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 31, 2015
A Communion of Dictators Binds Fascism and the Catholic Church
Benito Mussolini is long gone, but the institution that helped bring him and keep him in power may not be, according to a new Pulitzer Prize winning book by historian and Brown University professor David Kertzer.
Authors and Panels That Inform and Provoke Define Book Festival
Author Ta-Nehisi Coates headlines a sold-out public discussion Friday that explores the idea of a post-racial America. The discussion kicks off the Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival, which runs Saturday and Sunday in Edgartown and Chilmark.
Study Commissioned by Tribe Says Bingo Could Be Big Money
According to a marketing study done for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), a class II casino — essentially, an electronic bingo facility — would net revenue of more than $4.5 million per year, a document filed in federal court this week shows.
Making Fast Dinners Without a Fuss; It’s the Holy Grail for Every Family
What’s for dinner? That’s the question the four Pollan family women kept finding themselves asking one another. The Pollan Family Table, written by Corky Pollan and her daughters Lori, Tracy and Dana, was the answer.
Hooked on Each Other, Menemsha Couple Are True Island Keepers
Nothing can stop Roberta Morgan. Not even her husband Jimmy, who has suggested that she might want to pull the car over. It’s early July, early morning and the Morgans are driving down-Island for their daily coffee klatch at Humphrey’s.
By Digging Up the Whole Story, Writer Honors the Death of His Roommate
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, released last year to wide acclaim, is Mr. Hobbs’s memorial to his Yale roommate Robert Peace’s life, telling the story from birth to death in obsessive detail and a clear, heartfelt narrative.
To Make History a Page Turner, Stay Curious
Erik Larson’s advice to those who want to write? “Work as a cop on the side,” he told the Gazette in a recent interview. “Immersing yourself in life is the best thing for writing.” The author did not take his own advice, though.
A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma With No Conclusion; Art Heist Still Mystifies
Stephen Kurkjian’s new book has the characters, intrigue and pace of a mystery novel. All it lacks is the culprit. That’s because his subject matter, the burglary at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, remains unsolved.
A Dragger and Her Captain, Soon to Part Ways
Without any federal or state permits, the Unicorn is likely nearing the end of her long residency in Menemsha harbor. Capt. Greg Mayhew recently sold his groundfish permit — the last on the Vineyard — to The Nature Conservancy.
All Hail the Mast Brothers, Sweet Siblings of Chocolate
When Rick Mast decided to start a chocolate company with his brother Michael, the two set a date to show up at work two months later, promptly at 8 a.m. The idea was to first take the summer off to do whatever they wanted.
Animals as Social Beings Is Not Such a Wild Idea
With a PhD in ecology and a jaunty writing style, Carl Safina isn’t so much a science writer as he is a writer who is a scientist.
Let Us Now Praise the Humble Apostrophe
Mary Norris is concerned about the future of the apostrophe. “The apostrophe is most vulnerable to the march of progress,” said Ms. Norris, a query proofreader for the New Yorker since 1993.
On the Sidelines But Always Competing, Sports Writing Is Full Contact Career
Bob Ryan calls it how he sees it. Hold the sugar. Give an audience the truth and nothing but the truth, plain and simple. At the end of the day, the voice of Boston sports wanted it no other way.
Setting the Course for Women in Sports and Always Looking for a Challenge
Ginny Gilder is a self-described challenge seeker. As a young woman, she set her sights on a goal that most told her was impossible — to become an Olympic medalist in rowing.
Looking Back to Go Forward Is Not a Straight Line; Bravery Takes Hard Turns
New York Times Op-Ed columnist Charles Blow was a 20-year-old college student when he had an epiphany that freed him to let go of his past and fully accept himself.
Changing of the Guard at the MVC
Mark London’s to-do list after his last day heading the Martha’s Vineyard Commission includes painting, photography, spending time with his family — and finally applying for American citizenship. In an interview, the outgoing executive director reflects.
Please Adopt Us
We have only happy tails to tell this week at the animal shelter. The universe has lined up for Hana, our Italian Greyhound.
Summer Intermezzo
A gauzy blanket of heat settled over the Island last week and then a little like the latest round of house guests, decided to stay for awhile.
Answering the Call for Everyone
Varian and David Cassat were Presbyterians, but probably not deeply theological Presbyterians
Robert Wesley Jones Built Community Wherever He Went
Robert Wesley Jones (at different times Bobby or Bob Jones or B.J.) was born in Boston on July 24, 1929, but within days was on Martha’s Vineyard, at his grandparents’ house on Pacific avenue in Oak Bluffs
Falling Hook, Line and Sinker in Love
I cherish memories of taking my son Alan and daughter Emma out saltwater flyfishing when they were growing up on the Vineyard.
Romance of Sea, Reality of Sand Bar
I have found that the romance of sailing is often enjoyed before and after the reality of passage making.
Butterflies Are Free
The butterfly bush in bright orange fullness, the fresh scent of sweet pepperbush, and an outward bound human tide.
Rainbow of Love
The Unitarian Universalist Society in Vineyard Haven has flown the rainbow flag since 2003 as a symbol that we are a welcoming congregation.
Cheers to the VFW
This past May, my wife and I decided to fix up our house on Martha’s Vineyard in order to put it on the market. I came up in May, while my wife Gail came up a month later.
Portraits in History
About 40 years ago, a college student took a break from his studies and came to the Vineyard.
On Thomas Hart Benton
I read Jessie Benton’s letter in the New York Times Book Review. My parents Leah and Vincent Campanella (a WPA artist) were friends and neighbors of the Bentons in Kansas City. In the years I was growing up there, the 1950s and 1960s, I had several racist teachers and heard racist remarks frequently. Tom would…
A Day to Savor
Thanks to all who attended and supported the 11th annual Della Hardman Day events, namely an inspiring keynote by Cornell William Brooks, 18th president and CEO, NAACP, and a sunset concert at the East Chop Light. As noted in Kaitlyn Marchand’s winning Della Day essay published in the Vineyard Gazette on July 24, “we are…
Charlie Arrives
Angelina and Eric Godbout of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Charlie Krum Godbout, born on July 25 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Hello, Lulu
Vanessa M. Matthews and Daniel T. Keegan announce the birth of a daughter, Lucinda Rose Jean Keegan, born on July 26 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Blue Moon, You Saw Me Stargazing Alone
There is a blue moon Friday but don’t go looking for a change in color. A blue moon is a full moon occurring on the last day of the month.
Honoring Mom by Giving Back to Others
Her name said it all — Joy Flanders — for joy was certainly felt all around on Saturday, July 25 as family, friends, co-workers, and students gathered for the inaugural Party by the Pond event at Chilmark Chocolates to raise money for a new scholarship fund created in her name.
Real Estate Transactions: July 20 to July 26
Polly S. Patterson purchased 100 New York avenue in Oak Bluffs from John D. McKay TRS and 100 New York Ave Realty Trust for $540,000 on July 22.
Land Bank Revenues: July 24
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $28,147.50 for the business week ending on Friday, July 24, 2015.
At the Bridge Table: July 31
Blackwood may be the most popular convention in bridge. In search of a possible slam, players bid 4NT.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: July 31
Niantic Park is one of 54 named parks in Oak Bluffs and one of the nine original parks in Robert Copeland’s first plan of Oak Bluffs in 1866–1867. The others were Hartford, Hiawatha, Nashawena, Naushon, Ocean, Pennacook, Petaluma and Waban.
East Chop Column: July 31
The life of Emma Carmichael was celebrated at the East Chop Tennis Club on Sunday, July 26. The Reverend Cathlin Baker presided over the service. The clubhouse was packed.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: July 31
Saying hello to the August gang, Eileen Bemus and family, the Motorcycle Men; saying goodbye to the July crowd, the Gomez-Blancos of East Brunswick, the Reeses, Alicia Marie. This is, of course the big turnover weekend. Actually, I find it very, very difficult to say goodbye in so many ways. So did my good friend,…
On Chappy: July 31
I knew a girl named July. She was 12. I was 10. She wore paisley bell bottoms. She had chain link bracelets. Her eyes hinted at some events that I had yet to witness. She rode motorbikes. She was so cool. This July, our July, is nothing like her. Chill out seventh month!
Edgartown Town Column: July 31
We made through one heat wave and by the end of this week when this paper comes out we may have gone through another one. I still am praying for rain as the ground is so dry.
West Tisbury Town Column: July 31
We are very near the peak of the summer season yet some college students will begin leaving to return to school by next weekend. It is time to say goodbye to all the July visitors and wish them a fond farewell and trust that you have had a good vacation and enjoyed your summer. We…
Chilmark Town Column: July 31
Chilmark is looking forward to a fun week with the Meet the Fleet day on Thursday, August 6. The Fishermen’s Preservation Trust is sponsoring and planning this event. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and go on until 7 p.m. There will be a tent on the bulkhead and fishermen will be there to show the…
Wit and Wisdom Make Good Bedfellows
After a year away, Billy Collins returned to the Featherstone Center for the Arts on Tuesday evening to a hero’s welcome.
Digging in the Dirt Builds Strong Roots
I had been growing food on a small plot in the corner of the farm for a couple of summers when my Aunt Marie told me she was ready to call it quits.
Hair Grows Stronger Through the Decades
Hair will be performed at the Performing Arts Center at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on August 6, 7, 8 and 9, all shows beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Young in Age, Wise in Musical Talent
Saturday’s show at Alex’s Place was called We Are the New Generation and featured several performers young in age but wise in experience. There were six musicians in total.”
Reigniting the Creative Dream
Jon Lipsky’s inspiring and unique career as a playwright, director, acting professor and dream researcher ended in March 2011, when he died at his West Tisbury home after a long illness. But now a handsome compendium of eight of his best plays has been published, and Mr. Lipsky’s robustly imaginative personality jumps up from these…
With Sale of Former Kupersmith Property Pending, Town Demands More Money for Affordable Housing
The Oak Bluffs affordable housing trust has recommended that the planning board require a contribution of $880,000 from the principals involved in the sale of the failed housing development. A public hearing is set for tonight at 7 p.m.
Documentary Week Arrives at Film Center
Five films will be screened from August 3 to 7 at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center as part of its first annual Documentary Week.
Opera at Featherstone
Opera returns to the Vineyard Friday night, July 31, at Featherstone Center for the Arts. The event is produced by Wendy Taucher and honors Judy Belushi Pisano.
The Moth Returns to Martha’s Vineyard on Friday
The Moth returns to Martha’s Vineyard on Friday, August 7.
Giving Back at Vineyard House Water Tasting
Vineyard House is offering food, music and a variety of waters for its annual water tasting fundraiser on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015 at the Captain Flanders House.
Away to Tarpaulin Cove We Shall Sail
On Sunday, July 26, the Holmes Hole Sailing Association race headed to Tarpaulin Cove on the southern shore of Naushon Island.
Wineberries and Perennial Surprises
Since moving to the Vineyard in 1970, I have never understood that classic from Porgy and Bess, “Summertime and the living is easy.”
It’s Raining Shorebirds
I was all set to write about the osprey population on the Vineyard but realized that shorebird migration was in full swing.
A Moon of Many Colors
Moon minders know that July was twice the fun of most other months because there was twice the number of full moons.
Giving Voice and Cojones to the Immigrant Experience
Junot Diaz burst onto the literary scene in 1996 with the publication of Drown. In 2007 he won the Pulitzer Prize for his second book, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. And on Thursday, July 30, he will read at the Noepe Center for Literary Arts in Edgartown.
Where Has All the Quitsa Eelgrass Gone? Crabs and Geese May Be to Blame
An unexpected absence of eelgrass in Nashaquitsa Pond this summer may be the result of crab predation and goose foraging over the harsh winter. The Chilmark shellfish constable said he’s never seen such a sudden decline in the aquatic plant that plays a vital role in the life cycle of shellfish.
Actresses, Admirers, Fellow Writers Honor Peggy Freydberg By Reading Her Words
The Hebrew Center was filled with lyrical verse and open ears Monday evening for a poetry reading celebrating author Peggy Freydberg, who died this spring at 107. Speakers included actresses Mary Steenburgen, Meg Ryan, and Brooke Adams and poet Billy Collins.
Specialty Plate Changes Is Good News for Vineyard License Plate Initiative
Recent changes in the state law allowing specialty license plates will make it easier for nonprofits looking to raise money from the plates. This includes Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, which launched a specialty license plate program on the Vineyard this year as a fundraising project.
Federal Judge Allows Injunction, Temporarily Halting Work on Aquinnah Casino
A federal judge Tuesday enjoined the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) from any construction activity on a planned gambling facility without first obtaining a building permit from the town.
New Director Chosen for Edgartown Library
The Edgartown Library Board of Trustees has voted to hire Lisa Sherman as the next director of the town’s free public library. She will succeed Jill Hughes, who will step down at the end of August after three years as director. Ms. Sherman is currently the director of the Aquinnah Library.
Step Right Up and Meet the Fleet Next Week in Menemsha
The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust hosts its first Meet the Fleet event at Menemsha Harbor next Thursday. Most of the Island’s commercial fleet will be on hand, plus historic ships and crab racing. The event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on August 6.
Preservation Trust to Take Over Edgartown Library Building
Edgartown selectmen Monday voted unanimously to transfer ownership of the town’s historic Carnegie Library building to the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust, which plans to transform the building into a visitor center and repository for historic books, papers and art.
History Repeats in Round the Island Race
What goes around, comes around, for Art Santry, and going around Martha’s Vineyard is in his blood. Mr. Santry was first in class for the 77th annual Round the Island race Saturday, and undefeated in two days of Round the Buoys racing on Thursday and Friday, following a long absence from Edgartown Yacht Club competition.
Vineyard Officials Discuss Proposed Public Records Bill at All-Island Meeting
A spokesman for the Massachusetts Municipal Association told a gathering of Island selectmen and town administrators Friday that reform is needed for the state public records law — but the current bill to overhaul the law is flawed.
Della Day Message: Savor the Moment and Put Boots on the Ground
A large white cake sat on a table toward the back of the tent on Saturday afternoon in Ocean Park. On it was a picture of a hand holding a rose, with the words “A flower for Della.” The picture was drawn by Shel Silverstein to honor Della Hardman.
After 46 Years in Education, Graduation Time for Island Superintendent
Everyone but the guest of honor donned a colorful tie Saturday evening at the Grange Hall to celebrate the retirement of Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss. Personal touches including grilled cheese, students in costume, and gifts from schools made the evening a night to remember.
New Schedule for Vineyard RMV Branch
The Martha’s Vineyard RMV branch will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting Monday, July 27 through the end of August.
Big Dreams, Generous Donors at 37th Annual Possible Dreams Auction
Twenty-two dreams were auctioned off at this year’s Possible Dreams auction, including two vacations in a private home in Galway Bay, Ireland, which raised $24,000, this year’s live auction record. The event has raised more than $400,000 thus far, said Liza May, the auction chairman.
Tribe Takes First Step to Serve Alcohol in Gambling Hall Planned for Aquinnah
The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has taken initial steps to be able to serve alcohol at its planned gambling facility on tribal land, a move bound to stir more controversy over the project.
Tough Choices and No Easy Answers on Iran Nuclear Accord
Coming off several weeks of international debate surrounding the Iranian nuclear accord, two experts explored the issue Thursday at a forum hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center.
Amy Sertl Named to Dean’s List
Amy Sertl of Vineyard Haven was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Bridgewater State University.
Shenandoah’s Yawl Boat Destroyed in Harbor Collision
The U.S. Coast Guard investigated a mishap in which a fishing boat struck the yawl boat of the schooner Shenandoah Wednesday. The yawl boat, hanging from davits off the stern of the Black Dog ship, was destroyed; the two larger vessels were unharmed.
Welcome, Adaliah
Claire Phelan-Phillips and Isaiah Phillips of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Adaliah Caitlin Phillips, born on July 22 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
