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
May 15, 2015
One Year Later, Quiet Legacy of F. Patrick Gregory Endures
For all the public displays of respect and affection, there have been many more private remembrances and even acts of kindness done in the name of F. Patrick (Pat) Gregory, since the news of his death raced across the Island one year ago.
With a Dog as Its Copilot, Uber Arrives on Martha’s Vineyard
Uber provides an experience different than most taxi rides. The first clue, when an Uber driver arrived at the Harbor View Hotel Tuesday evening for a trip to the Steamship Authority terminal, was an enormous chocolate Labrador riding shotgun.
Respect and Balance Are Core Principles for New Police Chief
One day after his appointment as Edgartown police chief, David Rossi was already in full stride. On his first morning in the corner office, he had updated the department’s post office information, ordered new business cards and organized his desk.
Economics of Lighthouse Move Trickle Down to Local Shops
With the Gay Head Light relocation project under way and temporary parking rules in place at Aquinnah Circle, shop owners at the cliffs are hoping to weather the changes and eventually to benefit from the publicity surrounding the move.
West Tisbury to Pull Article on School District Withdrawal
In a quick reversal, the West Tisbury selectmen agreed Wednesday to pull an article from the upcoming June 2 special town meeting, asking whether the town should withdraw from the up-Island school district. Two of the three selectmen voted last week to bring the question to voters.
With No Leads, Pat Gregory Case Grows Cold
The search for Pat Gregory’s killer has yielded no firm leads or suspects, authorities said, but they expressed confidence their investigation will ultimately result in an arrest.
Counsel Says Uber Doesn’t Share Taxi Rules
Current town regulations governing taxicabs do not extend to riding sharing networks such as Uber, the West Tisbury town counsel said.
High School Sailing Team Heads to Regionals
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School sailing team is ranked fifth in New England and the top public high school in the region.
Running Like the Wind
Martha’s Vineyard male and female track athletes traveled to New Bedford and Somerville last Saturday for a Coaches Invitational meet.
Girls’ Lacrosse Digs Deep
Last week the varsity girls’ lacrosse team came up with two big wins by beating Bishop Stang on their turf and Nauset at home.
Land Bank Revenues: May 8
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $69,942 for the business week ending on Friday, May 8, 2015.
Please Adopt Us
The animal shelter had some good news today. Both Tui and Winslow were reclaimed by their original owners.
Big Welcome for a Small-Town Chief
It was a family affair in the Fred B. Morgan Jr. meeting room at the Edgartown town hall on Monday this week when David Rossi was sworn in as town police chief.
Living History Speaks to Horrors and Hope
Sami Steigmann was born in three different countries. The town of Czernowitz where he was born is a physical testament to the horrors of war.
Celebrating the One Who Always Understands
A few special mothers were singled out for extra recognition last weekend when winners were announced at the annual Mom of the Year essay contest.
A Toast to a Quiet Space to Reflect
Brandy Brow off State Road, quiet and hard to find, could be the perfect place to enjoy the drink for which it was named.
Dating Game
Not particularly odd, but interesting, is the fact that in the study of dates, year to year, it is an easy matter to find anniversaries.
Setback on Duck Project
I have some bad news for those who have been following our attempts to promote the rare and beautiful Cayuga duck breed.
No Bananas
The orange mesh fencing and yellow barricades along Beach Road indicate an area of beach erosion that threatens the stability of the road.
Excellent Care
Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff members at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital who were involved in the amazing care of Marion Mackay.
Parade of Planets
Three planets are easy to spot in the night sky, looking from west to east. They are Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. Venus is the easiest to spot, high in the western sky soon after sunset. The planet will spend many hours in the western sky, setting late in the night. By late June, and for…
Flying with Vineyard Montessori
Vineyard Montessori School will hold its second annual Flyin’ MV fundraiser on Saturday, May 16.
Environmental Film Festival Plugs In
The first annual Environmental Film Festival will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center from May 20 through May 24.
Food & Wine Festival Is on the Horizon
Save the date for the eighth annual Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine festival, which will take place Oct. 15 through 18.
Horse Council’s Spring Open House
All manner of equines, from miniature ponies to huge draft horses, will be on display at the MV Horse Council’s spring open house on Saturday, May 16.
Vineyard Gazette Turns 169
Happy Birthday to the Gazette: the first issue of the newspaper came out 169 years ago today, May 14, 1846. A birthday is an opportunity to look to the past, and here’s a look at the Vineyard Gazette of 100 years ago, when the paper cost 50 cents and the summer population was 20,000 people.
With Chainsaws and a Toast to the Town, Clearing Begins at Tashmoo Overlook
The Citizen’s Committee To Save The Lake Tashmoo View gathered at the Tashmoo Overlook Wednesday morning.
Aquinnah Re-elects Incumbent, Approves Tax Override
Aquinnah voters on Wednesday backed a $120,000 tax override related to the town’s high school assessment and re-elected incumbent selectman Jim Newman. About 40 per cent of registered voters turned out for the town election Wednesday.
Loft Spared Suspension, Issued Warning for Liquor Violations
At the continuation of a disciplinary hearing Tuesday, the Oak Bluffs selectmen found the Loft at Dreamland had violated nine liquor control regulations on its opening weekend in March. Board members and the police chief had stern words for the owners of the Oak Bluffs avenue bar.
Felix Neck Bird-a-Thon
The 24-hour bird-a-thon competition starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15, and runs through 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.
Bluebells in Bloom; Coveting Phlox
I wish I had a couple of bucks for every time I complained about the lack of rain. So much for April showers.
Skunk Cabbage Provides Nature’s Spring Perfume
Leave it to Henry David Thoreau to find stirring strength in putrid plants.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: May 15
In a town renowned for irony, colorful characters, and stories the Wesley House Hotel stands alone. The harbor-front, Victorian-designed structure was built for $18,000 in 1879 by French Canadian cook Augusten Goupee who changed his name to Augustus G. Wesley as a paean to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: May 15
You can take the cheesecake out of New York but you can’t take New York out of the cheesecake. Or can you?
Edgartown Town Column: May 15
Coat on, coat off. That seems to be the way the weather has been working these past few days. The wind has not helped that situation but we will take the sunshine and the warmer weather.
On Chappy: May 15
The shadbush bloomed suddenly late last week. The foggy days seem to be an essential factor. You get up one morning and realize that there are small clouds of white blossoms hovering in the woods and you are pretty sure that they weren’t there yesterday. If they were, wouldn’t you have noticed them?
Chilmark Town Column: May 15
Chilmark is in for some spring repairs this week. Please be alert for roadwork scheduled to begin on the 19th. There will be the repaving of sections of Tabor House, North and Middle Roads, in that order. It is hoped that the work will be completed by the week after the Memorial Day holiday. Just…
On Journey from Big Boats to Tiny Shells, Creative Fire Leads the Way
Frank Rapoza, the West Tisbury artist and boat builder, started producing wampum mosaics in 2012. The intricate pieces, made with shells, ebony from a shipwreck, and even a swordfish bill, depict Island scenery.
Aquinnah Town Column: May 15
It has been in the 70s most days this past week, with a few days of significant fog but for the most part rather sunny. The mayflowers and the shad are in bloom, as are the lilacs and paperwhites.
In Early Survey, Edgartown Residents Favor Historic District Expansion
A majority of Edgartown homeowners who were polled about a possible expansion of the historic district said they’d like their properties to be included. Surveys were mailed in February. Public hearings are planned for this summer.
Boys’ Baseball Holds Strong Position in League Play
The regional high school boys’ varsity baseball team is having a great season. In fact, it is its best season ever.
Construction Materials Sale Will Benefit Habitat for Humanity
Household projects abound this time of year and Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard is sponsoring a construction materials sale just in time for spring.
Fuel Assistance Deadline Approaching
The fuel assistance program will close for applications on Friday, May 15. If you did not receive an application in the mail and feel that you may qualify, call 508-696-3843 to schedule an appointment.
Calling All Birders
Felix Neck needs birders and sponsors to participate in Mass Audubon’s 32nd year of birding competition. The 24-hour competition starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15, and runs through 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.
Deals on Wheels
The Island Children’s School’s Mayfest features a bike swap this year, so bring a young rider by for a new set of wheels or to leave an old set.
Port Hunter Is Back
Port Hunter returns to the Edgartown bar scene this weekend with acoustic rockers John Beninghof and Daniel Byrnes on Friday.
Scrimshaw Exhibit Opens
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s latest exhibit, aptly titled Teeth, opens on Friday, May 15, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
West Tisbury Town Column: May 15
Well, the weather was delightful with the sun coming out Saturday and Sunday afternoon. It turned out to be a wonderful weekend. The cherry trees in Harriet Bernstein’s front lawn were ablaze with color.
Madison Hughes Named to NEC Second Team
Morgan Tullar and Jessica Sudock, as well as junior Madison Hughes from the Vineyard, were all named to the NEC Second Team from Central Connecticut State University.
Alicia Oliveira Receives Leadership Award
Alicia Oliveira of Oak Bluffs received the Robert Riesman 1st Infantry Division Award and the Military Officer’s Association of America Excellence in Leadership Award.
Aquinnah Approves Center for Living Building
Aquinnah voters gave the final go-ahead Tuesday for the purchase of a new building for the Center for Living to serve Island seniors, approved a $4.1 million annual operating budget and heard an update on town efforts to move the Gay Head Light.
Renovations in Full Swing at Capawock, Strand
A newly renovated Capawock theatre in Vineyard Haven is quickly taking shape, and on Monday afternoon, the front doors were wide open and the occasional visitor wandered in. An opening gala is set for May 29. It’s the same story at the Strand in Oak Bluffs, with an opening planned for June 19.
David Rossi Sworn In as New Edgartown Police Chief
Edgartown selectmen appointed Officer David Rossi as the town’s new chief of police at their meeting Monday, and Det. Sgt. Chris Dolby was also promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Both officers were enthusiastically endorsed and they were sworn in immediately following the vote.
Sips and High Spirits at MV Wine Fest
At the MV Wine Festival’s grand tasting event Saturday afternoon, Vineyard-based artists, restaurants and food vendors mingled with hundreds of wineries from around the world and proved compatible.
Stormy Weather Brings Birds of Different Feathers
The news that an early, significant storm might be heading up the Atlantic coast was more exciting than any of the spring avian arrivals.
Commission Approves Contract for New Executive Director
Connecticut town planner Adam Turner has signed a two-year contract to serve as the new executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. Under the agreement approved by the commission last week, he will earn an annual salary of $107,454 starting August 1.
Named to Dean’s List at NEIT
Michael deBettencourt of Oak Bluffs was named to the spring quarter dean’s list at the New England Institute of Technology.
Named to Dean’s List
Katherine Boyd and Danielle Clermont, both of Vineyard Haven, were named to the fall 2014 semester dean’s list at UMass Boston.
Real Estate Transactions: May 4 to May 10
Lynn Weber and Thomas Andrews purchased 18 Oak Wood Lane in Oak Bluffs from Arlene L. Bodge and Virginia S. McClure for $719,000 on May 6.
Moving With the Flow, New Dance Studio Embraces Art of Free Expression
Sandy Stone-Benjamin fell in love with dance in the third grade, and later went on to perform with the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Recently, she opened the Spindrift dance studio where she teaches modern dance, jazz, ballet and tap.
Littlest Anglers Take Home Biggest Fish at Annual Trout Tournament
Youngsters and their families rose before the sun Saturday morning to claim prime fishing real estate along Duarte’s Pond for the annual kids’ trout tournament.
With Month to Go Before Move, Rapid Progress at Gay Head Light
Site preparation for the Gay Head Light relocation is progressing quickly, with the excavation work nearly complete, and the actual move now planned to begin on June 10. The lighthouse now sits 46 feet from the eroding Gay Head Cliffs.
Led by Senior Samantha Potter, Girls’ Tennis Beats Barnstable Again
For the second time in two months, playing at home on Thursday afternoon the Vineyard girls edged out a 3-2 victory over Barnstable.
