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
January 26, 2024
Waning Gibbous Moon
The brilliant moon will continue to dominate our evening skies through the weekend. Yesterday the moon was full and there is plenty of brilliance still up there. The moon spends the weekend moving through the zodiacal constellation Leo, a constellation we associate with spring. Tomorrow night, the waning gibbous moon appears under the bright star…
Community Suppers Continue to Fill a Growing Need
As the Island’s cost of living continues to rise, local community supper programs are seeing an increase in residents looking for relief, with demand for food at an all-time high this year.
Clifford Exhibit Celebrates Big Red Dog’s Vineyard Roots
A new exhibit at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Clifford: Our Big Red Dog, opened on Saturday, celebrating the Clifford phenomenon and the life of creator Norman Bridwell, a longtime resident of Edgartown.
Tisbury Probes Taxi License Dispute
Two experienced Island bus and van drivers seeking to form their own taxi business in Tisbury ran into an unexpected obstacle at their license hearing this week.
Navigating New Terrain at the Wheel
The first notice I received was from the Registry of Motor Vehicles announcing I had a birthday coming up, and was required to renew my driver’s license.
No Changes Needed
As a resident of Lagoon Pond with an aquaculture plot right in front of my house, I have to say I am shocked that the Natural Resources Advisory Committee essentially let the foxes draft the document for henhouse security.
Court Time
The Friends and Associates of Chilmark Tennis (FACT) would like to provide additional information in response to last week’s Gazette article, Chilmark Tennis Group Seeks Autonomy.
Expansion Plan Concerns
There is a deep concern in our formerly-peaceful area of Vineyard Haven that the expansion plans for the Montessori School will have a harmful impact on the neighborhood.
The Solitary Swan of Mill Pond
A swan, on Old Mill Pond, is hurting, or so it seems to me.
Sankaty Bound
Did anyone see the old Sankaty passing the Vineyard on her way north?
Bow Hunting Led the Way for Banner Deer Season
Vineyard hunters had a successful season, bringing in the fourth-highest number of deer since the state began collecting data 40 years ago.
Please Adopt Us
This week’s featured pet is Jerry, a four-year-old, male black and white cat.
Land Bank Revenues
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $411,165 for the business week ending on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.
Recent Real Estate Transactions: Week Ending Jan. 19
Huntington Way LLC purchased 28 Huntington Way in Chilmark from Andrew Readinger and Joanne Murray for $5,000,000 on Jan. 16.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Jan. 26
Jan. 15 was the date this year for the national holiday recognizing the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Edgartown Town Column: Jan. 26
It is downright cold. There are no other words.
Chilmark Town Column: Jan. 26
Each time I quietly walked the metamorphosed Lucy Vincent Beach over the past couple of weeks, the “change there would be no butterflies” would pop into my head.
Chappaquiddick Town Column: Jan. 26
At this time of year, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to the weather forecasts.
Stating the Obvious
For several years now I have noted the effects of climate change on the Vineyard and, more specifically, on my own gardens.
Beach Road Weekend Will Not Return in 2024
Beach Road Weekend, the Vineyard Haven music festival and one of the largest events on the Island in recent years, will not continue in 2024 and instead will move to Cape Cod in 2025.
Winter Sports Teams Eye End of Season Qualifiers
As the winter sports season progresses, some standout performances are taking place, including a national championship qualifying high jump by junior Camille Brand.
Salty Sip
Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.
Cold Survival
We have had below-freezing temperatures for close to a week as I write this on Jan. 21.
After Slow Start, County Searches for Septic Grant Applicants
After months of work to set up a new program to help Islanders replace their aging septic systems, Dukes County officials say they are struggling to attract enough interested applicants.
Public Hearing Continued for Affordable Housing Project
The West Tisbury planning board deferred a special permit for the long-planned affordable housing project at 401 State Road.
Food and Wine Festival Announces Dates
The Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine, traditionally a fall event, will be held this year in June.
Alchemy Owner to Open Edgartown Burger Joint
Wicked Burger, a new venture by Alchemy chef and owner Christopher Stam, is set to take over the former R&B’s Eatery space at 258 Upper Main street later this year.
Chilmark Approves New Preschool Lease
Chilmark voters swiftly approved the only article on a special town meeting warrant Monday, allowing the nonprofit Chilmark preschool to take its next step toward constructing a new school on town-owned land.
Coast Guard Honors Longtime Auxiliary Volunteers
Coast Guard Station Menemsha celebrated a century of combined service Saturday, at a ceremony honoring the retirement of longtime auxiliary members Jules Ben David and Kenneth DeBettencourt.
Former Oak Bluffs Fire Chief Pleads Not Guilty
John Rose pleaded not guilty Monday in Edgartown District Court to a charge of photographing, videotaping, or electronically surveilling a partially nude or nude persons. He was released on $10,000 bail and ordered to wear a tracking device.
Island Schools See Budget Hikes in Coming Fiscal Year
This spring, town meeting voters across the Island will see significantly higher proposed school budgets for the next fiscal year, with percentage increases ranging from more than 7 per cent to nearly 12 per cent.
Former Oak Bluffs Fire Chief Arrested
The former Oak Bluffs fire chief who had resigned in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal was arrested Saturday.
New Director Chosen for Chilmark Community Center Summer Camp
California-based educator, therapist and longtime seasonal Vineyard resident Susan Pimentel Andrien is taking up the mantle as executive director of the Chilmark Community Center summer camp.
Technical Problems Put SSA Opening Day Reservations on Hold
The ferry line announced the indefinite delay last week, saying it had technical challenges Tuesday during the Head Start summer reservation openings for residents on the Vineyard and Nantucket.
North Water Street Home Reconstruction Can Continue
Construction on the historic home at 114 North Water street halted August 30 when building inspector Reade Milne noticed the house was being demolished far beyond what had been permitted.
West Tisbury Shakes Up Housing Committee
The West Tisbury select board this week took steps to reorganize the town affordable housing committee after a period of disarray, appointing two new members and asking the committee to reconsider its leadership.
Islanders Encourage Legislature to Pass Housing Bill
At a hearing this week, Vineyarders threw their weight behind a local option transfer fee, the new seasonal community designation and other measures intended to alleviate the state’s housing affordability crisis.
Red House Presents Film Screening
The Red House Peer Recovery Support Center will hold a special fundraising film screening at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center on Sunday, Feb. 4.
High School Presents Musical Twelfth Night
Performers from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School will transport audience members to the magical island of Illyria during their upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night.
