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
November 3, 2023
Chip Chop Estate Sells for $23.9 Million
Chip Chop, the 20-acre waterfront estate at the entrance to Lake Tashmoo owned for decades by television journalist Diane Sawyer, was sold today. The buyer was not disclosed, but it is believed to be real estate investor David Malm, who is listed as manager of an LLC associated with the sale.
Taurid Meteor Shower
The first of two Taurid meteor showers is taking place this weekend. This meteor shower is one of the small ones we go through each year. You could see upwards of ten meteors shooting across the sky at night. The viewing is better late in the night. The meteors appear to come from the constellation…
Short-term Rental Revenues Keep Rising
Tax revenue from short-term rentals and hotel stays on the Vineyard reached an all-time high last year, and the first quarter of 2024 is already off to a sizzling start.
High School Picks Manager for Building Overhaul
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School building project took a significant step forward Wednesday on the path toward a new or substantially-rebuilt school, as the building committee named its top choices for owner’s project manager.
Fired Up About Waste Management
Biochar is created by burning branches and other wood waste in a contained environment. It has a range of beneficial uses that include enriching the soil and reducing the risk of wildfire.
The Mysterious Ways of the Multi-Crastinator
On many days if you were to visit my place, walking past the wood pile and various projects underway, you might think you are entering the realm of either a multi-tasker or a multi-crastinator.
A Light of the Island Found Inspiration Around Every Bend
Doug Kent died on Sept. 17 and a memorial to celebrate his life will be held at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m.
With Gratitude
I want to thank the town of Tisbury, the staff and board of the Council on Aging, colleagues and friends for the well wishes in my retirement.
Support Appreciated
Thanks to the Vineyard community for your concern and support regarding the injury my daughter Jill suffered in a recent fall at her home in New Orleans.
Scallop Season
The opening of the Island scallop season took place on Monday, when Lagoon, Anthier’s, Eel and Caleb’s ponds were opened to the scallopers of Edgartown and Tisbury.
Nourishment at the Breakfast Table, One Poem at a Time
Richard (Dick) Fligor, retired merchant and Edgartown poet, includes 65 poems in the second edition of his book of verse, Breakfast Poems.
Community Foundation Donates $421,000 in Grants
Worker training, bereavement counseling for youths and a seafood donation program are among dozens of Island causes receiving grants from the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation. The foundation saw a record high number of applications this cycle.
Island Agriculture Hits the Big Screen
Circuit Arts, in partnership with the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, will host a cinematic evening next week at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury to celebrate Island agriculture.
Sense of Wonder Art Classes Begin
Sense of Wonder begins its fall season of art classes for kids the week of Nov. 6.
Barn Raisers Ball is Agricultural Hall Celebration
The Barn Raisers Ball is an annual celebration to commemorate the raising of the Agricultural Hall in 1994. This year’s party takes place Saturday, Nov. 4 from 7 to 10 p.m.
MVY Radio Awards Business Grants
MVY RADIO has awarded two Business Diversity Initiative grants to businesses on the Cape and Islands.
Applications Available for Heating Assistance
Low income Island residents and families may be eligible for assistance paying their heating bill, through the Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Welcome Julius
Megan Giordano and Jason Giordano, of Oak Bluffs, announce the birth of a son, Julius Raymond Giordano, born on Oct. 31 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Soccer and Friendship Fuel Half a Century of Connection
Fifty years after being exchange students at the regional high school, Claudio Mac-Lean and Daniel Poletto came back to the Island this week to see their old host families and reminisce about helping start the high school’s soccer team.
Hospital Urges Vaccinations as Winter Nears
Covid-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, can all flare up as the weather cools and people head indoors, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital officials said Wednesday.
Good Birding
Have you ever thought about how difficult to estimate how many birds were in a large flock?
Veterans Travel Free on SSA Boats
The Steamship Authority is honoring U.S. military personnel by offering free passenger travel for all active, honorably discharged and retired veterans on the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Saturday Nov. 11.
Good Intentions
It’s been difficult to make clothing choices at this time of year.
Sowing Sea Oats
There was no need for anyone to sow these wild oats.
Please Adopt Us
Although we have no adoptions to report this week, our featured pets are Peter and Teddy, one-year-old, black male rabbits who just want someone to cuddle with.
Land Bank Revenues
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $475,000 for the business week ending on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.
Recent Real Estate Transactions: Week Ending Oct. 27
Renato Robadel and Jussara Toledo purchased 32 Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs from Joseph M. Grillo and Katherine R. Grillo for $750,000 on Oct. 27.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Nov. 3
When the Patriots won two weeks ago, Patsy Weaver Murphy and her delightful granddaughter Jordan said they could hear me screaming with joy all the way to their home in Virginia.
Edgartown Town Column: Nov. 3
We were in T-shirts and flip-flops on Saturday and now we are in sweatshirts, warm socks and shoes.
Chilmark Town Column: Nov. 3
Another week has gone by and I find myself feeling like there is a cow sitting on my chest rather than an elephant.
Chappaquiddick Town Column: Nov. 3
In the past, marine railways were commonplace in Edgartown. They were required for hauling a vessel that was too big to be pulled up the beach on a trailer.
Tisbury Grapples with Town Office Crisis
Officials in Tisbury are stepping up the hunt for new office space, as building conditions at both town hall and the town hall annex have deteriorated to the point where worker safety may be at risk.
Land Bank Rejects Wapatequa Wildfire Plan
The proposal would have turned a trail in the Wapatequa Woods Reservation into a “firebreak,” meant to improve vehicle accessibility at the property in case of a wildfire. Officials felt the plan didn’t fit the conditions of the property.
Steamship to Hold Website Meetings
The Steamship Authority will hold two public information sessions on the Vineyard next month to show residents features of the ferry line’s new website and mobile application.
Wastewater Grants Pave Way for Housing Projects
The nearly $1 million in state grants awarded to Island towns last week to upgrade their wastewater systems will be a boon for planned affordable housing developments and potentially other large regional projects.
Robert Brustein, Theatre Luminary and Longtime Vineyarder, Dies at 96
Robert Sanford Brustein, a titan of the theatre world who launched two seminal institutions, the Yale Repertory Theatre and the American Repertory Theater, nurtured numerous careers and was honored with the National Medal of Arts, died on Oct. 29. He was 96.
High School Recognized by Special Olympics
On Thursday, Nov. 2, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School will receive national banner recognition from Special Olympics.
Roots of a Movement; Tree Stewards of Oak Bluffs Dig in
On Saturday, the tree stewards of Oak Bluffs hosted an inaugural tree planting at Niantic, Nashawena and Wesleyan parks, planting 10 trees with the help of 26 volunteers.
Planning Board Hears Oak Bluffs Marijuana Petition
The Oak Bluffs planning board is weighing its recommendation on a recently filed citizen petition that would allow marijuana stores downtown.
Film Screening Supports Veterans Housing
On Sunday, Nov. 12, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society will screen Mending the Line in honor of Veterans Day and as a fundraiser for new affordable housing for Island veterans.
