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
July 3, 2020
Writing Scholarships Offered
Scholarships for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) writers are available for an upcoming workshop on young adult fiction.
Tisbury Mandates Face Coverings
The Tisbury board of health has imposed a mandatory mask order, effective July 30, for downtown Vineyard Haven and waterfront areas.
New Gallery Expands Hours
The Ruel Gallery in Menemsha is now open Thursday through Sunday.
Boards of Health Report One New Coronavirus Case Friday
On the eve of the July 4th holiday, Island boards of health reported one new positive test on the Vineyard, bringing the total coronavirus caseload to 53.
From Porch to Airfield, Birthday Wishes Don’t Stop
Every year, during the first week of July, friends and family descend upon the Mello house to wish David Mello a Happy Birthday.
Full Moon and July Fourth
The full moon hangs in the southern sky tomorrow night on the Fourth of July.
Senate Bill Would Relieve Port Towns From Paying SSA Deficit
The budget amendment would exempting all port towns from having to cover a Steamship Authority pandemic-related budget shortfall.
Jaws Exhibit Whets the Art Appetite
From July 4 through July 10, a new group show at the art gallery pays tribute to Jaws production designer Joe Alves.
Polar Bears Stay the Course With Optimism and Solidarity
For many Americans of color, the Fourth of July has meant something different. In a morning conversation at Inkwell Beach, three Polar Bears reflect.
Land Bank Revenues: Week Ending July 3
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $187,306.90 for the business week ending on Friday, June 26, 2020.
Beyond the Bustle, Vineyard Prepares for a Less Festive Fourth of July
With the Fourth of July parade and fireworks cancelled, downtown Edgartown won’t be the same this weekend. A handful of smaller events are planned.
Big Weekend Equals Big Beach Days, and Officials Are Worried
High summer is here, and thousands are flocking to Island beaches. But the crowds have many Vineyard officials on edge.
Back in the Sand at North Bluff Beach
For years, the North Bluff beach in Oak Bluffs has been slowly disappearing. Now all that has changed.
Phase Three Reopening Begins Monday
Museums, gyms and movie theatres will be allowed to restart business on Monday as part of the third phase of the state’s gradual reopening plan.
WWII Vets to Roll July 4 in Edgartown
Escorted by police, World War II veterans Bob Falkenberg and Herb Foster will ride in a Jeep down Main Street and back to the Edgartown School.
The Time Is Always Now To Stand Up for Racial Equality
I was 22. In September I would start a jam-packed nine-month masters program at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
Taking It Slow in the Pandemic Fast Lane
“We are taking it slow.” That was the mantra I had back in the fall when I started dating Lance Fullin.
Finding Normalcy at the Farmers’ Market
With news this week that the Chilmark Flea Market wouldn’t after all be happening this summer, I felt a wave of gratitude for the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market folks.
Announcing Finley
Morgan O’Hara and Michael O’Hara, of West Tisbury and Jupiter, Fla., announce the birth of a daughter, Finley Alice O’Hara, born on July 1.
Sgt. William Bishop Earns New Rank
William Bishop of the Edgartown police department was formally promoted to sergeant in an outdoor ceremony Wednesday at police headquarters.
Environmental Police Investigate Lobster Deaths
Massachusetts environmental police are investigating an incident in Menemsha involving the death of a commercial fishermen’s lobster catch.
Oak Bluffs Board of Health Mulls Mandatory Mask Rule
The Oak Bluffs board of health is considering adopting a mandatory mask rule in the downtown area, similar to one adopted by the town of Nantucket this week.
Chappy Town Column: July 3
There are more than 10 plover nests and groups of chicks between the Dike Bridge, around Wasque and along the length of Norton Point.
Aquinnah Town Column: July 3
Summertime weather has been enjoyed by many.
Please Adopt Us
Your donations have made us able to keep our community projects going during this pandemic.
A Single Seed
Think about the wonder of a single seed and the life potential.
Tisbury Recoups Some Pandemic Expenses
Massachusetts is making good on its promise to repay towns for costs incurred as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic this spring. Tisbury has received $65,080.
Chilmark Tightens the Clamp on Social Distancing
Chilmark selectmen and town officials put on their social distancing caps Tuesday, looking to tighten regulations and up enforcement in preparation for Fourth of July weekend.
Island Grown Initiative, Island Food Pantry Announce Merger
Two key Martha’s Vineyard nonprofits, Island Grown Initiative and the Island Food Pantry, announced this week that they will merge in 2021.
Hospital Reports Its First Coronavirus Case in a Month
The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital reported its first positive coronavirus case in over a month on Wednesday, with officials striking a voice of calm on the eve of the Fourth of July weekend.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: July 3
June ended with some exciting passages to report.
Chilmark Flea Postponed Indefinitely
The Chilmark Flea Market is on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, organizers announced.
Vineyard Chef Survives the Chopping Block to Take Top Prize
Nemo Bolin’s culinary journey has taken him from the Vineyard to Boston, the West Coast and Providence, R.I. Most recently he took first prize in an episode of Chopped on the Food Network
The Strike
The strike lasted seventy-six days, not counting the April 1 to April 15 so-called wildcat strike of the officers of the Nantucket.
Dwindling Songs
The volume of bird song has decreased in the past few weeks.
Hello Cora
Elyce Retmier and Ben Retmier, of West Tisbury, announce the birth of a daughter, Cora Cathryn Retmier, born on June 26.
Governor Baker Relaxes Quarantine Rules for Out-of-State Travelers
Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday that the commonwealth would relax its 14-day quarantine advisory for most out of state travelers.
Outdoor Dining Expands, Gas Dock Reopens in Edgartown
Edgartown selectmen approved three more restaurants for expanded outdoor seating and gave a green light to reopen the gas dock on the harbor Monday.
At the Bridge Table: July 3
Bear with me, and we’ll get to bridge. First, I have to get some pet peeves off my chest. The endlessly misused word “lay” tops the charts. It’s a transitive word, people. You lay an egg. You don’t “lay around,” you “lie around.” This misstep applies to people who should know better. Joan Didion’s novel…
Round the Mulberry Bush
Birds, poets, writers, healers, drinkers, weavers, cooks, insects–just about everyone loves mulberry trees.
Chilmark Town Column: July 3
Frances Labaree thought a trip to Larsen’s to purchase fish for dinner was going to be quick and simple.
Edgartown Town Column: July 3
I am happy for the rain and I know the flowers and lawns are happy.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: July 3
Those of us on the Vineyard are well aware of the role that our beloved Charlayne Hunter-Gault has played in trying to make America become what it says it is.
Three New Cases Added to Vineyard Covid Count
Island health officials reported one new positive coronavirus patient from the TestMV site and two more who had tested positive for viral antibodies.
Helping Transform Pandemic Time Into Pizza Time
Nina Levin, chef and owner of Stoney Hill Pizza, opened her mobile business on June 13. Since then she’s been turning out wood-fired pizzas at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market and private events.
Antibody Testing Remains Scarce on Island
As Covid-19 testing continues to expand throughout the Island, viral serology testing — or testing for coronavirus antibodies — remains virtually non-existent.
Sail MV Auction Opens
Sailing trips, boats, watches, custom works by skilled craftsmen and a seafood buffet for six—delivered—are among the lots available for bidding in the Sail MV online auction.
Minor Incidents Occupy Police Over Weekend
Island police responded to car accidents and minor incidents over the weekend. As more people arrive, call volume is picking up, police said.
Islander from Chappy Named Fulbright Student
Jade Livingston, a Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School graduate from Chappaquiddick, will study coral reefs in Australia.
Film Festival Puts Music Center Stage
There’s still time to catch the FILMusic Festival, which closes Wednesday night after a week-long virtual run.
Praise for Protected Lands on Martha’s Vineyard
In her new book, Tess Bramhall pays tribute to 21 of the Island’s most beautiful protected places.
Discrimination Claim Filed in Federal Court Against Vineyard Vines
A federal lawsuit filed in Connecticut alleges that the preppy fashion wear brand fostered a discriminatory workplace culture.
Back on the Field Again, Sharks Baseball Clinic for Kids Resumes
The morning summer sun beat down on the freshly groomed field of the Shark Tank Sunday as current and former Martha’s Vineyard Sharks players and coaches led a group of kids through batting practice and fielding drills. It was the Sharks’ first drop-in youth baseball clinic of the summer
Chilmark Garage Fire Is Put Out Quickly
Firefighters from Chilmark and West Tisbury quickly quelled a garage fire off South Road Thursday evening.
Keeping the Faith During a Pandemic
Religious institutions on the Island have struggled with the decision of whether to open this summer, noting the challenges of holding services in small enclosed spaces.
Shift Worker Slightly Injured in Edgartown Rollover
Edgartown police were called to a single-car accident on the West Tisbury Road at around 7 a.m. Saturday.
Aquinnah Selectmen Waive the Rent on Shops at Cliffs
Leaseholders at the cliffs shops in Aquinnah will pay no rent this summer, the town selectmen decided this week.
Summer of Pandemic Carries Added Risks for Those Over 65
For Islanders over age 65, the Covid-19 pandemic carries extra risks — not only of potentially fatal infection, but from loneliness, financial insecurity and depression. “There’s a real issue around social isolation,” said Cindra Trish, executive director of the advocacy group Healthy Aging MV.
Freeze on Foreign Worker Visas Compounds Island Business Worries
The decision by the Trump administration to extend a freeze on temporary work visas has dealt another blow to Island business owners.
