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 29, 2017
Shifting Tides of 2017 Reverberate on Martha’s Vineyard
Reversals of fortune. Institutional turmoil. Environmental stress. This could be a pencil sketch of 2017 in America — and a way to envision the year on Martha’s Vineyard as well.
Snakes, Sedge, a Horizontal Rainbow and a Solar Eclipse: the Year in Nature
Ticks and right whales dominated headlines, but 2017 was also filled with quieter environmental stories, from rare plants to visiting birds.
Real Estate Transacations: Dec. 18 to Dec. 24
Lane Gray LLC purchased 106 Peases Point Way North from Salvatore Giorgano TRS and Ox Pond Knoll Nominee Trust for $3,600,000 on Dec. 21.
Please Adopt Us
Shelter residents were happy to have a warm and cozy spot with fresh water and good food for Christmas. But their wish is for a forever home for the new year.
Land Bank Revenues: Dec. 22
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $481,536 for the business week ending on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017.
Chilmark Town Column: Dec. 29
It may be difficult to separate the Christmas season from the bearded man who drops onto rooftops ‘round the world from his reindeer, but what the season is truly about is gathering family and friends to fulfill traditions passed down through generations, laugh, joke, reminisce and simply enjoy good company.
Aquinnah Town Column: Dec. 29
Winter is upon us! A chilling four degrees with the wind chill factor on Wednesday morning. Over the next week we will experience temperatures in the teens.
From Island to Island, Tobias Vanderhoop Still Leads the Way
Tobias Vanderhoop may have moved clear across the country, but in many ways he finds himself in familiar surroundings: on an Island serving in a leadership role for a tribal community.
Hello, Olivia
Grace and William Bishop of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Olivia Ann Bishop, born on Dec. 25 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Welcome, Heitor
Marcela Ferreira and Patrick Lopes of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Heitor Brendon Ferreira Lopes, born on Dec. 24 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Announcing John
Carla Damian Gomes and Orlando Gomes of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, John Henry Gomes, born on Dec. 22 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Luna Arrives
Joziane and Leonardo de Paula Costa of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Luna de Paula Costa, born on Dec. 20 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Luna weighed 9 pounds at birth.
West Tisbury Town Column: Dec. 29
Well the automobile traffic in town was nearly non-existent most of the day as families gathered around their tree to exchange gifts and enjoy a family dinner.
On Chappy: Dec. 29
Sunday is New Year’s Eve. Many decades ago there was a group of lively somewhat young year-round adults on Chappy who seemed to have unlimited energy for staying up late.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Dec. 29
This is all about time for reflection. I think that is why we party so much this time of year. More so than in spring, we are revaluating the past and making resolutions for the future.
Jungle Training
First Lieut. Alicia Oliveira recently completed a grueling 15-day jungle warfare training in Hawaii.
Preparing for Big Move, Museum Temporarily Closes Edgartown Campus
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum announced that the museum will close to the public on Jan. 2, in preparation for the move to their new location.
In Vineyard Skies: Extreme Tides
You’ll probably notice that tides are running higher and lower than normal in the days and nights ahead.
Happy New Year: Time to Party Like it’s 2018
Let the eating, drinking, music, noisemakers and midnight kisses begin. All around the Island, restaurants are featuring special dinners to help end 2017 on a tasty note.
Skate-a-Thon
Start the year off by gliding into a skate-a-thon celebration at the ice arena Monday, Jan. 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Chilmark Potluck Jam
Start revving up the New Years parties a day early with a Chilmark Potluck Jam on Saturday, Dec. 30, beginning at 6 p.m.
Knock Wood
He eased out of the right side of the bed.
Gazette Chronicle: Depression Days
From the Dec. 30, 1932 edition of the Vineyard Gazette:
A Year in Nature
What follows is an edited selection of nature writings from the Gazette Editorial Page throughout the year.
Yellow-Throated Warbler
Yellow-throated warblers are one of the few warblers that looks colorful and distinctive throughout the year, hence it is relatively easy to identify.
The Science Secrets Behind Champagne Dreams
The key to champagne is the second fermentation of the drink.
New Year, New You
Because the days are almost imperceivably longer the hens have noticed.
Island Property Owners Join Rush to Prepay Tax Bills
Tax collectors on Martha’s Vineyard are busier than usual as taxpayers rush to prepay property taxes before the end of the year. The reason is the new federal tax regulations.
Chilmark Dems Meet
The next meeting of the Chilmark Democratic Committee will be on Sunday, Jan. 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Chilmark Library.
Freshwater Ponds Are Abundant Resource for Hardy Birds of Winter
You might think that a freshwater pond on Martha’s Vineyard in winter would be a habitat unlikely to attract birds, but the opposite is true.
Lasagna Luncheons Begin in January
The Federated Church free lasagna luncheons will begin on Sunday, Jan. 7, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the parish house.
Financial Group Names New Managing Director
Luke Murphy has been named managing director for investment services for the Martha’s Vineyard Financial Group.
Top Stories of 2017: Hospital Controversy, Right Whales
The ouster of Martha’s Vineyard Hospital CEO Joe Woodin and the reaction that followed was one of several Island controversies that occupied the attention of readers over the past year.
Adrift or Afloat, May an Ocean of Good Cheer Guide You Home
I’m not sure, but I think there was quail. There had to be pies and potatoes — mashed or roasted. And some vegetables.
Affordable Housing Project Begins in Aquinnah
Aquinnah town officials and Island affordable housing leaders gathered Friday on a cold hilltop to break ground on a new affordable housing project.
