Jane Kenyon
I am the stone step, the latch, and the working hinge. I am the heart contracted by joy, the longest hair, white before the rest.-Jane Kenyon
July 25, 2025
Job Well Done
The Dukes County Commission appoints the Island’s representative to the Steamship Authority Board of Governors.
Blessing of the Pets Is Faithful Recognition
Chilmark the ox, who weighs 2,360 pounds, was by far the biggest animal at the Celebration of Pets event on Wednesday at the Agricultural Hall, but he was outnumbered by the many dogs in attendance.
Line in the Sand, Splash in the Sound
A proposed bill in the Massachusetts legislature could redefine when beaches are considered public, stirring strong reactions on Martha’s Vineyard and raising questions about centuries-old shoreline access laws. Meanwhile, a team of open-water swimmers has made history by completing a grueling relay from Nantucket to the Vineyard.
Season of Meteor Showers
For stargazers, this is the best time of year. The weather is ideal for late night stargazing. Plus, we are entering the season of watching shooting stars. There are two meteor showers at this time of year. Together they provide us with a show that lasts weeks. The Persdeid Meteor Shower is on the evening…
Hold Your Tongue
I recently read a (no longer) friend’s Facebook post, a meme which said roughly: “Last year immigrants sent X amount of money to their home countries while their children received free education, school lunch and free health care.”
Tick Sprays Kill More Than Ticks
This summer’s heightened public interest in ticks, and the associated illnesses, was reflected by a recent article in the Vineyard Gazette.
The Face of Ageism Could Be Your Own
We have a United States president who is 79. Our past president is 82. I am almost 73. All of us are old. Being older in the United States now is not unusual. Old age has become a sort of “chronic condition” in my lifetime.
Della Hardman Day Sets New Course
Della Hardman Day is returning for its 20th anniversary this Saturday.
Federated Church Hosts Rev. Brad Braxton
The Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard welcomes the Rev. Dr. Brad Braxton to the pulpit on Sunday, July 27 for its 10 a.m. worship service.
At the Bridge Table: Week of July 25
Lebensohl auction #3:
Victoria Scott and Tyler Steed to Wed
Tyler Stannard Steed and Victoria Marie Scott are to be married on July 26 on the Vineyard.
Ballet That Sparks Important Conversations
The Black Iris Project is bringing their vision and mission to the Island this weekend in the form of a ballet performance titled A Mother’s Rite.
Documentary Week Arrives at Film Center
Becoming Katharine Graham is one of five documentaries screening next week at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center.
Barrier Beach Bill Could Have Island Repercussions
A new bill before the state legislature that proposes to change how Massachusetts defines when certain beaches are considered public is making waves on Martha’s Vineyard and could upend centuries of precedent.
Tisbury Police Disperse Homeless Encampment
Fights at a homeless encampment near the park and ride in Tisbury earlier this month have led the town to begin enforcing bylaws that prohibit camping.
Sweet Breezes
The low humidity on Monday and Tuesday made me actually like summer. As an update on last week’s column, I saw a few more wonderful trumpet vines.
Life Saver
It must have been a very dramatic moment.
Difficult Decisions
To put it mildly, semipalmated plovers (common southbound migrants) look very similar to the common ringed plover, which nests as close as Greenland and Europe while it winters in Africa and Asia.
A Grand Gam
From the July 26, 1923 edition of the Vineyard Gazette: Two old shipmates had a fine “gam” the other day out in Dartmouth. They had not seen one another since they parted in New Bedford sixty years ago.
Land Bank Revenues: Week Ending July 17
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $156,206 for the business week ending on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Sylvia Arrives
Ellie and Max Barnes, of Vineyard Haven, announce the birth of a daughter, Sylvia Genevieve Barnes, born on July 17 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Hello Hazel
Corey Thomas and Moss Xiques, of Vineyard Haven, announce the birth of a daughter, Hazel Xiques, born on July 18 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Recent Real Estate Transactions for Week Ending July 20
Kimerly A. Pisani TRS and Pisani Family 2015 Irrevocable Trust purchased 55 N Summer Street in Edgartown from Ralph R. Pisani Jr and Kimberly A. Pisani for $6,500,000 on July 16.
Overcrowded Home Raises Concerns in Edgartown
The board found 15 beds spread across five permitted bedrooms at the 19th St. North residence during an inspection on June 24 that deemed the property an imminent hazard.
Edgartown Investigates Potential Norovirus Cases
The Edgartown board of health is monitoring reported cases of gastrointestinal illness in connection with private events held over the weekend on Chappaquiddick and at the Edgartown Reading Room.
Chappy Town Column: Week of July 25
Forgot to plan something for dinner tonight? Edgartown Seafood, run by Chappy’s own DiMattia brothers, will delivery to Chappy Point.
Chilmark Town Column: Week of July 25
For most of the year the red house halfway down DH’s Hill (many call it Menemsha hill, but if Eric Cottle were still here he would reprimand the misnomer) sits quiet and dark.
Edgartown Town Column: Week of July 25
As I sit on the deck while writing this column, I am considering putting on a long sleeve shirt.
Oak Bluffs Town Column: Week of July 25
It was great to see the Karen Cole, co-chair of the Cottagers Community Outreach and Charity Committee, with her team at the Edgartown Stop & Shop on Saturday collecting donations of food and cash for the Island Pantry.
Vineyard Haven Town Column: Week of July 25
The annual Possible Dreams auction was hosted by Seth Myers last Sunday.
West Tisbury Town Column: Week of July 25
t is high summer on the Vineyard, when the branches of our maple trees are so top-heavy with dark green leaves they form half-moon arcs bending toward the ground.
Hospice Names New Executive Director
After five years at the helm of Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard, Cathy Wozniak will retire as executive director. Taking her place will be Chantale Patterson, who has been with the organization for nearly nine years.
Tisbury Sets Special Town Meeting, Eyes Tougher Parking Rules
Tisbury town officials have scheduled a September special town meeting to deal with funding for a new fire engine, as well as new regulations around parking in town.
Preparing the Next Generation of Climate Leaders
Seventeen high school students from all over the country came together this past week on Martha’s Vineyard to learn and connect through a shared passion for climate action.
Finding the Peace Within Prospero
In the Island’s latest production of The Tempest, director MJ Bruder Munafo focuses on themes of reconciliation and familial love, as opposed to the revenge for which the play is known.
Super Team Completes Nantucket to Vineyard Swim
The fourth time was the charm. On Tuesday, nine open-water swimmers completed a relay swim across the Nantucket Sound from Eel Point on Nantucket to the Edgartown Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard.
Graham Nash Brings the Sixties Back to the Tabernacle
Graham Nash delighted the audience at the Tabernacle on Tuesday, playing numerous hits from his long career and offering up poignant backstories about how the songs were inspired.
Edgartown Approves Increased Chappy Ferry Rates
The Edgartown select board approved a 12 per cent rate increase for the Chappy Ferry, as residents raised concerns about financial transparency.
Nantucket to Vineyard Swim Begins With Pre-Dawn Gathering
Nine open-water swimmers will attempt to complete a relay swim across the Nantucket Sound from Eel Point on Nantucket to the Edgartown Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard.
From Summer Camp to Disney CEO
The Chilmark Community Center was filled with people of all ages Friday evening, from campers to their grandparents, to hear former Disney CEO, Michael Eisner discuss his formative time as a child at summer camp.
Cotters Look to Keep the Comedy Rolling at the Film Center
Comedian couple Tom Cotter and Kerri Louise are back on the Island for a performance at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society on Friday, July 25.
Possible Dreams Raises More than $500,000 for Community Services
Hosted by comedian and late-night talk show host Seth Meyers, the Possible Dreams auction is the largest fundraiser of the year for Community Services, which offers childcare, mental health care and other services to the Island community.
Having Faith in Community at Holy Ghost Parade
Lively music, loud cheering and feelings of unity filled the streets of Oak Bluffs as the 97th annual Holy Ghost Parade weaved its way through town Sunday morning.
MVC Considers Plans for New Ocean View Hotel
In a packed meeting room last week, property owner Charles Hajjar and his attorney laid out detailed plans for a three-story seasonal hotel that could accommodate up to 72 guests.
Aquinnah Festival Showcases Growing Interest in Native Art
Nearly 30 artisans took part in the Native Artisans Festival in Aquinnah Saturday. The annual event is now in its 18th year and works to share the value of Indigenous art with the Island community.
Bronzes and Breakers Combine in New Art Show
Sculptor Gwen Marcus and Island painter Sean Roach have teamed up for a new show at the Louisa Gould Gallery called Light & Form.
60-Unit Affordable Housing Project Breaks Ground in Oak Bluffs
Developers and public officials gathered in Oak Bluffs Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking of Tackenash Knoll, a 60-unit affordable housing development along Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road.
SSA’s New Freight Ferry Undergoes Repairs
On Thursday, the ferry line discovered the leak in the steering pump and filter of the M/V Aquinnah, cancelling four trips on the Vineyard route.
New Gay Head Light Beacon Receives Dim Reception in Aquinnah
Aquinnah residents aired grievances to the select board this week about the new LED beacon inside the recently-renovated Gay Head lighthouse.
Dr. Anthony Fauci Reflects on Covid and Current State of Public Health
The renowned public health and immunology expert was on the Island Thursday, visiting Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and speaking to a sold-out crowd at the Agricultural Hall.
Chilmark and Aquinnah Weigh in on SSA Term Limits
While Chilmark officials were cool to the idea of term limits for the Steamship board of governors, the Aquinnah select board gave the bill enthusiastic support.
Mulvey Accepts One-Year Principal Contract
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School committee voted unanimously Thursday to pay Sean Mulvey $185,000 to serve as principal for the next year, giving the district more time to search for a long-term successor to departing principal Sara Dingledy.
West Tisbury Building Inspector Arraigned on Assault Charge
Joseph Tierney had a plea of not guilty entered on his behalf by the court for the charge stemming from an alleged altercation at the West Tisbury annual town meeting this spring.
