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
July 3, 2015
Vineyard Ready to Celebrate Fourth of July with Pomp and Parades
Barbecues, road races, and lobster rolls are on the agenda and parades are planned at both ends of the Island as the Vineyard welcomes one of the busiest days of the year. All eyes will turn to Edgartown tonight for the annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks.
Keeping Conversation About Race Alive Involves Past and Future
The Vineyard may seem far removed from racial violence, but it has not been a silent observer in the struggle for equality. Every summer people from around the country gather here to continue the civil rights discussion.
Drunken Driving Laws Apply to Boaters, Too
With the Fourth of July holiday and peak summer boating season under way, the U.S. Coast Guard, local police departments, and town harbor masters are pledging extra vigilance on the water, enforcing state laws to prevent life-threatening accidents.
Wampanoag Tribe Puts Martha’s Vineyard Casino on Fast Track; Aquinnah Selectmen Call Closed-Door Meeting
The chairman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) announced that work will begin soon to convert a tribal community center into a gambling hall. Selectmen will hold a special executive session Monday.
Plenty of Fish in the Sea, But Red Tape Keeps Them There
The decline of the Vineyard’s fisheries has little to do with a lack of fish and more to do with lack of access, Island fishermen say. A new regulatory system tends to favor larger companies that can afford to purchase quota from other fishermen and reinvest in equipment.
Last Piece of Southern Woodlands Sold, Permitting and Licensing Issues Ahead
A partnership led by a South Boston bar owner and condominium developer will pay $5.15 million for 51 acres in Oak Bluffs once planned as a luxury home development. Paul Adamson, a real estate developer who also owns Shenannigans, a South Boston pub, was the high bidder at a foreclosure auction June 26, held on…
Land Bank Revenues: June 26
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $173,191 for the business week ending on Friday, June 26, 2015.
Oak Bluffs Selectmen Balk at Center for Living Agreement
Oak Bluffs selectmen agreed this week to sign an intermunicipal agreement that will allow the county to buy a building to house the Center for Living, but they balked at a second agreement that would establish oversight of the nonprofit organization’s programs for elderly Islanders.
Selectmen Say Dogs Involved in Tisbury Incident Have Been Euthanized
A recent incident involving a vicious dog attack came to a swift end this week with the announcement by the Tisbury selectmen that the three dogs involved in the attack have been euthanized.
Dean Bragonier Is Ready to Go Round the Island, Powered by Heart
Dean Bragonier nimbly hopped down the rocks on the Sengekontacket Pond side of State Beach in the morning sunlight this week. Starting July 11, the 42-year-old will embark on a 27-leg swim around Martha’s Vineyard to bring awareness to dyslexia.
Real Estate Transactions: June 22 to June 28
Ysidore R. Perez and Rhonda T. Brown purchased 57 Clevelandtown Road from Coastal Estates LLC and Command Properties LLC for $1,840,000 on June 23.
Please Adopt Us
The shelter has a new resident, an orange female cat who was thrown out of a car! She is a beautiful girl who is multidactyl.
Deval Patrick at Union Chapel
On Sunday, July 5, former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick will lead the service at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs.
Night of Fireworks and Beyond
Behind the rockets’ red glare, there is plenty to see Saturday night overhead.
Anna Mae Cecilio Named An Exemplary Citizen
Anna Mae Cecilio, a Vineyard native and former career nurse on the Island, now living on the Cape, was recognized recently by the Cape Cod Senior residences for her exemplary life and citizenship.
Call to Care
Thursday, July 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the West Tisbury Library, Island clergy host a forum called The Crisis of Homelessness and the Call to Care.
Homelessness Talk
Philip Mangano will be guest speaker at Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven on Sunday, July 5.
July Fourth 2015
It happened while we weren’t looking. Sometime after Memorial Day beautiful, sexy Summer sneaked up on gnarly old Winter and tackled him. Enough! Summer said. It’s my turn now.
Layers of Armor, but Still a Broken Heart
By the time the third victim of the Mother Emanuel Church massacre was laid to rest, I was back from two visits to Charleston and on Martha’s Vineyard, the thankfully welcoming place where so many of my friends have weighed in, expressing the pain felt around the world about what happened there.
Two Thumbs Up for Togetherness in the Dark
I’ve been thinking a lot about movies lately. Well, not movies actually, but going to the movies. Big difference.
True Masters of the Ocean Stress Safety
I’ve been a delivery skipper since the late 1960s. I’m not a chicken on the water, but other people on boats scare me. I never know if that boat heading at me has a competent crew or is the local ship of fools.
Big Band
Martha’s Vineyard turned out en masse to celebrate the Fourth and seemed to remain constantly on the move from the evening of the third, when Vineyard Haven’s fireworks display and band concert started the celebration.
Home Rented by President Goes on Market
The Chilmark home rented by President Obama and his family for their summer vacation two years ago went on the market this week with an asking price of $22.5 million. The home off South Road is owned by David and Patty Schulte, residents of Chicago and Chilmark.
For Painter Terry Crimmen Color Leads and Form Follows
Terry Crimmen has painted many traditional Martha’s Vineyard sites, such as landscapes and seascapes, boats and bathers. And for a time, he was really into cows.
What You See Can Be What You Wear in World of Tommy May
Tommy May likes to wear his art on his sleeve. Literally. And your sleeves too. In addition to using traditional canvases, Mr. May paints his designs on wearable clothing — pants, jackets, shirts, shoes, whatever he can find in a thrift store or what a potential customer brings to him for a one of a…
Winding Road of Creativity Never Ends
One thing becomes clear when talking with 85-year-old painter Marie-Louise Rouff about art and the world: she takes everything in. And what she sees will often find its way onto her canvas.
Magic of Featherstone Is Diversity
As the temperature rises and the Island prepares for summer, the Featherstone Center for the Performing Arts is getting ready to kick off a new and diverse season of events.
Embracing Art of the Sea and Shore
The Maritime Show, Sea & Shore exhibit reception is Friday, July 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Louisa Gould Gallery at 54 Main street, Vineyard Haven.
Providing Space, Time and Some Sand for the Arts to Flourish
After last Saturday’s performance of Party People by Universes, held at the Vineyard Arts Project, company member Mildred Ruiz-Sapp addressed the audience.“Whoever is in the room when we are creating a piece is responsible for something,” said Ms. Ruiz-Sapp. “You are all responsible for having a voice or an opinion. So before you guys leave,…
Gay Head Gallery Opens
The Gay Head Gallery is open for the season, featuring local and nationally acclaimed artists, photographers, jewelers and sculptors.
Shut Up and Head to Stars and Stripes
Walk the Moon is this year’s headliner for the annual Stars and Stripes concert to benefit the YMCA. The concert is Friday, July 3 at 7 p.m.
Dance Fitness with Wendy Taucher
Wendy Taucher will be leading classes in creative dance called Moving Free Music every day through Labor Day at locations around the Island.
Two Fists of Gyllenhaal
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival is coming out swinging this Sunday, July 5, with Jake Gyllenhaal’s new film Southpaw.
Words and Music with Susan Klein
On July 11, storyteller Susan Klein takes the stage at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs to tell tales in an event called Story for a Starry Night.
Tisbury Celebrates 344 Years with Street Fair
Tisbury is turning 344 years young and celebrating with its annual birthday street party bash on Wednesday, July 8.
Livingston Taylor Live at the Whaling Church on Friday
When Livingston Taylor steps on the stage of the Old Whaling Church on Friday, July 10, he will most likely be thinking about one thing — the audience.
Sengekontacket Closed for Shellfishing after Rainfall
Sengekontacket Pond will be closed to shellfishing over the holiday weekend because of rainfall on July 1.
Big Stories, Small Budgets, No Problem for Jay Craven
Filmmaker Jay Craven doesn’t fit any Hollywood molds. Never has. He is not so much an independent filmmaker as he is a community organizer who makes movies. His latest film, Peter and John, will screen on the Vineyard next week.
Summer Institute Hosts Speakers, Films
The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center will sponsor a series of speakers and films this summer as part of its Summer Institute to promote greater understanding of politics, arts and sciences.
Announcing Thomas
Liana Cajado and Rafael Louback of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Thomas Louback, born on June 30 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Thomas weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces at birth.
Mark Hutker Looks to the Past to Design for the Future
To be asked to describe your ideal day might sound like the opening line of a therapy session, but it’s one that architect Mark A. Hutker uses in his practice too.
When the Historical Meal Is Huge, Small Bites Can Delight
Thomas Dresser’s new book, Martha’s Vineyard: A History, presents a clear and concise description of the Island’s history.
At the Bridge Table: July 3
Writing this column allows me to meet and occasionally partner with excellent bridge players.
On the Water Is the Place to Be
In what is believed to be a June record, 19 boats gathered in Vineyard Haven on June 25 for an overcast Thursday evening Harbor Race.
What Big Eyes You Have, Io Moth
The Io moth also stood out from the others because of its size and coloration.
Full Nests for Island Birds
By all accounts the breeding season is in full swing. The shorebirds that nest on our beaches and marshes are escorting their chicks around.
Cabbage Every Day, Serendipitous Potatoes
It is beyond me why I bother to write anything down. My brain must go out the end of the pen.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: July 3
I just heard from Abby McGrath, the driving force behind Renaissance House here on Island for so many years. While we could not find a house to rent this season for our writers, poets and artists workshop, Abby and I are still very interested in setting something up for next year. Come on, all you…
Edgartown Town Column: July 3
First it is hot then cold, the sun is shining then it is raining, then there is fog then it is clear, then there is wind then there is calm. Mother Nature is playing with us.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: July 3
There was a time when everyone who was anyone, before they became someone, played music in Oak Bluffs. In 1872, lovers pursued the charming activity of “bluffing,” or strolling the boardwalk by the beach into the rising moon, hand in hand, and often to the strains of the Oak Bluffs Galop (sic) emanating from the…
On Chappy: July 3
Dropped shells before Peter Wells’ truck stuck in the ceaseless pause of summer demand
Aquinnah Town Column: July 3
Summer has arrived and the hydrangeas are beautiful and in abundance across the Vineyard. The roses are gorgeous as well. Amazing how these all survived the mounds of snow over the winter but the spring thaw must have watered their roots well. Happy Fourth of July—enjoy the parades and parties and have a safe weekend.
Squalls Race Across Island With Downpours, Lightning Strikes
Roads flooded and lightning struck in more than one place when a line of severe squalls raced through the Vineyard Wednesday morning.
Tisbury School Honor Roll
The Tisbury School has announced its honor roll for the fourth quarter of the 2014–2015 school year.
Chilmark Town Column: July 3
Chilmark is ready to celebrate! Happy holiday to all and may the sand be in your shoes and not on your hot dogs! The crowds have been gathering all week and the students who were only recently released from school are enjoying their freedom. The activities are mostly outdoors and even the showers that seem…
Edgartown Welcomes New Police Officers
Edgartown’s newest full-time police officers are ready for duty just in time for the department’s busiest day of the year, when the town fills up for the Fourth of July parade and fireworks. Zachary Townes and Curtis Chandler were sworn in Monday.
Vineyard Students Participate in El Salvador Exchange Program
Five Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School students will be traveling to El Salvador this summer as part of a U.S. State Department exchange program.
Liam Smith Awarded Comcast Scholarship
Liam Smith of Edgartown has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program.
Volunteers Needed for Vineyard Bat Survey
Northern long-eared bats need help. If you see bats on the Vineyard, you are invited to complete a BiodiversityWorks survey about Island bats.
West Tisbury Town Column: July 3
Well we had a rain and windstorm on Sunday. We lost power for three hours and all the morning boats were cancelled, but by noontime we were back on track and preparing for a busy week. Welcome to the summer season and all the excitement it brings along with it. June brought us a few…
Thirty Years and Thriving, Nothing Fishy About Hard Work
Though the traditional gift is a pearl, for Net Result’s 30th anniversary just come in and buy some oysters. The popular Vineyard Haven fish market, owned by Louie and Beth Larsen, turns 30 on July 4, a date that the Larsens promise was circumstantial.
Erin Gosson Graduates
Erin Marie Gosson of Edgartown graduated from the University of Rhode Island cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in textiles, fashion merchandising.
Dean’s List at University of New Hampshire
Several Vineyard students have been named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire.
Dean’s List for Katherine Smith
Katherine Anne Smith of Chilmark was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Simmons College in Boston.
Kathryn Antonsson Named to Dean’s List
Kathryn Antonsson of Edgartown was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Salem State University.
Skylah Forend Named to Dean’s List
Skylah Forend of Oak Bluffs has been named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Merrimack College.
Hello, Daniel
Emilly and Thiago Chaves of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Daniel Mathew Alves Chaves, born on June 27 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Savings Bank Buys Former Santander Building for New Chilmark Branch
The Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank will relocate its Chilmark branch office next year to the former Santander Bank at Beetlebung Corner. The bank paid just over $ 1 million for the property and plans an April 2016 opening.
Heritage Trail Honors for Emma Maitland
A group of residents and visitors gathered on Dukes County Avenue Sunday to commemorate the life and legacy of Emma Chambers Maitland, a woman of many talents, by marking her home as the 26th site on the African American Heritage Trail.
Evening of Discovery Provides Snapshot of Museum Programs
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum hosted its 17th annual Evening of Discovery gala Saturday at the former Marine Hospital in Vineyard Haven as part of an ongoing fundraising effort for the coming year. About 400 guests attended the event, which raised about $200,000 for the museum.
East Chop Column: July 3
Walkers along East Chop Drive have watched the Stockton home being reconditioned for three years, and speculated on the new owners. I was thrilled to meet them this winter and to learn that they are as interesting as the beautiful home they have recreated.
Change in Command for Tri-Town Ambulance
The ambulance service which provides EMS to the three up-Island towns is undergoing a change in leadership. Tri-Town chief Paul (Zeke) Wilkins has stepped down following a period of medical leave, while deputy chief Ben Retmier has been named acting chief.
Last Piece of Southern Woodlands Sold at Auction for $5.15 Million
A partnership led by a South Boston businessman will pay $5.15 million for 51 acres in Oak Bluffs once planned as a luxury home development. Paul Adamson, a real estate developer, was high bidder at a foreclosure auction Friday.
