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
November 10, 2017
Martha’s Vineyard Airport Unveils New $10.5 Million Fire Facility
Thirteen months after construction began on a new airport fire station, the Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission held a ceremonial ribbon cutting and building tours Thursday.
County License Plate Fund Shortchanges Tourism
Dukes County has taken in more than $1 million from Cape and Islands license plates. But the county has spent less than half that on economic development and tourism, as required by law.
Board of Health Votes to Add Fluoride to Water, Causing Outcry
The Edgartown board of health’s decision to pursue adding fluoride to the town water supply has sparked outrage among some town residents and officials..
Shortened Football Season Ends With a Win
An inspired Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School football team ended its season with a victory last Friday night, taking a bit of the sting out of a season cut short.
Time Out for the Island Cup
Like all good stories, there are differing versions of just exactly when the Great Football Contest Between the Two Islands began.
Rory Arrives
Jennifer and Johnathon Goeckel of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Rory Bunting Goeckel, born Nov. 7 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Oak Bluffs Takes Up Rules to Ease the Way for Downtown Apartments
A downtown zoning change to ease the rules for apartments above storefronts, more zoning rules to govern recreational marijuana sales and an animal control bylaw amendment aimed at nasty roosters are all on the short docket when Oak Bluffs voters convene for a special town meeting Tuesday night.
Edgartown to Consider Pay Raises, Retail Marijuana Ban
Pay raises for town workers, a long-planned affordable housing project and a temporary moratorium on recreational marijuana sales are all issues for Edgartown voters to consider when they convene for a special town meeting Tuesday night.
Gazette Highlights Viet Nam Era Stories in Time Machine Collection
In honor of Veterans Day, the Gazette has added a collection of stories from the Viet Nam era to the Time Machine, its digital showcase of historic material.
Council on Aging President in Critical Condition After Being Hit by Car
The well-known president of the Friends of the Tisbury Council on Aging remained in critical condition this week at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, following a recent accident when she was hit by a car while walking in Vineyard Haven.
Announcing Desmond
Desmond Bud Halby was born on Nov. 1, at home in Lincoln, Vt. He weighed 6 pounds and 5 and 1/2 oz, and was 20 inches long at birth.
New Fire Chief Credits Community as Key for Department
Alexander Schaeffer has been approved by Edgartown selectmen to take over as chief of the fire department following the retirement of Peter Shemeth in January.
Land Bank Revenues: Nov. 3
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $332,580 for the business week ending on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017.
Real Estate Transactions: Oct. 30 to Nov. 4
14 Wakeman Road Trust purchased 14 Wakeman Road in Chilmark from Burlingame Nominee Trust for $6,075,000 on Nov. 2.
In Vineyard Skies: Morning Showtime
Three planets appear in our eastern sky at dawn. Venus and Jupiter are about to do a handshake.
At Anchor
Lying at her anchor behind the breakwater at Vineyard Haven may occasionally be seen a trim-looking schooner.
Pathways Season Opens
Pathways Gathering Space is back, bringing all things creative to the space that morphs into a hotbed of arts and culture.
West Tisbury Town Column: Nov. 10
Well this is Veterans Day weekend. Both the library and the post office will be closed Saturday.
Chilmark Town Column: Nov. 10
In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I.
Aquinnah Town Column: Nov. 10
Winter is creeping up upon us. Daylight saving time does not really save anything and makes it night time before we know it, but this too shall pass.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Nov. 10
I have been working on a photo book for years now. It is a very sad undertaking.
On Chappy: Nov. 10
This is a particularly pleasant time of year for me. The ferry traffic has quieted down.
Edgartown Town Column: Nov. 10
Nobody is complaining about the weather except maybe the heating companies.
Caucus of Crows
Crows are supposedly year-round residents in most of their range, but we have crows that migrate to Martha’s Vineyard for the winter.
Winter Is Coming
I see by the Weather Channel that a freeze is heading our way. Although it will be sad to see the end of some of the still-blooming annuals, I suppose it is finally time.
A Strange Mariner: Velella Velella
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
Veterans Day Ceremonies on the Vineyard
Veterans Day celebrations this year will feature some changes.
Traveling With the Mormons, Guided by Distant Relatives
The Believers in the Crucible Nauvoo, a new book by Al Woollacott, tells the story of a distant relative named Naamah Carter.
Birds of a Feather
This is the last week to see Lanny McDowell’s avian photography exhibit at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse.
Wicked Good Music
The Wicked Good Musical Revue is back at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, brightening the off-season with Broadway tunes and standards.
Cyclists Beware
Every cyclist, sooner or later, has an unfriendly encounter with a motorist, but I broke new ground last Friday.
Domestic Violence Awareness
As the program director of CONNECT to end violence, I would like to recognize our community for their support.
Lightning Rod Issue
I am writing in response to a lightning rod issue to those on both sides of the debate regarding abortion access.
Permanent Endowment Grants Go to Islanders of All Ages, Abilities
Nearly 30 Island nonprofit groups and community programs enjoyed a spotlight moment Tuesday evening, when the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard presented them with grants.
House Fire Quickly Quelled in Edgartown
Edgartown firefighters responded to a fire at 30 Cottage street Wednesday morning. The fire was put out quickly and no one was hurt.
Chappy Cell Tower Plan Sparks Renewed Debate
Plans for a permanent wireless cell tower have sparked renewed debate on the small island, which has long struggled to acquire more reliable cell phone service.
Town Seeks Bidders for Yellow House
Edgartown is officially accepting proposals from developers who want to lease and renovate the Yellow House on Main street.
Oak Bluffs Man Goes to Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking
John P. Hathaway Jr. was sentenced to two years in state prison after pleading guilty last week to trafficking in fentanyl.
Hello, Lilly
Kate Lolley and Brad Hawkins of Kingston Springs, Tenn., announce the birth of their daughter, Lillian (Lilly) Kitson Hawkins, on Oct. 27.
Announcing Jozy
Amy and Asil Cash of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Jozy Ryder Cash, born Nov. 6 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Tribe Opposes Supreme Court Petition
The Aquinnah tribe says enough is enough: the U.S. Supreme Court should reject a last-ditch plea by the town of Aquinnah, the state and a community group to hear an appeal in the long-running casino case.
Keeper of the Flame Keeps Boxing With the Memories
Cold weather is coming eventually, so I’m in the process of moving summer things down to the shelves and wardrobes in our basement.
Edgartown Names New Fire Chief to Succeed Peter Shemeth
Alexander J. Schaeffer, the deputy chief at the Edgartown fire department, has been named the town’s next fire chief. Selectmen unanimously backed the choice at their meeting Monday.
County Budget Includes Money to Battle Substance Abuse
A $1.9 million county budget for the coming fiscal year will include a modest expenditure to battle substance abuse disorders on the Vineyard.
Makos Are in the Pool and Competing
The Martha’s Vineyard Makos traveled to Nantucket for the Southeastern Massachusetts Swim League Pentathlon meet.
Welcome, Lydia
Suziane and Leandro DaSilva of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Lydia Nobre DaSilva, born Oct. 25 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Sasha Arrives
Tatiana Pavlenko-Robinson and Andrew Robinson of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Sasha Jane Robinson, born Oct. 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Hello, Tucker
Lana and Roger Schaefer of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Tucker Pierce Schaefer, born Oct. 19 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Announcing Colin
Kathryn and Nicholas Townes of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Colin Richard Townes, born Oct. 16 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Farmers’ Market Studies Possible Move
As the Farmers’ Market shifts to its winter venue at the Agricultural Hall, talks have resumed about relocating the summer market there as well.
Football Team Scores Big Win in Emotional Final Game of the Season
An inspired regional high school football team scored two touchdowns Friday for a victory in the final game of the season.
