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
February 13, 2015
Pancakes and Percussion for Mardi Gras
Because of the weather forecast, the West Tisbruy Congregational Church has canceled its fifth annual Mardi Gras pancake supper and party that was planned for Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Valentine’s Day at the Cabaret
The Wicked Winter Cabaret warms the heart with Love & Valentines, showcasing the talents of Molly Conole, Shelagh Hackett, Paul Munafo and Ken Romero.
Everybody Loves Ewe at Sheep Art Show
Featherstone’s first opening reception of 2015 features an Island favorite: sheep. All things woolly are included in the I Love Ewe: The Year of the Sheep Show.
Job Well Done
Anyone who thinks it is impossible to get things done quickly on Martha’s Vineyard hasn’t met the women behind the Island Wide Youth Collaborative.
Two Thumbs Up
In the book Bowling Alone, author Robert Putnam described the phenomenon of communities losing the very essence of what made them great, or at least functional, when they acted as vehicles that helped bring individuals together.
Low Vaccination Rate Prevalent on Island
Vineyard elementary schools have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the state, according to a list of vaccination rates released by the state Department of Public Health. The West Tisbury and Tisbury schools are among the lowest.
Demolition Delayed for Denniston House
The Denniston House will remain standing for now, after a vote by the Oak Bluffs historical commission stalled a request to demolish the former African American church. The commission hopes to negotiate a compromise with the property owner.
Businessman Aims to Revive Two Historic Movie Theatres
Mark Snider, owner of the Winnetu Oceanside Resort and the founder of a new nonprofit, is finalizing an agreement with Benjamin Hall Jr. to lease the Capawock and Strand theatres for 10 years, and reopen them beginning this summer.
Contract and a Raise for Airport Manager
The manager of the Martha’s Vineyard Airport has a new contract that comes with a big salary increase. The airport commission voted to renew Sean Flynn’s contract through 2018, with a 20 per cent increase from the contract he signed in 2010.
Mullen Way Subdivision Is Redrawn
The developer of a proposed subdivision on Mullen Way in Edgartown has resubmitted plans to the town planning board, cutting the total number of lots from 10 to nine.
Selectmen Applaud Plan for Trolley Tours
A proposal to bring trolley service to Oak Bluffs saw enthusiastic support from selectmen this week.
Clock Ticks on Timeless Life at the Big Camp
I’ll admit this: there have been days of late where I’ve considered telling my baby-to-be to stay put. Don’t come out. You’re better off where you are. Is there room in the womb for me?
Land Bank Revenues: Feb. 6
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $1,079,470 for the business week ending on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015.
Walking Hand in Hand With the Snow
I am addicted to snow. Sadly, I missed the best part of it on the Vineyard because I was stranded in Rhode Island by the winds that canceled Vineyard ferries.
When Words Are Not the Answer
Yesterday while driving down to Vineyard Haven I tuned into one of my favorite NPR radio talk shows. Tom Ashbrook’s topic was grief, grieving and comeback.
Sensing the Love on Valentine’s Day
Recently, my colleague Jen’s son said to her, “Mom, sometimes when you are not home and I miss you, I stand in your closet and smell your clothes. Don’t be mad.”
Power Hour
The idea of electric power and lights for Chilmark is revived by the sight of tall poles being set on Abel’s Hill, with the telephone cables carried on cross-arms about halfway up the poles.
Where Nothing Is Wasted, Island Gleaners Are Winter Wonders
In 2014 we rescued more produce than ever before — almost 25,000 pounds! And mild weather kept us gleaning later than ever into December.
Listening to the Hard Beat of History
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Center was the scene of an unusual activity on Sunday when a group of people from every age and ethnic group gathered to listen to a radio play.
Balloons Are Dangerous
Yesterday, while walking on the state beach in Edgartown, a bunch of four large heart-shaped mylar balloons came bouncing across the water and onto the beach in front of me.
Key Leadership Qualities
I urge you to ensure that the criteria for seeking and selecting a new director for the commission prominently and centrally include issues of climate change.
Bravo, Fourth Grade Thespians
On Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and Feb. 7, the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School and the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse theatre project staged four short plays, starring the fourth grade classes.
Venus and Mars Together for Valentine’s Day
Two of the Earth’s closest neighbors, Mars and Venus, will come together for Valentine’s Day in the nights ahead.
Gazette Launches Redesigned Monthly Publication
A new publication from the Vineyard Gazette Media Group makes its debut this week. The Vine, a full-color tabloid, brings original stories and a fresh, contemporary look to the special topical sections the company has produced for many years.
High School Musical Goes Into the Woods
The high school theatre department is putting on Into the Woods this weekend. Performances are Thursday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, Feb. 15, and the production is a true community affair. The play was written by a Vineyarder – Tony award winner James Lapine.
Please Adopt Us
The weather outside is frightful. However, at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard warm hearts prevail.
Land Bank Fees Reach New High
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank broke its own record for fees last week, collecting more than $1 million in a single five-day period. Several large property sales contributed to the windfall, including a $22 million sale down harbor in Edgartown.
Annual 20-Mile Race Is Casualty of Rough Weather
A harsh winter and the promise of more severe weather led to the cancellation of the Martha’s Vineyard 20-Miler Road Race scheduled for Saturday. Race organizers and emergency personnel cited concerns about runner and volunteer safety on the icy, narrow course.
Chilmark Town Column: Feb. 13
Chilmark is ready for Friday the 13th . . . after the snowstorms and their complications; we can face a superstition with nerve!
JetBlue to Offer Flights Between Vineyard and Boston
Starting this summer, JetBlue Airways will begin running seasonal nonstop flights between the Vineyard and Boston. JetBlue announced Tuesday that service will begin June 17, with daily flights through Sept. 7.
Aquinnah Town Column: Feb. 13
Spring is less than 40 days away. At this point it is just as wise to await the spring thaw and never mind trying to chip away at the ice or shovel anymore snow.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Feb. 13
On Feb. 17, 1880, Cottage City became the only town in the state of Massachusetts to secede — ironically due to taxation without representation, the same reason the new United States ended its relationship with Britain.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Feb. 13
I’m okay now, but I was visiting my mother, didn’t feel well and ended up being admitted to emergency surgery at White Plains Hospital and kept there under lock and key for one week.
Some Revel in Winter, Others Not So Much
There are two types of people on the Vineyard in the winter.
On Chappy: Feb. 13
I hope that my boy-to-be has the good sense to have grabbed some good Woodger procrastination DNA, and puts off his debut until the weather turns a bit. I’m not sure which is the more daunting thought: dragging my pregnant wife on a sled to the Chappy ferry or delivering the little fella myself.
Edgartown Town Column: Feb. 13
Green, that is the color I am thinking of as I look outside. I was always told that snow is nature’s fertilizer, and all I can think is that when this all melts and spring is here, we are going to have some really green grass.
Certified in Obesity Medicine
Dr. Gail M O’Brien of Vineyard Haven has been certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine as an ABOM Diplomate, a specialist in obesity medicine.
West Tisbury Town Column: Feb. 13
Well, if you are superstitious sprinkle a little salt over your left shoulder before reading today’s column. It has been quite a mess since the blizzard of 2015.
Edgartown School Announces Honor Roll
The Edgartown School has announced its honor roll for the second quarter of the 2014-2015 academic year.
New Philanthropy Group Bestows Grants
A new facility for youth mental health services and a new field for Little Leaguers received funding Tuesday night as the recently established MVYouth community fund presented its first two expansion grants, part of a $1 million yearly campaign to help the Island’s youngest residents.
Snowflakes by the Numbers
This winter, if nothing else, has been very flaky. The amounts of snow we have received seem rather excessive, but how much has really fallen?
Film Center Hosts Free Screening of Selma for Island Youth
Martha’s Vineyard joins the list of major cities offering a free screening of the film Selma to students ages 18 and younger.
Dinner for Two?
Starting this week, The Terrace at the Charlotte Inn in Edgartown will be open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
Art Students Spread the Love
This week the art students at Sense of Wonder Creations will be creating Valentine’s messages for family, friends or anyone in need of a card.
Trustees Host North Shore Walk
The Trustees of Reservations invites hikers to a guided hike through a special property filled with wetlands, rare habitat and history that leads to a north shore beach.
Richard Sher, Creator of NPR Show Says You! Dies at 66
The creator, executive producer and host of the National Public Radio game show Says You!, died Monday at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston with his family at his bedside. He was 66 and had been a longtime summer resident of the Vineyard.
Love Songs
Pathways Projects hosts a night of love songs performed by Island musicians on Saturday, Feb. 14. All musicians, composers, singer/songwriters and the community are invited to join in the free collaborative jam.
Looking for Birds? Check out the Feeders
“It’s all about the food.” This time of year and these icy conditions make this literally true for virtually all of the avian population.
20-Miler Canceled Due to Weather
Severe winter weather has forced the cancellation of the annual Martha’s Vineyard 20-Miler this coming Saturday, organizers have announced.
Welcome, Emanuelly
Viviane and Ronaldo da Silva of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Emanuelly Victoria da Silva, born on Feb. 9 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Rough Winter Claims Historic Landmark at Cape Pogue
The January storm that brought near-record snowfall and powerful wind gusts to the Vineyard also toppled one of two historic stone chimneys at remote Cape Pogue on Chappaquiddick. On a walk last week Rachel Self found the iconic structure in pieces on the beach.
Pints for Local Radio
The Vineyard’s nonprofit radio station has received a boost from local brews.Friends of mvyradio announced that Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs has donated $2,160 to the radio station from sales of Blue Lobster Belgian Strong Ale.
Real Estate Transactions: Feb. 2 to Feb. 8
Beetlebung Road LLC purchased 30 Beetlebung Road, 31 Beetlebung Road and 33 Beetlebung Road in Chilmark from Andrew L. Silver, TRS, and Silver Family Nominee Trust for $4,425,000 on Feb. 4.
Teen Table Tennis Results
Josie Iadicicco bested Liam Weiland 11-9 and 11-6 to take the match and win the first Teen’s Table Tennis Club tournament at the Island’s YMCA Saturday.
Vineyard Youth Hockey Teams Fight Hard in Annual Tournaments
A flurry of youth hockey action took place at the Martha’s Vineyard Arena this weekend, as both the Vineyard Squirt and the Peewee teams hosted their annual winter tournaments.
Bri Buchanan and Ethan Valenti Plan Summer Wedding
Frances Pizzella of Tisbury is pleased to announce the engagement of her daughter, Bri Buchanan, to Ethan Valenti, son of Peter and Patricia Valenti of Edgartown.
Plans Fall into Place for Gay Head Light Move
A detailed plan for moving the Gay Head Light has been approved by town boards, and other elements of the project are quickly taking shape. If all goes well, work will begin as soon as the ground thaws and the move will be completed by Memorial Day.
Collette Jordan Named to Dean’s List
Collette K. Jordan of Edgartown was named to the fall 2014 dean’s list at University of New England.
Joshua Greenfield Earns Degree
Joshua Greenfield of Edgartown graduated from Ithaca College’s School of Humanities and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in December 2014.
Olive Arrives
Caitlin and Peter Rosbeck 2nd of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Olive Grace Rosbeck, born on Feb. 5 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
West Tisbury Faces Possible Tax Override for First Time in a Decade
Property tax bills are going up in West Tisbury and so is spending this year, with the town preparing to ask voters to exceed the state tax cap. A proposed town budget is up almost seven per cent, with school spending a major reason.
From Player to Coach to Announcer, Never Far From the Court
Mary MacDonald has a short commute to her after-school gig. On days when there is a home basketball game at the regional high school, she walks from the guidance office down to the gym. She sits at a folding table off center court, ready to the call game.
As RadioShack Goes Bankrupt, Vineyard Electronics Hopes for the Best
Vineyard Electronics, the only licensed RadioShack dealer on the Island, is bracing for change in light of the announcement Thursday that the national company had filed for bankruptcy.
