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
June 12, 2015
Raising Hope for Help with Substance Abuse
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services has spent more than a year working on a plan in collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital to establish a new short-term outpatient care facility to cope with the problem and provide a new option for treating substance abuse.
As Shorebirds Make Comeback, Fishermen Chafe
Cape Pogue was closed to vehicles this week as plovers and terns begin to hatch. Shorebird protection programs have been in place for decades. But this year’s closure has fueled the concerns of local fishermen who have been enjoying one of the best bluefish runs on Chappaquiddick in years.
Top Graduate Looks to Fly Even Higher
High school class valedictorian Samantha Potter reflects on her high school years as she prepares to leave the Vineyard to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colordao Springs, Colo.
Class of 2015 Finds Success in Each Other
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s class of 2015 is made up of artists, musicians, scientists, chefs, gardeners and scholar-athletes. Their graduation ceremony takes place on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs.
An Evening with Historian David McCullough
Pulitzer-Prize winning historian and author David McCullough, a longtime West Tisbury resident, will be speaking at the Grange Hall in July.
Turning the Tassel
A high school graduation is seen from at least three perspectives.
Starring Role Is Just a Seedling Away
More than a decade ago, a landscape architect friend from Rhode Island brought us a house-warming gift when we had a cottage in Menemsha.
Road to Healing Paved With Support and Helping Others
Editor’s note: The following speech was delivered at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School graduation Sunday.
Dreaming Again With My Father
After playwright Jon Lipsky, who was my father, died, the seed was planted for posthumously publishing eight of his finest plays.
Just as One Never Stops Being a Mother, Teaching Is Forever, Too
I retired from 20 years of teaching in 1986, which means that I have been retired longer that I taught.
Hats Off to Futures Both Cloudy and Clear
As with all of us, life is a series of stages and transitions. Years of joy and trepidation. Times of fun and despair. Or just plain time.
Old School
The glimpses that are available today of areas over which the walker of years ago used to travel with freedom and ease of movement.
Outpouring of Kindness
The prospect of writing a thank-you letter after a loved one’s funeral can be a daunting task.
Freedom, Responsibility
The following letter was sent to the Edgartown planning board. I have been a property owner in Edgartown since 1997. One of the things I love about Edgartown and Martha’s Vineyard is that it remains a throwback to a time in this country when life was simple and the responsibility of freedom was a part…
Blood Donations Needed
I am hoping my Island neighbors will donate blood on June 23, to help save lives and restock the much-needed supply of blood.
Correction
In the fourth paragraph of my letter to the editor in last week’s edition the word “with” was omitted in the following sentence.
Please Adopt Us
We still have two of the three sister Shih Tzus. One was adopted, but Brownie and Oreo are both available.
Register for League Play at Barn Bowl and Bistro
Now that the Barn, Bowl and Bistro is open for business, the bowling center has announced it is time to sign up for league bowling.
Tournament Benefits Children’s Charities
Island golfers came out to Farm Neck last weekend for the 21st annual Children’s Benefit Golf Tournament.
Brian Spiro Graduates
Brian D. Spiro of Oak Bluffs graduated from Salem State University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration.
Red Cross Blood Drive
The Red Cross is looking for blood donors, and Vineyarders will have a chance to help the cause at a blood drive on the Island later this month.
Summer Shades Keeps the Sun at Bay for Thirty Years
The very first time Andrew and Sarah Aliberti met, she had happened to walk into his store, Summer Shades, to have her sunglasses adjusted. The Main street Edgartown store is celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer.
Everybody Dance Now! Yard Taps Into Rhythm of the Island
This weekend is the culmination of the annual three-week Bessie Schonberg residency program at The Yard in Chilmark, in which choreographers and dancers fully immerse themselves in their work. On Friday, June 12, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m., the results of the residency will be displayed on stage. Participating fellows…
Sense of Wonder Spring Art Show
The Sense of Wonder Creations spring art show and benefit will be held on Friday and Saturday June 12 and 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.
At the Bridge Table: June 12
Chilmark’s Miles Jaffe spends his winters playing bridge, among other things, in New Zealand and France, but a lesson he learned at the Hartford, Conn., Bridge Club really struck home.
Fascinating Nesting Behavior for Island Birds
The breeding season for birds is now in high gear. We have over 100 species that nest on the Island.
The Golden Glory of Poverty Grass
French Impressionist Edgar Degas was a great painter, but I have reason to doubt that he could fully appreciate a New England beach in early June.
Talks at Polly Hill
Polly Hill Arboretum hosts a lecture entitled Landscape History at the Arboretum on Tuesday, June 16, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Crazy About Hostas, Waiting for Rain
I am great at telling others what to do, it’s doing it myself that is a problem. In other words, take my advice — I am not using it.
Fish Tales Benefit
The Vineyard Playhouse is hosting a night at sea even the most devoted landlubber can enjoy.
Common Core Talk
Kay Scheidler, author of Standards Matter, will be speaking at Bunch of Grapes Bookstore on Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m.
Mixed-Media Rooster Gets Blue Ribbon, Will Adorn Fair Poster
Fair excitement begins with the annual unveiling of the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair poster.
Missing Planet
Nearly all the visible planets are viewable at night, shortly after sunset.
Making School History, Girls’ Tennis Heads to Sectional Finals
The girls’ tennis team advances to the sectional finals after defeating Cohasset 3-2 in an exhilarating home match Wednesday. The win marks a first for the high school girls tennis program which has never sent a team to the finals of the MIAA sectional tournament.
Arts and Society Bloomsday Celebration
The 37th annual Arts and Society Bloomsday celebration takes place on Wednesday, June 17, at 8 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre.
Island Theater Declared Unsafe; Repair Work in Progress
Roof repairs have begun on the Island Theater, following a recent letter from the Oak Bluffs building inspector declaring the theater unsafe. Building inspector Mark Barbadoro ordered the Hall family, which owns the theatre, to begin immediate repairs.
Rhode Island Ferry Company Lands Wind Farm Contract
Rhode Island Fast Ferry has partnered with Deepwater Wind to build a new transport vessel for technicians working on the country’s first offshore wind energy project, located between Block Island and the Vineyard.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: June 12
It’s another Blooming day! That’s right, the annual Bloomsday event honoring the writings of James Joyce will be held at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Wednesday, June 17, beginning at 8 p.m. John Crelan has kept this wonderful event going with his nonprofit, tax deductible Arts & Society group. This will be the 37th event.…
Oak Bluffs Town Column: June 12
In the April 17, 2015 issue of the Vineyard Gazette, Oak Bluffs conservation agent Elizabeth Durkee wrote an excellent op-ed on the Inkwell and Pay Beach, acknowledging the special place it holds in our history, culture and hearts and also providing a comprehensive explanation of the causes of the erosion over the years. She also…
Chilmark Town Column: June 12
Chilmark is enjoying sunshine and warmth and the clear signs of a busy season on the way! If you are not here yet you have not missed any beach days because we have not been really warm until now. Beach stickers are on sale now at town hall every day beginning at 9 a.m.
Selectmen Grant Entertainment License to New Bowling Alley
The Oak Bluffs selectmen this week approved an entertainment license for The Barn Bowl and Bistro, and granted an exception to a policy of prohibiting construction in the business district after June 1.
In Search of Black Racers, Slithering Along With Island Snakes
Carefully lifting up a panel of plywood near Oyster Pond in Edgartown on Monday, Liz Baldwin uncovered a rare sight: a black racer, the Island’s largest and least common snake species. It was her first encounter with the species, which has been in decline here since the 1970s.
Hospital Named to Top 20 for Critical Access Facilities
For the second year in a row, the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has been named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals in the country.
On Chappy: June 12
The rhododendron and lilacs appear to have relished the extra cold and snow of the winter. This is the blossomiest spring in my memory. Mytoi garden is particularly dazzling. The little bit of rain we had last week unfortunately didn’t really end the drought. However, I was sorry to see that it did encourage my…
Aquinnah Town Column: June 12
The temperatures have dipped to the 50s most of the week but there is an abundance of rhododendrons in full blood across the Vineyard. A few drops of scattered rain to water the gardens. Only a few squid are in Menemsha Bight at this time.
Airport Prevails in Long-Running Legal Skirmish With County
A superior court judge Monday handed a victory to the Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission, ending a costly protracted legal battle with the Dukes County Commission over control of the Island’s only commercial airport.
Land Bank Revenues: June 5
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $164,875 for the business week ending on Friday, June 5, 2015.
Edgartown Town Column: June 12
Well once again I am sitting here and there is a threat of badly needed rain. I looked at the radar today and there was showers going to the north of us and the south. It was like it parted ways to go around us. So I am hoping that some of the rain they…
New West Tisbury Postmaster Found Refuge on the Island, and Career at the Post Office
Forced out of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, John Hirt and his wife sought refuge with family on Martha’s Vineyard. Ten years later, Mr. Hirt, the new West Tisbury postmaster, is still calling the Vineyard home.
West Tisbury Town Column: June 12
Sunday is Flag Day. It was a warm weekend with the temperature reaching almost 70 degrees after days of an unseasonable northeast wind. Lots of folks worked outdoors and held backyard barbecues. It is getting busier by the day and if you drove down to Vineyard Haven last weekend you experienced your first traffic tie-up…
Welcome, Emilia
Sarah Mattson and Jamison Loveday of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Emilia Morgan Loveday, born on June 4 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Chappy Residents Voice Concerns Over Possible Cell Tower
Edgartown selectmen agreed Monday to form a new committee to study options for mobile phone service on Chappaquiddick amid concern from residents that a cell tower will be built on the small, rural island.
Real Estate Transactions: June 1 to June 7
Grace A. Collins TRS, Michael J. Collins TRS and Lighthouse Road Irrevocable Trust purchased 15 Lighthouse Road in Aquinnah for $650,000 on June 1.
Celebrate Island Favorites at Annual Best of the Vineyard Party
The winners of the 2015 Best of the Vineyard awards will be announced on Friday, June 12 at a party hosted by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, the sponsor of the annual readers’ choice contest. The party at The Loft at Dreamland will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the magazine. More than 3,000 people participated in…
Make Way for Plover Chicks: Cape Pogue Closed to Vehicle Traffic
Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge has been closed to vehicle traffic to protect newly-hatched piping plover chicks.
Town Names Permanent Senior Center Director
Acting director Rose Cogliano won the support of the Oak Bluyffs selectmen at their regular meeting last week, nearly 16 months after she took over from former director Roger Wey. Her salary has not yet been determined.
Megan Buchanan Named to Dean’s List
Megan Buchanan of Vineyard Haven was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Westfield State University in Westfield.
Worcester Polytechnic Graduates
Two Vineyard residents have received degrees from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Justine Tucker Graduates
Justine Tucker of West Tisbury graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English from Wheaton College.
Sofia Hart Graduates
Sofia Hart of Vineyard Haven graduated from Keene State College on May 9 with a bachelor of arts degree in communication.
Caroline Jackson Graduates
Caroline Jackson of Edgartown graduated from the University of San Diego on May 24 with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
If the Sun Refuses to Shine, Batteries Are Included
Mother Nature was a spoil sport on Saturday morning, shining no sun on the solar car races at the Boys & Girls Club. The event involves fifth and sixth graders from around the Island, testing their knowledge of gear ratios, UV rays, and, when it’s too cloudy, how to quickly add a battery pack.
Dean’s High Honors for Michael Cutrer
Michael Cutrer of Vineyard Haven, a member of the class of 2016, has achieved dean’s high honors for the spring 2015 term at Nichols College.
Brianna Buchanan Named to Dean’s List
Brianna Buchanan of Vineyard Haven was named to the dean’s list at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture.
Foundation Work Next Engineering Feat at Lighthouse
The Gay Head Light relocation project continues, with a foundation of concrete blocks slowly rising around a gridwork of steel beams that supports the 400-ton structure. On May 30, the lighthouse was moved inland from the eroding cliffs.
Charter School Graduation Celebrates a Community of Individuals
Wearing wreaths of flowers in their hair, eight graduates at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School celebrated their high school careers Sunday. The ceremony was marked by a heartfelt and casual atmosphere.
Hot Bats on a Cold Night at Sharks Season Opener
The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks opened their season Thursday with a 5-2 win against the North Shore Navigators. Stalwart fans stuck out the nearly three hour game draped in blankets and down sleeping bags to stay warm on an unseasonably cool night.
Emergency Responders Rescue Man Trapped in Hole in the Sand
A man trapped in a deep hole at Norton Point Beach Thursday was rescued with the help of highway department equipment after he became buried in the sand, officials said. No one was injured during the incident.
Despite Concerns, Menemsha Harbor Master Reappointed
Town residents showed an outpouring of support for longtime harbor master Dennis Jason, who was reappointed on Tuesday. Mr. Jason sat calmly in the front row of the meeting room at town hall as selectmen aired their concerns.
