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
September 18, 2020
Where is the Milky Way?
An orange sun and skies in the morning and late afternoon aren’t the only changes that have come with the high altitude smoke in our atmosphere.
Forest for the Trees
With some five million acres aflame on the West Coast, one would expect the danger of wildfire to be top of mind for those responsible for caring for Massachusetts forests.
Constant Vigilance
A sudden outbreak of Covid-19 cases on our sister island of Nantucket last week is a sharp reminder of the insidiousness of this virus.
As Census Wobbles Toward Finish Line, Organizers Make Final Push
Island census organizers are ramping up outreach efforts to boost participation, after a counting process hamstrung by funding cuts and concern about low response rates.
Singing the Pandemic Blues Is Not Just a Figure of Speech
When the government shutdown began in late March, it dealt a knockout punch to the Island’s once-bustling music scene.
Edgartown Enforces Strict Limits at Wastewater Plant
The Edgartown wastewater treatment facility has dramatically curtailed its capacity for taking pumpouts from septic systems in recent months, forcing septic haulers to scramble.
For Millenia, Gleaning Feeds Heart, Soul and Stomach
Martha’s Vineyard residents in need are eating more locally-raised food than ever before, thanks to a network of Island farms, volunteers and social service agencies in the Island Grown Gleaning program.
Vineyard Public Schools Begin New Year With Excitement, Uncertainty
Thursday marked the first day of school for students across the Island, but this year, backpacks and school buses were traded in for Chromebooks and webcams.
Paging Kafka, the Census Wants You
Around the first of the year, posters began appearing on public buildings and bulletin boards advertising jobs with the U.S. Census. So I applied.
Great Loss
The Island has lost a great friend.
Beach Bliss
I am writing to thank town administrator Robert Whritenour and the selectmen and department heads who have created the wonderful new Oak Bluffs beach for the people of Martha’s Vineyard.
Memorable Day
On Saturday, Sept. 5, Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard had its first Islandwide yard sale.
Duffy Delight
From the Sept. 18, 1925 edition of the Vineyard Gazette:
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Sept. 18
Tough times for everyone. Tough times for student athletes. Our MVRHS student athletes held a rally Sunday at the school at 11 a.m. They are advocating for the re-opening of student fall sports. I want everyone to be safe but I understand their frustration. What to do? Katharine Poole, our multi-talented theatre artist, is visiting…
Edgartown Town Column: Sept. 18
The weather still remains cool at night and warm enough in the day to make people happy. We do need rain, though.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Sept. 18
Cindy Carter has been a gracious host to friends that are coming to the Island to social distance from dense urban markets.
Chilmark Town Column: Sept. 18
Life in the town of Chilmark has slowly begun to make its evolution towards fall.
Chappy Town Column: Sept. 18
The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby began this week and runs to Saturday, Oct. 17.
Aquinnah Town Column: Sept. 18
Crisp days and nights as we head into autumn.
First Week of the Derby: You Can’t Win if You Don’t Enter
A possible record bonito did not cross the scales during the first week of action, as the fisherman had not registered for the derby.
Exhibit of Rare African Statues Depicts Cross Cultural Tragedies
Two historic statues have been brought together for display at the Mariposa Museum in Oak Bluffs.
Please Adopt Us: Sept. 18
At this time, our Island animal shelter remains open for official business and by appointment only.
Recent Real Estate Transactions: Week Ending Sept. 11
Frank R. and Sarah L. Bazos purchased 11 Howell Lane in Chilmark from Marc. R. Villa and Margaret W. Villa for $2,660,000 on Sept. 8.
Land Bank Revenues: Week ending Sept. 11
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $634,970.04 for the business week ending on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020.
Yard, Aquinnah CC Get State Arts Grants
The New England Foundation for the Arts has made grants to the Aquinnah Cultural Center and the Yard through the United States Arts Resilience Fund.
Tough Luck
So far we have had no luck. The gray heron that was on Tuckernuck and Muskeget last week has not been seen again.
A Snails Pace
The truth is, for garden snails, love hurts.
Mulch Madness
Last Monday and Tuesday were a bit hazy. NPR reported it was a smoke plume from the wildfires out west.
Hello Grayson
Emily and Joseph Monteiro, of Edgartown, announce the birth of a son, Grayson Alexander Monteiro, born on Sept. 14.
Zidane Arrives
Destiny Lynette Coleman and Dwain Coleman, of Edgartown, announce the birth of a son, Zidane Ajani Coleman, born on Sept. 10.
Selectmen Allow Farmers’ Market Extension
After much delay, West Tisbury selectmen voted Wednesday to approve an extension of the outdoor farmer’s market through the end of October.
Beach, Harbor Revenues See Slight Drop in Chilmark
Chilmark selectmen on Tuesday reviewed town receipts from the season just past, taking stock after early worries about a quiet summer.
Osprey Nest in Record Numbers This Year
A record number of osprey nests were reported this year on Martha’s Vineyard, marking a new milestone for the once-threatened migratory birds. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary reported 106 active nests this year.
Skiff Avenue Set for Slowdown
Tisbury is moving ahead with plans to lower the speed limit on Skiff avenue.
New Drawings Released for Tisbury School
The Tisbury School Building Committee will review new, more detailed designs for the school at the committee’s next meeting Monday.
Edgartown Cinemas Posts Weekend Screenings
The duplex on Main street is opening for a second weekend with new films.
High School Committee Cancels Interscholastic Sports for the Fall
At an emotional meeting Monday, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School district committee voted to limit fall athletics to on-Island intramural competition.
At the Bridge Table: Sept. 18
Here are some decisions that arose from casual and Internet play.
Leatherback Turtle Found at West Chop Died from Vessel Strike
A dead leatherback sea turtle with a severe vessel strike was found washed up on the eastern corner of West Chop Monday, experts at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary confirmed.
One New Case on the Vineyard Monday; Nantucket Sees Surge
Island boards of health reported one new case of Covid-19 on Monday, bringing the Vineyard’s total coronavirus caseload to 96 as Nantucket continued to see a spike in cases.
Town Extends Eviction Notice for Trustees at Katama Farm
With Tuesday’s move-out date looming, the Edgartown conservation commission has extended the Trustees of Reservations lease at Katama Farm until Oct. 15.
Giving Back Is Par for the Course at Hospice Fundraiser
At the 10th annual Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard Golf Classic at the Mink Meadows Golf Club on a gloriously bright late summer day, the pandemic took a back seat to pleasure.
Town, Tribe Square Off Before High Court Panel
The town of Aquinnah and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) were back in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit Monday morning.
Vintage World War II-Era Planes Make Vineyard Flyover
More than half a dozen World War II-era planes paid a visit to Martha’s Vineyard Sunday, landing at the Katama Airfield, and putting on a small show overhead.
Winter Street Gallery Shows Some New Haven Flavor
The Winter Street Gallery continues its mission of bringing cutting-edge visual arts to the Vineyard with a show by students in the Yale School of Art’s MFA photography program.
An Albie and a Bluefish Cross the Scales As 75th Derby Gets Underway
Serena Ward, fishing in her first derby, earned bragging rights for the first fish, an 8.4-pound false albacore. Chuck Winter was second with a 4.44-pound bluefish.
John Early, Former West Tisbury Selectman Who Led Community Causes
The former longtime West Tisbury selectman, Island builder and community activist, died Friday night. He was 74 and had battled Parkinson’s disease for many years.
Two New Cases Reported on the Vineyard Friday; Nantucket Sees a Spike
TestMV reported two new coronavirus cases on the Island Friday, bringing the total case count to four this week after a 10-day lull coming into September.
Airport Traffic Saw Dramatic Declines in July, August
Passenger traffic at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport was in freefall this summer, a report to airport commissioners from newly-appointed director Geoffrey Freeman showed Thursday.
MVC Sounds Alarm Over Lack of Superintendent at State Forest
As wildfires rage across the West Coast, members of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission expressed grave concern about the status of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest.
VCS Renews Call for Conservation Action
The Vineyard Conservation Society elected new officers at its 55th annual meeting.
Boys and Girls Club Names Interim Executive Director
Chris Roberts has been named interim executive director at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club, the club board announced Friday.
