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
December 28, 2018
The Year in Nature and Science on Martha’s Vineyard 2018
Natural highlights for the year included cattle egrets enjoying a respite near Middle Road, a cold stunned loggerhead turtle saved just before Thanksgiving, and a leatherback turtle saved earlier in the season after being entangled in a lobster pot.
New Year Morning
For those who are up early New Year’s morning, look in the southeastern skies for the crescent moon in close proximity to the bright planet Venus.
The Year in Arts on Martha’s Vineyard 2018
On the Vineyard creativity is everywhere and encompasses every season, from the short days and long nights of winter to the hustle-bustle of summer.
Nature Through the Seasons
Schools of black sea bass running thick in the deep water of Vineyard Sound. Sunsets, glorious sunsets.
Out of the Darkness
Darkness into Vineyard Light would like to thank Lia Kahler and the outreach committee of the Chilmark Community Church for collecting donations for suicide prevention and awareness.
Vineyard Said Goodbye to Beloved Islanders in 2018
Among the Islanders who died in 2018 was Ed Jerome, former Edgartown principal and longtime leader of the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.
Night on the Town
On behalf of the residents of Island Elderly Housing, I would like to thank the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank and Patti Leighton for sponsoring a movie night in Edgartown.
Racially Offensive
It came to the attention of the Martha’s Vineyard NAACP last week that a store in Vineyard Haven put up a racially offensive holiday display.
Good Deeds
Since reading about the dilemma of Vineyard residents not being aware who owns their electric lines, I would like to tell our story.
Turn the Page
Young Nancy and James Rogers looked out the window Saturday morning and saw a parachute hanging in a tree, with a small package suspended at the end of the strings.
As the Crow Flies, So Doth I
Crows have come to roost in my consciousness again. I am of the kind that seek out the omens of a happening, a circumstance, a serendipity.
High School Sets Tentative Budget
The regional high school district committee tentatively set a $22 million operating budget last week.
Land Bank Revenues: Dec. 21
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $ 543,483.20 for the business week ending on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018.
Farm Neck Foundation
The Farm Neck Foundation has awarded grants totaling $78,815 for 2018.
Ferry Breakdowns, Ferocious Storms, Iconic Properties Bought and Sold
What follows are 10 of the stories that engaged Gazette readers in print and online over the past year.
Not a Year to Drift, 2018 Offered Up Hard Choices
This year may be best remembered as the year Islanders learned just how fragile their bridge to the mainland is. And while the Steamship Authority dominated the news and conversation, it was not the only news.
Please Adopt Us
It’s been a wonderful holiday season for most of our shelter residents. Guinea pig, Maple, left Christmas Eve and was a happily received present.
From Paris to the Heavens
Like planets, constellations can come and go.
First Snowy of the Season
Of the four northern species observed this week, the snowy owl tops the list.
The Good Old Days
How fun it was to wake up Christmas Eve morning to a tiny dusting of snow. I’m not sure one would call it a white Christmas but it was pretty close.
Free Pilates Classes
Beginning Jan. 4, the West Tisbury Library will offer four free Pilates classes on alternating Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m.
Plunging Into a New Year, Island Style
The Christmas cheer has subsided and now New Year’s winks at us from around the next corner with its hats and noisemakers, bubbly and midnight kisses.
Real Estate Transactions: Dec. 12 to Dec. 18
Kathy Spiegelman and Robert Zverina purchased 24 North Slope Lane in Chilmark from Adriana Forte and Sergio Modigliani, trustees of the Modigliani trust, for $1,317,500 on Dec. 14.
Welcome Olivia
Gerqueias Pereira and Gedeone Oliveira, of Vineyard Haven, announce the birth of a daughter, Olivia Rodrigues Braganca deOliveira, born on Dec. 20.
Maverick Arrives
Meghan Hotte and Zackery Bonner, of West Tisbury, announce the birth of a son, Maverick Dean Bonner, born on Dec. 19.
Man Charged Again in Sexual Assault Case
An Edgartown man is being held without bail after being arraigned two weeks ago on charges of violating an abuse prevention order.
Chilmark Town Column: Dec. 28
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.”
West Tisbury Town Column: Dec. 28
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.
Aquinnah Town Column: Dec. 28
Sunny and seasonably cold and calm in Aquinnah over the holiday weekend, with only a slight bit of snow on Monday morning.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Dec. 28
The nurses have it. We always knew that.
On Chappy: Dec. 28
On New Year’s Eve, next Monday night, Chappy ferry captain Becca LaMarche is willing to stick around after midnight in case you want to stay at a party to welcome in the new year.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Dec. 28
The end of December represents a wonderful time to exhibit the spirit and the intent of the late President George Herbert Walker Bush’s “thousand points of light.”
Loaves and Fishes: The Year in Food 2018
Food trends come and go. But social food issues like food security, hunger prevention, food diversity and food waste are here to stay.
YMCA Merger With Ice Arena Due to be Complete by Year’s End
The YMCA and Martha’s Vineyard Arena plan to merge on Dec. 31, leaders for both organizations confirmed this week.
Vandalism Spree Mars Holiday Mood in Edgartown
North Water street in Edgartown was a scene of shattered glass, kicked-in fences, smashed Christmas light bulbs and beer bottles strewn through front lawns Friday morning.
Chilmark Signs Agreement to Buy Property Next to Town Hall
A property abutting the town hall could become the new headquarters for Tri-Town ambulance, if voters agree at the annual town meeting next spring.
Volunteer Firefighters Graduate from Accelerated Training Course
Fifteen volunteer firefighters from Edgartown and Tisbury graduated on Wednesday evening from an accelerated firefighter 1 and 2 course. The graduation ceremony was held at the Edgartown school.
