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
April 1, 2016
Mercury and Moon
Spotting Mercury is difficult. It is one of the most challenging visible planets to see, always close to the sun, always close to the horizon.
On the Front Porch of History: Old Houses Are Growing Center of Attention
Around the Island, where some towns showcase three centuries of architectural history, historic preservation is a topic for discussion and debate.
Town Budgets See Steady Rise Through the Years
Beginning this month, Vineyard voters will be asked to spend more than $100 million collectively to keep their towns operating for the coming fiscal year.
Sheriff Michael McCormack Hangs Up His Keys
Sheriff Michael McCormack reminisces about his many mentors through the years, as he finishes his last term and eases into retirement at age 69.
Task Force Finds West Tisbury Bears Brunt of Up-Island School Costs
A special task force appointed last year to study cost allocation in the up-Island regional school district made its report to the West Tisbury selectmen this week.
In the Grip of Heroin Addiction, Suboxone Can Be Path to Healing
Several Islanders credit the medication known by the brand name Suboxone for successful, extended recovery from opiate addiction.
Social Media Workshops
An April workshop series aims to help businesses and nonprofits make the most of social media.
Understanding Lyme Disease
When you can go for a walk without wearing gloves, it’s time to take precautions.
More Deer Equals More Lyme Disease
There appears to be considerable confusion about ticks, the role of their different host animals and what can be reasonably be done to reduce the high incidence of Lyme disease.
Is Paying the Price for Paradise Worth It?
In the last month I’ve traveled by car, ferry, train, taxi, bus and private car to and from Port Townsend, Wash. to visit family.
When Houses Were Worth Their Salt
It has been said that historians have not recorded things as they were, but rather as they felt they should have been.
Turning the Addiction Tide
While I applaud the new opioid law, I was disappointed the law didn’t address the lack of accessible and quality treatment on demand.
The Power of Voting
Some Islanders may be aware that the budget and warrant articles in each town are determined by its board of selectmen.
Squibnocket Dilemma
The following letter was sent to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Family Planning
Regarding the story headlined “Reproductive Health to Parenting, Family Planning is Family Asset” (Gazette, March, 22).
Plants, Politics Don’t Mix
Have always enjoyed Lynne Irons’s commentary on what’s happening plant-wise on Martha’s Vineyard but can’t agree with her recent political commentary.
Warm Winds Blow for Martha’s Vineyard Spring Sports Teams
The sports fields at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School were bustling this week as teams took advantage of spring sunshine to get into shape for the upcoming season. Play begins in the next week for the softball, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, track and field and sailing teams.
Unhappy Hyacinths, Impressive Witch Hazel
I’m disappointed with hyacinths. A few years ago I planted a shocking amount of them in all different colors.
Please Adopt Us
The shelter has two lovely female cats waiting for their forever homes. Both couldn’t be more affectionate and are quite beautiful.
Flight of the Elusive Woodcock
How did the American woodcock’s weird courtship flight get started?
A Lot to Love About Willows
The timing of pussy willows’s budding may have contributed to their use in the holiday fun and games.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: April 1
Has it been windy enough for you? Child psychologist Christopher Green always said that windy days affect cattle and toddlers. I guess I’m still a toddler; a windy day discombobulates me.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: April 1
The original people of the Nunnepog tribe had called Oak Bluffs Ogkeshkuppe for thousands of years before Joseph Daggett was granted the land for his farm in 1642 when we were referred to as Farm Neck
Edgartown Town Column: April 1
We finally got some much needed rain. Now we have some wind then the warm air followed by some more rain. Welcome to spring in New England.
Tisbury School Feasibility Study Set for Town Meeting Vote
The Tisbury school building project comes up for a pivotal decision in two weeks, when town voters will be asked to approve funding for the initial phase of the project.
Land Bank Revenues: March 25
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $78,572.50 for the business week ending on Friday, March 25, 2016.
Real Estate Transactions: March 21 to March 27
Trustees of June Acher Miller 2013 Revocable Trust purchased 101 Longview Road from Marshall H. Segall and Sally B. Segall for $700,000.
Dancing to What’s Written Within
What’s Written Within, an Island-based modern dance company, will perform at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center on Sunday, April 3, at 4 p.m.
Rabies Clinic Takes Place Saturday
Calling all cats and dogs: the annual rabies clinic will take place April 2.
Aquinnah-Chilmark Town Line Issue Heads to Beacon Hill
Plans to redraw a portion of the town line between Chilmark and Aquinnah are finally headed to the State House in Boston for approval almost two years after getting the green light from voters in both towns.
Aquinnah Town Column: April 1
The pinkletinks have announced their arrival and have been in full chorus along Lighthouse Road since March 24. Herring are running at the herring creek to spawn in Squibnocket Pond. Spring is in the air and many families spent the Easter weekend at their seasonal homes.
On Chappy: April 1
The next Chappy potluck dinner will be hosted by Joanne and Bill Brine on Wednesday, April 6. Joanne has suggested that perhaps folks could prepare their dishes using recipes from the Chappy Community Center Cookbook from many years back.
Vineyard Man Indicted on Drug Charges Arrested Again in Boston
A Vineyard Haven man recently indicted on drug charges was arrested in Boston earlier this month on a charge of trafficking heroin in a school zone.
Vineyard Team Places Second at Masters Swim Meet
The Martha’s Vineyard Masters Swim Team took second place in the small team division at the New England Short Course Championships. .
Jack Ryan Art Exhibit
On April 2 the West Tisbury library will host a reception for Jack Ryan, whose artwork will be on display at the library for the month.
West Tisbury Town Column: April 1
Well the record book on March is almost closed. Spring may have finally arrived and according to Bea Whiting it has brought about 30 new lambs to her dad’s farm. She says Grandpa Allen has a swell time in the barn yard when his grandson Asa visits. The mill pond has been stocked with trout…
Photography Inspired by Plastic Bag Ban
Realizing Waste, a photography exhibit by Astrid Tilton, will be on display at the West Tisbury Library for the month of April.
Graves and Worms and Epitaphs? Shakespeare for the Masses Says Sure Thing
Shakespeare for the Masses will perform three, yes three, Shakespeare plays in one hour — Richard II and Henry IV, parts one and two.
Housing Trust Director Graduates from Leadership Program
Island Housing Trust founding director Philippe Jordi has graduated from the NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence Program.
A Village Is Only as Grand as its Historic Homes
There goes the neighborhood! I was pleasantly shocked the other day rounding the corner at Starbuck’s Neck and the Harbor View Hotel.
Surprise Discovery: Old Tanks Likely Dating to Days of Gas Lamps
An excavation on Uncas avenue in Oak Bluffs late last week dug up a bit of history from the pre-electricity era on the Island.
The Meat Ball Is Here, Get Hungry
On Saturday, April, 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. join the meat parade at the Agricultural Hall for the Meat Ball.
Ice Skating Show
On Friday, April 1, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 2, at 1 p.m. the Martha’s Vineyard Figure Skating Club will hold their annual ice show.
All Ages Strings Concert
On April 3 at the Old Whaling Church strings students will perform various works for strings including Vivaldi, Zavateri and Mozart.
Curious About Cuba?
The Vineyard Haven Library is bringing Cuba to the Island, on April 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. with a discussion called Curious About Cuba?
Benefit Movie Screening for High School Reggae Station
WYOB-FM, the new radio station broadcasting out of the regional high school, is hosting a benefit screening of The Harder They Come.
Strong Season Openers for MV United Travel Teams
Garrett Hagen and Gabe Nascimento scored the first goals for MV United U18 travel team in their season opener.
New Pizza Place Keeps the Crust Crisp, Neapolitan Style
Joseph Monteiro, executive chef at the Atlantic Fish and Chop House, has opened a Neapolitan-style pizza kitchen in Edgartown.
Town Meeting Discussion with Tisbury Vision Council
The Tisbury Vision Council will host a community meeting Thursday to review articles on the special and annual town meeting warrant articles.
March Madness Engineering Challenge
Students at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School created a ball launcher for the March madness engineering challenge.
Kathi Hackett Receives State Award
Kathi Hackett, the coordinator for Community Services’s Disability Services Support Center, received a state award last week.
MVironment Club Hosts Engineering Workshop
Students from the regional high school’s MVironment Club headed to Thimble Farm last weekend to host an engineering workshop for middle school students.
Katherine Smith Named to Dean’s List
Katherine Anne Smith of Chilmark was named to the fall 2015 dean’s list at Simmons College.
Selectmen Conduct Taxi Review, Hear Renovation Plans for Behind the Bookstore
Edgartown selectmen renewed licenses for three cab companies based in Edgartown and heard future plans for a cafe off Main street.
To Have and To Hold, Until There’s a Bee in Your Bonnet
To have and to hold, we say in a wedding ceremony because marriage involves holding as well as mere possession.
Up-Islanders Asked to Approve Funding for West Tisbury School Playground Upgrades
Pending approval from town meeting voters, upgrades could be on the way for the West Tisbury school playground.
Old Arguments Resurface Over Squibnocket Beach Restoration Plans
An exhaustive public review and unanimous town vote last year have done little to pacify some Chilmark residents who still find fault in plans to restore Squibnocket Beach.
Heavy Blues Played Live, the Chandler Blues Band Way
The Chandler Blues Band first cultivated a presence on the Island by playing at Chilmark potluck jams and the Seafood Shanty. Tonight they host a CD release part at the Ritz in Oak Bluffs.
Same Heart Film Premiere
Vineyard filmmakers Len and Georgia Morris will host a premiere of their new film The Same Heart in Washington DC on March 31.
