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
February 17, 2017
Chilmark Takes Aim at Short-Term Rentals
On the heels of a planning effort aimed at expanding Island housing opportunities, the Chilmark planning board has begun investigating short-term rentals such as those offered through Airbnb.
Snow Bunnies and Snowdrops Make for Strange Bedfellows
I missed the best of last week’s snow. Snow bunny that I am — though not the hopping or the skiing kind — that is unusual for me.
Fire Drill at Courthouse Turns Up Long List of Deficiencies
An inspection at the Edgartown courthouse has turned up serious deficiencies in fire safety, including an emergency exit door that was locked and impassable.
Best in Moe, Vineyard Dog Has Merit
Moe (not his full name), Vineyard resident and recent first time father, snuck away from his lady friend Onya and their nonuplets for a little action in New York city on Valentine’s Day.
Moped Survey Shows Support for Rental Ban
Results from a Vineyard Gazette community survey about mopeds on Martha’s Vineyard show year-round and seasonal residents share strong opposition to moped rentals on the Island.
Tisbury School Honor Roll
The Tisbury School has announced its second quarter honor roll.
Time to Mobilize
In the three decades since a group of concerned citizens first raised the alarm on the hazards of mopeds on Martha’s Vineyard, the number of rental vehicles has declined sharply. Will this be the year that the Island finally figures out how to get rid of them entirely? Nine out of ten residents believe that…
Oak Bluffs School Honor Roll
The Oak Bluffs school has announced its second quarter honor roll for the 2016-2017 school year.
Dean’s List at Northeastern University
Andrew Randall of Chilmark, Rae Filley of Edgartown, a nursing major, and Zachary Bresnick of West Tisbury were all named to the fall 2016 dean’s list at Northeastern University.
Lily Lubin Named to Dean’s List
Lily Lubin of Vineyard Haven, daughter of Amy and Doug Reece, has been named to the fall 2016 dean’s list at Emerson College.
Sheila McHugh Graduates
Sheila McHugh of Edgartown graduated cum laude from Roger Wiliams University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.
Dean’s List at Framingham State University
Alyssa Cimeno of Edgartown and Amadine Muniz of Edgartown were named to the fall 2016 dean’s list at Framingham State University.
Size Matters for Bag Ban in Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs voters could face dueling plastic bag ban bylaws at their annual town meeting, with business owners and conservation leaders offering their own proposals.
Liam Arrives
Jennifer Emily French and Seth Luce Abbott of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Liam Colter Abbott, born Feb. 15 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Welcome, Benjamin
Karolina Gatti and Etny Menezes of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Benjamin Gatti De Menezes, born Feb. 14 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Announcing Maite
Leticia DaSilva and Leandro Gouveia of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Maite Alves Gouveia, born Feb. 10 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Cape Light Compact Eyes Administrative Changes
Cape Light Compact, the longtime energy service provider for the Cape and Vineyard, may soon enter a new phase.
Tisbury Voters to Decide Question on Hard Liquor
Tisbury voters will decide this spring whether to expand a town bylaw that allows restaurants to sell beer and wine.
Land Bank Revenues: Feb. 10
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $133,700 for the business week ending on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017.
In Vineyard Skies: A Month with Venus
The brightest planet in our western sky early at night sure has received a lot of attention.
Please Adopt Us
Tiger Lily is a very affectionate tabby and white feline.
Perfect Pitch MV
On Thursday, Feb. 23, Vineyarders will have three minutes to pitch their business concept to three judges.
Mardi Gras Party to Benefit Preschool
On Saturday, Feb. 18, the Island Children’s School is celebrating Mardi Gras at the Harbor View Hotel.
Windemere Will Close Its Independent Living Facility
Citing low occupancy and financial losses, trustees at the Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center announced Wednesday that the independent living facility at the Island’s only nursing home will close.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Feb. 17
Thanks to the Methodist founding fathers of the Campground who established Oak Bluffs as a tourist resort in 1835, religion has played a large part in our history.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Feb. 17
Wild weather continues to stalk us in New England, just when you thought it was almost safe to get back in the water again.
Gazette Chronicle: The Kiln of Oliver Tilton
Martha’s Vineyard is sometimes advertised as possessing everything that can be found on earth with the possible exception of snow-capped mountains.
Moped Predicament
The following letter was sent to the Oak Bluffs selectmen.
Chilmark Town Column: Feb. 17
Chilmark continues the slow push toward spring in spite of blizzards and near blizzards. The Ganz family on North Road was happy to report that the witch hazel trees at Hollyholm are in full bloom.
Island at Risk
As the former owner of a moped I have some understanding of how flimsy and unstable a moped is for a rider.
Ban Mopeds
Mopeds are dangerous. Please ban mopeds!
Polarizing Debate
The following letter was sent to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Expanding the Conversation
I participates in a meeting of the Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth.
Aquinnah Town Column: Feb. 17
The northeaster arrived on Feb. 9, less than 24 hours after we experienced near 60-degree weather. The highest winds were recorded at 60 mph. The entire town of Aquinnah lost power at around 3 p.m. and the power never returned until 3:30 a.m.
Bald Eagles and Eastern Bluebirds
An adult bald eagle is hanging around the Vineyard.
No Power, No Problem
I spoke too soon. Last week I commented that we have yet to have a proper winter.
Green Comet Makes the Scene
Nantucket astronomer Maria Mitchell always persevered. After many years of study, she discovered a new comet in 1847.
On Chappy: Feb. 17
Mother Nature has been very busy lately. Along with an intensive all-Island tree pruning project, the sands at Wasque Point have been redistributed once again.
High School Musical Hits the High Notes With Guys and Dolls
Opening night is Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Performing Arts Center for Guys and Dolls, this year’s high school musical that stars a talented ensemble of performers.
West Tisbury Town Column: Feb. 17
Well this month has been a bugger: cold, snow (including thunder snow), power outages and many boat cancellations. We are heading into a long weekend as Monday is President’s Day.
Islanders Watchful In Run-Up to Turf Hearing
The Martha’s Vineyard Commission has begun laying the groundwork for a highly anticipated public hearing this spring to review plans for an artificial turf field at the regional high school.
Annual 20-Mile Race Is Testament to Winter Toughness
The Martha’s Vineyard 20-Miler, a road race in the middle of the cold, wet winter, steps off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. A benefit for the Boys and Girls Club, the race celebrates its 20th year.
Edgartown Looks Askance at Diverting CPA Funds for Housing
Selectmen and others were skeptical of an informal proposal to steer 65 per cent of every Island town’s Community Preservation Act funds toward regional affordable housing.
Real Estate Transactions: Feb. 6 to Feb. 12
Rori E. Peters purchased 21 Iron Hill Road in Oak Bluffs from Marc N. Hanover and Toni White Hanover for $1,325,000 on Feb. 10.
Land Bank Revenues: Feb. 3
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $214,678 for the business week ending on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017.
Museum Explores Island’s Past and Present
A new exhibit at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum explores iconic Island structures, some no longer standing.
New Media at Pathways
You can see a lot of creative things going on at Pathways Living Room Studios in Chilmark.
Living in the Moment, One Paw Print at a Time
I had been living with a geriatric little Yorkie named Harry until he died over the holidays. He was 14, pretty close to my age in dog years.
Vineyard Sailors Get Deeply Involved in Ocean Science
Brock Callen Jr. and his father, Sail Martha’s Vineyard executive director and maritime instructor Brock Callen Sr. recently spent two and a half weeks steaming across the Pacific aboard a research vessel.
A Lunchtime Oasis Rolls to the Rescue Each Winter
The Food Truck anchors one of the furthest outposts up-Island for a hot lunch in the dead of a Vineyard winter. Josh and Angela Aronie have been operating the truck for four years now, never straying far from simple, handheld, comfort food served rain, snow or shine.
Vineyard Fishermen Warn of Ruin If Conch Rule Enacted
Martha’s Vineyard commercial fishermen let the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries know what they think of proposed rule updates and new regulations that would affect the Island fishing industry.
Edgartown Selectmen Sign Off on Yellow House Purchase
A plan for Edgartown to purchase a run-down house on Main street will head to the town meeting warrant after selectmen signed off on the proposal this week over objections from the property owner.
