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 5, 2022
Moon in Scorpius
Tonight’s gibbous moon appears low in the southern sky near Antares, the brightest star in the zodiacal constellation Scorpius. Scorpius is a group of stars that depict a giant scorpion. It is one of the southernmost constellations in the zodiac. Take a look tonight for Antares almost four degrees distant from the moon. The two…
Food Insecurity Sees Dramatic Rise
For many seasonal travelers, Martha’s Vineyard appears the epitome of an affluent Island, but many Islanders face a growing food insecurity made more dire by record inflation and a worldwide pandemic.
Oak Bluffs Wrestles With Fun Factor
The streets are bustling in Oak Bluffs but as crowds return in earnest this year, striking a balance for outdoor space use in Oak Bluffs has become an ever-present issue for the town’s select board.
After Outcry, Trustees Revisit Beach Access on Chappy
The Trustees of Reservations, which owns or manages some 12 miles of public beach from Norton Point to the Cape Pogue elbow, is under pressure on all sides this summer over a new draft management plan
Remembering the Past, Living in the Present
We buried my dear friend Bob Eisendrath last weekend and on Monday I woke up feeling more peaceful than I had in months.
Money Matters
On May 15, 2021 the citizens of Oak Bluffs gave the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association $315,000 to help fix the roof on the Tabernacle.
Stage Struck
From the August 6, 1943 edition of the Vineyard Gazette:
Emma Shepardson Marries Daniel Goodkind
Emma G. Shepardson and Daniel A. Goodkind were married Saturday, July 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Jasmine Rodriguez to Wed Douglas DeBettencourt
Douglas DeBettencourt proposed to Jasmine Rodriguez on May 18 at the Edgartown Lighthouse.
Planning for the Next Pandemic
While continuing to monitor the Covid pandemic and prepare for future health crises, Island health officials have one major thing going for them they did not have prior to March of 2020: experience.
Journey of the Heart for Collector of Island Stories
Linsey Lee first moved full-time to Martha’s Vineyard in the early 1970s, foraging for wild foods, working odd jobs and listening to tall tales from Islanders she met.
Please Adopt Us
We have another adoption to report this week. Mozzie has found her new home.
Keeping It Simple on the Water, Hauling Traps and Filling Pots
It’s hard to miss Wayne Iacono as he sails out of Menemsha harbor.
Biological Economy of Beauty
I’ve always maintained a stubborn distance from flower farming.
Black Women in Film Discussion
Actress Yara Shahidi will moderate a discussion free for young people on Black women in film at the Performing Arts Center on Sunday, August 7.
Diversity Summit Looks to Foster Change
Dani Monroe leads the Martha’s Vineyard CDO Summit next week, with a public session at 3 p.m. on August 12.
Black Party Looks to Activate Voices of Anti-Racism
This Saturday, the Black Party returns to celebrate the Island’s rich African American culture. The even is hosted by A Long Talk, an organization trying to foster anti-racism.
Community Foundation Director to Retire
Emily Bramhall, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation, will step down at the end of the year.
Vice President Harris Makes Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
Vice President Kamala Harris arrived at Martha’s Vineyard Airport shortly after 3 p.m Thursday. It is her first official visit to Massachusetts is since taking office.
Great Rock Bight Water Quality Improving, But Swimming Still Discouraged
Water quality tests at Great Rock Bight in Chilmark have improved significantly this week, though earlier spikes in enterococci bacterial levels have led the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission to reaffirm their swim-at-your-own risk advisory.
If You Build It: The Loft Helps Lift Island’s Music Scene
The Loft has been freshly renovated and is presenting five nights of live music a week.
The Moth Returns to the Vineyard
The art of storytelling will be on full display this Saturday as The Moth returns to the Island for the first time since 2017.
Tom Rush Keeps the 60s Alive
Folk singer Tom Rush returns to the Vineyard next week, bringing the sounds of the ’60s along for the ferry ride.
All Hands on Deck and in the Water for Coast Guard Inspection
There are two nearly 65-foot tugboats that call Vineyard Haven home.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: August 5
It is a whirlwind, midsummer event dream on-Island now.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: August 5
The Midnight Train to Georgia will be stopping on Massachusetts avenue this Saturday to support the campaign efforts of Stacey Abrams, candidate for governor of Georgia.
Edgartown Town Column: August 5
I am sitting here listening to the glorious rain falling.
Chilmark Town Column: August 5
When Chic Lee was the harbormaster and a regular fixture behind the register and manning the pumps at the Texaco, he had a constantly-shedding pup and a grandson who’d stop by after school.
Chappaquiddick Town Column: August 5
The Chappy Community Center continues to be a hub of activity.
Boys of August; Sharks Head to League Championship
The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks are headed to the NECBL championship after consecutive shellackings of the Bristol Blues on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Despite a Secure Water Supply, Island Drought Causes Concern
The recent heatwave has dominated headlines, but for Islanders ranging from farmers to firefighters, the lack of rain is the larger concern. Water security on Island has yet to be threatened by ongoing drought conditions, but safety officials are on full alert and other industries have begun to feel the heat.
African American Film Festival Celebrates Twenty Years on the Vineyard
In the 20 years since it began, the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival has grown into an August institution, regularly filling the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center.
Hospice to Serve More Islanders with Medicare, But Donors Still Needed
More than 40 years after Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard began providing end-of-life services at no charge, the nonprofit is preparing to serve more Islanders by accepting Medicare.
Chilmark Moves Ahead on Dock Project, Has Questions on Affordable Housing
The Chilmark select board is mulling how to put up its portion of the funds for Menemsha commercial dock improvements, has questions on an affordable housing project, and approved a three-year contract for the fire chief.
Recent Real Estate Transactions: Week Ending July 29
Floyd A.B. Rance 3rd and Stephanie R. Tavares-Rance purchased 70 Washington avenue in Oak Bluffs from Brendan J. Maseda, Wayne S. Cobb, Maryln Manning and William R. Manning for $902,000 on July 25.
Migration Miracles
In late July adult shorebirds that nested successfully arrive, having left their fledglings alone on the Arctic tundra.
Amber Snails
David Stanwood is a man of music and, of late, mollusks.
Welcome Relief
While Monday’s rain was not nearly enough, it was a welcome relief.
Sharks Arrive Early on South Beach
A trio of shark sightings near South Beach has pulled swimmers out of the water over the last few days.
Cook the Vineyard Puts Focus on Black Food Writers
After a lunch of fried chicken with blueberries, peaches, black-eyed peas and honey at the Vineyard Gazette Media Group Cook the Vineyard event on Tuesday at Atria restaurant in Edgartown, two Black culinarians redefined the meaning of food writing.
Health Officials Ready to Respond if Monkeypox Lands on Vineyard
There have been no reported cases of monkeypox on Martha’s Vineyard so far, but Island public health officials are gearing up to respond to a potential outbreak as the virus spreads around the country.
Inkwell Beach Yoga to Resume with Park Commission Approval
With a room full of supporters of the yoga group, parks commissioners Monday said concerns about the group as it has grown in popularity have been longstanding.
Island Running Club Offers Friendship — and Beer and Pizza —for Motivation
The group’s annual Amity Island 5k and fun run is slated for this Sunday, August 7.
Music in the Genes; Fathers and Daughters Inspire Each Other
Musicians Charlotte Rose Benjamin and Zoe Zeeman have been friends since birth. Soon they head out on tour together for Charlotte’s latest album, Dreamtina.
Sharks Advance With Extra-Innings Playoff Win
With two outs in the bottom of the 11th, Danny Crossen of the Sharks took a lead down the third base line. And after a wild pitch, he took off like a private jet leaving the airport.
Gotta Dance, and Drum, and Sing With Built on Stilts
There’s only one Island event that annually brings drum circles, stilt walkers and more than 100 dancers to one of the Island’s most historic houses of worship: Built on Stilts..
AG: Oak Bluffs Board Violated Open Meeting Requirements
The Oak Bluffs select board was found to be in violation of open meeting laws on five occasions from November 2021 to January 2022, a decision from the state attorney general’s office shows.
Endangered Tiger Beetles Bouncing Back on Vineyard Beaches
With people and vehicles digging into the sand all along the east coast, wild beaches are few and far between. But on the Vineyard, the rare and endangered northeastern beach tiger beetle, a key signifier of uncorrupted beaches, has regained its footing.
Edgartown Set for Primary Election
Preparations for the Tuesday, Sept. 6 statewide primary elections are set in Edgartown, where the select board approved the warrant for the upcoming state primary election and set the hours for early voting.
Changes Afoot for Island School District Office
Some school staff will get a raise, other negotiations are going to arbitration, and the assistant superintendent spot may stay vacant for a little longer.
Neighbors File Open Meeting Law Complaint Against MVC
Disgruntled neighbors of the Harbor View Hotel have filed an open meeting law complaint against the Martha’s Vineyard Commission over how it handled a recent settlement with the hotel.
Margot Datz Presents OtherWorldly Art Show
On Saturday, August 6, Island artist Margot Datz will present her annual art show at the Grange Hall.
Unequal Looks to Inform and Inspire Action
For author and editor Marc Favreau, the arc of history and injustice is not something to be hidden away. Rather, it needs to be studied and unpacked, particularly for young people.
Vineyard Bookshelf: My Shenandoah
Douglas Cabral, at the beginning of his new book My Shenandoah, freely admits that he is not an unbiased biographer of Vineyard sailing captain Robert Douglas.
Community Creativity Is Alive at All-Island Show
The All-Island Art Show returned to the Tabernacle Monday, continuing a decades-long tradition that draws local artists from all over the Island.
Vineyard Students Win Art Contest
Six students from the Vineyard are among the winners of the Steamship Authority’s Sail into Imagination art contest.
Federated Church Hosts former pastor David Berube
On Sunday August 7, David Berube, former pastor of the Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard, will speak about the value of service dogs to military veterans with PTSD.
Community Turns Out to Honor Legacy of Della Hardman
Poets, writers, community leaders and family members honored the life and legacy of Della Hardman on Saturday, with the 18th annual Della Hardman Day held in Ocean Park.
Bridge Column: August 5
It’s one of the worst feelings in bridge. Your partner has opened the bidding, the next player passes, and you have an opening hand yourself. The problem is, you can’t figure a way to game for the life of you. Take Board Three at the Edgartown Bridge Club on July 28. South was dealing, with…
Steamship General Manager Gets High Marks and a Raise
Robert Davis, general manager of the Steamship Authority, agreed on Friday to a three-year contract extension at an initial salary of $207,500.
M/V Gay Head Sets Course for Dry Dock
The Steamship Authority freight ferry M/V Gay Head was taken out of service this week after a four-inch crack was discovered above the waterline in the vessel’s aft (rear) hull.
Holder Discusses Ongoing Battle for Voting Rights at Vineyard Author Series
Former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder spoke with journalist Michele Norris as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series. His new book is called Our Unfinished March.
Navalny Screening Highlights Ongoing Fight
Daniel Roher’s powerful new film Navalny, screened this week as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, tells the harrowing story of Alexei Navalny, one of Russia’s leading political dissidents.
Tisbury Officials Investigate Public Health Mysteries
Health and water officials in Tisbury are trying to solve a persistent conundrum: How is lead-tainted water getting into the Vineyard Montessori School’s pipes?
Trustees Pull Beach Plan After Criticism
Facing widespread public backlash, the Trustees of Reservations have rescinded a recently released draft beach management plan for the Chappaquiddick beaches they own and manage.
