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
December 19, 2014
Christmas Star and Crescent Moon
If you are looking for holiday inspiration this week, take a look in the western sky after sunset. There is a Christmas “Star” in the heavens. Actually it is the planet Venus, now making its appearance in our evening sky. Venus is brilliant. To the unknowing, Venus looks like an airplane approaching with its landing…
Aquinnah Scrambles to Address Budget Shortfall
Facing an unexpected budget shortfall, Aquinnah town leaders will call a special town meeting early next month to decide how to balance the budget. Town officials have discovered a $101,564 deficit.
After Nab’s Corner, Chilmark Seeks More Affordable Homesites
With the need for affordable housing on the Vineyard still acute, selectman Warren Doty has proposed a five-year initiative to provide 10 more homesites in his town.
Towns Slow to Set Tax Rates in Revaluation Year
With all six Island towns in a revaluation year for property assessments, tax rates have been slow to arrive this year. Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Tisbury all saw increases in total valuation.
Norman Bridwell, Creator of Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dies at 86
Tributes and expressions of sympathy were heard around the country for the acclaimed illustrator and children’s author who delighted multiple generations with his books.
Major Improvements Planned for Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road
An extensive plan to upgrade and resurface the 6.5-mile stretch of road that spans three towns has the backing of the joint transportation committee and funding from the state.
Christmas 2014
The wind is rude at four in the morning on top of the Gay Head Cliffs. It pushes and shoves and says, if not in words then in gusts, whistles and heavy coughs, this is my turf.
A Couple of Bulls Giving the Gift of Each Other
In a 2014 essay, Mark Lovewell writes about his father John S. Lovewell, who died on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the age of 96.
Vineyard Christmas Past
Island business establishments have contributed as usual to the Christmas season with decorated stores and windows. Oak Bluffs leads in outdoor decorations.
Population Explosion
I woke up at 1 a.m. wondering how many people you could fit on Martha’s Vineyard.
They’ve Got Mail
I write to thank the staff of the Vineyard Haven Post Office for their service and wish them a happy holiday season.
Sing Hallelujah!
A huge thank you to the entire Island community for your overwhelming support of our holiday concert this past weekend.
Please Adopt Us
Satisfied smiles are sported by the staff and workers at the shelter as we celebrate a job well done. As happy as we are for the animals the shelter placed, we are equally pleased with, and thankful for, the people who made room in their hearts and homes for these creatures.
Winter Sports Leaps Out of the Gate
It was a busy first week of winter sports as all six teams saw action this week against a variety of opponents.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Dec. 19
Alas, with the halls decked out for the holidays all around town, I’m chagrined that Circuit avenue’s historic next door neighbor, the Camp Ground isn’t too — imagine that fairyland festooned with lights!
Edgartown Town Column: Dec. 19
Talk about cold, well I think we have had our share already. But Monday was a great day with sunshine and warmth. Still trying to get the outside decorations done and hoping it stays the way Monday was for a bit.
Celebrating a Life by Paying it Forward
On Saturday, Dec. 20, there will be a celebration and fundraiser honoring the life of Beatrice (Beach) Bennett. The event will raise money for scholarships to be given to Vineyard high school graduates to help them follow their dreams.
On Chappy: Dec. 19
We were all saddened to hear that a scion of Chappy, Dodi Silva, passed away recently. With each passing brick of Chappy’s foundation, we lose some of the integrity of our little island.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Dec. 19
Our Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse offers no end of entertainment for the holidays, and if you have guests bring them, too.
Social Skills Group Learns the Art of Dinner Conversation
Though dinner conversation may be going the way of the dial phone and rabbit ears on televisions, a small group of students at the regional high school have been practicing their repartee once a week after school. Sharon Engler, a teacher and guidance counselor who tutors at the high school, has developed a social skills…
Wonder of Christmas Knows No Age Limit; Marvels Abound
I have always loved Christmas. For me, Christmas has never lost its wonder. It’s easy to see wonder in the bright eyes of a child. For children, Christmas is magical.
Learning to Fly on Wings of His Vineyard Mentors
Islander and artist Tim Laursen has his workshop in a former ball bearing factory at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. His most recent piece, a kinetic sculpture that can be powered by solar or a hand crank to create the flying motion of a large metal bird, will have a permanent home on the Vineyard.
Colonial History by Way of Scotland
When I read recently in the New York Times about the possibility of Scotland exiting the United Kingdom, I was confused. I had no idea Great Britain had nationality problems.
Mariner Advisory Issued for Right Whales
Following the sighting of critically endangered right whales last week, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration has announced a voluntary speed reduction zone for vessels in a large area surrounding the Vineyard and Nantucket.
Community Block Grants Shift According to Need
West Tisbury, a town which has only qualified for housing rehabilitation and child care funds every three years, is now eligible every year. But in neighboring Chilmark, it’s a different story.
State Grant Boosts Repair Project for East Chop Bluff
Oak Bluffs got an early Christmas present this week from the state, which has awarded $225,000 to fund design work to protect the eroding bluff. The bluff underlies the scenic but endangered East Chop Drive.
Land Bank Revenues: Dec. 12
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $132,170 for the business week ending on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014.
Elf Off the Shelf, and Everywhere Else
J.R.R. Tolkien was wary of elves. He advised, “Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.”
Five Golden Wreaths
I made one of my favorite pre-Christmas purchases this week — several cans of gold spray paint. I started out spraying the still-intact sedums in a large pot at my front door.
Aquinnah Town Column: Dec. 19
The Aquinnah Public Library will host a cookie exchange tomorrow as well as an ugly sweater competition for pure enjoyment only.
Holiday Community Sing
Most every month throughout the year, Roberta Kirn hosts a community sing, inviting anyone and everyone to join together in song.
Christmas Warm-ups
Island places of worship warm up the faith-filled season with special events this weekend. The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center holds its Hanukkah celebration on Friday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m. The congregation lights the Hanukkah candles and after the service, sings songs, plays games of dreidel and will enjoy live music by the Klezmer Conservatory…
Chilmark Town Column: Dec. 19
I know, I know, many of you have your lights up and trees have taken center stage in many a living room but, what really marks the season for me is the Chilmark volunteer firefighter’s association Christmas party.
Guided Walk Through Pocketapaces
On Sunday, Dec. 21, beginning at 1 p.m., Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation is hosting a free guided walk through Pocketapaces, a scenic location by the Edgartown Great Pond.
Brazilian Fusion: Lunch and Friendship
Every seat at the three long tables in the culinary arts dining room was taken during lunch on Tuesday, as students and teachers sat down for the fifth annual Brazilian American Friendship Lunch.
Birds in Song, Even Carols
Baltimore orioles are my vote for the bird of the week.
MVC Hears Unorthodox Plan to Reverse Erosion at Wasque
Can severe erosion be slowed at the easternmost tip of Chappaquiddick? Mal Jones of West Tisbury has a concept he believes will work, by sinking a 190-foot barge in the water offshore.
The Art of Giving Back
Each year for the holidays the artists at the Night Heron Gallery create a gift bag of their art and raffle it off for charity. This year’s recipient will be the Joseph Jerome Memorial Fund. “We try to pick something that has a personal connection to one of us,” said artist Lisa Brown. Joseph Jerome…
NAMI Offers Free Course
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will sponsor a free educational course for families of people diagnosed with a serious mental illness. It begins Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 6:30 p.m.
West Tisbury Town Column: Dec. 19
Well, all is nearly prepared in most homes for Christmas on Thursday. However, there is always time for a tiny amount of last minute shopping.
Real Estate Transactions: Dec. 8 to Dec. 14
William J. Tester and Linda M. Morante purchased 16 Log Cabin Road in West Tisbury from Matthew E. Epstein and Deborah L. Hiatt for $765,000 on Dec. 11.
Tackling a New Career; Apples Instead of Stripers
Steve V. Purcell sold Larry’s Tackle Shop to Peter and Melissa Sliwkowski of Chappaquiddick. Mr. Purcell has owned the store since 2008, but worked there for nearly two decades before that.
Welcome, Ilija
Lindsay Trance and Michael Trance of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Ilija Talon Trance, born on Dec. 9 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Announcing Cooper
Diana Braillard and Andrew Braillard of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Cooper George Braillard, born on Dec. 11 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
It Takes a Village: Network Provides Elder Services at Home
Vineyard Village at Home models an innovative concept for seniors begun on Beacon Hill. The program provides services at home through a virtual village of volunteers.
A Final Sale, and Goodbye to Beadniks
Sunday was the last day for Beadniks, the popular Vineyard Haven store that has been in operation for 24 years. Owner Sally Roesler will focus on her wholesale business in Virginia Beach, Va., and online.
SSA Awards $36.4 Million Contract for New Freight Ferry
Conrad Shipyard will build the ferry in Morgan City, La. The steel ferry, which has already been named Woods Hole, is being called a super freight boat, with a capacity for 384 people and 55 vehicles.
Rockfish Abuzz With Off-Season Pub Crowd
The tapas-style restaurant and bar opened two weeks ago at 11 North Water street with a changed interior but familiar owners. Siblings Nell, Will and Geoghan Coogan also own the Wharf Pub just around the corner.
Christmas Comes to Edgartown With Parade, Lighthouse Lighting
The outer harbor was dressed in holiday style Friday as Christmas in Edgartown festivities got underway with the annual lighthouse lighting. Christmas lights are just one of many signs of the season.
Horse Rescued from West Tisbury Pool
West Tisbury fire and police personnel banded together Friday morning to rescue a horse named Max from a swimming pool. Sgt. Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter played a key role in leading the horse to safety.
