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 2, 2019
Crescent Moon and Virgo
Crescent Moon and Virgo A thin crescent moon appears low in the southwestern sky tomorrow night. The moon is entering the zodiacal constellation Virgo, one of the zodiac’s largest constellations. It takes more than three nights for the moon to move through this constellation. The brightest star nearby is Spica. Without planets in the area,…
Gazette Launches Vehicle Traffic Survey
The Vineyard Gazette’s Community Surveys project is launching an online survey to gather public attitudes and ideas about motor vehicle traffic on Martha’s Vineyard during the peak summer months.
How Martha’s Vineyard Grew from Shabby to Chic
While Chappaquiddick left an indelible mark on the Vineyard, the broadscale population change and development that occurred on the Island over the next 50 years had started long beforehand.
With Shark Sighting Close to Shore, Seal Factor Can’t Be Ignored
In the aftermath of a rare shark sighting that temporarily closed South Beach in Edgartown on Tuesday, researchers are looking for answers as to what is drawing sharks to the Cape and Islands in large numbers in recent years.
Tipping Point
Hot summer days have stretched on endlessly this year, warming an ocean that just six weeks ago was chilly enough to take the breath away.
Summer Traffic Triggers Talk of Tipping Point
Summer vehicle traffic numbers from the Steamship Authority are on track to match last year’s record-breaking figures, and backups continue to snarl Island roads in July and August.
Land Bank Revenues: Week Ending July 26
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $236,957 for the business week ending on Friday, July 26, 2019.
Recent Real Estate Transactions: Week Ending July 26
Real estate transactions by town for the week ending July 26.
Graphic Report: Dumptique
Graphic artist Paul Karasik chronicles a recent trip to the Dumptique.
Welcome Wes
Kate Treitman Brown and Malcolm Brown of Chilmark announce the birth of a son, Wes Treitman Brown, born on July 23.
Chilmark Town Column
For those who choose the role of visitor, July begins on a sharp and crisp note.
Aquinnah Town Column
Another week of sweltering heat in Aquinnah. Think winter — it will take your mind off the heat and humidity.
West Tisbury Town Column
The weekend weather was just delightful. The beaches were pleasantly full on Sunday, many cookouts were held over the weekend. The school baseball field and tennis courts town were busy. Activity will pick up even more in this town in advance of the fair, as we have near the peak of the summer season as…
Cape Air Expands Service
Cape Air announced this week that it will expand its service from Hyannis, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York city.
Announcing Abraham
Lydia and Leigh Sylvia, of Vineyard Haven, announce the birth of a son, Abraham Orion Sylvia, born on July 29.
Greetings Rye
Gabrielle and Tyler Chronister, of Vineyard Haven, announce the birth of a son, Rye Joseph Chronister, born on July 27.
Vineyard Haven Town Column
I had the great pleasure to accompany Gail Becker and her three daughters, Sharon, Anne and Lee, to the most wonderful concert last week at the Chilmark Community Center. The concert was offered by the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society. Three string players, all teachers and tops in their field, opened the concert. Then out…
On Chappy
I opened my greenhouse door the other morning and discovered seven bobwhite quail scurrying around and under our seeding tables.
Sea Shanty Party
Better to sing with the fishes than sleep with the fishes, and on Wednesday, August 7 that’s exactly what is in store at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown.
Canvas & Chords
MVY Radio and Old Sculpin Gallery will host a collaborative fundraising event, Canvas & Chords, on Saturday, August 3 at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven.
A Man of Letters
Martha’s Vineyard resident Arnie Reisman’s screenplay, Rembrandt Has Left the Building, co-written with Nat Segaloff, has won the grand prize at the Electric City screenplay competition hosted by Film Schenectady.
Museum Medals Honor Heart of the Island
Chocolatiers, teachers and a painter were honored for their commitment to the Island at the annual Martha’s Vineyard Museum Medal ceremony.
Union Chapel Speaker
On Sunday, August 4, Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs welcomes back the Reverend Kenneth J. Kieffer for his fifth visit.
Hospital Announces New Trustees Leadership
John Schaefer has been named as the new chairman of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital board of trustees, the hospital said in an announcement this week.
Gingerbread Cottage Tour
The six cottages on this year’s Gingerbread Cottage Tour all retain a number of their original features, however their addresses have changed.
Hello Lennox
Shelly and Philip Reed of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Lennox John Reed, born on July 25.
Oak Bluffs Town Column
The generosity and philanthropy of Craig and Diane Welburn continues to shine on the Vineyard.
Reducing Tick-Borne Illness Is Critical
The Martha’s Vineyard tick-borne illness reduction initiative of the Island boards of health has seen significant progress in the past several years.
August Ascends
From the August 2, 1934 edition of the Gazette:
Considering Another Way at Lobster Release Event
Sharon Gamsby and Barbara Dacey, co-founders of the Bodhi Path Buddhist Center on the Island, also helped create the annual lobster release, now in its fifth year.
Tashmoo in Trouble
As an earth science teacher on Martha’s Vineyard for 22 years, I was embarrassed to learn that the affordable housing developers on this Island continue to plan year-round affordable multi-family housing projects inside the Lake Tashmoo watershed zone.
Clutter Free Is Not for Me
They see a lot more of me at the Apothecary these days. It’s because of Otis Spunkmeyer.
Editorial Misses Mark
Whine? Henry Hough would role over in his grave.
Summer Tradition: Treasure Hunting at the Chilmark Flea Market
Each Wednesday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chilmark Flea Market fans follow the pointer finger on the yellow signs scattered around the Island.
Weaving a Narrative of Resilience
An exhibit titled And Still We Rise: Race Culture and Visual Conversations, includes more than 40 quilts and is on display at the Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center in Oak Bluffs.
Light Winds, Heavy Fun for Round the Island Race
The Edgartown Yacht Club Round the Island race was tested by light winds on Saturday, but high spirits persisted nonetheless.
An Artistic Birthday Wish Come True
Edgartown’s Old Sculpin Gallery located at Memorial Wharf celebrated 65 years of art on the water. The building is 230 years old.
Where Benton Found Peace of Mind
The world knows Thomas Hart Benton as one of the most iconic painters of 20th-century America, his work as recognizable as that of Grant Wood or Edward Hopper.
Big Names Plus Independent Thinking
The African American Film Festival begins August 5 at the Performing Arts Center. On August 8, Michael B. Jordan will take part in a conversation with Bryan Stevenson.
Royalty on the Roadside
A week ago Tuesday’s super quick tornado/lightning/rain event was a bit anxiety-producing.
Puddle Jumpers
Heavy rains make good puddles for birds.
The Banes of Our Existence
This plant should be in a Cynthia Riggs novel.
A 180-Degree Turn: When the Reporter Becomes the Story
As a journalist, Jim Acosta wants you to know that he never wanted to make himself the story.
A Voice for the People Sounds an Alarm
It is estimated that roughly 250 million people are living in countries where they were not born.
Letting the Words Lead, a Writer Follows the Threads of Love and Grief
Sigrid Nunez did not expect her seventh novel to have as its protagonist a writer living in New York.
If the First Restaurant Doesn’t Succeed, Try Again, and Again, and Again
Chef Kwame Onwuachi has cooked for high society and for oil spill crews.
What to Do About Climate Change? Answer Begins With You
A dogged reporter on the four a.m to noon shift at the New York Times was tired.
Letting the Muse Dine on Real Life Tidbits
My Ex-Life, by Stephen McCauley, is a wry, endearing and often very funny novel.
Oak Bluffs Man Charged With Carjacking
Jermaine Sharpe, 29, remains in custody after allegedly attacking the operator of a landscaping truck and stealing the vehicle. He has been charged with carjacking, unarmed robbery, assault and vandalism.
South Beach Reopens to Swimming After Closure Due to Shark Sighting
A shark sighting offshore closed South Beach to swimmers Tuesday afternoon. The water was opened again for swimming by 4:20 p.m.
Chappy Flies Old Glory With Small-Island Gusto
The old Memorial Wharf flagpole has a new home — and on a whole different island.
Police Respond to Motor Vehicle Incidents
A 29-year-old Oak Bluffs man was arrested last Thursday after he allegedly attacked a vehicle operator and stole a landscaping truck, Oak Bluffs police said. The incident occurred on Garvin street near Dukes County avenue.
Della Day Returns With Warmth and Inspiration
A group of friends sat in an East Chop backyard, shaded by beach trees and oaks to remember a woman who was a teacher, writer, activist, friend, and mother to many. The day was Della Hardman Day.
Reducing Tick-Borne Illness on Martha’s Vineyard Demands Urgent Attention
The Martha’s Vineyard tick-borne illness reduction initiative of the Island boards of health has seen significant progress in the past several years. More is needed.
Tisbury Dissolves Its Shellfish Committee, Sowing Concern
The elimination of several key advisory committees in Tisbury, including the shellfish committee, has caught some townspeople unawares.
Chekhov Meets Comedy, With a Dash of Disney
Just one more week to see the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse’s production of Christopher Durang’s comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2013.
Farm and Field: Flower Power
Every other morning, I begin my day harvesting flowers, working alongside my friend Lucy Leopold.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors in a Big Way
The Martha’s Vineyard Bank donated $1 million for the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services campus overhaul during the Possible Dreams Auction on Sunday evening.
VTA Drivers Vote To Ratify Contract, Ending 28-Day Strike
Drivers for the Vineyard Transit Authority voted Sunday to ratify a contract with their employer. Drivers are due to return to work on Tuesday.
Pace Still Races But Locale Lifts Off to International
John Grisham will participate in a discussion with Amor Towles on Sunday, August 4 at 9:30 a.m.
