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
December 30, 2016
Top Stories of the Year in 2016 on Martha’s Vineyard
A final August vacation for a sitting president. An Island grappling with the heroin crisis. A community rallies around the family of a fisherman lost at sea. Here’s look at major stories that engaged Gazette readers in 2016.
Waving Goodbye to 2016, Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Controversy and plot twists made 2016 a year to remember on the Vineyard. For better or worse, it was a time of rallying and resistance — to projects, political candidates, and change itself.
Flights of Fancy, Second Nature for Feathered Friends
Last February the talk was of the lack of red-breasted mergansers. The plight of the mighty mergansers wore on you.
Farm Neck Foundation Grants
The Farm Neck Foundation has announced its annual grants for the year 2016.
Through the Seasons
An edited selection from Gazette nature editorials.
Past Is Prologue
Christmas day saw the first observance of on the Vineyard of the Jewish feast of lights, or Chanukah.
Balancing Act
I am troubled by letters and comments in both newspapers which claim that enough open space has been preserved on the Island.
Reshuffle the Deck
In response to James Lengyel’s op-ed in the Gazette: Everyone on Martha’s Vineyard is extremely grateful the land bank has be so remarkably successful in protecting land for the past 30 years and has been part of many affordable housing developments as far back as the 1990s. And although the land bank did suggest as…
Shifting the Conversation
As we turn to resolutions for the coming year, let’s give ourselves and each other kindness and love.
Pear Tree Owner Responds
• Pear Tree Owner Responds Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
First Sunset of the New Year
There will be a pretty scene in the western sky after sunset Sunday. The moon, Venus and Mars appear fairly close together.
Welcome, Riquelme
Tatiara Hauch and Armando Ribeiro of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Riquelme Hauch Ribeiro, born on Dec. 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Announcing Ethan
Eileen and Don Gregory of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Ethan Alexandro Gregory, born on Dec. 25 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Please Adopt Us
A lovely group of ladies are lounging in the cat room at the animal shelter.
Land Bank Revenues: Dec. 23
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $221,036 for the business week ending on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016.
Land Bank Revenues: Dec. 16
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $137,732 for the business week ending on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016.
Real Estate Transactions: Dec. 19 to Dec. 25
Jordan B. Shaughnessy and Brian F. Shaughnessy purchased 179 Lamberts Cove Road in West Tisbury from Ann M. Votta for $785,000 on Dec. 21.
West Tisbury Town Column: Dec. 30
The weekend weather was cold but no snow fell on Christmas. Families gathered around the tree to exchange gifts and the children noted that Santa Claus had left the presents.
Aquinnah Town Column: Dec. 20
Christmas week has gone from freezing cold to the warmth of temperatures in the 50s. We always used to wish for a white Christmas but who needs the snow these days.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Dec. 30
Here we go again. My only resolution for the upcoming year is to get through the upcoming year. How simple my tastes have become.
On Chappy: Dec. 30
Out of curiosity, I dialed 911 from my cell phone while standing on the deck of my house at number 4 North Roger Road.
NAMI Program
National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold a 12-week educational program beginning Jan. 12.
Athletic All Stars
The following athletes were voted All Stars for the fall sports season by the Eastern Athletic Conference.
Hello, Joshua
Dieny Teixeira and Alair Reis Neto of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Joshua Garcia Reis, born on Dec. 20.
Happy New Year, Time to Party Like It’s 2017
Whatever your style, there’s a New Year’s Eve celebration on the Vineyard to match.
Houses of Grace Provide Winter Shelter
The Houses of Grace winter shelter program begins this Sunday, offering shelter every night of the week through March 31 for those who need a warm bed.
Black Powder Shoot
This year’s top honors for the Rod & Gun Club’s Black Powder Shoot went to Michael Ferry.
Seeds of Change
I am the queen of leftovers. I just polished off the rest of Christmas dinner.
Northern Goshawk and Flocks of Fish Crows
The bird of the week is Lanny McDowell’s sighting of what appears to be a northern goshawk — a species seldom observed here.
Resolutions and Pancakes: Many Ways to Welcome New Year
Traditions from all over the world and all through history help us start the New Year on the right foot.
Gwenaelle Arrives
Rebecca and Brice Delhougne of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Gwenaelle Marie Delhougne, born Dec. 20 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Selectmen Finally Settle on MVC Appointment
Ending weeks of discussion over who will serve as the town appointed member to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, the Oak Bluffs selectmen voted Tuesday to appoint Gail Barmakian to the post.
SSA Pays Tribute to Retiring Governor Bob O’Brien
Robert O’Brien retired from the board after 25 years of service as the Barnstable member.
Cruise Ship Line Eyes Edgartown as Port of Call
Harbor master Charlie Blair told the town selectmen Tuesday that American Cruise Lines is planning a busy schedule of stops in Edgartown from May to September.
The Power of Light Will Always Defeat the Darkness
When we gather at the Hebrew Center this Friday night at 5:30 p.m. for the seventh night of Hanukkah, each person will light seven small candles.
Oystering at Quansoo, and Christmas Traditions Past and Present
When I met Johnny Mayhew, my future husband, he had just returned to Brown University to finish his education after three and a half years as a World War II Navy fighter pilot in the Pacific.
Savings Bank Names Interim CEO
Tom Sharkey was named interim chief executive officer in the wake of the departure of CEO Paul Falvey.
