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
June 26, 2015
Jackson Koorse Named to Dean’s List
Jackson C. Koorse of Edgartown was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at the College of the Holy Cross.
Hospital Holds Vaccination Clinic After Measles Diagnosis
With more than 600 doses of the vaccine that prevents measles, the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital began inoculating unvaccinated children and adults Wednesday evening, following a confirmed case of measles on the Island.
Munitions Removal to Cost $9.8 Million
The Army Corps of Engineers has recommended a $9.8 million project to remove practice bombs and other debris from a former World War II bombing range along the south shore. The five-year investigation and feasibility study was completed this month.
Former Kupersmith Property to Be Sold
A foreclosure auction is set for Friday, June 26, for the property formerly owned by Corey Kupersmith. The auction begins at noon, at the site off County Road. Up for sale are 51 acres of land, which includes 20 building lots and two open space lots.
Marking 50 Years in Conservation, VCS Looks to Future
On Tuesday, members of the Vineyard Conservation Society gathered at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury to celebrate 50 years of preserving land and encouraging environmental practices. Speakers discussed what the next 50 years could mean.
A Planetary Love Story: Dear Venus, It’s Me Jupiter, Again
Venus and Jupiter are two of the brightest planets in the solar system, and lately they have been acting like star-crossed lovers. By Tuesday night, they will appear close enough to shake hands, or if both are in accord perhaps something more romantic.
Tisbury DPW Director Resigns Amid Change and Upheaval
The director of the Tisbury department of public works has resigned, town administrator John (Jay) Grande confirmed Thursday.
Emma Maitland Honored With New Heritage Trail Stop
Emma Chambers Maitland will be celebrated this weekend as her former home in Oak Bluffs is added to the African American Heritage Trail.
Please Adopt Us
Two black female kittens, about 12 weeks old, were brought to us last week. They have been named Laverne and Shirley.
On Chappy: June 26
Summer activities get into full swing at the Chappaquiddick Community Center this week. Check the website or bulletin boards for details. They really do offer something for everyone.
Vineyard Swimmers Qualify for Bay State Games
Five Vineyard swimmers will be competing in the Bay State summer games.
Lessons in Public Health
Last winter after an eleven-year-old child with measles visited a California theme park, the Centers for Disease Control traced at least one hundred and twenty-five other cases to the outbreak.
Safe Summer
The days keep changing, the length of light withdrawing at an almost imperceptible pace now.
In the Woods, You Are Never Alone
Friends say that now that I am older, I should no longer walk alone in the woods — even near Glimmerglass Pond in West Tisbury.
On a Farm, Seeds Sprout Many Stories
My favorite road on the Island is Middle Road. I love its hills and its lovely views. What I love the most is the view from Brookside Farm.
Vanity (In Memory of Oscar Pease)
A gaff-rigged boat named Vanity Still sails Nantucket Sound. Her sail scrubbed clean and white Spars varnished gleaming brown.
Those That Slither Will Also Frighten
I had just reached into the bedroom closet. Looking back at me from the shoulder of a shirt on a hanger inside the closet was a snake.
Hot Fun
Summer has arrived, the crowd of summer visitors and vacationists in each Island town increases daily.
High Risk
It is important for Island parents to remember that as their children were making their way through the Island’s public school system, they received routine immunizations.
Not Just a Bird
Your recent article on beach access contained some references to the position of the MV Surfcasters Association which I, as a member, don’t necessarily support. Over the past few years, several MVSA members, on their own, have worked hard with The Trustees of Reservations to maximize beach access during shorebird breeding season. While the outcome…
Second Attack
This is at least the second incident involving an attack by Bilzerian-owned American bull dogs.
NAACP Strong
On Friday night, June 19 at the VFW, branch members and community friends of the MVNAACP celebrated Juneteenth with restaurateur Chef Deon. Fabulous jazz music in the background provided by Jeremy Berlin was enjoyed by all as well, while seasonal decorative flower arrangements donated by Morrice Florist adorned the tables. On behalf of the branch…
When the Real Affair of the Heart Always Leads Back to the Library
“I’m still searching for the perfect one line sentence to serve to people when they inevitably ask what my book is about,” poet, author and librarian Jennifer Tseng said a few weeks ago about her new novel, Mayumi and the Sea of Happiness.
When the Business Is Books, the Story Never Really Ends
When Jan Pogue and her husband John Walter first moved to the Vineyard, they soon encountered the phenomenon of the “book in the bottom drawer.”
What the Fourth Means
Frederick Douglass is returning to Martha’s Vineyard to tell once again The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro.
Where Movies Are Only the First Act
Thomas Bena and Brian Ditchfield want to change the world. It’s a tall order but they say they are up to the task, one movie at a time.
Minecraft Camp
Derek Fairchild-Coppoletti will offer a Minecraft computer programming boot camp the week of July 6 through 10, for kids ages 10 to 13.
A Couple of Artists Walk Into a Playhouse
A reception for husband and wife artists Paul Karasik and Marsha Winsryg takes place at the Vineyard Playhouse on Saturday, June 27.
Cold War Theatre
The play A Walk in the Woods by Lee Blessing begins previews June 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Spirituals Choir
Jim Thomas and his Spirituals Choir will present Songs from the Fields: The Mystery of Spirituals on Saturday, June 27.
Summer Club for Kids
The Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club begins its annual summer program, Summer Club, on Tuesday, June 30.
At the Bridge Table: June 26
Bidding decisions galore highlighted play at the Edgartown Bridge Club on June 15.
Stars + Stripes Festival
Next Friday, July 3, the YMCA will host its fifth annual Stars + Stripes music festival at Flatbread. This year’s headliner is Walk the Moon, currently on the charts with Shut Up and Dance.
Moocows and Baby Tuckoos Always Welcome
More than 70 years after his death, James Joyce once again stole the show. For a single night, the Island brought back to life the man and his work.
Keeping Legacy of Non-Violence Alive
Arun Gandhi is on a mission to restore the state of humanity. It is a big goal, but he follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi.
Sails Up; Holmes Hole Season Begins
The first official week of Holmes Hole Sailing Association’s 39th season offered the best and worst conditions.
Spica, a Peculiar Star System
On Sunday night, the gibbous moon appears low in the southeastern sky, near the bright star Spica.
June is the Month for Roses and Bumblebees
Once the thunderstorm started on Tuesday evening, I was happier. Rain always pleases me in any form. The earth can use a drink.
Breeding Season and Warbler Conservation
The populations of nine of the 10 species of warblers that breed on the Island are declining.
The Tale of the Cheeky Chipmunk
In a nutshell, chipmunks are quite cheeky. These ravenous and rascally rodents stockpile more than their fair share of foodstuff.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: June 26
Oh, dear gentle readers, I disappointed you again! Just like a fisherman telling about the big one that got away, I must say I wrote a wonderful column last week and was at the picnic table typing it on these newfangled machines, had just gotten to “many happy returns,” when Nonna felt the need to…
Yates Estate Keeps Giving: $1 Million to Center for Living
Last week came news that the late Margaret A. Yates left $1 million for student scholarships. Her trust will also benefit Island seniors.
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration for Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District
A group of about 30 people and two dogs gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate a new sign marking Vineyard Haven Harbor as a cultural district.
Funding Secured, New Education Center Ready to Take Root at Polly Hill
With funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Polly Hill Arboretum plans to break ground in September on a $ 1 million educational center and botany lab.
Aquinnah Town Column: June 26
At last, summer has arrived. There have been spectacular surprises with the sunrise and sunset times over the past week. The roses are in bloom across the Vineyard, draped neatly across fences or on trellises.
John Wadleigh Named to Dean’s List
John R. Wadleigh of Vineyard Haven was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College.
Gage Rancich Named to Honor Roll
Gage Rancich of Vineyard Haven has been named to the spring 2015 dean’s honor roll at Oklahoma City University.
Chilmark Town Column: June 26
Chilmark is turning a deaf ear to my plea to slow things down a bit. June is already almost gone and I am not ready to move on yet. So many things undone, unreported, un-enjoyed . . . is that a word? Anyway, we are moving into summer at a rapid pace.
Edgartown Town Column: June 26
We got some much needed rain, and some thunder and lightning. Now we have a little muggy weather. Summer has arrived.
Real Estate Transactions: June 15 to June 21
AYTB LLC purchased 3 Periwinkle Lane in Chilmark from Gary Fudem for $3,200,000 on June 16.
Serving Hands Opens for the Summer
Serving Hands Food Distribution will be open during the summer at the First Baptist Church parish house in Vineyard Haven.
Awards for RE/MAX Agents
All agents licensed with RE/MAX on Island have received production awards for 2014 from RE/MAX International LLC.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: June 26
The original Oak Bluffs golf course was the Island County Club. The clubhouse overlooked hole number one along Beach Road past Harthaven. The clubhouse eventually became Anthony’s Restaurant until 1994 when Paul and Kathy Domitrovich re-opened it as Lola’s.
Kenya Peters-Vega Named to Dean’s List
Kenya Peters-Vega of Oak Bluffs was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn. Kenya is the daughter of Jessica Peters and the granddaughter of Susan and Earl V. Peters, all of Oak Bluffs.
When Down the Middle Is Water, Town Line Can Create Waves
Guided by historic documents and modern technology, Vineyard Land Surveying reestablished the town line running through Menemsha Pond between Chilmark and Aquinnah. There had been concerns that scallopers were crossing the line from Chilmark into Aquinnah.
West Tisbury Town Column: June 26
Father’s Day was, according to Charlie Kernick, not that bad for outdoor barbecues and all kinds of surprises. School closes on Monday for the summer. It is getting busier each day as people continue to arrive for their vacation, and the first day of summer on Sunday turned out to be great.
After 40 Years, Oak Bluffs Fireworks May Go Out With a Bang
The 40th anniversary of the annual Oak Bluffs fireworks display will be the biggest yet, and may be the last.
Chilmark Residents Honored at White House
Judith and Arthur Obermayer of Chilmark and Newton were inducted into the Small Business Innovation Research Hall of Fame in a ceremony June 15.
Peter Fyler Wins Award
Peter Fyler, the owner/broker and exclusive buyer’s agent of SplitRock Real Estate LLC, has received the 2015 REALTOR® Of The Year Award.
Land Bank Revenues: June 19
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $134,641 for the business week ending on Friday, June 19, 2015.
Charter School Students Attend Medical Forum
Two Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School students are attending the National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine this week.
Police: No Serious Injuries After Car Strikes Comcast Building
A customer sustained minor injuries on Monday afternoon when an SUV struck the Comcast building at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport business park, according to Edgartown police.
East Chop Column: June 26
Several East Choppers met informally on Saturday, Feb. 21 on the 8:15 a.m. boat. Of course we talked about all the snow on the Vineyard; but we were shocked when we arrived in Lincoln, Mass., and tried to find St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, hidden amidst eight-foot snow drifts. We were headed for Bart Skeen’s memorial…
Pedaling Cross-Country for Love and a Desire to Change
Eric Hites weighs 560 pounds. The weight of his Mongoose mountain bike and trailer, and the gear he needs to pedal across the country is just over 400 pounds. This brings the total amount he is carrying on his quest to around 1,000 pounds.
George Arrives
Amanda Schwab-Doyon and Ryan Schwab-Doyon of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, George Davis Schwab-Doyon, born on June 21 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Welcome, Tyrique
Alexis and Dave Bettencourt of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Tyrique James Bettencourt, born on June 20 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Announcing Faye
Robyn Lopes-Beaulieu and Jonathan Beaulieu of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Faye Kathryn Beaulieu, born on June 20 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Hello, Matthew
Giocchina Marie Kuester and John Robert Kuester of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Matthew Robert Kuester, born on June 18 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Alicia Oliveira Named to Dean’s List
Alicia Oliveira of Edgartown was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Providence College.
Boston University Graduates
Three students from Martha’s Vineyard graduated this spring from Boston University.
Pete Ferrini Graduates
Pete Ferrini Jr. of Edgartown graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a bachelor of arts degree in public policy studies.
Hospital Alerts Vineyard Community After Confirmed Case of Measles
The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital will hold two free vaccination clinics today and tomorrow following a diagnosis of measles in an unvaccinated child visiting the Island from another state last week. Health officials report public exposures occurred in West Tisbury, Chilmark and Oak Bluffs.
Lindsay Tocik Named to Honor’s List
Lindsay Tocik of Vineyard Haven was named to the spring 2015 honor’s list at Dominican University. She is majoring in painting and English.
Foundation Work at Lighthouse Nearly Complete
With the summer season picking up, managers for the Gay Head Light relocation project hope to have the site mostly restored by the Fourth of July. About half the excavated soil has been returned to the site and a new concrete-block foundation is nearly complete.
Historic Strand Has Its Grand Reopening
Saturday night marks the official public opening of the Strand, the culmination of months of hard work and hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations. On Friday night, an invitation-only event was a chance to celebrate the opening of an old Vineyard institution with supporters.
Taste of the Vineyard Celebrates 30 Years
Though the official first day of summer was a few days away, on Thursday evening in downtown Edgartown, the annual Taste of the Vineyard stroll to benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust was a way to mark the true start of the season.
Perfect Season in the Record Books, Girls’ Tennis Team Takes State Championship
The undefeated girls’ tennis team arrived at the division three state championship match ready to take no prisoners, and quickly swept the singles matches to take home the state title.
Selectmen Tax White Shark Merchandise
Amity selectmen announced Thursday a new tax will be imposed on all paraphernalia bearing the image The White Shark. Beginning July 1, all merchants will be required to pay an additional 2 per cent to the town for all items sold with the shark.
Real Estate Agents Report Rise in Waterfront Rentals
It looks like real estate agents on Amity will have reason to smile again this summer: rentals for July and August are on pace to top last year’s total of 16 — the highest in almost 30 years.
Marine Biologist Recalls Loss and Life Changes
When Dr. Matt Hooper last saw Amity, it was from the deck of the ferry as it sailed toward the mainland. As he remembers it, the day was cloudy and unusually cold for late July.
Woman Injured Off South Beach; Hospital Cites Boating Accident
Reported sightings of Portuguese man-o-war off the Amity south shore continued last weekend when an off-Island woman came out of the water with “stinging lesions” on her arms and legs.
Of Editorial Lessons and Legacies
It is plain to me that I, Harry Meadows, will be recalled as the newspaper editor who, having learned of the killing of a woman swimmer a week before the start of the summer season, told the chief of police: “There won’t be any story about the attack in the Gazette.”
