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
October 31, 2014
County Candidates Mix of New and Old
Greater transparency, expanded human services and more state funding are among the goals shared by candidates running for the Dukes County commission. Seven people are running to fill seven seats on the board next Tuesday. Four appear on the ballot, while three are running as write-ins.
Election Day Is Tuesday; Town Clerks Predicting High Voter Turnout
Vineyard voters will weigh in on races at the federal, state and local level, some of which are hotly contested. Islanders have requested absentee ballots in unusually high numbers, town clerks said. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Nine Candidates for Nine Seats on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission
Candidates running for nine open seats on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission reflect a wide range of priorities for the Island’s regional planning and review agency, but only two are newcomers. All the candidates acknowledge the need for better public understanding of the commission’s role in the community.
Boys’ Soccer Heads to Postseason for Fourth Consecutive Year
Their regular season ended Wednesday with a win before a home crowd, but the Vineyard soccer boys are hoping to keep the wins coming as they enter the postseason. Games begin next week.
Oak Bluffs Supports Sand Mining Prospect in Ocean Plan
As elected officials up-Island balk at the prospect of offshore sand mining, Oak Bluffs is voicing support for the venture. At a selectmen’s meeting early this week, town administrator Robert L. Whritenour said town beaches stand to benefit from new information laid out recently in the draft state Ocean Management Plan.
School Committee Race Comes Amid Rising Budget Concerns
In a time of flux for Vineyard public schools, a race is underway to determine the makeup of the Up-Island Regional School Committee. Six candidates are competing for five spots on the committee, half of whom are first-timers. The majority are running as write-in candidates.
Oh Little Bluestem I Love You, Yes I Do
Sandplain grasslands are extensive on the Cape and Islands and include a variety of grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. But it is the native grass little bluestem that creates the ochre hues in fall, and helps sustain the diversity of the grassland ecosystem.
Election Day 2014
Midterm elections have a reputation for being lackluster, but with a dead-heat gubernatorial race and other key issues drawing debate among voters, this year promises to be different.
Sensible Spending
The Island is justifiably proud of its public schools, which consistently turn in impressive scores on standardized tests and turn out successful, well-rounded graduates.
Squibnocket Committee Moves Forward; Several Ideas Considered
Four months after its first meeting, the committee on Squibnocket has shifted gears and is evaluating various proposals and considerations collected from the public.
Selectmen to Review Agricultural Hall Zoning
The West Tisbury selectmen on Wednesday agreed to review zoning rules for the Agricultural Hall after concern that the number of events held each year on the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society grounds off Panhandle Road may be over the limit.
Cheers! Beer Masters Combine Talents for English Ale Tribute
Inside a large copper mash tun at Offshore Ale House, nearly 250 gallons of malted grain mixed with water were slowly beginning the process of changing into beer.
Nature’s Advocate, Sentence by Sentence Over a Lifetime
The following is excerpted from an essay written in 1973 by the author and taken from his soon-to-be-released collection of nature essays published by Lyons Press.
Yes to Bottle Bill Is Deposit for the Future
Sometimes I feel like the supermarket Styrofoam bandit. When I find produce that I want to purchase and it is wrapped in plastic or Styrofoam, I take a very obvious stand.
Bottle Bill Costs Outweigh the Benefits
As election day nears, there are a few things we can all agree on: improving our environment and keeping our streets clean.
Remembering the Fall of the Berlin Wall
When the Berlin Wall did its mighty fall 25 years ago, East Germans were jubilant. As a German immigrant in the U.S., I could witness this historic event only via television from suburban Boston.
Inner Dialogue
Some voices whisper, others haveNo words at all, save tones,While others still will yell and blame,Yet all have roots somewhere in you.The whisperers are likely to be new,For their audibility dependsOn silence, and that is hard to do.The toners come from beforeThe language came. The yellers blame because they were not heardAt all their first…
All Hallows Eve
On the eve of Halloween, it is fitting that Vineyard residents should recall the ghost stories native to this land.
Speaking the Truth
I am writing to thank the Vineyard Gazette and Elizabeth Durkee for her courageous Gazette commentary of Oct. 23.
Gallon for Gallon
One of the lead news stories lately has been the sharp price decline in the price of gasoline.
Missing Coverage
Just wondering why nothing was mentioned in the derby article about some of the derby grand leaders. Such as the winning bass, which led the entire derby at 39.77 pounds.
Noble Needs a Home
Noble, a 28-year-old Percheron cross, has retired as a therapy horse for Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center and is searching for a home with plenty of pasture and a few equine friends to keep him company. Since 2007, Noble has worked full time to bring therapy, love and joy to over a hundred children and…
Nuclear Question
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, there will be a public advisory question on the ballot to expand the plume exposure emergency planning zone (EPZ) to include Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.
Compassionate Island
In memory of my husband David who died Sept. 29, our family would like to thank so many in the Vineyard community who made his almost 30 summers here so memorable and special.
Sports Roundup: On the Road Again for Vineyard Teams
It was a busy week of travel and league competition for the Vineyarders, as everyone except the girls’ soccer team suited up to play this past week.
It’s Hard Being Human; Holding a Grudge Only Makes It Harder
Forgiveness is a hard topic, so hard most people prefer to avoid it until it’s too late.
Land Bank Revenues: Oct. 24
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $164,843 for the business week ending on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014.
A Rocket and a Space Station
On Monday evening, the skies were perfect for standing near the surf at South Beach in Edgartown and hoping to watch a rocket launching hundreds of miles away. The brightest stars were appearing one by one. The crescent moon hung over the open water, not far from where we expected to see a large commercial…
Here’s the Hook: Love Your Art
Rosalie Powell is devoted to the 19th century of art hooking, teaching and practicing the skill at her West Tisbury studio. This year, she won a major award at a hand-hooked rug competition. “To rug hookers it’s a huge prize, like a Pulitzer,” Ms. Powell said.
Busy, Busy Bus Drivers Say Hop Aboard! Here We Go!
Coordinating the entire system of school buses is Jimmy Flynn, who has been managing school transportation since 2004. Mr. Flynn likens the process to fitting together a puzzle. “All of the pieces have to fit to make this work,” he said.
Navigating Through Murky Waters of Health Insurance
Sailing through the stormy seas of the health care system requires a navigator. Sarah Kuh and the staff at Vineyard Health Care Access steer Islanders through the murky waters of eligibility and hopefully onto successful enrollment in whichever health care plan is best suited to each individual.
Lages Leads the Way as Vineyard Boys’ Soccer Heads to Postseason
Jason Lages’s trademark run has served him well so far this year. He has a team-leading 29 goals and 12 assists, and has broken Lucas Brewer’s 2005 school record for goals in a season.
Drought Advisory Issued for Cape and Islands
Following months of below average rainfall, a drought advisory is now in effect for the Cape and Islands, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday. Dry ponds and low streams are evident all around the Island, even though October has seen good amounts of rain.
Despite Red Card Setback, Boys’ Soccer Keeps the Streak Alive
The 2-0 win over Dennis-Yarmouth came despite the fact that the team’s leading scorer was on the sidelines. Junior Jason Lages drew a red card in a game Monday against Bishop Stang. Lages will sit out round one of the playoffs next week.
Please Adopt Us
One of the joys of working at the animal shelter is watching a homeless animal leave with a new owner.
Up-Island School District Unveils $10.7 Million Budget
If the draft budget is approved, taxpayers in West Tisbury, Aquinnah and Chilmark will pay $841,000 more for school costs. Assessments would increase the most in West Tisbury. The issue of whether to hire a school resource officer for up-Island schools remains undecided.
Halloween Events Around the Island
Friday is Halloween and all around the Island the spooky and the ghoulish are running the show.
Chilmark Town Column: Oct. 31
The Chilmark Volunteer Firefighters are hosting the annual get together for the children of the town with many treats and the usual exciting costume judging.
Poetry Workshop
West Tisbury poet laureate Justen Ahren leads word explorers through a poetry mining expedition titled Mining Poems for the Resonant Image on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Tisbury library.
On Chappy: Oct. 31
A couple of weeks back, I mentioned half-jokingly the horror of depending on just one ferry boat to service Chappaquiddick Island. We’re on pins and needles the whole time that one of the boats is out of service.
Guided Walks
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank staff leads guided walks in the winter season and they begin with a free natural history walk at Quansoo Preserve in Chilmark on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m.
Community Supper
The first community supper of the season takes place at Trinity parish house at the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Truckin for Montessori
Vineyard Montessori invites everyone to its Truckin’ MV fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 1, where kids, and adults, can check out every manner of truck.
Building Peace
Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center hosts a discussion on Arab-Israeli Peacebuilding Projects in a Time of Conflict on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Greens and Things
I’m the queen of both superlatives and repetition. I know I’ve said this countless times, why stop now?Gardening is nothing more than observation and recognition.
A Visit from a Pink Spotted Hawk Moth
Halloween brings all variety of costumed creatures to your porch, big and small, all looking for a sweet treat. Maggie Littlejohn of Edgartown had a special seasonal visitor at her house last week: a pink spotted hawk moth.
Edgartown Town Column: Oct. 31
There is nothing I can say about this week and how beautiful the sky has been and how warm it was. Of course the leaves are still falling, but there is still a hint of color in some trees.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Oct. 31
The Eagle, Oak Bluffs’ Island Theatre, was sold to Alfred Hall in 1929, who by 1935 owned all of the Island’s movie theatres. In terms of antiquity the theatre was built in 1915.
Winter Finch Forecast: Fill the Feeders
Every fall Ron Pittaway makes a winter finch forecast. The general forecast predicts there will be a “mixed bag” of finch movements.
Announcing Mylena
Silmara Casarin and Andre P. Casarin of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Mylena Moura Casarin, born on Oct. 27 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Sense of Wonder Classes
Sense of Wonder Creations art classes for young people from ages six to 18 will begin the week of Nov. 3 and continue to mid June.
Superior Court Trial Begins in Stabbing Case
A criminal trial got underway Tuesday in a case involving an alleged stabbing in Oak Bluffs in the early spring of 2013. Two men are facing charges of assault; one also has been charged with attempted murder. Jury selection took days to complete.
Meditations of Peace
Meditations of Peace will take place in the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Chapel on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 3 p.m. There will be peaceful forms of music, prayers, movement, poems and meditation/contemplation.
Crafts From the Heart
All local and visiting artisans from candlestick makers to bakers are invited to contribute to the Handmade from the Heart holiday fundraiser for Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.
Edey Foundation Announces Funds Available
The Edey Foundation, founded by the late Maitland Edey of Seven Gates Farm, announces funds available for grants to Island nonprofit organizations.
New Directors for Edgartown Board of Trade
The Edgartown Board of Trade elected a board of directors for 2015 at its annual election held Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Harbor View Hotel.
Chief Justice Pays Farewell Visit to Edgartown Courthouse
After nearly 30 years on the bench, the Hon. Barbara J. Rouse, chief justice of the Massachusetts superior court, retires in December. Her farewell tour included a stop last week on the Vineyard, where she spoke with high school history students.
Real Estate Transactions: Oct. 20 to Oct. 26
Sandhurst MV LLC purchased 283 Lambert’s Cove Road in West Tisbury from Lambert’s Cove Realty Trust and Mason T. Peltz, TRS, for $3,100,000 on Oct. 23.
West Tisbury Town Column: Oct. 31
The weekend weather was great and mild for this time of year, allowing us to complete projects that we had thought could be finished in the spring.
Married a Month Ago; Friends for Over Four Decades
On Sunday, Sept. 7, Linda Fairstein texted all her friends: “What did you do this weekend? We got married!” Ms. Fairstein and Michael Goldberg had eloped at their home in Chilmark. The two have been friends for 45 years.
Alicia Oliveira Participated in Ranger Challenge
Alicia Oliveira of Oak Bluffs, a graduate of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School class of 2011, is a cadet at Providence College with the Army ROTC Patriot Battalion.
Little Fish Lost: Tropical Fish Found in Edgartown Harbor
An uncommon visitor turned up in Edgartown harbor this weekend: a juvenile African pompano, an iridescent tropical fish that likely drifted north from waters off the southern United States. The fish was caught by a squid that was caught by a fisherman.
Returning Home; Reflecting on a Journey Guided by Faith
When Cole Bilodeau went on a two-year Mormon missionary trip to Albania and Kosovo, his mother couldn’t send letters or call him. She had to make do with a weekly email and Skype sessions.Cole began his mission when he was 19 and he returned to the Vineyard two weeks ago.
Island Grown Initiative Names Executive Director
The Island Grown Initiative has named Keith Wilda as its executive director as the growing nonprofit undergoes a reorganization this fall. IGI was founded in 2005 by Ali Berlow who was its first executive director.
A Spooky Birthday Party for Nancy Luce
Muppets, queens, fairies and even a scary skeleton attended a Halloween Festival and Nancy Luce Birthday Party on the grounds of the future Martha’s Vineyard Museum site on Sunday afternoon.
Report from the Border; Island Women Give Eyewitness Account
On Thursday night at the regional high school, two Island women, Lynn Ditchfield and Rebecca McCarthy, gave a presentation on their recent journey to the Artesia Detention Center in New Mexico to help Central American refugees seeking asylum from violence in their home countries.
Fishermen’s Trust Regroups, With Regret Over Cape Wind Settlement
After a period of dormancy, the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust has resurfaced with a renewed mission to support commercial fishermen.
