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 11, 2017
In Vineyard Skies: Planets Abound
There are three visible planets in the night sky.
It’s Big, and So Is the First Show, Featherstone Unveils New Art Barn
Featherstone’s new Art Barn opens Friday with a ribbon cutting and an opening reception for Big. The exhibit features large-scale works from more than 50 Island artists.
Chilmark Road Race Is 40 Years Young
For 40 years, Hugh Weisman has been measuring Middle Road, spray painting markers, ordering T-shirts, collecting prizes and organizing the Chilmark Road Race.
As the Vineyard Ages, Demand for Hospice Services Grows
With funding pressures greater than ever, leaders at Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard say their annual Summer Soiree takes on added importance. The event is Monday at Farm Neck.
The Art of Saving the Environment at the Sargent Gallery
At the Sargent Gallery in Aquinnah, art and saving the environment go hand in hand. The latest exhibit Biophilia runs through August 17.
Martha’s Vineyard Medal Winners
Kate Hancock, Jim Richardson 3rd, and Chris Scott are this year’s recipients of the Martha’s Vineyard Medal.
Author, Author; Book Festival Brings Words and Stories to Life
On Saturday they jammed the Harbor View Hotel. On Sunday they donned sun hats and trooped up to the Chilmark Community Center. Book lovers were very much in evidence at the seventh Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival.
Land Bank Revenues: August 4
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $258,110.02 for the business week ending on Friday, August 4, 2017.
Riding Off Into a Sergeant’s Sunset
Sgt. Timothy Stobie’s last shift wasn’t eventful. He didn’t arrest anybody. He didn’t ride the motorcycle. It was a quiet end to over three decades of service on the Tisbury police department.
Real Estate Transactions: July 31 to August 6
Joseph and Susan Walkush purchased 515 State Road in Aquinnah from Pamela Foster, trustee of Gibson-Foster Realty Trust, for $2,517,000 on August 1.
Théa Arrives
Summer and Arilson DeSouza of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Théa Clements De Souza, born July 29 at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Jessey Myers and Chez Powell Marry
Jessey C. Myers and Chez Powell were married June 24 at Lambert’s Cove in West Tisbury.
Lindley Kratovil Marries Dustin Sherer
Lindley Kratovil and Dustin Kirkland Sherer were married June 3 in St. Michaels, Md.
Chappy Pong Winners
Jiri Luncar was crowned the 2017 Chappy Pong table tennis tournament champion.
Barney Zeitz Open Studio
Barney Zeitz continues to have open studio visits on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Dana Van Tassel Weds Brett Buchness
Robert Grohskopf and Lisa Van Tassel of Edgartown announce the marriage of their daughter Dana to James Brett Buchness.
Lost and Found: Ancient Grains Are Cause for Celebration
As we head toward the Agricultural Fair and the farming tradition it celebrates, it is exciting to see Dan Sternbach harvesting this year’s local wheat and rye.
Castles Made of Sand Slip Into the Sea
It’s a regular building boom. Sand castles with moats, forts and dredges, dams and tunnels, construction sites that defy names and spark the imagination.
In Praise of Wild-Eyed Principles
Actor Sterling Hayden was certainly a special case when I first met him one afternoon in 1975 at New York’s Algonquin Hotel restaurant.
Vineyard Bookshelf: Max Eastman, A Life
Professor Christoph Irmscher’s new book, Max Eastman: A Life, crafts the biography of flamboyant 20th century writer, editor and longtime Vineyard fixture Max Eastman.
Alligator Alley
Huge reptilian tracks in the sand of Methodist Cross Road has revived the belief that an alligator has somehow found its way to the Island.
No Handicapped Access
The chair elevator for handicapped access in the Edgartown courthouse has not been working for over six months.
Post Office Nightmare
I’ve finally reached my breaking point with the Edgartown post office.
Fair’s Fair
I am writing regarding the published letter from Cape and Islands state representative Dylan Fernandes.
Golf Cart Craze
What’s up with all the golf carts on Vineyard roads this summer?
Perfection at The Yard
About the Cuban troupe Malpaso Dance and Arturo O’Farrill’s live performance last Tuesday.
For the Love of Reading
The 2017 Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival was designed to be an antidote to chaos, a means of better understanding our country.
Exploring History of Black Colleges and Universities
For documentary filmmaker Stanley Nelson, his latest project, Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities, has been a long time in the making.
New Source Material Ignites Viet Nam
In an epic 18-hour documentary series, filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick explore the Viet Nam War.
At the Bridge Table: August 11
The 2-over-1 bidding system, all the rage these days, deserves our consideration.
A Love Triangle Plus One, New Play Is Four Wheeling Farce
Opening night for Who You See Here at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse is Thursday, August 10. The new comedy by Matt Hoverman begins and ends with a married couple making salad together.
Housing Trust Sets New Goal for 2020
The Island Housing Trust has unveiled an ambitious plan to create 100 new affordable housing units on the Vineyard by the end of 2020.
Art on the Vine
Art on the Vine takes place on August 12 to 14 at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown.
For Kate Taylor Music Is the Message
After a one-year hiatus, Kate Taylor will return to play her annual Vineyard show this summer.
Chicken Alley Art Show
This year’s Chicken Alley art sale is Sunday, August 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.
The Yard Goes Hip Hop
The Yard is showcasing two Hip Hop performances this weekend.
Rev. Raphael Warnock
The West Tisbury Congregational Church has a big weekend coming up.
Tao Porchon Leads Yoga Classes
Tao Porchon will be on the Island from August 15 through 19 leading yoga classes at the Yoga Barn.
Ice Arena Benefit
The Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena is holding its annual summer fundraiser on August 17.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: August 11
A glorious Vineyard sunset along with Latin music by DJs Aaron, Jesse, Winslow, Audrey and Eve livened things up at Bob and Elaine Klein’s Lagoon home last Sunday.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: August 11
Today is Prof. Charles Ogletree Day on Martha’s Vineyard as declared by Morehouse College. On Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the home of Lou Sullivan, he will receive the 2017 Lux Award on the occasion of their 150th anniversary.
West Tisbury Town Column: August 11
It sure has felt like summer. It’s warm and it is crowded everywhere. The activity at the Agricultural Hall is at a fever pitch preparing for the fair. Some college students have just begun to leave as many universities open for the fall semester in two weeks. Before the end of the month a significant…
East Chop Column: August 11
The sailing program at the yacht club is thriving with four instructors, 75 students, and 26 training boats, but it wasn’t always that way.
Edgartown Town Column: August 11
I am sitting here waiting for the rain to begin. We have had close calls of rain but it always seems to go over us or under us. I know I keep hoping but the ground is very dry and our plants need rain. On the other hand the temperatures are so nice. Not to…
On Chappy: August 11
Nearly all of The Trustees of Reservations beaches on Chappaquiddick are now open to over-sand vehicles, including Norton Point.
Chilmark Town Column: August 11
August rushes in like a rogue wave. Steamy heat, pastel sunsets, peaches, nectarines and zucchinis, fresh corn, offshore tuna trips, wild blueberries, beach bonfires, Chilmark Tavern onion rings, house guests and more.
Solving Shorebird Riddles
Shorebirds are generally considered to be one of the more difficult species to identify.
Judge Orders Escrow Funds Held in Airport Mobil Dispute
The legal battles continue between the Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission and former Airport Fuel Services owner Michael Rotondo.
Cool Nights and Pole Beans
I’m happy about the nighttime temperatures this summer.
Committee Begins Crafting RFP for Yellow House
The town committee will seek a developer only for the portion of the Main street lot where the dilapidated house is located.
Maggot Magic, Maggot Mayhem
There must have been flies on the wall, flies in the ointment, and flies just about everywhere.
Menemsha Dredging to Resume in Fall With New Contractor
An Army Corps of Engineers project to dredge Menemsha Channel will enter its third season in the fall with a new contractor at the helm.
Built on Stilts Celebrates the Joyful Dance of Community
Built on Stilts returns to Union Chapel this week for its annual summer dance residence. The festival was founded 21 years ago and continues to thrive with the spirit of dance, inclusivity and community.
Welcome, Luke
Laudiceia and Adaelton Amaral of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Luke Guimaraes Amaral, born August 4 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Announcing Hayden
Kayla and Joey Fournier of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Hayden Michael Fournier, born August 3 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Hello, Abigail
Veronika and Gary Buckley of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Abigail Jean Buckley, born August 2 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Overdue Painting Begins at Island Theatre
Ladders were up and painters on the job at the Island Theatre Wednesday.
Town, State Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Casino Case
The town of Aquinnah, the commonwealth and a community group mounted a last-ditch effort to nullify the Wampanoag tribe’s asserted right to build a gambling hall on the Island.
Former Physician Charged With Indecent Assault
Peter J. Laursen was arraigned on two counts of indecent assault and battery after allegedly assaulting two women at a Jabberwocky fundraiser.
Right Whale Likely Died After Fishing Gear Entanglement
A decomposing North Atlantic right whale carcass recovered from the Edgartown Great Pond Tuesday morning likely died from entanglement with fishing gear, scientists said.
Postal Officials Put a Stop to Beautification Project
A volunteer effort to beautify the Vineyard Haven post office lot came to an abrupt end Monday.
Museum Stays the Course With Fresnel Lens
The historic Fresnel lens that once sat atop the Gay Head Light will not be moved to Aquinnah.
Film Revisits Ferguson’s Front Line
The film is stark, raw, profane, and angry. It is also a snapshot of a flash point in one community and documentation of a tragedy that sparked a protest movement.
Seeing All Sides of an Issue, From Objective to Up Close
Covering striking Air France mechanics in Paris early in her career as a reporter, Sarah Chayes was hit hard by a wave of inferiority.
Pianist and Master Improviser Joins Harlem Quartet Tonight
Pianist Aldo López-Gavilán arrived on the Vineyard Saturday and spent much of Sunday practicing in advance of concerts with Harlem Quartet on Monday and Tuesday as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society summer series.
All Island Art Show Is Feast for Art and Art Lovers
Anyone can enter and judge the All-Island Art Show, which began over 50 years ago as an opportunity for amateur artists to show their work.
Dateline White House: Journalists Report From the Front Lines
Two leading journalists took a break from covering Donald Trump last week and spoke candidly about covering the White House.
From Busker to Big Time, Martin Sexton Holds Court
Martin Sexton is a showman and on Friday evening he put on a heartfelt show at the Old Whaling Church. The show was a benefit for WMVY.
Telling True Stories From the Heart Never Goes Out of Style
Four storytellers took the Tabernacle stage on Saturday evening as part of The Moth, sharing stories about events that shaped their lives.
Margot Datz Explores the Heart
The Vineyard artist known for her magical realism paintings, murals and illustrations, held a one-night show Saturday at the Grange.
Jeffrey Madison Named Town Administrator in Aquinnah
The former longtime selectman and leader of the Wampanpoag Tribe is the new Aquinnah town administrator.
Meet the Fleet Showcases Commercial Fishing Revival
Menemsha teemed with visitors Thursday evening, lured to the Dutcher Dock by the third annual Meet the Fleet hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust.
Camp Ground Cottage Tour Is Portal to the Past
The charming doors of gingerbread cottages will open wide to visitors next Wednesday, August 9 for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association 22nd annual Gingerbread Cottage Tour.
Real Estate Transactions: July 24 to July 30
Martha Biggers and Kelsey Biggers purchased 229 Sea View avenue in Oak Bluffs for $1,125,000 on July 28.
Backyard Bash Is an Institution — Chilmark Style
Multigenerational clans of Chilmarkers flocked to the field behind the Community Center Wednesday for the volunteer firefighter association’s annual Backyard Bash.
