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
July 11, 2014
President Obama Will Return for Island Vacation in August
President Obama will return to Martha’s Vineyard early next month for a 16-day family vacation, the White House confirmed this week. The Obamas will stay in Chilmark again, but this year in a different home.
Fresh Complaint Filed Against Airport Commission
Legal and personnel troubles at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport continued this week as a former employee filed a new lawsuit against members of the airport commission, county, and airport management.
Growing a Movement, Local Food for Everyone
Among the mounds of lettuce heads, cartons of fresh fruit, herb displays and coolers of local meat, vendors at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market are offering something new this summer: acceptance of government-issued food coupons.
House With a View, Fit for a President
An energetic Portuguese water dog named Ruby greets all visitors as if they were longtime friends. In the vegetable garden, sugar snap peas are ripe and tasty. But owner Joanne Hubschman’s favorite part of her house is the outdoor shower. And she hopes the Obamas enjoy it.
Pool of Island Paramedics is Small and Getting Smaller
As the summer season gains momentum, Vineyard emergency medical crews are working overtime and drawing from off-Island resources in order to meet an increased demand for service. Fewer paramedics are available this summer for ambulance calls, leading to increased cross-town efforts.
Collaboration Key to Helping Osprey Soar
It’s been a record-breaking year for Vineyard osprey, the majestic raptor that now nests on the Island in greater numbers than ever before. Home to only two breeding pairs in 1970, the Island can now count 83 such pairs of osprey among its avian residents.
West Tisbury Considers Ways to Repurpose Old Police Station
What to do with the old West Tisbury police station building was a topic for discussion before the town selectmen this week. Situated on the Mill Pond at the entrance to town, the building has been vacant since April when the police department moved into new headquarters behind the public safety building in North Tisbury.
Oak Bluffs Looks to Recover Parking Mitigation Fees
Oak Bluffs is working to recover payments owed to the town for parking mitigation following the discovery of lapse in collections for the account. A town bylaw in effect since 2004 allows B1 businesses to pay into an account in lieu of providing the required off-street parking spaces for their customers.
Land Bank Revenues: July 4
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $156,941.82 for the business week ending on Friday, July, 4, 2014. The land bank receives its funds from a two per cent fee charged on many Vineyard real estate transactions.
Tisbury Birthday Bash Fills the Street
Tisbury’s 343rd birthday party was a hit for all those invited, and that included the whole Island.
Summer Arts Shine Brilliantly
Flip through the events calendar. Throw a dart at any day, Wednesday, perhaps. In the morning at the Yard in Chilmark, Jason Samuels Smith, perhaps the best tap dancer in the world right now, was giving an instruction in his art form. Later that night he performed with the Owen (Fiidla) Brown Quartet. Via his…
Vineyard Notebook
This weekend will mark the final five performances of the world premiere of The Whaleship Essex at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse on Church street in Vineyard Haven. These performances will represent a number of remarkable things, and not just for the playwright Joe Forbrich, myself and this wonderful cast made up of a mix of…
C&W
Lean and mean how Walter comes across Cash no credit That’s how they run the place
Heart of a Friendship Never Stops Beating
A few years ago, I checked the voicemail on my cell phone and heard the following message start like this: Hi Chris, it’s Ken. I am out here in the middle of Sunset Lake, treading water.
Incomprehensible Accusations
Reading the Gazette is usually a fun, relaxing and informative experience for me. But today we find a letter from Nick van Nes who suggests that the tragedy of 9/11 was a government conspiracy. I had to read his comments four times to make sure I was actually comprehending his accusations. “One doesn’t have to…
Many Marthas
Now that Bad Martha’s Brewery has opened on-Island, how long will it be before we see other iterations and takeoffs of Mad Martha’s? I predict that within a few years we may very well see the following: Glad Martha’s, the Island’s own Comedy Club; Sad Martha’s Funeral Home; Rad Martha’s, the Island’s only Marxist-Leninist Bookstore;…
Flag Down
This letter is directed to your readers who may be cruising in Edgartown harbor this summer and wondering what has happened to the iconic flag that flew in front of Walter Cronkite’s home for as long as many of us can remember. Sadly, the flagpole met its demise when it tangled with tropical storm Arthur…
Kindness of Strangers
On July 2, I was leaving the Edgartown Stop & Shop with an overloaded basket of groceries. As I was navigating the ramp into the parking lot, the basket capsized and all my purchases were strewn across the ground. Five wonderful people, unknown to me, swiftly gathered up my purchases, replaced them in the basket,…
The Stars of Chilmark
The Chilmark All-Star Game will be played Sunday, July 13. The players are chosen by secret ballot on a location near Abel’s Hill. Who will they be? Perhaps Bizu Horwitz, who has developed into an exciting young star, or maybe his father Tony who coached him. Then again it could be Paul Iantosca for his…
When Tragedy Strikes
This week I witnessed a number of near accidents and arrived just after a fender bender in two different parking lots. It is the first time I have seen the signs reading, “Drive as if your children live here.” The delicate balance between everyone who shares the roads was upset this week by the tragic…
Potato Harvest Thrives on Girl Power
As soon as the ground can be worked, goes the adage for planting certain early season crops. This past winter was as cold as any in recent years.
Dance of Education Is Right of Passage for Teachers and Students
Empty classrooms are strange places: silent rows of desks and artwork that once looked so pristine and was a source of pride now faded and lifeless without its proud creators. Schools so full of energy, sometimes muted and restrained like a force field and sometimes buoyant, but always humming from September to June, fall suddenly…
All Aboard
From the Vineyard Gazette edition of July 9, 1940: The first steamboat companies organized to serve Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket were financed by Island capital and were managed by Islanders.
Vineyard Is Safe Haven for Bat Colony
On the mainland, northern long-eared bats are quickly becoming rare sights as they fall victim to a disease called white-nose syndrome. The disease has never been documented on Martha’s Vineyard. The bats here are safe, at least for the time being.
Iconic Harbor View Hotel Parallels History of Edgartown
Its porches and windows frame Edgartown harbor and the surrounding landscape, drawing visitors from around the Island and the world. It is a favorite spot to sit back and watch the sailboats in the harbor, the changing skies throughout the different seasons and the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Welcome, Austin
Ross and Ashley MacPherson proudly announce the birth of their first child, Austin MacPherson. He was born on June 6 at South Shore Hospital. Austin weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20.25 inches long. Ross MacPherson was born and raised in Vineyard Haven, as was his family for generations. Austin’s grandparents are Elizabeth Honey…
Announcing Ellis
Kristin Hall and Anthony Estrella of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Ellis Joseph Estrella, born on July 4 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Ellis weighed 8 pounds, 11.2 ounces at birth. He is joined at home by his brother Olsen.
Thorpe Karabees Admitted to Honors College
Thorpe Karabees of Chilmark, an incoming first-year student, has been admitted to the University of Vermont’s Honors College.
Alister Arrives
Melissa Callahan and Bill Callahan of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Alister John Callahan, born on July 4 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Alister weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces at birth. He is joined at home by big brothers Griffin and Jackson.
Saturn and Mars Go Head to Head
Two evening planets are easy to see and are getting closer. The bright red planet Mars and the ringed planet Saturn are going to join together in the zodiacal constellation Libra. This is the top astronomical event for July and August, so far. Call it a race. While the two planets will be closest together…
Cottagers Tour Is Open-Door Tradition
On Thursday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cottagers Inc. will present their 31st annual benefit house tour. The houses represent a diverse group in style and age. Some remain similar to the original houses built during the 18th century, while others are newly built or refurbished homes with current amenities.
Fluke Tournament
The 15th annual fluke tournament takes place this weekend at the Veterans of Foreign War Post 9261 Hall in Oak Bluffs. Last year 114 fishermen participated. Lines go in the water Saturday at 12:01 a.m.
Real Estate Transactions: June 30 – July 6
Henry Udow and Regina Pitchon purchased 10 Witchwood Lane in Edgartown from Mary E. White for $1,950,000 on June 30.
Seastreak Day Trips
Seastreak offers a day trip to New Bedford, which includes admission to two New Bedford area attractions and discounts for lunch at restaurants on the historic waterfront. Round-trip ferry transportation on Seastreak’s high speed vessel and passes are available for $50; children age 12 and under go free. The ferry also offers Foxwoods excursions, currently…
At the Bridge Table
Column vetter Paul Laliberte has forwarded me an interesting bidding question from Dan Philip, director of the Berkshire South Bridge Club in Great Barrington.
Seventieth Birthday Bash for David Crohan is Music to Everyone’s Ears
A special concert at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs on Sunday, July 13 will celebrate David Crohan’s 70th birthday and 50th year of performing on the Island.
Susan Minot Uses Fiction to Discover Hard Truths
In her first novel in 12 years, Susan Minot explores the darkness and wonder of human experience. Thirty Girls follows the stories of two women from vastly different cultures and backgrounds.
Takes Kids to Review Kids’ Movies; Cinema Circus Returns
In preparation for the Cinema Circus event held on Sunday, July 13, at the Chilmark Community Center, an advance screening of the animated films was arranged for a group of Kid Critics. The event is from noon to 6 p.m. and includes a screening, circus fun and filmmaking workshops for kids. All events are free,…
Art of Cartooning No Laughing Matter
The Art of the Cartoon show at Featherstone Center for the Arts opens Sunday, and features works by six cartoonists with Island connections.
Weekend Rendezvous at Tarpaulin Cove
Thirteen boats took to the water last Sunday on a glorious post-Fourth of July and Hurricane Arthur visit to race to Tarpaulin Cove. Replicating America’s first yacht race of 1833, HHSA’s yearly rendezvous race to Tarpaulin Cove is always a treat when the weather behaves.
Sengekontacket Closed for Shellfishing
Sengekontacket Pond remains closed for shellfishing because of rainfall.
So Many White Knights Popping Up for Charity
A pop-up party held at Herring Creek Farm for 300 diners dressed all in white raised $4,000 for the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Wednesday evening. Even the clouds were white as nature loves a good theme-party, too.
Debate Continues About Proposed Post Office Square Apartments
Edgartown residents continue to voice opposition to a development planned for Post Office square that is soon due for a vote before the planning board.
Commercial Striper Season Off to Slow Start
Many striped bass fishermen are reporting a poor catch early in the season. The commercial fishery opened June 23. New rules are in place this year with lower daily bag limits and reduced fishing days.
The Yard Taps Out the Beat of Another Creative Summer
Tap the Yard: A Vineyard Festival of Rhythm and Beats has returned to the Yard in Chilmark for the third year. The two-week festival features some of the best dancers in the country working in progressive tap and dance.
Hello, Cameron
Leanne Cash and Jade Cash of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Cameron Eagle Cash, born on July 9 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Sal Monteiro, 53, Worked in Gazette Pressroom
Salvatore (Sal) J. Monteiro, formerly of Charlestown, Oak Bluffs and Falmouth, died on July 7 in the Falmouth Hospital after a brief illness.
Please Adopt Us
Robert, the guinea pig with the red eyes, is still at the shelter, and two female feral kittens could be adopted by patient owner(s). A stray dog found in Oak Bluffs is looking for a home.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: July 11
Holding the Fourth of July on the Fifth of July really worked out well for us, didn’t it? By Saturday, the parade seemed even more festive, the fireworks even more brilliant.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: July 11
We know kids of the past rolled hoola hoop-like toys with sticks, that they played jacks and pick up sticks, sailed handmade boats at the pond in Ocean Park, and, of course, flew kites just like today.
Dolphins Pay a Visit to Edgartown Harbor
Three common dolphins made an appearance in the Edgartown harbor Monday, delighting onlookers and creating a buzz about the species of the mammalian visitors.
Music Festival Has Community Roots
For his birthday on Monday, Phil daRosa asked for just one thing this year: a music festival. This Saturday he gets his wish, thanks largely to his hard work, as the Martha’s Vineyard Sound Festival takes over Waban Park in Oak Bluffs.
Aquinnah Town Column: July 11
Summer programs are underway in Aquinnah. Charles Shipway IV will again teach sailing on Menemsha Pond, while Michael Wooley will teach swimming at the pool of Mrs. Hannah Malkin.
Island Authors Cook Up Conversation
On Monday, July 14, forget the beach for a few hours and head to Lola’s Southern Seafood for a special five-course lunch tasting with recipes from six different Island chefs.
On Chappy: July 11
Since the majority of us will not be attending Lady Gaga’s hot tub christening party, I would like to suggest a consolation activity.
Ospreys’ Winning Year
Gus Ben David and crew’s osprey poles are now the proud surfaces on which 83 osprey pairs are nesting.
Nasturtiums and Nature’s Nutrients
Many parts of the nasturtium are edible. The green seeds can be used as a substitute for capers, and, during World War II, they were an easily acquired substitute for black pepper.
All About Allium
Note to self: buy more drumstick allium in the fall. The inexpensive bulbs are simple to plant in the fall and are worth it.
Edgartown Town Column: July 11
I guess we were lucky we only got rain. The weather is getting warmer and the wind forgot to go with the rest of the storm.
Chilmark Town Column: July 11
Chilmark joins the rest of the Island in sending condolences to the family of Alexandro Garcia of Springfield, who died last Wednesday in a moped accident in our town.
Novel Discussion at Library
On Tuesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. Neville Frankel will give a reading and discussion of his novel Bloodlines at the Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main street, Vineyard Haven.
Melodious Return of the PigPen Boys
The PigPen Theatre Company is coming back. For those out of the loop, this company spent many summers on the Vineyard, perfecting its musical play The Old Man and The Old Moon.
An Artist’s Guide to Island Beaches
On Saturday, July 12, Ellen Liman invites you to head to the beach, by way of the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse art gallery.
Garden Tour and Tea
The Edgartown Garden Tour and Tea celebrates 25 years this Wednesday, July 16. Participants can stroll through 10 beautiful gardens along South Water street.
Oak Bluffs Promotes Members of Police Department, Welcomes New Officer
Just in time for peak season, the Oak Bluffs police department has promoted three police officers while hiring another officer to join the ranks. Oak Bluffs native Nicholas Curelli was named sergeant last month after sailing through a grueling promotional process, police chief Erik Blake said.
Tisbury Makes Committee Appointments
Appointment season continued in Tisbury last Tuesday as the board of selectmen continued to fill positions on town committees.
Playhouse Presents Search: Paul Clayton
Next weekend Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse opens its second play of the summer season: Search: Paul Clayton. The world premiere opens with previews on July 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Concert and Comedy
Alex’s Place at the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard hosts two events this weekend: a concert featuring Lowland Hum and Charlie Nadler’s stand-up comedy.
Stella Waitzkin Exhibit Opens
Selected sculptures and drawings by Stella Waitzkin will be featured at A Gallery on Uncas avenue in Oak Bluffs from July 19 to 31.
Vineyard Cup Commences
Sail Martha’s Vineyard is expecting more than 100 sailboats this weekend at Vineyard Haven harbor as the 2014 Vineyard Cup gets underway.
Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook Will Preach at Union Chapel
Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook from New York city will be leading the Union Chapel in worship on Sunday, July 13, at 10 a.m.
Oak Bluffs Art Stroll
A block party with art, the first of the season’s Arts District Strolls, takes place Saturday, July 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. along Dukes County avenue in Oak Bluffs.
Art Benefit on the Half Shell
The Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group will host its first annual benefit Art Show at the Tashmoo Spring Building in Vineyard Haven on July 18 and 19.
Public Gardens in Today’s World
Dr. Gerry Donnelly, president and CEO of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill., will share his insights about public gardens in relation to today’s communities in a presentation at Polly Hill Arboretum at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16.
Web Theorist Jonathan Zittrain Comes to Summer Institute
Jonathan Zittrain, described as one of the web’s brightest theorists, is the featured speaker of the Martha’s Vineyard Summer Institute in a 7:30 p.m. program on Thursday, July 17.
Author Lecture Series
Martha’s Vineyard Author Lecture Series features a series of evening lectures, readings and panel discussions throughout the summer, with nationally acclaimed authors speaking about their newly published work.
Girls on the Water
Aloha Paddle MV is forging new waters with Stand Up Sisters, a day camp for tweens and teens.
Announcing Maxwell
Megan and Nathan Zellner announce the birth of a son, Maxwell Charles Zellner, born on May 12. Maxwell weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces at birth.
West Tisbury Town Column: July 11
The weekend weather was superb, hot and dry after the storm. Frank Adams would describe the weather we have been enjoying as “hotter than a burn boot.”
Airport Commission Legal Bills Soar
The Martha’s Vineyard Airport expects to spend nearly 11 times as much as it budgeted in legal fees during the fiscal year that closed last week. Unusually high legal spending led to a last-minute scramble to adopt a supplemental budget for the airport.
Honoring Words of Frederick Douglass on Fourth of July
On Saturday, for the tenth year in a row, a group of readers took turns reciting Frederick Douglass’ speech The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro. “It’s important for people to remember the impact of slavery because it’s not only a part of our history, but it’s a part of our present,”…
Tribe Granted Funds to Restore Land Affected by Hurricane Sandy
A recent round of grants will help the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) manage and restore more than 230 acres of land affected by the 2010 hurricane, including the herring run between Menemsha and Squibnocket Ponds.
Stranded Visitors, Heavy Ferry Traffic Punctuate Holiday Weekend
The Fourth of July weekend, off to a quiet start with festivities dampened by heavy rain and winds, was relatively quiet for police, but busy for the Steamship Authority. The weekend began with wind and rain associated with Hurricane Arthur.
Aquinnah Children’s Parade Marches to Its Own Beat
The parade is a lesser known but well-loved Island tradition. At least 150 marchers and spectators turned out for the parade on Saturday, which marched down Old South Road and ended at Philbin Beach, where kids followed a treasure map and dug up a chest full of candy.
Freedom Means Giving Back, Stars and Stripes Festival Hits High Note
Tank tops and skintight American flag apparel mixed with ties, button down shirts and khakis at the Stars and Stripes Music Festival held on Saturday night at Flatbread Company. The event raised over $100,000 for the YMCA.
Cultivating Young Film Critics
Kids First! Film Critics Boot Camp, a nonprofit children’s media advocacy organization, creates camps and film festivals all over the country and starts its first Vineyard camp at the film center in a few weeks.
East Chop Town Column: July 11
Last fall Craig Dowley had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He and four mates sailed in a race across the Atlantic.
Kenon Veno Earns President’s Scholarship
Kenon Veno of Edgartown recently earned an enrichment scholarship from Keene State College.
Lucas Thors Earns Enrichment Scholarship
Lucas Thors of Edgartown recently earned an enrichment scholarship from Keene State College.
Alicia Oliveira Named to Dean’s List
Alicia Oliveira of Edgartown was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2014 semester at Providence College.
Two Named to Dean’s List
Cody Coutinho of Chilmark, a senior majoring in civil engineering, and Skylah Forend of Oak Bluffs, a sophomore majoring in human development, were named to the dean’s list.
Sarah Hall Graduates From Stonehill College
Sarah Elizabeth Hall of Vineyard Haven earned a bachelor of arts degree from Stonehill College recently.
Amy Bates Presents Work in Education
Amy Bates, one of 21 master’s candidates of the University of Chicago’s Urban Teacher Education Program, recently presented her work on valuing student voice.
New Senior Chief Takes the Helm at Station Menemsha
Robert Riemer is getting to know his crew and looking forward to learning the ropes of Island life. His career in the Coast Guard has spanned Alaska, Woods Hole and Puerto Rico, along with several assignments at stations in New York.
One Day Late, Parade, Fireworks Still Delight All Ages
They rode on creatively crafted floats, walked, danced, rollerbladed and drove antique cars, trucks and bicycles. Children raced to collect candy hurled into the streets. Fire trucks sprayed water to cool down the crowd. And the Fourth of July celebration in Edgartown was declared a great success.
After Rainy Fourth, Hurricane Arthur Blows Past Island
The Vineyard was lashed with wind and drenching rain and ferries were cancelled Friday evening as Hurricane Arthur passed offshore. By daybreak Saturday the storm had passed. Fourth of July festivities will be held in Edgartown tonight.
