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 8, 2026
Hello Marshall
Hana and Michael Morris, of Edgartown, announce the birth of a son, Marshall Warren Morris, born on May 6 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Crescent Moon, Mars and Saturn
There is a small assembly of celestial objects in the early morning sky, before sunrise. Mars and Saturn are appearing close together low in the southeastern sky. And if you are up early enough Thursday morning, you can catch a thin waning crescent moon nearby. Together, they appear as a small triangle. Look any morning…
Chappy Town Column: Week Ending May 8
A previous Chappy columnist told me that she always made sure to give those folks were stuck over in America a glimpse of what they would see if they were on Chappy now.
West Tisbury Town Column: Week Ending May 8
Nobody will ever love you as much as your mother, says a commercial on TV these days. Because that is probably somewhat true, do something special for your mother this Sunday, which is Mother’s Day.
Edgartown Town Column: Week Ending May 8
The sun has been shining, it has been warm, but the wind is keeping it cool enough for sweaters and sweatshirts.
Chilmark Town Column: Week Ending May 8
Food has always been more than just sustenance for Chilmarkers; it is an easy way to show our love, our appreciation and our community spirit.
Ground Phlox
I’m wondering if there could be a more perfect day than last Tuesday. Spring is absolutely happening at the highest level. I love the now blooming ground plants i.e. ground phlox and perennial candy tuft.
Name Game
King Juba II had an ironic sense of humor.
Welcome Joshua
Ewellen De Sa and Geremias Felix, of West Tisbury, announce the birth of a son, Joshua De Sa Felix , born on May 2 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Joshua weighed 7 pounds, 10.2 ounces at birth.
Daphne Arrives
Hilary Dreyer and Benjamin Martin, of Aquinnah, announce the birth of a daughter, Daphne Helen Dreyer Martin, born on April 30 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Recent Real Estate Transactions for Week Ending May 1
David Lisle and Alodia Gabre-Kidan purchased 15 Night Heron Road in Edgartown from Night Heron 15 Inc. for $2,049,000 on April 27.
Gosnold
From the May 5, 1972 edition of the Vineyard Gazette by Doris Vincent Norton: In all New England towns the annual town meeting is a very democratic and individual institution.
Land Bank Revenues For Week Ending May 1
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $247,589 for the business week ending on Friday, May 1, 2026.
New SSA Manager Makes Relationships a Priority
Less than four months after starting his job as Steamship Authority general manager, Alex Kryska has already lost count of how many times he has visited Martha’s Vineyard.
Right Whale Calving Season a Glimmer of Hope
Scientists say this right whale calving season has added 23 new whales, making it the best calving season since 2009.
Aquinnah Town Meeting Takes on Aging Infrastructure
The Aquinnah annual town meeting takes place Tuesday, May 12, capping the town meeting season on the Vineyard. Voters will decide on 31 articles, including three overrides.
Tisbury Select Board Candidates Lay Out Priorities Ahead of Election
Connie Alexander and Greg Martino are campaigning for the seat that is up for grabs at the May 12 Tisbury annual town election.
The Magnet That Can Save a Cow’s Life
Several years ago, our cattle grazed a pasture where shingles and nails had recently fallen from a replaced barn roof. Although the farmer cleaned up, the risk of stray nails remained.
A Lifeline for Alpha-Gal Patients Is at Risk
On Martha’s Vineyard, we’ve become all too familiar with ticks and the conditions they cause—including alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a life-altering allergy to mammalian products triggered by tick bites.
Finding One’s Footing After Starting Over on the Island
As a rule, I don’t like transitions. Change doesn’t excite me; it terrifies me.
Tom Rush Returns for a Vineyard Show
Tom Rush will play the Strand Theaters on May 23 as part of his self proclaimed 67th annual farewell tour.
Minnesingers Show Will Be an Emotional One
The Minnesingers’ annual spring concert takes place at the Performing Arts Center on May 9 and 10. Amidst the celebratory numbers there will also be a bittersweet feeling as the group says goodbye to accompanist Nancy Rogers.
The Heart, Soul and Soundtrack of the Newsroom
Almost exactly 16 years ago, on my first day working at the Vineyard Gazette, a tall, bearded guy with long wingspan arms walked over to my desk, leaned in and said, “You look fried, you should head home for a break.”
Independent Governor Candidate Makes Vineyard Campaign Stop
Andrea James, a seasonal resident in Oak Bluffs, talked about prison reform and affordability before a small crowd at the Oak Bluffs Library Tuesday.
Steering Committee Calls for Delay on Chappy Ferry Vote
The town advisory committee is asking the select board to hold off on approving the change in ownership for the Chappy Ferry in order to address underlying concerns about the license agreement.
Spirit of the Vineyard Nominations
Nominations for the Spirit of The Vineyard Award are open and will continue through May 31.
Community Foundation Awards Record Number of Scholarships
The Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (MVCF) has awarded a record $400,000 in scholarships to 133 Island students in its 2026 annual cycle.
Chefs Consider Ways to Make Menus Alpha-Gal Friendly
Alpha-gal syndrome, the tick-borne allergy to mammalian food products, can turn a night out to dinner into a night at the hospital. With rates of the condition soaring on the Vineyard, both food service workers and customers are figuring out how to keep restaurant dining safe.
Nearly Two Years Later, Broken Blade Investigation Continues
As Vineyard Wind and its turbine manufacturer duke it out in court over hundreds of millions owed to both parties, a federal investigation into what caused the blade failure at the heart of the case remains ongoing nearly two years later.
Some Islanders Take Woods Hole’s Side in Early Freight Boat Flap
Island voices have joined the annual chorus of Falmouth residents who say the Steamship Authority’s seasonal 5:30 a.m. freight departure for Vineyard Haven causes unacceptable levels of early-morning noise from trucks.
MVYouth Awards Scholarships to Graduating Seniors
MVYouth has awarded scholarships to 10 graduating high school seniors in the class of 2026, amounting to nearly $600,000.
Island Abortion Service Remains Unchanged, For Now
Though a recent federal ruling threatens the future of mail-order abortion and miscarriage management pills, the Island’s only reproductive health clinic says it has enough of the medication stocked to last about a year.
All in for Aquinnah Variety Show
This year’s Aquinnah Variety Show takes place on Saturday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. It will feature 19 acts by individuals ranging from two and a half years old to 83 years old.
Seal Stranded in Tisbury Dies Despite Rescue Effort
Tisbury animal control officer Heather Maciel came across the animal in a belly up position on Thursday, and immediately knew something was wrong.
Spring Sports Teams See Success
Across the board, the spring sports teams at the high school are having stellar seasons.
Nevin Sayre to Receive Art Buchwald Award
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services has named Nevin Sayre as this year’s recipient of the Art Buchwald Award for outstanding community service.
For the Devoted, Trout Season Is a Treasured Time
It’s possible to catch a rainbow. The equipment includes morning sunlight, a fishing rod and some steady patience.
Competition and Camaraderie at Unified Track Meet
Last Wednesday was the Unified track team’s second meet this year. Athletes rotated through field events before competing in the 400-meter dash, the 100-meter dash and the 4×100-meter relay.
MVC Approves 116-Unit Condo Complex
The Martha’s Vineyard Commission voted 6-5-1 on Thursday night to approve the largest condominium project in Martha’s Vineyard history, the 116-unit Green Villa complex on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs.
