critters. They all have brilliant red eyes! There are two girls, Lucy and Ethel, and one boy, Robert.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: June 6
The trouble with skipping your homework for one week is how much is piled on for the next week. Special mention to my friend Tamma Willoughby who celebrated her May 31 birthday without notification in this column.
Aquinnah Town Column: June 6
Walter E. Delaney was escorted out of the town of Aquinnah on Tuesday by the fire department, the police department, and many well-wishing friends and his neighbors.
Vineyard Haven Formally Named as Cultural District
Downtown Vineyard Haven has been named as the state’s newest cultural district. The town application was approved during a meeting of the Massachusetts Cultural Council last month, and an announcement was made at the selectmen’s meeting Tuesday.
West Tisbury Town Column: June 6
The weekend was warm and after church many people had an opportunity to go to the beach for the first time. Lambert’s Cove was pleasantly crowded. Charlie Kernick and Sam Alley report that their gardens are all planted.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: June 6
Looking down at a map, Oak Bluffs looks like the mitten of Martha’s Vineyard, although contextually, looking at the whole Island it might occur to you that we look like one of two humps of a west-traveling camel.
Driver Cited After His Car Struck House
Edgartown police responded to a one-car accident Sunday in which a car struck the corner of a house on Pinehurst Road, police said.
Edgartown Town Column: June 6
Well, I think we have summer. We have had two days of sunshine and heat. I know the rain is coming, but we can’t complain. I believe we need the rain for our plants and trees.
High School Vocational Program Receives State Grant
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School has received a $14,000 grant from the state for its health assisting vocational program.
Chilmark Town Column: June 6
Chilmark is enjoying the arrival of many of our seasonal friends and neighbors. The lights are going on all over town!
On Chappy: June 6
Chappy is a small island with a relatively large personality. There doesn’t exist much ambivalence toward our (sometimes wayward) appendage: one either would “never live there” or would “love to find a small lot.”
Sneezing Season
This season has been a tough one for anyone with hay fever, and for everyone who is tired of being covered with that potent yellow (and sometimes green, white, red, orange, blue or purple) powder. Pollen has been plentiful this year, and allergy sufferers have reason to grumble (and sneeze and sniffle). A confluence of…
Frost Comes to Call
I spoke too soon. Last column I bragged about my dahlias and tomatoes. Last Thursday night-early Friday morning brought a killing temperature of 30 degrees to my big garden. It is located in the center frost pocket area of the Island.
Deion Arrives
Kerigan A. Whalen and Dylan F. Estrella of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Deion Eric Estrella, born on June 3 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Edgartown Students Have Their Day in Court
Tom Trouble was on trial last Thursday in Edgartown district court, and it was up to a group of seventh graders from the Edgartown School to try the case. Tom’s day in court was the focus of a student mock trial, the culmination of an eight-week enrichment program that gave students exposure to the legal…
The Workshop Gallery Unveils Portraits
On Friday, June 13, there will be an unveiling at The Workshop gallery, 32 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven of portraits of boat designer and builder Nat Benjamin and clothing designer Stina Sayre.
Birding on Easter Island Is No Bust
I will tell you about our trip to an island in the Pacific Ocean that is the shape, and almost the same size, as the Vineyard. Easter Island.
Edgartown Police Report Drug Discovery in Local Park
Edgartown police had an unusual lost and found call this weekend: a bag of heroin was found in an Edgartown park. Det. Sgt. Chris Dolby said someone going to work in downtown Edgartown Saturday saw a plastic bag sitting on the foot path in a park tucked away off Main street. The person thought it…
Bloomsday Celebration
Bloomsday comes to the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven on Monday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Organized by John Crelan, this 36th annual celebration of James Joyce’s Ulysses features local talent.
Windemere Auction
The recreation department at Windemere will reap the benefits as you do your bidding on Friday, June 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at its sixth annual auction at the Agricultural Hall.
Frances Perkins: Madam Secretary
A documentary about the life of Frances Perkins, secretary of labor from 1933 to 1945, will be screened on Sunday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, 130 Center street, Vineyard Haven.
World Oceans Day
Across Sound Connections celebrates everything ocean on Sunday, June 8, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center at the Tisbury Marketplace.
Summer’s Coming
Summer signals are all around, but more so on Friday, June 13, when the Martha’s Vineyard Museum starts the season with a reception on the lawn and an opening for the exhibit Martha’s Vineyard.
Memorial Film Series
The West Tisbury library and the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center are collaborating in presenting the inaugural Jonathan Revere Memorial Film Series with the 1939 classic The Women.
Celebrate the Best of the Vineyard
What’s the best beach on the Vineyard? The best breakfast? Best bakery? On June 16, the answers to these questions and more will be revealed at the annual Best of the Vineyard party.
High Flying Fundraiser for Montessori School
Aviation-themed fundraisers held this weekend raised around $17,000 for the Vineyard Montessori School.
Healthy Options
Healthy and easy snacks for the whole family will be discussed as Josh Levy visits the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center on Greenwood avenue in Vineyard Haven at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Students Named to University of Vermont Dean’s List
The following students were named to the spring 2014 dean’s list at University of Vermont: Korrine Altieri of Edgartown, Dylan McCarthy of Edgartown, Meghan McHugh of Edgartown, Kristen Parece of Edgartown and Olivia Gross of Vineyard Haven.
Students Named to Salem State Dean’s List
James Bagnall of Edgartown and Molly Bangs, also of Edgartown, were named to the spring 2014 dean’s list at Salem State University.
Corey Perrotta Named to Dean’s List
Corey P. Perrotta of Vineyard Haven was named to the spring 2014 dean’s list at Coastal Carolina University.
University of Vermont Graduates
The following students were awarded bachelor degrees at University of Vermont at commencement ceremonies on May 18: Olivia Gross of Vineyard Haven, Anna Hayes of Edgartown, Dylan McCarthy of Edgartown, Taylor Perrotta of Vineyard Haven, Edward Rancich of Vineyard Haven and Alan Wiley of Vineyard Haven. Molly Rovin of West Tisbury, was awarded her medical…
Douglas Fraser Named to Dean’s List
Douglas Fraser of Oak Bluffs was named to the spring 2014 dean’s list at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Meghan Leonard Completes Degree in Education
Meghan Brielle Leonard, daughter of Richard J. Leonard and Pia Centenari-Leonard of West Tisbury, received her master’s in education, prevention science and practice from Harvard Graduate School of Education on May 29.
Flag Day Parade and Concert
The first dedication of the War Veterans Memorial Park took place 50 years ago in Vineyard Haven. To commemorate the anniversary, the veterans at American Legion Post 257 have organized a parade to the park on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14.
Robyn Nash Named Walk Hero for Jimmy Fund Walk
Robyn Nash of Vineyard Haven has been named a Walk Hero for the 2014 Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk. Scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21, the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk is a one-day fundraising event that raises the most money of any single-day walk in the U.S.
Gallery Opens in Nevin Square
Nikki Sedacca Gallery is opening in Nevin Square on Winter street in downtown Edgartown. The space will feature fine art as well as jewelry.
Announcing Amanda
Claudiceia G. Da Silva and Robson Alves of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Amanda Goncalves Da Costa, born on May 29 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Cat Trapping to Protect Plovers Raises Concern of Pet Rescue Group
Cats, both feral and domestic, pose a threat to the Island’s fragile piping plover population, biologists say. But an effort to humanely trap the cats has raised concern among members of an Island group that finds homes for unwanted cats.
Note from a Graduate to His Mom: Thanks for the Sacrifice
I still remember my first day at the charter school. It was the first time I could go to school in jeans, and a T-shirt. I was not shy or anything, but I only knew about 10 words in English.
Quiet Year Predicted for Hurricanes
A hurricane outlook released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association says the region will be seeing hurricane activity at normal or less than normal levels. The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
Graduate Awarded Dual Degree
Ruth C. Guilford, daughter of Mark and Linda Guilford of Vineyard Haven, was awarded a dual master’s degree in elementary education and specialist teacher in reading.
Welcome, Frances
Emily C. Hunsaker and Philip M. Hunsaker of West Tisbury announce the birth of a daughter, Frances M. Hunsaker, born on May 28 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Charter School Graduates Look to the Future With Open Hearts
Families and students gathered beneath a whimsically-decorated tent Sunday afternoon to celebrate the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School graduation. “Trust your heart,” Fawn Pelletier, a 13-year student of the school told her four fellow graduates.
Islanders Walk Relay for Life, Joining Fight Against Cancer
On a cool, breezy day with nearly-summer sunshine, Islanders of all ages were in high spirits as they walked laps around the regional high school track Saturday. The annual walkathon is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
From Pond to Page, the Story of A Magical Summer Resident
Vanessa the green sea serpent basks in the sun from Memorial Day to Labor Day in a shallow pond off Beach Road. In the past three decades, she has had babies, nearly drowned in Hurricane Bob and posed for countless photos. And this summer, she has a book.
Stay Tuned, Strings Concert Showcases Island Youth
From pint-sized elementary school violinists to high school musicians who now play at an advanced level, the all-Island spring orchestra concert at the Performing Arts Center marked a first of its kind for the public school music program. Strings teacher Nancy Jephcote led the program.
Airport Commission Bickers Over Its Own Rules, Policies
In the second regular meeting since their recent reorganization, members of the Martha’s Vineyard airport commission sparred with each other and airport staff over procedures and policies governing the Island’s only commercial airport. Two attorneys participated in the meeting by conference call.
Governor’s Grants Bolster Coastal Restoration on Vineyard, Gosnold
Funding was announced Friday for three key projects: the restoration initiative at Squibnocket Beach in Chilmark; a pilot by the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group to sow marshlands with ribbed mussels; and a project at Barges Beach on Cuttyhunk.
