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
September 19, 2014
State Election Sees Local Races
Vineyard voters will decide on local races in the November election, including seats on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, county commission and up-Island school committee.
Seasonal Shift: Autumn Arrives
The first day of autumn is Monday. Fall arrives when the high noon sun crosses the earth’s equator at precisely 10:29 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. The precise moment can be calculated and forecasted years ahead. But try and observe it, and things get incredibly difficult. In the southern hemisphere, they are thinking first day of…
Tick Talk
By all accounts this has not been an unusually bad year for tick-borne illnesses on the Island. The dry cool summer may have helped — not just in keeping the tick population down, but in keeping hikers and gardeners more fully covered when venturing outdoors.
From Shore, Boat and Kayak, 69th Derby Begins With a Splash
The Edgartown harbor is relatively quiet these days, with the exception of a small shack where a steady stream of fishermen arrive with their best catches of the day. The Martha’s Vineyard Bluefish and Striped Bass Derby is off to a strong start, with ideal fishing weather.
Tick Disease Center Will Study Lyme Testing
Anecdotal reports suggest it was an average or slightly above-average season for tick-borne illnesses on the Vineyard. By far the most prevalent illness is Lyme disease. A new venture intends to focus on clinical research into tick-borne illnesses.
Aquinnah Approved for Gay Head Light Ownership
The town of Aquinnah is one step closer to taking ownership of the Gay Head Light, with the Department of the Interior approving its application to take possession of the endangered lighthouse. The light will be moved sometime next year.
Artist Ray Ellis Captured Derby’s Essence in Paintings to Be Shared
For 25 years it was an anticipated event — the arrival of the limited-edition prints depicting classic Vineyard fishing scenes as rendered by artist Ray Ellis.
Young Fishermen Get Hooked At Derby
It’s been a big opening week for the youngest generation of Island fishermen, with juniors and mini juniors holding their own against the grown-ups in the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.
Squibnocket Committee Hears Alternative Plan for Beach
The latest proposal for restoring Squibnocket Beach was presented to the town committee on Tuesday by the Friends of Squibnocket, a group that includes homeowners in the beach area.
Petty Thieves or Boggarts of Island Life?
A few weeks ago my business was robbed. As a seasoned business owner for over 35 years, believe me, I’ve had to face a lot worse.
The Derby
The Derby He takes lure, doubles the rod.Must be male, feels more like competitionthan romance. Five miles offshorenear the Hooter, the big one and Itest the filament between us.He’s spooling the reel. Tighten dragdon’t line out! He turns. Retrieve!He runs again, against the dragagainst the tide. Reverse the boat.Clumsy chase, backward, reelingnot steering. Tip up!…
Book Recalls Marine Disaster That Was a Force for Change
The unexplained sinking of the fishing boat Sol e Mar sent large waves across the waterfront community. In the end this marine disaster led to significant changes in the way rescuers do business.
Owen Park Fiasco
Owen Park has become nothing short of a total disgrace! This incredible jewel of an entry point for boaters into Vineyard Haven harbor has fallen into complete disrepair.
Finding Comfort in a Virtual Rescue
I am penniless and without a passport right now in Istanbul, many of my friends believe. That’s not at all impossible. I could well be.
A Citizen Recruit to Imagine the Future
As Labor Day passes, those of us remaining on the Island begin to transition from the fast pace of summer to the more measured rhythms of fall. For many of us, it is a time to take a deep breath, reconnect with our community and pick up the projects that we set aside in May.
Joining the March
On Sept. 21 a group of Islanders will travel to New York city to take part in the historic People’s Climate March covering an estimated 26 blocks beginning at Columbus Circle and ending facing the United Nations.
Cape Wind Risks
It took my daughter, studying environmental sciences at Elon University, in a report she just submitted, to rekindle my interest concerning the dangers of Cape Wind.
Correcting the Record
It is a wonderful feeling to see your house spotlighted in the local newspaper. I experienced surprise and pleasure to see my house featured in a column by Mary Jane Carpenter this past week prior to a Martha’s Vineyard Museum-sponsored house tour at West Chop.
Less is More: Savoring Island Time as the Summer Ends
I have always tried to end each summer on an Island, and their names tend to end in the letter “a.” Kea, Ponza, Kreta. This year, almost, Elba. And, of course, the eternal Island of Martha’s Vineyard.
Summer Winners Tallied, Fall Racing Begins
One season ends, another begins.Sailors of the Holmes Hole Sailing Association bid adieu to the summer series of races two weeks ago.Three days later, they turned their tillers for Vineyard Sound in the 37th Moffett Race.
At the Bridge Table
Is it ever right to bid game or slam in NoTrump when you might have a 4-4 fit in a major suit?
Sweet Spot of Poetry; Celebrating the Poet by Reading Her Words
A poetry reading that is as much a celebration of the poet as of the poems is not very common. Yet that was what took place Tuesday afternoon in Chilmark, as Nancy Aronie hosted more than 25 people for a reading of poetry by Peggy Freydberg. Mrs. Freydberg, who is 106, was the guest of…
Good Neighbors
The Blue Barque, the beautiful old homestead that has been an adornment of the South Road in Chilmark for generations is to be purchased by Victor Leventritt of New York.
Mill Brook Forums Begin
The Mill Brook watershed management planning committee will hold the first of several public forums on Monday, Sept. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the West Tisbury library.
Land Bank Revenues: Sept. 12
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $126,600.48 for the business week ending on Friday, Sept. 12, 2014.
Former West Tisbury Police Chief Appointed to Airport Commission
The Dukes County Commission voted to appoint Beth Toomey of West Tisbury to the seven-member airport commission. The county commission chose from an unusually large group of applicants, with eight people applying for the single spot.
Hello, Julia
Cristiane Gusmao and Nilton T. Gusmao of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Julia Valentina Oliveira Gusmao, born on Sept. 17 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
No Wake, No Fishing? Selectmen Rule Sign on Jetty Stays
Despite complaints from fishermen, No Wake signs posted at the end of the Eastville Beach jetty will remain in place. Concern about the signs arose as the bass and bluefish derby kicked off earlier this month. The end of the jetty is a popular site for shore fishing.
Hospital Donates Space for Community Services Crisis Center
Islanders experiencing mental health and substance abuse crises are expected to benefit from a Martha’s Vineyard Community Services crisis stabilization unit that will be run on hospital grounds. The so-called red house will be renovated to house the program.
Katama Silo to be Repurposed as Cell Tower
A long-awaited project to bring improved cell service to the Katama part of Edgartown moves forward this week, following the completion of a lease with telecommunications company AT&T.The company will pay the town $28,000 per year for the use of an abandoned silo at Katama Farm.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Sept. 19
Don’t the neighborhoods seem quieter now that the kids are off the streets from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.? School sports are starting up with many practices and many parents chauffeuring. Our meetings have commenced; last night our American Legion Auxiliary meeting opened the fall season at the legion hall. It is always great to…
Dan Waters Runs for Moderator in West Tisbury
Mr. Waters, who is a longtime town resident and the lone candidate, pledged to carry out the respected legacy of the late moderator F. Patrick Gregory, who died unexpectedly this past spring. The special election is Nov. 4.
Please Adopt Us
Two remaining cats, Cody, the very shy female, and Clinger, the big gray bobtail, have the place to themselves right now. They will be joined by Brownie who, contrary to his name, is a coal black nine-year-old male.
West Tisbury Town Column: Sept. 19
Well, Monday is the first day of the fall season and we are thankful for all of our summer memories as September is slipping away as quick as you can say Jack Frost!
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Sept. 19
Presently the third ranked town in assessed property value, a square mile of Oak Bluffs is worth $289,934,976, ranking second to Vineyard Haven.
Edgartown Town Column: Sept. 19
Now this is the weather I love. The sky is that perfect blue. The clouds are so white and fluffy and there is no humidity. Plus, you can sleep at night with a blanket on.
Chilmark Town Column: Sept. 19
Chilmark has gone fishin’. . . the weather is good and the fish are running. Lots of fishermen line the jetties and small boats are out. The bonito are biting as well as the false albacore.
On Chappy: Sept. 19
September is the best month to be on the Vineyard. It is the perfect time to hike the trails on Chappy; our version of the Appalachian Trail runs clear across the heart of the island.
Aquinnah Town Column: Sept. 19
Autumn is upon us. The shadows are getting longer each day. Sunsets are simply spectacular. Beach plums are still in abundance. The fish are biting and deer are on the move.
Rain, Rain Come Our Way
Are we ever going to get rain? Whiting’s Pond has disappeared and the large pond at the Keith Farm looks to be a quarter of its original size.
Some Captivating Caterpillars
Seen now on a milkweed plant near you, the caterpillar of the milkweed tiger moth is anything but dull. Think Cousin Itt meets Halloween.
Selectmen Allow Oyster Farm off Eastville
The 4-1 vote clears the way for brothers Greg and Dan Martino to begin a pioneering aquaculture venture. There were complaints from abutters and concerns about navigation, but the town strongly backed the project as a boost to the shellfishery.
Karate on the Beach, Black Belts Mingle with Fishermen
It won’t just be derby fishermen casting new shadows this weekend. Traditional Japanese martial arts fighters are also likely to bring some unusual silhouettes to sunsets up-Island.
Sail MV Expands Fleet With Historic Wooden Yawl
Sail Martha’s Vineyard is dedicated to preserving the Vineyard’s maritime history and passing it on to a new generation of sailors. On Monday night, Sail MV’s newest teaching tool, a 41-foot Concordia yawl, arrived in Vineyard Haven harbor.
Rare Migratory Sandpiper Visits Vineyard
A new shorebird came in for a landing at Squibnocket last week, a Baird’s sandpiper — a rare fall migrant on the Vineyard.
Have Art, Will Travel: Old Sculpin Traveling Exhibit Winds Down
The Oak Bluffs library meeting room is the last stop on a six-month traveling exhibit by the Old Sculpin Gallery. The exhibit celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association.
Top Finishers at Annual Vineyard Haven Library Run
Sixty-seven runners laced-up their sneakers Sunday for the 17th Annual 5k Run/Walk for the Vineyard Haven library.
Real Estate Transactions: Sept. 8 to Sept. 14
John R. Levinson and Theresa M. Levinson purchased 63 Moshup Trail in Aquinnah from Zoia Properties LLC for $3,025,000 on Sept. 12.
Surfing Safari
The surf-meets-art event in Chilmark provides a free opportunity to experience surf, music, art, food and film from around the world. The day kicks off with an end-of-season beach party.
Ceremony of Remembrance
The Children’s Memorial at the Edgartown Lighthouse was dedicated in 2001, with cobblestones under the lighthouse engraved with the names of children of all ages who had died.
Island-Wide Flu Clinic
A flu clinic is planned at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. The clinic is open to anyone 6 months of age or older.
Couple Will Wed in New York
Joel von Ranson and John Edward (Teddy) Sublett are to be married Sept. 20 by Sag Harbor Village Justice Andrea Schiavoni at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, N.Y.
Beverly Napior and Dave Werlin Wed in Edgartown
Boston concert promoter and Great Northeast Productions CEO Dave Werlin tied the knot with longtime partner, former restaurateur and personal chef, Beverly Napior.
Lorraine Parish’s Classic Style, New Marketing Ideas
Lorraine Parish’s home and clothing boutique on 65 State Road is deceptively quaint. Though petite in size, its attitude could fill a room, which, of course, it does. Givenchy-inspired jackets hang next to classic dresses.
Portraits for Preschool
Just in time for holiday cards, photographer Albert O. Fischer will offer 15-minute portrait sessions benefitting the Chilmark Preschool in September and October.
Wine Wisdom
The Terrace at the Charlotte Inn on Summer street in Edgartown will host noted wine expert Lorenzo Savona on Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20.
Pick a Pumpkin
The quintessential autumnal event is here already. Pick your own pumpkin or take a trip on the hay wagon on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Garden and Verse
Mytoi Garden on Chappy sets the stage as noted Vineyard poets Lee McCormack, Judith Neeld, Clark Myers and William Waterway read for The Trustees of Reservations.
Plug In
The second annual Electric Vehicle Plug In Day with Vineyard Power and Cronig’s Market is planned from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20
World Peace Day
An interfaith service, Meditation on Peace, is planned for World Peace Day on Sunday, Sept. 21, beginning at 4 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church.
Arnold Rabin Play, One Time Only
The West Tisbury library hosts a one-time performance of Arnold Rabin’s new play, What do people talk about when they have nothing to say? on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Golf Classic Benefits Hospice
A benefit golf tournament for Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard gets underway at 8 a.m. at Mink Meadows on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Walk in the Park Goes on the Block
Island artists Dan Vanlandingham, Traeger di Pietro and Dave Tierney worked together on the painting titled A Walk in the Park, which will now be auctioned at The Workshop in Vineyard Haven.
Table Talk
What’s for dinner? Acorns, you say? Polly Hill Arboretum invites you to join Arthur Haines as he shares the secrets of gathering and preparing acorns.
Trading Fins for Shells, Chilmark Fishermen See Future in Oysters
Tim Broderick took a leap of faith when he sold his 55-foot fishing dragger Four Kids this summer, switching to oyster farming in Menemsha Pond with his father Stephen. But the Brodericks say the change is already paying off.
Libraries Report Circulation on the Increase
Reading is alive and well on the Vineyard, librarians agreed this week, as they reviewed circulation numbers that show material lending is trending upwards across the Island. Circulation statistics from each of the six Vineyard libraries tell similar stories.
Caregiver Support Group Forming
A new eight-week caregivers support group is forming up-Island for those caring for a loved one with a physical illness or dementia.
The One That Got Away: a World Record
On that Thursday although I knew that the bonito were off Cape Pogue, the north wind in the early morning made it too rough for my boat, a 14-foot aluminum skiff. So I decided to hit the surf.
Cora Arrives
Ashley Tarter and Taza Tarter of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Cora Tarter, born on Sept. 11 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Welcome, Kevin
Debora da Costa and Reinaldo Mota of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Kevin Mota, born on Sept. 11 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Brisk Business, Dancing in the Street at Tivoli Day
Tivoli Day, the pedestrian-only street fair that is an annual event in Oak Bluffs for more than three decades, was declared a success this year, well attended by both vendors and visitors. People of all ages enjoyed end-of-summer sales, food and music.
Vineyard Activists to Join March on Climate Change
More than 200,000 people are expect to converge on Central Park West in New York city on Sunday for the People’s Climate March. At least 22 of them will be from the Vineyard. Buses traveling to the march from Cape Cod are already full with a wait list.
Preservation Committee Sets Deadline
The town of West Tisbury’s Community Preservation Committee announced that the deadline for applications for 2015 funding is Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m.
Designing Futures, One Stitch at a Time
From arrowhead rings and mussel shell earrings to clutches and capes, young Vineyard designers are finding their way in the fashion world. The Island remains both an inspiration and a backbone for their designs.
West Chop Manse Is Rare Survivor of Great Fire
Once located on Beach Street in Vineyard Haven where the Stop & Shop now stands, the Great House served for years as a tavern before being moved to its present location on West Chop.
