Dylan Thomas
The birds of the winged trees flying my name Above the farms and the white horses I rose in rainy autumn And walked abroad in a shower of all my days. – Dylan Thomas
May 29, 2015
Day Two: Gay Head Light Nears the Finish Line
Working at an accelerated pace, crews moving the Gay Head Light expect to finish the job by Saturday morning. The lighthouse move began Thursday morning with much fanfare; the 1856 brick tower will travel 129 feetl east of the eroding cliff edge.
Back from the Brink
Another chapter began this week in the long story of the Gay Head Light, which following weeks of preparation and publicity embarked on a slow journey away from the edge of a rapidly eroding cliff.
Day One for Gay Head Light Move: 1856 Brick Tower Travels 52 Feet
Just before noon on Thursday the Gay Head Light departed the spot where it has stood for 159 years. The Island’s oldest lighthouse headed for its new home about 175 feet from the eroding Gay Head cliffs.
Three Cheers for Leya
Sydney and Jeffrey LaBell of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Leya Josephine LaBell, born May 28.
History Moves Very Slowly as Lighthouse Heads to Safety
Crowds gathered Thursday to watch the Gay Head Light move slowly away from eroding cliffs.
Up-Island Ranks Near Top in State for School Spending
Voters up-Island have been taking a hard look at what it costs to educate their schoolchildren. According to the most recent data available, the up-Island school district ranked sixth in per-pupil spending among other districts in the state.
Land Bank Revenues: May 22
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $79,001 for the business week ending on Friday, May 22, 2015.
Vineyard Shuffle Not Just For Humans
The Vineyard shuffle, in which year-round tenants are forced to find new housing for the summer months, affects many Islanders. Temporary summer housing often comes with restrictions such as no pets allowed. Pet owners are then faced with two options: give up their pet for good, or find additional temporary housing for their furry friends.>
Please Adopt Us
The animal shelter welcomed a passel of new arrivals this week. Some of these dear creatures are homeless due to the Island’s persistent housing problem.
Where to Watch the Lighthouse Move
As the Gay Head Light slowly moves to its new location, the public will be invited to witness the progress on Saturday.
High School Students Shine at Honors Night
What follows is the list of awards given to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School students at the annual Honors Night ceremony, held Wednesday, May 27 at the high school’s Performing Arts Center.
Back from the Edge, Cape Pogue Lighthouse Move Set the Stage
The last time a lighthouse was moved on the Vineyard it was the Cape Pogue Light.
Walking with History, Future Uncertain
In 2008, friends said I mustn’t visit Syria. It was much too dangerous. But I wanted to see the walled Old City of Damascus.
Moonbeams and Saturn
The large gibbous moon passes by the ringed planet Saturn this weekend. Take a look at any time in the early evening.
On Stage: Where Real Life Begins
It’s not every day that a Chilmark resident dominates the Oscar stage.
Seasonal Economy, Not a Sustainable Model
Strong black type proclaimed that a strong economy is forecast for the coming summer but troubling labor shortages are causing anxiety.
Farm Family Thanks
Since moving our farm to Chappaquddick, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our little island’s community.
Relay for Life
The American Cancer Society’s Relay Walk for Life of Martha’s Vineyard is this Saturday and Sunday at the high school.
Egg Roll
Mrs. George D. Robinson of Tisbury has a hen named Susie. This in itself is not particularly remarkable, but Susie is an extraordinary hen.
High School View Recognized for Excellence
The High School View, the regional high school’s student newspaper, recently won the highest achievement award from the New England Scholastic Press Association (NESPA).
Prime Cuts for Over Three Decades; Shiretown Knows Where the Beef Is
David Vaughan opened his Edgartown store in 1982. Except for the price of chuck roast, he does business now just about the same way he did then.
Hebrew Center Hosts Fundraiser for Nepal Earthquake Victims
This Sunday, the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center and other community members will host a fundraiser for victims of the earthquake in Nepal.
Relay for Life Walk
On Saturday at 9 a.m. the annual Relay for Life cancer benefit begins at the regional high school track.
Clean Car Is a Home Run
There will be a car wash fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Little League on Saturday, May 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A Recipe for Creativity
Two Vineyarders, Chris Fischer and Michael Van Valkenburgh will be sharing the stage Tuesday at the 92Y in New York city.
Announcing Agatha
Amelia M. and Alexandre T. Simas of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Agatha Morais Simas, born on May 27 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Moving Day: Gay Head Light Begins to Roll
Just before noon on Thursday, the Gay Head Light departed the spot where it has stood for 159 years. The Island’s oldest lighthouse is now slowly headed for its new home about 175 feet from the eroding clay cliffs.
Funding in Place, Refuse District Expansion Moves Forward
Over the past seven months, voters in four Island towns have approved funding for a major expansion of the Martha’s Vineyard Refuse District transfer station. The $2.5 million project is expected to triple the Edgartown station’s vehicle capacity and allow for future expansion.
Entertainment License for New Bowling Alley Delayed Over Noise Complaints
Neighbors who last year opposed the development of the bowling alley in Oak Bluffs are now complaining about the noise. Barn, Bowl and Bistro, a new bowling alley and pub on Uncas avenue, opened earlier this month, and neighbors told selectmen this week they can hear the bowling balls rolling down the lanes from their…
Vineyard Haven Town Column: May 29
Memorial Day weekend never really ends — the power, the patriotism, the prayers for our service people through all our wars and conflicts. Because his birthday is this week, and because he is a stellar guy from an amazing family, I would like you all to acknowledge Billy Kingsbury who served as an Army Ranger,…
Oak Bluffs Town Column: May 29
From 1870 to 1872, the genius architect Samuel Freeman Pratt (1824 — 1920) designed several structures in Oak Bluffs including Union Chapel that still stands proudly.
Edgartown Town Column: May 29
What a weekend we had. Beautiful sun, the wind was a little too much, but everyone seemed to be happy and there were a lot of people here.
Spectacular Irises, Perfect Lilacs
I was all set to complain about the weather this week—extremely dry with my least favorite—ill winds!
In Praise of Understated Winter Cress
You can see wintercress, known also as yellow rocket, rocket cress and wound rocket, flowering now.
Screen Time Returns to Vineyard Haven; Capawock Reopens Saturday
The Capawock Theatre in Vineyard Haven and the Strand Theatre in Oak Bluffs are nearly ready for their grand reopenings to the movie-going public.
Breeding Season in Full Swing for Birds
The first young birds born this year are leaving their nests and making their appearance.
Police Track Down Missing Teen
Edgartown police have located a missing Vineyard teenager unharmed, following an intense investigation.
Puppetry That Fills Body and Soul
On May 27, the Bread and Puppet Theatre will attempt to incite revolution through puppetry at the Chilmark Community Center.
Aquinnah Town Column: May 29
Summer is getting closer, the trees are budding, rhododendron and azaleas are in bloom, even a few roses are blossoming already. The temperatures have been relatively warm but now we look for rain.
Chilmark Town Column: May 29
Chilmark enjoyed a spectacular Memorial Day. The events of respect and memory were blessed with sunshine and attendance and the family reunions were many. The Chilmark school students continued a long tradition of casting flowers in Menemsha harbor in honor of those lost in wars.
On Chappy: May 29
Whew! Memorial Day weekend—sudden, overwhelming, exhausting! I’d call it a four-day weekend. It felt and looked like summer for all four of those days. There was not a parking space to be had in all of downtown Edgartown but you could surely get a T-shirt and an ice cream cone.
West Tisbury Town Column: May 29
The holiday weekend weather was nice for this time of year. Many outdoor activities and cookouts took place on Memorial Day despite a few sprinkles. There are two new sidewalks in town, courtesy of the commonwealth.
Two Sergeants in Edgartown Earn Their Stripes
Veteran Edgartown police officers Michael Gazaille and Joel DeRoche were promoted to the rank of sergeant and sworn in at the selectmen’s meeting Monday. Police chief David Rossi praised both men for their trustworthiness and long service to the town.
Ahead of Schedule, Gay Head Light Move Set to Begin Thursday
The Gay Head Light move is now expected to begin around mid-day Thursday, project managers for the relocation project said today. Favorable soil and weather conditions and the fine-tuned coordination of contractors working at the site has put the project well ahead of schedule.
Legacy of Words: Friends and Admirers Celebrate Life and Work of Peggy Freydberg
Friends and relatives of the late Peggy Freydberg gathered in Chilmark Sunday to celebrate her life, and a new collection of her poetry.
Real Estate Transactions: May 18 to May 24
David A. Coriale and Maureen L. Coriale purchased 71 Pilgrim Road in Edgartown from John B. Mariano Jr. and Laura Mariano for $665,000 on May 21.
Hello, Maisie
Erin and Zeb Tilton of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Maisie Marie Tilton, born on May 24 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Kylee Arrives
Tanya and Bryan Taylor of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Kylee Celeste Taylor, born on May 24 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Welcome, Electra
Amanda and Richard Saltzberg of West Tisbury announce the birth of a daughter, Electra Mirabai Saltzberg, born on May 23.
Aquinnah, Chilmark Work to Reset Town Boundaries
Aquinnah and Chilmark selectmen are taking steps to reestablish the town line that runs through Menemsha Pond. Ice floes this winter wiped out four pilings in the pond, including two that marked the town line.
Never Forget; Veterans and Community Gather on Memorial Day
At a ceremony Monday, Paul J. Brawley, a commander in the United States Navy Reserve, quoted Gen. Douglas MacArthur: “The soldier above all other people prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”
Family Planning Show Is Testament to the Art of Giving Back
The crowds came out to the Agriculturall Hall in West Tisbury for the Friends of Family Planning art show, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Over 90 local artists contributed work, donating a large portion of any profits to the organization.
Raising the Flags for the Fallen
Not long after sunrise, volunteers gathered in Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven to help set up the Avenue of the Flags, commemorating those who served. Community members young and old helped prepare this final leg of the Memorial Day parade.
Pushing Ahead on Squibnocket Project, Town Buys Beach Lots
Less than four months after voters approved a major restoration plan for Squibnocket Beach, the Chilmark selectmen have acquired two properties near the beach, where the plan calls for a new parking lot and a new access road to the homes at Squibnocket Farm.
Uber Announces Official Vineyard Launch
Uber, the smart phone-based ride sharing service, has announced its official launch on Martha’s Vineyard. In a press release the company said the ride sharing option is available on the Vineyard and other “beach towns across the East Coast” as of 5 p.m. on May 22.
VCS Art Contest Winners on Display at Film Center
The Vineyard Conservation Society has named the winners of their annual high school art competition The winning artwork will be honored Sunday at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, and on display at the film center lobby for two weeks.
Honor for Anna Yuen
Anna Yuen of Vineyard Haven has been inducted into the American Advertising Federation honor society, Alpha Delta Sigma.
Dean’s List at University of Vermont
Four Vineyard students were named to the dean’s list at the University of Vermont.
Dean’s List at Keene State
Kenon Veno of Edgartown was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Keene State College.
University of New Hampshire Graduate
Emma Forbes of Oak Bluffs graduated from the University of New Hampshire on May 16.
Caitlin Sylva Named To President’s List
Caitlin Sylva of West Tisbury has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s spring 2015 President’s List for academic excellence.
Dean’s List at Lasell College
Tayla Kuehne of Edgartown was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Lasell College in Newton. A member of the class of 2017, Ms. Kuehne is majoring in exercise science.
University of Vermont Graduates
Four Vineyard students graduated from the University of Vermont in a commencement ceremony on May 17.
Amy Sertl Graduates from Bridgewater State
Amy Sertl of Vineyard Haven has been granted a bachelor of arts degree from Bridgewater State University.
Alicia Oliveira Graduates, Receives Military Rank
Alicia Oliveira, daughter of David and Margaret Oliveira of Oak Bluffs, received her military rank of 2nd Lieutenant on May 15 at Providence College.
Trevor Marzbanian Graduates
Trevor Marzbanian graduated from Champlain College in Burlington, Vt. on May 9.
Leah Casey Graduates
Leah J. Casey has graduated from Becker College in Worcester with an associate of science degree in animal care.
Becker College Graduate
Victoria Segel of Edgartown has received an associate of science degree in animal care from Becker College in Worcester.
