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
May 12, 2023
Northern Lights
There are few events at night that get one’s emotions uplifted and feelings of wonder than the sight of Northern Lights.
Aquinnah Raises Rental Tax, Passes Emergency Repair Funds
Aquinnah voters approved new environmental regulations, money for emergency repairs to town buildings and an increase in the short-term rental tax at Tuesday’s town meeting.
Aquinnah Veto Forces School to Develop New Budget
The 50-47 vote at annual town meeting underscored an ongoing division Islandwide over a plan to use artificial turf on one of the school’s playing fields.
A Recipe for Success: Banking on Community
At 63 and one year into retirement, former banker Richard Leonard says he’s not done giving back.
Tisbury Bans Houseboats
Tisbury’s select board voted this week to permanently ban houseboats from all town waterways, with the exception of two existing vessels.
Tennis Teams Stand Out for Spring Sports
The Vineyard boys tennis team is on a roll this year.
A Home Run When Singing Together
It is now almost showtime at Fenway Park. May first. Cool evening.
Vineyard Bookshelf: The Sacred Depths of Nature
Ursula Goodenough presents a second edition of her book The Sacred Depths of Nature.
Forced Downtime Is a Sigh of Relief
Sprinting up the field while coaching my younger son’s soccer practice, I felt my calf muscle snap.
Safeguard the View
The proposal to develop 81 South Water street and its impact on the open harbor view is being widely discussed throughout Edgartown,
Fish Business
A fish tale from the May 10, 1963 edition of the Gazette.
Bird-a-Thon Meets Lost Bird Project
It is shaping up to be a big week for Vineyard birders.
Please Adopt Us
There are no adoptions to report this week, but our featured pets this week are Peter and Teddy, six month-old, black, male rabbits.
Land Bank Revenues
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $92,183.07 for the business week ending on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Recent Real Estate Transactions: Week Ending May 5
Craig Fresher Trs. and Flaherty Point Trust purchased 14 Jernegan avenue and 49 Tenth street south in Edgartown from Brian L. Fresher and Brad Fresher Trs. for $185,000 on May 1.
Favorable Winds
May is arguably the most exciting time to be a Martha’s Vineyard birder.
Edgartown Town Column: May 12
What a beautiful weekend we had — and a full moon to top it off.
Chilmark Town Column: May 12
Sometimes writing my column is a breeze.
Chappaquiddick Town Column: May 12
Next potluck at the Chappy Community Center is Wednesday, May 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.
High Spring
I took a road trip out to western Massachusetts to fetch Violet’s belongings from college.
Poetry of Moss
Robin Wall Kimmerer, self-described “mother, scientist, decorated professor and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation,” wrote the book on moss.
Oak Bluffs Approves New Policy to Fly Ceremonial Flags
The new policy, which was approved unanimously by the select board Tuesday, states the town can fly ceremonial flags at the town’s discretion.
Dead Whale Found in Chilmark
A decomposing minke whale was found washed ashore this week by an Island family that was out for a walk on their Cape Higgon beach.
Christina Colarusso Wins Seat for Tisbury Select Board
Tisbury’s newest select board member is Christina Colarusso, the winner — by just three votes — of Tuesday’s three-way race for select board.
Neighbor Appeals Harbor View Approval
Lynn Allegaert is challenging the Edgartown zoning board’s March decision to allow the hotel to renovate three cottages and build a new guesthouse with a spa.
Edgartown Excavation Work Approved as Moratorium Nears
Edgartown officials are working together to complete an unexpected excavation for a sewer tie-in on North Water street ahead of the May 15 excavation moratorium.
Minnesingers Go to the Movies With Classic Dance Numbers
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Minnesingers are taking more than a few extra steps to reward audiences at their spring concerts on May 12 and May 13.
Fair Highlights How Islanders Can Battle Climate Change
The fair, hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s climate action committee, had the theme “Reduce, Reuse, Renew” and showcased dozens of Island organizations committed to boosting the Vineyard’s climate resiliency.
Community Steps Up to Help Chris Aring-Sharkovitz
Earlier last month, Chris Aring-Sharkovitz’s family created a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses for a heart and liver transplant. Currently, over $71,000 in donations have been raised towards the $100,000 goal.
Regulators Take Emergency Action in Attempt to Save Stripers
In an effort to protect one of the last large classes of fish now reaching breeding age, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission dropped the recreational maximum keeper size limit for a striped bass from 35 inches to 31.
Gazette Earns Honors at Newspaper Awards Ceremony
The Vineyard Gazette was honored with 32 awards at the New England Better Newspaper Competition held in Waltham over the weekend, including 10 first place prizes.
Conference Provides Tick-Borne Disease Update
A conference about tick-borne diseases on the Island will take place on June 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven.
MVC Approves Stillpoint
Led by Thomas Bena, founder and former director of the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, and advisor Jake Davis, Stillpoint Meadows aims to be a gathering place for classes, talks and other events.
Danielle Charbonneau Honored at White House
Danielle Charbonneau, a teacher at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and the 2023 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, joined other state teachers of the year from across the country who participated in the National Teacher of the Year Program Washington Week.
Bank Robbery Suspect to Plead Guilty
Omar Johnson signed a plea agreement with prosecutors in late March, saying he would plead guilty to charges in connection with the armed robbery of a Rockland Trust Bank.
