MV Times August 13, 2026

New album by Carly Simon A2

Thursday, August 13, 2026

The Agricultural Fair has it all B9 & C1

THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD TIMES

Volume 43, Issue No. 31

3 Sections

Housing bank fails to pass in state legislature

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A “transfer fee” on high-end real estate sales was again not included in a comprehensive state bill. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON

SOUL PATROL A journey into Vietnam at African American Film Festival.

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The 24th annual African American Film Festival featured a documentary titled “Soul Patrol” last Saturday, about a Black special operations team in the Vietnam War, and was followed by a discussion moderated by Henry Louis (“Skip”) Gates Jr., host of “Finding Your Roots” on PBS, and former Secretary of State John Kerry, both pictured above with Jason (“J.M.”) Harper, director of the movie. Island summer resident Kerry served two tours of duty with the U.S. Navy as a Swift Boat skipper on the rivers of the Mekong Delta, and upon returning to the U.S., spoke out against the war. The culmination of the festival this Saturday includes a final trove of shorts and movies, and a party at Nomans in Oak Bluffs, placing the Island once again at the center of the celebration of Black excellence in film. All week, the lineup of acclaimed films and documentaries made by independent and established Black filmmakers and post-show discussions are at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s Performing Arts Center in Oak Bluffs.

Trauma counseling for first responders A new $1 million initiative launches at M.V. Community Services. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA

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irst responders across Martha’s Vineyard — police, firefighters, and emergency medical services — regularly confront traumatic scenarios. Think about this summer alone: Lifeguards, police, and first responders rushed to a remote stretch of beach at Long Point Continued on A7

n ambitious piece of state legislation that would have created a funding source for affordable housing initiatives quietly failed to pass last month in the State House, even as housing prices soar and Islanders find it more difficult than ever to secure stable accommodation. Facing strong opposition from the state’s powerful real estate lobby, the legislation for the local option to institute a so-called real estate “transfer fee” was drafted in three separate bills in front of the Massachusetts House and Senate this current two-year session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025. Led by the Cape and Islands’ legislators State Sen. Julian Cyr and Rep. Thomas Moakley, the transfer fee initiatives quietly stalled on the House and Senate floor in July, which Cyr said was a setback for local proponents of affordable housing. Cyr and Moakley proposed the bills be included in a comprehensive bond bill called the Mass Wins Act, which was filed by Gov. Maura Healey on April 16, and seeks to address economic challenges and increase housing supply throughout the state. On July 9, the House of Representatives passed its version of the bond bill. Cyr said the transfer fee legislation was not adopted. On July 24, the Senate passed a revised version, which also didn’t include the bills. The two versions of the Mass Wins Act still have to be reconciled in a conference committee before the final compromise bill passes the legislature and lands on Healey’s desk to be signed into law. Cyr said it became clear during the legislative sessions in July that the initiative would Continued on A9

‘Why am I still here?’ Three years after surviving a crash landing at Martha’s Vineyard Airport, Robin Bonnist is writing her story. BY SARA CREATO

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hree years to the day after the event that changed her life, Robin Bonnist sat on a bench outside the Martha’s Vineyard Airport’s General Aviation building facing the tarmac. Engraved on the black bench are the words, “In loving memory, Randolph Martin Bonnist, gone flying into the Mystic. 7/15/2023.” The site, which honors Bonnist’s late husband, served as a place for Bonnist and her editor, Jan Winburn, to reflect on the story that dramatically altered the flight path of her life, and the basis of the memoir she is writing. It was one of those moments the Island will never forget: Bonnist crash-landed a plane at Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) after her

husband, the pilot, suffered a medical emergency midflight on their way to visit family in Aquinnah. In a flood of national media coverage, Robin Bonnist was celebrated as a hero and a survivor, and is widely considered a total “bada__” for the way she kept her calm. While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) might classify her as “survivor,” the pink beaded friendship bracelet gifted to her by a Boston nurse working in the cardiac-care unit spells out that more scrappy and popular distinction; it was the second time a medical professional called her that after the incident. “She told me that she had worked the Boston Marathon bombing, and that someone Continued on A8

Robin Bonnist on the memorial bench for Randy at Martha's Vineyard Airport. COURTESY ROBIN BONNIST © 2026

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news

August 13, 2026

news in brief SSA announces schedule changes for fireworks, road race The Steamship Authority (SSA) announced Monday afternoon that there will be upcoming service changes due to events in Falmouth and Oak Bluffs, starting Sunday.

KATHLEEN AUSTIN

Oak Bluffs fireworks.

Falmouth Road Race The first of these events is the Falmouth Road Race, scheduled to be held on Sunday, August 16, which “severely affects operations on the Vineyard route,” according to a press release from the ferry line. No trips are canceled, but access to the Woods Hole Terminal via Woods Hole Road will be limited until 8 am to those with reservations. This route will also be “closed completely from 7 am until approximately 9 am, or until the last runner has left the village.” Falmouth Police will screen vehicles at Woods Hole Road and Harbor Hill Road, and the ferry line recommends customers print out their reservation to show officers, since “vehicles without a Steamship Authority vehicle reservation will be denied access to the ferry terminal.” Customers departing Woods Hole to the Island on the 7 am, 7:40 am, 8:15 am, and 8:45 am ferries “must arrive at the terminal no later than 7 am.” The last bus from the Thomas B. Landers Road lot will leave at 6:25 am, while the last bus from the Palmer Avenue lot will leave at 6:40 am. Customers departing the Vineyard on the 6:35 am, 7 am, 7:40 am, and 8:15 am trips “will not be able to leave the Woods Hole Terminal property until the roads reopen.”

Oak Bluffs fireworks The following week, on Friday, August 21, the Oak Bluffs fireworks will be on display at Ocean Park, and the last two round trips to and out of the town will be diverted to Vineyard Haven. The impacted trips include the 6:35 pm departure from Woods Hole and the 7:35 pm departure from the Vineyard on the ferry Nantucket, as well as the 7:30 pm departure from Woods Hole and the 8:30 pm departure from the Vineyard aboard the ferry Martha’s Vineyard. More information about the race and potential Oak Bluffs diversions can be found at bit.ly/SSA_RaceDiversions.

Calls made for no AI usage in Oak Bluffs’ new security camera policy As Oak Bluffs explores a new security camera policy, calls were made to protect residents’ data. At the Oak Bluffs Select Board meeting on Tuesday, Sean DeBettencourt, a board member, proposed a series of protective measures, saying a draft policy should keep data local, restrict access to town officials and Oak Bluffs Police when needed, and avoid any artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The camera system was first discussed at an Oak Bluffs Select Board meeting on July 28 in response to the series of serious incidents that recently occurred in Oak Bluffs, including a fight outside the Ritz Café that resulted in one individual being paralyzed from the waist down. Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle said in an interview with The Times last week that

if they did eventually plan to install cameras, they should be “town-driven” and accessible only to authorized town employees. After proposals in late July, DeBettencourt suggested adjustments to the initial draft of the policy. He said the footage should not be shared with any entity other than the Oak Bluffs Police Department, for emergency use only. DeBettencourt also said that he wants the public to know the cameras are not going to be a FLOCK system, currently a controversial topic in both New Bedford and Nantucket, and will not include AI capabilities. “The goal of this is, at least my vision would be, to ensure the public is safe and that officers of the Oak Bluffs Police Department are able to look at events as they occur to ensure the accuracy of the information,” DeBettencourt said in the meeting. He described the cameras as simply another data point, so the local department doesn’t solely depend on residents sharing phone videos or eyewitness testimony. DeBettencourt also said the town doesn’t want to erode any expectation of privacy in public spaces, and the cameras should not create a large database to track individuals. “I think it’s important for us in 2026 to have that ability without giving up any expected privacy that you would have in public,” DeBettencourt said. “In public, you don’t really have an expectation of privacy, but simultaneously, you want to make sure that we are not creating an enormous database designed to track people down. The goal is public safety.”

where trust has been broken.” Simon, who has won five Grammy awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recently announced on social media that she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and isn’t partaking in typical album promotion, including television appearances and in-person events. Simultaneously, Simon was treated for basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, on her face. The cancer was removed, she said in her health statement, but affected her appearance and made her “more selfconscious about being seen in public.” “In the middle of all this, I began recording a new album, ‘Comes in Waves.’ That still feels mysterious to me. Music has always known when to arrive,” she said in the statement. She added: “The album includes songs and fragments of songs that had been waiting for me, some for years. There were melodies, verses, and ideas written down and tucked away for some unknown future when I would have the time and attention to finish them.”

Edgartown zoning board dismisses Cape Poge appeal

At least one chapter of the Cape Poge discourse was closed after Edgartown officials decided to toss out a case. On August 5, the Edgartown zoning board of appeals unanimously dismissed an appeal that questioned whether the Trustees of Reservations, which owns and manages conservation lands on the Island, had the proper permitting to allow recreational activities of its Cape Poge properties. The appeal was filed in June by William Gazaille, who lives in the Cape Poge area on Chappaquiddick, in regard to the properties, according to the zoning board agenda, of 10, 20, 23, 30, 35, 36, and 43 Lighthouse Road. Gazaille called for enforcement of the zoning board’s 2024 decision to require a special permit. The issue sparked discord in Edgartown between Cape Poge property owners, who backed the appeal, and beach access advocates who supported the Trustees. The town’s select board held a listening session about the matter on July 20, and referred the ILLUSTRATED SALLY TAYLOR/COURTESY CARLY SIMON matter to the zoning board. Album cover for “Comes in Waves.” At the August 5 meeting, Martin Tomassian, zoning board chair, said it dawned on him while driving back Carly Simon’s first album in more than 18 years, “Comes in Waves,” is set to be released to the Island from Boston on August 4 that Gazaille might not even be the proper apthis Friday, August 14, six decades after her plicant to make an appeal. solo debut. Written and recorded primarily “He doesn’t own the property, and he at her Martha’s Vineyard home, the 12-track doesn’t have any particular injuries to himalbum combines a body of work that is said self,” Tomassian said. to feel “both personal and expansive,” acPamela Dolby noted that the last time cording to a press release from her team. the board heard this issue, in 2024, it The album was created alongside Simon’s upheld the building inspector’s decision close circle of family, friends, and longtime and referred the Trustees to the planning collaborators, including John Forté, whose board. The planning board awarded the appearance on the record is his first music released since his passing. Forté, who saw Si- Trustees a special permit that May. Dolby said, “If anybody was aggrieved by that mon as a mentor, died suddenly in his home in Chilmark in January due to a fatal combi- permit being issued,” then the appeal process should have gone to Dukes County nation of influenza and a seizure condition. Superior Court. Simon’s son Ben Taylor also appears through“I do not understand why it’s back at the out the project as a singer, musician, producer, zoning board, because they did what the and songwriter, and her daughter Sally Taylor zoning board told them to do,” Dolby said. contributed vocals and created the cover art“I wasn’t comfortable sitting on this at all.” work for the single, according to the release. The zoning board took no comments The opening track, “Howl,” which was from the public. released in June ahead of the album, was “I don’t want to take any evidence co-written and produced with David Spenfor this hearing,” Tomassian said. “I cer, a platinum- and gold-certified songwriter and producer. “‘Howl’ lives in that space between betrayal and forgiveness, where anger has to be In an article published August 6, “A voiced before it can be released,” Simon said strain on public safety,” it was incorrectly in the release. “It’s about letting the frustrareported that some departments see 500 tion out so it doesn’t sit and simmer. The hours of overtime annually. They actually song begins in anger, but it moves toward amount to 5,000 overtime hours annually. forgiveness, and speaks to any situation

New album from Carly Simon comes out Friday

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don’t really want to open up more than what we have right now.” Mary Dettloff, Trustees spokesperson, expressed the organization’s approval of the decision. “We are pleased with the decision by the ZBA, and we will continue our work of protecting this special place and providing our visitors with access and connection to nature,” Dettloff wrote in a statement. Edgartown officials aren’t done reviewing the Cape Poge area just yet. The Edgartown conservation commission’s August 12 meeting is scheduled to review the Trustees’ notice of intent. The organization is seeking reauthorization to incorporate a 450-foot historic oversand vehicle (OSV) trail to existing trails. The trail “connects OSV access between the 200-acre Wasque Reservation and 98-acre Leland Beach, owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and managed by the Trustees,” the commission’s agenda reads.

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August 13, 2026

Community Services raises money and mirth at Possible Dreams

Meg Fitzgerald, a professor of health policy “I learned firsthand how deeply humbling it is to ask for help when you’re at your lowest and management at Columbia University, is a frequent attendee at Possible Dreams. point, and that very few people will extend Dubbed “Meg from Aquinnah” by Meyers, a hand,” Widra said. “Today, I’m extraordiand the winning bidder for the “Dexter” narily fortunate … but with that privilege comes profound motivation to lift up others. prize, she expressed her admiration for I never want anyone to feel the loneliness and MVCS. “We’ve met friends and people who use the hopelessness that I felt.” The nonprofit fundraised more than $550,000 at its annual auction. Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, In his standup routine, Meyers, who has BY SARA CREATO and it’s been just such an amazing resource hosted the auction for seven years, made joking references to current issues on the Is- for the Island,” Fitzgerald said. “So we back land, like ticks and alpha-gal syndrome, and up the truck, and we donate and do all that bout 400 auction bidders and attend- member who needs support, the friend going we can. We admire everyone involved in the through a difficult time,” he said. “They are the discussed his participation in this year’s ees congregated beneath a white tent organization, and it’s a great win for everyinaugural Swim Across America, which people who deserve dignity, opportunity, and for Martha’s Vineyard Community body to be part of this.” raised more than $300,000 for the Mass the reassurance that they do not have to face Services’ (MVCS) 48th annual Possible General Brigham CanDreams auction on Saturday evening at Al- life’s challenges alone.” cer Institute at Martha’s Turton also applauded the construction of len Farm in Chilmark. Vineyard Hospital. MVCS’ Morby Family Building, a two-story Hosted by comedian and late-night talk “Is the Island trying center at the MVCS campus partially funded show host Seth Meyers, Possible Dreams is by a record-breaking $3 million naming dona- to kill me? Yes. Is it my MVCS’ largest annual fundraiser. The event ‘Widow’s Bay’? Yes,” Meyraised more than $550,000 this year for MVCS, tion from the late Jacqui Morby and her chilers said, referring to the dren, Michelle and Andrew Morby. which provides Islanders with access to ser“If you’ve driven past 111 Edgartown Road in Apple TV 2026 comedy vices like childcare, mental healthcare, veteran horror television series. Oak Bluffs, you will notice the most amazing assistance, and help for survivors of domestic manifestation of that giving spirit in our soon- “I am willing to risk life and sexual violence, according to Ann Taylor, and limb to come to this development department manager for MVCS. to-be-opened building,” Turton said. Island. I wouldn’t fly Cape Turton also presented the Art Buchwald Along with an ongoing silent auction, Award for Outstanding Community Service Air to go anywhere else.” which concluded noon on August 12, the After the auction, Meyto Nevin Sayre, a professional windsurfing live auction featured prizes ranging from ers told The Times that quality time with celebrities like “Seinfeld” champion and inductee of the Windsurfing Hall of Fame, who has raised more than his appreciation for the creator Larry David to VIP hockey packIsland community drives $100,000 for MVCS with his “’Round the ages, to the chance to be an extra on the him to support MVCS. “I Vineyard” and previous Martha’s VineTV series “Dexter.” love this Island so much, yard Windsurfing challenges. Sayre, whose The auction also featured several other surprise items, including a private mahjong mother was a former MVCS board member, and I have so much respect for people who work underscored the necessity of efforts like session with comedian Kristen Wiig. The fundraising to benefit community nonprof- year-round for this Island session yielded two matching bids that toand the people who live taled $36,000, which was the largest dona- its. “It’s a lot of miles, but in this time of here,” Meyers said. “You stormy seas for our country, we all have to tion for an item of the evening. just want the people who put in the miles,” Sayre said. In his introductory speech, MVCS CEO spend time on this Island Jessica Garcia-Widra, organizer of the Scott Turton emphasized the humanity of the to enjoy it as much as you individuals that MVCS supports. “The people inaugural MVCS mahjong fundraiser Tiles do, and find the same we serve are not statistics. They are our neigh- and Tea for Community last month, emSARA CREATO A private mahjong session with comedian Kristen Wiig, next to happiness here that I and phasized how surviving domestic violence bors. They are the child you see at school, the Seth Meyers, raised $36,000 for MVCS. my family do.” drove her to support MVCS. coworker you greet in your town, the family

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That’s just the way Bruce Hornsby is The Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs was full of Hornsby’s fans last Tuesday. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON

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ruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers brought a full crowd to their feet at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs with a range of classic hit songs, like “That’s Just the Way It Is,” and new, experimental tracks off their new album, “Indigo Park,” which was released this June. The concert, on Tuesday, August 4, was part of Hornsby’s album release tour. As he jumped across the keys of a grand piano, the Noisemakers showed their skills on guitars, bass, drums, and a brief stint on the accordion and violin. The throughline of their performance was remembrance through experimentation. His new album is a soulful reckoning with his past and an embrace of the present, and the stories he told onstage were along that same theme. Hornsby has remained an active part of an ever-evolving music scene, and has risen with the change in his own singular way. Instead of sticking with the classic rock sound, Hornsby has intentionally and frequently experimented with new genres. “I piss off a lot of my old fans who want me to make the same record every year, like so many of my singer-songwriter friends do,” Hornsby said in a description of his album on his website. “I love these [artists], but they basically, stylistically, mine the same area. They’re not adventurous on a musical level at all, on a harmonic level. They’re not pushing that at all. They continue to lead a white-note life.” Instead of the “white-note life” Hornsby

PHOTOS: JOSHUA ROBINSON-WHITE

Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers at the Tabernacle.

discusses, he was all over the piano keys on Tuesday, improvising solos and standing up to play harder when the rise of the song demanded it. Hornsby performed some revised versions of film compositions, adding lyrics to the sweeping scores. “This is a movie cue, and we turned it into a weird-a__ song,” he said before launching into one of his originals. The crowd was also hanging on to his stories before songs, where he described casual collaborations with some of the most influential musicians in the world. Hornsby’s humor, casual curse

words, and clear love for his craft all shone through in his performance. Aside from his 23 albums with the Noisemakers and his former band, the Range, he’s a composer for films, mainly with director Spike Lee, whom Hornsby has worked with for decades. Most recently, he scored the

2019 Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It,” a revamp of the classic film from 1986. Hornsby is a three-time Grammy Award winner, and has worked with bands like the Grateful Dead and Bon Iver. His songs have also made an appearance on hip-hop and rap tracks, like “Changes” by Tupac, which used the piano part from “That’s Just the Way It Is.”

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August 13, 2026

EDITORIAL one, this high wattage of talent and staggering number of events can present a challenge to cover every event worth writing about — from the annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival to Harlem’s Fashion Row House, to the comedy fest, to MV Soulfest. We can’t get to all of them. But we do our best, Every August, the Island comes alive with a celand we are fortunate to have our VOICES colebration of African American heritage and Black umnist, Sharisse Scott-Rawlins, who provides culture through books, films, music, and art. thoughtful coverage for the paper and through These events serve to honor the long and rich her VOICES bySharisse newsletter. history of the Black community on As Scott-Rawlins puts it, “Every the Island, which is centered around August, something quite remarkOak Bluffs. Every year, the packed able happens on Martha’s Vineyard. calendar of star-studded events seem From the outside looking in, it can to draw in more and more visitors look like a calendar full of events. from across the country as it kicks off But beneath the schedule is somewith Legacy Week for the network of thing far more profound. On Marhistorically Black colleges and univertha’s Vineyard, August has become sities (HBCUs). The circle, it seems, is a living celebration of Black legacy. always widening. Martha’s Vineyard, especially Oak To Islanders who live here yearBluffs, has become one of the naround, it is a proud occasion to watch tion’s most enduring symbols of the celebrations of Black artists and Black belonging.” authors garner so much well-deFilms such as "Luther" were sold out at the Scott-Rawlins points out that generaserved attention. And it is also testAfrican American Film Festival last year. tions have gathered here on the Island ing the limits of just how much the DENA PORTER not simply to vacation, but to rest, reIsland can handle, and to be candid, connect, create, organize, dream, and remind one it can cause a few headaches for those trying to “The Look,” with fellow summer resident of the another of what is possible. Island Michele Norris, who is a longtime NPR join in the celebration. She adds, “It is a place where history lives reporter and now MSNBC senior contributing A hotel room in Oak Bluffs? Forget about it. alongside possibility. Perhaps that is why August editor and founder of the Race Card Project. Parking on Circuit Avenue? Be smart and take feels so different. It is more than a celebration of “The response has been unlike anything in a bus. A dinner reservation at popular O.B. Black excellence. It is a celebration of the comvenues such as Black Joy Kitchen or Sweet Life? our history,” said Suellen Lazarus, director munities that have intentionally protected spaces of the MVBF. “We are grateful Mrs. Obama Well, you better have made your plans well in where Black culture, joy, creativity, and legacy recognized the community’s enthusiasm and advance. And trying to get a seat at a major continue to thrive — and a reminder of why venue like Michelle Obama giving a talk about agreed to a second event.” those spaces matter now more than ever.” For a small community newspaper like this her new book? You need to know the tickets

A living celebration of Black legacy

to that event sold out completely in just a few hours the day it was posted. The demand to hear the former First Lady was running so high that organizers of the Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival (MVBF) and Author Series announced that she would hold a second event just to accommodate the huge crowd of fans of her work. And that second event is expected to sell out just as fast. Obama will be discussing her No. 1 bestseller,

ESSAY when they run into ill-conceived plans like Katama Meadows. The Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) reviewed the Katama Meadows’s plans four times in the past nine years. Of the 52 projected homes, the original proposal was to construct 26 market-rate houses as big as 4,000 square feet. BY JACK FRUCHTMAN Most owners would likely use them only in the summer months. Meantime, the MVC ruled that The long and meandering debate they could not be used as shortover Katama Meadows in Edgarterm rentals. Twelve lots would town, and its earlier iteration as be reserved for those earning a Meeting House Way, teaches us middle income, and a mere 14 may a lesson in how conservation and become affordable housing units. affordable housing may work toThe development would not algether. The project has been before leviate the affordable housing probthe Martha’s Vineyard Commission since 2017, when two develop- lems most Vineyarders face today. The Island confronts several threats ers from Utah, with little apparent to the environment, water quality, connection to Island history, culwastewater capacity, and many othture, and traditions, applied for a permit to build homes on a 54-acre ers when Martha’s Vineyard faces developments like this one, even wooded lot. The affair provides a those with conditions. The Great lesson about smart growth to enPond Foundation has especially sure sustainable development and conservation of primary habitat on noted in its letter to the MVC that Edgartown Great Pond’s ecosystem Martha’s Vineyard. may well be endangered by polIt has become increasingly, even lution generated by the Katama exceedingly, expensive to own or rent a home here. The figures are be- Meadows project. Two years ago, the commission wildering. The Boston Globe reportundertook, along with the Army ed figures supplied by the Warren Group, a real estate research organi- Corps of Engineers, “a carrying zation, that are devastating: “In Oak capacity” study, in their words, to “help identify thresholds and metBluffs, the median single-family sale price ran just under $635,000 in rics for growth management in the years ahead.” The study promised 2018 … By 2025, it had more than to determine how growth impacts doubled to about $1.29 million, the Island’s infrastructure, such as and through the first half of 2026, water quality, wastewater resourcit stood at roughly $1.32 million. es, roads, and other matters like Edgartown followed the same arc, this. Readers should be aware that from $800,000 to $1.7 million last Martha’s Vineyard is about the year, and Tisbury nearly matched same size as Staten Island, N.Y., Oak Bluffs dollar for dollar.” Growth and development strain which is fully developed, with little open space. Martha’s Vineyard can the Island’s resources, especially

Conservation versus affordable housing, an uneasy alliance

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avoid development that could well lead to a Staten Island lookalike. This year is the 40th anniversary of the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, an organization devoted to allowing public access to conserved land across the Island. Its mission is clearly spelled out: “Environmental protection leads the list of Land Bank goals, with public use encouraged where and when possible. Trails avoid sensitive areas, signs advise of special precautions visitors need take, and rangers are hired when necessary to oversee use.” Some local real estate brokers think the Land Bank has conserved too much land that could be used for residential or commercial purposes. In fact, the Land Bank has permitted the use of some of its holdings for residential use. As Executive Director James Lengyel puts it, setting aside appropriate properties for affordable housing has been “positive and very fruitful.” It has partnered at times with the Island Housing Trust, an organization dedicated to providing affordable housing throughout the Island. The best way to balance conservation with affordable housing is embedded in the housing policy of the Vineyard Conservation Society (VCS). VCS has identified some 13,500 acres of undeveloped land left on the Island. The organization contends that most of it should remain protected and uninhabited, especially those sensitive habitats that comprise what is special about the Vineyard. Four years ago, VCS developed an affordable housing policy that should stand as a model for MVC and potential developers. VCS favors affordable housing along these lines: “Development

should be undertaken in the already built environment, to avoid contributing to suburban sprawl and undermining natural resources and climate resiliency. Ideally, affordable residential development should target existing structures, for example office buildings, and old housing in need of renovation.” Ideally, there should be “no new development of any kind … sited on mapped prime agricultural soils, ancient woodlands, or … important habitat for flora and fauna. These include priority lands identified by state agencies tasked with biodiversity preservation.” VCS supports the use of nitrogen-reducing septic systems in all new construction: “To mitigate impacts on water pollution, all new construction (and renovations that increase occupancy) should either be tied into central sewer systems or use nitrogen-reducing septic systems.” Because it is important to reduce air pollution from vehicles using gasoline or diesel, VCS suggests that affordable housing units be sited near Vineyard Transit Authority bus lines that regularly run throughout the Island. Affordable housing and conservation exist in an uneasy alliance. But they can have a reciprocal relationship if residents and seasonal visitors have the will to prevent environmental devastation that may potentially transpire, like the one proposed in the Katama Meadows development. Jack Fruchtman, who lives in Aquinnah, is a member of the board of directors and executive committee of the Vineyard Conservation Society. The views expressed here are his own, and not necessarily those of VCS.

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August 13, 2026

ESSAY Who’s in the room? BY JAMES BLUE Every August, Martha’s Vineyard fills with a familiar rhythm: ferries packed at dawn, porches crowded with old friends, the Inkwell glowing gold at sunset. For generations, the Island has been a place where Black families come to exhale, a retreat built on decades of chosen community and hard-won belonging. This year, a coalition of organizers is asking the Island to hold something more alongside that rest: solidarity. The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) are bringing programming to the Island this year, informed by conversations with local queer and Wampanoag community members. The goal is not to invent something new. Visitors have long mixed beach days with real conversation about what is happening back home; that pairing of rest and reckoning is part of the Island’s character. What is different this year is who is in the room for it. These conversations have been happening for a while, often without the people who actually live on the Island year-round. “We will not be free until all of us are free, especially our Black queer and indigenous family,” said Dr. Amara Enyia, interim coexecutive director of programs, policy, and campaign for the Movement for Black Lives, which is returning to the Island with its own programming. “We cannot achieve liberation without each other.” The movement has de-

scribed itself as building toward the liberation of Black people, queer people, and all people. “For generations, the Vineyard has been a place where Black people have built community, ownership, institutions, and connection, often in defiance of the odds,” said Kassandra Frederique, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “There is something powerful for our national work in learning from a community that has sustained that kind of belonging across generations.” DPA is joining M4BL on the Island this August, part of a coalition approach that treats local organizers’ work as something to be acknowledged and supported, not spoken over. Frederique described DPA’s focus, confronting the broader systems of criminalization that shape issues from health and housing to bodily autonomy, as work that sits downstream of what communities like the Vineyard’s have already built. “The Vineyard is a powerful place to imagine what comes next,” she said. One centerpiece is a mixer celebrating queer life, hosted in the tradition of the tea as a Black cultural institution, a familiar form repurposed to hold something pointed. The afternoon carries the usual details of a good tea — seasonal food, toasts — but the guest list and framing are the point. This is a room built for queer Islanders and visitors, not added as a panel onto someone else’s event. Its stated frame, an afternoon rooted in Black queer joy and community, is meant to be read literally. The Henry family’s Dragonfly House, the Oak Bluffs home Dan-

roy and Angella Henry restored and recently saw added to the African American Heritage Trail, is the site for the queer mixer. Their home reflects this same push to connect visibility with obligation. The Henrys built the DJ Henry Dream Fund to honor the life of their son, and have used their platform on the Island, including through guests who stay at Dragonfly, to support local causes. Beyond the mixer, M4BL is also hosting a conversation on national and local organizing that includes Wampanoag elders, not as guests brought in for local color but as people integral to the discussion. Built as dialogue rather than lecture, it centers sovereignty, land, and cultural survival on an Island where Wampanoag history predates everyone else by thousands of years. Organizers are placing it deliberately alongside M4BL’s national work, treating Wampanoag organizing as part of the same continuum as the fights for voting rights and racial justice nationwide, not a local footnote. “Solidarity and liberation are built through relationships,” said Wampanoag elder David Two Arrows Vanderhoop, Wôpanâak tribal elder and co-founder and executive director of Sassafras Earth Education, who will participate. “Partnering with M4BL allows us to honor the history of Nôepe, learn across Black and indigenous communities, and come together to practice the collective future we want to see.” Events like these contribute to the Vineyard’s late summer glow. Rest and solidarity are companions, not opposites. Black communities have always known how to hold both at once, to dance and organize in the

same breath, to treat joy as resistance rather than retreat. Why these threads need each other is not complicated. A mixer celebrating queer Black joy, a conversation led by Wampanoag elders, a family turning grief into a fund for other people’s children, and national organizations bringing their campaigns to the Island are versions of the same idea: Belonging on the Vineyard should come with responsibility to it. Pull the threads together and you get something closer to reciprocity, a summer that gives back to the place that makes it possible. The hope, organizers say, is that this becomes a pattern rather than a one-off, an institution where the Vineyard’s visitors and its Wampanoag and queer residents build lasting partnership instead of passing proximity. The Island has always been a place people come to renew. This August, some are asking it to also be a place where people can connect and align locally.

Housing bank will negatively impact Martha’s Vineyard

I understand Chief Jonathan Searle’s desire to improve public safety, and I support giving the Oak Bluffs Police Department the resources necessary to keep residents, businesses, and visitors safe. However, I question whether installing permanent police surveillance on Circuit Avenue is the right approach for Martha’s Vineyard. One of the things that makes the Vineyard special is its strong sense of community. I am concerned about taking a step toward having government cameras continuously monitoring people as they go about their daily lives in our downtown areas. Once that infrastructure is established, it also raises legitimate questions about how it may be used in the future. If there is a demonstrated problem with crime, disorder, or public safety on Circuit Avenue, I would much rather see additional police officers, particularly foot patrols. An officer walking Circuit Avenue provides something a camera simply cannot. Officers deter inappropriate behavior through their presence, interact with business owners, residents, and visitors, exercise judgment, identify problems before they escalate, and can intervene immediately when something happens. A camera may record an incident, but it cannot do any of those things. Before Oak Bluffs approves permanent police surveillance, I believe some basic

questions deserve answers. What specific problem is the camera intended to solve? Will it operate continuously? Who will have access to the recordings? How long will footage be retained? Can it be shared with other agencies? Will facial recognition or other automated surveillance technology ever be permitted? And, importantly, have less intrusive alternatives such as increased foot patrols been adequately considered? This should not be viewed as a choice between supporting the police and opposing public safety. I strongly support both the Oak Bluffs Police Department and efforts to keep Circuit Avenue safe. The question is how we accomplish that goal. For me, the better answer is more human presence, not more government surveillance. I would rather see an officer walking Circuit Avenue, engaging with the community and available when someone needs help, than a camera mounted overhead recording everyone who passes beneath it. Martha’s Vineyard has a character and sense of community worth protecting. As technology makes surveillance increasingly easy and inexpensive, I believe our Island communities should be especially thoughtful about where we draw that line. Public safety matters. So does privacy. We should be able to protect both.

M4BL events: • Monday, August 17, 3 to 5 pm: Ki & Tea: A Queer Mixer with Drug Policy Alliance Dragonfly House, 115 Seaview Ave., Oak Bluffs • Tuesday, August 18, 4 pm: Organizing Black People as a Base for Power Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs RSVP by emailing contact@m4bl.org. James Blue is the owner of two New York City– and London-based production companies. As a television journalist, he has reported on conflicts around the world.

LETTERS Useless stop signs at Woods Hole SSA exit lead to daily dangerous encounters To the Editor: In Woods Hole on the morning of July 31, I drove down Luscomb Road and turned onto Railroad Avenue just as vehicles were offloading the ferry from slip 3. I encountered a nonstop stream of traffic exiting the site onto Railroad Avenue. Not a single vehicle stopped at the two stop signs. As I drove toward the exit, a vehicle almost hit me because it did not stop upon exiting the SSA site. I stopped my car with the front of his car at the side of my car, and told him there was a stop sign and he should have stopped. His response was, “Well, I am stopped.” Webcam footage of the previous disembarkation showed a police vehicle with its white grill lights flashing stopped just before the SSA exit to block local traffic on Railroad Avenue, allowing six empty fuel tankers and two trucks to exit the site. It then moved on. However, throughout the disembarkation from the following boat, no police were present. All this time, three or four SSA employees were milling about doing nothing but chatting. Although there are two stop signs at the exit, both are effectively useless. One is mounted at the exit on a Jersey barrier and faces South. Therefore, it is virtually

impossible for vehicles exiting slip 3 to see it, because they approach the sign from an oblique angle. The second sign is about 27 feet from the exit, so far that most drivers probably do not think it refers to the upcoming exit. In addition, that sign is oriented westward, parallel to the Jersey barrier, not directly at the exiting vehicles, making it less informative for exiting drivers. Finally, both stop signs are frequently useless because various buses and trucks park next to the Jersey barriers, despite a no-parking sign, blocking both signs from view by those from slip 3. Local traffic and pedestrians are being threatened daily due to the SSA’s failure to control traffic exiting its site, and because of the placement and orientation of the stop signs on its property. While the SSA will probably claim it is not its obligation to control traffic, it clearly is. This is because the vehicles are exiting its property onto a town street, and the stop signs belong to the SSA. How much longer will we be forced to undergo this abuse because the SSA believes it has the right to do or not do anything it wants, without regard to the rights of others and its obligation to obey all laws? The SSA and/or Falmouth must do more to ensure the safety of everyone who passes through that critical intersection. Damien Kuffler Woods Hole

To the Editor: I just read the article on the Housing Bank bill that failed to pass in the State legislature. Sen. Julian Cyr has it wrong in creating a funding source for rent assistance in this manner. Passing this bill will lead to increased property owner taxes and rents on the Island. Many communities have seen the results. When taxes are raised, even conveyance taxes, it triggers more homeowners wanting to sell. As more homes hit the market, the inventory increases. Supply and demand then take hold. The bigger the supply, the lower the sales prices. Ultimately, when homes sell for less, the mill rate increases to provide funding for needed community services like schools, fire, police, medical, etc. The mill rate brings higher tax bills. Homeowners pay more. They raise rents. The ugly cycle continues. Kate Leonard Vineyard Haven

Public safety without permanent surveillance To the Editor: I am writing regarding the proposal to install a police camera on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs.

Oulton Hues Edgartown

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obituaries the additional roles of faculty wife and mother, with her second son Jesse born in 1951. Carol P. Whitmarsh of She loved hosting parties where Edgartown, wife of Thomas S. she cooked all the food, and Bennett, passed away peacefully never, up to her last day in 2026, on August 8, 2026, surrounded allowed prepared foods into her by her loving family, at the age home. of 76. In 1955, a neighbor sugA full obituary and service gested to Anne that the family announcement will follow in vacation on Martha’s Vineyard. another edition of this paper. That first summer the family rented a home on Pennacook Avenue from Amy Gilkes, and then for many years stayed on Tuckernuck Avenue, next to the Hughes family. In 1976 Herman developed cancer, and died soon after at the age of 56. Crushed, Anne resolved to embrace her freedom and agency. Anne had begun working in 1970 at the Professional Children’s School (PCS). There she wove her passions for children, education, show business, and the arts into a 25-year love affair, caring for students such as actresses Editor, educator, and mother of Sarah Jessica Parker and Trini environmental advocates, Anne Alvarado, and violinist Midori. She helped Kieran Culkin trickAusubel died peacefully at or-treat as a pregnant nun. home in Manhattan in her In the latter part of her life, Upper West Side apartment on July 28, 2026. In July 2025, Anne Anne traveled to visit the Great celebrated her 105th birthday at Wall of China, the Kremlin, the Panama Canal, Australia, a raucous party in the family home in Oak Bluffs, covered by Japan, and many times Ireland and England, where she had esThe MV Times. pecially close friends. She made Anne was born in 1920 in friends wherever she went, Czernowitz, Romania, to Lotte and often corresponded with and Phillip Weisinger, nine them for decades. Her grandmonths after Phillip returned daughter, Ramona, a successful from Sardinia, where he had author, wrote her first novel, been a prisoner of war. Anne “No One Is Here Except All of emigrated to the U.S. in 1928 Us,” inspired by Anne’s stories. with her mother, joining her Anne developed a love of brother Leonard, sister Esther, nature on the Vineyard. She and father, aunts, and relatives expanded a thriving commuin Brooklyn. Anne quickly nity of friends on the Island assimilated by finding second after Jesse acquired a house homes at the Stone Avenue and orchard in Oak Bluffs in library, where she became a 1990. She was eager for news of voracious reader, and at the the cherry trees, and baked a triple-feature, nickel matinees hundred pies. of the movie palaces of the era. Anne voted in every election Movies propelled a lifelong passion for the silver screen, theater, from 1942 through the June Democratic primary in 2026. In and the arts. recent years she loved going to At the age of 10, she met her polling place and declaring her future husband, Herman loudly, “I voted for Franklin Ausubel, in Hebrew school, where he dipped her long braids Roosevelt.” She thrived at parties, and spoke easily with in the ink on his desk. The Great Depression compelled her young people. Into her 104th year she did the New York to go to work in 1937, and she retired only in 1995. In 1943 she Times crossword puzzle every day, quickly, with a pen. married Herman in Moscow, Anne is survived by her beIdaho, where he was training loved sons, Kenneth and Jesse in the Signal Corps. Following Ausubel; granddaughter Ramothe war, she got a dream job as executive secretary to the editor na, great-grandchildren Clay and Prairie; niece Penny Pearlof Variety, Abel Green, which man; her two daughters-in-law enabled her to revel in show who became the daughters she business. The birth of her first never had, Nora Ryerson and son, Kenny, was announced in Nina Simons; and a wide circle Variety in 1949. of loyal friends whom she called In 1948 Herman became an the “true blues.” assistant and later full professor of European history at To read the complete obituary, Columbia University, and with go to mvtimes.com. Kenny’s birth, Anne assumed

Carol P. Whitmarsh

David F. Federowicz

Anne Ausubel

Surrounded by his loving family, David F. Federowicz of Vineyard Haven, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, one day shy of his 83rd birthday. Born in 1943 to adoring parents Ben and Mary Federowicz, Dave grew up in Naugatuck, Conn., where he distinguished himself as a talented high school athlete. David went on to become a student-athlete at the University of New Hampshire, playing football and baseball for four years. He was a member of the only undefeated football team in UNH history, capturing the 1962 Yankee Conference championship. In 1966, Dave was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and served at Langley Air Force Base. At the end of his four-year appointment at Langley, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves, achieving the rank of major. Following his Air Force career, Dave attended the Medical College of Virginia for a master’s in hospital administration from 1970 to 1972. Dave took a leadership role at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport from 1972 to ’76. He subsequently became assistant director of Bon Secours Hospital in Methuen from 1976 to 1981. Dave and his family moved to the Vineyard in the spring of 1981 so that he could take the role of president of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for the next 10 years. Dave’s last career chapter was at Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, where he worked in the oncology department and as a network coordinator. In 2011, he retired from the healthcare industry, earned his real estate license, and joined wife Judy and son Sean at Landmarks Real Estate, the family business. Initially meeting as UNH biology lab partners, thanks to the alphabet, Dave and Judy’s friendship evolved into dating, engagement, and then marriage in June 1966. They began hosting dinner parties right

away with Air Force community members. Dave and Judy were enthusiastic members of the Newburyport Newcomers Gourmet Club, and we still fold those recipes into family-favorite dishes for extended holiday weekends. When Dave worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn., and the family lived in Guilford, Conn., Dave and Judy got the bug for historic New England homes. This residency honed their restoration skills for their next move, when they purchased and restored Newburyport’s Orlando Merrill House. Their shared passion for historic preservation continued when they moved to the Elisha Luce house in the William Street Historic District in Vineyard Haven. Dave supported Judy’s commitment to the William Street Historic District Commission for these past 43 years, and they enjoyed making restorations throughout the past four and a half decades to their cherished family home. Dave shared with Judy a dedication to community philanthropy and service in the Island community. Along with supporting Island institutions such as Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services’ Possible Dreams auction, and the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, they served on the board of the Yard. Dave is survived by his loving spouse, Judith Eastman Federowicz; four children, Sean Federowicz (Wendy) of Oak Bluffs, Kristen Federowicz Sullivan (William) of Suffield, Conn., Ehren Federowicz (Marilyn) of Bethesda, Md., and Katherine Federowicz of Vineyard Haven; seven grandchildren, Hope Eastman of Oak Bluffs, Cormac Benjamin, Seamus Long, and Ronan Byrnes of Suffield, and Jacqueline Reese, Ashley Arden, and Caitlin Rose of Bethesda; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. The Chapman Funeral webpage has service details at bit.ly/ CF_DavidFederowicz. On Sept. 26, a celebration of life will be held at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club from 11 am to 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave’s memory to Hospice & Palliative Care of M.V., online at hospiceofmv.org. To read the complete obituary, go to mvtimes.com.

Carol L. Clark Carol L. Clark 68, of Vine-

yard Haven, died on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Martha’s

he merged architecture with education at the General Learning Corporation, as the family expanded with the births of Katrina and Max. Sam and Rebecca spent three years renovating a derelict SRO on St. Mark’s Place in Manhattan’s East Village before joining the Peace Corps, spending three adventurous years in Bo, Sierra Leone, with their three children. When the family returned to the States in 1975, Sam was lured by a tumbledown 18th century farmstead in Millerton, N.Y. He and Rebecca bought it for little money, launching another lifelong renovation. Professionally, Sam combined his architectural training with a passion for community planning. He spent the bulk of his career as a planner for the State of New Sam Busselle, who had a York at the Wassaic Develpassion for repurposed wood, and built a house for his family opmental Center, working to transition residents from an on Owen Little Way in institution into smaller homes. Vineyard Haven, died peacefully on July 31, 2026, at age 85. He also worked for the Eleanor Roosevelt Center, gave much Son of architect Alfred Bustime to criminal justice issues, selle and Martha Knapp Busand co-founded the North East selle, he grew up in Princeton, where he swam his way through Community Center to bring the Lawrenceville School, earn- services to rural Dutchess County. In later years he took ing a swimming scholarship up the cause of affordable and to Yale. For many summers he workforce housing. worked setting up umbrellas He is survived by his wife of and spreading beach towels for the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club 58 years, Rebecca, of Millerton, N.Y., and Vineyard Haven; and, of course, swimming. While earning a master’s de- his son, Wynne Morriss, and wife Suzanne, of Hastings-ongree in architecture from Yale, Hudson, N.Y.; his daughter, he learned the practical side of the trade on the small parcel of Katrina Busselle, and husband Ney Marks da Silva, of Cold land where his family summered. He tore down the aban- Spring, N.Y.; his son, Max Busselle, and wife Juliet, of Los doned ticket office his father had moved from the Steamship Angeles, Calif.; his twin sister, Harriet Barrow, of Vineyard wharf, moved his grandmothHaven; and sister Polly Bishop, er’s leak-prone modular house — known as “the sieve” — and of Brooksville, Maine. He redesigned a chicken coop into was predeceased by his sister, a two-bedroom unit. He built a Lucy Myers. He will be dearly main house, first tearing down missed by his five grandchildren, Nick, Julia, Olivia, an Edgartown barn advertised William, and Alexandra, and for demolition, and rebuildhis nieces and nephews, Whit, ing its frame on the family Steve, Rob, Samantha, and property. He did the wiring and the plumbing himself, with Scott. classmates and siblings laboring To read the complete obituary, go alongside him, sometimes joyto mvtimes.com. fully, sometimes terrified. Over the decades he shingled, fixed leaks, repaired windows, rebuilt steps, and painted trim The Martha’s Vineyard Times publishes without complaint, upgrading obituary information and photos at no charge for current and former residents of the house with touches like Martha’s Vineyard and for persons with cranberry-box cabinets and significant ties to the Island community. The submission deadline for full obituarsalvaged doors turned into ies is 5 pm Tuesday, for publication on that sofas. When he put down his Thursday. The Times reserves the right to tools, he’d grab his clam rake edit as needed. If you have questions or need and head for the Lake Tashmoo assistance writing an obituary, please clam beds, or carry the mast email editormvtimes.com. Obituary information may be submitted by and sail down to the Owen Little Way beach and launch the e-mail: editor@mvtimes.com, barbara.davis@mvtimes.com Sunfish. mail: PO Box 518 In 1968, Sam, with his new Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 wife Rebecca and her 7-yearby hand: The Times office on old son Wynne, moved from Beach Road in Vineyard Haven Boston to New York, where (opposite the ArtCliff Diner). Vineyard Hospital. She was the mother of Caitlyn Clark, and the daughter of Evelyn Christopher. Funeral services will be held at a later date, and a complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper.

Samuel Marshall Busselle

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OBITUARIES

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Trauma counseling for first responders Continued from A1

Amy Carter speaking to the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

COURTESY AMY CARTER

trying to rescue a father who ultimately died saving his sons from a rip current. And police and ambulance crews were first on the scene after a child was seriously injured in a severe electric dirt bike crash. While there’s often an immense outpouring of community support for victims in an accident, often forgotten are those first responders who have to witness the aftermath in their line of duty. What happens to them after they see such a horrific tragedy, and what is the responsibility of the community they serve when it comes to being sure they get the help they need? A new $1 million initiative to provide mental health services is now available in collaboration with Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) to help treat those impacted by the suffering and loss of life they encounter when they respond to a call. Amy Carter, who speaks nationally as a expert on suicide prevention and psychological resilience for law enforcement officers, signed on to help all departments, in collaboration with MVCS as the Island’s first-ever first responder support specialist, available to all Island emergency services personnel. Even though Carter has been working with Island departments individually over the past year, it wasn’t until just last week that her full-time Island position was finalized. Right now, Carter works with fire departments and local EMS for critical incident response. For local police departments, however, she is available at all times, not just for critical incidents but to improve the quality of their daily lives. Carter said talks are ongoing with local fire departments as to whether her support for them will evolve into a fulltime position as well. “They are like family members to me,” Carter said. “Our officers take care of everybody, and I feel like Amy Carter takes care of us. She is incredible, and she is so professional. And I love that this is happening for the Island,” West Tisbury Police Chief Bradley Cortez said. He said that the West Tisbury Police Department has already utilized Carter twice this summer, once for a suicide and also after the incident at Long Point. “In policing, people say, ‘Nothing happens on the Island,’ but we seriously have experienced situations that most people will never encounter … fatal accidents, suicide, injuries; we have seen and handled all kinds of traumatic events,” Cortez said. “Amy Carter saves lives.” An anonymous donor is donating $200,000 a year for the position for at least the next five years to cover

“There’s a big difference between having an awareness of occupational risk and having immunity to human suffering.” —AMY CARTER the new model’s expenses and pay Carter, Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle said. Carter is employed as a contractor at MVCS under a memorandum of understanding with the Martha’s Vineyard Law Enforcement Council. “Officers have been praised for their ability to compartmentalize, something which is useful during a call, but becomes a barrier to their own protection,” Carter said. “One of the most damaging things I hear said of officers is, ‘They knew what they signed up for.’ But there’s a big difference between having an awareness of occupational risk and having immunity to human suffering.” Carter is already familiar with local police officers

through an initiative to support their mental health that started last year when Carter joined the Oak Bluffs Police Department as a mental health specialist. She was on call for the department’s officers following critical incidents. The Oak Bluffs Police dedicated $15,000 of its budget for officer wellness services, Carter was hired on a per diem basis, and it wasn’t long before she started helping other departments, Searle said. Searle said word quickly spread to officers in other Island police departments after he hired Carter as a mental health specialist. At the request of Carter, he then convened the Island’s six police chiefs for a meeting in November last year, which

Carter attended to discuss the possibility of a regional mental health specialist. “It weighed increasingly heavily on my heart not to be supporting the other departments, so I asked Chief Searle if I could have just 15 minutes in front of the other chiefs, and he wasted no time making it happen,” Carter said. “To their credit, every single chief was on board by the end of that 15 minutes.” Searle contacted the MVCS about creating an Island-wide position that would not draw resources from existing programs, and an anonymous donor eventually made a fiveyear commitment to fund Carter’s position at MVCS. Carter’s path toward this work began in a police academy, where she initially intended to improve civilian mental health response. But she quickly saw how much trauma officers carry and how little was done to help, she said. Carter said the isolation of living on an Island can make it even harder for officers and first responders. “The harder someone is to reach, the more my heart softens for them,” Carter said. “It’s our responsibility to protect and defend not only their psychological stability … but their right to live a peaceful and fulfilling life,” she added. Searle echoed the importance of Carter’s law enforcement background and, combined with her mental health training, said it makes her uniquely suited for the role. “When you have your moment of trauma, your critical incident moment, and you need a proper diffusion of what happened … it’s someone you get to know and learn to trust, not some random person,” Searle said. It helps now that this is a full-time position, and Carter is available to them more often, he added. Carter’s work schedule will typically be 30 hours a week remotely, and with monthly on-Island availability, depending on the demand for services and the needs of the individual she is working with. “It’s important for me to understand the officer for who they are and what their unique history of personal experience has been. They deserve for me to understand the depth of their pain and feel it with them,” Carter said. Abigail Foley, chief clinical officer at MVCS, said the program is overseen and run by local chiefs, and MVCS is there for support. “The MVCS has taken a collaborative approach to support the program, but the day-to-day operations are run out through Chief Searle and other chiefs on Island,” Foley said in an interview with The Times. “I think it’s so important to help sustain a healthy workforce and reduce the stigma for first responders receiving mental health support. We want to make sure people who respond to those incidents get

the support they need.” Both Searle and Carter highlighted the cumulative nature of a job that exposes them to trauma regularly. Those aiming to work a full career, whether it be policing or firefighting, face years of difficult experiences, and the goal is to address problems early, rather than letting them compound from one traumatic incident to the next. Searle said that officers typically try to work a full 35-year career before retirement. “Culmulative [post-traumatic stress disorder], it’s not one particular thing. It’s a series of things that has built up,” Searle said. “We aren’t getting out of here without a little bit of PTSD, but we want to mitigate the effects of it and the harms it causes.” Local officers have previously said that while first responders have always accumulated trauma, they historically lacked a support system to help them appropriately manage it, layered with an implicit message from society that they should not need help. Searle said they hope to change the status quo and equip officers to deal with trauma. Searle, who has been instrumental in improving mental health awareness for those emergency workers dealing with cumulative trauma, said his urge to help was initiated by his experience as a young officer on-Island. He said at the time when officers sought help after a traumatic experience, they were often met with disapproval. “I was raised in a way when you didn’t talk about your feelings, and it was all just a part of the job, but it has to be, ‘Yeah, it’s a part of the job, but we are going to take the time to mitigate what the trauma does,’” Searle said. Carter said she aims to equip officers with the tools to need her less, not create recurring patients. The long-term goal is to reducing police suicide rates. Police officers, according

to the National Library of Medicine, are at a 54 percent higher risk of committing suicide than civilians. “The danger of suicide in law enforcement is that the effects of cumulative trauma may be gradual. They may be imperceptible to others, but they are certain,” Carter said. “Over time, the ability to sleep, to connect with others, to regulate emotions, to concentrate, to feel safe, or simply enjoy life can be diminished. And the Catch-22 is that as the disconnect progresses, the less aware the officer becomes that they are slipping away, and therefore the less capable they become of doing anything about it.” Carter said that her familiarity to the challenges emergency service workers face, particularly police, can help lower barriers for local officers. “We have lowered the barriers together with mutual trust and respect, and are redefining seeking support as a strength, not a weakness,” Carter said. Carter will speak about the new Martha’s Vineyard model for officer mental health support at the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the largest policing conference in the world in October in Orlando, Fla., alongside Cortez and Searle, who will speak on the logistics of the model. “If we could help out other agencies to let them know the beneficial factors coming from Amy Carter and our Island’s local law enforcement, then I can’t wait to shed that light on it,” Cortez said of the conference in October. “You can have a much healthier and happier career if these systems are in place,” Searle said. “I look at it from an employer perspective. If I am treating my officers with care and compassion, then they are going to go out on the street and treat the people they have to deal with with the same care and compassion.”

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‘Why am I still here?’ Continued from A1 had given her a bracelet that said ‘Bada__,’” Bonnist said. “It’s a little treasure for me, and someday I plan on passing it along to somebody else. But right now, I still need it.” Her husband, Randolph (“Randy”) Bonnist,” was 79 on July 15, 2023, when he began experiencing a medical emergency while flying a Piper Meridian turboprop six-seat plane to Martha’s Vineyard Airport from Westchester, N.Y. Suddenly alone in the copilot seat and without a pilot’s license, Bonnist recalled how Randy set her up to land the plane and leaned toward her and away from the plane’s yoke — or primary control to steer the aircraft — in his last conscious moments. “He lifted the [landing] gear, retracted the gear, added power, and blacked out. We were about 300 feet above the ground, and there was no more runway,” she said, adding that he had also consciously set the yoke for landing. “He knew that would save my life and give me a chance,” she explained. Three years later, Bonnist has drafted her memoir about that harrowing day and its aftermath. The working title is “Gone Flying: Love, Loss, Landing,” and the manuscript’s name serves to emphasize the sudden and unexpected nature of her husband’s death. This past July, Bonnist pitched her story at Islanders Write, a literary event put on by The Martha’s Vineyard Times, and now, she said, the writing project is taking off. “The title of the book is ‘Gone Flying’ because it’s just like, poof, he was gone, just like that. Right before my eyes, and he never came back,” she said. “I also knew my husband wasn’t a healthy person. I write about regrets, and the things I don’t regret, and the things I should have known.” Bonnist told The Times

about some of the details of the final approach to the airport. She said she had to navigate around an overhanging squall during the landing, and also couldn’t use the plane’s radio to communicate with the air traffic control tower due to Randy’s bodyweight leaning on her. After circling in the sky while debating between landing the plane in the ocean or forest, she ultimately chose

Randy and Robin Bonnist. PHOTOS COURTESY ROBIN BONNIST

The memorial bench for Randolph “Randy” Bonnist at Martha’s Vineyard Airport.

to land at the airport. “The plane was so heavy because of this tremendous jet engine that was just pulling back and fighting the airplane,” she said. “Finally, I didn’t have the strength anymore. So I said, ‘Here we go, head for this field. Whatever happens, happens.’” Following the crash, Randy was transported to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital (MVH) before she was later medevaced to Boston. While at MVH, Bonnist had an interaction with an ER nurse in pink scrubs that would change how she perceives herself after the crash. “This one woman among all the staff in the emergency room walks up to me, and she says, ‘I just want you to know, we all think you’re a bada__,’” Bonnist said. “Those words made such a tremendous difference in my life, because they turned the whole situation around from being a survivor of an airplane crash … and becoming someone that hadn’t killed

The last photo taken from the plane on July 15, 2023, before the crash.

Robin Bonnist

OAK BLUFFS WATER DISTRICT IMPORTANT NOTICE The Board of Water Commissioners voted unanimously to implement a Mandatory Outdoor Water Ban for the Town of Oak Bluffs in June 2006 under the Water Use Restriction By-law of April, 2000. This notice is a re-affirmation that the Mandatory Water Ban is still in effect for the 2026 season (May 1-Sept 30) and is instituted not only to promote water conservation measures during our peak summer season, but is also intended to satisfy our Water Management Permit conditions with the State for water withdrawal. Using the Enhanced 911 address system, all water customers who have odd-numbered street addresses may use outdoor water during odd-numbered calendar days. All water customers who have evennumbered street addresses may use outdoor water during even-numbered calendar days.

Please help us conserve water during the peak usage of the summer months.

VISIT OUR SHIP’S STORE O P E N 8 : 0 0 A M – 4 : 0 0 P M D A I LY

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anyone else that day.” Bonnist left a care package on a desk in the emergency room at MVH in the hopes of finding the individual, but wasn’t successful. Years later, Bonnist said that she would still like to identify her. Shortly after the crash, Bonnist said she began to document her story to deal with her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “I started to write immediately, because it felt like I had to get this story. There was so much pain … pain to paper or pen to paper,” she said. But Bonnist said that she still needed to find a way to move on. “The writing was helping me, but it was almost as if you tell the same story over and over, and it doesn’t move forward,” she said. Listening to an NPR interview with Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist specializing in treating PTSD, catalyzed Bonnist’s recovery journey. After purchasing Javanbakht’s book, “Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety,” she reached out to the psychiatrist’s team. When Bonnist sent the team newsreels depicting the plane crash, Javanbakt agreed to meet with her over Zoom. She said that he played an indispensable role in her PTSD recovery. Along with fact-checking the aspects of Bonnist’s manuscript that concerned PTSD, Javanbakht recommended exposure therapy, which included advice for Bonnist to

fly on an airline in September 2024 to say goodbye to her dying mother in Florida, and to revisit the Vineyard airport to dedicate a memorial bench to Randy on the one-year anniversary of the accident. On that visit, Bonnist had MVY Airport Director Geoff Freeman take her to the air traffic control tower to meet the controller present during the crash. Bonnist said it was this interaction that compelled her to make her writings into a memoir. MVY Fuel Supervisor Eric Hatt, who had also been on the scene fueling an airline jet at the time of the crash in 2023, said Bonnist’s levelheadedness and consideration for others deserves recognition. “Here she is taking control of the airplane, and she has enough presence of mind to try to steer it away from where all the other airplanes and people were. I was blown away,” Hatt said. “She was so nice and calm, and she was more concerned about everybody else.” In her memoir, Bonnist incorporated records from the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration. Despite setbacks, like waiting two years to obtain recordings of the transmissions from the MVY tower during the crash, Bonnist was determined to investigate the accident herself: “[Investigating] made me feel less of a survivor. It made me feel like I had some control over how this story gets told, because if I died that day, there would be no story.” After Bonnist read the opening of her manuscript at a workshop held by Nancy Slonim Aronie, a writer on the Island and columnist for The Times, Aronie referred her to Winburn, whom she then sat with this past July, on the bench at MVY, to help with further editing. Winburn, whose brother died in an airplane crash in 1977, encouraged Bonnist to submit her manuscript to the Islanders Write Pitch Panel, a literary event sponsored by The Times in which selected writers deliver book pitches to a panel of publishing professionals. Coincidentally, the pitch took place on the third anniversary of the crash. Bonnist emphasized the emotional heaviness she felt during her pitch. “It was intense,” she said. “It was very meaningful to be taken, because when you’ve written a manuscript like this, it’s very close to your heart. It’s almost like revealing mistakes that you’ve made in your life, tragedy that you’ve endured, loss and grief.” Ultimately, Bonnist said that the driving question behind her memoir is why she survived the crash. Interestingly, she said, the answer was to write her book. “My life has been totally devoted to telling this story and finding a reason,” Bonnist said. “Getting the memoir out to other people is my way of giving back.”

news A9

August 13, 2026

Housing bank fails to pass in state legislature Continued from A1

The Martha's Vineyard Housing Bank advocates carried a sign reading "Gimme shelter" in Edgartown in 2025. NICHOLAS VUKOTA

have to start over again next year. Much like two years ago, when similar legislation for a transfer fee was left out of a comprehensive statewide housing bill, there was opposition by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, a member-based organization of Realtors and fierce lobbyists on Beacon Hill. The association feared how drastically a fee would affect the housing market. “It’s been a pretty uphill battle to secure some form of a local-option transfer fee,” Cyr told The Times. “We’re back to square one in a new session next January.” Cyr and Moakley’s bills proposed a local option to implement a onetime fee of 2 percent on real estate transactions of $1 million or more, which would be funnelled into a housing bank to be used for affordability initiatives. Had the legislation passed, it would have operated similarly to the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, which funnels a 2 percent fee from real estate transactions, with possible exemptions available to first-time local homebuyers, into a bank to be used for conservation efforts. The Land Bank was established in 1985, and since then has conserved 7 percent of the Island, from walking trails to sweeping parcels of forest. A funding mechanism for housing was proposed first in 2005 by Islanders who were concerned about skyrocketing housing prices then, but similarly, it stalled on the Senate floor. In 2022, advocates and Islanders took up the housing bank again, along with Cyr and then–State Rep. Dylan Fernandes, and publicly proposed the initiative. “I’ve been making the case persistently and relentlessly to my colleagues that the scale of the housing crisis we face on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and now parts of Cape Cod, is so acute, and to fix will be so expensive,” Cyr said. “We just haven’t come up with a better revenue solution that would generate

the tens of millions of dollars that we need to preserve year-round housing options for Islanders.” The housing bank was the primary way local housing officials sought to balance the scales of steadily soaring home prices and a community struggling to make ends meet. Year-round, the median home price was $1.5 million in 2025, and is expected to continue to rise; more than half of Islanders cite being cost-burdened by their mortgage or rent; and homelessness rose to 341 people without stable housing on the Vineyard last summer, according to Harbor Homes, the only local nonprofit that assists the unhoused. The transfer fee was viewed as a way to fund housing projects outside of new developments. Local advocates maintained that the Island needed this funding source for creative housing initiatives due to the unique environmental concerns and seasonality of the area. Coleman Lynds, government affairs manager at the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, told The Times in an interview that the association and its 22,000 members have historically opposed the legislation. He said transfer fees reduce housing opportunities instead of expanding them. “They discourage mobility. They reduce housing inventory, increase costs, and undermine the very affordability that they intend to approve,” Lynds said. He said that a fee on real estate transactions could have unintended consequences on tax revenue, and could negatively impact the real estate market in the long term. In 2024, the housing bank legislation was excluded from the Affordable Homes Act. At the time, Speaker of the House Ron Mariano expressed doubts about the efficacy of the transfer fee, and the Massachusetts Association of Realtors upped their pushback on the measure. A seasonal communities

designation in the Affordable Homes Act instead allowed for some headway on affordable housing while acknowledging the Island’s makeup. The Vineyard was one of 44 municipalities in the state to receive the designation, which provides special regulation allowances and funding opportunities. Lynds said there was a 2024 study on the legislation, on behalf of the Massachusetts Real Estate Community Alliance, that showed that a fee on high-end homes “reduces housing mobility … reduces homes’ value,” and “shrinks the base of existing taxes so much that any new tax would actually lead to a net loss in tax revenue every year.” Despite those worries by the association, in 2025, transfer fee legislation was again proposed. Islanders and local real estate brokers pleaded with lawmakers to pass it in September, but besides that, the effort was not as publicly visible as it was in 2022. Instead, a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Donahue Institute (UMDI), at the request of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, portrayed the on-the-ground housing realities Vineyarders and other seasonal communities are facing through comprehensive data collection. The UMDI study found that a transfer fee would minimally affect the Island’s real estate market by comparing it with another resort destination, the Hamptons. Cyr said the study “clearly laid out that in luxury real estate markets like Martha’s Vineyard, transfer fees don’t have the adverse effect that opponents claim.” While the Massachusetts Association of Realtors historically opposed the adoption of a transfer fee on luxury home sales, some local Realtors have advocated on its behalf. Island real estate broker Jim Feiner lamented the stalling of the legislation, which he said could benefit year-rounders who are in

need of affordable housing. “I’m personally disappointed on several fronts, but most importantly, that the legislators are swayed by lobbyists to feel that transfer fees are bad for business and property values when we know that they are actually good for our community, and we have proof of it. In my mind, once again, we are putting profits over people at the expense of making our community healthy and strong,” Feiner said in a message to The Times. Philippe Jordi, founder and CEO of affordable housing developer Island Housing Trust, told The Times the issue facing Islanders is largely the erosion of the housing stock because of seasonal visitors, and not enough housing protections for yearrounders to ensure that there are still options. “We need to help with creative solutions, and this one is really, I think, what people were hoping for in terms of being able to shore up our existing housing stock,” Jordi said. This summer, some Airbnbs are listed at a staggering $300,000 a month; locals have continued to cite high difficulty finding and keeping rentals; and workplace housing has continued to be strained, and sometimes an overcrowded reality for those who are employed seasonally. “This has been and remains my top priority,” Cyr said. “I can’t tell you how heartbreaking it is not to be able to deliver a revenue tool that our communities urgently and sorely need to be able to have a hope of having a sustainable future.” But the transfer fee advocates may have the same hurdles in the future. Lynds told The Times that there are better alternatives for affordable housing initiatives, like modernizing zoning bylaws. When asked if the Massachusetts Association of Realtors would be against the transfer fee legislation in 2027 if it was again brought to Beacon Hill, Lynds said they have “opposed every form of transfer tax legislation in the past.” “We have not found a version that is something that we have been able to support. I think we’ve really been looking at other forms of policies that will help address this housing crisis that we have,” Lynds said. Still, Islanders and lawmakers aren’t giving up. Cyr said he’ll keep fighting for the option to create a funding source for housing for the people who need it most. And local advocates say they plan to launch a reinvigorated campaign. “The minute the next session starts, we will be there, full force, just the way it’s been for the past five years. And Julian [Cyr] and Thomas Moakley, both of them, are absolutely committed to this,” John Abrams, a steering committee member for the Coalition to Create the Martha’s Vineyard Housing Bank, told The Times.

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M E M B E R S S H OW F E AT U R I N G Steve London, Brian Kirkpatrick, Judith Howells, Eva Cincotta, Teresa Yuan, Ned Reade + MVAA Members Reception: August 16 Exhibition Dates: August 15 - 21 / Open Daily 58 Dock Street, Edgartown 508.939.4092 art@oldsculpingallery.org OLDSCULPINGALLERY.org

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A10 classifieds

August 13, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS To browse new ads online or to place yours, visit mvtimes.com/classifieds.

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For assistance, advertising rates or to find out more, email mvtclassifieds@mvtimes.com or call 508-693-6100 ext. CLASSIFIED LINER AND DISPLAY ADS MUST BE PLACED BY NOON TUESDAY PRIOR TO THE THURSDAY PRINT PUBLICATION.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

**NON-CDL DRIVERS AND LABORERS** Bruno's Rolloff, Inc. is currently seeking full-time and part-time NON-CDL Drivers and Laborers for both year-round and seasonal positions. Applicants must be available for early morning shifts and seasonal overtime. We offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, and yearly bonuses. Applications can be picked up at our o ce at 11 East Line Road, Edgartown, or requested by emailing admin@brunosmv.com. For further inquiries, please contact us at (508) 693-5454. CIRCUIT ARTS SEEKS A DIREC TOR OF FILM PROGRAMMING TO LEAD THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD FILM FESTIVAL AND YEARROUND FILM PROGRAMMING. This leadership role combines curatorial ision with lmma er relations and community engagement. Learn more and apply: circuitarts.org/jobs. ISLAND ALPACA ENTHUSIASTS WANTED! ee in out oin indi idual. Tell us about yourself! Email us: info@islandalpaca.com

Jobs

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Administrative Assistant Island Elderly Housing is looking for a full- time administrative assistant for our Property Management team. This position provides administrative support for all rental and tenant-related activities and works with our tenants. Candidate should have strong organizational and time management skills and strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience/ proficiency with computer entry and database systems. For more information about Island Elderly Housing, visit our website, www.iehmv.org. Please send resume to leller@iehmv.org

with principals and practices of boo eepin and municipal nance. Pay range is $40.13- $50.78 per hour. Applicants should respond with a resume and cover letter to: Martha’s Vine ard Refuse District . . Box 90, West isbur , a 02 7 . or b email to mvrefuse@comcast.net DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TOWN OF OAK BLUFFS Reporting to the Town Administrator, this executive-level position provides strategic leadership and hands-on administration of the Town’s human resources and administrative services functions. he Director leads wor force planning, recruitment and retention, labor and employee relations, collective bar ainin , compensation, ris mana ement, wor place in esti ations, policy development, and compliance with employment laws. The position also oversees procurement, public records, contract and grant administration, organizational improvement initiatives, communications support, and special projects, while serving as the owns ADA Coordinator and providing professional support to the Personnel Board. Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, r ani ational eadership, or a related eld aster s degree preferred. Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, municipal admin-

istration, or a related management eld, preferabl in local o ernment. Starting salary range:$115,884 - $131,544, commensurate with experience, plus an excellent municipal bene ts pac a e. For a complete job description and the online application portal, isitoa bluffsma. o obsor contactwbrou h oa bluffsma. o . Application deadline is Au ust 2 , 202 , at 00pm. a Bluffs is an AA mplo er. NOW HIRING MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM! We are see in a dri en, community-minded Account Executive to support our ad sales and mar etin efforts. Help local businesses grow while supporting exceptional local ournalism. art-time 20 hrs w with potential for full-time advancement. Primarily in-person with remote flexibilit . $2 hr $2 yr) plus bonus and commission potential. -2 ears of sales or mar etin experience preferred. o apply, email your resume to sean@ mvtimes.com.

SOLAR INSTALLER Join a talented, collaborative team working to strengthen the Vineyard's energy resilience. You'll install solar systems for residential, commercial, nonprofit, affordable housing, and community projects, helping clients reduce their energy costs and environmental impact. We offer an exceptional, familyfriendly compensation package, including medical/dental/vision insurance (SMCo covers the full deductible), profit sharing, 401k, and the potential for ownership. Learn more about this position, how to apply, our compensation policy, and our culture at https:// southmountain.com/meet/

DUKES COUNTY SHERIFFS' OFFICE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS $1,000 Monthly Housing Stipend for Full Time Island Residents Looking to kick-start a rewarding career while serving the Island community? Correctional O cers at the Dukes County Jail & House of Correction are responsible for the care, custody, control of inmates, as well as other assigned duties. Must be at least 19 years of age with a valid MA Driver’s License, have effective oral and written communications skills, flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing environment and priorities; positive attitude, integrity, and excellent judgment. Work schedule includes assignments to the day, evening and night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Paid Correction Academy training (may be hosted on or off-island) with a strong commitment to supporting employees’ ongoing professional growth. Full-time position with a generous benefit package, including paid leave, insurance, state pe nsion and deferred compensation matching. Full time pay range is $65,516.88- $70,933.46 annually, plus $1,000 monthly housing stipend. Candidates must pass interview, background check, and post-conditional-offer medical evaluations and meet the physical fitness testing requirements. Apply today! Download applications and job descriptions at dukescountysheriff.com/careers

BOOK KEEPER/ OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR The Martha’s Vineyard Refuse District is accepting applications for the position of Boo eeper f ce Administrator. This is a full time year round, with a bene t pac a e that includes health insurance paid leave and enrollment onto the Du es County Retirement System. Duties include: performing the District’s routine accounting functions including payroll and monthly warrants, posting and verifying accounts payable and receivable, posting cash receipts and expenditures, reconciling accounts and balances and trial balances, prepared District correspondence and assisting the general public with information, etc. The applicant should ha e experience with uic Boo s, icrosoft Word, xcel and posses experience and familiarity

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY! EMAIL VALERIE@MVTIMES.COM, OR CALL 508-693-6100.

Join the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Team! Financial Advisor

E.C. COTTLE, INC. IS HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: • FRONT DESK • YARD HAND • CDL & DELIVERY DRIVERS

WILLING TO TRAIN THE RIGHT CANDIDATE $2,500 SIGN ON BONUS • Positions are full-time, year-round. • Monday thru Friday hours with immediate start. • Competitive pay.

Martha’s Vineyard Bank and Martha’s Vineyard Investment Advisors (MVIA) are excited to welcome a Financial Advisor to our investment team. In this role, you will build and nurture meaningful client relationships with tangible support and guidance from the entire MVIA team. You will help families and institutions find investment solutions that solve their unique financial goals. While investment licenses and designations are preferred, MVIA is willing to support individuals who have the desire to obtain them and a proven passion to help others. Please visit www.mvbank.com for detailed information and how to apply. We offer an exceptional benefits package, a clear path for advancement, and a competitive compensation package. This package includes an initial base salary ranging from $70,000 to $85,000 plus substantial potential incentive compensation.

SEEKING ELECTRICIAN FOR FULL TIME YEAR ROUND EMPLOYMENT. Self-starters with experience in both residential and commercial installations desired. Please call 508-693-7786 or forward resume to o ce@warrenelectricmv.com for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled

Plus, E.C. Cottle offers full benefits including, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, matched 401k, paid time off and paid holidays. All benefits earned after completion of probationary period.

Stop by a branch and ask for an application, or email resume to ecottle3@yahoo.com.

To advertise email adsales@mvtimes.com, or call 508-693-6100.

classifieds A11

August 13, 2026

Real Estate

Classifieds WINTER RENTALS

ARTICLES FOR SALE

AUTO SALES

VINEYARD HAVEN WINTER RENTAL One bedroom cottage Lamberts Cove Road near Tashmoo Farm. Furnished. September-June. $2800./ month plus utilities and security. 864-542-3731. ROOM TO RENT - WEST TISBURY September 15th to June 15th. Single gentlemen required with full-time enrollment outside of house. Documented nancial abilit . Desi nated spacious bedroom, attached full both. ouse has wi , outdoor dec , shower, rill, cable, full itchen. $2,000 month, utilities included. In uiries aue comcast.net 508-361-9820

2025 GEEMAX FAT TIRE ELECTRIC TRICYCLE Low miles, 48V, 20ah 25 mi. Range. $780 new. & 650obo 2025 Geemax fat tire electric. 508-241-0044.

SEEKING GENTLY USED TRUCK Ideally, a smaller, 1/2 ton, non-4x4, no cab necessar . han ou for calling! Island Alpaca Company 508-423-1443

APARTMENTS/ROOMS

RENTAL TRAILER WITH BATHROOM SHOWER IMMEDIATELY OR THRU DECEMBER -2 people. Double bed itchenette. Very basic but good vibe outside grill/ table. Text me 310-213-5472. $ 000-$ 00 dependin on speci cs. STUDIO APARTMENT AND/OR BEDROOM. Private entrance apartment has full itchen, bath, includes electicit . $2500 or less for individual. ROOM for individuall $1400. Includes utilities. a BluffsRental ahoo.com YEAR-ROUND W. TISBURY Studio apartment, one person, da -wor er. o smo ers, no pets. Avail. early Sept. Mostly furnished, or not. $1,700 mo. all utilities incl. First, last, security. Application & references. 508 693 9199.

ARTICLES FOR SALE

Custom Sauna Builder Indoor/outdoor Handcrafted on island Call/text Lou at 508-903-0617.

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

$429,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 Welcome to Unit B-12 at the Causeway Condominiums, a turnkey studio offering comfortable, lowmaintenance island living just a short walk to the charming village of Vineyard Haven. Thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality, this inviting residence features warm bamboo flooring throughout, a custom Murphy bed, and a beautifully crafted custom mahogany closet and storage system, providing exceptional organization while making the most of every square foot. The bright, open layout is filled with natural light and offers an ideal blend of comfort, style, and e ciency. Residents enjoy a beautifully maintained in-ground swimming pool with an expansive sun deck and lounge seating the perfect place to relax after a day at the beach or exploring Martha’s Vineyard. The affordable monthly HOA fee of just $221 includes water, on-site dumpster service, grounds maintenance, snow removal, pool maintenance, and master insurance, providing exceptional value and worry-free ownership. Ideally located within walking distance of the Steamship Authority ferry, Vineyard Haven Harbor, Main Street’s shops and restaurants, beaches, and the bike path, this move-in-ready studio offers an exceptional opportunity as a yearround residence, island getaway, or investment property. Enjoy all the convenience and charm of Vineyard Haven with easy access to everything that makes Martha’s Vineyard such a special place to call home. With onsite parking available immediately and strong rental income potential, this property presents a compelling opportunity for i nvestors seeking both lifestyle and return an affordable gem in a highly desirable location.

IMPROVED PRICE: $1,795,000** CONTACT MARILYN MOSES AT 617-462-0381 FOR MORE DETAILS! OCEAN PARK REALTY Discover the beauty of **THE PRESERVE at THE WOODLANDS** in the highly coveted Oak Bluffs community! This is your chance to own one of the last remaining building lots in this prime location, just moments away from town, beaches, harbor, ferry ports, and the Farm Neck Golf & Tennis Club. Underground utilities are already in place, making this rare offering perfect for developing your dream family compound. Enjoy a peaceful and private setting, surrounded by conservation land and trails ideal for hiking, walking, and biking. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to embrace the Oak Bluffs lifestyle!

BOAT SALES

MOBILE 12 PERSON SAUNA AND COLD PLUNGE TRAILER FOR RENT! Call/text Lou—508-903-0617 www.wholesomemv.com

2022 SEA HUNT 219 ULTRA SUPER CLEAN AND READY TO GO! Seen at Safe Harbor Vineyard a en. Boat rader ID 027873 . $57,000 includes trailer. 508-989-8154. FUN IN THE SUN(FISH) 14FT SUNFISH In very good condition, complete w. sails, 2 center boards, 2 rudders. In addition, a nearly new trailer w. fat tire launchin bu . ew co er for all. $3200. 508-693-1039.

225 SQ. FT. OFFICE SPACE PERFECT EDGARTOWN LOCATION $9 0 tilities Included ept. 2026 Availability Call 401-633-4104 Staged Photo

SERVICES

New Construction! One bedroom 575 sq ft garage apartment available 9/1/26. No smoking and no pets. Parking, washer & dryer. References needed. Year round only. I'd consider a staff housing option. $2700/month utilities inc. Own cable and internet if coax is needed. Two weeks in August of '27 it will need to be vacant. 508-944-5188.

AUTO SALES

HARLEY HUGGER FOR SALE - 6000 MILES Call 508 939 0909.

400 SQ. FT. OFFICE SPACE PERFECT EDGARTOWN LOCATION $ 000 tilities Included ept. 2026 Availability Call 401-633-4104 Staged Photo

FROM FLOORS TO FINISHES – WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED! • Floor Installation • Hardwood Sanding • Painting • Kitchen Remodeling Multflooring.com 508 982 9675 MY HANDYMAN SERVICES/PROPERTY AI , D R , I W R , CAR R , WI D W D R , I , RC A ,D C R V A , W R WA R, R F , BA ARA C A , Certi ed old Inspector & Remediator, I C R C A I , French Drain Installation. 08- 8 -02 2., R A m hand maninm mail.com

BargainBox 2 FREE COOLERS Large, clean, styroform “Omaha Steal” coolers. 508-62-8438. ELLIPTICAL TRAINER mooth Fitness odel C 3.2 Functional equipment but computer programming outdated. 508-807-2515.

FREE 28' Catalina sailboat available in Edgartown in driveway. No trailer. Must arrange pick up/removal. Serious inquiries only. Text Josh, 202-330-3545.

COMMERCIAL-EDGARTOWN

FREE TREADMILL eeds wor . Cross countr s i clothes. $50. 508-423-1605. FREE: FOUR WOODEN DRAWERS Approximately: 29”; L × 10.5”; W × 19.25”; D Text 518.269.2957 to claim. First come, rst ser ed JIGSAW PUZZLES SCRABBLE, PARCHEESI, ETC. ood xcellent condition. $3-$ 2. 508-693-7472 -Call anytime, 7:30am-12:30pm is best. JONSERED WEED WACKER Trigger has been replaced. $20. Call 508-627-8438. RUG 100% WOOL. 1”; pile. navy blue bg classic Persian style. approx 9’x10’. ot new but reat shape. $ 0. 310.600.9192. P/u by Aug 9

SEALY TWIN MATTRESS (2) xcellent Condition smo e and pet free. 100.00 each Call or text 508-221-7545. SOFA (3 CUSHIONS) 76”;l x 36”;d x 30”;h, tan with 2 throw pillows. $100 or best offer. Picture available. 215-962-0109 SONY CAR STEREO SYSTEM FOR SALE All spea ers, ampli ers, CD pla er, cassette player still in original boxes - never installed. 508-5601975; $100. LADY’S UNIVEGA BIKE $75. 508 250 9127.

BARGAIN BOX ADS ARE FREE; CALL AND RENEW AFTER 2 WEEKS 24 words maximum • Maximum sale price is $100 Prices must be listed with each item.

BUSINESSES MAY LIST FREE ITEMS ONLY. NO LISTINGS FOR ANIMALS. LISTED FLOWERS, GARDEN PLANTS, FIREWOOD, AND MANURE MUST BE FREE.

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

$2,250,000 MARILYN MOSES OCEAN PARK REALTY 617-462-0381 NEW CONSTRUCTION Welcome to Lagoon Ridge, Oak Bluffs’ newest and most soughtafter neighborhood. Build your 3bedroom dream home in this elevated enclave, set 95 feet above Lagoon Pond and capturing sweeping sky views, colorful sunsets, and refreshing sea breezes. This exceptional home site represents one of the final opportunities in this thriving new community.To be built — The Naushon — features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and over 2,400 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. A grand wrap-around covered porch provides a welcoming entry and the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or cool evening breezes. Inside, the open-concept floor plan connects the chef’s kitchen with spacious living and dining areas, ideal for entertaining family and friends. Each bedroom suite includes a tiled en-suite bath with customizable fixtures and finishes, and the second-floor suit es may offer private balconies for added relaxation. Classic Oak Bluffs cottage architecture meets modern comfort and energy e ciency, making The Naushon an ideal yearround or seasonal retreat. Lagoon Ridge offers direct access to conservation lands with walking and biking trails, and nearby Lagoon Pond invites kayaking, sailing, and shell fishing. All utilities—electric, town water, and a private, state-ofthe-art Amphidrome wastewater system—are located at t he street. This innovative system serves the entire neighborhood, providing convenience and peace of mind. Lagoon Ridge is a covenantprotected community with architectural review and professional management by First Property Management Co. This beautiful home site is ready for the construction of your Vineyard dream home. Eleven lots have sold—only two remain available. Call for details!

CLASSIC OAK BLUFFS VICTORIAN $2,575,000 MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 OCEAN PARK REALTY, INC Built in 1875 by renowned architect Samuel Pratt, this classic 4bedroom Victorian is just one block from the beach and moments to the harbor, ferries, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy water views from the mahogany wrap-around porch and private balcony. Historic charm is complemented by thoughtful updates, including mini-split heating and cooling, Harvey replacement windows, a rebuilt mahogany porch, newer roof, updated electrical, outdoor shower, and town water and sewer. Established rental history with 2026 bookings in place. Partially insulated 3-season home.

MAIN HOUSE PLUS GUEST APT WITH ROOM FOR A POOL! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 8/15, 10:00-12:00 44 TIFFANY DRIVE Tucked away in a serene setting, and set on 1.38 private acres, this beautifully renovated 4BR/4.5BA Cape offers over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space, a gourmet kitchen, large living room with fireplace, dining room, large family room with propane fireplace o ce/game room, two ensuite bedrooms, multiple entertaining areas, a screened porch, and a separate one-bedroom guest apartment above the garage. All new appliances, windows, minisplits. Listed for $2.80M, plus $50K will be put in escrow at closing for a pool, depending on the offer! Contact Perry Patterson, Realtor, MV Luxury Homes, 973-789-1264

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A12 classifieds

August 13, 2026

Real Estate

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

LAND-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-WEST TISBURY

OAK BLUFFS WATERVIEW LOT FOR SALE $1,200,000 CALL OR TEXT Rene Ben David's Cell 508-847-4864 OCEAN PARK REALTY Welcome to # 0 Temahigan Ave & Dover Street, Oak Bluffs. Build Your Martha’s Vineyard Dream Home. Rare opportunity to own a level, cleared corner lot in desirable Oak Bluffs, with paved roads bordering two sides, ready for construction of your Martha’s Vineyard dream home. Approved for up to 6 bedrooms, this exceptional property includes an approved 6-bedroom septic design, with room for a possible future pool. Located in the sought-after Eastville area, where many homes enjoy beautiful water views, this lot offers the potential to capture stunning views of Vineyard Sound and beyond from a thoughtfully designed home. Create a custom residence that embraces all the beauty and lifestyl e Martha’s Vineyard has to offer. Enjoy a short walk to Eastville Beach, where you can take in spectacular sunsets, watch the ferries come and go, and experience the charm of island living. Just a short drive away, you’ll have access to everything that makes Oak Bluffs so special — additional beaches, shellfishing, swimming, boating, and the vibrant energy of Circuit Avenue, featuring boutique shop ping, diverse restaurants, and convenient ferry service to and from the island via the iconic Oak Bluffs Harbor and nearby ports. This is more than just land — it’s an opportunity to create something truly special. Don’t just dream it — make it reality. Owning a piece of Martha’s Vineyard is an investment in a lifestyle you’ll never regret. Please include a preapproval or proof of funds with offer. Seller is offering a buyers broker consideration.

PRICE IMPROVEMENT 46 KENNEBEC AVENUE OAK BLUFFS, MA $1,350,000 Call or Text Cathy Gargiulo 203-530-1008 OCEAN PARK REALTY This exquisite Victorian home, lovingly preserved by the same family for over a generation, stands in outstanding condition and is perfectly situated in the vibrant heart of Oak Bluffs Center. Enjoy the convenience of being just steps away from the Public Beach, Steamship Authority, Oak Bluffs Harbor, a supermarket, and a variety of charming restaurants and shops that contribute to Oak Bluffs' allure as a premier summer destination on Martha's Vineyard. This delightful three-season cottage has been carefully modernized over the years, offering a rare investment opportunity. Located within the highly sought-after B1 Zone, this residence has been cherished as a family home w hile also providing the potential for commercial endeavors. The property features a welldesigned floor plan that includes four bedrooms-one conveniently located on the first floor-along with a full bathroom, two half bathrooms, a laundry storage area, an eat-in kitchen, and a cozy living room. The home is adorned with stunning wood flooring throughout, bright and airy rooms with original windows, a n ew hot water on demand system, and a charming front porch, perfect for leisurely afternoons. With its four bedrooms and prime in-town location, this property offers substantial rental potential, making it an exceptional opportunity for both personal enjoyment and investment.

PRIVACY MEETS CONVENIENCE IN OAK BLUFFS JAYNE ISFORD | 203-962-4317 $1,795,000 Nestled at the end of a quiet street, this roomy and spacious Cape-style home offers privacy and convenience just a short distance to the Oak Bluffs School, town center, and within walking distance to the Lagoon. Sun-filled main level with open floor plan, large windows, and a generous kitchen with ample counter space, opening to the dining area. Sliders lead to a back deck, yard, and bluestone patio ..perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Radiant heated floors in the primary suite and lower-level playroom. Twocar garage with bonus space above. Beautiful stonework driveway. Updated furnace (2020) and water heater (2024).

SOLD $1,150,000 MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 OCEAN PARK REALTY, OAK BLUFFS CLASSIC CAPE Charm meets modern e ciency in this move-in-ready 3-bedroom home. Thoughtfully maintained and beautifully presented, the home features sun-filled living spaces, an updated kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms designed for easy everyday living. Enjoy year-round comfort with energy-e cient minisplit systems providing both heating and air conditioning, offering costeffective climate control in every season. The finished basement adds valuable bonus space ideal for a media room, home o ce or workout room giving you the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. Outside, a private yard offers the perfect setting for relaxing or entertaining. A wonderful opportunity for a year-round residence, vacation getaway, or investment. ..this classic Cape blends timeless style with modern upgrades.

NEW LISTING IN EAST CHOP OAK BLUFFS MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 $1,199,000 .52 ACRES 66 Munroe Avenue and 17 Madison Avenue Oak Bluffs East Chop~Build your custom island retreat in coveted East Chop on this over onehalf acre parcel. Offering the potential for a 6 + bedroom residence, this exceptional homesite includes a topographic map and features expansive grounds that may accommodate a pool, su bject to local approvals. Ideally located just minutes from the East Chop Beach Club, Oak Bluffs Harbor, beaches, ferries, restaurants, shops, and vibrant downtown Oak Bluffs. Buyers should perform their own due diligence with the appropriate town agencies to verify all information regarding building requirements, approvals and intended use. All offers should include proof of funds. COZY NORTH TISBURY OFF-SEASON RENTAL SEPT 10-JUNE 20TH. Dates are flexible. 3BR, two baths, ADVAC air & AC. $3,000.00 a month plus electric and propane heat. WIFI included. Call 203-988-3728 for more info.

WEST TISBURY NEW LISTING $1,399,000 Call or Text Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 Coastal contemporary residence is located on a private 1.60-acre lot in West Tisbury, with convenient access to Long Point Wildlife Refuge and access to "Coveted" Lambert's Cove Beach. The home features four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. On the first floor, you'll find two bright bedrooms, a modernized bathroom, and sliders from the living area that lead to a new AZEK deck and enclosed fenced gardens, perfect for outdoor enjoyment. The open floor plan includes attractive beadboard ceilings that create a sense of space and light. Recent upgrades feature a remodeled kitchen with a tiled backsplash, granite countertops, and an LG induction stove along with matching stainless-steel appliances. The firstfloor bathroom has been fully renovated with a tiled shower and glass door, tiled floor, new toilet, vanity/mirror, rainfall showerhead, and all new hardware. Additional updates include a newer roof, Azek window trim, an outdoor shower enclosure, and gutters with leaf guards. The basement has a 9-foot ceiling with four windows, providing potential for further finishing with town approval. Other improvements include updated plumbing and electrical systems, a new well pressure tank, new Culligan Water Filtration and Conditioning system, and a Generac whole-house generator installed in 2022.

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mvtimes.com Real Estate Transactions August 3 – 7, 2026

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Edgartown

$850,000

August 6, Cynthia Thomas, formerly known as Cynthia Margolis, sold 24 Atwood Circle to Mildred Austin for $2,588,000.

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$650,000

August 7, SMGOB Realty LLC sold 21 Kennebec Ave. Unit 1 to Locals Only MV LLC for $640,000.

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August 3, Brian M. Folly and the Estate of Betty Lou Andrews, formerly known as Betty Lou Bauserman, sold 60 Beach Road Unit 240 to MCG Investments I LLC for $160,000. August 5, Woodlands Central LLC sold 455 State Road and 10 Woodland Center Condominium Unit 10 to MV Woodland Co. for $730,000. August 6, Mary K. Hochberg sold 150 Cove Road to Carl D. Shapiro and Judith M. Shapiro, trustees of Carl D. Shapiro Revocable Trust and Judith M. Shapiro Revocable Trust, for $1,470,000.

August 6, Thomas W. Buchert Jr. and Rosario R. Buchert sold 51 Lantern Lane to Vanessa Grant and Nicholi Grant for $775,000. August 7, Susanna Barry sold 124 Skiff Avenue Unit 2 to Matthew Gustus and Melanie Gustus for $530,000.

West Tisbury August 4, 9 Beach Pebble Road LLC, 11 Beach Pebble Road LLC, and 29 Naushon Road LLC sold 29 Naushon Road, 25 Naushon Road, 9 Beach Pebble Road, and 11 Beach Pebble Road to Makonikey Vista LLC for $8,958,400. August 5, Gaylen O. Mulderry, Daniel P. Mulderry, and Gaylen O’Leary sold 35 Nats Farm Road to Rachel Goldstein, trustee of 35 Nats Farm Lane Realty Trust, for $2,013,500. August 7, Rex T. Williams and Libby Soo Hoo, trustee of Wayman Family Trust, sold 318 Lambert’s Cove Road to Andrew Danielle LLC for $1,205,000.

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classifieds A13

August 13, 2026

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS LAND COURT DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT DOCKET NO. 26 SM 002549 ORDER OF NOTICE TO: Jessica Medeiros Garrison and to all persons entitled to the bene t of the er icemembers Ci il Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. c. 50 §3901 (et seq): ServisFirst Bank claiming to have an interest in a Mortgage covering real propert in d artown, numbered 7 arran ansett A enue, i en b Jessica Medeiros Garrison to ServisFirst Ban , dated April 2, 202 , and recorded in Du es Count Re istr of Deeds in Boo 73, a e 80 , has ha e led with this court a complaint for determination of Defendant s Defendants er icemembers status. If ou now are, or recentl ha e been, in the acti e militar ser ice of the nited tates of America, then ou ma be entitled to the bene ts of the er icemembers Ci il Relief Act. If ou ob ect to a foreclosure of the above-mentioned property on that basis, then ou or our attorne must le a written appearance and answer in this court at hree emberton uare, Boston, A 02 08 on or before 09 2 202 or ou ma lose the opportunit to challen e the foreclosure on the round of noncompliance with the Act. Witness, RD . I R Chief ustice of this Court on 8 7 202 . Attest Deborah . atterson, Recorder PUBLIC NOTICE he . . Arm Corps of n ineers has completed the Five Year Reviews for the followin Formerl sed Defense ites F D Cape o e ittle ec Bomb ar et ite D0 A0 9 o in ar et achine un Ran e D0 A0 8 A F R is li e a re ular chec -up for an en ironmental cleanup plan. We examine the solution that was put in place to see how it is working. The main oal is to con rm that the solution or remedy is protecting people and the en ironment from harm. After the re iew, a report is written that explains what we loo ed at, identi es an issues and recommendations solutions to an identi ed issues. hese two sites were used for militar munitions trainin prior to bein transferred to state, local and or pri ate parties. herefore, each site was contaminated b munitions of arious t pes. he selected remedies are intended to reduce the probabilit of the public handlin munitions encountered durin residential, construction, maintenance or recreational activities. Cape o e ittle ec Bomb ar et ite F D Cape o e he remed for Cape o e is subsurface clearance of munitions to three feet in depth (completed in 20 9 and and se Controls Cs . he second F R for Cape o e, si ned 23 ul 202 , reached a rotecti eness Determination of

rotecti e. he remed at the Cape o e F D is protecti e of human health and the en ironment. Cs, includin educational si n installation and maintenance, distribution of explosi es safet educational materials, pro idin 3Rs xplosi es afet ducation trainin , and monitorin of site conditions are protecti e of human health and the en ironment. Cs educate site users on the possible presence of munitions and how to modif their beha ior to reduce the probabilit of exposure. his determination was reached usin on erm ana ement inspection reports, interviews with stakeholders and pro ect technical documentation. The next FYR will be completed by 23 ul 203 . o in ar et achine un Ran e F D outh Beach he selected remed for outh Beach is implementation of Cs. he second F R for outh Beach, si ned 2 arch 202 , reached a rotecti eness Determination of hort-term rotecti e. he remed currentl protects human health and the en ironment because human and ecolo ical exposures are limited b multi-faceted Cs. owe er, in order for the remed to be protecti e in the lon -term, the followin actions need to be ta en to ensure protecti eness Replace repair si ns where needed. This determination was reached usin on erm ana ement inspection reports, inter iews with sta eholders and pro ect technical documentation. he next F R will be completed b 2 arch 203 . he full text for each of these F Rs is a ailable on the AC , ew England District website at: https www.nae.usace.arm .mil is sions ro ects opics arthasVine a rdRIF .aspx he documents are also a ailable at the AC , ew n land District of ce and ma be iewed b contacting Marie Esten. lease send uestions to arie sten, ro ect ana er . . Arm Corps of n ineers, ew England District 9 Vir inia Road Concord, A 0 7 2 978-3 8-89 marie.e.esten usace.arm .mil U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE UPDATED MUNITIONS RESPONSE SITE PRIORITIZATION PROTOCOL (MRSPP) FOR TISBURY GREAT POND, BOMBING AND GUNNERY RANGE (D01MA045301) AND CAPE POGE LITTLE NECK BOMB TARGET SITE, CAPE POGE BOMB TARGET – INLAND WATER (D01MA059502). The New England District opens a 30-da public re iew period for the updated unitions Response ite rioriti ation rotocol R documentation for the two abo e referenced sites. Both areas pla ed critical roles in national defense durin the World War II era. isbur

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS

reat ond was utili ed for acti e militar trainin from 9 3 to 9 7, while Cape o e ittle ec was used from 9 to 9 7. Followin their closure at the end of the war, the lands were transferred bac to pri ate citi ens and arious o ernment entities for ci ilian use. he R is a ri orous, nationwide e aluation s stem de eloped b the Department of Defense DoD . Its primar purpose is to assi n arelati e safet and cleanup priorit to defense sites that are nown or suspected to containunexploded ordnance , discarded militar munitions, or munitions constituents. Because these sites have transitioned to public and pri ate use, updatin these protocols ensures that an residual militar footprint is acti el trac ed and mana ed under modern safet standards. AC is le all mandated and deeply committed to ensurin that local sta eholders, en ironmental ad ocates, and residents have a direct voice in this prioriti ation process. Communit input is ital to establishin a transparent and collaborative path forward for local land safet . ocal residents, propert owners, and interested parties are strongly encoura ed to re iew the updated wor sheets durin the30-da public comment window. he of cial documents can be accessed online ia the AC ew England District pro ect pa e at nae.usace. arm .mil issions ro ects- opics MarthasVine ard-RIF h sical copies of the records are also a ailable for iewin at the District f ce in Concord, A. o schedule an in-person iewin , submit formal comments, or as uestions, please reach out directl to arie sten, ro ect ana er, at 978-3 8-89 or ia email atmarie.e.esten usace.arm .mil.

THE WEST TISBURY COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AT THE WEST TISBURY PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING, 454 STATE ROAD, WEST TISBURY ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 AT 5:30 PM. The meeting can also be accessed remotel ia oom at https us0 web. oom.us 898 998 98 pwd IhB 2 asW A si Vfcn0nd r . eetin ID 898 998 98 asscode 2 320. The hearing will be held to present information on the Communit reser ation Act and the a ailabilit of fundin for pro ects that preser e open space and historic sites, create affordable housin , and de elop outdoor recreational facilities. Information on the application process can be accessed at https www.westtisbur -ma. o o ernment communit preser ation committee application process.php WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 5:15pm the BA will hold a public hearin at the W A -2nd floor meetin room on an application for a pecial ermit from Vine ard and ur e in & n ineerin , Inc. on behalf of Craig and Lissa Millett to allow the construction of a 900 s . ft. Accessor Dwellin nit AD reuirin 2 feet of rear and 33 feet of side ard setbac relief on a pre-existin non-conformin lot under ection .3-3D of the West isbur onin B law at 2 iddle Rd., ap 32 ot 8. , in the R district. Interested parties are invited to send comments via email to: zba@westtisbury-ma.gov or mail comments to: Zoning Board of Appeals, PO Box 278, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Please call 508696-0107 for information on the application.

WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 5:30pm the BA will hold a public hearin at the W A -2nd floor meetin room on an application for a pecial ermit from Wesley Nagy to allow a one- ear extension for the temporar use of a campin ehicle ori inall allowed throu h a 202 durin the construction of a sin lefamil residence at 72 Rogers Path, Map 15 Lot 29.2 under ection 8.7-3 of the West isbur onin Bylaw in the RU district. Interested parties are invited to send comments via email to: zba@westtisbury-ma.gov or mail comments to: Zoning Board of Appeals, PO Box 278, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Please call 508696-0107 for information on the application.

TOWN OF OAK BLUFFS, MA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SUNNY FIELD REALTY TRUST FORM C DEFINITIVE PLAN SUBDIVISION APPLICATION – AMENDED NOTICE In accordance with the provisions of Chapter , ection 8 - and 8 - , and the Rules and Re ulations o ernin the ubdi ision of and in a Bluffs, the lannin Board will hold a public hearin on hursda Au ust 27, 202 , at 00 p.m. ia oom on the application of he unn Field Realt rust, for appro al of a de niti e subdi ision plan entitled lan of and in a Bluffs, assachusetts repared for unn Field Realt rust desi ned b cho eld Barbini and oehn, dated ul 29, 202 , located at assessor s address 0 unn Field Road , in proximit of Count Road and Wind ill Road, assessor s map and parcel 2- 2 , and showin proposed lots. A cop of the plan and applications are on le with the lannin Board in their of ces in own all, chool treet a Bluffs, and ma be inspected between 8 30 a.m. and 00 p.m. lans are also a ailable online on the own of a Bluffs lannin Board pa e www.oa bluffsma. o . Interested parties are invited to comment and attend the hearing. Zoom in is as follows https oa bluffs. oom.us 8 0 8080 pwd babW R B V8s8 bb3Q.1 lease direct comments to Administrator a Bluffs lannin Board Box 327 a Bluffs, A 02 7 hone 08- 93-3 x -mail plannin board oa bluffsma. gov

LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS

OAK BLUFFS CONSERVATION COMMISSION ursuant to assachusetts eneral aws, Chapter 3 , ection 0, the assachusetts Wetlands rotection Act, and the a Bluffs Wetlands B law, the a Bluffs Conser ation Commission will hold a public hearin for a otice of Intent led b Reid il a of Vine ard and ur e in & n ineerin , Inc on behalf of Almas Dream rust, Anucha Browne, rustee for the construction of a ara e, dri ewa , septic tie-in, and associated landscaping. This is located within the 00 ear flood one, and its buffer one at 2 arthas ar Road, a Bluffs, ap 20 arcel 8. he hearin will ta e place at 3 30 on hursda Au ust 20, 202 . The hearing will take place at Oak Bluffs own all, chool treet, a Bluffs.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD

DISTRICT COURT REPORT July 24

July 28

Michael J. Pitiger, 38, Fairhaven; assault on family/household member, intimidation of witness/ juror/police/court official, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, continued to pretrial hearing.

Daiyuonte R. Reed, 33, Oak Bluffs; operating motor vehicle with license suspended, motor vehicle lights violation, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, continued to pretrial hearing.

July 27

Ualas Grouga Alves, 38, Edgartown; marked lanes violation, speeding rate of speed exceeding posted limit, no inspection sticker, unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle, possession of open container of alcohol in motor vehicle, arraigned and held, condition to remain alcohol-free,

Marizete S. Costa, 41, Edgartown; operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, arraigned and held, bail set at $500 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing.

July 30

bail set at $1,000 with potential for bail revocation, continued to bench trial.

July 31 Kevin F. Almeida, 20, Oak Bluffs; speeding rate of speed greater than was reasonable or proper, marked lanes violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, leaving scene of property damage, marked lanes violation, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, continued to pretrial hearing.

August 2 Mark L. Sauer, 76, Edgartown; third offense, operating under the

influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, no inspection/ sticker, arraigned and held, bail set at $500 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing.

August 6 Hannah E. Fobert, 29, Marblehead; operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, open container of alcohol in motor vehicle, arraigned and held, bail set at $100 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing.

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A14

news

August 13, 2026

Katama Meadows decision pushed to September

“We talk about maintaining the character of the Island. The character of the Island is not suburbanization of year-round residents,” Smith said. Smith said the Island has been a vacation community for about 150 years: “That’s Commissioners grappled with tough questions on Thursday. who we are. That’s our charBY SARAH SHAW DAWSON acter. That’s what we’re supposed to preserve as the character. And if you tell me that and detriments of housing de- renters won’t be possible. he deliberation on the all the summer people who velopments that could impact With Airbnbs listed for as 54-acre subdivision high as $300,000 a month are in Oak Bluffs right now proposed in Edgartown the fabric of Island life, charon the Vineyard, a longer aren’t a community, as you acter, and the environment. called Katama Meadows say, I strongly beg to differ. “This project is primarily a seasonal stay could still be went overtime again last And I think all of them would subdivision. They’re not pro- a lucrative undertaking for Thursday, and further disdiffer with you as well.” viding any housing … We’re a homeowner, but Malkin, cussion was pushed until Malkin pushed back trying to redesign this at this who introduced the conSept. 10. Islanders who are against Smith’s assertion. She point, and I think we have to dition, advocated for the awaiting some certainty resaid she was strictly referring accept what they propose,” restriction partly to make garding Katama Meadows to properties purchased for the homes less desirable for will have to wait a bit longer. Tisbury Commissioner Ben the purpose of only rentinvestment buyers. It remains unclear whether Robinson said in the threeing them, not generations of hour-long deliberation. Through a short-term the meeting in September seasonal visitors. Robinson “We’re trying to fix a project rental tax in Island towns, will include a decision on pointed out that short-term that might not be fixable in there’s a clearer picture of the 52-lot proposal by Utah rentals are being nationally the number of properties developers Richard Matthews these ways.” ILLUSTRATION COURTESY MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMISSION studied for their effect on the “One of the benefits is used for rentals of 31 days and Douglas Anderson, which The proposed subdivision for Katama Meadows in Edgartown. housing market, and locally, the housing, but we don’t or fewer than before. The includes market-rate parcels they have a documented imhomeowners, however, with 4,000-square-foot homes know when the housing pact on life here. and attainable lots for moder- will happen,” Joan Malkin, can be anyone, from year“The owners of these housChilmark commissioner, rounders making extra innationwide and on-Island for to invest on the Vineyard to ate-income Islanders. es that build them, and then investment properties,” Malmake money in rental housAt the meeting on August said later in the meeting. “If come to companies. this is approved, it’s because ing. It’s an eight-week season,” collect the rentals, they’re In the MVC’s 2024 Housing kin said. “I don’t think that’s 6, in the Martha’s Vineyard not spending their money we believe there’s a housing Needs Assessment, the revSmith said. what we want … That does Commission (MVC) meeton the Island either. And so He also pointed to the econot breed a community.” enue from short-term rental ing room, one question kept benefit, so let’s make sure these short-term rentals crewe get it.” nomic benefit of short-term Malkin said the Katama taxes increased considerably coming up through each While most conditions on over a four-year period, from Meadows subdivision is “al- rentals for year-rounders who ate wealth leakage, and they condition the group disThursday were not passed, participate, and the seasonal- diminish the neighborhoods about $2.1 million in 2019 ready driving up the price cussed: Is it the MVC’s job in which they occur. And or were tabled for later, such ity of the Oak Bluffs comto $5.5 million in 2021, and of real estate on the Island, to redesign a project? that’s why short-term rentals as clean energy assurances munity. In the summer, Oak finally, almost $9 million in and we would be doing it Final deliberation on are being looked at across the Bluffs becomes a culturally even more if we’re doing Katama Meadows has already and a further decrease of the 2023, according to the Masworld in communities where market-rate lots, a condition sachusetts Department of significant vacation destinashort-term rentals.” stretched over three MVC to restrict all market-rate lots Revenue. Short-term rentals But Oak Bluffs Commistion for a seasonal Black com- there’s a huge demand for it,” meetings. Last Thursday, Robinson said. were rising post-COVID, and sioner Brian Smith disagreed. munity who have deep roots commissioners acknowledged from becoming short-term The motion to restrict rentals did make it through. on the Vineyard. He said the discourse on still are. In Edgartown alone that because the proposal is rentals ended up passing by The condition stated the He discussed the different short-term rentals is potenin 2024, the Department of made up of lots instead of homes that would be built caliber of homeownership and majority, with only Smith, Revenue documented 1,505 tially untrue. “There’s this actual houses, it makes the seasonality in that town, with Daniel McGinn, and Peter fallacy out there that big corprocess far more complicated. on 19 market-rate lots could short-term rentals. the shortened stays viewed as Wharton, commission chair, Katama Meadows could porations are coming in and Not being able to fully visual- not be rented for 31 days or fewer. The condition doesn’t have added more than a a part of the fabric of the com- voting no. Michael Kim was buying all the houses. That’s ize the project is a hurdle for absent, and Ernie Thomas apply to longer seasonal dozen to that number. nonsense. You would have to munity versus an economic the board members tasked abstained. stays, but quick turnover of “There’s a huge market be a very foolish corporation detriment. with weighing the benefits

T

Shelter for indigenous women unanimously approved by MVC Aquinnah Headwaters, a shelter through Kinship Heals, seeks to support survivors of abuse. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON

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proposed shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, called Aquinnah Headwaters, was unanimously approved by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) last Thursday night with minimal conditions. According to data from Kinship Heals, the organization proposing the shelter, 85 percent of indigenous women have experienced violence; 56 percent have experienced sexual violence. But shelters to provide support and housing for those women are extremely rare. Aquinnah Headwaters will be the 58th shelter for indigenous women in the entire country, and the firstever native-run shelter in the state, even though indigenous women face some of the highest rates of violence. According to the Indian Law Resource Center, indigenous

women have reported rates of domestic violence more than 10 times higher than the rest of the country. “As a tribal, community, and town select board member, I have watched Kinship Heals grow with ideas for the safety of this tribal community,” Aquinnah Select Board member Juli Vanderhoop wrote in a letter of support to the MVC prior to Thursday’s meeting. “The Island is limited in every way for services, but often tribal people feel forgotten, because our connection with where we are is different than the community which surrounds us.” The Aquinnah Headwaters shelter is planned to be a safe place to land for survivors, according to the application, with healing practices grounded in indigenous traditions. The discussion and deliberation by the MVC were short,

and included a few conditions requested by the Land Use and Planning Committee; its members unanimously approved the shelter themselves on August 3. Aquinnah Headwaters is proposed as a healing headquarters for indigenous women by the Northeast Native Network of Kinship and Healing, often referred to as Kinship Heals. In 2014, Jennifer Randolph, now executive director of Kinship Heals, founded the Wampanoag Women’s Center as a government program for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). In 2020, Randolph and others opened a separate nonprofit that is now known as Kinship Heals. Their mission is to empower and support tribal members navigating abuse. “It provides a resource for the community,” Tisbury Commissioner Ben Robin-

An illustration of the proposed residential buildings at Aquinnah Headwaters.

son said on Thursday of the proposal when discussing conditions. The campus is planned for 7.76 acres on 759, 761, and 765 State Road, in partnership with West Tisbury architect firm South Mountain Co. Plans are for a 4,160-squarefoot healing center, a 1,780-square-foot food hub, four one-bedroom solar-powered dwellings that are each 750 square feet, and 25 parking spaces. Building would start in 2026 or 2027. There’s also a bus stop planned for the area, and the campus would include a free food pantry. Kinship Heals purchased the land in 2023 for $1.67 million. An additional $1.07 million was raised for planning and permit-

ting through its fundraising campaign, and Kinship Heals said there’s $14 million due for construction, most of which they still need to raise. On Thursday night, commissioners discussed conditions for the proposed shelter, from traffic considerations to the potential of job creation. The applicant for Aquinnah Headwaters worked with abutters to amend aspects of the project so as not to disrupt the area unnecessarily. There was little community pushback throughout the application process for Aquinnah Headwaters, with only one letter pointing to concerns about the commercial kitchen. Even that

letter, however, offered support for the campus. Other letters were all in support of the shelter, with Wampanoag Tribe members advocating for the new space while citing the difficulty indigenous women have finding culturally rooted healing spaces. “Aquinnah Headwaters is unique in its design to provide a place of refuge, solace, healing, and personal growth. It’s rare that there’s a place that has been so thoughtfully designed to offer a holistic approach to healing from the trauma that domestic violence creates,” former Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal council chairperson Cheryl AndrewsMaltais wrote in a letter to the MVC.

news A15

August 13, 2026

SSA head: Freight through New Bedford is a ‘long-term plan’

would be impacted if the earliest trip were pushed back, but he felt it would be beneficial to hear from the commissioners. Gavin called the issue “almost a blank canvas” to explore options beyond just keeping or Ferry line eyes the South Coast city as a potential alternative port to Woods Hole. eliminating the 5:30 am boat. Disruptions from freight BY EUNKI SEONWOO trucks is specifically an issue between Woods Hole became problematic. Mean- and Vineyard Haven, the s the Steamship Author- then really fighting against SSA’s only year-round port while, some truckers at the everyone trying to get into ity (SSA) considers its hearing who carry goods to on the Island. And the ire Biscuits for breakfast,” ferry schedule for next the Island called the 5:30 am from Woods Hole residents year, an annual complaint has Wharton said. “It becomes, has intensified as the number trip a necessity to complete I think, untenable in terms resurfaced: the 5:30 am boat. of trucks that travel through work in a timely manner, of being able to efficiently This has been the earliest and a later boat would ripple the Cape neighborhood has deliver on this end.” departure from Woods Hole increased. According to the He also said the early boat into other trips throughout via the Steamship for more SSA’s data, the number of carries important cargo like the day. than a decade, and carries a According to a 2019 report, trucks carried in 2012 between oxygen for Martha’s Vinevariety of shipments to the the two ports was 42,617, but Island on trucks. It’s a critical yard Hospital. And from the the SSA concluded in 2017 in 2025, the number grew to that “it could not continue element of the Island’s econo- Vineyard side, the 5:30 am 62,200, only a slight dip from to fulfill its statutory obligamy, especially in the summer, boat is used to get waste off the year prior. That’s a nearly tion to [provide] adequate the Island. when numerous businesses 45 percent increase, and foltransportation for the Island While Cape Cod Express reopen for the season. of Martha’s Vineyard during lowed a gradual growth over But across Vineyard Sound, uses a slightly later boat than the 5:30 am boat, the compa- its summer operating sched- the years. This mirrors the Isthere’s fierce opposition to land’s population growth and ny’s operations director Jayme ules without continuing to the early morning trip from the “unfettered growth,” as Amaral told The Times there operate its 5:30 am freight Woods Hole residents, who, Commissioner Tristan Israel trip from Woods Hole.” would be a “trickle effect” if for years, have called for an put it, that raises questions Kryska told commissionthis time slot was eliminated. alternative route to be found. about the Island’s limits. ers the early boat has been Amaral said this would With a new general manager Early boats aren’t a probespecially impact food deliv- an “ongoing issue” and that at the helm of the ferry line, lem on the Hyannis–Nanefforts have been made ery services that are trying some residents of the Cape tucket route, since Hyannis to beat the regular traffic to to mitigate the impact to Cod village made a renewed Woods Hole, such as season- is already a busy transpormake deliveries. push for the end to this time tation hub. But there’s one ally discontinuing the 5:30 Amaral said a New Bedslot, and the ferry line is conport that some have eyed as am trips from December to templating the potential of the ford route would increase May, and limiting departure a potential diversion from costs for some companies, port of New Bedford. Woods Hole for early mornto trucks 40 feet or shorter, such as added personnel It’s not yet certain when restricting larger semitrailer ing trucks: New Bedford. costs for longer time on the the proposed 2027 ferry The ferry line’s leadertrucks from the trip. road as well as fuel for the schedule will be voted on, ship has recently expressed Gavin said questions still although a decision tends to boats. “Woods Hole makes interest in New Bedford. lingered on how customers the most sense,” he said. be made in the late fall. For later times, summer “We do not have a firm time frame for bringing the traffic can also hinder the delivery routes, according to 2027 schedule back to the Steven Peranowski, owner Port Council and board,” Sean Driscoll, SSA commu- and lead pharmacist of Vineyard Scripts. nications director, said in Renee Stempien, manager of an email Monday. Cape Cod Express’ Martha’s Island officials have heard the calls from their mainland Vineyard terminal, said there neighbors, but remain uncer- needs to be a compromise tain on the best direction. The between moving goods and keeping neighbors happy. Dukes County Commission, “We try to balance everywhich appoints the Vineyard’s thing, from keeping peace SSA board representative, to moving freight,” Stemreviewed the issue with Ted pien said. Gavin, the Vineyard SSA Ted Gavin, the Vineyard board representative, and Alex Kryska, SSA general manager, SSA board representative, told the commissioners on August 4. While no vote was made, Commission Chair the feedback on the early boat has been “particularly Christine Todd said a workpointed” after a petition with ing group will be made for a 157 signatories, including 15 deeper dive into the matter. Commissioner Donald Leo- Vineyarders, forced a public pold highlighted the early boat hearing in July. The petition as necessary for the SSA to act was submitted to the SSA in late June by Nat Trumbull, a as the Island’s lifeline, particularly for food and supplies Woods Hole resident who’s long called for change to the that the Vineyard hospitality ferry line’s schedule. industry relies on. At the July hearing, numer“While I feel bad for people ous Falmouth residents called for whom the traffic is upsetfor the end of the 5:30 am trip, ting, it seems to me to stay which was first introduced in true to the mission of the entity … I don’t see that there’s a the summer of 2012 and fully incorporated into the SSA lot of choice,” Leopold said. schedule in 2018. And while suggestions of Falmouth residents highpushing back the boat were raised, Peter Wharton, a com- lighted that the daily rumbling of trucks has disrupted sleep missioner from Oak Bluffs, and diminished quality of life. said pushing back the early boat means the delivery trucks Some Falmouth Select Board would have to deal with more members said the early morning trip is an example of distraffic in busy areas downtrust that’s built up between Island, such as Kennebec Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Currently, the ferry line and the town. those on the 5:30 am ferry get Douglas Brown, Falmouth Seto the Island around 6:15 am. lect Board member, said that “If you’re trying to deal with the early morning trip was meant to be an experiment a delivery on Circuit Avenue that would discontinue if it post that half-hour, you’re

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Mark Amundsen, SSA COO, spoke about the potential of establishing a route between the South Coast city and the Vineyard when he interviewed for the general manager position in November, as did Kryska during the commissioners’ meeting. Gavin noted that New Bedford’s new board representative, Kreg Espinola, has expressed interest in seeing more traffic come through the city. “That’s an auspicious sign,” Gavin said. “The challenge for the early morning deliveries is that for Steamship Authority freight to leave New Bedford and get to the Island at 6 am, it’s got to leave at 2:45 or 3 am, which the shippers may not be crazy about.” Around three hours is much longer than the current trips from Woods Hole, which are around 45 minutes. A New Bedford route isn’t unprecedented. New Bedfordbased 41 North Offshore runs a limited, on-demand private freight service between the two locations, which its license allows through December. Farther back, the SSA conducted a pilot program in 2000 through Hvide Marine Inc. to provide freight service between New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard. The route prematurely ended in 2001 after New Bedford and its harbor development commission didn’t respond to requests from the SSA for

permission to use the New Bedford State Pier. However, according to a 2016 SSA report, ferry line staff concluded in 2012 that the route was not financially feasible, even during the peak summer months. “In order to pay for itself, the service would have had to generate the same amount of revenues in addition to the revenues the SSA was then receiving from its Woods Hole–Martha’s Vineyard service, and the staff concluded that it would be unlikely that the estimated incremental cost of the service would be offset by whatever additional revenues might be generated by the service (such as through higher tariff rates for the service),” the report reads in part. “The service also would have required the SSA to use the only spare vessel it then had available to substitute for one of its other vessels during the summer, in the event one of those other vessels had to be taken out of service due to mechanical or other problems.” Kryska told the commissioners whether New Bedford becomes the “ultimate solution” for freight traffic is still being explored, though there are financial implications. “It’s a long-term plan,” Kryska said. “That’s not going to happen this summer. It’s probably not going to happen next summer, but it’s something that we’re working on.”

A16

news

August 13, 2026

Celebrating local industry in Menemsha MVFPT’s annual Meet the Fleet: Fishermen’s local holiday. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA

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ocal fishermen came together in Menemsha last Thursday afternoon for the ninth annual Meet the Fleet, hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust (MVFPT). For many Islanders, the event that took place on the Menemsha docks, from 3 to 7 pm when the sun began to set, is more akin to a holiday. “In my family, we have Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Meet the Fleet. This is our third holiday of the year,” Nick Wilbur, local commercial fisherman, said. The Preservation Trust, which supports the conservation of the Island’s small-boat, owner-operated fishing fleets, hosts the annual event to showcase the local industry and raise funds, through sponsors, merchandise sales, and donations, for its programs. Since 2021, the trust has run the Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative, a program that acts as a local seafood buyer, and more recently, started a shipping

program to connect local fishermen to off-Island buyers. The trust is also in the middle of an expansion, after it purchased the former Poole’s Fish Plant on Basin Road in Chilmark last year with a 99-year lease. Chris Mayhew, who captains the Betty Anne out of Menemsha and harvests lobsters in the summer, said the celebration is “a good halfway point in the season,” especially for fishermen who have worked hard all summer. “Everyone comes together to celebrate the fishing fleet,” he said. The event on Thursday featured activities for all ages, including performances by Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, the Philly Project, and the Dock Dance Band. There was a line-splicing contest, where fishermen raced to finish joining two ends of a rope (multiyear winner Ian Andres won again), a life raft survival-suit contest with the U.S. Coast Guard, a

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

Sea scallop—shucking contest at Meet the Fleet.

net-mending competition (won by Mikey Oliveria, a.k.a. “Ripped,” for the third time), and a scallopshucking contest. Children also took part in crab races, where they lured a crab down a wooden track with meat on a string, and gyotaku, a traditional Japanese art method that memorializes real fish or other sea creatures on cloth using paint.

Island fisherman Otto Osmers, also known as “Otto-Zone” or “Ottomatic,” especially during the event, took first for the third time in the highly anticipated shucking contest. Osmers said the trick is making a clean cut and not missing the gut of the scallop. “I’ve been doing it for a couple years now, like eight years, and it’s my job,” Osmers told The Times.

Osmers said taking the win this year felt great: “I missed it last year, and it’s good to come back.” And while Osmers said he was happy to win, he’s not in it for the glory. He said that the contest is “about the fun,” and that Meet the Fleet is overall “about getting the community together.” “We get people from every harbor here,” Osmers

said. “It’s just a good time.” “They work hard all summer, and they get to have a little bit of celebration,” John Keene, president of the Preservation Trust, said. “I would say the beauty of this is just the fusion of the public, the fishermen, the town, Coast Guard, EPO [Environmental Police], and everyone who comes together.”

This disclosure is required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

Content Label for Cape Light Compact Retail Access Electricity Supply Customers Data for this label is provided by NextEra Energy Services, Cape Light Compact’s selected supplier. The electricity you consume comes from the New England power grid, which receives power from a variety of power plants and transmits the power throughout the region as needed to meet the requirements of all customers in New England. When you choose a power supplier, that supplier is responsible for generating and/ or purchasing power that is added to the power grid in an amount equivalent to your electricity use. “System Power” includes the mix of power generating resources in the regional electricity market. Although the power delivered to Compact customers comes from the regional New England power grid, the Compact’s supplier provides 100% renewable energy to Compact customers by retiring renewable energy certificates (“RECs”) and clean energy credits (“CECs”) to match customers’ usage as follows: 1) RECs and CECs to meet the state-mandated Clean Energy Standard (“CES”) and Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”), which includes a mix of RECs from wind, solar, biomass, and other qualified renewable generation resources, equal to 69.3% of usage; 2) RECs in addition to those required by the RPS and CES from a MA Class 1 resource located in MA in a quantity equal to 1% of usage; and 3) RECs in addition to those required by the RPS and CES representing generation from North American wind resources in a quantity equal to 29.7% of usage. This renewable content is reflected in the “Power Attribute Content” table to the right. NextEra Energy Services will update fuel sources and emissions data to its customers quarterly, allowing customers to compare data among the companies providing electricity service on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.

Generation Prices* • Residential customers: prices in effect for July 2026 - January 2027 are 16.580¢ per kWh • Commercial customers: prices in effect for July 2026 - January 2027 are 16.466¢ per kWh • Industrial customers: prices in effect for July 2026 - October 2026 are 11.548¢ per kWh *Prices include an adder of $0.001/kWh for the Cape Light Compact Operating Fund. Prices do not include regulated charges for customer service and delivery. Those charges are billed by your local distribution company. For a breakdown of supply pricing, visit capelightcompact.org/power-supply.

Air Emissions

Disclosure Label Based on Data from Q2 2025 - Q1 2026 New England System Mix

Power Source

System Mix Percentage

Air-source heat pump Biogas Biomass Coal Diesel Digester Gas Efficient Resource (Maine) Energy Storage Fuel Cell Ground- and water-source heat pump Hydroelectric/hydropower Hydrokinetic Jet Landfill Gas Liquid Biofuels Municipal Solid Waste Natural Gas Nuclear Oil Solar Photovoltaic** Solar Thermal Trash-to-energy Wind Wood

0.06 0.34 0.01 0.01 2.03 1.55 0.66 0.25 0.91 1.67 0.10 0.10 0.90 0.00 0.04 0.07 0.49 0.94 0.02 0.04

*TOTAL

100

5.95 4.87 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.5 0.37 0.46 0.12 0.67 0.47 46.09 44.94 25.60 22.51 4.57 5.61 4.87 9.68 0.01 0.00 2.31 1.72 3.52 3.81 1.04 0.92

*Based on data from Q2 2025 - Q1 2026. Actual totals may

Emissions for each of the following pollutants are presented as a percent of the region’s average emission vary slightly from 100% due to rounding rate based on the System Mix. System average emission rates were prepared for New England Power **Includes 1.22% of Known Resources reflecting energy purchased from Farmington Solar in Q1 2026. Pool (NEPOOL) by ISO New England and are based on data from Q2 2025 - Q1 2026 for residential, and commerical and industrial rates. Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) is formed when fossil fuels and biomass are burned at high temperatures. They contribute to acid rain and ground-level ozone (or smog), and may cause respiratory illness in children with frequent hight level exposure. NOX also contributes to oxygen deprivation of lakes and coastal waters which is destructive to fish and other animal life. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is formed when fuels containing sulfur are burned, primarily coal and oil. Major health effects associated with SO2 include asthma, respiratory illness and aggravation of existing cardiovascular disease. SO2 combines with water and oxygen in the atmosphere to form acid rain, which raised the acid level of lakes and streams, and accelerates the decay of buildings and monuments. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is released when fossil fuels (e.g., coal, oil and natural gas) are burned. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is a major contributor to global warming.

Working Together Toward A Smarter Energy Future

Power Attribute Content* Cape Light Compact Aggregation Standard Supply Product Source Percentage

MA Renewable Portfolio and Clean Energy Standard Requirements (includes Wind, Solar, Biomass, and other renewable resources pursuant to MA regulations)

51.3

69.3

Voluntary Wind & Solar

47.7 29.7

Additional MA Class 1 RECs

1 1

TOTAL

100

*Power Attribute Content table reflects 2026 REC retirement Requirement. Note: Electricity customers in New England are served by an integrated power grid, not particular generating units. The System Mix information is based on the most recently available information provided via the NEPOOL Generation Information System. Cape Light Compact’s Power Supplier procures electricity supply through system power contracts, not from specific generating units.

Emissions Data Emission Type

NitrogenOxides Oxides(NO (NO ) Nitrogen X) X 2) SulfurDioxide Dioxide(SO (SO Sulfur 2) CarbonDioxide Dioxide(CO (CO ) Carbon 2) 2

Lbs. per MWh

% NEPOOL System Average

0.57059 100 0.6747 100 0.30435 100 0.3971 100 694.12881 100 740.68 100

New unit emissions data for CO2 is 895lbs/MWh; for NOX is 0.055 lbs/MWh; for SO2 is 0.011 lbs/MWh.

Cape Light Compact • 1.800.381.9192 • Fax: 774.330.3018 • capelightcompact.org

T H E P E O P L E , TO W N S , A N D S TO R I E S O F I S L A N D L I F E + R E S TA U R A N T S , G A L L E R I E S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

T H U R S D AY, A U G U S T 1 3 , 2026

See page B8 for more on the beloved MVAS Fair.

ALISON SHAW

B2

community & calendar

August 13, 2026

BOOKS

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he new illustrated book “Sailing with Angels: A Poetic Tale of Grief and Grace” features an image of a sailboat on the cover, with the numbers 627 printed on the sail. The numbers 627 are, of course, the first three digits of all Edgartown phone numbers back in the days of landlines. Seeing this sweet nod to Edgartown on the cover of a book reminds me of driving down a highway and passing a car with an ILUVMV license plate. The book’s author, Laura Briel Sullivan, is what is known in Vineyard parlance as a “summer kid,” and like many of us who had the good fortune to spend our childhood summers here, the Vineyard captured her imag-

Laura Briel Sullivan

ination in life and in art. “The Vineyard has always been my true north,” Sullivan explained in a recent email exchange. “It is the community that raised me. Parents, grandparents, neighbors, sailing instructors, and family friends all played a role in shaping who I became.” She describes her debut book, the first in a trilogy, as a “love letter to that community and to the generations who quietly taught us how to live.” She said, “I wanted to write about the people who shape us, the lessons they leave behind, and the realization that although they leave us physically, they never really leave us.” “Sailing with Angels,” with delightful illustrations by Aileen Bennett, is a fable, a picture book in verse for both adults and children. It is also not strictly for Vineyard readers. In fact, the Vineyard is never actually mentioned by name. The first spread in the book shows an image of a

Two new illustrated books Both are odes to the Island. BY KATE FEIFFER

girl, Princess Briel (note the author’s full name), floating in the water. Her eyes are closed. She is gently smiling and wearing a tiara. Sullivan writes: “Once upon a time, on an isle not so far away. /Where ocean tides and sea winds play, /A princess mourned of what had passed /While souls set adrift upon raised masts.” Each of the characters in the book are either based on actual people or are composites of people Sullivan knew and admired — people who taught her life lessons by the way they lived their lives. A tinkerer was inspired by longtime Chappaquid-

dick seasonal resident Bill Brine, who, Sullivan said, “could invent almost anything, and believed every child should have an adventure.” (Brine had many adventures himself. A line in his obituary reads, “In 1968 he saw a land auction sign at the Edgartown town hall. He bought two pieces there: one off South Beach,

far out to sea, and a second that was never found.”) A harbormaster was a nod to Barbara Nevin, whom Sullivan described as “a legendary connector who always reminded us, ‘When they’re passing tarts, take a tart.’” Another character in the book is a judge, Sullivan’s father, who used to say, “A door is many things, but a

jar it is not,” a line which is a pun on a door being left ajar, which Sullivan said “became the inspiration for keeping our memories ajar.” In Sullivan’s bio, she calls herself “a recovering financial services executive.” I asked what she meant by that, and what brought her to writing. She replied, “I spent more than 30 years

“The ‘Island Adventure Book’ gives children the tools to observe their surroundings with care, record what they find, and understand why protecting these places matters — for wildlife and for people.” - SAMANTHA LOOK

helping organizations navigate change. Today I simply write about a different kind of change. Writing has been less about reinventing myself than returning to the storyteller I always wanted to become. Losing my parents reminded me that time is finite, and gave me permission to pursue a dream that had patiently waited its turn.” Another new illustrated book that recently came to our attention is an educational activity book and field guide for children, “Island Adventure Book.” Published by the Vineyard Conservation Society, the book integrates information about the Island’s ecosystem with questions posed to readers. Chapter 1, “Welcome to the Beach,” includes information under the heading “Who we might see at the beach” about herring gulls, sanderlings, piping plovers, mole crabs, and gray seals. Activity pages include information and space to record your findings like notes in a field guide. Readers will learn, “A great place to find dried seaweed is in the line of debris left by the most recent high tide. This is called a ‘wrack line’ or ‘drift line,’ for all the material that is drifting in the ocean that gets left on the beach when the tide goes back out.” There are prompts that ask readers to record their findings during their walk. “Was the tide high or low when you visited?” “How could you tell?” “How many high tides are there in one day?” Samantha Look, executive director of VCS, said in a press release for the book, “The ‘Island Adventure Book’ gives children the tools to observe their surroundings with care, record what they find, and understand why protecting these places matters — for wildlife and for people.” The book was edited by Look and Zada Clarke, VCS’s director of advocacy and community organizing, and has illustrations by Fiona MacLean and Ariel Ferrel, as well as contributions by numerous well-respected Vineyard conservationists and organizations, including Marianne Jorgenson, Matt Pelikan, Nina Montanile, and the Aquinnah Cultural Center. Both “Sailing with Angels” and “Island Adventure Book” are available at Bunch of Grapes and Edgartown Books. Please support our local literary ecosystem.

A monthly newsletter for people interested in writing and the writing life on Martha’s Vineyard. SCAN

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community & calendar B3

August 13, 2026

Writing From The Heart BY NANCY SLONIM ARONIE

The problem with AI.

How to stay curious

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n the last week, my husband and I have asked questions that ChatGPT answered. I asked if red-light therapy could cure giantcell vasculitis; I asked how much $100 in 1965 was equivalent to now, and I asked how long alphagal sugar saliva takes to enter the bloodstream. My husband asked how many gallons of jet fuel a Boeing 737 aircraft uses to cross the U.S. He asked what the population of Iran is.

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After watching the amazing documentary film, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” we heard the film’s director, Pavel Talankin, had his Oscar stolen, so we both asked if that was true. Joel, of course, asked if the Chinese are running a prototype molten salt reactor. Joel also asked how many miles to the gallon a Chevy Suburban gets compared with a Prius hybrid. Because these are not your questions, you’re probably not that interested in the an-

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swers we got, but I feel compelled to share just a few. I wanted to know about the $100 because I waitressed at the World's Fair in 1965 in Flushing, N.Y., and made that hundred dollars a day just by running drinks and dancing on tables. An added fact I can't help but include: We wore black net stockings and miniskirts, and God only knows what-all on top. But I'm sure excess cleavage was involved. I weighed 195 at the time, so I can only thank the same God that there are probably no photos. An added, added fact: We were catty-corner to the Vatican Pavilion, and we had to close down the day the Pope came. All I remember was that I was frustrated that I was losing my $100. Today I wouldn't care about the money. I would be bowing to this Pope, compared with frowning at Pope Paul VI back then. But that was then and this is now. And now the $100 from 1965 is equivalent to $1,063.88. The answer to the Chevy Suburban versus the Prius: The Chevy gets an average of

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Debbie Major and Steve Riddick with the Jon Bates Band

Summer Institute: Joel Fagliano, Wyna Liu, and Sam Ezersky The Summer Institute hosts speakers who are deeply and actively involved in politics, economics, science, and the arts. Featured speakers have included Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and journalists, and political leaders. “Puzzle Mania: Clues to Why We’re Hooked on Word Games from the Creators Themselves” The New York Times puzzle-makers Joel Fagliano, who interned with Times crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz, and is now the lead puzzle editor and creates the Mini-Puzzle (5x5), with Wyna Liu, who went with her mother, on a seven-night Times “crossword cruise,” and met Joel, who inspired her to create her own puzzles, and today creates and edits Connections, and Sam Ezersky, another Shortz

The article asks if there is something wrong with getting a reliable answer so quickly. And the answer is, alarmingly, yes. It said, “By shortening the time between asking a question and getting an answer, these tools are actually undermining curiosity, and, paradoxically, threatening our ability to understand the world.” “Curiosity,” it continued, “is not just an individual's desire to find out discrete facts, it's also a feature of

receptivity, not just for the thing you want to know, but for everything that might be related to it. Curiosity opens a window, and while the window is open, learning deepens across the board. But the window remains open only as long as the question remains unanswered. Some of the most important discoveries have come by accident. To name a few: penicillin, X-rays, vulcanized rubber, Viagra, microwave ovens, Teflon, superglue. There are more you can learn about from — oops — ChatGPT. The article goes on to say, ”If we build a world that delivers only what is asked for, we will lose the capacity to discover what we didn't know to ask.” Now my question to myself is, Will I stop using ChatGPTt and Claude and all of the rest of the immediate-gratification guys, and slow down and keep my window of curiosity open? Well, you saw what I just did. Did you ever see a window slam shut so fast?

We were catty-corner to the Vatican Pavilion, and we had to close down the day the Pope came. All I remember was that I was frustrated that I was losing my $100.

Center in Vineyard Haven, 130 Center St., Vineyard Haven. Tickets at mvhc. shulcloud.com/form/2026SI-Film-Series#purchase.

mentee, who convinced Will to talk puzzles at his house one evening, and now creates and edits Spelling Bee, will explain how they do what they do, why games are so popular, and even how to get better at them. August 13, the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center in Vineyard Haven, 130 Center St., Vineyard Haven, mvsummerinstitute.org/2026-speakers. On August 9 at 7:30 pm, watch the Peabody Award– nominated film by Art Spiegelman: “Disaster Is My Muse.” This film examines Spiegelman's irreverent life, his artistic partnership with his wife, Françoise Mouly, and the creation of his groundbreaking graphic novel “Maus.” The film covers his underground comix roots, New Yorker covers, and 9/11 experiences, as he emerges as a leading advocate for free speech in response to book bans and rising authoritarianism. Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew

17 miles to the gallon, and the hybrid plug-in Prius gets 127. And Pavel Talankin, the courageous teacher and filmmaker, did have his Oscar stolen in Los Angeles, but it was returned. Now for the point of this whole column. In a New York Times opinion piece,on July 8, titled “Are we losing the ability to discover what we didn't know to ask?” neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff argues that instant AI answers, such as those

On Saturday, August 15, from 3 to 4 pm, enjoy jazz standards and classic ballads at the West Tisbury library. Acclaimed vocalists Debbie Major and Steve Riddick will be accompanied by the Jon Bates Band: Jon Bates (drums and percussion), Ken McGloin (guitar), and Kendall Buchanan (bass). This event is free and open to the public.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority joins the African American Heritage Trail The African American Heritage Trail will honor on Pequot Ave. the sorority legacy of pioneering, philanthropic women and their rich contributions to the Island. This space will acknowledge the strong bonds of sisterhood formed on the Vineyard, and provide a deeper understanding of the diverse and rich history of African Americans on Martha’s Vineyard. The contributions of Deltas on the Vineyard have been significant. In addition to year-round public service activities, this group has contributed to the following organizations and projects over the past 24 years: The

from ChatGPT, undermine curiosity and critical exploration by eliminating the productive "gap" between querying and discovering information. But the gist is what totally freaked me out; I'll try to cherry-pick info so you'll freak out too. You probably already know this: Our answers, when we use ChatGPT, come in three seconds. I’ll repeat: Three seconds!

our biology designed to help us learn more broadly. And it requires a specific condition: A gap between what you want to know and what you find out.” Researchers found that waiting for an answer activates reward centers in the brain and readies the hippocampus to help create memories. In other words, curiosity puts the entire brain into a mode of hyper-

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Oak Bluffs library, the Cottagers, Inc. Building Fund, the Food Pantry, the African American Heritage Trail, Union Chapel Pew-Naming Capital Campaign Project, Niantic Park bench and playground projects, NAACP, the Red Stocking Fund, Keep Democracy Alive Alliance — Get Out the Vote campaign, and the Mariposa Museum. The unveiling of the plaque will take place on August 18, at 1 pm; 35 Pequot Ave., Oak Bluffs. For more information, contact Jocelyn Coleman Walton at jocelyn611@comcast.net.

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Lyric Opera is returning to Martha’s Vineyard for a one-night special concert at the Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. BLO Artistic Director and mezzo-soprano Nina Yoshida Nelsen, and soprano Brianna J. Robinson, will perform a selection of opera favorites and classics before appearing on the BLO stage for the 50th anniversary season opening production of “William Tell.” Tuesday, August 25, 5 pm, Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs (55 Narragansett Ave., Oak Bluffs. Tickets: $40, at events.blo.org/zKIJit.

Paul Thurlow Sparkestra Concert

‘The Great Sheep Heist: Grey’s Raid’

Paul Thurlow Sparkestra will be in concert at the West Tisbury library. Paul Thurlow Sparkestra is a trio featuring Thurlow on piano, Benham Robinson on drums, and Nancy Jephcote on electric five-string viola. They play highly original, contemporary, improvisatory music rooted in jazz, Afro-Caribbean, Balkan, Celtic, and American rock ’n’ roll. Wednesday, August 19, 4-5 pm. canva. com/design/DAHO_igmIHQ/MJavEBTrKyxoiKxMDDS2LA/edit.

Join historians Bow and Norah Van Riper for a closer look at 1778’s Grey’s Raid — the British invasion that reshaped life on Martha’s Vineyard. This moment of the Revolution devastated the Island’s economy and left lasting effects for generations. 5 to 6 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven. MVM members, $15; nonmembers, $25. Register at mvmuseum.org/registration-08-20-26.

Boston Lyric Opera returns

Native American Indian Celebration at Fenway Park

In partnership with Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society, the Boston

On Wednesday, August 19, the Boston Red Sox will

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hold their Native American Indian Celebration at Fenway Park during the team’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tobias Vanderhoop, an Aquinnah Wampanoag leader and member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, has been invited to sing an original Tribal Honor song as part of the opening ceremony. Vanderhoop is a Harvard Kennedy School graduate, former chairman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, and currently serves as Tribal Council secretary. A longtime community leader with deep ties to Martha’s Vineyard and Aquinnah, this will be his first time performing at Fenway Park. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase a special jersey designed by Boston resident Sage Carbone, who is Northern Narragansett and Mi’kmaq. The design incorporates traditional and modern elements representing strength, prosperity, and sovereignty. It features the four directional colors of a medicine wheel, while the collar is inspired by a wampum necklace, traditionally crafted from quahog shell and once used as a form of trade currency. The day will bring Wampanoag tradition, music, and culture to one of New England’s most iconic stages The game is on Wednesday, August 19th at 4:10 pm.

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Tisbury By Taylor Stone tisburycolumnist@gmail.com

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omeone asked me last week, “Why do you always book the First Friday V.H. fire dancer for the hottest day of the year?” I don’t know if it’s just coincidence, or if Miss Molly Dazzle brings the heat along with her, but last Friday was absolutely steaming all day long. Thank you to everyone who came out in the heat anyway, especially to all of our performers, vendors, and volunteers. From puppies and pops to performances and a new passport activity, we can now check

off our biggest First Friday V.H. of the year. Also behind us is the Featherstone Center for the Arts “Anonymous Art Show and Fundraiser” last Sunday. I planned to submit for the first time this year, but with August being August, I will be finishing late and saving it for 2027. This is such a fun fundraising event; it brings professional and amateur artists submitting small art side by side, with attendees not knowing who made which piece until after securing their newest artwork for themselves.

Edgartown By Marnely Murray marnely@gmail.com

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etween the Agricultural Fair, Illumination Night, Oak Bluffs fireworks, and every other invitation we’ve received, Edgartown’s midAugust calendar is as full as its restaurants. I dared to try to get a table for three last Thursday as a walk-in with no reservation but a lovely smile and a kind heart, and after trying a few spots that were packed to the brim, ended up at Alchemy for girls’ night. If you get a chance, grab a seat at the bar and have a delicious drink and their Crispy Scallop and

Pork Dumplings with Red Curry Aioli and Pineapple Mango Salsa — divine! On August 13 from 6 to 8 pm, grab some friends and head over to the Eisenhauer Gallery for Music in the Square with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. I’d recommend already having dinner

By Joanne Lambert joannelamber@gmail.com

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t makes me feel rich to go to the beach in the early morning when there is nobody there, walk along the shore, breathe the air, and float in the sea. Then I go back to work, of course, but later I go watch the sunset at East Chop. I never take for granted the beauty of this Island. The Ag Fair starts this Thursday, August 13, and

C The 164th M.V. Agricultural Fair is upon us this week, running August 13 to 16! Shout-out to Sydney Smith for the beautiful fair poster, and good luck to everyone entering for those sweet bragging rights and ribbons. Built on Stilts continues for its second (and final) weekend, August 14 to 16, at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. In breaking Tisbury news: The mini golf course has reopened! Newly purchased by Jesse Steere III (whom you

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may recognize from Shirley’s Hardware next door), the course has been remade and renamed: Steere the Course Mini Golf & Grille. For you Wordlers out there, you may be interested in the upcoming event “Puzzle Mania: Clues to Why We’re Hooked on Word Games from the Creators Themselves” on August 13 at the M.V. Hebrew Center. If you haven’t made it over to see Colin Ruel’s exhibit, “The Light Is Return-

runs through Sunday. The grounds are ready, the crew is ready, the carnival is up, let’s go! So many fun activities and contests, and great music every night. Not to mention FAIR FOOD! If you are going with little ones, look for the OB library’s “mini-fair,” with some smaller activities. If you don’t have a schedule, you can find it at marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org. This sounds like something we all need: “Tools for Relaxation in a NonRelaxed World” will be the

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ing” at the M.V. Museum, now is the time! Join Colin for a closing conversation on August 16 from 5 to 6 pm, “Island Life Then and Now,” sharing the personal stories, family history, and Island realities that shaped his exhibition. Saturday, August 15, head over to Oak Bluffs’ Waban Park for this year’s M.V. Vibe Fest, 11 am to 8 pm for great music, food, local vendors, and of course amazing vibes. And if you haven’t seen

The mini golf course has reopened! Newly purchased by Jesse Steere III (whom you may recognize from Shirley’s Hardware next door), the course has been remade and renamed: Steere the Course Mini Golf & Grille. reservations, and staying in town for a bite and a drink after enjoying the music. A few spots I haven’t stopped in yet this season for dinner are Atria, Bettini, Chesca’s, Détente, and l’Etoile — grab a reservation and let me know how it was. Also, if you’re looking for a unique experience, Chef J.J. Johnson is taking over the Edgartown Diner, with Nightcap, an exclusive after-hours pop-up experience running through August. It is a collaboration between Hue Boston, Chef J.J., and Culturevations, where the daytime

diner transforms Thursday through Sunday from 5 pm to midnight into an intimate late-night lounge. On Saturday, August 15 at 9 am at the FARM Institute in Edgartown, run, walk, or roll in the 5K road race to support Camp Jabberwocky! Your registration fee will benefit Camp Jabberwocky, one of the longest-running summer camps for kids and adults with disabilities! Register today at runforjabberwocky.org. Praised for their “panache” by The New York Times, the Grammy-winning Harlem Quartet makes a welcome

On Saturday, August 15, at 9 am at the FARM Institute in Edgartown, run, walk, or roll in the 5K road race to support Camp Jabberwocky!

Oak Bluffs

“I was rich, if not in money, in sunny hours and summer days.” –Henry David Thoreau

August 13, 2026

Tent Talk at MVCMS, with Jennifer Michelson, on August 14 at 11 am. The Sunset Concert that evening at 6 features the Roundabouts. “Discomfort Isn’t a Flaw” is a collection of mixed-media art by Allison Roberts, on display at the Schuel Gallery at Featherstone. The opening reception will be on Saturday, August 15, from 4-6 pm, with music by Sarah Shaw Dawson. Allison’s art is a vibrant mix of pieces exploring

a range of themes, and filled with humor and honesty. The exhibit will be up through Sept 6. Sunday’s Ocean Park concert on August 16 is the very talented, very fun Dock Street Fight Club, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Featherstone Musical Mondays presents the Dukes on August 17; music starts at 6 pm. Grand Illumination is Wednesday, August 19. Seven pm is the time to be

S them yet, enjoy an evening in Owen Park with the Vineyard Haven Band, starting at 7:30 pm on August 16. (Pro tip: Bring your own chairs, blankets, food, and whatever else will make you most comfortable while you enjoy the music past sunset.) Ninety-nine bunches of birthday balloons to Leigh Smith for such a milestone celebration on August 15. Also birthday wishes to Carrie Peckar and Cecilia Minnehan on August 12, and my favorite local cheese expert, Morgen Schroder, on August 14. Reminder: Do you have an upcoming birthday, event, or just something you want shared in a future Tisbury column? Email me at tisburycolumnist@gmail.com with your own stories of our town, or upcoming events you’d like to see spotlighted here.

return to the Vineyard on August 16 at 5 pm, at the Old Whaling Church. Tickets are $40, and children and students are free of charge. Tickets can be purchased online: https://luma.com/afd48r8v. If you’ve been up-Island and enjoyed breads from Beetlebung Farm, join Matt, head baker and miller, for an introductory sourdough class at the FARM Institute. In this demonstration-lecture, Matt will break down the fundamentals of sourdough baking, including starter maintenance, shaping techniques, baking tips, and the science of fermentation. Matt will discuss the process of using whole grain wheat grown regionally in New England and ground onsite at Beetlebung Farm in Chilmark. Preregistration is required for all FARM Institute cooking classes. If you would like to attend but are

unable to pay, please reach out to lbrown@thetrustees.org for more information. The Martha’s Vineyard Gospel Festival Benefit Concert returns on August 17, at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Featuring worldrenowned baritone Wintley Phipps and additional acclaimed gospel artists Lena Byrd Miles and Rodney Boyden, this uplifting evening of music supports local organizations serving food-insecure and unhoused residents on Martha’s Vineyard. The doors open at 4:30 pm. For tickets and information, visit vineyardgracefoundation.org. Whatever you decide to do this week, remember that September will bring its own quiet back to Edgartown soon enough. Until then, enjoy the crowds, and be thankful as they all continue to support our local businesses!

there, to catch the music and enjoy the sunset, before the lanterns are lit for the most beautiful night in the Campground! The first Illumination night was August 14, 1869, and it was a townwide affair, with then-Gov. William Claflin in attendance. It later became exclusive to the Camp Meeting grounds, but these days the whole town is festive on that night. Happy anniversary to Gina Patti and Rob Oslyn

on August 13! Birthday hugs to Casandra Hyland! August 14 is the day to celebrate Kate Poole and Margaret Mirko. Sending hugs and a birthday song to Kate Taylor on the 15th. Chick Stapleton celebrates on the 17th — I’ll bet she’ll be on the water! We remember Jena Pothier, who is missed every day. August 18 is my mom, Rita Metayer’s, birthday. When she visited us, she loved to sit on a bench overlooking the beach, watch the sky, and chat with people. She has her own bench now; you can sit there with her and enjoy the sky. Happy birthday to Shaina Zacharski on the 18th also. Dion Alley, Becky Rogers, and Alecia Barnes celebrate on the 19th. Stay kind, and send me your news!

Grand Illumination is Wednesday, August 19. Seven pm is the time to be there, to catch the music and enjoy the sunset, before the lanterns are lit for the most beautiful night in the Campground!

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Aquinnah By Kathie Olsen aquinnahcolumn@gmail.com

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he heat of summer is surely here. The air has a heaviness to it. The breezes bring no coolness with them, but they blow through the trees, making the leaves dance beautifully. The heat requires a slowing down, just as the flowers are giving us delights to ponder. Charley and I stay away from the crowds as much as we can, glorying in the joys of fresh tomato sandwiches as

we sit on our porch, admiring the garden and the brilliantly colored finches, warblers, and jays who come to the birdfeeder. There are two catbirds, one chubby, one thin, who don’t bother with

By Claire Ganz cganz@live.com

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Nancy Roger, expertly manage teams of volunteers who spend hours sorting the piles of entries into magnificent displays. On Thursday afternoon, when the judging is completed and the aisles are cleared of extra tables and chairs, the hall opens. Most people know not to touch things, and understand that food doesn’t belong in the hall, but when a volunteer reminds you, don’t take it personally. Finish, stow, or pitch before you enter, and

West Tisbury By Hermine Hull hermine.hull@gmail.com

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he 164th Agricultural Fair will have opened by the time everyone is reading this week’s column. Hours are 10 am to 11 pm, and there will surely be enthusiasts who plan to spend the entire four days visiting every exhibit, observing every judging, attending every event, playing every game, and riding every ride. Oh, and

the feeder, preferring instead to hop right up to us, tilting their heads and making soft little sounds in polite requests for seed-cracker crumbs. They come every day. Sometimes many times. The bucolic scene was disturbed this week by the sight of a hawk swooping down from a treetop to snatch a rather large rabbit, and then soaring away with the poor creature dangling, headed for the hawk’s dinner. We are reminded, often, of the power

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of nature, sometimes to our delight, sometimes to our dismay, but nature is always in charge. Here on our homestead, we use no poisons, compost our kitchen scraps, and do what we can to be respectful of the earth and all that live on it. I know that we all have our own ways to love this place called Aquinnah. I confess to a deep love for it, including the hawks and rabbits. I am always grateful that I get to live here. Traffic is at its summer-

If you get caught in a traffic jam, think of it as a chance to just breathe, listen to some music, or look around at the trees and sky.

Chilmark

his week, the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair opens. The barn will be filled with animals. The food, rides, games, and booths will rise from the ground. Vast teams of volunteers spend hours receiving and sorting thousands of entries. Figuring out the online system isn’t easy, and May Boyd fixed tags like the seasoned rock star she is. Who knew so many people shared the same name? Hall manager Susanne Cronin and her assistant,

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eating at every food booth along the way. It looks like the weather will be good. There may be a sprinkle on Thursday, but probably not, and it should cool off nicely. The weather map said daytime temperatures in the 70s. Sydney Smith, who designed this year’s fair poster, will be signing posters for a couple of hours every day, so

don’t get crabby. I’m crabby when it is hot and humid. The Chilmark library is cool, and the art in the meeting rooms is wonderful. It is always a pleasure to see the work of Virginia Stone, Ellie Bates, Elizabeth Langer, Elizabeth Taft, Linda Thompson, Deborah Stillman Wass, Bill O’Callaghan, Susie Pacheco, Colin Ruel, and Anne Ganz. Beetlebung Farm and Iggy's breads are much appreciated. Tuesday, August 18, at 5:30 pm at the Yard, the Chilmark

Community Trust offers a perfect end-of-summer evening of Ghost Stories, s’mores, and a bonfire. Holly Nadler wrote the book on Vineyard ghost stories, and brings stories suitable for family members of all ages. Things kick off at 5:30 pm with stories suitable for younger listeners. Braver listeners can stick around for some scarier tales starting at 6:30 pm. The farmstands are offering fabulous produce and treats. Tuesdays are for lobster

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time worst right now. I plead with you to slow down, keep your powder dry, and don’t try to pass bicyclists unless it is clearly safe. That means not on curves, not when driving on a hill, or any other time when you just don’t know what might be coming at you. If you get caught in a traffic jam, think of it as a chance to just breathe, listen to some music, or look around at the trees and sky. Giving yourself extra time to get anywhere takes away a lot of the stress. We’ll get through this. We will. It's a busy week for the Vineyard, with events galore offered up to enhance beachtime. Check out the local newspapers for event calendars and get out there. Me?

I’m going to be volunteering at the Ag Fair as part of the Green Team, helping to collect and separate food waste and recyclables from trash. It’s not a glamorous job, but surprisingly fun and surely effective. Last year we diverted almost 60 percent of fairgenerated waste. While at the fair, have a great time, look for the Green Team tables, and thank the volunteers. It's a dandy birthday week. August 15 is Kate Taylor’s birthday. Kate is a sister of my heart, a treasure for all of us, and I am surely grateful that she got born. Two other special birthday shout-outs this week: One goes to Sowanahsh William Vanderhoop on August 16, and one to Made Crowell on August 19.

rolls, and Wednesday and Saturdays, the Flea Market. Native Earth Teaching Farm has goat yoga and indigo dying. North Tabor Farm continues to offer mouthwatering delights. Sig Van Raan sent this Sunday Chilmark Softball report from Flanders Field: “Sunday morning dawned with perfectly sunny blue skies. By am, there were already 20 players on the field, along with a strong contingent of

spectators. The early game, all agreed, was one of the best games we'd experienced in quite a while. Spectacular defenses and highlight-reel plays by Elizah Feiner, Jonas Plaut, and a newcomer, a shortstop named Charlie Maud? Normal first baseman Ed Eger, known for his Kerouacs to right field, wound up playing centerfield and made a Willie Mays catch in deep centerfield. It was heartening to see a great combination of older regulars and younger players who will certainly carry the tradition further. Between games, the commissioners huddled and chose certain players to receive trophies next Sunday, which will be designated as Award Sunday.The season will continue through Labor Day weekend.”

Tuesday, August 18, at 5:30 pm at the Yard, the Chilmark Community Trust offers a perfect end-of-summer evening of Ghost Stories, s’mores, and a bonfire.

check the times in the paper, or on the Ag Fair website. It’s a charming poster this year, so expect long lines. If there were a category for a mycology display, I would surely win the blue ribbon. My yard is full of every kind of mushroom and fungus imaginable. Some are quite colorful. Others have interesting shapes, or have

decorations on their caps. I do wonder what they all are, and really should learn about them. If you take a break from the fair, the library is offering a book talk with Heather Abel, author of “The Emilys,” Friday, August 14, 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Saturday, 3 pm, come to a concert featuring “Great Ballads and Clas-

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sic Jazz Standards.” Next Wednesday, August 19, 4 to 5 pm, the Paul Thurlow Sparkestra will perform, with Paul Thurlow on piano, Benham Robinson on drums, and Nancy Jephcote on an electric five-string viola. The Memoir Book Club will meet on Thursday, August 20, 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Sign up at wt_mail@clamsnet.org.

Sydney Smith, who designed this year’s fair poster, will be signing posters for a couple of hours every day, so check the times in the paper, or on the Ag Fair website.

The Climate Book Club will meet on the library porch on August 30, to discuss “Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet,” by Kate Marvel. Copies are available on reserve at the library. There is also an interview with the author to watch on YouTube. Our Abby turned 7 last week. The years have gone by so quickly. I still have the photograph that Lisa Hayes took of me holding Abby when we first saw her at the shelter. Her 7-year-old graying face is still beautiful to me, and her fur still curls and ripples down her back. She is the most perfect puppy.

from your local Councils on Aging and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living

Joseph Luiz Oliveira

Brittany Oliveira and Luiz Macol Oliveira of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Joseph Luiz Oliveira, on August 5, 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Joseph weighed 10 pounds, 3.5 ounces.

Bonito Solomon Broscheit

Sophia Solomon and Hans Broscheit of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Bonito Solomon Broscheit, on August 6, 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Bonito weighed 8 pounds, 13.1 ounces.

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The Tabernacle glowing with colorful stained glass and lanterns.

Grand Illumination Night

The Kouklitsa cottage in Cottage Park.

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he 155th Grand Illumination Night is Wednesday, August 19, in the Oak Bluffs Campgrounds. This year, the celebration begins at about 7 pm ,with crowds gathering at the Tabernacle for a Community Sing and a performance by the Vineyard Haven Town Band (come early if you want

Traditional lanterns bedeck a cottage in Trinity Park.

MV TIMES

ARLETTA CHARTER

ALL PHOTOS BY SAM MOORE, UNLESS NOTED

The Verbaro/Medeiros clan, visiting from New Bedford, on the porch of their rented cottage, Lavender and Lace.

seating — people start claiming seats around 5 pm). At about 8 pm, the lights go dark. The first paper lantern is lit onstage and then carried down the aisle, initiating a domino-effect of thousands of lanterns around the Tabernacle and about 300 cottages around the Campgrounds. For the next several hours, 10,000 or more visitors will stroll the grounds,

admiring the lanterns. The M.V. Camp Meeting Association website shares this about the origin of the event: “The first Illumination Night, on Saturday, August 14, 1869, was sponsored by the Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Co.… The initial festivity was called Governor’s Day in honor of Gov. William Claflin, who was on hand for the festivities.

Alice's Wonderland decorated in the spirit of its name.

Over the ensuing years, the Seaside Gazette referred to the annual event as the “Illumination,” and the identification remains to this day. It is not known when the festivities moved exclusively to the Camp Meeting Grounds, but it was well over 130 years ago. Today, cottage owners continue to deco-

rate with paper lanterns, interspersed with large paper and fabric umbrellas of similar style, on one magical evening in August. The MVCMA puts on a special musical program; and after dusk, all of the lanterns are lit at once! It is a much-anticipated event, attended by thousands each year.

Grand Illumination Night is Wednesday, August 19, in the Oak Bluffs Campgrounds, 7 to 11 pm. Admission is free, although free-will donations to the M.V. Camp Meeting Association are welcome. For more information about the evening, go to mvcma. org/grand-illumination.

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llison Roberts, features editor at The MV Times, doesn’t shy away from creating provocative art for the edgy times we live in. While she often uses miniatures that might be used with dolls or in dollhouses, there is nothing childish about her poignant artworks, which carry weighty statements. “Discomfort Isn’t a Flaw,” on view at the Schule Chapel Gallery at Featherstone Center for the Arts, August 10 through Sept. 6, explores socioeconomic status, war, race, gender, love, empathy, and other relevant themes. Roberts immediately captures our attention in her mixed-media 3D collages. What, for instance, does the multiarmed figure, with a torso made from an old-fashioned mustard-yellow toy oven and a baby perched atop it, convey in “Second Shift”? As with all the work, her titles hint at their meaning, and explanatory labels accompany each piece. The outstretched arms in “Second Shift” hold many items women use every day, speaking to the unacknowledged debt we owe for the exhausting time, work, and energy they spend caring for the family. Each of the 80 or so pieces surges with thought. In “Be a Lady,” honoring the poem by Camille Rainville, “Be a Lady, They Said,” a skeleton, bedecked in bright red lipstick and a large necklace sits inside a clear plastic vitrine stuffed with all the pretty accoutrements deemed necessary to be an attractive woman. “Be a Lady” nods to the contradictory messages about what women should or shouldn’t be doing. An excerpt from the poem: “Be a lady they said. Your skirt is too short. Your shirt is too low. Your pants are too tight. Don’t show so much skin. Don’t show your thighs. Don’t show your breasts. Don’t show your midriff. Don’t show your cleavage. Don’t show your underwear. Don’t show your shoulders. Cover up. Leave something to the imagination. Dress modestly. Don’t be a temptress. Men can’t control themselves. Men have needs. You look frumpy. Loosen up. Show some skin. Look sexy. Look hot. Don’t be so provocative,” reflects the mixed messages women get on a daily basis. Although constructed from many small objects Roberts makes, buys, or finds, some of the works strike home at a glance. In “Welcome to the Library,” a lone book, the Holy Bible, sits on the book cart, while other tomes, including

gallery “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” “What Truth Sounds Like,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “The Fire Next Time,” are stuffed in a trash can. While this piece tackles censorship, in “We’re Trashing Her,” the trash can, filled to the brim with globes and sitting on a scale, is a powerful statement about how we treat Mother Earth. Two tiny shopping carts stand side by side in “The Haves and Have Nots.” One holds a

few scant items, and the other is piled with expensive, delectable delicacies. Roberts supplies sobering statistics: 52 percent

of Americans say they’re spending more on food than they were in 2025, and 49 percent say it’s somewhat difficult to afford

Speak up “Discomfort Isn’t a Flaw” explores the concept of comfort. BY ABBY REMER

food right now. Roberts’ acerbic, funny essays, many of which have run in The Times, reflect her incisive wit. A raging Hulk doll stands in a tub full of ice cubes to try to cool down in “Menopause,” a nod to wicked mood swings, hot flashes, and cravings represented by the Hershey bar, Starbucks coffee, and other items often called upon during a woman’s change of life. There is a great little vending

From left, Roberts’ creations "Human Cargo," "The Elixir of Life," and "Career Day."

machine in “The Elixir of Life” that dispenses small bottles of liquid to satisfy our cravings for courage, love, or empathy. The latter also brings a smile to our lips with its emblazoned slogan: “A friend is like a good bra: Hard to find, supportive, uplifting, and always close to your heart.” Roberts offers further respite in her tender piece, “In Case of Emergency Break Glass,” in which a bright red heart sits in the ready. Roberts says, “The heart is what you really need, so in case of emergency, it’s right there for you to get love.” Roberts, who works across many media, has been an artist her whole life, starting in her highchair, filling reams of paper with pencil drawings. Her miniature social commentaries emerged during COVID, when she and her husband were stuck at home. “We challenged ourselves to make art from things we had in the house. We created clowns and robots from odds and ends. I was having all this fun, and then suddenly the works morphed into statement pieces reflecting social justice issues that have been on my mind since I was a kid. I think it’s because my

“If you don’t feel anything, you’re not going to be invested. I hope the work gets you talking about your own experiences, or somebody else’s.” –ALLISON ROBERTS From left, "The Lost Art of Boredom," "Where Are You From?" and "Second Shift."

"Menopause" artwork.

"Welcome to the Library."

mom was always socially and politically involved, and said to me numerous times, ‘Always speak up.’ I went to my first picket line when I was 7.’” “Discomfort Isn’t a Flaw” carries on this legacy. Ultimately, Roberts wants to make art that moves us: “If you don’t feel anything, you’re not going to be invested. I hope the work gets you talking about your own experiences, or somebody else’s.” And in so doing, Roberts’ art becomes a powerful force of awakening.

PHOTOS: DENA PORTER

“Discomfort Isn’t a Flaw” is on display daily from noon to 4 pm at the Schule Chapel Gallery at Featherstone Center for the Arts, August 10 through Sept. 6. Opening reception Saturday, August 15, from 4 to 6 pm, with music provided by Sarah Shaw Dawson.

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calendar & community

August 13, 2026

The joys of the fair include games, prizes, old-time skill contests, exhibits, food, adorable livestock, and much, much more. ALL PHOTOS MV TIMES UNLESS NOTED

THE AG FAIR BRINGS IT

Walking into the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury alerts all the senses the creaking floorboards all bring you back in time, while somehow st relatively new (read on), the organization has a storied history. The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society (MVAS) has seen a lot of life. known Island families, like Pease, Luce, Manter, Allen, Norton, Look, Cle MVAS secured three acres of land on State Road in West Tisbury, and bega The next step was the construction of the Agricultural Hall — now known as the Grange Hall — to serve as a community hub and exhibition space. It was completed on Oct. 1 of that year. The first fair was held at the newly constructed hall to display local livestock, produce, and crafts. “The Ag Society was founded to get farmers together so they could show off their bounty and share with each other their resources and knowledge of farming,” said Ag Society President Lauren Lynch. “That was the genesis of the first fair. One hundred and sixty-seven years later, we’re still doing the same thing, only better. We’re here to support farmers, whether it’s through education workshops, technical assistance, marketing, or social gatherings. My motto is, ‘Let the farmers farm, and we’ll help them with the rest.’” Due to growing summer crowds and the dire need for more parking, the Agricultural Society moved to Panhandle Road. In 1994, 42 volunteer “Barnbusters” traveled to Woodsville, N.H., to dismantle and transport an old barn back to the Island for a new life. “I made some calls around to my contacts and I said, ‘I need the biggest barn that you have ever seen,” Rick Anderson recalled in a

2024 MVAS newsletter. ”This one came up, the Woodsville barn. I think it was 45 by 150, if I recall. It’s very hard to find one that long! I went to an Ag Society meeting with a quick drawing of what you see now, like I did it in an hour.” Andrew Woodruff added, “I'll never forget the feeling of coming up over this huge hill and seeing this incredible barn that was perpendicular to the hillside. It jutted out into this incredible valley and was five stories on one end. I thought, 'Oh my God, this is it.'" During that cold November, hundreds of Islanders came together to raise the new Agricultural Hall. “About 90 people showed up over the course of the day on a Friday in November, and by Friday evening, the entire frame was up,” according to Woodruff. “On Saturday morning, literally hundreds of people showed up. The really cool thing about it was there were multiple things going on at once, and there was so much talent there, so many builders and skilled craftsmen. We were getting toward lunchtime, and people just started showing up with tons of food and picnic tables. It was so poignant.” In fact, the bonding experienced by all who contributed inspired the first Barn Raisers Ball, a true community event that has contin-

calendar & community B9

Volunteers raising the roof beams of the new Ag Hall in 1994. ALISON SHAW

T ALL. BY ALLISON ROBERTS

s. The smell of wood, the soft light shining in from the windows, and till keeping you grounded in the present moment. Although this hall is

. It was founded in 1859. Early members included members of many welleveland, Bodfish, Vincent, Whiting, Tilton, and Smith. Leadership of the an planning the society’s first permanent home. ued ever since, expanding from a dessert-oriented evening to a full-on potluck (still heavy on the sweet stuff). Today the MVAS supports a successful Islandbased agricultural community and much more. It offers a variety of services, education, marketing, and technical support to Island farmers, and hosts educational programs and events to increase community awareness of the importance of local agriculture. In 2018, it brought back the 4-H club for Island youth, and in 2020 established the Dukes County Farm Bureau, advocating for the needs of Island farmers at the state level. MVAS is also a community hub, holding livestock shows, the Farmers Social, the Farmworkers Social, Dessert potluck and more. “We offer more than 100 programs a year, including winter and summer series for farmers and farmworkers, spring and fall garden workshops, annual gatherings like the Harvest Festival and Barn Raisers Ball, and monthly meet-ups for beekeepers and backyard growers,” said Lucy Grinnan, program and outreach manager. Three years ago, at the suggestion of the state Department of Agriculture’s apiary inspectors, MVAS also founded the Island's beekeeping club. “We meet monthly, and co-own

an oxalic acid vaporizer to treat varroa mites,” Grinnan said. “Since the club was founded, our vaporizer has been borrowed more than 100 times; the club has improved the rate of Island hives overwintering, and built a tightknit community to troubleshoot and offer support to developing beekeepers.” Grinnan added, “In all that we do, we're committed to highlighting the abundance and knowledge of Island farmers and gardeners: how much we can do with what we already have. Together, we're working toward a thriving agricultural community for Island farmers, gardeners, and families for generations to come.” Be sure not to miss the 2026 Agricultural Society Fair, which runs Thursday, August 13, to Sunday, August 16. Fairgoers can catch livestock shows, arts and crafts and baking entries, carnival rides, games, traditional contests like the skillet toss, local food vendors, and community booths. Daily admission is $15 for adults (13–61), $10 for children (5–12), seniors (62plus), and veterans, with children 4 and under free. Parking is $10. To learn more about the Agricultural Society, visit marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org.

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calendar & community

August 13, 2026

See you at the Ag Fair!

Event spotlight for the week of 8•14 — 8•20

FRI 8/14

SAT 8/15

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M

Magic and Mentalism

Built on Stilts

uilt on Stilts is the Island's community dance and performance festival. Celebrating 30 years of inspiring and egalitarian programming, Built on Stilts will be holding its original and communityfocused performances at the Union Chapel. Free; donations welcome. 7:45 to 9 pm. 55 Narragansett Ave., Oak Bluffs. builtonstilts.org.

agic and Mentalism. Magic Mike is one of the most sought-after magicians and mentalists in New York City, hired to create mind-melting

MV TIMES

MON 8/17

CnC Ole Skool Dance Café with DJ SmoothB

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Edgartown. For tickets and information visit marthasvineyardgospelfestival.org or vineyardgracefoundation.org.

The Swimming Pig BBQ at the Beach Plum

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are included, but feel free to bring your beverage of choice. The Swimming Pig on the hill of the Beach Plum overlooking Menemsha Harbor. $56 to $70, 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets at eventbrite.com.

njoy either smoked beef brisket, St. Louis pork ribs, or a half-chicken with all the classic sides, pickles, and sauces under the Menemsha sunset. Nonalcoholic refreshments

MV TIMES

MV TIMES

TUES 8/18

Martha's Vineyard Gospel Festival

eaturing worldrenowned baritone Wintley Phipps and additional acclaimed gospel artists Lena Byrd Miles and Rodney Boyden, this uplifting evening of music supports local organizations serving food-insecure and homeless residents on Martha’s Vineyard. Doors open at 4:30 pm. The event runs until 10:30 pm. $65 to $75, Old Whaling Church, 89 Main St.,

experiences people never forget. He blends newschool magic, mentalism, and comedy with oldschool charm. Supporting the wonderful work of the M.V. Diversity Coalition: Catch all the magic from 8 to 9:30 pm. $35. PortugueseAmerican Club, Oak Bluffs.mvdiversitycoalition.org.

SUN 8/16

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nC Ole Skool Dance Café with DJ SmoothB CnC Productions presents the Ole Skool Dance Café featuring DJ SmoothB, running through Sept. 7. Get your dancing shoes on. $10, 8 to 11:30 pm. P.A. Club, 137 Vineyard Ave., Oak Bluffs.

WED 8/19

Isaac Taylor: Global Rhythms

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saac Taylor is an Island-based musician and performer whose work reflects a grounded, deeply intuitive connection to sound, space, and place. While part of the well-known Taylor musical lineage, Isaac has carved out his own artistic identity. For this appearance, Taylor will offer an intimate set of music rooted in the heartbeat and light of the Island itself. 5:30 to 7 pm. $20. Martha’s Vineyard Museum Bodman

Courtyard, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven. Tickets at mvmuseum.org/event/isaactaylor.

MV TIMES

MV TIMES

Events THURSDAY, AUGUST 13

Dance Fitness and Strength Training with Kris Martin

7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. A creative blend of rhythmic resistance, cardio conditioning, manageable mobility and core strength exercises all set to crazy-FUN music. 508-6968000, workout568@aol.com

Early Birders Walk

8-10 am, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. The early bird gets the worm, and early birders, the binoculars. Walk with our birders to listen to and observe the sanctuary’s avian residents. 508-6274850, felixneck@massaudubon.org.

Balletics

9-10 am, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Total body conditioning, learning body’s strengths & weaknesses, how to prevent injury. coa-staff@ westtisbury-ma.gov, 508-693-2896.

Tisbury. 1.5 hours of group instruction with a focus on strokes, volleying, strategy and drills. Advance registration required, please call to reserve spot 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com.

Docent-Led Arboretum Tours

9:30-10:30 am, The Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury. Learn about the incredible history, people, and plants that make 8:30-9:30 am, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. Kaiut 9-10 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This the Polly Hill Arboretum a local and Yoga works through chronic pain and injuries, Latin dance class is a fun and inclusive Virtual Kripalu Flow Yoga space where everyone is welcome to learn global landmark. Free with admission! 7:30-8:30 am, West Tisbury Library. On Zoom general aches and stiffness, and is good for 508-693-9426, info@pollyhillarboretum.org. the inflexible, hyper flexible and the aging body. rhythms like salsa, bachata, merengue, with Yogijay. Sign up for free by emailing Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator 774-563-8282, valerie@peakedhillstudio. c om. pop, and more info@stillpointmv.org. wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366. 10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE HERITAGE Free Fairy Sculpture Trail Active Arts Preschool Camp Polar Bears MV Celebrate Their CENTER, Edgartown. This exhibition 9 am-1 pm, Island Children’ s School, West at Island Folk Pottery 80th Season on 4th July 9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. The en- Tisbury. We know that chidlren learn best highlights the creative process of muralist 7:30-8:30 am, Inkwell Beach , Oak Bluffs. Margot Datz, whose work transformed chanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Sculpture Trail while having fun... and what better way The Polar Bears of MV, a historic African the Old Whaling Church and Flymeanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded to do that than outside with your friends! American swim/ water aerobics club, ing Horses Carousel. 774-549-9107, landscape populated with whimsical sculptures. 586-943-5559, activeartsmvy@gmail.com. open their 80th Birthday Season on THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org. 508-955-9944, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com. Art Exhibition: Shane, Schoppe, 4th July at 7:30 AM at Inkwell Beach. Artists’s premiere: Terry Crimmen, Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Quest Daly, Rodney, Clough 617-710-9312, jazzze3@aol.com. Heidi Lang, Kenneth Vincent 9 am-3: 3 0 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctu9 am-6 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Morning Pages Mornings 10 am-5 pm, The Granary Gallery, ary, Edgartown. Enjoy Sengekontacket on Edgartown. Art Exhibition: Shane, 8-9 am, West Tisbury Library. Meets on the West Tisbury. Art Premiere featurthis self-guided kayak tour. Clues lead you Schoppe, Daly, Rodney, Clough 508library porch. Writing prompts and inspiraing Daryl Royster Alexander, Jeanne through the pond. Call to reserve for up to 939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org. tion with Kate Feiffer. No sign up required. Staples, David Wallis & Ross Coppelman 3 hours; returning the boats by 3: 3 0. 508Tennis Morning Clinic Level 3.5+ 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-0455, info@granarygallery.com. 627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org. 9-10:30 am, Airport Fitness, West

Kaiut Yoga

ACE MV presents a Latin Dance Class with Lorena Crespo

29th Annual Vineyard Artisans Summer Festival

10 am-2 pm, The Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Meet island artisans and browse a multitude of mediums, all handmade on Marthas Vineyard. For more information visit our website- vineyardartisans. com artisan02557@yahoo.com.

Fairy House and Gnome Homes in the Sunflower Field

10-11 am, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. Join us to create a fairy house or gnome home along our hidden trail in the one-acre sunflower field! 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org.

Artists Premiere: New Work by Jim Holland and Craig Mooney

Ruben Brothers Show

10-11 am, Oak Bluffs Library. This highly interactive show will have catchy, upbeat, original music with circus arts and audience participation. For ages 3-11 and their families. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

JourneyDance with Deneen McQueen 10-11 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Join us to move, breathe, stretch, and dance to get out of your head and into your body info@stillpointmv.org.

BlackDoctor House | Martha’s Vineyard

10 am-1 pm, The Strand Theatre, Oak Bluffs. oin BlackDoctor experts for a two-day Generational Health experience designed to help you reset, recharge, and connect. j.faulkner@spekemedia.com.

Pick Your Own Sunflowers

10 am-5 pm, North Water Gallery, Edgartown. New Work by Jim Holland and Craig Mooney, two artists drawn to the drama, light, and expansive spaces of Martha’s Vineyard. 508-627-6002, info@northwatergallery.com.

10 am-3:30 pm, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. Come tour our one-acre sunflower field and pick your own blooms! 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org.

10-11 am, Native Earth Teaching Farm, Chilmark. Slow Flow Yoga with baby pygmy goats. goatyogamv@gmail.com.

10 am-11 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs. 508-693-1033, eventbrite.com.

Goat Yoga MV

24th annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

Continued on B11

community & calendar B11

August 13, 2026

Catching waves and making waves: ‘Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC’ BY ABBY REMER

S

urfer, filmmaker, and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jack Johnson is the subject of the appropriately titled documentary “SURFILMUSIC,” playing at the M.V. Film Center on August 16. The film opens with Johnson performing a moving rendition of his song “Better Together” in an enormous arena to an enthusiastic crowd. Even if you are new to Johnson’s music, it’s clear that we are hearing a talented, heartfelt musician. “SURFILMUSIC” was directed by Emmett Malloy, who’s co-managed Johnson for 25 years. He’s stitched together groundbreaking surf films he and Johnson made as young men with home movies, and candid presentday interviews filled with engaging reminiscences from the inner circle of the surfing buddies he began hanging

with as a youth. Four-track cassette tapes and mini-disc sound provide much of the soundtrack. The film traces Johnson’s fascinating progression from surfer to filmmaker to famous musician. Footage of Johnson as a very young child, growing up on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii, reflects his love for surfing, which began on the front of his dad’s surfboard, facing the oncoming waves. He recalls, too, making a flip book as a child about a surfing adventure, foreshadowing his film career. The first turning point in the surfing prodigy’s life comes when he competes in the Banzai Pipeline Masters heat at 17 years old. He wipes out, hitting his head on a coral reef, requiring more than 100 stitches and temporarily suspending his surfing ambitions. Having played the gui-

tar since he was 14, Johnson throws himself into his music during his recovery. There’s 1993 footage of his first band, the Limber Chicken, during high school. Later, we see him playing at keg parties while attending UC Santa Barbara, where he first starts writing music. At Santa Barbara, Johnson switches his major from math to join the film and media studies department. Eventually, Malloy convinces Johnson to create what will become two classic 16mm surfing films — and the footage is astounding, exciting, capturing the exhilaration of riding the waves as they seem to wash over us. Music remains integral to Johnson’s life, and we follow his meteoric rise to fame, which comes about with a mixture of immense talent and some really lucky breaks. Watching him perform, it’s

Events

Continued from B10

Origins Drum Circle with Roots

10-11 am, Milok an Cultural Center and Drum Museum, Chilmark. More than just a jam.... 774-563-0870, rick@drumrol.org.

Wiggle with the Words Storytime 10:30-11 am, Edgartown Library. Fun props and interactive stories. Geared for ages 1-5, but all are welcome. No sign-up. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221.

Secret Gardens Watercolor Show 11 am-5 pm, The Moore Family Gal-

clear that Johnson put the same intensity into his music as he did into his surfing. The film ends with yet another inspiring and important chapter in his life, which I’ll leave for viewers to discover for themselves. Throughout the film, despite “Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC” screens on August 16 at the M.V. Film all the adventure Center. For tickets and more information, visit mvfilmsociety.com. and fame, it’s clear that what other before we see them in Johnson treasures as we kind of dove into the most is his friendships, project. His name is Tamayo ourselves sometimes — rewife, and family. In an inPerry. And he was one of my ally started emerging and best friends. And he was on being the major theme.” terview in Forbes, he says some of those surf trips with Ultimately, “SURFILMUabout “SURFILMUSIC,” us. And he was just a major “I think the reason it really SIC” is a feel-good experireason we all connected as amounted to something ence with spine-tingling friends. So, really, the idea of surfing footage, great music, more than just little clips friendship and collaboration and an engrossing story — a was focusing on the friend— and sort of this thing of wonderful flick for summer ship. I had lost a really close friends seeing things in each fun. friend a couple of years ago

lery, Oak Bluffs. Hannah Moore’s Secret Gardens, an exhibit of recent work in watercolor and ink 508-801-1052, hannahmooreportfolio@gmail.com.

Fault Lines

11 am-5 pm, Knowhere Art Gallery, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition: Fault Lines 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.

Summer Show

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. New works by: Carol Caradimos, Wooley Dutton, Nadia Mahfuz, Joseph Mc-

Carthy, Donna Nyzio and Nick Paciorek. 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

2026 Glambitious Brunch x Martha’s Vineyard

11 am-2 pm, Garde East, Vineyard Haven. eventbrite.com.

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Paul Beebe, Fellow ASMA, and view his new selection of Vineyard realist oil paintings along with award winning bronze sculptures by Gwen Marcus 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

Connected: Selected Works by Brooke Adams

Pokémon cards to show to others! This is a club to talk about Pokémon, look at cards, and draw! No trading allowed. Ages 5-11. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

Loïs Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence

11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition - Lois Mailou Jones: Sphere of 11-11:30 am, West Tisbury Library. Playful, fun yoga for 11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Influence 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com. Tech help littles & their caregivers. Rec. for ages 0-5! Free and Haven. Connected: Selected Works by Brooke 11 am-1 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, no registration needed. Thursdays 11:00-11:30 WT Adams 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org. West Tisbury. Free tach help 508-693-2896, Library 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org. Pokemon Club coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov. 11 am-12 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Bring your Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show

Family Yoga Play

Farmer for a Day – Child Drop-Off Program

1-3 pm, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. Spend the afternoon on the farm with this hands-on program. 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org.

Canasta

1:30-3:30 pm, Tisbury COA, Vineyard Haven. Join us every Wednesday at 1:30 PM for a fun and friendly game of Canasta at the Tisbury COA! 508-696-4205, amcdonough@tisburyma.gov. Continued on B12

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August 13, 2026

Events

Continued from B8

Adult Cow Connection at The Farm Institute

Author Talk: Sen. Raphael Warnock The Crooked Places Made Straight

2:15-3 pm, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. Come meet, cuddle, brush, and walk with our cows at The Farm Institute! 508-6277007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org.

7-8:30 pm, Chilmark Community Center, Edgartown. Warnock discusses the need for moral courage in the face of division and inequality. info@mvbookfestival.com.

Community Knitting Circle

3-4:45 pm, Chilmark Library. Join us for a relaxed afternoon of knitting. Our knitters love to share their knowledge and beginners are welcome! 508-645-3360, chil.programs@gmail.com.

Ukulele Jam

3:30-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. All ages and abilities. The library has ukuleles to borrow, or bring a guitar or banjo, or come to sing. wt_mail@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366. 3:30-4:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Experience the calming effect of harmonic vibration, with pianist and acclaimed piano technician David Stanwood. info@stillpointmv.org.

Partner Dancing Class with Maria & Tad Lawcewicz

3:30-4:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Learn partner dancing with Maria and Tad Lawcewicz 508627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

Table Tennis

5 pm, Tisbury Senior Center, Vineyard Haven. Table tennis for all ages and skill levels. 508-728-5898, raeobmv@gmail.com.

Meditation

6-7 pm, Bodhi Path Buddhist Center, West Tisbury. Group meditation available both in person at Bodhi Path in West Tisbury, and online via Zoom. marthasvineyard@bodhipath.org.

Maker Café: Live Music in the Garden

Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club Agricultural fair display

9-10 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. EFF’n Move is a mindful, low-impact training approach focused on why you move, not just what you do. info@stillpointmv.org.

Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Quest 9 am-3:30 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Enjoy Sengekontacket on this self-guided kayak tour. Clues lead you through the pond. Call to reserve for up to 3 hours; returning the boats by 3:30. 508627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org

Sunflower Story Hour

9:30-10:30 am, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. Join us in our one-acre sunflower field for a special story time! 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org

10:30-11 am, West Tisbury Library. Sing fun songs and play instruments with friends! Ages 0-5 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org.

Adopt a Stuffed Dino

10:30 am-4 pm, Edgartown Library. Visit the library every Friday and pick up a stuffed dinosaur 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

Flower Crown Fun for Families

11 am-12 pm, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. Join us for a midsummer morning of flower crown crafting in our one acre sunflower field! 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org

Fault Lines

11 am-5 pm, Knowhere Art Gallery, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition: Fault Lines 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com

Secret Gardens Watercolor Show 11 am-5 pm, The Moore Family Gallery, Oak Bluffs. Hannah Moore’s Secret Gardens, an exhibit of recent work in watercolor and ink 508-801-1052, hannahmooreportfolio@gmail.com.

24th annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

Chilmark Library. Learn to crochet with Sarah Vail. Open to all ages. Some materials provided. Register on the library website. 508-645-3360, chil.programs@gmail.com.

10 am-12 pm, Oak Bluffs Library, Oak Bluffs. Book Signing & Discussion: Join CHARLIE LEWIS JR, author of NO APOLOGIES. LOVE THE WAY YOU LIVE, AT ANY AGE. 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org

Loïs Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence

10-11:30 am, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Head to the edge of Sengekontacket Pond to net, catch, and release marine life and discover the coastal creatures that live in local waters. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org

Summer Show

10 am-12 pm, West Falmouth Library, Falmouth. 508-548-4709, becky@westfalmouthlibrary.org

Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show

Learn to Crochet: Granny Squares with Sarah Vail

7:30-8:30 am, Inkwell Beach , Oak Bluffs. The Polar Bears of MV, a historic African American swim/ water aerobics club, open their 80th Birthday Season on 4th July at 7:30 AM at Inkwell Beach. 617-710-9312, jazzze3@aol.com.

Pumped Up Intervals with Maria McFarland

8:30-9:30 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. A class alternating cardio intervals and weight work intervals using heavier weights, body bars, loops bands, and weighted balls. 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com.

Art Exhibition: Shane, Schoppe, Daly, Rodney, Clough

9 am-6 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: Shane, Schoppe, Daly, Rodney, Clough 508-939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail

The MV Film Society • Now celebrating 28 years • 1999-2026

THE INVITE Fri HADESTOWN: ONE SHOW 8/14 THE MUSICAL ONLY Sat WE WANT THE FUNK 8/15

Thurs 8/13

with director Stanley Nelson afterwards

7:30 PM

7:30 PM

7:30 PM

ATLANTIC HARMONY STRING 4:00 PM DUO Live Concert Fundraiser for Camp Jabberwocky Sun 8/16 7:30 PM JACK JOHNSON: SURFILMUSIC Mon 7:30 PM 8/17 THE INVITE TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 · FILM CENTER IS CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE EVENT

7:30 PM THE INVITE 7:30 PM Thurs JON STETSON: PSYCHIC 8/20 MIND-BLOWING COMEDY SHOW Wed 8/19

WINNER BEST ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATION 2025 Voted by the Vineyard Community

The MV Film Center is open to the public and masks are optional for all individuals. Please join us for an in-person movie experience soon!

Information & Schedules

EFF’n Move Series with Tuni

Kid’s Music Class

10-11 pm, The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s Agricultural Hall , West Tisbury. Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club delighted to participate in the 164th MV Agricultural Fair. Visit our display! media@marthasvineyardgardenclub.org..

Polar Bears MV Celebrate Their 80th Season on 4th July

6 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Join us for an evening of music, dance, acting, and the spoken word. This Open Mic will be emceed by acclaimed actor, singer & dancer, Cleo King. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

6:30-8:30 pm, Knowhere Art Gallery, Oak Bluffs. Create alongside acclaimed artist Charly Palmer in an intimate evening of guided artistry, creativity, and connection. 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.

7:45 pm, The Bandstand at Mashpee Commons, Mashpee. facebook.com

7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Ballet styled flows, barre work, balance and weights incorporating disks, loop bands and Bender balls. Come with sneakers, barre sox, or bare feet. 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com.

6-8 pm, Eisenhauer Gallery, Edgartown. Eisenhauer Gallery presents “Music in the Square” with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish 508-627-7003, eisenhauergallery@gmail.com.

The Canvas Series: An Evening of Guided Artistry

Summer Movie Night at the Commons: CARS

Barre Fusion with Kris Martin

Music in the Square: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish

6:30-8:30 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. An evening in the galleries with art, music, and easy conversation. 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.

7:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. THE INVITE 774-3922972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

6-8 pm, Maker Cafe, Vineyard Haven. Live Music in the Garden at Maker Café 508687-9794, eat@makercafemv.com.

Knowhere After Dark

7:30-9 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, Vineyard Haven. Three New York Times puzzle makers will discuss how they do what they do, why games have taken us by storm, and even how to get better at them. 508-693-0745, mvsummerinstitute.org.

THE INVITE

Naptime with David Stanwood

Cleo King’s Open Mic!

Summer Institute: Meet the New York Times puzzle-makers

at Island Folk Pottery

9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. The enchanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Sculpture Trail meanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded landscape populated with whimsical sculptures. 508-955-9944, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com.

scan code for complete schedule

mvfilmsociety.com

508.69 6.9369

10 am-11 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs. 508-693-1033, eventbrite.com

Toddler Time

Book Signing & Discussion: Join CHARLIE LEWIS JR, author of NO APOLOGIES.

11-11:30 am, Chilmark Library. We’ll read classic and current children’s literature, and sing, move, and play together. Ideal for preschool ages. chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com 508645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com.

Seashore Discovery

11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition - Lois Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence 917-9609344, info@knowhereart.com..

Pre-School Playtime

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. New works by: Carol Caradimos, Wooley Dutton, Nadia Mahfuz, Joseph McCarthy, Donna Nyzio and Nick Paciorek. 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com

Artists’s premiere: Terry Crimmen, Heidi Lang, Kenneth Vincent 10 am-5 pm, The Granary Gallery, West Tisbury. Art Premiere featuring Daryl Royster Alexander, Jeanne Staples, David Wallis & Ross Coppelman 508-6930455, info@granarygallery.com

Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club Agricultural fair display

10 am-11 pm, The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s Agricultural Hall , West Tisbury. Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club delighted to participate in the 164th MV Agricultural Fair. Visit our display! media@marthasvineyardgardenclub.org.

Paintings of Heritage: Black Storytelling and Cultural Legacy

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Paul Beebe, Fellow ASMA, and view his new selection of Vineyard realist oil paintings along with award winning bronze sculptures by Gwen Marcus 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com

Connected: Selected Works by Brooke Adams

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Connected: Selected Works by Brooke Adams 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

The Art of Buying and Selling at Auction 11:30 am-1 pm, Chilmark Library. Georgina Winthrop and Michael Grogan present The Art of Buying and Selling at Auction. Register on the library webstie. 508-6453360, chil.programs@gmail.com.

10 am-9 pm, The Eisenhauer Gallery, Edgartown. “Paintings of Heritage: Black Storytelling and Cultural Legacy” curated by The Eisenhauer Gallery 508-627-7003, eisenhauergallery@gmail.com.

Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky

10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE HERITAGE CENTER, Edgartown. This exhibition highlights the creative process of muralist Margot Datz, whose work transformed the Old Whaling Church and Flying Horses Carousel. 774-549-9107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org.

12-1 pm, Edgartown Council on Aging (The Anchors), Edgartown. To help with your laptop, smartphone, iPad, or other devices. Tech help is also available at the library. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221.

10 am-5 pm, North Water Gallery, Edgartown. New Work by Jim Holland and Craig Mooney, two artists drawn to the drama, light, and expansive spaces of Martha’s Vineyard. 508-627-6002, info@northwatergallery.com.

Author Talk:”Silent Determination: One Woman’s Battle to Survive and Thrive

10 am-3:30 pm, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. Come tour our one-acre sunflower field and pick your own blooms! 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org.

Book Signing: ‘Girls, Unlimited’ by Dr. Monique Couvson

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

Artists Premiere: New Work by Jim Holland and Craig Mooney

Pick Your Own Sunflowers

Carnegie Heritage Center

10 am-3 pm, the carnegie heritage center, Edgartown. Carnegie Heritage Center reopens Easter weekend, Friday and Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. Admission: $5 (ages 12+). vineyardtrust.org/events/ 774-549-9107, thecarnegie@mvpreservation.org.

11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library To strengthen our connection to Earth and maintain balance. To sign up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366.

Drop-in Tech Help at the Anchors

Seasonal Crafting

12-4 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Craft projects for ages 3-11. New craft each week! Drop in. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

1-2 pm, Edgartown Library, Edgartown. Peter Cahill, author of Silent Determination 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.. 2-4 pm, Edgartown Books. Bestselling author and advocate Dr. Monique Couvson signs her book ‘Girls, Unlimited: How to Invest in Our Daughters with More Than Money’. 508-627-8463, info@edgartownbooks.com.

Grace Church Lobster Rolls

3-6 pm, Grace Episcopal Church, Vineyard Haven. Grace Church Lobster Roll Fundraiser 508-693-0332, rector@graceepiscopalmv.org.

Tabletop Roleplay Group: MonsterSized Summer Road Trip

3-6 pm, Edgartown Library. Throughout the campaign, you’ll experience highs and lows as you roadtrip across the country 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

Author Talk: Heather Abel’s The Emilys 3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Join author Heather Abel and writer and podcaster Gabriel Roth for a conversation about Heather’s new novel, The Emilys. This is a free public even 508-693-3366, wtprograms@clamsnet.org.

508-696-8000 or go to our website to register. 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com.

Kaiut Yoga

9-10 am, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. Kaiut Yoga is works through chronic pain and injuries, general aches and stiffness, and is good for the inflexible, hyper flexible and the aging body. 774-563-8282, vsonnenthal@gmail.com.

5K Race for Camp Jabberwocky

Free Family Yoga!

9 am, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. 5K road race to benefit Island non-profit, Camp Jabberwocky! Kids fun run option, too! www.runforjabberwocky.org info@campjabberwocky.org.

Sublime Schubert

9-10 am, Edgartown Library. Free and open to the public. Registration is required. Sign up at edgartownlibrary.org. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

4-5 pm, The Yard, Chilmark. Bring the whole family for a playful yoga adventure designed for all ages and experience levels. info@chilmarkcommunitytrust.org.

Vinyasa Power Yoga

5-6:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Pianist Joseph Holt presents an all-Schubert recital, sharing stories and insights about the music between works 508-426-9825, mvcms@vineyard.net

Carnegie Heritage Center

6-7:30 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Join us and Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish this summer for Friday night musical performances on our outdoor stage under the trees! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org.

10 am-11 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs. 508-693-1033, eventbrite.com.

Friday Nights with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish

Maker Café: Live Music in the Garden 6-8 pm, Maker Cafe, Vineyard Haven. Live Music in the Garden at Maker Café 508687-9794, eat@makercafemv.com.

THE NADLERS – Father & Son Comedy Duo

7:30-9:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. THE NADLERS – Father & Son Comedy Duo at the MV Film Center 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com.

HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL

7:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL (One Show Only). 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com.

Drive-In Movie: The Manchurian Candidate

7:45 pm, The Vineyard’s Drive-In at the YMCA, Oak Bluffs. Drive-In Movie: The Manchurian Candidate 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Built on Stilts

7:45-9 pm, Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs. Built on Stilts, the island’s community dance and performance festival, celebrates 30 years of inspiring and egalitarian programming! 508-717-2887, builtonstilts97@gmail.com.

The Residency at Eleven Circuit: DJ Drama

10 pm-1 am, Eleven Circuit , Oak Bluffs. The Residency at Eleven Circuit: DJ Drama shelbyelyse14@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

Polar Bears MV Celebrate Their 80th Season on 4th July

7:30-8:30 am, Inkwell Beach , Oak Bluffs. The Polar Bears of MV, a historic African American swim/ water aerobics club, open their 80th Birthday Season on 4th July at 7:30 AM at Inkwell Beach. 617-710-9312, jazzze3@aol.com.

Dance Fitness with Kris Martin

8:30-9:30 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. A creative blend of rhythmic resistance, cardio conditioning, manageable mobility and core strength exercises all set to crazy-FUN music. 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com.

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery

9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. The enchanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Sculpture Trail meanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded landscape populated with whimsical sculptures. 508-955-9944, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com.

Chilmark Flea Market

9 am-2 pm, Flea Market Field. 508-6453100, chilmarkflea@gmail.com.

Greenhouse Soil Therapy!

10 am-4 pm. Admission: $5 (ages 12+). vineyardtrust.org/events/ 774-549-9107, thecarnegie@mvpreservation.org.

24th annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

Artists’s premiere: Terry Crimmen, Heidi Lang, Kenneth Vincent

10 am-5 pm, The Granary Gallery, West Tisbury. Art Premiere featuring Daryl Royster Alexander, Jeanne Staples, David Wallis & Ross Coppelman 508-693-0455, info@granarygallery.com.

Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club Agricultural fair display

10 am-11 pm, The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s Agricultural Hall , West Tisbury. Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club delighted to participate in the 164th MV Agricultural Fair. Visit our display! media@marthasvineyardgardenclub.org.

Artists’s Premiere: Adam Thompson & Traeger di Pietro

10 am-5 pm, Field Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s Premiere: Adam Thompson & Traeger di Pietro 508-693-5595, info@fieldgallery.com.

Mini-Maker Craft Club

10 am-3 pm, Edgartown Library. A differentthemed craft will be offered every week, drop in and get creative! 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

The Fabulists

10 am, Tisbury Amphitheater, Vineyard Haven. The Fabulists 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Family Kayak Adventure

10-11:30 am, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Fun for families and friends, paddle on Sengekontacket Pond for an active investigation of the Pond’s history, culture, and wild residents. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org.

Art Exhibition: London, Kirkpatrick, Howells, Cincotta, Yuan, and Reade 10 am-6 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: London, Kirkpatrick, Howells, Cincotta, Yuan, and Reade 508-939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Paintings of Heritage: Black Storytelling and Cultural Legacy

10 am-9 pm, The Eisenhauer Gallery, Edgartown. “Paintings of Heritage: Black Storytelling and Cultural Legacy” curated by The Eisenhauer Gallery 508-627-7003, eisenhauergallery@gmail.com.

Pick Your Own Sunflowers

10 am-3:30 pm, The FARM Institute, Edgartown. Come tour our one-acre sunflower field and pick your own blooms! 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org.

Artists Premiere: New Work by Jim Holland and Craig Mooney

10 am-5 pm, North Water Gallery, Edgartown. New Work by Jim Holland and Craig Mooney, two artists drawn to the drama, light, and expansive spaces of Martha’s Vineyard. 508-627-6002, info@northwatergallery.com.

9-11 am, Community Greenhouse of MV, Oak Bluffs. Get your hands in the soil and help the community greenhouse. Seeding, transplanting, and harvesting; gardening chats and advice are a bonus! 774-563-8417, smiller8690@gmail.com.

Beginner Pickleball Clinic

9-10 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Curious about pickleball? Join a session to learn the basics! Advance registration is required, call

For events for the full week scan code or visit mvtimes.com/things-to-do.

community & calendar B13

August 13, 2026

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Language in a variety

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E.J. MONTGOMERY AND THE 6

5 The title of a new exhibition at the Martha’s Vineyard Bank in Chilmark, “Evangeline J. Montgomery: Art, Diplomacy, and the Power of Print,” speaks to the remarkable multipronged career of Montgomery, who passed away last year at 95.

“E.J. was a towering figure in the arts,” says Jane Carpenter-Rock, an art historian and diplomat who is now the acting director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The exhibition explores Montgomery’s legacy as both a distinguished printmaker and also a pioneering art administrator in the U.S. State Department. Her work helped introduce American artists to global audiences through exhibitions, collections, and international initiatives that fostered cross-cultural dialogue and shaped global perceptions of American art. Montgomery was also deeply connected with Martha’s Vineyard and the vibrant cultural community of Oak Bluffs. As the adopted sister of Ralf Meshack

Coleman, the first Black director of the WPA Theater Project, and Warren Rich Coleman, who originated the role of Crown in “Porgy and Bess,” Montgomery was introduced to an influential circle of artists and intellectuals, including Loïs Mailou Jones. As a teenager, Montgomery spent summers on the Island with her Coleman family, frequently meeting friends, swimming at Inkwell Beach, and working at both Hilliard’s Kitch-inVue Candy Shop and also Rexall Drug Store on Circuit Avenue. The Island’s artistic atmosphere and the people she encountered here inspired the abstract

art that would define her artistic career. Montgomery discovered her artistic talents when she received her first oil painting set at the age of 14. She earned her BFA from the California College of Arts and Crafts (now California College of the Arts) in 1969, and began curating exhibits in museums, university galleries, and art centers. Carpenter-Rock says, “E.J. saw the power of art to help uplift the community.” In 1983, Montgomery began her career with the State Department as a program development officer for the Arts America Program, specializing in American exhibitions touring abroad. In

this capacity, she developed and implemented successful American fine art programs in the United States and throughout the world. Carpenter-Rock notes, “That was E.J. taking her skills and talents as an artist, her knowledge of art history, her knowledge of the power of art as a unifying force to uplift the community, all into a government role.” She continues, “E.J. was helping American artists achieve international recognition. She not only sent the work overseas, but also sent many of the artists on exchanges. They included Loïs Mailou Jones, Betye Saar, Faith Ringgold, and Sam Gilliam, who credit her

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overlays of material POWER OF THE PRINT. BY ABBY REMER with helping to grow their art practice in new and different ways. There were very few people doing that, particularly for Black artists in the 1980s, ’90s, and 2000s. She was able to leverage her own role to give these artists a much bigger platform, even promoting their careers over her own.” As an artist, Montgomery began making iconic metal “ancestral boxes” in the early 1970s, creating them primarily during the early part of her studio career. Health challenges from Parkinson’s disease in 1994 led her to focus on etching, lithography, and monoprints. As the exhibition at the bank reflects, Montgomery excelled in this medium. Her distinct, vibrant markmaking created intricate abstract patterns that pull you in. While sitting on the paper’s flat surface, they seem to pulsate back and forth in space. The repetition of shapes creates an almost audible musical rhythm. Montgomery once said, “My art often contains calligraphic marks, strokes, swirling lines, language overlays of varied materials and colors, shadows and atmospheric conditions, and naturalistic formations in nature, such as trees, water, and rocks.” Carpenter-Rock notes, “She was working in abstraction when it was not the dominant trend among

African American artists from the 1960s onward. What was popular in the Black arts movement during this period was the representation of the Black body and the creation of empowering images of African Americans.” Adrienne L. Childs, curator and art historian, says, “At times it was an uphill battle, but that never deterred E.J. from doing what she felt was interesting. There’s a spiritual nature to her work. I would say [it is] almost impressionistic. She was interested in the wider strokes of art history, including Monet. I see that kind of interest in nature as an abstract concept coming out in Impressionism.” Jocelyn Coleman Walton, Montgomery’s great-niece, says of her aunt, with whom she was close: “Most important to me was how others in the art field, young and old, artists and collectors, responded to Vangie … she was held in reverence … as an icon … as the queen. Many times, I watched as they looked at her with reverence, with gratitude and respect for all that she accomplished, all that she had done for them, for the doors she had opened, for the connections she had made, for the role model she represented, and for the friend she had become.” M.V. Bank’s executive assistant, Karen Pontremoli,

shares its longstanding tradition of art exhibitions: “As a true community bank, Martha’s Vineyard Bank is proud of its commitment to the community by helping to preserve and celebrate the Island’s rich history, traditions, and values by showcasing the artists and cultural experiences that make Martha’s Vineyard unique.” She adds about this show, “Artist E.J. Montgomery embodies this enduring connection. Her ties to Martha’s Vineyard are deeply rooted in her family’s legacy and the vibrant cultural heritage of Oak Bluffs, making her work a meaningful reflection of the Island’s history, resilience, and artistic spirit.” “Evangeline J. Montgomery: Art, Diplomacy, and the Power of Print” is on view through August 28. “Artful Conversations: E.J. Montgomery’s Life as an Artist” will take place on August 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Center of Knowhere, 73 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, with panelists Stephany Neal, Dr. Adrienne Childs, and Jocelyn Walton. Reservations for free tickets can be obtained at knowhereart.com.

1. Montgomery's "Corn Fields" is an offset lithograph and silkscreen print from 1998. 2. Montgomery's "Blue Skies II” was created in 1998. 3. "Summer Heat,” also from 1998. 4. Montgomery's "Window" is a 2010 offset lithograph. 5. Montgomery's "Autumn Nights" is a 1996 lithograph. 6. Montgomery's "Storm Sounds,” from 2023.

“That was E.J. taking her skills and talents as an artist, her knowledge of art history, her knowledge of the power of art as a unifying force to uplift the community — all into a government role.” —JANE CARPENTER-ROCK

E.J. Montgomery’s mentee Stephany Neal, left, and E.J.’s longtime friend, Grace F. Reeves, strolled through the exhibit.

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Garden Notes BY ABIGAIL HIGGINS

And check your harvests.

Look out for laurel wilt

T

he Vineyard is looking green and lush, from the superficial aspect of roadside views and many lawns and gardens. The recent rains refreshed what we can see, and roses, in particular, have responded beautifully. But is the seen the critical part?

Laurel and sassafras wilt For our world, trees are the answer. Trees have created over eons the topsoil upon which we and everything else lives and survives: those few, fragile, fertile inches that make all life on Earth possible. What are we doing to our world? Trees create our rain, clean our air, shade and protect from heat, hold and protect topsoil from rain’s and wind’s erosion. Trees produce food for us and other life. Trees in themselves are entire microecosystems that are constituents of the web of life. Therefore it is unutterably sad that one more tree family falls victim to forces that spell doom for it. Is it international and interstate commerce? Is it climate change? Is it human heedlessness? It is all of the above. A shortened form, from the Facebook page of New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation, the Cornell School of Agriculture and Life Sciences video “Be on the Lookout” report, follows (bit.ly/NYSDEC_LaurelWilt):

“Laurel wilt, an invasive plant disease, was detected on Long Island in 2025. In response, DEC has established a quarantine district in the towns of Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown, Islip, and Brookhaven to prevent the movement of potentially infected wood and slow the spread of this destructive disease. “In New York, laurel wilt threatens native sassafras and spicebush, causing rapid wilting and eventual tree death. The fungus is spread by invasive ambrosia beetles, and through the movement of infected wood. While beetles can spread the disease from tree to tree locally, moving firewood,

Many flowers, few fruits: Cucumber blossoms with small bees.

Sassafras sprouting beneath struggling beech.

Post-bloom, cut back daylily foliage.

Knockout roses respond to deadheading. PHOTOS: ABIGAIL HIGGINS

Lab or iMapInvasives.” It seems it is only a matter of time until laurel and sassafras wilt arrives here. Martha’s Vineyard is downwind of Long Island. Our connections with Long Island take many forms. The vector complex is a tiny beetle that “farms” a fungal pathogen. This makes the disease’s mechanism similar to Dutch elm disease, also a double whammy, where insects and

than 11,000 of these are at risk of extinction. More than 3,300 are critically endangered. How many families of trees can we lose? Can our world lose? Chestnuts, elms, hemlock, ash trees, dogwood, beech, pitch pine — ask yourself to comprehend this. “This doesn’t just mean, ‘We are losing trees’: It means losing ecosystems, meanings, stories, oxygen, and memory.” –Treedom Where I live, the impressive

berg’s shoes in 2004. Tim’s professionalism and warmth in sharing his love for all growing things (but especially oaks) transformed and grew PHA into prominence nationally and internationally.

In the garden Early August, barren phase: time to replant, rethink, regroup. Sow after new moon. I ordered seed garlic, having had an adequate but un-

Polly Hill Arboretum’s knowledgeable executive director, Tim Boland, is retiring: This is a hard act to follow. Tim has steered the Island’s outstanding public garden since stepping into Stephen Spongberg’s shoes in 2004. logs, wood chips, and other woody materials can introduce laurel wilt to new areas many miles away. “Because there are no effective treatments for laurel wilt, preventing the disease from spreading beyond the currently affected area is critical. “You can help prevent the spread of laurel wilt by: • Following local quarantine district restrictions, as well as the statewide Firewood Regulation; • Learning to recognize laurel wilt symptoms and reporting them to DEC. • Reporting signs of laurel wilt to DEC’s Forest Health

fungal entities intersect. The laurel wilt disease has already ravaged Florida and the Southeast’s Lauraceae redbay groves. It also attacks extensive Florida avocado orchards (Persea americana, a Lauraceae family member), where it is estimated 300,000 trees have had to be sacrificed. The orchard acreage is then sold for real estate development. There are a few more than 60,000 individual species of trees, according to the world’s largest plant conservation organisation, U.K.-based Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). More

beeches are in slow death. Beech leaf disease, devastating aphids, beech bark disease — all join in a fatal mix to render these lovely woods listless and barren. And what is sprouting up on the forest floor in the openings? Sassafras is sprouting beneath struggling beech to fill the gaps ….

Tim Boland retires Polly Hill Arboretum’s knowledgeable executive director, Tim Boland, is retiring: This is a hard act to follow. Tim has steered the Island’s outstanding public garden since stepping into Stephen Spong-

derwhelming harvest. The 2026 harvest contained no tennis-ball-size bulbs. The seed garlic I planted last year was itself not impressive. The ordered seed garlic is from the Pacific Northwest. Indications are that region has fewer endemic garlicgrowing issues. One must always ask and evaluate what could be done better: How do I improve what I am doing? It can be labor-intensive, and hard when high heat makes physical labor challenging. However, making compost and getting that organic matter and humus into/onto the

ground makes a difference. This garden should be awash in cucumbers. The healthy-looking, flowerladen plants have produced very, very few fruit. Pollinators are working the flowers, small bees about the size of houseflies. Shouldn’t it also be larger pollinators doing this? ‘Mountain Princess’ determinate tomatoes from High Mowing Seeds will finish; removing plants then opens space, for something like carrots or radicchio. Cut back once-flowering daylilies. Fresh foliage sprouts, improving the bed’s appearance. Reblooming daylilies need repeated spraying with repellent after deer discover them. ‘Knockout’-type roses continue to flower regardless, but appearance is improved if pruned and deadheaded. Groom hydrangeas. Continue with deadheading and dead-leafing annuals. Many of the Wave and Supertunia petunias benefit from shortening the flowering stems. A boost from liquid feeds helps too, although I am avoiding “blue water” after unfortunate foliage burning while using the company’s hose-end mixer-sprayer. Liquid seaweed is your friend, especially in this heat. Tick check frequently.

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