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
July 8, 2016
Felix Arrives
Zoe Barbey Ross and Zander Ross of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Felix Alexandre Barbey Ross, born July 5 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Welcome, Ruari
Katie and Ryan Bushey of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Ruari Lianne Bushey, born July 3 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Deer Culling Discussed Amid Worry Over Tick Diseases
Martha’s Vineyard may soon join a growing list of communities in New England that have taken aim at white-tailed deer to reduce tick populations.
For Publishing President Story Never Ends, Plot Just Thickens
Robert Bernstein’s memoir chronicles his legendary career in publishing — from office boy-in-waiting at Simon and Schuster to president of Random House — and his years of human rights advocacy.
Mind Over Matter Is Second Nature for Young Mentalist
Mentalist, not magician, Nat Lawson mesmerized a packed audience at the Grange Hall on Tuesday evening with only a sketchpad and sharpie — no cards up his sleeves or bunny-packed hats.
Hot Beach Days, Cool Parades: Fourth of July Is a Wrap
With picture-postcard summer weather and teeming crowds on beaches and downtown streets, by most accounts the Fourth of July on Martha’s Vineyard went off with hardly a hitch.
Tisbury Street Fair Will Celebrate Founder Cora Medeiros
This year’s Tisbury Street Fair has been proclaimed Cora Medeiros Day after the fair’s founding mother and longtime selectman who died in May. The fair begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
At the Bridge Table: July 8
See if you can determine what went wrong and how to fix the problem in the hand pictured below.
Setting the Restaurant Table
The Island is gradually acquiring an unfamiliar new reputation — as a sophisticated dining destination.
Nothing But Net as Niantic Park Prepares for Reopening
After more than three years of planning, a year of construction and a fair share of financial stress, Niantic Park in Oak Bluffs will be fully open to the public within a matter of weeks.
Poultry Testing Time for Ag Fair
Staff from the Department of Agricultural Resources will be on the Vineyard on Tuesday, July 19 to test poultry for the Ag Fair.
Land Bank Revenues: July 1
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $223,930 for the business week ending on Friday, July 1, 2016./p>
From War Ships of the Past to Educational Beauties of Today
The Shenandoah and Alabama were anchored just south of Harthaven one recent muggy, overcast morning and it struck me how innocent these famously-named schooners looked.
Still Smiling After All These Years
A thin smile, a bright smile or beamish grin. From infancy we learn that widening our mouths wins approval from the universe of strangers inhabiting the earth.
More Brilliance, Less Bombast, Please
Before his words haunted me, his eyes did. Maybe it was because I couldn’t really see them. They were shaded in mystery behind tinted glasses.
Sparks Fly When Monkey Mind Meets the Be Here Now Mind
Be Here Now was the little tome that I read in 1977 that completely changed my life. And the author became my teacher forever after.
The Catch
Today I can’t write about having a second cup of coffee or how I interrupted my wife’s dreams to retrieve the covers.
July Jitters
There is a furious urgency about July which is lost sight of only because the month is warm and sometimes languorous.
Rank and File
In an article in last week’s Gazette, there was a reference to “Lieutenant” Jonathan Searle.
Gay Pride
I was in New York city recently and was so moved by the outpouring of support for the gay community.
Relationships Are Soul of Amy Brenneman’s New Show at The Yard
Amy Brenneman and Sabrina Peck have been best friends for so long they put peanut butter and jelly to shame. Next week they will present their third major work together, Threshold: 90-52-15, at the Yard in Chilmark.
Alan Cumming Embraces His Own Salon
Alan Cumming, the award winning actor, best selling author and activist, will appear Thursday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church, part of the inaugural Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series.
Real Estate Transactions: June 27 to July 3
Glynn Graham McCullough and William McCullough purchased 14 Cat Hollow Lane in Vineyard Haven from Richard Gold, Marie Desch, Niles Gold for $860,000.
In Vineyard Skies: Crescent Moon and Jupiter
A thin crescent moon appears Friday night near the bright planet Jupiter. The two are high in the western sky after sunset.
East Chop Town Column: July 8
I met Kevin Grassa about two weeks ago in his home on East Chop Drive, the one across from the lighthouse that was completed 10 years ago but never occupied. Kevin knew the history. He did his homework before finally taking the plunge with an offer, and he and his wife Elaine are thrilled to…
Oak Bluffs Town Column: July 8
Joseph Chase Allen wrote in 1953 that Oak Bluffs was once an island with an ancient passage from the head of Deep Bottom Pond to the head of the Lagoon.
Please Adopt Us
Our long-haired tortoiseshell cat, Precious, is still acclimating to life at the shelter but is beginning to come out of her shell.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: July 8
The feedback on the fireworks was fantastic. Islanders and visitors alike gathered on Monday night after the parade in Edgartown to watch the biggest and best display of pyrotechnics yet.
Edgartown Town Column: July 8
Well what a week it has been. Lots of sun, not too hot and the Fourth of July was perfect weather for whatever activity you had. Then we had some much needed rain. Who could ask for more?
West Tisbury Town Column: July 8
We had excellent hot weather over the long holiday weekend, just the way it should be for the Fourth. The Independence Day parade was well attended, as was Woollcott and Leah Smith’s annual party the night before. About 75 people took part in the evening’s festivities.
Chilmark Town Column: July 8
Chilmark is in full summer mode. Be prepared…there are no quick stops or peaceful moments at any public places…or parking spots either. However, we hear more laughter than usual and there is a general feel-good mood surrounding us. Embrace it, beats growling against the tide!
On Chappy: July 8
I asked Milo how many sisters he has now and he held up two fingers in front of the biggest grin that I have ever seen on a guy his size! His sister Ramona was also grinning ear to ear as she told me that her brand new sister’s name is Matilda.
Aquinnah Town Column: July 8
Summer is in full swing. The VTA buses have been full all weekend. Stores have been enjoying great sales, the beaches are full. The Vineyard is overflowing.
Palette of Emotions in Black and White
Oak Bluffs artist Harry Seymour has harnessed unique methods to create his intricate collections, the latest of which will be showcased at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse from July 15 to August 4.
Theatre of the Heart Has Big Ideas
Death, Jim Crow and communism — it’s a full meal for one play to tackle. But Crumbs from the Table of Joy, which opens on Thursday, July 7, at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, delivers the goods by focusing on the heart of each issue rather than just the anger.
Oak Bluffs Fish Market Brings Fresh Catch to Cottage City
Freshness is key to a good fish market. And Frances (Sandy) Fisher 3rd’s commitment to fresh seafood means many mornings he is out on his boat before coming into Oak Bluffs Fish Market with the catch of the day.
Act of Creation Sounds Alarm of Extinction
Cindy Kane’s art exhibit Empty Skies, which focuses on extinct birds, will land briefly at the Marine Hospital on Friday, July 15, from noon to 8 p.m.
Creative Crusader: Town Affairs By Day, Abstract Art at Night
Jennifer Christy’s paintings are at once primal and sophisticated. They are the edge of a shoreline, the ridge of a hill. They are molecular, artifacts, bones. They are whatever you think they are. And they will be shown at the Field Gallery beginning this weekend.
Spirituals Choir
Jim Thomas and his Spirituals Choir return to Union Chapel on Saturday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Ten Years at Alison Shaw Gallery
Alison Shaw will celebrate her gallery’s 10th anniversary this Saturday, July 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Vanessa Williams Opens Martha’s Vineyard Broadway Series
Vanessa Williams opens up the summer series of Broadway stars on Saturday, July 9.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival Screenings
On July 12 at Union Chapel Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes audiences behind the scenes of his documentary series.
David Crohan Performs
This week piano man David Crohan will perform two concerts.
Nina Violet and Friends at the Grange Hall
Nina Violet and friends will perform on July 12 at the Tuesdays at Twilight concert series.
E.J. Dionne Speaks At Hebrew Center
E.J. Dionne will talk about American conservatism and the Republican party on Thursday, July 14.
They’re Back: Fifty Years Later, Ogres Return
When The Ogres reunite at the Lampost Saturday for a 50-year reunion, they will perform together one last time while looking back on their decision to rock-out on the Island during the summers of 1966 and 1967.
Dear Damselfly, the Violet Dancer
Damselflies are members of the order Odonata, which also includes the more familiar dragonflies.
Sprinkler Sparrows and Goodnight, Garrison
I have no one to blame but myself. I spent Monday’s holiday making sense of my own yard.
Fish and Fledging
It is July and tern chicks are abundant in their nesting colonies. We have four species of terns nesting on the Island.
Flying Horses Spin On After Popcorn Fire Scare
The Flying Horses carousel building in Oak Bluffs was briefly evacuated Wednesday afternoon after a small fire in a popcorn machine.
Vineyard Cup Regatta Set for This Weekend
The 11th annual Vineyard Cup is set to sail this weekend, with three days of racing in Martha’s Vineyard waters. The annual Seafood Buffet and Auction precedes the sailing competition Thursday evening.
Ferry Governor Collides With Martha’s Vineyard; No Injuries
The Martha’s Vineyard was back in service Wednesday night after a morning collision with the Governor in Woods Hole put the ferry out of service for a day. There were no injuries in the mishap.
Chilmark Backs Islandwide Energy Committee
The Chilmark selectmen have taken steps to form an Islandwide sustainable energy committee.
Spirit of Frederick Douglass Reverberates Again at Federated Church
On Tuesday, Frederick Douglass came alive again as Islanders took turns reading his speech, The Meaning of the Fourth of July to the Negro, at the Edgartown church.
Selectmen Seek to Calm Ruffled Feathers Over Turf Referral
Chilmark selectmen met with members of two opposing community groups on Tuesday to discuss a controversial proposal to install artificial turf fields at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
For U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Martha’s Vineyard Is Home
Jeh Johnson, a member of President Barack Obama’s cabinet, distinguished attorney and summer visitor to the Vineyard for more than five decades, took the pulpit of Union Chapel Sunday.
Norton Point Reopens After Dead Whale Taken to Sea
Norton Point was reopened Wednesday morning after a dead fin whale was towed out to sea.
Forty-Eight Mountain Peaks Is Rite of Passage With a Nice View
Elijah Dunn-Feiner just finished seventh grade at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School. He plays Little League, basketball, likes to ski and build things. In his spare time he climbs mountains.
Deck Collapse During July 4 Party Sends Eight to Hospital
Eight people were taken to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital with injuries after a second-story deck collapsed at a private home in Edgartown during a Fourth of July party Monday night.
Sengekontacket Closed to Shellfishing
Sengekontacket Pond is closed to all shellfishing at least until Monday, July 11 because of rainfall, according to the town of Oak Bluffs.
On His Home Turf, Thomas Bena Screens One Big Home
One Big Home, Thomas Bena’s first feature-length film, had its Vineyard premier at the Chilmark Community Center on Wednesday evening as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival’s summer series.
At Upscale Down Island, Communal Dining Sets the Trend
Choice is not an option at the latest addition to restaurant row in Oak Bluffs. The owners of Down Island put diners in the capable hands of chef Scott Cummings.
Main Street Edgartown Comes Alive for Fourth
Edgartown’s annual Fourth of July Parade welcomed the entire Martha’s Vineyard community Monday.
VCS Celebrates 51 Years of Conserving the Island
The Vineyard Conservation Society’s 51st annual meeting included a photo exhibit and the announcement of a $2 million capital campaign.
Old Holiday, Young Start; Kids’ Parades Are Fourth of July Tradition
Fourth of July festivities kicked off with a patriotic start this morning with two children’s parades — one in the Camp Ground and another in Aquinnah.
Hello, Matilda
Dana Guyer and Carlos Tilghman-Osborne of Chappaquiddick announce the birth of a daughter, Matilda Belle Guyer-Osborne, born on July 2.
No Serious Injuries after Unoccupied Car Rolls into Menemsha Creek
A young girl suffered minor injuries and a dog was rescued after an unoccupied Volkswagen Golf rolled into Menemsha Creek on Saturday morning, police said.
Dead Whale Washes Up at South Beach
Norton Point will be closed to swimmers and vehicle traffic Wednesday to accommodate efforts to remove a dead fin whale.
Real Time Funny, Paula Poundstone Gets to Know Her Audience
Despite pouring rain, thunder and lightning outside, comedian Paula Poundstone and fans braved the storm on Friday night to perform at the Old Whaling Church to a sold-out crowd as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series.
Heeding the Siren’s Call, Katie Mayhew Is Back in the Spotlight
One of the Vineyard’s brightest stars returned to the Tabernacle stage Wednesday. West Tisbury vocalist Siren Mayhew, formerly Katie, performed with The Cape Symphony.
Local Photographer Explores Art of Growing Up on the Vineyard
Island native Ray Ewing is a photographer who has been inspired for years by the Vineyard, but his new project, Fauxasis, takes that inspiration in a rather unexpected direction.
Emilia Arrives
Gabriela Herman and Tyson Evans of Chilmark and Brooklyn announce the birth of a daughter, Emilia Herman Evans, born June 30.
