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
March 20, 2015
To Ease Summer Traffic, Chilmark Changes Beach Permit Policy for Inns
Inn owners will pay more this summer for their patrons to visit Chilmark beaches as the town institutes several changes aimed at easing summer traffic at Lucy Vincent Beach.
High School Sees Big Turnout for Portuguese Language Classes
For the more than 60 students in the newly revived Portuguese program at the regional high school, falar portugues (speaking Portuguese) is becoming easier. Portuguese joins French, Spanish and German as languages offered by the high school. But German, the program with the lowest enrollment, is being phased out.
Standing Tall Through Near Record Snowfall
Boston celebrated (or bemoaned) a record amount of snow this year. And while the Vineyard hasn’t broken the record snowfall of 67 inches, it has come close at 52.8 inches, as measured at the Edgartown cooperative weather station. This is more than twice the Island’s average snowfall amount.
Rite of Spring, Right Whales Return to Vineyard Waters
Aerial surveys conducted last week spotted a large group of North Atlantic right whales in the ocean south of the Vineyard. Mariners are asked to use caution while the critically endangered whales are present.
As New Fertilizer Regulations Take Root, Landscapers Adjust
Landscapers on the Vineyard are adjusting to new regulations that limit the use of lawn fertilizer, which have been in effect since January. This year, fertilizer can’t be applied until April 15, according to the regulations, which also establish a licensing process for fertilizer users.
Chilmark Eyes Santander Spot for Public Safety Building
Less than six months after beginning their search, Chilmark officials have zeroed in on a possible site for a new public safety building. The selectmen said this week that the town hopes to purchase the Santander Bank building on South Road.
MCAS to PARCC, Students and Teachers Grapple With New Tests
Students at Island schools walked into classrooms and took their seats in front of computers this week to begin taking the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC).
Setting the Table
On the Vineyard, it is March that seems most cruel. The weather is mercurial, blowing hard and cold one day, then providing a tease of real spring a few days later.
It Takes a Full Heart to Feed an Island
Affordable housing is perhaps the biggest and most obvious challenge to life on the Vineyard. But food security is another problem here, and one that Betty Burton has tackled head-on over the last 23 years.
Edgartown Lengthens Scallop Season
After a cold February kept Edgartown bay scallopers indoors, the town is looking to extend the season by two weeks. Pending approval from the state division of marine fisheries, the scallop season would end on April 17, instead of April 1.
When One Plus One Equals Three
For the past six months my husband Jeff and I have swapped late nights out with early nights in. We’ve become experts on car seats and having conversations about getting no sleep.
Land Bank Revenues: March 13
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $164,620 for the business week ending on Friday, March 13, 2015.
The Power of a Grandfather’s Love
There is a magnet that I keep thinking about on the refrigerator door in my grandfather’s apartment.
Legends Are Not Just History, They Continue to Speak Loudly
The following is an award-winning essay written by Womsikuk James for the Young Native Writer’s Essay Contest.
Ode to the Ocean View
Hail, Hail to the Jacksons . . . family and crew, And Hail to our beloved Ocean View.
Moving In
The house which has now become the editorial office of the Vineyard Gazette is an old one.
Bill Searle
Isn’t it wonderful when law enforcement is kind and compassionate.
Branch Withdrawal
The following was sent to Brian Devaney, regional director of the Santander Bank, formerly Sovereign, formerly Bank of MV.
Preserve Open Space
Help protect 14 Pine street in Vineyard Haven from development.
Trees Not Traffic
I am writing concerning the eight house development that will be built behind the beautiful yellow Civil War era house at the top of Spring street.
The Future Is Now
This letter is an appeal to every Islander who cares about the future of our elder population. Every day, the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Supportive Day Program provides support to the frailest members of our community; support that can’t be found anywhere else.
Supporting Supportive Day
I am Marvin Rosencrantz and I have an Alzheimer’s story to tell. It is also a story about what the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Supportive Day Program has done and continues to do to support my family.
Lessons Learned
My first lessons concerning the true spirit of Martha’s Vineyard came from my father who settled here in the early 1900s.
Jam for Sam
The white haired trumpet player standing in the doorway blasts for all the heavens to hear. He is perfectly in sync with his superb band of fellow players, volunteer artists one and all, crowded in front of the picture window at Offshore Ale.
Crescent Moon, Venus and Mars
A thin crescent moon will draw plenty of attention on Sunday night, when it appears right next to the bright planet Venus in our western sky.
Rotary Club and Community Services Unite for Golf Tournament
The Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard and Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) will hold a charity golf tournament in late September to benefit Island charities and MVCS’ human service programs.
Painting by Loïs Mailou Jones Offered at New York Auction
The Swann Auction Galleries in New York city will offer an oil painting by Loïs Mailou Jones (1905-1998) during its April 2 auction, Ascension: A Century of African-American Art.
New Staff at Felix Neck
Mass Audubon at Felix Neck welcomes Alexandra (Ally) Ferland to the staff. Ms. Ferland is the new education assistant and will work closely with Josey Kirkland, the education coordinator.
Kids’ Programming Is Big at Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival
The children’s programming has long been an essential component of the spring film festival, and for the summer series, too. This year there are numerous family films, including a series of animated short films on Saturday at 9 a.m.
Ruler for the Classroom
The RULER approach is the topic of the March meeting of the Island Parents Advisory Council on Special Education at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at the YMCA.
In Close Vote, VTA Says No to Unionization
A narrow majority of Vineyard Transit Authority workers have voted not to join the Amalgamated Transit Union. The final vote, cast by secret ballot, was 21 to 18. VTA employees may again seek membership in the ATU in one year.
House Destroyed, One Fatality in Edgartown Fire
A 32-year-old man died late Wednesday night in a house fire in Edgartown, according to police, and two other occupants were injured. Police said an investigation has concluded that the fire was started by improper disposal of smoking materials.
Welcome, Daniel
Roseli and Alexandre Bortolotto of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Daniel A. Bortolotto, born on March 16 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Please Adopt Us
The small brown dog named Ticona is still at the shelter. He warms up to anyone showing him affection and can catch a tennis ball in mid-air.
Everybody Dance Now
Sandy Stone-Benjamin has opened a new dance studio called Spindrift at the Edgartown Triangle, 258 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road.
Library Program Supports Early Childhood Literacy, One Book at a Time
With 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a new program at the Vineyard Haven library, every opportunity to read aloud to a young child becomes a valuable tool in documenting their earliest learning experience.
Aquinnah Town Column: March 20
Sunny days have been delightful since Daylight Saving Time, or perhaps it just seems that the days have been sunnier since then. The trees are beginning to bud and the crocus are in bloom. Ice floes in the harbors are melting and the seas are much calmer.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: March 20
Since I was unable to view your wee St. Patrick’s Day parade on-Island, since I was unable to join in the wearing of the green at the Ocean View, Ritz, or other venues of good food and drink, I rose early on St. Patrick’s Day and decorated the house.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: March 20
With Oak Bluffs designed as a glorified summer resort, the builders achieved their dream never realizing we would become a year-round community.
West Tisbury Town Column: March 20
Well, as you have noticed, the days are getting thankfully longer; we now have more than 12 hours of daylight each day, but the thermometer has not climbed above 50 degrees.
Edgartown Town Column: March 20
Well, Boston broke its record, but I have not heard anything about our record. I think if we took a poll nobody would argue this has been the snowiest winter in a long time.
Chilmark Town Column: March 20
Chilmark as we remember it is still here! Under all that snow the spring bulbs were persevering and are now visible in most spots. The dark rainy days were welcome and now we are ready for some sunshine.
A Springtime State of Mind
On Sunday morning enough snow had melted to reveal a huge patch of purple crocuses. They hadn’t fully opened but you could tell they were purple.
It’s All About Amazing Aloe
It is the aloe plants that soar and thrive. They make me feel like I have a green thumb and have become my verdant companions.
On Chappy: March 20
Spring is upon us. Lily Walter of Slip Away Farm tells me that they still have a few memberships available in their CSA program. To sign up, call the farmhouse at 508-627-7465 or visit slipawayfarm.com.
Exhibit Highlighting Threatened Trees Comes to Polly Hill
Participants at last week’s final winter walk at the Polly Hill Arboretum got an unexpected treat: a chance to view a traveling exhibit, Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat. Polly Hill is the only New England arboretum to host the exhibit, which aims to bring awareness to endangered trees.
Ethics Commission Finds Violation by Oak Bluffs Fire Chief
In hiring and supervising members of his family, Oak Bluffs ambulance and fire chief John Rose broke conflict of interest rules, the state ethics commission said Monday. But the commission declined to fine Mr. Rose or call for a hearing, instead sending a letter explaining requirements of the law.
Tonya Leonard and Joshua Katz Announce Engagement
Richard and Pia Leonard of West Tisbury, announce the engagement of their daughter, Tonya Leonard, to Joshua Robert Katz, son of Neal and Susan Katz.
What’s Cooking at the Library
In memory of Laurel Chapman, a longtime officer of the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library, a series of free cooking classes is planned at the library, featuring well-known Island chefs.
Worship Made Easy at St. Andrew’s
St. Andrew’s Church is offering a new, relaxed form of worship service beginning this Sunday, March 22, at 4 p.m. in the parish hall.
Savvy Students Entertain at Talent Show
Talented students take center stage at the Oak Bluffs School this weekend for its 17th annual talent show. A live house band of professional musicians accompanies the young artists.
One Act Wonders
Directors and actors get to shine during the Island Theatre Workshop’s One Act Play Festival opening on Friday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre.
Create Your Own Duck Decoys
Decoy carver Chris Murphy shares the process of creating duck decoys at a two-part carving workshop held at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Art Is Heart of the Vineyard Year Round
Arts Martha’s Vineyard holds its annual meeting on Monday, March 30, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center.
Joining Forces for Good
Project Next, The Print Shop and Alex’s Place are coming together to provide some alcohol-free opportunities for socializing. Young adults ages 18 to 26 are invited to a series of four concerts at Alex’s Place at the YMCA.
VTA Workers to Vote Wednesday on Unionization
Citing a long list of concerns that have gone mostly unanswered, Vineyard Transit Authority workers will vote Wednesday on whether to join the Amalgamated Transit Union, a large labor union that represents workers in the United States and Canada.
Birds Show the Way to Spring
On March 15, Luanne Johnson won the award for hearing the first red-winged blackbirds singing in a marsh.
Julia Cooper Named to Dean’s List
Julia Cooper of Edgartown has earned the dean’s award for academic excellence for the fall 2014 semester at Colgate University.
Regional High School Students Make the Grade at Science Fair
Three winners from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s Science & Engineering Fair competed at the South Shore Regional Science Fair at Bridgewater State University recently.
Spencer Pogue Named Island Spelling Bee Champ
How do you spell spelling champion? For two years in a row on the Vineyard, the answer has been S-P-E-N-C-E-R. Edgartown School seventh grader Spencer Pogue repeated as the Vineyard’s spelling bee champion at the Martha’s Vineyard All-Island Spelling Bee on Friday, correctly spelling the word “guitar” to take home the victory.
Slow Food Wants Quick Action on GMO Labeling
On Sunday, more than 100 people attended the annual Farmer’s Brunch in Chilmark, which focused on the controversies surrounding genetically modified organisms in the United States.
Welcome, Hazel
Elissa Turnbull and Eddie Stahl of Chilmark announce the birth of a daughter, Hazel Clementine Stahl, born on March 11 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Tisbury Planning Board Hears Proposal for Pine Street Subdivision
A proposed subdivision on Pine street in Vineyard Haven has raised concerns from abutters and some planning board members about the density of the project. The property at 14 Pine street is well-known in Vineyard Haven as the site of the Luce house; a developer plans to build an eight-lot subdivision behind the home.
Hospital Health Fair Is in Touch With Pulse of the Community
The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital was especially crowded on Saturday at the 20th annual hospital health fair. Participants filled the first floor halls, running from the main lobby to Windemere and into the old hospital.
Falmouth Appoints New SSA Governor
When the Steamship Authority governors meet Tuesday in Woods Hole, there will be a new face at the table. Falmouth selectmen have appointed scientist Elizabeth Gladfelter as their new representative on the boat line’s executive board.
Real Estate Roadshow
Vineyard Open House Real Estate offers a look at everything from financing to flood insurance as it hosts information sessions on Fridays in March.
Real Estate Transactions: March 9 to March 15
Joao Paulo Vasconcelos and Megan Vasconcelos purchased 3 Fifteenth street in Edgartown from Douglas Fleck for $410,000 on March 13.
Island Students Lend a Creative Hand to Gay Head Light Effort
I Will Save You!, a 65-page volume devoted to the Gay Head Light, features drawings, poems, and short stories by 60 Island students. It arrives in bookstores on Monday, and proceeds from sales of the $20 book will go towards the lighthouse relocation effort.
Cooking up Change at Menemsha Restaurant Scene
The restaurant at Chilmark’s Beach Plum Inn will open this May with a new head chef. Josh Aronie, who led the kitchen at the nearby Home Port Restaurant last summer, will oversee both restaurants this year.
In Tisbury, Making It Work with This Old School
A storage closet serving as a guidance office, a too-small cafeteria, damage from roof leaks and noisy old ventilators. A recent tour of the Tisbury School showed that the oldest school in use on the Island needs a significant overhaul as the school body outgrows the aging building.
