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 28, 2020
Recent Real Estate Transactions: Week Ending August 21
Puddleby LLC purchased 61 Moshup Trail in Aquinnah from Dan D. Levitt, Trs., for $1,480,000 on August 17.
Simply Sorghum
Honestly, I have no business ever complaining about the weather.
Busy Skies
There is plenty happening in the skies in the weeks ahead.
State Primary Is Tuesday; Early Voting Ends Friday
Voters across the Island will head to the polls with hand sanitizer and face masks Tuesday for the Massachusetts state primary. Closely contested races for the state’s junior senate seat nomination top both ballots.
Virtual Democratic Convention Grounded in Chilmark Soil
When Joe Solmonese was hired as CEO of the 2020 Democratic National Convention a little over a year ago, he knew that there were going to have to be some changes.
Boom or Bust?
The recent dramatic increase in real estate prices is probably the last straw.
Against Shipyard Expansion
I urge commission members to stop the proposed shipyard marina expansion.
Postal Mess
The Oak Bluffs post office is a mess.
Different, Still Great
The Martha’s Vineyard Author Series received Island-wide support.
Community Deserves Better
I am writing to express my disappointment with the decision to terminate the lease with Trustees at Katama Farm.
Farm Futures
Katama Farm is again in transition.
Keeping the Pantry Full
During the pandemic, the Island Food Pantry has been overwhelmed with requests for food.
Arthur’s Beach
Sand Clean white sand warm in summer rolling wet hot bodies fresh from swimming in the Sound Frozen white salted crunch underfoot in winter wind blasting eye stinging unforgiving bits of it Sand obsessed Arthur the wave caressed pitch of dune shaped by fetch and depth Rooted in beachgrass tendrils entrapped in the timber groins…
Child of Oak Bluffs, Island Father, Best Friend
Dennis daRosa, my longest-time friend in life, died last week.
Another Little Piece of My Heart
Fifty years ago this summer I saw a musical milestone. No one knew this was a farewell concert.
Sunday Strolling on Middle Road Is a Balm for the Soul
Early Sunday morning, I like to walk Middle Road from West Tisbury.
From Western Ways to Island Life
I live on Martha’s Vineyard, 3,000 miles away from my homeland. Why?
Ripe for Preserving: Pickling, Canning, Roasting, Dehydrating
In my fantasy world of self-reliance, I would become an expert preserver.
Settee a Spell
Oak Bluffs, from very early days, was a woodworking village.
Land Bank Revenues: Week Ending August 28
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $515,348.84 for the business week ending on Friday, August 21, 2020.
At the Bridge Table: August 28
Don’t help your opponents. That’s simple enough in concept but more complex in action. • Don’t take a finesse for your opponents. Here you have the lead early in a 4♠ contract: Dummy: ♠ A J 10 5 You: ♠ 9 8 7 Whatever you do, don’t play spades, hoping partner has the king. Here are the…
Loving Life at the Speed of Putt Putt
Island Cove Adventures opened in September of 1992. Now, it’s time for a new owner.
Chappy Point to Point Race Perseveres
The second annual Chappaquiddick Point to Point race is set for this Sunday, August 30.
Creative Fun Goes a Long Way
Wall to Wall Fun is the new show by Island artist L.A. Brown at the Old Sculpin Gallery in Edgartown.
From Poetry to Prose, Jennifer Smith Turner Finds Her Way
Jennifer Smith Turner’s new novel Child Bride, a story of survival.
West Tisbury Sets Special Town Meeting for Fall
Selectmen voted Wednesday to call a special town meeting for Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. in the Oak Bluffs Tabernacle, where the annual town meeting took place in June.
All-Island Committee Backs Comprehensive Testing Plan
The committee agreed this week to accept a proposal for comprehensive testing for Island public schools, with the question of how to pay for it still to be determined.
Major Grant Goes to Fishermen’s Trust
The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust has received a $250,000 grant to expand its community seafood program.
TestMV Reports One New Case, Hospital Plans for More Changes in Fall
TestMV reported one new case of Covid-19 Wednesday, marking the 13th total case on the Island this August as hospital officials planned for a changed — and potentially busier — fall season.
Aquinnah Town Column: August 28
At last the humidity has dissipated once again.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: August 28
A break in heat and humidity!
Chappy Town Column: August 28
Slip Away Farm is sponsoring fundraisers in support of the Black community and the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Chilmark Town Column: August 28
One week ago, Brooks headed offshore on f/v Sinful.
Edgartown Town Column: August 28
It seems many people who missed Illumination did their own version in their yards.
Selectmen Grant License to Vineyard Grocer and Apologize
In an about face by the Tisbury selectmen, Elio Silva’s Vineyard Grocer is fully licensed to sell food prepared on the premises, following a quick and unanimous vote Tuesday.
Charter School Puts Its Own Stamp on Reopening Plans for Fall
The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School will begin the school year with a remote curriculum fitted to its mission of project-based and individualized learning.
School Building Committee Settles on Gym Design
The Tisbury School building committee agreed this week on a conceptual design for a school addition that puts the gymnasium at parking level to provide easier access for town residents.
State Awards Oak Bluffs $1 Million for North Bluff Improvements
The ongoing waterfront redevelopment project along the North Bluff in Oak Bluffs got a major boost Tuesday with the announcement from Gov. Charlie Baker that the town will receive $1 million in state grant money for further infrastructure improvements.
State Police Dispose of World War II Era Ordnance
A state police bomb squad recovered and disposed of ordnance that washed up in Edgartown over the weekend.
Hummingbird Heaven
It’s difficult to keep track of hummingbirds as they zip around chasing each other.
Fennel Fans
Obsessed with the sight, scent, utility and attractiveness of this all-star vegetable, herb and pollinator magnet.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: August 28
Over the past several weeks, A.K.A.s have been seen strolling and promenading on Inkwell Beach.
TestMV Begins Free Covid Testing for Children
Free coronavirus testing for children will be available effective immediately at TestMV, testing officials announced Monday, as one more person tested positive for Covid-19.
First-Time Author, Longtime Lawyer, Puts Racial Justice Center Stage
In his first novel, No Truth Left to Tell, Chilmark seasonal resident Michael McAuliffe mines his experience as a civil rights attorney to peel back the layers of the law.
YMCA Announces Reopening
The YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard will reopen its doors to members Sept. 9, according to an announcement.
Chicken Alley Thrift Shop Rises to the Moment
During the pandemic Chicken Alley Thrift Shop is serving as a vital force in the community, offering used clothing and household items and raising money for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
Fans Gather to Celebrate the Work of Chilmark Chocolates
The lawn outside the former Chilmark Chocolates was the liveliest spot in town on Saturday, as customers flocked to a pop-up yard sale benefiting the Vineyard Independence Partnership.
Private Schools See Surge in Applications for the Fall
Vineyard Montessori and Falmouth Academy both confirmed a large, unprecedented number of applications this year, including from out-of-state residents planning to relocate.
Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Steps Down
Jessie Damroth, who has led the club for the past four years, will leave effective August 31, the club board of directors announced in a press release Saturday morning.
Saturday Morning Car Crash Injures Driver
Edgartown police, fire and EMS responded to a single-car crash Saturday morning off the Edgartown-West Tisbury Road.
High School Sports in a Pandemic to See Shift in Schedules
The MIAA approved a tentative schedule this week that will allow most fall high school sports to begin Sept. 18. The exceptions are football, cheerleading and unified basketball.
Up-Island Schools Mull Their Own Reopening Plans
The up-Island school committee this week weighed proposals to allow in-person learning for younger students in its reopening plan, although no final decision was made.
Museum Elects New Board Officers
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum board of directors announced this week that it has elected a new slate of officers.
Ulysses Goes Online with Prof. Weinstein
Popular Island lecturer Philip Weinstein, professor emeritus at Swarthmore College, begins an online course on James Joyce’s Ulysses Sept. 9.
