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
August 7, 2015
Regional High School Principal Resigns
After barely a year on the job, high school principal Gil Traverso has resigned, Vineyard schools superintendent Matthew D’Andrea confirmed Friday. Mr. Traverso has taken a new position in New Haven, Conn.
Coastal Ponds Under Pressure: Balancing People and the Environment
Island ponds are a connection to cultural heritage and a livelihood for fishermen. But housing booms and land-use changes threaten to undo a delicate balance.
Jerome Kohlberg Jr., 1925-2015
Every Thursday night when the Vineyard Gazette’s printing press gears up for its weekly performance, the low rumble and shake reaches the newsroom upstairs like an approaching squall.
Jerry Garcia Interview Sounds as Timely Today as It Did Forty Years Ago
Peter Simon recently unearthed an interview he did with Jerry Garcia in 1975 for WVOI, the precursor to radio station WMVY. He gave a copy of the tape to MVY radio, which will air parts of the interview Saturday at noon as part of a special to commemorate the anniversary of Mr. Garcia’s death.
Let There Be Light Again in Gay Head
Following 118 days of darkness, the Gay Head Light will shine again on Tuesday, August 11. Lighthouse committee member Paula Eisenberg said the relighting would take place promptly at 6 p.m., and the public is invited to attend the ceremony and a celebration afterward.
A Swinging Time Is Always Par for the Course on Chappy
Dear Madame First Lady: I am writing today in my present capacity as manager (and past owner) of the Royal and Ancient Chappaquiddick Links.
Always Guided by a Moral Compass
Jerry Kohlberg was a brilliant man. His incredible intellect never ceased to impress me during the more than 25 years I knew and worked with him.
Staying Present for Life’s Ultimate Challenge
The annual Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard summer soiree, a key fundraising event, will be held on Monday, August 10, at the Farm Neck Golf Club. The hospice program provides services free of charge to all its clients.
Front of the Pack to Dead Last, It’s All Good at Chilmark Road Race
Runners often end up having a favorite race that they return to each year. For me it’s the Chilmark Road Race 5K on Martha’s Vineyard.
Steaming Ahead
The Menemsha of today presents a curious contrast with the Menemsha that Ralph B. Potter of Cranston, R. I., knew sixty summers ago.
Riptide Heroes
As our group readied for beach games at Quansoo on Wednesday, my 12-year-old nephew heard a distant voice cry out, “throw me a line.”
Owen Park Revival
Just about a year ago I wrote a letter to the editor about the conditions of Owen Park.
Water, Water
The Oak Bluffs’ semi-annual water bills will arrive soon and everyone, including summer residents, should read them carefully.
Unforgettable Support
On July 15, the Memory Support Group celebrated its one-year anniversary of moving to Featherstone Center for the Arts.
Celebration of Reading
The book festival last weekend did just what we hoped it would do.
Carbon Tax
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that if fossil fuel consumption continues on its present trajectory, the effects on the earth’s climate will be large and irreversible.
Book Sale Success
The Library Friends of Oak Bluffs thank the community for making our annual book sale a rousing success.
Keep the Hardworking Governor
I was really happy to read in the Gazette (July 24) that there might be a possibility of keeping the freight ferry Governor running rather than selling her for scrap.
Presidential Softball
As Chilmark softball commissioner, I would like to extend an invitation to both families to attend the Sunday community softball game.
Shape of Things to Come: at Frock, Alterations Are Immediate
Trisha Ginter recently moved into the space off Beach street in Vineyard Haven with her clothing business, Frock. Shoppers will see right away that this is more than just a dress shop.
Minions Everywhere, Even in Sandcastles
The ninth annual Sand Sculpture Contest at South Beach, sponsored by the Edgartown Board of Trade, was held on Wednesday. A hippo and a shipwreck took top honors, but for creativity its was hard to beat the octo-minion.
Please Adopt Us
Hurrah, hurrah for Skipper! The sad cat who has been grieving the death of his owner was the next evacuee to leave the shelter last week.
Martha’s Vineyard Medal Ceremony and Museum Annual Meeting
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum will honor three distinguished Vineyarders on August 10 at this year’s Martha’s Vineyard Medal award ceremony.
Perseid Meteor Shower
Who doesn’t love seeing meteors falling from the heavens at unpredictable moments on a warm summer night. The Perseid meteor shower, a summer favorite for those who enjoy astronomy, will peak on Thursday night, August 13. But don’t wait until next Thursday. What if next Thursday night is overcast? Make yourself some hot cocoa or…
Land Bank Revenues: July 31
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $356,306.82 for the business week ending on Friday, July 31, 2015.
Real Estate Transactions: July 27 to August 2
Vincent P. Loccisano TRS and Spyglass Realty Trust purchased 16 East Pasture Road in Aquinnah from Albert L. Schechterman for $1,170,000 on July 31.
Sheriff’s Meadow Receives Grant to Restore Mill Brook
Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation has received a $40,000 grant to help restore the Mill Brook at the Roth Woodlands property in Chilmark.
At the Bridge Table: August 7
Recently I wrote a column about how players can upgrade the value of their hands.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: August 7
Sometimes the history of Oak Bluffs and its people takes a fortuitous turn in providing great stories. I found a sweet story recently thanks to social media about longtime Oak Bluffs resident and visitor Joan Freeman Boyken and Islander Becky Cournoyer. Joan writes a beautiful blog that I read with some regularity and that you…
Enchilada Fest Fundraiser
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services will hold the first annual Enchilada fest Friday, August 7 as a benefit for Daybreak Clubhouse.
Bryan Hancsin and David Hedley Will Wed
Bryan J. Hancsin, 38, and David V. Hedley 3rd, 46, will marry on Saturday, August 8, at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Their friend, Thomas F. Durein, will officiate the ceremony.
Edgartown Town Column: August 7
You know it is hot when your glasses steam up when you put them on, your clothes stick to you no matter what, your sheets are damp even though you don’t have a water bed, and no matter what you are doing you are sweating. So here is the heat a lot of people wanted.…
On Chappy: August 7
The newest batch of young terns and plovers growing up on Norton Point have managed to assure the cautious staff of The Trustees of Reservations that they are now capable of getting out of the way of our partially-deflated tires. So as of last Monday you could “go by the beach” to town. Of course…
Vineyard Haven Town Column: August 7
Well Teri Praskach took the long boat and bus trip back to my Old Country to surprise Nonna and me for my birthday. She packed tomato plants, basil and lemon basil she had started, and many other gardening gifts that don’t usually go in suitcases. We have had a delightful time with her and she…
Ann Smith Joins NEFA Board
Ann Smith, executive director of Featherstone Center for the Arts, has joined the board of directors of the New England Foundation for the Arts.
Calling All Chaotic Coders
A one-day course called “Build a Mobile Game in One Day.” will be held August 18 at West Tisbury Congregational Church.
Chilmark Town Column: August 7
Chilmark certainly noticed that it was well represented on the front page of last week’s Gazette! Congratulations to our popular couple of 65 years, Jim and Roberta Morgan. I hope you had time to read Chilmarker Mollie Doyle’s enjoyable profile of the Morgans. It set the scene for the Meet the Fleet day scheduled for…
Welcome to the Vineyard, Baby Nora
Long-time Edgartown resident, Robert (Pop) Fresher, a veteran father and grandfather, is welcoming his first great-grandchild, Nora Jean Page, to his Island home.
President Obama Scheduled to Arrive Friday for Vineyard Vacation
In a late change of plans, President Obama and his family are scheduled to arrive on Martha’s Vineyard Friday evening for a 16-day vacation, the sixth time the first family has chosen the Island for a summer break.
Jabberwocky to Zeno, a Journey of Love
Becoming Bulletproof, a new documentary by Michael Barnett about Zeno Mountain Farm, offers a glimpse into a world that more closely resembles a utopia than a traditional camp. Zeno was founded by Islanders Ila and Peter Halby, who met at Camp Jabberwocky.
Where to Turn After Running a Bike Store? Make Ice Cream
After a friend expressed interest in their bike shop at Five Corners, Bob and Jeannette Breth thought they might take a few years off. Those plans were foiled by the opportunity to make Mr. Breth’s childhood dream come true and open an ice cream shop. Bernie’s Homemade Ice Cream and Fudge was born.
Telling Stories of Sustainability
Liz Witham and Ken Wentworth care about the environment. And they want you to care, too. The couple are documentary filmmakers whose series, Sustainable Vineyard, studies humanity’s relationship with nature.
Spreading the Operatic Gospel of Mozart
Both music and wine flowed generously at Featherstone’s campus last Friday night for the opening of the opera Impresario Now! and the gala dinner honoring Judy Belushi Pisano.
Eisenhauer Gallery Offers Contemporary Take on Classic Images
As the years have progressed, Elizabeth Eisenhauer’s Eisenhauer Gallery has moved toward more contemporary art, although many of the paintings that she sells still have a nautical or seaside vibe to them.
Communal Art by a Sea of Individuals
Sally Taylor’s Consenses art exhibit debuted on the Vineyard in the summer of 2014 with a three day event held at the Grange Hall. This year the exhibit reopened on July 1 in a more permanent space at Midnight Farm.
African American Film Festival Begins
The 13th annual African American Film Festival takes place from August 10 to August 15. There will be an opening night reception August 10.
Pride Not Prejudice at The Yard
The Yard is hosting its second annual Pride, Not Prejudice event on Saturday, August 8, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Donavon Frankenreiter Touches Down at Flatbread
This Monday at Flatbread Pizza, singer Donavon Frankenreiter will give a performance of new and old music, marking his return to the Vineyard.
Father/Son Preachers at Union Chapel
Sunday, August 9, Union Chapel is hosting its first ever father/son preachers, Reverend Dr. Otis Moss 3rd and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr.
Engaged Compassion at Bodhi Path
The Engaged Compassion Weekend hosted by the Bodhi Path of Martha’s Vineyard will continue on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9.
Harlem Fine Arts Show Returns
The Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS) returns to Martha’s Vineyard from August 10 through 12 at a new location, the Harbor View Hotel.
Chamber Music Society Hosts Weiss-Kaplan-Stumpf Trio
The Chamber Music Society hosts the Weiss-Kaplan-Stumpf Trio on August 10 at the Edgartown Whaling Church, and August 11 at the Chilmark’s Community Center.
Heroic Parenting Talk
On Tuesday, August 11, Brad Reedy will give a talk and book signing relating to his recent book The Journey of the Heroic Parent: Your Child’s Struggles and the Road Home.
Gingerbread Cottage Tour
On Wednesday, August 12, the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association hosts its 20th annual Gingerbread Cottage Tour.
National Park Service Prepares for Centennial
Micro-habitats on the Vineyard are really important, National Park Service director Jonathan Jarvis said in a brief interview with the Gazette Monday. Mr. Jarvis was on the Island to attend a private fundraiser.
Kid Critic Says Yes to Heartfelt Movie
Ten-year-old Sam Fetters of West Tisbury recently sat down to watch and review the feature film Becoming Bulletproof directed by Michael Barnett.
Fountain of Youth? Wear an Eight Foot Yellow Suit With Feathers
Caroll Spinney is in the spotlight with the release of the documentary I Am Big Bird, which chronicles his life and career playing Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street. He was recently on the Vineyard for a film screening and puppet-making workshop.
August Arrives on Land and Sea
August 2 was a perfect summer Sunday with which to begin the Holmes Hole August series. The morning race was two trips around the harbor on a rising tide.
Hope Springs Eternal in the Summer Garden
Every year at this time I am filled with regrets. Why didn’t I plant the winter squashes sooner? Why did I let so many peas go unpicked?
All in the Family for Vineyard Birds
There has been a lot of family activity around recently. Go just about anywhere, and the birds that you see are likely taking care of their young.
Three Cheers for Chicory
John Updike had a talent for finding beauty in not-so-beautiful places. For instance, he has waxed poetic about chicory, a plant that boldly grows in some questionable locations:
Toy Box, Favorite Haunt for Kids Aged Eight to Eighty, Is for Sale
After 28 years of providing giggles and fun, BeeBee Horowitz is closing the lid on The Toy Box for herself and giving someone else the chance to open it. This will be her last summer at the popular Vineyard Haven toy shop.
VCS Celebrates 50 Years of Fighting to Protect the Island
In June 1965, conservationists concerned about development on the Lobsterville moors sent out letters to residents asking them to join the fight “to preserve the natural beauty of Martha’s Vineyard.” Fifty years later, the Vineyard Conservation Society endures, its mission unchanged.
West Tisbury Town Column: August 7
The weekend weather was just delightful. We welcome President Obama, the First Lady, and family, who will be arriving this weekend for a well-earned vacation. Next Saturday and Sunday a sales tax holiday will be in effect on many products in the commonwealth. It will be a chance to save some money on back to…
Dancing to the Tune of Musical Mondays at Featherstone
On Monday nights at Featherstone Center for the Arts, it’s all about the music. This week, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish embraced the outdoor stage as part of the ongoing Musical Monday series.
Documentary Week Proves Again That Truth Can Be Stranger Than Fiction
On Monday night, The Wolfpack opened Documentary Week at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center. The movie tells the true story of six brothers who were raised trapped within the confines of their cramped Lower East Side apartment, locked up by their father.
Unraveling the Conversation on Race
Hundreds of people filled the Chilmark Community Center on Friday to hear award-winning journalists Ta-Nehisi Coates and Michele Norris discuss Mr. Coates’s new book and the idea of a post-racial America.
Edgartown Selectmen Order Inn to Stop Doing Business
Edgartown selectmen asked the owner of Arbor Inn at 222 Upper Main street, to stop doing business without a valid lodging license. The selectmen voted unanimously Monday to send a cease and desist letter to innkeeper Lorna Giles, citing a lack of a valid license and complaints about the establishment
No Injuries After Rough Landing at Katama Airpark
A single engine aircraft had a rough landing at Katama Airpark Monday. The pilot of the Piper Cherokee PA-32-26 was unhurt, but the propeller and nose of the plane were damaged. The Edgartown fire department and state police responded to the grass airfield.
East Chop Town Column: August 7
About a year ago I was channel surfing, and I came across a familiar voice. Anne Carmichael Lemenager was broadcasting a girls field hockey game. I was impressed. She was really good.
Never Too Old or Young or In Between to Create Art
Every summer since 1958, the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs has been the proud host of the All Island Art Show. Artists are on hand to explain what inspires them, even to the young kids racing about the Camp Ground on bicycles and scooters.
Planning Board Strikes Initial Deal Over Former Kupersmith Property
A hefty contribution to affordable housing and strict limits on nitrogen are the two main elements of a deal struck late last week between the Oak Bluffs planning board and the buyers and sellers of a failed subdivision in the Southern Woodlands.
Read All About It: Sixth Annual Book Festival Is Big Draw for Authors and Readers
The Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival celebrated its return to the Island for the sixth time this weekend. The festival featured a wide range of writers talking about their craft with eager readers who filled tents on the grounds of the Chilmark Community Center and a room at the Harbor View Hotel.
Drug Task Force Makes Arrests After Oak Bluffs Home Search
Members of the Martha’s Vineyard Drug Task Force arrested an Oak Bluffs man last week on several drug-related charges, police said, including heroin trafficking.
In Era of Texting and Email, Considering the Unedited, Face-to-Face Life
Sherry Turkle, a sociologist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, warned more than 200 people gathered at the Hebrew center last week about “a flight from conversation” in favor of texting and email, and a resulting decline in our capacity for non-digital communication.
Jerome Kohlberg Jr., Businessman Who Challenged Wall Street, Owner of Gazette, Dies
Jerome Kohlberg Jr., the private equity industry visionary who became one of Wall Street’s biggest critics, quiet philanthropist, family man and nimble third baseman on the Chilmark softball field, died July 30 at his home on Job’s Neck cove in Edgartown.
