Behind the Band: Agreeable Men B7
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Fabulous five at the Granary Gallery B14
THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD TIMES
Volume 43, Issue No. 34
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Tobias Vanderhoop, a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), performing the opening ceremony at Fenway Park.
Hospital enrolls first participant in pioneering alpha-gal study Two studies by MVH are first of their kind for the hospital and country. BY HAYLEY DUFFY
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trailblazing study for both the Island hospital and the country just enrolled its first participant last Friday in an effort to better understand alpha-gal syndrome, the tick-borne condition that causes an allergy to mammalian products like meat and dairy. Martha’s Vineyard Hospital (MVH), a member of Mass General Brigham, plans to recruit and follow 300 people in this research study that Claire Seguin, president and COO of the Island hospital, said is a “first-of-its-kind study” as well as “first in the country that [she’s] aware of.” The study, led by Mass General Brigham infectious disease expert Jacob Lemieux and Ellen McMahon, chief of medicine and ambulatory medical director for MVH, aims to answer “who develops alpha-gal syndrome after lone star tick exposure, who becomes sensitized without developing symptoms, and what biological or demographic factors may influence risk,” according to a press release from the hospital. Some people can have an alpha-gal antibody but not develop an allergy. There is a second study, which Seguin called a point prevalence study, that is also in the works, and would use existing bloodwork samples to understand what percentage of the Island population has alpha-gal antibodies compared with Nantucket and Boston. The team needs to nail down a final date, but the idea is to start in early September. Seguin said the research hopes to answer the question, “Is there more of it here than anywhere else?” The studies are run out of the hospital’s new alpha-gal research center, located in West Tisbury Continued on A7
Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal member performs in opening ceremony at Fenway Park. BY ELLA MUNNELLY
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he vibration of drums and the sound of indigenous chants echoed into Fenway Park during the Boston Red Sox’s annual Native American and American Indian Celebration, a night that showcases the proud, resilient heritage of
indigenous communities across the country. Tobias Vanderhoop, a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and a tribal leader, was invited to sing an original tribal honor song as part of the opening ceremony on Wednesday, August
The woman beyond the look
A cloud of uncertainty Spraying helps mitigate tick population but raises environmental and health questions. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON
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hree operators of an all-natural tick spray company donned khaki insectshield pants and tucked the bottom hems into their socks. They wore shirts with their company name, ohDEER, like they do five or more days a week, readied their equipment, and pulled into a winding driveway in Oak Bluffs to the home of a year-round Island family. It was a Friday morning in mid-July. The home, with a bright green front lawn and garden around the perimeter, was one of 100 others that the team at ohDEER treats for tick and deer mitigation each week, double the number of lawns they Continued on A7
19. Vanderhoop is a former chairman of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, and currently serves as tribal council secretary. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, Vanderhoop was excited to be invited to the game to Continued on A8
Michelle Obama reveals the deeper story behind “The Look,” and why the Island holds such a special place in her family’s life. BY SHARISSE SCOTT-RAWLINS
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or nearly two decades, the world has watched Michelle Obama, both adoringly and critically. And the reverence didn’t waver on Sunday, August 23, when hundreds gathered at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Performing Arts Center for the closing event of this year’s Martha’s Vineyard Author Series. The former First Lady joined journalist Michele Norris for two conversations centered on her latest book, “The Look,” and the stories behind an image the world has spent years examining. Long before Obama stepped onto the stage, the anticipation was palpable. Copies of “The Look” rested on laps as excited conversations filled the auditorium, and the audience’s eyes repeatedly turned toward the stage. Then, finally, Obama appeared, and the room erupted in applause. Continued on A9
JEANNA SHEPARD
Michelle Obama and journalist Michele Norris, left, at the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series.
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August 27, 2026
news in brief Illumination Night, a ‘very fine affair’ Thousands of people traversed the streets around the Tabernacle and the quieter streets within the rest of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association (MVCMA) as bright and colorful lanterns hung from almost every cottage. Grand Illumination Night, an almostend-of-summer favorite, started the night of Wednesday August 19, at 7 pm with a prayer, community sing, and music by the Vineyard Haven Band, and the ceremonial lighting of the first lantern. The first Illumination Night took place in 1869, sponsored by the Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Co. It was initially a festivity called Governor’s Day to honor Gov. William Claflin, according to the MVCMA. It was the Seaside Gazette that referred to the annual event as the “Illumination,” and the name stuck. The newspaper called the event and the Oak Bluffs Fireworks, “a very fine affair.” The MVCMA came out of the “camp meeting” movement of the 19th century, which eventually became a Methodist practice in New England. On the Island, in 1835, Jeremiah Pease and six men from the Edgartown Methodist Church rented a half-acre of land to hold a religious camp meeting on the Island, according to the MVCMA. It became known as Wesleyan Grove, and grew rapidly. Between 1859 and 1864, the cottages, known for their unique gingerbread-like architecture, started to appear, eventually reaching 500 units. Today, there are almost 300 cottages at the campground.
Potential Head Start deregulation raises uncertainty for Island program The Trump administration’s proposed elimination of federal regulations for the Head Start program leaves state and Island childcare officials unsure about the impact to a Vineyard nonprofit that offers childcare services. The program, which is operated by Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS), includes home-based care that serves roughly 36 children, the majority of whom speak Portuguese as their home language, according to the organization’s annual report. On August 6, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to remove many of the regulations that govern the program, such as requirements for low staff-tostudent ratios and health-screening services for children and their families. The notice is open to public comment until Oct. 6. First launched in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, Head Start is a federal program that provides early childhood education and health and nutrition services to low-income children and families. The program is governed by more than 100 pages of regulations, and has 1,600 operators across the country and territories. Federal officials said that gutting federal regulations will promote more local decisionmaking by leaving matters up to state discretion, while also cutting costs. The notice also proposes a 5 percent spending limit of a program’s grant on administrative expenses, down from 15 percent, as well as new nutrition standards. Michelle Haimowitz, executive director of the Massachusetts Head Start Association, argued that the changes, such as requiring unhoused parents to provide documentation, would harm marginalized communities. “There are incredibly harmful impacts for specific populations. The rule will reduce eligibility for families experiencing homelessness by disallowing them from self-attesting their homelessness status [and] requiring documentation that many families cannot access,” Haimowitz said. Haimowitz also opposes a mandate that would require all programming to be conducted in English. Scott Turton, MVCS chief executive officer, said he can understand both sides of the issue. “Administratively, there is opportunity some-
Illumination Night.
times in reviewing regulations and saying, ‘Which ones of these work, and which ones of these don’t?’ and ‘What would make it easier on a day-to-day basis for these programs to operate?’” Turton said. “But I also get the other side that says … if it feels like it’s a core regulation that keeps everything sort of consistent and true to the mission of the original program the way it was set up, then why would you get rid of that?” Turton said that MVCS is still trying to determine how the proposed changes would impact its program.
Rare bacterial infection in Edgartown prompts warnings The Edgartown board of health is urging residents to exercise caution when swimming after a Vineyard resident over the age of 65 contracted a bacterial infection called Vibrio vulnificus, a type of flesh-eating bacteria, after swimming in multiple bodies of water in the town with an open cut on their foot. The individual’s identity and status have not been released by the health board. Vibrio vulnificus is a rare bacterium, and even more rare in cooler New England waters, with the most recent case in Falmouth in 2025. It is typically found in warm, coastal waters. Symptoms and severity can range from gastrointestinal issues to tissue decay, and even death if left untreated. “Risk is very low for people who do not swim with open wounds, which is what I advise against,” Edgartown board of health agent Brice Boutot told The Times. Still, in recent years, experts stated that climate change is elevating the risk of flesheating bacteria countrywide. There was been an 800 percent increase in instances of Vibrio vulnificus throughout the Eastern U.S. from 1988 to 2018, according to the CDC. “You’ll typically see this down south: Louisiana, Texas, Gulf of Mexico area,” Boutot said. “It’s uncommon [for Vibrio vulnificus] to be this far north in Massachusetts … Risk is minimal to those who use commonsense safety practices.” There are about a dozen types of Vibrio bacteria, and not all of them impact tissue. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, contracted mainly through consuming raw oysters, had measurable impacts on local oyster farms in 2014. An outbreak of the bacteria and resulting illness (mainly gastrointestinal) led to the closure of Katama Bay oyster operations for a month, affected aquaculture that year, and incurred state involvement. Practices for oystering were adjusted to mitigate outbreaks, and warming coastal waters, which created an environment for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, were linked to climate change by experts. In 2015, there was another closure of Katama Bay for oyster farming because of multiple cases of illness from the bacteria, then again in 2017. In 2024, improper tagging of oysters led to one case of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The version of Vibrio (vulnificus) that was just contracted in Edgartown, however, which a press release from the board of health states “can result in severe, sometimes fatal flesh infections,” hasn’t yet been documented on the Island. The board of health routinely tests water samples from bodies of water in Edgartown for bacteria, pursuant to Massachusetts Bathing Beach Regulations. Those tests have not detected elevated bacterial levels this year, but
NICHOLAS VUKOTA
there’s no test for Vibrio specifically. “There is currently no closure advisory for any bodies of water in Edgartown, and public risk remains low for those who engage in commonsense safety practices,” the release stated. The board of health advises covering open wounds from surgery, new piercings, fresh tattoos, cuts, and scrapes with a waterproof bandage; not handling raw seafood or drippings with an open wound; immediately washing wounds with fresh, running water and soap after swimming; and prioritizing protection for those at increased risk, like children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant persons, immunocompromised individuals, and those with liver disease. Medical care should be sought if any symptoms like burning, redness, blisters, fever, or chills occur after swimming or eating raw seafood or shellfish.
West Tisbury resident sued over Island Theatre Owners of the controversial Island Theatre have called on the courts to make a local resident compensate them with millions of dollars for allegedly backing out of a deal to buy the Oak Bluffs property. Lucky 7 Realty Trust, represented by trustee Brian Hall, sued Jefrey DuBard, West Tisbury resident and founding partner of real estate development firm New Urban Collaborative, on July 29, alleging he breached contractual obligations in a deal for the down-Island theater, which town voters approved this past spring to be taken by eminent domain. Benjamin Hall Jr., Brian Hall’s brother and property co-owner representing the case, declined to comment on a pending case. DuBard was not immediately available for comment. In an amended complaint, filed August 14 in the Dukes County Superior Court, which expands upon what was already submitted late last month and makes only clerical corrections, the Halls allege that DuBard signed a $2.75 million offer for the Island Theatre in 2023 to “outbid” another offerer in bad faith. The complaint accuses DuBard of repeatedly making “differing excuses about the lack of payment of any deposit for some weeks” before ultimately indicating he would not be able to pay. The Halls asked the court to order DuBard pay a total of $8.25 million, triple the alleged offer, on top of interest and attorney’s fees incurred by the trust. The suit alleges that DuBard intentionally misrepresented his intentions when entering into an agreement for the theater. It also alleges DuBard has been involved in “similar disputes involving his misrepresentation and breaches of contracts” in Massachusetts. DuBard’s alleged behavior “thwarted [Lucky 7 Realty] Trust’s efforts to then sell the theater” because the other buyer “moved on to other matters” and lost interest in discussions or negotiations, the complaint reads. ,,. Island Theatre is a dilapidated property that has sat empty on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs
correction In the story “Vineyard enters primary season,” published August 19, the times for in-person voting from Monday, August 24 to Friday, August 28 are 1 pm to 3 pm in Chilmark, and 8:30 am to 3:30 pm in Edgartown.
since 2012. The Halls previously stated a desire to sell to a private buyer, and said a lack of wastewater availability from the town deterred interested investors. But public dissatisfaction with the building led Oak Bluffs residents to approve, in a landslide vote this April, to allow the town to initiate an eminent domain seizure of the property, which opened up to $5 million for various costs, including initial improvements, legal fees, planning, and demolition; the actual development of the property was not included in that approved number. Buying the theater outright was also placed as an option during the town election, and the Halls have stated the asking price was $2.8 million. The town is considering next steps through a working group. The Halls filed a demand for a jury trial for the amended complaint, on August 17, but the case may take some time for a resolution. According to the MassCourts database, judgment isn’t due until at least July 31, 2028.
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August 27, 2026
Murder added to indictments A for Aimee Cotton
imee Cotton of Oak Bluffs, who previously was indicted for manslaughter and reckless endangerment of a child last September and pleaded not guilty, was indicted for murder last Wednesday in the Dukes County Superior Court, according to court documents. The incident related to the charge occurred in March 2025, when Cotton allegedly left Frank (“Frankie”) Edward Rodenbaugh unattended in her SUV for roughly three hours outside her home. He suffered hypothermia and died six days later in a Boston hospital. The new second-degree felony murder charge is separate from the manslaughter and reckless endangerment of a child indictments, as well as the wrongful death lawsuit by Frankie’s parents, Matt and Julie Rodenbaugh, in January of this year, which is currently on pause.
She was previously indicted for manslaughter after the death of Frankie Rodenbaugh. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA Aimee Cotton at the Edgartown Courthouse.
It remains unclear exactly why Cotton was indicted for a second time, now for murder, which involves a higher degree of culpability than manslaughter, and Island lawyers, asked on background, couldn’t speak directly to the reason. The second indictment, however, does raise questions about the strategy deployed to convict Cotton. Procedurally, however, if the initial charge is manslaughter, there is no opportunity for a jury to raise the charge to murder. Inversely, if there is a murder charge, a jury can decide the defendant is guilty of murder or, to a lesser degree, manslaughter. “We can confirm the grand jury returned the indictments,” Katie Brunelle, community outreach coordinator at the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, said in an email about last week’s court development. “We will address
the matter after the defendant presents herself before the court.” Courtney L. Scalice was added as the prosecutor for the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office for this indictment, also according to court documents. Cotton’s attorney in her criminal case, Harrison T. Barrow III, declined to comment. In July, Cotton’s manslaughter case was relocated to Barnstable County Superior Court to acquire more frequent court dates and for the purpose of jury selection. Cotton had a trial assignment conference scheduled in Barnstable for the manslaughter case on August 14, but it was rescheduled to Oct. 28. Cotton is also scheduled for an arraignment on her felony murder indictment on Oct. 5, according to court documents.
NICHOLAS VUKOTA
Vineyard airport clamps down on Turo A cease and desist letter was issued to eight businesses. BY EUNKI SEONWOO
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artha’s Vineyard Airport Commission issued a cease and desist letter to Turo operators, a move that clamps down on what the transportation officials essentially called unlicensed car rental businesses on airport property. David Mackey, a Boston attorney representing the airport commission, issued a letter to eight businesses on July 29 calling for the end to “unauthorized and unlawful” rental car activity at the airport through Turo, a car-sharing platform where the other companies’ vehicles were listed. Five of the companies are based in Massachusetts — MV Rental Cars 4 U LLC in Vineyard
The Martha’s Vineyard Airport.
Haven, Atlantic Island Auto Rental Inc. in Edgartown, Vasky LLC in Fairhaven, Ukray in Lexington, and Mars Rental LLC in Burlington — while the others are based out of state, including two locations of Rad Rides, L.C., in Austin, Texas, and Turo itself, headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. “This activity appears to be steadily increasing in volume, and is now having a significant impact on the airport’s already constrained parking facilities,” Mackey wrote. “In fact, because of this unauthorized and unlawful activity, airline passengers and airport patrons, including restaurant customers, are having difficulty
finding, and in [some] cases are unable to find, any available airport parking.” Kevin Brennan, the airport properties manager, told The Times on Friday that so far, the airport parking lot was cleared of vehicles 24 hours after the “very effective” letter was issued, and no Turo-associated cars have been towed so far. He said roughly a third of the parking lot was previously filled by Turo vehicles. That was an issue because of the ongoing construction that contributed to congestion. Geoff Freeman, the airport director, noted the exact number of vehicles is murky. “As Turo is not a traditional car rental company, it
M.V. TIMES
is difficult to identify every car,” Geoff Freeman, Martha’s Vineyard Airport director, told The Times. “The letter was sent to those who had numerous vehicles on airport property and were conducting business there without a license agreement.” Unlike other rental vehicle businesses at the airport, like Hertz, Mackey noted that the Turo operators didn’t have written permission from the airport director, nor have they paid fees for parking spaces or “other facilities at the airport for commercial activity, as well as the concession fee, the minimal annual guarantee, and the customer facility charge.” The airport has implemented fees for other gigeconomy operations before. In 2023, the commission unanimously voted to charge ride-share companies, like Uber, per pickup at the airport following a change to state law that allowed smaller airports to regulate these types of operations. “It’s like the Airbnb model,” Bob Rosenbaum, airport commission chair, said of Turo at an August 13 commission meeting. “Basically, yes,” Freeman replied, adding the model is good for what it’s designed to do, person-to-person lending of vehicles. “But, as we all know, people take advantage of that, and now start their own businesses with multiple, multiple cars from out of state that come into these resort areas and become a nuisance.” Turo has experienced
“As we all know, people take advantage of that, and now start their own businesses with multiple, multiple cars from out of state that come into these resort areas and become a nuisance.” –Geoff Freeman, airport director
pushback from airports elsewhere in the state. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in favor of the Massachusetts Port Authority, which oversees several airports like Boston Logan International Airport, in 2021, and said the state agency could bar Turo from unpermitted business on airport premises. Turo also received a cease and desist letter from Nantucket Memorial Airport in 2023. The Vineyard commission demanded in its July letter that Turo remove all references to rental vehicle availability from its website, and to stop “car rental transactions at the airport.” The hosts were also told to remove their vehicles from airport premises, and any found at the site after August 7 would be towed at the owner’s expense. “In order to begin to calculate amounts owed to compensate the airport for this illegal activity on its premises, the [Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission] also demands that Turo immediately produce to undersigned counsel a record of all Turo-facilitated transactions at the airport for the past three years, from July 1, 2023, to the present, including the revenue generated by Turo for each transaction,” Mackey wrote. He
added that Turo or any of its hosts that want to enter into an agreement with the airport should reach out to Brennan after they comply with the letter’s demands. As of Friday, MVY, the airport’s code, still appears as a pickup location on Turo. A Turo spokesperson told The Times Thursday that a resolution is being sought. “We are working constructively with Martha’s Vineyard Airport toward a resolution that works for the airport, for travelers, and for the local residents who rely on Turo as a meaningful source of income,” the statement reads. Representatives of the businesses on-Island and Texas were not immediately available for comment, and Ukray did not return requests for comment. Vasky in Fairhaven and Mars Rental in Burlington don’t have contact information listed, and could not be immediately reached. Freeman noted at the meeting earlier this month that despite the drop in Turo cars, some are still dropped off at the airport by renters unaware of the situation. The airport has shared the situation on its website. “They don’t know what to do,” Freeman said. “We obviously don’t want to inconvenience them, because they’re innocent.”
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EDITORIAL The Steamship Authority recently launched a program to offer discount fares to honorably discharged veterans from port communities, which includes the Vineyard. It’s a commendable endeavor to support those who served the country. But how many of the roughly 1,100 veterans on the Island this would help is uncertain, because of their ages. That’s directly from the SSA, whose staff noted that many veterans are older, and may already qualify for the senior discount offered by the ferry line. But beneath this commendable effort to support veterans, there is an important revelation about the Vineyard’s aging population, a part of the community that is rising steadily. It raises questions as to whether enough is being done to ensure people can age at home, and where our efforts may be insufficient. If the veterans’ ratio is similar to what it was in 2019, the vast majority of Vineyard veterans would qualify for the senior discount. At the time, 71.2 percent of Vineyard veterans were 65 years or older. Now this is quite a bit higher than the overall population ratio, but it brings into focus the reality of an aging Island. Data from the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute shows that in Dukes County, about 31 percent of the population is 65 or older as of 2025. A report from the Up-Island Council on Aging, also using the institute’s data, highlighted that there are expectations of a large increase in the population who will be 80 or older in the
Aging in place is collaborative on the Island
coming years for West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah. That will be around 10 percent for the whole Island by 2030, only a few years away. This isn’t expected to decrease anytime soon, and it’s a significantly higher ratio than the rest of the state, where 17.1 percent of the population is 65 or older. But our ratio is comparable to communities closer to us. From the same Donahue data in 2025, 37 percent of Barnstable County was 65 or older. Meanwhile, on our sister island, Nantucket County’s population is 18.7 percent 65 or older and closer to the state. For older residents, there are various ways that support is appreciated, from medical needs to help with a limited income while aging on the Island after retirement. Fortunately, there’s a collaborative effort on the Vineyard to help older community members, like the senior centers offering programs and community, and transportation networks helping to get Islanders where they need to go. The most recent addition to this is the SSA and the Vineyard Transit Authority collaborating with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority to connect Islanders with Boston-area hospitals. But in some of the areas where many of our seniors go, there’s something that still needs work: accessibility. That’s not for a lack of trying. Initiatives have been launched to make it easier for older adults and individuals with physical disabilities to access beaches on unstable sand, albeit they are not everywhere. And there’s a slow push to make more of the Island physically accessible. There was recent construction at the Cliffs in Aquinnah to be ADA-compliant. Still, there are many parts of
the Island that are tougher to traverse. Downtown Edgartown is one example, where some sidewalks can be narrow or uneven, and calls to upgrade the county courthouse were made not that long ago. We get why it’s been a slow process. Some areas may not be readily available to change because of factors like private easements, preservation laws to protect historic spots, and funding. Howes House may be the prime example on the Island. This West Tisbury building houses the Up-Island Council on Aging, and there was a collaborative effort to figure out how to renovate the building so that it is ADAcompliant, something many spots are working toward. In 2023, it was expected that the project would cost $10 million to renovate, and the new design didn’t meet the West Tisbury character. Since then, it’s been quiet. As the Island looks to its future, from school renovations to family support, it must also look at how its infrastructure can better serve its older residents. The Island towns have tended to take care of their individual school and resource needs, but we’ve also seen how the towns can collaborate for a wider project, like the future renovation of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. It may be time to consider a more regional effort to meet the needs of older adults, rather than relying on outside entities, like the many nonprofits on the Vineyard, to fill the gaps. We encourage the Island leadership to see this need for more services for senior citizens, and it is time for all of us to work together to be sure our aging population is well cared for.
LETTERS A response to a ‘so-called peaceful protest’
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Note to Readers The Times welcomes letters to the editor on subjects of interest to Islanders. Each letter must include the name, address, and phone number of the writer. No exceptions, no anonymous letters, no pen names. All letters are subject to editing for style, taste, sense, and conciseness. Five hundred words is the outer limit. We publish most letters, but not all. The editor chooses. Letters will normally be published in the week they are received, but not always. The Times accepts letters by mail and e-mail.
To the Editor: I am writing in response to some of the feedback to the coverage of this year’s Jewish Cultural Festival sponsored by Chabad. After one too many times entering a Jewish space and being branded a monster and baby killer, I neared the festival grounds in defensive mode. The protesters were there, a small, quiet group holding signs that said “Jewish Culture, Yes; Zionism, No.” There was nothing physically threatening about them. But I kept mulling over what Judaism becomes without our relationship to Israel. How do we celebrate our holidays or recite our prayers? “Hear O, Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is One.” Would this seminal prayer that launched the foundation of monotheism become moot? This so-called peaceful protest was in reality a call for the destruction of a nation. It was also a call to silence the speaker, Lior Raz, because he served (as is mandatory) in the Israel Defense Forces. And it was a protest against “Fauda,” the TV show Raz co-created and stars in, informed by his experiences in an antiterrorism unit. It is hard to watch, rife with moral ambiguity. Stories are meant to complicate our thinking, not confirm what we think we know. Raz has a right to share his story; we are cowards if we can’t abide him telling it. To the writers who attend my workshops —those of color, the devout Christians, the keffiyeh wearers, the immigrants, the Jews, the various gender identities — I say read widely, even that which makes you squirm. It’s how we learn to receive each other’s diverse experiences. It’s a practice we all must bring into our lives. I flinched when Raz suggested we give the protesters the finger. Still, I can understand his ire. He was invited into our community, and was met by people who found his very presence and his homeland offensive. I flinched again when he said he had no hope for a two-state solution because “these
people are vicious.” Can we agree that Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, the IRGC are vicious? But Raz is not the real problem, according to one response; it’s Chabad itself, which the writer called a messianic cult (based on a Wikipedia entry). He thinks Chabad owes an apology to the community seemingly for its very existence. This is a direct attack on a religious institution which seeks to foster greater involvement in Jewish life and practice. This sounds pretty much like any other religious movement, although unlike Christianity and Islam, Jews don’t proselytize, so Chabad isn’t going to swallow the world. The Jewish High Holy Days are coming within weeks. I don’t want to enter synagogue in defensive mode, but I can’t imagine how I won’t. I hope I will leave unfurled. Judith Hannan Chilmark and Brooklyn, N.Y.
Remembering Kevin Foster To the Editor: Kevin Foster left us too soon. The fact that he died a hero’s death in no way mitigates the pain or the sense of loss. If I may, let me briefly share a memory with you. I had the privilege of teaching Kevin high school history years ago, back in his home state of Arkansas. Sadly, the racial divide was still pronounced in our part of the world … It still is. African American and white cultures existed side by side in our school, but there was a huge gap between the two, a gap that was very difficult to bridge. Efforts to do so often carried a social price, often the loss of friendships. Kevin managed to bridge that gap as well as any student I can remember. And, at least so far as I was able to determine, he did it without betraying his core political beliefs, which he held very strongly. Kevin left a lot of friends from his high school years feeling a deep sense of loss … friends of both races. Count me among them. Wade Hall Washington, Mo.
Ocean View Hotel adds to stress of development To the Editor: East Chop has already been burdened with a number of issues that are before the town. We have seen parking in our parks, Uber drivers living in cars along East Chop Drive, and large parties at residenc es on Mass Avenue. Each of these issues affects the neighbors who live here, pay taxes, and care deeply about our community. These are not isolated problems. They are part of a larger concern about how much additional activity our neighborhood and our town can reasonably absorb. That is why the proposed hotel at the former Ocean View site concerns me so deeply. The Ocean View was a neighborhood restaurant that fit within the character of the area. A large hotel would bring substantially more people, vehicles, parking demands, traffic, and wastewater into an area that is already struggling with these issues. Oak Bluffs needs to look at the cumulative impact of development and activity on our neighborhoods. We cannot continue adding intensity without addressing the infrastructure and quality-of-life issues we already face. We don’t need another large hotel in this location. We need to protect the neighborhoods that make Oak Bluffs special, and make sure growth is appropriate for the community that must live with it. Laurie Ducharme Oak Bluffs
Are you kidding me? To the Editor: “A strain on public safety” (August 6)? What did you expect? Defunding the police, getting rid of ICE, judges letting criminals off. Every day I watch children on motorized bikes doing wheelies against the flow of traffic on Main Street in Vineyard Haven, and every day I say to myself, “Where are the cops?” In the 1960s and ’70s, when I was a youth, Main Street in Vineyard Haven had three tough adult police officers in
full uniform, spread out, one near Brickman’s, another by the Capawock, and the third past Leslie’s Drug Store, and they were there all day assisting people and enforcing regulations. It was great. Walter T. Kennedy III Vineyard Haven
Oppose the Ocean View Hotel proposal To the Editor: We are writing to share our concerns regarding the proposed construction of the Ocean View Hotel. We are a neighborhood of small and very old cottages, many occupied by year-round residents. While this may seem like a not-in-mybackyard issue (and it certainly is), it also reflects many unwelcome changes on the Island. The massive size of the proposed hotel will not benefit the neighborhood in any way. Rather it will block the views of longstanding cottages, and be within mere feet from others. There will be no neighborhood restaurant, as originally applied for by the property owner, but rather a massive building inconsistent with the surrounding properties. It is aimed at folks with money. And while much of the Island workforce relies on the income that comes in the summer, we also need protection from being visually and economically overrun. The Martha’s Vineyard Commission narrowly approved this project, with 57 conditions to mitigate the neighborhood impact, many of which cannot realistically be enforced. This building is not a “rebuild.” The mechanics on the top of the building will make it four stories, which is larger than any predecessor. Please support your neighbors in our efforts to maintain our neighborhoods as we would try to support others on the Island. Attend the next meeting of the Copeland Plan Review Committee, expected on August 31 at 5 pm at the Oak Bluffs Town Hall. Or Zoom on the link provided at oakbluffsma.gov/AgendaCenter. Shelly Davis, Toni Dorsey, and Robert Leatherbee Ocean View neighbors
news A5
August 27, 2026
DA candidates head to primary Tuesday With no Republican challenger, a Democratic primary candidate will be the presumptive winner. BY EUNKI SEONWOO
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here’s still time to make a decision in what may be Islanders’ most consequential vote in the primary elections. The Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office is headed to a showdown in the Democratic primary between incumbent Rob Galibois, elected in 2022, and challenger Michael Giardino. Without any Republicans running for the seat, whoever wins the primary will be the presumptive winner, pending the final results of the state election in November. Early voting is underway, and primary election day is Sept. 1. The District Attorney’s Office has an important role in the regional courts, from representing the Commonwealth in serious crimes to helping initiate programs to support vulnerable populations, like children. If you’re still on the fence on whom you should vote for, here are some of the answers Galibois and Giardino provided to The Times on issues pertaining to the region and the Island. Their answers were edited for style and clarity.
built strong prosecution, victim-witness advocates, and community-engagement teams that serve all of the communities we represent.
Giardino: Sadly, I was not surprised by the concerns raised in that letter. More than 50 percent of the staff, including staff new to the office, [gone] in the first term. Some of the issues described are consistent with concerns I have experienced firsthand, and I have heard similar concerns from law enforcement officers and attorneys across the Cape and islands. COURTESY ROB GALIBOIS AND MIKE GIARDINO After all, it’s why at least 35 Rob Galibois and Mike Giardino. people of a staff of 60 have resources, and support that its responsibility to stop it, and practices in investigations and left. To me, this underscores MVT: Why are you the best employees need to be effective. give young women the tools promoting awareness. Regarda fundamental point: Leadercandidate for the next Cape to report abuse. ship matters. When an office and Islands District Attorney? This has been reflected by the ing human trafficking (HT), shrinking in the Victims Wit- the previous administration 3. Trafficking is an abhorlacks strong, accountable What are your priorities ness Advocate positions across rent crime that takes away ignored grant-funding opleadership, the effects are felt in office for the Cape and the Cape and islands. The Falthe dignity of those who are not only by employees but portunities to address HT. I islands, specifically for mouth Enterprise and Provtrafficked. I will continue by victims, survivors, law have secured approximately Martha’s Vineyard? incetown Independent have enforcement partners, and the $250,000 during my first term to improve our trafficking unit, and create a work group broader community. to hold trainings across the Galibois: In 2022, I was elected both verified the cuts to staff and the increased case load. I district — including M.V. — with local law enforcement, I believe the first responthe first Democrat district have the experience of actu- to promote awareness among the Massachusetts State Poattorney for the Cape and sibility of a district attorney ally running units within transportation and hospitality lice, and other state police islands after a nearly 50-year is to create a professional outfits, as well as investigaagencies to see how we can streak of exclusive Republican the District Attorney’s Ofworkplace where people are fice, and know what it takes tive techniques with our law coordinate investigations and treated with dignity and recontrol of the office. When I entered the office, I witnessed to get better outcomes for enforcement partners. We also prosecutions. spect, where concerns can be deep complacency that settled our communities. conducted, for the first time raised without fear, and where Martha’s Vineyard is going by this office, a statewide huinto the office. Inside the ofleadership takes responsibilMVT: The Cape and Islands man trafficking conference, fice, the HR director position to have issues unique to the ity when problems arise. That District Attorney’s Office Vineyard, given the populawhere nearly 200 attendees was vacant for nearly two doesn’t seem to currently came under scrutiny last tions that live there and being heard from 38 expert presentyears. The office employs apexist. If elected, that is the apMVT: Please introduce fall after a state audit an island. That being said, ers who arrived in this district in November. There was proximately 65 people. We proach I will bring. yourself (age, occupation, I am the best candidate for from all over the country. hired an HR director, who I will work to establish town, background). also a letter from former We created a 1-800 telephone employees alleging established an annual perfor- the Vineyard because I will regular equity and workplace provide staffing resources for number, assigned the number mismanagement. Can you assessments, identify oppormance review process for the Galibois: My name is the Vineyard. We can assign to a QR code that we placed on comment on your views office — this was a first. We tunities for advancement, and Rob Galibois, and I live in Victims Witness staff who magnets that were distributed of the local office, the raised the bar to work at the make sure staff have meaningBarnstable with [my] wife directly work on Vineyard throughout the district. Calls overall workplace, and office. We are funded by taxful opportunities to contribute Nikki, who is the chief continue to lead to investigato the direction of the office. executive officer of South payers, and I felt it was neces- issues. I will also commit how you see management Shore Community Action tions. Human trafficking and moving forward under your I will also work with our sary to hold all of our employ- resources that ensure Vineyarders can connect with our elder fraud have been and will leadership? partners in the State House Council, an antipoverty ees accountable by reviewing office without having to take to pursue additional funding agency. We have two sons: continue to be a high priority their work performance. In a boat or wait for someone to so that we can fully staff the Max, who is in graduate in my office. regard to Martha’s Vineyard Galibois: The audit included connect to them. office and provide administraschool at Boston College, specifically, I promised the both the previous adminisCurrently, the number of earning a master’s in mental electorate in ‘22 that I would Giardino: 1. Elder fraud is an tive staff and assistant district tration’s time in office and people assigned to serve Mar- issue that constantly plagues health counseling, and Cam, hire an M.V. resident to staff attorneys with compensation mine. The audit’s findings tha’s Vineyard is inadequate. who recently graduated from our M.V. office, and I would the Cape. The best way to pre- included that the previous that allows them to build a caThere needs to be consistent Duke University with a degree make it a full-time position. I vent fraud is to be active in our administration mishandled reer on the Cape and islands. in mechanical engineering. I did. I also advocated for a Re- staffing to ensure that we elder community, discussing a separation agreement with Recruitment and retention are build our relationships and began practicing law in 1995, the ways fraud is committed, a former employee. The covery Court Session, where serious challenges when the best serve Martha’s Vineyard. preventing crime before it can noted findings in two other and I worked in the Cape and those grappling with subcost of living is so high, and Islands District Attorney’s be committed. I will work categories applied to both the salaries are not keeping pace. stance use disorders could be Office as prosecutor for five with elder service providers, previous administration and supported by the appropriate At the same time, moving MVT: On the Vineyard, years — including on Martha’s resources to enter sobriety and various demographics law enforcement, and local mine. We created new poliforward means recognizVineyard. I then entered towns on holding town halls break away from the justice cies that corrected the noted ing what the office is doing face higher vulnerability private practice, where I on elder fraud and abuse and system. Presiding Justice [Ben- to certain crimes, such as well. I would preserve and categories, and said new represented individuals how to report it. I will also jamin C.] Barnes welcomed strengthen effective commupolicies were subsequently senior citizens to fraud, charged with crimes ranging my advocacy, and worked make sure the office provides, reviewed and approved. Renity outreach and commuwomen to domestic abuse, from misdemeanors to in multiple languages, ways with the trial court and area nication programs while adgarding the former employand immigrants to labor major felonies, including 15 stakeholders to open the [Ed- trafficking. What initiatives to report abuse to us so we dressing the internal issues ees, many of them worked homicide cases. My practice gartown] Recovery Court in can take appropriate actions that have made it harder for for several terms under the or strategies do you plan to took me across the entire against those who commit the spring of 2024. I also part- implement to mitigate these previous administration and the office to retain and atcommonwealth and several nered with Children’s Cove supported my Republican tract talented people. harms? Is there any situation elder fraud and abuse. states. 2. Domestic abuse is an aw- opponent in the ’22 election. and Martha’s Vineyard Com- you will prioritize if elected to I believe that when we inmunity [Services] to create of- office? One of the signatories presvest in treatment, prevention, ful crime, and I will dedicate Giardino: Mike Giardino, fice space where child victims resources not only to prosently serves as my opponent’s and rehabilitation, we make [Plymouth] assistant district on M.V. could be forensically ecution but prevention and campaign treasurer. As noted the community safer. Galibois: As district attorattorney, Yarmouth. I am interviewed on M.V., avoiding ney, I convened a summit in My goal is to build an ofprotection. This will require above, we addressed the a lifelong Cape Codder, the several-hours commute to October 2025 to address the working with law enforcecomplacency we observed fice that the Cape and Islands growing up in Yarmouth the main office on the Cape. can be proud of — an office ment, nonprofits, schools, and when we entered the office rampant elder fraud occurand graduating from by hiring an HR director that is accountable, profesother government agencies ring throughout the district. Dennis-Yarmouth High Giardino: This campaign and instituting policies to to make sure domestic abuse sional, collaborative, and I gathered the support of sevSchool. I went to Suffolk has been about the need for survivors have information focused first and foremost on eral local banks — including assure accountability for all Law, and came back and new leadership. Leadership serving victims, survivors, Martha’s Vineyard Bank — to available to them to report employees. The action was was a prosecutor on the matters, experience matters, sponsor the summit. Approxi- the abuse and be protected. necessary to change the cul- and the community. Cape starting in 2012 before and the truth matters. The mately 100 attendees and pre- Working with schools, we ture of the office. To change moving to the Plymouth current district attorney has can ensure that young men senters, including local, state, a culture that settled into the Read the rest of the candiCounty District Attorney’s left our District Attorney’s and federal officers, convened are educated on what abuse office over a half a century dates’ answers online at MVOffice in 2024. Office without the leadership, to share experiences and best is, and how they can take took some time. We have Times.com.
news
A6
August 27, 2026
Housing solutions: From an abandoned building to a home A new guidebook for a process of adapting existing properties is released. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON
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weeping strokes of graffiti covered white plaster walls inside an abandoned parsonage in Aquinnah in 2023. Three years later, the property is a renovated, affordable duplex where a family from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and another tribal member live year-round. The project, completed by affordable housing developer Island Housing Trust (IHT), is one example of a tool housing officials call “adaptive reuse”: a process where abandoned or unused properties are renovated into livable housing units. It’s touted by local officials as one apparatus in a toolbox to address a looming lack of affordable homes for Islanders. The tool, along with a few concrete local examples of adaptive reuse projects, was highlighted in a new guidebook called “What Is Adaptive Reuse? Practical Solutions for the Cape and Islands,” released on June 15 and authored by the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) in partnership with housing officials. The BSA is a membership organization of architects with the mission to inform the community about housing solutions, or as stated in the guidebook, “help make complex spatial issues more legible, actionable, and connected to practice.” “We’re all clear we can’t build our way out of this,” Laura Silber, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) housing planner, told The Times in reference to the Island’s housing crisis. “It makes a lot of sense to utilize the existing built environment for solutions.” While much of the country suffers from an acute housing crisis as home prices outpace living wages, the Island experiences the phenomenon even more profoundly. Here, the issue is compounded by finite
land, an estimated 30 percent increase in construction costs compared to the mainland (nicknamed the “Island factor” by builders), and the reality that more than half of the homes on the Island are lived in for two months or less by many who don’t contribute to the economy or workforce year-round. Wastewater capacity and concerns over nitrogen loads complicate housing even further. On an island surrounded by water, building more can have unintended consequences, and building better for the environment can be expensive. The BSA approached IHT and the MVC a few months ago and offered its support with adaptive reuse education and outreach on the Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Cape. Both Island organizations said a guidebook would be the most helpful for a broader local understanding of the housing tool and could motivate property owners and towns to participate. “There was a gap in education — both at the legislative level and at the community level — around how this strategy could be successfully implemented in small towns and rural areas,” Silber said. A more cost-effective and environmentally safe way to grow the housing stock is front of mind for those involved in housing solutions on the Island. And because adaptive reuse reutilizes existing properties that already have a carbon footprint, renovated units use fewer resources and minimize added burdens on the surrounding land, water, and energy systems in a region. Adaptive reuse is seen as a win-win by housing officials and environmentalists, but not a cure-all. While it is a helpful tool for the Island in small ways, such as in the case of a single-fam-
ily home made into multiple units, Island officials know there isn’t a lot of potential to scale up. There are many houses that sit unused for the majority of the year — more than half of the Island’s housing stock — but they aren’t abandoned, they’re seasonal. Unlike in other parts of the state, such as the Cape and Boston, where there are abandoned schools, hospitals, and hotels, on the Island there aren’t enough unused, large properties that could be turned into apartments and create an overwhelming impact in year-round, affordable housing stock. “There are a lot of empty storefronts, abandoned motels, and decommissioned municipal buildings across Cape Cod, so the opportunities exist. Redeveloping these properties into year-round apartments is an important regional initiative,” Silber said. Still, in a crisis, any new units are helpful when affordable stock is low. “Housing is so complicated, because there never quite is a silver bullet,” Wandy Pascoal, program manager at the BSA, said in an interview. The guidebook pointed to the restoration potential in adaptive reuse, which on the Island, where historic homes are abundant, is increasingly relevant. The BSA found that there are more than 2,000 homes on the Vineyard that are more than 100 years old and face natural decline over time, including eventual demolition. As homes become dilapidated, especially rarely used ones that aren’t properly maintained, adaptive reuse could help homeowners keep the structural and historic elements of their home while adapting it for future generations. Two adapted properties by IHT were used as case studies in the guidebook to show
Interested in singing with us? Come to a New Member Information Session Wednesday, September 9, 7:00 pm First Congregational Church of West Tisbury 1051 State Rd, West Tisbury www.islandcommunitychorus.com islandcommunitychorusmv@gmail.com
the efficacy of small-scale adaptive reuse of historic and religious properties and single-family homes. The parsonage in Aquinnah was built in 1856 and had deep roots for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), for instance. A singlefamily home on Daggett Avenue in Vineyard Haven was adapted into housing for income-qualified families by building a guest house for the owner, where he downsized and still lives full-time. IHT also completed two other adaptive reuse projects: Hanover House on Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road is an inn-turned-workplace housing for Martha’s Vineyard Hospital nurses and doctors; Perlman House, right next door to the Hanover House, was also an inn that was turned into seven affordable units for renters. Pascoal and Miranda D’Oleo, the building advocacy lab manager at BSA, said they learned about the specific challenges facing the Vineyard community through the creation of the guidebook. They said the severity of housing seasonality, environmental considerations, and smallscale examples were the reasons the BSA chose the IHT properties as case studies. D’Oleo described adaptive reuse as “that sweet spot of bringing together historic preservation, environmental preservation, as well as just using undervalued land.” In the case of the Aquinnah parsonage, the church clergy and minister reached out to IHT to adapt the unused property, and an anonymous donation made the building process possible. In 2024, the sweeping spray-painted sketches were stripped to the structural shell, the exterior was re-shingled, and the history of the place was preserved in the new build. More than 70 percent of the original exterior building design was kept or replicated. “It was actually really helpful for us to look at objects that would create one, two, three apartments for folks — not to say that the numbers are exactly what we’re looking into — but this is a strategy [through which], piece by piece, you can get to the numbers that you need in order to offer housing opportunities for year-round residents,” Pascoal said. THE LORD'S PRAYER
a spiritual sense ABOUT CHRISTIAN SCIENCE Mary Baker Eddy discovered Christian Science as the law of God, healed people, then wrote a textbook that explains how this science functions. In it, she provides spiritual translations of the King James version of the Holy Bible, and this translation of the Lord's Prayer is an important part.
CSSOCMV@GMAIL.COM CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD
As the shortage of affordable units reaches a dire point for year-rounders, initiatives to bring forth a funding source for solutions like adaptive reuse have failed to pass muster on Beacon Hill. A proposed legislative act for a transfer fee on real estate sales of more than $1 million, to create a housing bank, had local support but failed to make it into a comprehensive economic and housing bond bill called the Mass Wins Act this July. Adaptive reuse was a top priority for the advocates pushing for the transfer fee. But Philippe Jordi, founding CEO of Island Housing Trust, said there is still an opportunity for the Island community, towns, and regional organizations to get more aggressive when looking at tools like adaptive reuse. “I think a real effort to [conduct a] survey and inventory would be good if we’re really serious about it, including [on] our main streets,” he said. The issue is that many of the buildings that could work on a grander scale are privately owned. Some larger properties, however, have been abandoned for long enough that municipalities have stepped in. The Island Theatre on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, for instance, was left dilapidated for years, and was acquired by the town through eminent domain in April after voters approved the measure at the annual town meeting. It’s unknown what the plan is for the property. There is also budding Massachusetts legislation, such as the duplex by-right law in the Mass Wins Act, that could introduce flexibility in housing types on the Island. Single-family home adaptive reuse could be made even more effective by a newly proposed law in the state for duplexes by right. This new proposition is similar to byright accessory dwelling unit laws that were passed in Massachusetts last year. If passed, duplexes by right could mean developers, homebuyers, and existing property owners can increase capacity in homes, either through building from the ground up or through renovation. Duplexes are two-family homes, and are a common housing type in Boston and other Massachusetts towns. The duplex by-right law is a part of the House and Senate
versions of the Mass Wins Act, an economic and housing bond bill which still has to be reconciled in conference committees before landing on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk to be signed into law. The proposed law would overrule local zoning, which currently favors single-family homes, partly because of wastewater capacity. According to a National Zoning Atlas, a nonprofit that was founded by Sara Bronin to demystify zoning across the country, duplexes are already allowed across more than half of the Island. But the minimum lot sizes needed to build them are larger than for single-family homes, to reduce density and maintain character. “You have to have a pretty big lot, but that’s maybe why you don’t see a lot of duplexes being built — because they are subject to these other extra rules,” Bronin told The Times. She said she refers to instances like that as “zoning by a thousand cuts,” and added that in many places, there’s “all of these hidden rules that actually make housing infeasible.” The proposed duplex byright law would cut through some of those restrictions, although municipalities would have a hand in shaping the law to work in their area. And federal initiatives are underway as well. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who visited the Island last Friday to hear from locals about the state of housing, was the cosponsor of a new law called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Adaptive reuse is a part of the law through a grant program that seeks to fund large projects across the country, but the Vineyard doesn’t qualify, as the grants are for federally designated economically distressed areas. “We’re doing a lot of things here on the Island that are working, and I think the towns are realizing that they have some control over this by zoning for the kind of housing that they want to see,” Silber said. This is the first in an ongoing series by housing and health reporter Sarah Shaw Dawson on proposed housing solutions for the Island community in the face of a housing crisis related to affordability, supply, policy, and the environment.
Here let me give what I understand to be the spiritual sense of the Lord's Prayer:
Our Father which art in heaven, Our Father-Mother God, all-harmonious,
Give us this day our daily bread; Give us grace for to-day; feed the famished affections;
Hallowed be Thy name. Adorable One.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And Love is reflected in love;
Thy kingdom come. Thy kingdom is come; Thou art ever-present. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Enable us to know, - as in heaven, so on earth, - God is omnipotent, supreme.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; And God leadeth us not into temptation, but delivereth us from sin, disease, and death. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. For God is infinite, all-power, all Life, Truth, Love, over all, and All.
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 16:24-17:15
CHRISTIANSCIENCEMARTHASVINEYARD.COM
news A7
August 27, 2026
A cloud of uncertainty Continued from A1 treated last year. The company also sprays at schools, daycares, and businesses. “We have five trucks going six, seven days a week. If weeks [had] eight days, [we’d] work eight days,” Elias Modesto, an ohDEER tick-spray operator for more than a decade, said as he started the workday with two other operators, Isaac Pereira, a new employee this summer, and Álvaro Dalcin, ohDEER manager. The three workers rolled up their sleeves and started to pull a thin yellow hose, which stretches up to 400 feet from the truck and is attached to a dispenser with a blend of castor oil, lemongrass, geraniol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and corn oil. Then they each grabbed a spray nozzle and got to work. They are one of many tick spray companies that have experienced a jump by the hundreds in their client lists this summer, as anxieties about ticks continue to increase. But as the small arachnids and the conditions they can cause a human to develop become a major public health concern — getting the attention of both state and federal officials and repeatedly seen in coverage by national news outlets — there’s a smaller debate on the Island about what to do about them. A new nonprofit, Tick Free MV, was launched over the winter to combat the spike in tick-borne conditions on the Island through an understanding and conversation about mitigating the population of deer, which are frequent carriers of ticks, while on-Island healthcare providers started tick-specific clinics and research centers to treat and study tick-borne conditions. But in the meantime, tick spraying is becoming a more common way for Islanders and visitors alike to assuage immediate concerns about ticks, especially about developing the allergy to mammalian products called alpha-gal syndrome; it’s even
been a common offering in short-term rental and Airbnb listings this summer. Tick-spray workers are, for many homeowners, the first line of defense in the fight. And while some of them, like ohDEER, have operated for more than a decade, the effects of all-natural tick sprays on the Island’s long-term ecology remain understudied. And that lack of knowledge is giving conservationists and town health officials pause.
What are tick sprays? All-natural sprays are usually a blend of essential oils and occasionally mild soaps, and are used to deter ticks. All-natural sprays are exempt from federal, state, and local regulations, although on the Island, conservation commissions maintain some oversight on how closely spray is applied to wetlands and ponds. Synthetic sprays are primarily permethrin, and are used to kill ticks; permethrin is the treatment recommended by federal health agencies, and on the Island, it is usually used on clothes. Pesticides kill unwanted bugs, herbicides kill unwanted weeds, and insecticides kill unwanted insects. (Chemical tick sprays are broadly referred to as insecticides.) All have been studied for their potential for human, animal, and ecological harm, and insecticides are known to have a negative long-term effect on the ecological balance of the land, though restrictions on their use aren’t easily enforced. “The insect biodiversity of the Island is truly remarkable, so it is even more of a loss when it’s harmed by the broadcast spraying of insecticides,” Jeremy Houser, director of science and policy at the Vineyard Conservation Society, told The Times via email. In the 1950s and ’60s, Houser said, the Vineyard was sprayed along with other parts of the country from helicopters with an insecticide called DDT. The insecticide affected biodiversity countrywide.
Elias Modesta sprays rose bushes. SARAH SHAW DAWSON
Now Houser is concerned, along with local town officials and other conservationists, about the effect of spraying for ticks, even with all-natural components, on overall biodiversity, especially in regards to waterways. Education on all-natural tick sprays is lacking, aside from some firsthand knowledge by longer-running companies who use them and conservation groups aiming to tackle the issue. “Understandably, people are very interested in finding a way to spray their yard for ticks that’s less harmful to the environment. So we get a lot of questions, like ‘Is this spray better or worse than that one?’ ‘Are organic products and essential oils OK?’ People really do want to do the right thing, but they’re also scared,” Houser said. The Times interviewed tick spray company operators and owners, conservationists, scientists, town officials, homeowners whose homes were sprayed, and a Vermont ecologist, to try to answer those questions. Here’s what we found: • Natural, essential oilbased tick sprays are not overwhelmingly impacting the environment in the short term because they dissipate rather quickly, according to ongoing studies, but do deter about 70 percent of ticks where
spraying occurs, and impact around 30 percent of pollinators and other bugs. • Chemical and synthetic sprays are regulated but understudied locally, and any restrictions are difficult to enforce. Their use is rising. • The impact of both chemical and all-natural tick sprays on the Island’s longterm ecology and water quality is not fully understood.
Tick sprays and the people who operate them Business has never been better for companies that mitigate ticks. And ohDEER is just one operation that has doubled its clientele this summer. Brewer Insect and Animal Spraying is another. Plus landscaping companies and insect spray companies from off-Island have started operating here to meet the ever-growing demand. Matthew Brewer, the owner of Brewer Insect and Animal Spraying, told The Times that he primarily sprays all-natural treatments, but offers synthetic and chemical blends as well. “Some people have requested synthetic, not because the all-natural hasn’t been effective for them, but they just they just don’t want to take a chance,” Brewer said. Both Mario (“Eddie”) Spindola, owner of ohDEER,
Hospital enrolls first participant in pioneering alpha-gal study Continued from A1 at the former location of the Indian Hill Medical Center. There’s been a significant increase in testing for alphagal at the hospital in recent years, and also more positive tests (though a positive test doesn’t always mean a diagnosis, because a person can have the antibodies but not develop the allergy), and, so far, since opening in June, the hospital’s tick clinic, another effort to address the issue, has seen 250 patients. But there’s still a lot that’s unknown, about alphagal, and researchers hope to “identify immune, inflammatory, and other markers that
could help predict who is most likely to develop the condition,” according to a press release from the hospital. “Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging health concern in our region, but there are still many unanswered questions about why some people develop the condition after a tick bite while others do not,” Lemieux said in a press release from the hospital. “By following participants over time, we hope to better understand the biological and environmental factors that influence risk and generate information that can help guide future diagnosis,
prevention, and patient care.” What Seguin said they do know is that the allergy can wane over time, but that as soon as a person is bitten again, the severity tends to go back up. There are several criteria for a person to be a candidate for this study. Participants must be at least 15 years old, reside on Martha’s Vineyard for more than three months each year, and have been bitten by a lone star tick or exposed to larvae within seven days before being tested for the study; exposure is based on the description of the tick’s
appearance, behavior, or bite characteristics, or can be colluded by a photo, saved tick, or clinician assessment. Those under 18 must have written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian. Those who can’t participate in the study are people who have a known primary food allergy that is unrelated to alpha-gal, such as allergies to peanuts or shellfish, or who take certain steroids or medications. Visits for the study are at “relatively infrequent intervals,” according to the hospital’s protocol; there is a
and Brewer said they support unraveling some of the unknowns regarding all-natural sprays. They’re meeting a need that exists, and they’re trying to do so through transparent practices, long-term efficacy observations, and a desire to address a public health concern. Brewer has worked for a few years, and Spindola’s ohDEER, starting in 2014, is one of the longest-running allnatural tick and deer deterrent companies on the Island. “I saw the need on the Island for a safer, more conscious approach to the pest control that we normally see with the chemical applications,” Spindola said. “So families, landscapers, all the above, could enjoy their yards without poisoning the environment.” Brewer is involved in an ongoing local study regarding sprays, and Spindola said he’s hoping for more studies over time. Both company owners said all-natural sprays are the ones that are less studied, but chemical and synthetic blends have measured environmental effects. Brewer said that synthetic blends do kill pollinators. “When we spray any synthetics, we are cautious about it. We don’t spray anything that’s flowering,” Brewer said. Both owners said they don’t wear personal protective equipment when operating the all-natural sprays. Spindola’s workers are provided with permethrintreated pants as their work uniform, and Brewer is a one-man operation. “If I’m doing a synthetic treatment, I will wear a mask,” Brewer said. “I’m very upfront with clients about exactly what’s in the product. It’s very safe for humans, pets, [and] children. But we’ve had great results tick-wise with it, so it’s kind of a win-win.” The efficacy of all-natural sprays and their effect on other insects is being studied by BiodiversityWorks, a local conservation organization. Led by Matt Pelikan, the study is following 80 properties, and the results are nuanced: All-natural sprays are about 70 percent effective at tick mitigation and affect around 30 percent of other bugs.
Town officials look to the future
required baseline visit, then visits after three months, six months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months. Additional “trigger” visits are only needed after “suspected reactions,” according to the hospital. Those enrolled in the study can be compensated up to $100 based on the samples provided, and receive $50 for every follow-up or “trigger” visit completed. Tick-bite patients at the hospital’s tick clinic may be recruited for the study. Seguin said this type of work wouldn’t be possible without assistance from Mass General Brigham and the research infrastructure provided through the regional healthcare system; she said it is the
first foray into leading research for the Island hospital. “We’re in this unique time and a unique relationship with a couple of major academic medical centers,” Seguin told The Times. Seguin said the hospital runs a local communications group with other Island entities focused on ticks, and is working with several of them — from local physicians to epidemiologists — on this study. Close to $2 million was raised for the two initial studies. But as the research continues and papers are published, the hospital hopes to apply for bigger grants, such as from the National Institutes of Health.
Tisbury board of health agent Drew Belsky, who is also on the Chilmark board of health, said allnatural tick sprays operate in a “gray area.” The sprays, which are usually a blend of essential oils and soap, are categorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as FIFRA Section 25(b) products, which are exempt from federal regulations. “There’s currently no real oversight for this in any way, shape, or form that I’m aware of,” Belsky said. But even though the EPA doesn’t regulate the all-natural blends, their effect on the environment and people is not necessarily harmless. For instance, one Chilmark resident submitted a complaint to the Chilmark board of health in June after the essential oil blend in an all-natural tick spray from ohDEER wafted from her neighbor’s property to her own and she had an allergic reaction. And the possibility of tick sprays — chemical, synthetic blends, or all-natural — getting into private wells, soil, or the town water supply is another top concern. Chilmark board of health agent Anna McCaffrey said she’s looking into the possibility of regulating allnatural tick sprays as a result of this complaint and others like it that have come to her attention since. While the town of Chilmark waits on a response from the state, tick spraying across the Island continues. “There really is a serious discussion to be had here, with very, very high stakes,” Pelikan said. “The more information that people have, the better off we’re going to be as a community as we try to sort these things out in a balanced way that maintains a diverse and resilient environment, while also affording people the protection that they need.”
Read the full version of the story online.
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‘Still here’ Continued from A1 represent the Wampanoag people: “It means a tremendous amount to me. This is a celebration of the fact that we, as native people, are still here, and we’re still in our homeland, in our original place, and we get to represent ourselves to not only all of New England, but whoever sees it. That is extremely important to us and to me.” Vanderhoop set sail from the Island last Tuesday, the day before the game, and quickly realized he was aboard the Steamship Authority freight ferry named Aquinnah. “The Creator can’t give you more signs than that,” Vanderhoop said. “I’m sailing off of my home Island on the boat named for my own village, so I can go represent my people.” A delegation of 30 to 40 members from the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe traveled to Boston for the game. Several community members also reached out to Vanderhoop directly to tell him they would be traveling to Boston to watch the game. “I’m extremely excited about the fact that I’m not celebrating this on my own,” Vanderhoop said. The song that Vanderhoop opened the game with was composed by his brother Thomas in honor of their grandfather, and commemorated his service as a World War II veteran. “It also can be an acknowledgement of just service to the community in general as people who uplift and support the place that you come from, or the place that you live,” Vanderhoop said. “Primarily, it is to honor the service of our military people.” Fenway Park and the Red Sox have celebrated Native American communities for several years now, with various festivities on the designated day. But this year was
Joining Vanderhoop were Native American and American Indian community leaders from across the nation.
the first time Vanderhoop was invited onto the field. “The fact that I get to be on the field, and I get to offer a song that no matter what nation you come from — if they see that, they hear it — I’m representing them,” Vanderhoop said. “Now I’m representing my own people, of course. But this is something that I never in all of my whole life would ever have thought that I would be able to see, and so the fact that the Red Sox organization is willing to do this is incredible. “If there’s anything else to be taken away, I want people to realize that we’re still here, but if some youngsters can see that, hear it, and feel like they’re being represented by that song or by that ceremony, then that is a joy to my heart.” Joining Vanderhoop at the game were other Native American community leaders from across the nation, like the Nipmuc and Narra-
The special jersey designed for the game read “Still Here” across the back. PHOTOS: ELLA MUNNELLY
gansett, who keep the stories and traditions of Native communities alive. “Representation means so much,” Vanderhoop said. “When I was a boy, I told people that I was a member of my tribe, the Wampanoag tribe from Gay Head Aquinnah. I was told I had a vivid imagination, but it’s not an imagination. It’s what I am. That’s who I am.” Fans at the game had the opportunity to purchase
a special jersey designed by Boston resident Sage Carbone, who is Northern Narragansett and Mi’kmaq, tribes based primarily in Rhode Island. The design incorporates traditional and modern elements meant to represent 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 shells
HIGH HOLIDAYS
Join us as we welcome the holiest time of the year in the Jewish calendar with open hearts and open doors. Rooted in Jewish tradition and our Jewish values, with a commitment to justice, inclusion, and spiritual exploration, the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center High Holiday services are a time to reconnect with each other and with our Jewish heritage.
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR: EN PLEIN AIR WITH OLD SCULPIN GALLERY AND FEATHERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Reception: August 30 Exhibition Dates: August 29 - September 4 / Open Daily 58 Dock Street, Edgartown 508.939.4092 art@oldsculpingallery.org OLDSCULPINGALLERY.org
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and once used as a form of currency. Vanderhoop wore the jersey, which reads “Still Here” across the back, during his performance. “In all my days I never thought that I would see somebody standing on the field in front of the Red Sox singing an Indian song,” Vanderhoop said. “I hope that there are some kids out there, boys and girls, looking and hearing and saying, ‘Oh wow, yeah, that’s us.
That’s who I come from.’” Red Sox infielder Anthony Seigler was also on the field, the second-ever Major League Baseball player of Navajo descent. And the ceremonial first pitch was thrown by a pair of dedicated leaders in the Native American and American Indian communities. Also on the field was Brian Curley, a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, based in South Dakota. In an interview with New England Sports Network, Seigler expressed pride in the support of the Navajo community, and his part in the celebrations in Boston. “I feel really honored, especially to play in a great city like this,” Seigler said. “Having a whole Navajo Nation behind me is really special … I know a lot of people at the Navajo Nation want some type of recognition, and for me to be able to be something like that for them and then to also have a day over here in a city like this is awesome, and fun to be a part of.” Vanderhoop was proud of Seigler for representing on the field. “It’s a joy to me whether they’re on the Sox or whether they’re on the Diamondbacks. You represent us, and I want you to play your best, and I wish you luck,” Vanderhoop said. “But, go Sox!” Although it was a close game, starting at 4:15 pm Wednesday, the Red Sox ultimately lost 7-6 to the Diamondbacks. Still, Vanderhoop was proud to represent the Wampanoag people of Aquinnah on a national stage: “The fact of the matter is, we are still here. We’re in our homeland. We still have our culture. We still know who we are. We still represent our ancestors. We are still here,” Vanderhoop said, echoing the special jersey he wore during his performance.
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August 27, 2026
The woman beyond the look Continued from A1 Suellen Lazarus, founder and director of the Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival and Author Series, told the audience that the response to Obama’s appearance was “unlike anything in our history.” Demand was so overwhelming that Obama agreed to a second conversation, allowing hundreds more people to attend one session at 4:30 pm and another at 7:30 pm; the first sold out within a day. “We’ve been trying to bring her to this stage for a very long time,” Lazarus said. “And tonight, it finally happens.” The topic of both sessions, “The Look”, it turns out, is not simply a book about what Michelle Obama’s worn. Sitting across from Norris, Obama invited the audience beyond the photographs, designer labels, and carefully documented outfits that have followed her through nearly two decades of public life as her husband, Barack Obama, was elected to be a U.S. senator for Illinois and then president of the U.S. What followed was a deeper conversation about race, gender, power, beauty standards, and what it means to define how you show up when the world is already watching, interpreting, and scrutinizing
your every choice. For Obama, fashion never had the luxury of being just fashion. She recalled the criticism that followed her official White House portrait because she wore a sleeveless dress. “I got crucified for that,” she said. “My bare arms were a problem.” The audience laughed, but Obama quickly moved beyond the controversy to the larger questions beneath it. “Why are we so mixed up in our heads about race and gender? Why are the standards so different?” As the first Black family to occupy the White House, the Obamas understood that they were being asked to prove much more than their ability to perform their elected roles. “We were proving that we were smart enough, capable enough, that we were American enough,” she said. They had to, as Obama put it, “dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t.’” But Obama’s reflections extended beyond her own experience. She spoke about women entering professional spaces already carrying the additional weight of how they are expected to look, and about girls growing up under the relentless gaze of social media, “never feeling like it’s
enough,” and “never having the resources to be something that doesn’t even exist.” Obama’s recollections make it clear that “The Look” is more than a retrospective of memorable outfits. It is about what it means to be seen. Obama said she spent years resisting a world determined to make her appearance the story. Only after establishing her voice, values, and substance on her own terms did she feel ready to tell the country what was happening behind the clothes.
“I had to make sure that the country knew me,” she said. “They knew my voice. They knew my substance. They understood my heart before I wanted anyone to address what I looked like.” And now, more than a decade after leaving the White House, she is ready. “Now is the time where I can say, yes, fashion did play a role,” she said. “How I showed up played a role.” Toward the end of both conversations, Norris shifted from the global scrutiny
surrounding Obama to the place where everyone was sitting: Martha’s Vineyard. Obama spoke about her family’s long relationship with the Island, recalling first visiting with Barack while they were dating, and later watching Malia and Sasha grow up coming here: forming friendships, gaining independence, and experiencing calmer moments of childhood away from the extraordinary attention surrounding their family. “This place is magic to Michelle Obama and journalist Michele Norris, left, at the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series.
our family,” Obama said. “I mean, it really is.” But the magic, she explained, is increasingly about the people, not only the seasonal visitors but the “kind, thoughtful, hard-working folks” who make the Island run all year. “Every inch of it. Every moment of it. Every season that I’m here,” she said. “It just is more and more of this Island and the people on it.” For one of the world’s most recognizable families, the Vineyard has offered something increasingly rare: care without spectacle, familiarity without intrusion. “It’s one of the few places where we can go and just be,” Obama said. She credited the community with making that freedom possible. “That’s thanks to everybody here who loves us but gives us space.” The sentiment was warmly received by the audience. After discussing years of scrutiny surrounding everything from her clothes to her hair and body, Obama described what the Vineyard has offered her family in much simpler terms: space, safety, and the freedom to live without explanation. And in the end, her decision to participate in the Author Series became its own expression of gratitude. “It’s really my big hug back to the Island that has given us so much,” Obama said.
JOIN CHARLIE SENNOTT INTERVIEWING DAVID & JULIE MCCOURT
The crowd at Michelle Obama’s discussion for the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series.
CO-PRODUCERS OF AMERIGO — A SPECIAL SCREENING AND DISCUSSION
PHOTOS: JEANNA SHEPARD
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Join the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Team! Martha’s Vineyard Bank, a local community bank has some exciting opportunities available. If you are seeking a career with an organization that has a strong commitment to the communities we serve then we want to hear from you!
AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES: • Executive Assistant to the President & CEO • Financial Advisor Please visit www.mvbank.com for detailed information or to apply. We offer an exceptional benefits package including both 401k and pension plan, growth opportunities and competitive compensation. Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
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CASHIERS NEEDED RELIABLE MARKET is seeking associates in all departments beginning as soon as possible, for the FALL or WINTER season. FULL or PART-TIME. Please see Donna in person for an application. CIRCUIT ARTS SEEKS A DIRECTOR OF FILM PROGRAMMING TO LEAD THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD FILM FESTIVAL AND YEAR-ROUND FILM PROGRAMMING. This leadership role combines curatorial vision with filmmaker relations and community engagement. Learn more and apply: circuitarts.org/jobs. CLEAN-UP OUR ANTIQUES WE HAVE ANTIQUES WE’D LIKE CLEANED UP TO USE IN OUR HOME We don’t want “;restoration”; (sanding, refinishing because we don t want to lose the character. We think we need cleaning, other attention. You do various woodworking all the time. Call Matt @ 617-820-6203. 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. The Director leads workforce planning, recruitment and retention, labor and employee relations, collective bargaining, compensation, risk management, workplace investigations, 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 Town’s ADA Coordinator and providing professional support to the Personnel Board. Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field Master s degree preferred. Minimum of seven 7 years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, municipal administration, or a related management field, preferably in local government. Starting salary range:$115,884 - $131,544, commensurate with experience, plus an excellent municipal benefits package. For a complete job description and the online application portal, visitoakbluffsma.gov/jobsor contactwbrough@oakbluffsma.gov. Application deadline is August 24, 2026, at 4:00pm. Oak Bluffs is an EOE/ AA Employer. MVPCS SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT COUNSELOR The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has an opening for a School Adjustment Counselor (LCSW, LICSW or LMHC for the 2026-2027 school year. Please email resume, letter of interest, and completed application to Chris Nace, Executive Director, cnace@ mvpcs.org. Applications can be found on the school website: mvpcs.org.
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. 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.
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 bene t 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 tness testing requirements. Apply today! Download applications and job descriptions at dukescountysheriff.com/careers
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Family Support Center Service Navigator ($23.07-$27.40 per hour) Do you love helping families thrive? We’re seeking a compassionate and resourceful Service Navigator to support families in identifying resources, solving problems, and building strong community connections. Join a team that values family strengths, diversity, and self-direction across the lifespan. Experience preferred but paid on the job training may be provided. Sign-On Bonus available to employees in good standing! Apply at: mvcommunityservices.org/ employment
Family Support Worker – MV Family Resource Center ($23.00-$28.50/hour) Help connect families with community resources and support services while assisting with parent and youth programming, support groups, family events, and volunteer coordination. Responsibilities include providing referrals, maintaining program data, participating in community outreach, and supporting Family Resource Center activities. Evening and weekend hours required. Quali cations: Background in social services or a mental health setting preferred. Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills required. Ability to maintain con dentiality and work effectively with diverse populations. Valid Massachusetts driver's license and reliable transportation required. Apply at: mvcommunityservices.org/ employment
Greenhouse Assistant PHA seeks a Greenhouse Assistant to propagate and care for plants, trees and shrubs in our greenhouse and nursery. This is a part-time, seasonal position from March thru November (flexible) and pays $25/ hour. Job description and application instructions found at www.pollyhillarboretum.org/getinvolved/employmentopportunities/. MARTHA’S VINEYARD CONSTRUCTION CO. IS HIRING AN EXPERIENCED SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER/PROJECT MANAGER. 10+ years of construction project management experience preferred; high-end residential experience a plus. Strong candidates with slightly less experience considered. Competitive pay, benefits, bonuses, retirement, PTO, and premier Vineyard projects. Send resume to anne@ marthasvineyardconstruction.com
JOB OPPORTUNITIES TWO ELDERLY ADULTS NEED HELP WITH EVERYDAY CHORES Need references. Call 508-627-9601 MARTHA’S VINEYARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS CENTRAL OFFICE seeks ualified applicants for a 1715 Administrative Support Personnel Responsibilities include: * Coordinating bi-weekly payroll * Maintaining time & attendance records * Maintaining payroll & personnel files * Assisting with other associated duties and all other duties requested by the Superintendent and/or Business Manager Payroll and BudgetSense experience a plus Proficiency in Excel, ord, and other related office software a plus Applications can be submitted by visiting our website at: www. mvyps.org, under Employment; new jobs-corresponding Schoolspring Job Id: 5880391 Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled Start date to be determined No person shall be excluded or discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. EOE. NOW HIRING MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM! We are seeking a driven, community-minded Account Executive to support our ad sales and marketing efforts. Help local businesses grow while supporting exceptional local journalism. Part-time 20 hrs wk with potential for full-time advancement. Primarily in-person with remote flexibility. $25/hr ($26k/ yr plus bonus and commission potential. 1-2 years of sales or marketing experience preferred. To apply, email your resume to sean@ mvtimes.com. PART-TIME POSITION: YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR Play a major role in the development of a novel outreach program based on our tagline: “powered by youth, backed by community”. Work with schools to develop healthy lifestyle and advocacy programs for island youth. Learn more and apply on our website: www.mvyouthtaskforce.org REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School District invites proposals for the provision of adult and continuing education classes, beginning in fiscal year 2027. The provider will develop, advertise, offer and manage a wide range of classes for adult learners, including enrichment, continuing education, and training for teaching assistants aspiring to become certified teachers. Bid documents can be obtained by email request to Jocelyn Broadley at jbroadley@ mvyps.org. Proposals must be submitted and received by 2:00PM on Friday September 11, 2026, in the secure drop box located at the front door of the Superintendent’s Office, 4 Pine Street, Tisbury, MA, or by mail to Mark Friedman, Chief Procurement Officer, 4 Pine Street, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Proposals will be opened at 2:00PM on September 11, 2026 at the Superintendent’s Office, 4 Pine Street, Tisbury. District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
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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. SERVICE WRITER / CUSTOMER LIAISON MARTHA’S VINEYARD SHIPYARD This is a full-time, year-round position with benefits. e are a growing, family-owned shipyard built on quality craftsmanship, strong customer relationships and a passion for the water. e pride ourselves on creating a workplace where team members are supported, challenged and appreciated. e are currently looking for a Service riter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is ready to be the face of our service operations. HAT OU LL O First Contact Act as the main point of contact for our customers, offering top-tier communication and welcoming service. Estimates & Planning: Prepare detailed, accurate written estimates for labor, parts repairs. Project tracking: follow work closely through every stage to ensure deadlines & high-quality standards are met. Customer Follow-up: Maintain proactive, timely communication with boat owners regarding updates, approvals completion timelines. HAT E RE LOO ING FOR Boat nowledge Solid understanding of boats, marine systems & terminology re uired. Tech-Savvy Comfortable navigating digital management software, inventory systems & modern communication tools. etail-Oriented organi ed, adaptable driven to take on new challenges & adjust as daily shipyard priorities evolve. High level of patience, exceptional customer service skills & a good sense of humor! hat we offer is year-round stability, competitive compensation amp benefits package and a supportive, team-oriented, family friendly working environment. Ready to take on the challenge Send resume to jhale mvshipyard. com with subject line Service riter Application
Staff Generalist at Daybreak Clubhouse ($23.00 - $27.60 per hour) Love supporting others as they grow, learn and connect? We’re looking for a dynamic team member to provide vocational, educational, and social support to members in our Daybreak Clubhouse. We value lived experience and strongly encourage individuals with personal experience of mental health illness to apply. Apply at: mvcommunityserv ices.org/ employment
TOWN OF EDGARTOWN COUNCIL ON AGING DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT ($28.38-$40.39) The Town of Edgartown is seeking a epartment Assistant for the Council on Aging to provide administrative, clerical, and customer service support to the department and the older adults it serves. This 35 hour week position assists with day-to-day office operations, program and appointment registration, meeting support, financial and payroll processing, recordkeeping, and responding to public in uiries. Candidates should demonstrate experience using Google orkspace and be comfortable navigating digital workspaces and cloud-based platforms. Position is open until filled, with a priority date of September 8, 2026. Applications and full job description are available at edgartown-ma.us or in the HR Office in Town Hall. Please send completed applications to HR edgartown-ma.us or P.O. BO 5130 ATTN HR, Edgartown, MA 0253 . The Town of Edgartown is an E ual Opportunity Employer.
Real Estate JOB OPPORTUNITIES
COMMERCIAL-EDGARTOWN
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
VINEYARD DECORATORS IS HIRING
225 SQ. FT. Office Space Perfect Edgartown Location $950 / Utilities Included Sept. 1 2026 Availability Call 401-633-4104 Staged Photo
$1,150,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 30 Double Ox Road in Oak Bluffs Create an extraordinary Martha's Vineyard estate in the exclusive Lagoon Ridge community of Oak Bluffs. This mostly wooded estate parcel of over one acre features gently rolling topography, providing an exceptional canvas for a customdesigned luxury residence. Privately situated within an intimate enclave of just four estate parcels, the property is accessed by a welcoming paved approach. This thoughtfully planned neighborhood will feature distinctive architectdesigned residences, creating a re ned and cohesive community setting. Approved for connection to the neighborhood's private Amphidrome® (you will avoid the high expense of a septic system a savings of almost $50,000)on-site wastewater treatment system the parcel is approved for a threebedroom residence and may offer the potential for additional flex spaces, expansive outdoor living areas, a pool, and attached or detached garages, subject to applicable approvals. Embrace the timeless Martha's Vineyard coastal lifestyle, with beaches, boating, children's sailing programs, the harbor, ferries, boutique shopping, restaurants, and the charm of Oak Bluffs just minutes away. This exceptional offering presents a rare opportunity to create a private Island retreat in one of Oak Bluffs' most desirable neighborhoods.
$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 nal 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 xtures and nishes, and the second-floor suites 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 shing. All utilities—electric, town water, and a private, state-ofthe-art Amphidrome wastewater system—are located at the street. This innovative system serves the entire neighborhood, providing convenience and peace of mind. Lagoon Ridge is a covenantprotected community with architectural review and professiona l 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!
FRONT DESK MANAGER Vineyard Decorators is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Front Desk Manager to oversee incoming calls, calendars, replenishment, and general front desk operations. This position will also support our Bookkeeper with daily administrative tasks including scanning, ling, copying, and organization. Pro ciency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Googl e Workspace required. Must be availbel to work Saturdays. Opportunity to grow into a full-time Operations Assistant role for the right candidate. 401(k), paid vacation, health insurance, and housing available if needed. Email resume to sophia@vineyarddecorators.com DESIGN CONSULTANT | HOUSING AVAILABLE Start building a career in Interior Design from the ground up. This fulltime, year-round position combines furniture showroom sales with interior design and is ideal for someone with a strong eye for color and design and an eagerness to learn. No previous design experience required. After the 27 season, employees have the opportunity to take online Interior Design courses to further develop their skills and career. Competitive compensation package, 401(k), paid vacation, health insurance, and housing available. Email resume to sophia@vineyarddecorators.com
SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER | HOUSING AVAILABLE Vineyard Decorators is seeking an experienced Senior Interior Designer to join our growing Interior Design Studio. Quali ed candidates should SOLAR INSTALLER have a bachelor’s degree in Interior oin a talented, collaborative team Design or Architecture and a working to strengthen the ineyard s minimum of 8 years of experience in energy resilience. ou ll install solar construction-based interior design. systems for residential, commerStrong proje ct, time, and client cial, nonprofit, affordable housing, management skills, with the ability and community projects, helping to independently lead projects, are clients reduce their energy costs and required. Must be pro cient in environmental impact. e offer an AutoCAD. Full-time, year-round exceptional, family-friendly compenposition with competitive sation package, including medical dental vision insurance SMCo covers compensation, bene ts, and housing the full deductible , profit sharing, 401k, available. Learn more about our company and design team at our and the potential for ownership. website. Learn more about this position, how to apply, our compensation policy, Email resume to and our culture at https southsophia@vineyarddecorators.com mountain.com meet
BargainBox 2 FISHING RODS (NO REELS) Commodore Heavy Action Rod 11.6feet Invincible 6400-100 Rod 10feet $15 each or $25 both. Edg. 508-627-8438 2 SOFAS 78 red convertible sofa - $50. 58 green sofa - $25. ery comfortable. CALL or TE T 203-434-350 EARLY 1970S SUNFISH Sail, center board, rudder, etc. $ obo. Call or txt en 17-838- 2 7. ELLIPTICAL TRAINER Smooth Fitness Model CE 3.2 Functional equipment but computer programming outdated. 508-8072515. OLD SCHOOL HOUSE DESK. Painted white with 6 drawers and 2 pull out side desk tops. 60Lx33.5 x30.5H. $100 Call or Text for pics 774-451-312 . PLANT LOVERS AND LANDSCAPERS 6ft Hibiscus fully mature potted needs winter home worth lots. $ 5 c t 561-654-6118
FREE WESCO BOAT TRAILOR (1999/21 ft.) Has two new tires but needs bunk boards replaced ou haul it away Call 704-577-4258. FREE WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER. 5000 BTU. Call or text. 508-221-0076 IT’S CANNING TIME! 33 QUART ENAMELWARE CANNER WITH RACK Brand new in box Paid $87, selling for $50. Text 774-563-83 1 if interested. JIGSAW PUZZLES SCRABBLE, PARCHEESI, ETC. Good Excellent condition. $3-$12. 508-6 3-7472 -Call anytime, 7 30am12 30pm is best. ONE MAN KAYAK FOR SALE-$100 Bright green, light weight 617-7 70288. NICE, WOOD, GLASS-TOP JEWELRY RETAIL DISPLAY CASE 25.5 L 25.5 45 H.
Two available. $100 each. hctsun603 gmail.com SMALL ROW BOAT DINGY APPROX 8 FT FIBERGLASS $100 or B O. 617-7 7-0288. SOFA (3 CUSHIONS) 76 l x 36 d x 30 h, tan with 2 throw pillows. $100 or best offer. Picture available. 215- 62-010 SONY CDP-CX53 50 DISC CD CAROUSEL CHANGER Light use, dependable, excellent uality component we have one in use PICS available. $65 508-274-8131. 2 RACCOON TRAPS: ONE DOUBLE, ONE SINGLE, $10 EACH. Pick up in Chilmark 617 5557 FREE 1 78 O ay sloop - dual tandem trailer - 4 sails many extras in H. 508-560-0088 FREE 8 1 2x11 wool rug and gas grill. Mirror 48x32. $10.00 508-662-1415.
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.
400 SQ. FT. Office Space Perfect Edgartown Location $1000 / Utilities Included Sept. 1 2026 Availability Call 401-633-4104 Staged Photo
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
#2 WINEMACK ST, OAK BLUFFS FOR SALE $1,095,000 CALL OR TEXT Rene Ben David, Cell 508-847-4864 OCEAN PARK REALTY INC. OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE 8/30 SUNDAY 11AM-1 PM Located at the southern end of Winemack Street, this inviting 3bedroom, 2-bath Oak Bluffs home offers a quiet residential setting in a neighborhood of both year-round and seasonal homes, while remaining remarkably close to everything Oak Bluffs has to offer. Just approximately 1.2 miles from downtown, you’ll enjoy convenient access to the ferries, Oak Bluffs Harbor, beaches, shopping, restaurants, and all the attractions that make this area of Martha’s Vineyard so special. Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is also just a short two-minute drive away. Built in 1988, the home offers approximately 1,456 square feet of living area, with pre nished w ood flooring in the living room and bedrooms. The roof is approximately 10 years old, and recent improvements have focused primarily on the basement, where the space has been transformed to expand the home’s usable living and recreational area. Whether you envision a TV room, game room, home o ce, exercise area, or a combination of uses, there are plenty of possibilities. A newly completed “doghous e”-style exterior basement entry provides convenient direct access to the lower level. The rst and second floors would bene t from a little TLC and personal touches to brighten and refresh the space, providing a great opportunity for the next owner to make the home their own. Outside, the property offers a small, manageable yard with off-street parking, along with a classic Vineyard outdoor shower —a favorite feature after a day at the beach and something many consider a must-have for Island living. Set on a 5,000-squarefoot lot, the property offers the best of both worlds—a quieter location at the Eastville side of Winemack Street while still being just minutes from downtown Oak Bluffs. Prequali cation letter from your lending source or proof of funds required. Owner and tenants currently occupy the home; 24-hour notice for showings is preferred.
$925,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 67 Hudson Avenue Oak Bluffs ALL OFFERS REQUIRE COURT APPROVAL in multiple jurisdictions and may be somewhat lengthy. A straightforward offer is encouraged and may help expedite the required court approvals in multiple jurisdictions. Located in a convenient Oak Bluffs setting, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,000 square feet of living space on a generous .69-acre lot. Built in 2014, the property presents an excellent opportunity for a year-round residence, vacation getaway, or investment. The property is being sold as is. Buyers and their agents are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and verify any potential for expansion or additional improvements with the Town of Oak Bluffs. All buyer’s agents must submit proof of funds with any offer. The Court approval in multiple jurisdictions is required and may result in a longer than usual acceptance process. $1,599,000 Alan Schweikert 508-221-1708 OAK BLUFFS Beach Road: VINEYARD HAVEN OUTER HARBOR WATERFRONT WITH DOCK… 1860’s Beach House with substantial 60’ dock built in 2004, is situated on OUTER HARBOR in private waterfront setting. Enjoy all variety of watersports, dramatic sunsets every evening, refreshing swims, or just relax on your back porch and watch the colorful boating activity unfold. Property features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, attached garage, open kitchen/dining/living area with stone replace, hardwood flooring throughout and plenty of space to work with for your own design. Location is convenient to shopping, restaurants, and ferry. Requires restoration and renovation.
$695,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 Cleared 35 Double Ox GOING, GOING… GONE! This is the LAST 3-bedroom lot available in Cluster C. 12 lots SOLD 9 homes already built. Welcome to Lagoon Ridge Oak Bluffs’ newest and most sought-after neighborhood. This exceptional 3-bedroom building lot sits on a lofty setting approximately 95 feet above Lagoon Pond, offering sweeping sky views, vibrant sunsets, and refreshing sea breezes. The lot is ready for development with utilities at the site, including town water, electric, and a private Amphidrome wastewater system, eliminating the cost and maintenance of a traditional septic system. Lagoon Ridge borders acres of pristine conservation land with direct access to scenic biking and hiking trails, providing the perfect balance of privacy and outdoor recre ation. Ideally located in Oak Bluffs and central to all down-Island towns, this vibrant neighborhood continues to grow with strong construction momentum. Easy to show contact agent for a private tour.
A12 classifieds
August 27, 2026
Real Estate
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
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.
OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 27 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 9C $287,500.00 Call or text Rene Ben David 508-847-4864 Ocean Park Realty Inc. Welcome to 27 Island Inn, Unit 9C, an inviting Martha’s Vineyard retreat offering the perfect combination of personal enjoyment and rental opportunity. This comfortable studio accommodates up to four guests with two double beds, a full bath, kitchenette with a 2-burner cooktop, cable TV and free WiFi. A unique opportunity is adjoining Unit 10C, a separate 1-bedroom, 1-bath suite accommodating up to four guests with a queen bed, sofa bed, cozy living area, well-equipped kitchenette with 2-burner cooktop, and patio/deck. Units 9C and 10C can be enjoyed separately or together through the adjoining door. Each is being offered for sale separately, with the opportunity to pu rchase both together—ideal for additional family, guests or expanded rental possibilities. Island Inn is a seasonal resort, open April through October, offering a relaxed, pet-friendly setting with a heated outdoor pool, 3 association clay tennis courts, grilling areas, re pits and spacious grounds. Directly next door is the popular and pet-friendly Noman’s, offering outdoor dining, cocktails, la wn games and entertainment. Ideally located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, you’re minutes from beaches, golf, shops, restaurants, ferries and Oak Bluffs Harbor. On-site Gulph Creek Management handles virtually every aspect of the rental operation, including bookings, guest coordination, cleaning, repairs and maintenance. Just bring your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Vineyard getaway, investment, or combination of personal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only
OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 33 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 25F $260,000.00 CALL OR TEXT RENE BEN DAVID 508-847-4864 OCEAN PARK REALTY INC. Welcome to 27 Island Inn, Unit 25F, a comfortable studio offering the perfect combination of a Martha’s Vineyard getaway and rental opportunity. Accommodating up to four guests, this inviting unit features two double beds, one full bath, a convenient kitchenette, cable TV and free WiFi. Island Inn is a seasonal resort, open April through October, offering a relaxed, petfriendly setting with a heated outdoor pool, 3 association clay tennis courts, grilling areas, re pits and spacious grounds. Directly next door is the popular pet-friendly Noman’s, featuring outdoor dining, cocktails, lawn games and entertainment. Ideally located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, just minutes from beaches, golf, shops, restaurants, ferries and Oak Bluffs Harbor. On-site Gulph Creek Management handles virtually every aspect of the rental operation, including bookings, guest coordination, cleaning, repairs and maintenance, making ownership easy and convenient. Just bring your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Vineyard getaway, investment, or combination of per sonal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only, 10AM–3PM. Proof of funds required.
IMPROVED PRICE: $1,895,000** 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!
LAND BANK
WEEKLY INCOME FY 2027, Year to Date:
$2,166,672.92
$900,000 $850,000
OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 21 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 38G $527,500.00 Call or text Rene Ben David 508-847-4864 Ocean Park Realty Inc. Welcome to Unit 38G at the Island Inn, offering resort-style living in an exceptional Oak Bluffs location just steps from the beach. This desirable ground-floor end unit features a large glass slider opening to the patio, with stairs leading to the heated outdoor pool just a few feet away. Accommodating up to six guests, the unit features one bedroom with a queen bed, a separate sleeping area partially divided by a 4' wall with two single beds, a sofa bed, 1.5 baths, and a small kitchen with a two-burner cooktop. The Island Inn is a seasonal resort community, open April–October, with beautifully maintained grounds, heated pool, three association clay tennis courts, outd oor re pits, and easy access to downtown Oak Bluffs, beaches, restaurants, shops, ferries, golf, and boating. The popular Noman’s outdoor family restaurant is directly next door, offering dining, cocktails, lawn games, live entertainment, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Gulph Creek Management is conveniently located on site and handles rentals, bookings, cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. Just br ing your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Vineyard getaway, investment, or combination of personal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only, 10AM–3PM. Proof of funds required.
$800,000 $750,000 $700,000 $650,000 $600,000
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- lled 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).
$550,000 $500,000 $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 0
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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- lled 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 nished basement adds valuable bonus space ideal for a media room, home o ce or workout room giving you the flexibility to t 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.
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
LAND-OAK BLUFFS
OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 27 ISLAND INN UNIT 10C $310,000.00 CALL OR TEXT RENE BEN DAVID,508-847-4864 OCEAN PARK REALTY INC. Welcome to 27 Island Inn, Unit 10C, a comfortable one-bedroom, one-bath Martha’s Vineyard retreat offering an ideal combination of personal enjoyment and rental opportunity. Accommodating up to four guests, 10C features a queen bedroom, sofa bed, cozy living area, well-equipped kitchenette. A unique feature is the adjoining door to Unit 9C, a studio with two double beds, full bath and kitchenette. Units 9C and 10C are being offered for sale separately, with the opportunity to purchase both together—perfect for extended family, guests, or expanded rental possibilities while still allowing each unit to be used independently. Island Inn is a seasonal resort, open April through October, offering a relaxed, pet-friendly setting with a heated outdoor pool, 3 association clay tennis courts, grilling areas, fire pits and spacious grounds. Directly next door is the popular pet-friendly Noman’s, featuring outdoor dining, cocktails, lawn games and entertainment. Ideally located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, just minutes from beaches, golf, shops, restaurants, ferries and Oak Bluffs Harbor. On-site Gulph Creek Management handles virtually every aspect of the rental operation, including bookings, guest coordination, cleaning, repairs and maintenance. Just bring your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Vineyard getaway, investment, or combination of personal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only, 10AM–3PM. Proof of funds required.
MAIN HOUSE PLUS GUEST APT WITH ROOM FOR A POOL! 44 TIFFANY DRIVE
SOLD $1,200,000 NEW LISTING IN EAST CHOP OAK BLUFFS MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 .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, subject 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.
Open House Saturday 8/29, 10:00-12:00
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 replace, dining room, large family room with propane replace 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, mini-splits. 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
OAK BLUFFS WATERVIEW LOT FOR SALE $1,200,000 PRICE REDUCED, NOW $1,049,000. 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 $429,000 thoughtfully designed home. Create a Marilyn Moses custom residence that embraces all the 617-462-0381 beauty and lifestyle Martha’s Vineyard Welcome to Unit B-12 at the Causeway Condominiums, a turnkey has to offer. Enjoy a short walk to Eastville Beach, where you can take in studio offering comfortable, lowspectacular sunsets, watch the ferries maintenance island living just a short walk to the charming village of come and go, and experience the charm Vineyard Haven. Thoughtfully of island living. Just a short drive away, designed to maximize space and you’ll have access to everything that functionality, this inviting residence makes Oak Bluffs so special — features warm bamboo flooring additional beaches, shell shing, throughout, a custom Murphy bed, swimming, boating, and the vibrant and a beautifully crafted custom energy of Circuit Avenue, featuring mahogany closet and storage boutique shopping, diverse restaurants, system, providing exceptional and convenient ferry service to and from organization while making the most the island via the iconic Oak Bluffs of every square foot. The bright, Harbor and nearby ports. This is more open layout is lled with natural than just land — it’s an opportunity to light and offers an ideal blend of create something truly special. Don’t comfort, style, and e ciency. just dream it — make it reality. Owning a Residents enjoy a beautifully piece of Martha’s Vineyard is an maintained in-ground swimming investment in a lifestyle you’ll never pool with an expansive sun deck regret. Please include a preapproval or and lounge seating the perfect proof of funds with offer. Seller is place to relax after a day at the offering a buyers broker consideration. beach or exploring Mar tha’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, 99 Ocean Ave, Vineyard Haven Harbor, Main Street’s shops and restaurants, Ocean Park | Open House beaches, and the bike path, this Sunday 8/30, 10-12 mo ve-in-ready studio offers an Victorian Grand Dame with 4 exceptional opportunity as a yearbedrooms overlooking Ocean Park -round residence, island getaway, or in a truly spectacular setting with investment property. Enjoy all the sweeping water views from two convenience and charm of Vineyard stories of verandas. Located in Oak Haven with easy access to Bluffs most popular and exciting everything that makes Martha’s neighborhood and just steps from Vineyard such a special place to call the beaches of Nantucket Sound, home. With onsite parking available ne restaurants, art galleries, immediately and strong rental shopping, harbor, ferries, the income potential, this property Campground and the Tabernacle. presents a compelling opportunity Listed exclusively for $For more for i nvestors seeking both lifestyle information, contact Perry and return an affordable gem in a Patterson, Realtor, Broker, MV highly desirable location. Luxury Homes, 973-789-1264.
HOUSES-WEST TISBURY
WEST TISBURY $1,349,000 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 rst floor, you'll nd 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 rstfloor 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 nishing 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.
classifieds A13
August 27, 2026
Classifieds WINTER RENTALS
Legal Notices
HOUSING RENTALS
EDGARTOWN Furnished cottage, in town. Easy walk to town center, close to buses, on bike path, furnished. W/D. $2000 per month, Background checks and references required.1st and last month rent and collateral deposit. Utilities not included. No pets, no smoking. (201) 965-7628 OAK BLUFFS Cozy 3-bedroom house, close to town Sept15/Oct1-May 15th/29th $2,600. Plus electric.heat efficient mini-splits. One bedroom, light filled walk-out apartment 1,100. per month 508-280-6650 VINEYARD HAVEN WINTER RENTAL 2 bed/1bath Causeway Condo Sept 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. $3200/month plus utilities and security. Text 917-754-0720 VINEYARD HAVEN WINTER RENTAL One bedroom cottage on Lambert’s Cove Road near Tashmoo Farm. Furnished. September-June. $2400./ month plus utilities. 864-542-3731 WINTER RENTAL : OAK BLUFFS October 2026- May 2027 2 bedroom- 2 bath furnished house. Convenient location off street parking & Bus route. Full kitchen & laundry. No smoking, no pets. $2700 per month plus utilities Call : 508-221-0076
HOUSE AVAILABLE FOR RENT UNTIL MAY. 2 Bedrooms, bath, etc off street parking, close to town, no pets or smoking 774-563-0958
YARD SALES
PORCH SALE SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 9:00 TO 2 O’CLOCK, RAIN OR SHINE AT 143 MONROE AVE., OAK BLUFFS. Harvard memorabilia, clothing, linens, jewelry, vintage Vineyard items, shell collection, shell flowers, carved bird, art work, 78 rpm records, 1927 crank up victrola, lawn game, books, doll house furniture, doll clothes,vintage glass and porcelain, vintage and antique furniture. Two Nantucket light ship molds. CHILMARK QUALITY AT OAK BLUFfS PRICES. Proceeds to charity. RAIN OR SHINE ESTATE AND YARD SALE Furniture, free beds,,, vacuums, bicycle, household items, patio set, free stuff Aquinnah state rd. near lighthouse August 22, 23 and 29, 30 8 to 2pm
BOAT SALES
DERBY TIME IS ALMOST HERE! 20ft 2004 Century center console w/150 hp Yamaha is in the water ready to go! Includes trailer, 8ft dinghy, Raymarine GPS, VHF radio, many extras. Nothing beats a well maintained Yamaha - under 750 hours. $19,500 404-550-9715
FUN IN THE SUN(FISH) 14ft sun sh in very good condition, complete w. sails, 2 center boards, 2 rudders. In addition, a nearly new trailer w. fat tire launching buggy. New cover for all. $3200 OBO. 508-693-1039.
SERVICES
2013 TOYOTA RAV4 LE 73K miles. $15,000. Runs/drives great. Has a few cosmetic dents in the rear. 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA LE 72K miles. Runs/drives great. Some cosmetic scratches. Both serviced at Courtesy Motors and Island Tire. Call or Text: 774-563-9535
RENTAL TRAILER WITH BATHROOM SHOWER IMMEDIATELY OR THRU DECEMBER. 1-2 people. Double bed/ kitchenette. Very basic but good vibe outside grill/table. Text me 310-213-5472. $1000-$1500 depending on specifics. STUDIO APARTMENT AND/OR BEDROOM Private entrance apartment has full kitchen, bath, includes electicity. $2500 or less for individual. ROOM for individual $1400. Includes utilities. OakBluffsRental@yahoo.com WEST TISBURY YEAR ROUND One bedroom apartment, newly furnished, “;suitcase ready”;. Full size eat in kitchen/sitting room. Separate entrance, parking, all utilities included, laundry on site. Bus stop close by. One person, no smoking, no pets. Available September 1. $2300 monthly. References, security deposit plus first month. 774 563 0738. YEAR-ROUND W. TISBURY Studio apartment, one person, day-worker. No smokers, no pets. Avail. early Sept. Mostly furnished, or not. $1,700 mo. all utilities incl. First, last, security. Application & references. 508 693 9199. HOUSE RENTAL - EDGARTOWN (KATAMA) - WINTER (10/1 - 5/1) 3 BED/2 BATH. Rent $3,000, plus utilities. If interested, call Peter at (401) 789-3127.
SEEKING GENTLY USED TRUCK Ideally, a smaller, 1/2 ton, non-4x4, no cab necessary. Thank you for calling! Island Alpaca Company 508423-1443 2017 TOYOTA TACOMA ACCESS CAB **Low Mileage 26,700. Some cosmetic dents and scratches. Runs perfectly. $24,500. Aquinnah20@gmail.com
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August 17 – 21, 2026 Tenth St. South and 31 Eleventh St. South to Alexis Thurman for $1,100,000. August 19, Stephen C. Turner sold 0 Slough Cove Road Lot 42 to NBSC LLC for $2,380,000. August 20, Andrew J. Guerini and Marie V. Guerini, trustees of Guerini Family Trust, sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 209 Week 25 to Janelle Lovell for $15,000.
Dukes Probate and Family Court PO Box 237 81 Main Street Edgartown, MA 02539 (508)627-4703 A Petition to Change Name of Minor has been filed by Kal Nathaniel Da Conceicao of Vineyard Haven MA requesting that the court enter a Decree changing their name to: Kal Nathanlel Soares IMPORTANT NOTICE Any person may appear for purposes of objecting to the petition by filing an appearance at: Dukes Probate and Family Court before 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 09/08/2026. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance if you object to this proceeding.
WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 5:15pm the ZBA will hold a public hearing at the TOWN HALL-2nd floor meeting room on an application for a Special Permit from Nickolas Peters to allow 23 feet of front yard and 9.5 feet of side yard setback relief on a non-conforming lot in the MB District at 8 Indian Hill Rd., Map 16 Lot 233 under Sections 11.2-3 and 4.3-3D of the West Tisbury Zoning Bylaw.
Tisbury August 19, Vineyard Haven Captains House LLC sold 139 Main St. to Daniel Artemus Steingart and Anne Adams Williams, trustee of Robert Mabon Jr. Revocable Living Trust, for $3,600,000. August 19, Gary G. Girotti and Sarah J. Girotti sold 30 Daggett Ave. to Percival Everett and Danzy Senna, trustees of Everett Senna 2025 Revocable Trust, for $2,195,000.
A Monthly Newsletter from your local Councils on Aging and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Find helpful information on Veterans Services, Travel News, Activities, Individual Town Councils on Aging and more! To advertise, email email adsales@mvtimes.com.
LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS
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 41, Section 81-T and 81-U, and the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in Oak Bluffs, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday August 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom on the application of The Sunny Field Realty Trust, for approval of a definitive subdivision plan entitled Plan of Land in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts Prepared for Sunny Field Realty Trust designed by Schofield Barbini and Hoehn, dated July 29, 2026, located at assessor’s address “0 Sunny Field Road”, in proximity of County Road and Windy Hill Road, assessor’s map and parcel 12126, and showing 4 proposed lots. A copy of the plan and applications are on file with the Planning Board in their offices in Town Hall, 56 School Street Oak Bluffs, and may be inspected between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plans are also available online on the Town of Oak Bluffs’ Planning Board page: www.oakbluffsma.gov. Interested parties are invited to comment and attend the hearing. Zoom Link is as follows: https:// oakbluffs.zoom.us/j/85054 468080?pwd=bNabW QRYBvTPYjHV8s8vygMHKkbb3Q.1 Please direct comments to: Administrator Oak Bluffs Planning Board PO Box 1327
LEGAL NOTICES EDGARTOWN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EDGARTOWN CONSERVATION COMMISSION On Wednesday, August 25, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. the Edgartown Conservation Commission will hold a hearing via Zoom on a Notice of Intent filed by Suzan Bellincampi (Director of Felix Neck) on behalf of Mass Audubon under the Edgartown Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The applicant is seeking permission to install a 0.5-mile All Persons Trail (APT) of unvegetated gravel, a pondside viewing platform, seating, handrails, a post and rope guiding system, interpretive elements, and accessibility improvements to the existing bird blind including ramps and changes to the existing doorway. The property is located at 100 Felix Neck Drive (AP Map 6, Lot 36). For a copy of the application or for questions related to participating in the meeting via Zoom, please contact: conservation@edgartown-ma.us
PUBLIC NOTICES
ADVERTISEMENT TO BID MGL c.149 Over $150K Dukes County Regional Housing Authority seeks sealed electronic bids for building and site improvements in Oak Bluffs, MA. Work includes siding, insulation, windows, kitchens, baths, flooring, a new hot water heater, fixing a structural crack, and site upgrades. Estimated cost: $445,075. Bidders must be DCAMM certified. Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive. View documents and submit bids via biddocs.com by 9/23/2026,3:00PM EST. No hard copies accepted.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD
DISTRICT COURT REPORT August 3 Ricardo D. Andrade, 50, Oak Bluffs; operating under the influence, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, possession of open container of alcohol in motor vehicle, arraigned and held, bail set at $600 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing.
August 14 Bryan Johnson, 41, West Tisbury; assault and battery, arraigned
Real Estate Transactions Edgartown
LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Phone: 508-693-3554 x 154 E-mail: planningboard@oakbluffsma.gov
LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY
@MARTHAS VINEYARDTIMES
August 17, Donald Hendricks, trustee of Donald L. Hendricks 202 Family Trust, and Tina M. Lodovico, trustee of Tina M. Lodovico 2022 Family Trust, sold 31 North St. to Dea P. Auray and Thomas S. Auray for $4,300,000. August 18, Jerrold T. Lundquist sold 11 Boylston Drive to Yannick Cadoret for $435,000. August 18, Dean Teague sold 34
LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY 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 508-696-0107 for information on the application.
WITNESS, Hon. Susan L Jacobs, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 12, 2026 Daphne DeVries, Register of Probate
AUTO SALES
APARTMENTS/ROOMS
LEGAL NOTICES CITATION ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME Docket No. DU26C0012CA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court In the matter of: Kai Nathaniel Da Conceicao
and released on personal recognizance, continued to pretrial hearing. James W. Hart, 31, Vineyard Haven; municipal law or ordinance violation, continued for payment.
August 17 Ian K. Bardwell, 31, Vineyard Haven; breaking and entering for misdemeanor, trespass, assault and battery, arraigned and released on personal recognizance,
conditions to stay away and not contact alleged victim, continued to pretrial hearing.
August 19 Laura A. Dvorak, 59, Newton Center; three counts of assault on family/household member, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, conditions to stay away and not contact alleged victim, continued to pretrial hearing.
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news
August 27, 2026
SSA launches discounts for veterans
interested in the new program can reach out to the SSA’s reservation office with documentation showing honorable The ferry service will also work with bus lines to connect older Islanders to Boston hospitals. BY EUNKI SEONWOO discharge. According to the SSA staff summary, the Vineyard is home to around 1,100 vetern a salute to the men and ans; 300 veterans reside on women who served in the Nantucket. If all of the vetercountry’s armed forces, the ans from both islands take a Steamship Authority (SSA) is round-trip each month, inmoving ahead with reduced cluding on the more expensive fares for veterans. fast ferry Iyanough, it’s estiThe decision, approved by mated to cost the SSA around the SSA board last Tuesday, $227,700. But this is a rough will lower fares for veterans estimate, since many of the from port communities by veterans may already be ennearly half. For the SSA, port rolled in the senior program, communities include Marwhich makes calculating the tha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, cost impacts difficult. Falmouth, Barnstable, and Many of the Vineyard’s New Bedford. The board also veterans are 65 or older, and approved priority booking for the board also unanimously honor guards traveling to the approved a separate pilot bus Island’s ceremonial servicEUNKI SEONWOO program to help older Vinees, such as to perform miliThe Island Home docking in Vineyard Haven. yard residents get to medical tary funeral duties. Costs appointments in Boston. will be reimbursed by the Starting in September, the U.S. Department of Veteran serve that type of discount.” information” in these records. tive, said. “I read this as perAffairs or the associated Others at the meeting noted But Jones pushed against missive and not restrictive … ferry line will cooperate with military branch. using DD214 forms — certifi- other options can be used, If they have nothing else, then the Vineyard Transit AuthorRobert Jones, the Barnstable cates of release or discharge such as veteran cards. DD214 becomes their option, ity (VTA) and the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority board representative and a “We don’t want to do anynot our requirement.” from active duty, issued by the (CCRTA) to connect patients Vietnam War veteran, said he U.S. Department of Defense Currently, active-duty thing that puts veterans in “can’t help but lean [toward military personnel also receive with an existing reservation— to prove veteran status, a difficult spot,” Ted Gavin, only bus program that takes the idea] that all veterans dediscounted fares. Veterans saying there is “confidential Vineyard board representa-
I
patients to Boston-area hospitals from Sagamore. A VTA bus will take the Island patients from Woods Hole to the drop-off location and back. The rides will be offered Monday to Thursday each week. But it’s an early day for passengers: A driver can escort people from either the Tisbury Park and Ride or the SSA terminal to take the 6 am ferry. Once at Sagamore, the passengers will switch from the VTA bus to the CCRTA’s shuttle to Boston, which departs at 8:15 am and makes eight stops connecting to hospitals in the Boston area. The CCRTA website states the ride back to the Cape leaves at 3 pm. SSA staff will also help patients during embarkation and disembarkation on the Boston round-trips. The program, its initial phase expected to run between six and nine months, stems from a joint proposal from the VTA, Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard, and Dukes County Veteran Services. The participating organizations will have quarterly check-ins with the SSA.
obituaries Theodore J. Parker
Theodore J. Parker (“Ted”), 87,
of Oakton, Va., son of Theodore Parker and Melvina Parker of Portsmouth, N.H., passed away on March 8, 2026. A dedicated public servant, lifelong educator, and devoted family man, he was born in the Bronx and raised in New Hampshire. Ted received his undergraduate degree from Plymouth College in New Hampshire, his master’s degree from Assumption College, and pursued doctoral studies at Boston College. He served with honor as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves. Ted devoted his life to education. He began his career teaching in Holden and Hingham, before joining the Massachusetts State Department of Education. His distinguished 40-year career included 24 years with the U.S. Department of Educa-
tion, where he retired in 2000 as assistant to the assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education. In retirement, Ted remained an active and valued member of his community. He took classes and served as a respected moderator for the Great Decisions program at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University, where he fostered meaningful discussions on current events and global affairs. As a longtime seasonal resident of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, he enjoyed many summers playing and competing in the Oak Bluffs Tennis Tournament. He loved biking and hiking around the Island, and spent many great evenings taking in Sharks baseball games. Ted found immense joy in being surrounded by family and friends on the Island, and cherished the Island as the place where he felt most at home. Above all, Ted was a man of profound loyalty. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marlene Newton Parker; his daughter, Karen; his son, David; and his sister, Mary Laverdure. He was a steady source of strength to his family and a trusted voice in his community. His inquisitive spirit, steady leadership, and kindness will
live on in the countless minds he shaped and friends he cherished. Please join us in celebrating the life of Theodore J. Parker at 11:30 am on Sept. 4 at the New Westside Edgartown Cemetery on Robinson Street, followed by a reception at the Rod and Gun Club (265 the Boulevard, Edgartown, MA 02539) from noon to 2:30 pm. Donations may be made in Ted’s honor to Island Housing Trust, supporting affordable community housing on Martha’s Vineyard (ihtmv. org); to OLLI at George Mason University, supporting lifelong learning (olli.gmu.edu); or to Scouting America, National Capital Area Council, supporting youth mentorship (ncacscouting.org).
Ann Mirabile Lees
Dr. Ann Mirabile Lees of
Chilmark, a medical doctor, scientific researcher, and poet,
died on July 8, 2026, in Boston. She was 91 years old. Dr. Lees was born in Hartford, Conn., the daughter of Dr. Charles S. Mirabile, a urologist, and Dr. Ethel M. (MacLean) Mirabile, a pediatrician. She graduated from Wellesley College with a B.A. in political science in 1957, and earned her M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1961. She subsequently had a long and distinguished career in academic medicine, performing groundbreaking research into the causes of heart disease, publishing numerous articles in medical journals, and serving as an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. Early in her career, Dr. Lees worked at the National Heart Institute of the National Institutes of Health, studying lipid metabolism. Later, working alongside her husband, cardiologist and MIT professor Dr. Robert S. Lees, she was the scientific leader of the first large trial of statin drugs, and pursued foundational research into understanding the chemical process that causes arterial plaque formation, obtaining several patents. In 1991, Dr. Lees and her husband founded the Boston Heart Foundation, an independent clinical and research institution where they cared for numerous long-term patients and advanced the study of heart disease.
In addition to her medical research, Dr. Lees actively engaged with many civic and political causes. At the League of Women Voters, she helped lead the Local Education Study of the Brookline Public Schools in the early 1970s. More recently, Dr. Lees was a regular participant in local pro-democracy activities. After retiring from her research career, Dr. Lees turned her attention to writing poetry, with wide-ranging subjects including nature, the passage of time, and in the words of one of her reviewers, “the community of all living things.” Her work appeared in several anthologies and in two books. She is survived by her brother, Charles S. Mirabile Jr.; four children; five grandchildren; and a large extended family.
Barbara Dutton Barbara Dutton, 98, of Har-
thaven in Oak Bluffs, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Henrietta Brewer House in Vineyard Haven. She was predeceased by her husband David G. Dutton. Her services will be private, and a complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper.
OBITUARIES
Judith M. Williamson Judith M. Williamson, 83,
was held in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, on Massasoit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, on Wednesday, August 26. A complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper. Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online guestbook and information.
of Oak Bluffs and recently of Attleboro, died on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Brookdale Assisted Living. She was predeceased by her husband, Chief of Police Peter M. Williamson, and she was the wife of Andrew Dufresne. Judy was the mother of Julie Williamson Gakidis and Timothy P. Williamson. Visitation in Chapman Funeral Home, 56 Edgartown Road in Oak Bluffs, was on August 25. Her funeral Mass
The Martha’s Vineyard Times publishes obituary information and photos at no charge for current and former residents of Martha’s Vineyard and for persons with significant ties to the Island community. The submission deadline for full obituaries is 5 pm Tuesday, for publication on that Thursday. The Times reserves the right to edit as needed. If you have questions or need assistance writing an obituary, please email editormvtimes.com. Obituary information may be submitted by e-mail: editor@mvtimes.com, barbara.davis@mvtimes.com mail: PO Box 518 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 by hand: The Times office on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven (opposite the ArtCliff Diner).
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news A15
August 27, 2026
Oak Bluffs fireworks cancellation caused by safety concerns The annual tradition takes an annual investment of around $100,000, officials said. BY EUNKI SEONWOO
O
ak Bluffs officials stated the cancellation of the more-than-150-yeartradition of summertime fireworks was circumvented by rough seas, safety concerns, and state restrictions. The Oak Bluffs Fireworks that were scheduled to take place last Friday were canceled due to choppy waters and inclement weather conditions forecast for the weekend, pushing off the event until the summer of 2027. “Due to rough seas, unfavorable weather conditions, and concerns regarding the safe loading and operation of the fireworks barge, both Friday fireworks display and the scheduled Saturday rain date have been canceled,” Wendy
Brough, Oak Bluffs town administrator, wrote in an email to The Times Friday morning. The cancellation was made in consultation with the fireworks contractor and public safety personnel. A press release from the Oak Bluffs Fireworks Committee issued on Wednesday, August 26, noted that the weather would have caused issues for the barge that carried the fireworks. “When winds are strong and seas are rough, the barge pitches and rolls, creating unsafe working conditions for technicians handling explosive materials,” the release stated. “Under those circumstances, proceeding with
show preparations would have placed crews and the public at unnecessary risk.” Brough also noted the other logistical constraints, such as a need for approval from the state Department of Transportation to close Seaview Avenue, a state roadway, “a process that can take four months or more.” The fireworks are the culmination of Oak Bluffs’ summer, attracting tens of thousands of spectators, and are a yearlong mission that begins each September for the town, involving permits, contracts, logistics, emergency preparedness, and budgeting. This tradition, according to the release, represents around $100,000 in annual invest-
ments, sustained through the town budget, and sponsorship by Summercamp Hotel. The committee highlighted how the fireworks take extensive preparation by town personnel, coordination with the Steamship Authority and Vineyard Transit Authority to move people, and inspection of materials by licensed pyrotechnicians and marine crews. Dion Alley, committee chair, said the fireworks are a collaborative effort for the whole town. “The Oak Bluffs fireworks belong to the entire community,” Alley said in the release. “This tradition has endured for generations because of the support of our taxpayers, sponsors,
The Oak Bluffs Fireworks, 2025. DAVE PLATH
public safety partners, town employees, and volunteers. While this year’s cancellation was disappointing, it reinforces the importance of always putting safety first. We remain committed to preserving this tradition for future generations, and welcome greater community participation in helping ensure that is possible.”
Brough said that, according to Oak Bluffs Fire Chief Rolston Foster, the “unused fireworks were transported off-Island via a specially arranged hazardous materials ferry. Responsibility for the fireworks remains with the vendor, who will either reuse or properly dispose of them as appropriate.”
Maritime Academy, accordonly go to the southwest of ing to the new map. The Nomans, but Edgartown boats are allowed to go all the boundaries continue southsouthwest along Buzzards way to Nantucket.’ A lot of Bay perimeter, including fishermen were happy to inWoods Hole. From there the clude all of Buzzards Bay.” new territory merges with Until now, boat owners in the longstanding boundarthe Derby were limited on ies through Vineyard Sound the west side of the Island’s For the first time in history, the entirety of Buzzards Bay and around Nantucket. waters by the entrance buoy will be fishable for the Derby. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA El-Deiry said there’s a lot of Buzzards Bay, north of of fish in Buzzards Bay, and Naushon Island and west of Woods Hole. The boundaries the committee wanted local anglers from up-Island to historically included VineVanderhoop said the former Committee about the new artha’s Vineyard be able to have a closer disStriped Bass and Blue- boundaries favored the south boundaries. El-Deiry said they yard Sound and Nantucket tance to travel. asked other fishermen around Sound, and the waters surside of the Island and Edfish Derby officials “It’s just giving people rounding Cape Cod and the Island about the boundhave set new boat boundaries gartown. Fishermen coming Nantucket, but Buzzards Bay more opportunity,” he said. for the annual fishing Derby, from the north side and Men- ary increase, and “didn’t see “I know there haven’t been emsha were at a disadvantage a negative impact” to the pro- was previously limited. which encompasses the wabecause they had to travel 55 ters around Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and now all of Buzzards Bay. This will mark the first time in history that anglers Buzzards Bay included competing in the Derby will in Derby be allowed to fish the entirety of Buzzards Bay, which up-Island anglers see as a CO UR TE way to make the tournament SY M V more equitable. ST RI PE Buddy Vanderhoop of D BA SS Aquinnah, who captains a & BL UE charter boat named TomaFI SH hawk out of Menemsha, DE RB Y met with The Times in Aquinnah this week and spoke about the newly drawn boundaries of the Derby. Vanderhoop said he got the ball rolling on a change by writing a letter to the Derby miles Committee last fall. from “There were very few or no up-Island fish this season from Quicks to catch Hole to Gay Head, Squibdecent-size nocket and Noman’s Island. fish. He said It has been like that since the A map showing the new boundary for the Derby. wind farms were fired up. My there were two dozen well-known boat has won the Derby eight fishermen and boat times over the past 21 years, The new boundary extends fish in a lot of the up-Island posed boundary change. captains who were threatenand I know I can’t find any places that have historically from the entrance buoy of “It will have a positive iming to pull out of the Derby weighable fish, let alone big had lots of Derby-winning Buzzards Bay, west of Cuttypact on some participants if the organizers didn’t make fish anywhere,” Vanderhoop hunk, and now allows fishing fish; Gay Head, Squibnockthe change to the boundaries. who may choose to go into said in his letter to the Derby et, and around Nomans — north to Gooseberry Neck, Buzzards Bay,” El-Deiry said Joe El-Deiry, vice presiCommittee. “The Derby those places that historically following the northern shore in an interview with The dent of the Derby and Derby seems to be now what everyhad plenty of Derby-winof Buzzards Bay east-northTimes. “A lot of up-Island one, including the other char- Committee chair, confirmed ning fish have been much east toward Cape Cod Canal, fishermen have felt for a long Vanderhoop’s letter started ter boats, are calling it — the slower in recent years.” and ends at Massachusetts time, ‘Why is it that you can discussion on the Derby Edgartown Derby.”
President of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby John Custer said they have no record of the boundaries having been changed in the past. “Blues, stripers, false albacore, and bonito are everywhere from Cuttyhunk to Westport down to the Canal. There is a lot of bait in there, and no hindrance from the wind farms. So opening that up is a gamechanger,” Vanderhoop said. “We are going to be creating serious competition from this side of the Island.” Vanderhoop said that it costs upwards of $300 in gas to make a round-trip to Nantucket, and it’s the only place anglers have been consistently catching big fish over the past few years. Vanderhoop believes a part of the blame lies with the construction of Vineyard Wind turbines. Vanderhoop is also involved in a lawsuit against the offshore wind farm, where he cites economic damages suffered from a lack of fish in the area. “I’m just very happy with the results from the Derby Committee, that they took that under advisement and passed the boundary change; it’s awesome. I’m very, very happy with the outcome,” said Vanderhoop. The 2026 Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby starts at 12 am on Sunday, Sept. 13, and goes until Saturday, Oct. 7. El-Deiry said he’s getting excited for the Derby, adding, “The fishing has been slowish, but the false albacore are just starting to show up, and hopefully that continues, and hopefully we find a lot of bait around the Island, hopefully those places that have been slower up-Island come back and start producing fish like they have historically,” ElDeiry said.
New Derby boundaries help up-Island fishermen
M
“There were very few or no fish this season from Quicks Hole to Gay Head, Squibnocket, and Noman’s Island.” –Buddy Vanderhoop
A16
sports
news
August 27, 2026
sports@mvtimes.com
E
very summer, for the past 20 years, locals have taken to Veterans Field in Vineyard Haven to compete in the much beloved softball league. For players, it’s not just about competition but also finding ways to come together regardless of where they are in life, or how busy the summer months are; and for many players, it’s simply a way to keep swinging the bat, playing the sport they love. “I think for me and a lot of the girls, summer is so busy. But getting together every week, I have met a lot of great friends [playing softball] that I don’t know what I would do without,” Anne Sullivan, firstyear captain of the Creamers who lives in Oak Bluffs and has played on the team for 12 seasons, said. “It’s just a great sense of community, and gives us something to look forward to during everything else that’s going on.” The women’s summer softball league closed out its season last week, when the Snaps defeated the Creamers 7–4 in Game 3 of the best-of-three championship series. The game capped off a hard-fought playoff run between two of the league’s oldest teams, which have both existed
Snaps take the title for women’s summer softball
The Creamers’ newest second baseman, Kelly Pacheco, a senior who plays for the high school softball team, said that since she started playing, she looks forward to every Tuesday and Thursday night, when games are held. “It’s a great community of The matchup against their rival the Creamers capped off a season of longtime tradition. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA women to look up to. It’s a fun thing for past athletes to do,” Pacheco said. “There’s outfield and over Moore’s “We were pretty much lying a total of five more runs since the league’s inception down the whole game, but we head, with runners on base. so many women on my team to bring the game to 7–3. in the early 2000s. “I thought it would tie the that played softball in colThe Creamers, as the home put it together in the sixth inThe Snaps entered the game, but Kursten jumped last lege or played throughout team, tried to rally in the bot- ning,” Millard said. finals after a strong regular high school, and they are minute and caught the ball One key highlight was an tom of the seventh and final season, having lost only a just looking for a way to that we thought was over her outfield catch by Snaps ceninning, but the Snaps only single game. Their longhead. We were able to keep the stay involved and keep ter fielder Kursten Moore, let up a single run before time rivals, the Creamers, swinging a bat, and that’s lead and get through the sevwho leaped to catch a ball putting them away to win reached the championship what it’s all about.” enth inning,” Millard said. slugged by Sullivan to the the championship 7–4. after battling their way through the losers’ bracket. “We’ve always had a backand-forth of winning and losing, and it’s always a challenge, but the Creamers are also an original team, and they are like our rivals, so it felt good to win,” Jackie Millard, the Snaps’ team captain, said in an interview with The Times. In the game on Thursday, August 20, the Creamers were leading 3–2 after the first few innings, backed by strong infield and reliable outfield plays, keeping the ball in front of them. But the Snaps rallied in the fourth, finding gaps in Snaps batting. Creamers pitching. the Creamers’ fielding and talPHOTOS: NICHOLAS VUKOTA
Bouncing back against opioid addiction Martha’s Vineyard Boat to the Basket tournament teaches young athletes opioid awareness. BY MARIA BARROS
T
he ball bounced from player to player toward the basket in a blur of colorful jerseys, and quick turns shattered any silence with high-pitched squeaks of rubber soles against the polished wooden floors of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) gym, as teams from across the East Coast came together on the court for the sixth annual Martha’s Vineyard Boat to the Basket (MVBB) youth tournament. The tournament, held this past Thursday to Sunday, was moved from Niantic Park to inside MVRHS due to the weather, but was about more than just what happened on the court. This year, the event used the sport to open up conversations with young athletes ages 10 through 17 about opioid awareness, financial literacy, community engagement, and more. Organizers said that they hoped the lessons would stay with players long after the final buzzer. The winning boys’ and girls’ teams were
also each awarded $1,000. The tournament is part of MVBB’s Unity Series, an annual youth basketball showcase and community event organized by Play4Peace Initiative, a nonprofit organization that uses sports to build positive relationships between law enforcement and communities. “It’s always more than just basketball,” Jeffrey Venter, executive director of Play4Peace, told The Times. “Coach Mike [Daniel], who is the founder of MVBB, is an Islander, and we’re aware that opioid [use] is a major epidemic here. So we wanted to put together the basketball piece, what I call the ‘ice cream,’ because the kids will come for it, and then [they will stay] for empowerment, knowledge, and awareness about opioids, and financial literacy.” High-level athletes are more likely to be prescribed opioids during recovery from an injury, and MVBB and Play4Peace have worked together for the past six years to bring awareness about the issue
through basketball. Michael “Mike” Daniel, also known as “Smooth” on the court, is an Islander who grew up playing basketball at the courts in Oak Bluffs and has coached alongside Venter for roughly 17 years, and told The Times, “We’re using basketball as a vehicle to bring awareness about the opioid epidemic.” Daniel shared that his inspiration to start the MVBB program sprouted from MVRHS’ class reunions, where he realized the weight of the opioid epidemic on the Island. “The reason why I started this is because of one of my high school reunions. I got a call, and I found out a couple of my classmates and their friends had passed away from drug abuse. We had another reunion, and more of my classmates had passed away [from addictions].” “My passion has always been the kids and creating opportunities for them to grow, compete, and believe in themselves,” Billy Duc, a director of MVBB, said. “As a partner of this tournament,
I’m proud to support what Jeff and Mike are building here on Martha’s Vineyard. I truly admire their commitment to the community, and, most importantly, their dedication to giving these young athletes an experience they can carry with them long after the tournament is over.” This year, nearly 120 young athletes from across the East Coast were invited to attend three classes provided by MVBB. The classes were topped off by a session about opioid awareness and addiction prevention held by Dr. Marcus Amos, followed by a health and recovery class with Dr. Chuck Morris, both of which were held at Cottagers’ Corner in Oak Bluffs. A talk about financial literacy by Adrian Walton was held at the Strand Theatre, also in Oak Bluffs. Walton is a professional basketball player who recently published a book titled “A Whole Lotta Game: From Rucker to Revenue,” and told The Times that his talk had one main purpose. “My goal
is to use my story and who I am.” He wanted to show that a career in basketball is possible, but financial success also stems from financial literacy. John Ogeleza coaches OHS Academy, a 17U Division team from Queens, N.Y. He told The Times when he was on the Island that the seminars helped bring light to options for recovery that don’t require painkillers. “When you’re a high-level athlete and performing at a high level, you want to make sure you’re taking care of your body and nutrition to prevent injuries as well as recovery,” he said. Rising high school senior Gui Wilkins plays on BrickSquad Monopoly, a basketball program based in Atlanta, Ga., for which rapper Waka Flocka Flame serves as program manager. Wilkins said this tournament gives him a peek into what he hopes for in his future: “Most things I dream of in basketball are being able to travel, go to an island to play basketball, and that’s what we’re doing.” Among the crowds Saturday afternoon was Paxton Lane of Boston, who watched the teams intently. He shared with The Times that he aspires to play in this tournament someday: “Maybe in
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two years, I’ll play.” For Brooke DeBarros, the tournament is an opportunity to bring Team Chase Foundation to the Island. DeBarros explained that after losing her son Chase, a basketball enthusiast, in a car accident, she decided to found a nonprofit in his memory. The Team Chase Foundation came up with the Chase Challenge Kindness Ball, where a basketball-like QR code challenges people to do acts of kindness around the world. “The goal is to pass it to someone that you did something kind for, so they’ll do something kind. It’s like a ripple effect that will keep on going,” she said. Asil Cash is an Islander who coaches the Boys and Girls Club girls’ team. Cash said initiatives like MVBB carry significant weight for the local community. “It’s so important, especially for our area on the Cape. Tragically enough, we’ve been hit hard with an epidemic, and to make our youth aware of that epidemic is very important,” he said. “Just bringing the community together to support one another in this battle against opioid addiction is amazing, and we’re very fortunate to be able to be part of it.”
THE PEOPLE, TOWNS, AND STORIES OF ISLAND LIFE + RESTAURANTS, GALLERIES & ENTERTAINMENT
T H U R S D AY, A U G U S T 27, 2026
Kib Bramhall and fellow iconic Cape and Islands painters.
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community & calendar
August 27, 2026
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can be overcome by believing in oneself and working hard to achieve things that poor people are deprived of to this day.” Parham’s family’s connection to the Vineyard began in 1938, and he started coming in summer as a child. The Island actually shows up briefly in the novel, but its primary setting is West Medford, where Parham grew up. Speaking of his title, he says, “I use the Orange Line as a metaphor throughout the story. The actual train line is a living bridge between the fractured social, racial, and economic neighborhoods in the Boston area during the 1950s and 1960s. It also represents motion and connection — the physical reality of crossing boundaries in a divided city.” Asked what inspired the novel, Parham says, “I always wanted to write a deeply personal story about ambition, displacement, and resilience. I found no better way to do that than through a teenage Black female protago-
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uthor and longtime seasonal resident Kevin Parham launches us into the harsh world of racism at the very beginning of his new novel, “Orange Line to Forest Hills.” It’s 1949, and 15-year-old Sadie Mae watches her father die by lynching by the KKK, hung for a crime he didn’t commit in Henderson, N.C. While it may be a challenging choice to start a book, it sets the stage for Sadie Mae’s journey of resilience. Sadie Mae’s mother sends her to Boston to live with close family friends, affectionately referred to as Aunt Minnie and Uncle Roy. Sadie Mae doesn’t want to go, but her mother insists, “The South is a cruel and unforgiving place, Sadie Mae. It’s fraught with racism and hatred. Your Papa was murdered for no other reason than being Negro … You could do great things in life. You’re intelligent, beautiful, and, at times, a
Kevin Parham
little sassy, but you’ve got what it takes.” We follow Sadie up north to West Medford, the first Black community in Massachusetts. But Aunt Minnie warns Sadie Mae that the North isn’t a haven devoid of racism or danger. “In the South, you know exactly where you stand, and what most white folks think of you. But here in the North, you must be careful, because you’ll find that people will say one thing, but their actions contradict the words,” Aunt Minnie tells Sadie Mae, adding that she will have to feel it to understand it. We keep following Sadie Mae’s journey as she navigates Northern racism — from dangerously overt to unsettlingly subtle — when she enters high school and becomes close friends with two girls: Stacey, who is Black, and Sophia, who is of Italian heritage. From the beginning, Sadie Mae reveals her indomitable spirit. When Stacey tells Sadie Mae she’ll get used to whites being prejudiced, she responds, “I refuse to accept that mindset, Stacey. I have too much self-worth to simply acquiesce to the demands of others, regardless of what color they happen to be.” As the years go by, the girls, who are bonded by their love for one another, have
Journey of resilence BY ABBY REMER
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“Orange Line to Forest Hills” by Kevin Parham.
to navigate peer pressure, their family’s expectations and attitudes, hostility at school, and summer jobs. As the back blurb says, “When relationships across racial lines begin to draw unwanted attention, the friends are forced to confront a society determined to keep them apart. Each choice they make carries consequences, not just for themselves, but for those they care about.” The steadfast support and wise counsel of Aunt Minnie, Uncle Roy, and her mother help shape Sadie Mae’s moral compass and inner strength as she navigates
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the challenges of teenage life, and pursues her dream of becoming a doctor. Although “Orange Line to Forest Hills” is fiction, Parham creates a character who carries a message that extends beyond the story on the page. He writes in the novel, “Sadie Mae’s accomplishments served as a blueprint for others as to what was possible — regardless of what they were conditioned to believe, or conditioned to accept — specifically, the limitations and exclusions that the ‘haves’ levied on the ‘have-nots.’ This seemingly insurmountable barrier
nist who grew up poor on a farm in the South and was sent up North to overcome barriers we still see today. I wanted to juxtapose what’s happening not only politically but socially in this country. Things have changed, but things really haven’t changed.” Parham adds, “I want readers to walk away with not only the history that’s in the story — the time and place, but also the fact that no matter what your challenges or circumstances are, there are ways you can overcome them. If you persevere, you can be successful, and no matter what it is you want, no matter what your gender or race is, you can achieve your goals.” “Orange Line to Forest Hills” by Kevin Parham, available at Edgartown Books and Bunch of Grapes.
Phoenix Alexandru Giurea
Lucy Benedetto and Alexandru Giurea of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Phoenix Alexandru Giurea, on August 21, 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Phoenix weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.
Cribbage Club results BY SAMANTHA BURNS
$250 per year
Seventeen members of the Vineyard Cribbage Club met to play our favorite game at the American Legion in Edgartown. The results are as follows:
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“The actual train line is a living bridge between the fractured social, racial, and economic neighborhoods in the Boston area during the 1950s and 1960s. It also represents motion and connection — the physical reality of crossing boundaries in a divided city.”
First, Sebastien BennettRock, with a 10/5 +59 card Second, Jack Silvia with a 9/4 +49 card
Third, Bill Russell with a 9/4 +36 card Fourth, Byram Devine with a 9/4 +35 card We had THREE 24-point hands this week! They were played by Paul Humphrey, Jack Silvia, and Ed Roman. Only four people got skunked (a loss of
greater than 30 points). If you are interested in cribbage, give us a try! We meet at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays. Call or text Mary Alice Russell at 508524-1220, or email her at maonmv@mac.com, for more information.
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August 27, 2026
Writing From The Heart BY NANCY SLONIM ARONIE
The more things change, the less they stay the same.
Those were the days
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From the Fourth of July till Labor Day, there were always cars, motorcycles, scooters, and/or vans parked and scattered around the less-than-two-thirds-of-anacre of what we called our patch of paradise. We’d pile into my mother’s old Chevy Vega, eight or nine of us, kids on laps, sandwiches and drinks packed in the cooler, as-
hen my husband and I first bought our cabin in Chilmark in 1977, we couldn’t wait to share it with everyone: family, friends, friends of friends, friends of friends of friends, people we just met on the subway, anyone and everyone.
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sorted colorful beach towels still damp from the day before’s foray, a huge blanket, umbrellas, juggling balls and juggling pins (we were learning to juggle pins), and a large plastic bottle of Coppertone No. 5. Our back window was covered with Lucy Vincent stickers like some Andy Warhol piece of art. There was always room for a hitchhiker or two. Even in those old days, folks would not have been able to get on the coveted sand without a walk-on pass or some documentation. There but for the grace of God … go … us. All of us had stained our bathing suits with a powdery gray from sitting in the clay baths of the Gay Head cliffs. We walked the length of the beach nude with seaweed, à la Adam and Eve, and at the end of the day, with the sun setting, we jumped into the surf to wash off. Feel this, someone would invariably command, it’s like velvet. And indeed our skin, which had celebrated the salt and sun for hours, now felt like velvet. It really did. Cars were mostly clunkers with dented doors, windows blown out and taped, bumpers tied on with steel wire.
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Parties were potluck and included (I’m guessing here, but probably right) Mike Wallace and his electrician and Carly Simon and her plumber, Bill Styron and his roofer. All were welcome. I think here is where we cue the musicians — all together, now (musical notes): Those were the days, my friend; we thought they’d never end. But end they did. Our kids
I know it’s August, so I know logically there’ll be no snow. So my next fantasy is that the boats aren’t running. One of them breaks down, and the swells are 40 feet, and all the boats are canceled. grew up, left home. The walk was too long to get to the nude beach, so we plopped as close to the entrance as possible. Climbing the cliffs became a no-no, so no more clay baths. Cars turned into Lexuses and Beamers. Parties became catered events, and the Island became the No. 1 destination wedding spot. It is the end of an era. It’s true I wouldn’t trade those
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Legal scholar and advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw and Tracy Sturdivant, left, in conversation.
ganization’s 2025 annual report states that the Ms. Foundation for Women distributed $7,608,500 in direct grantmaking. A diverse group of people from various industries, geographical locations, races, and ages were present at the event at the Grange this year. Outgoing president and CEO Teresa C. Younger and incoming president and CEO Tracy Sturdivant shared updates and insights about the Ms. Foundation’s work as it enters a period of transition. Sturdivant joined pioneering legal scholar and advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term “intersectionality,” and has fundamentally changed how we think about race and gender. Sturdivant and Crenshaw sat down for a conversation about women’s philanthropy, build-
ing allyship and changing culture, and the power of intersectionality. The conversation also included a discussion about Crenshaw’s book “Backtalker.” The event was well-attended, and the conversation included discussions around the gender justice movement; the slashed funding that many organizations are experiencing under the current administration; hits on our democracy; connecting the dots of history to current events; the importance of speaking up and refusing to shrink, accept, or hide; and much more. The evening ended with a Q and A session. Several hands shot up. The questions ranged from what plans there might be for women across races to work on Project 2025 and the Heritage Foundation;
and seven towels. No more doing three washes a day, five sets of sheets drying in the hot sun on the makeshift clothesline. No more Chevy Vega. We found out melanoma was a real thing, so sunscreen replaced Coppertone, and no more sitting in direct sun until after 4 pm. And no more picking up folks at the ferry. Unless, of course, we have
N JAYPIX BELMER
Ms. Foundation on Martha’s Vineyard Every August for the past 13 years, the Ms. Foundation for Women has arrived on the Vineyard to build community alongside those committed to social change. This year, the event took place on Tuesday, August 18, at the Grange Hall. “When our founding mothers — Gloria Steinem, Patricia Carbine, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, and Marlo Thomas — established the Ms. Foundation in 1973, they introduced the thenrevolutionary idea that women themselves could provide leadership, support, and solutions to the most pressing issues our country faced. Since then, we have evolved with the larger feminist movement, and continue to move culture, policy, and society in new and positive directions,” says the foundation’s statement. The Ms. Foundation strives to shift narratives and alter public conversation to include gender and racial equity, and to amplify voices of people and communities often not heard. It achieves its mission and goals by investing in, and strengthening, the capacity of women-led movements. Its work covers an array of grantmaking initiatives, including but not limited to Birth Justice, Building Connection, Girls of Color, Ms. Midwest, Ms. South, and more. The or-
days for the world (not that I own the world). But now — now the Island isn’t lazy, casual, wear-what-youwant. (Recently, my friend, singer/songwriter Isaac Taylor, suggested in a post that we declare August “Hitchhiking Month.”) The change seemed to happen overnight. One day we woke up and craved quiet. No more 22 sandwiches and three umbrellas
STEM programming for girls and the loss of millions of dollars in funding; reskilling women who have been fired and displaced due to cuts; issues related to having to hide words like “women,” “girls,” “race,” and “gender” when applying for grants; and more. Though these cuts and real-world struggles are the reality for many people and organizations working in the social justice arena, the message was clear: Building women’s collective power can change communities. If you would like to learn more about the Ms. Foundation for Women and help support it, visit forwomen. org. Follow the foundation on social media: facebook. com/MsFoundationforWomen and instagram. com/msfoundation.
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Forester Bob Perschel speaks on his book, ‘Numinosity’ The Vineyard Haven library welcomes Vineyard resident and professional forester Bob Perschel for a talk about his 50-year quest in pursuit of something larger than all of us, documented in his new book, “Numinosity: A New England Forester’s Search for the Ineffable.” “Numinosity” is a collection of stories and poems, offering a rare and moving account of what happens when deep scientific knowledge of the forest meets a search for transcendence within it. Drawing on Jungian concepts of the numinous, those encounters with an awe-inspiring force that defies full articulation, Perschel’s poems emerge from the lived intimacy of forest work: marking timber alone in winter woods, listening to the life cycle of an ancient oak, and reckoning with the weight of human impact on a landscape. Perschel has helped conserve 6 million acres of New England’s forests during a four-decade career as a professional forester. He chaired the 53-member Northern Forest Alliance, and co-founded the Forest Stewards Guild, a national organization of ecologically focused foresters. As executive director of the New England Forestry Foundation, he led the
invited friends. And we do invite friends. We only invite people we love, people who are easy. But a few days before they are due to arrive, and after I have shopped at Stop & Shop for everything on sale and Cronig’s for the things I couldn’t find at Stop & Shop, I find myself hoping for a nor’easter. I know it’s August, so I know logically there’ll be no snow. So my next fantasy is that the boats aren’t running. One of them breaks down, and the swells are 40 feet, and all the boats are canceled. This is ridiculous, because we invited these people because we love them. And we love spending time with them. So why oh why do I hope something will happen (nothing earth-shattering)? But something, and they will call and cancel. There is a New Yorker cartoon I think I must have inspired, although I don’t know the artist. There is a woman dressed in her finest, she’s spread-eagle on her big soft chair. Her shoes are off. Her expression is sheer relief. And the caption is, “They canceled.” I don’t remember posing for that drawing.
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creation of Exemplary Forestry standards that use climate-smart management to offset significant regional carbon emissions. He holds a psychology degree from Yale College and a master’s of forestry science from the Yale School of the Environment. Bob lives in an oak forest on the north shore of Martha’s Vineyard. 4 pm on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Vineyard Haven library, 200 Main St. in Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public, no registration required. For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_ programs@clamsnet.org or call 508-696-4211.
Chair caning workshop series Fred Thornbrugh will be at the West Tisbury library for a workshop series exploring the art of rush, or chair caning. The series begins with an introductory session on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 2:30 pm, followed by weekly workshops on Thursdays through Oct. 29. Participants must bring the chair they would like to repair to the introductory session. All tools are provided. Free and open to the public. This workshop meets on the library porch. Registration is required. Email gwilbur@clamsnet. org to register.
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Tisbury By Taylor Stone tisburycolumnist@gmail.com
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aylor fact: I’m a bit of a homebody. Especially when the weather is so darned hot and muggy, it is a feat to get me out of the house more than necessary. But this last week, with a couple of friends visiting, I feel like I experienced a taste of what it might be like if I was vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard: checking off an almost-Obama sighting in town, a beach day, an El Barco margarita, a pizza from Gio’s, and of
course a Mad Martha’s ice cream trip included. On Sunday, my partner and I made it to the final concert in Owen Park by the Vineyard Haven Band. Starting at 7:30 pm means practically bedtime for us, but we committed, and were joined by quite the group of fellow music lovers. I always hope they will play some “Les Misérables” (my dad raised me to be quite the fan), so appreciated their rendition of “Bring Him Home.” The audience
Edgartown By Marnely Murray marnely@gmail.com
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umor has it summer actually ends on Sept. 22, and I absolutely understand all the hospitality and service staff wanting to speed this month up. I continue to applaud you for putting in these insane hours; it’s admirable, and here’s to hoping you get the rest you deserve by September. Late August is an interesting time for a columnist, where there isn’t much happening, but it’s the turning point, and everyone can feel it. School starts back up this week, and that’s who my second round of ap-
plause goes to — the parents scrambling to get their kids ready for school: You are the true heroes of the week. It’s also the quiet moment before the Derby starts, but soon enough headquarters will be covered in sponsor signage, and the big prize will be rolled into the Edgartown Harbor parking lot. And talking about parking, I think it’s one of the first things the locals reclaim — slowly but surely, your parking spots come back into play, and you won’t have to circle Main Street and its side streets countless times.
Oak Bluffs By Joanne Lambert joannelamber@gmail.com “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” –Robin Williams, 1951–2014
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e’re almost to the finish line of summer! The calendar gives us another week before Labor Day, kind of a summer bonus. The August full moon, the “Sturgeon Moon,” is technically on Friday, August 28, but if Thursday night is clear, we may be able to see
the lunar eclipse. Look up at around 9:30 pm to see the moon turn very red as it passes through the Earth’s shadow. If you miss that, you can still howl at the full moon on Friday night! There will be an important meeting for Oak Bluffs residents on Monday, August 31. The Copeland Board will hold a public meeting at 5 pm to consider the Oceanview Hotel proposal. Many people are concerned about the design of the project and the impact on surrounding
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August 27, 2026
C received a thank-you from the conductor, boasting that we outnumbered the usual Oak Bluffs turnout. A few days later, we tried out Steere the Course Mini Golf and Grille. All 18 greens have been redone, and are redesigned with fun local spins on each hole. If you are a hole-in-one aficionado, note they no longer have you draw a ball for a prize, as they brainstorm their own special celebratory something for those lucky mini-golfers. Next week marks our next First Friday VH event
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in town on Sept. 4, and the final day to grab a lobster roll with your name on it from Grace Church. I am also bubbling with excitement, as the pole flag project I’ve been working on with the Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District since March is coming to its end! All 16 new flags have been selected, approved, ordered, and received as of last week, and should be going up around downtown Vineyard Haven any day now. An event honoring the late Harold Chapdelaine will be
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held at the Tashmoo Spring Building on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 4:30 pm. Passing in 2022, Harold left his mark on our town, chairing both the Williams Street Historic Commission and the Tisbury School Building Committee. His name is now inscribed on the memorial bench at the Tashmoo Spring property, commemorating those who worked on the committee to restore this historic building. The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce a monthly Open Mic Night in collaboration with
We tried out Steere the Course Mini Golf and Grille. All 18 greens have been redone, and are redesigned with fun local spins on each hole. Depending on what your week looks like, here are some notable moments that I suggest make it onto your late August calendar: Stop by MV Botiga and visit the latest pop-up, the Open Door Club by Sanctuaire, happening through August 29 at 15 Church St. Its hours for the final days are 12 to 8 pm, and you’ll find fragrance, hospitality, and cultural storytelling all in one. Come for a scent discovery and a celebration of legacy on Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re free on Thursday, August 27, I urge you to
check out the fun time that is trivia at Indigo, starting at 8 pm. A group of friends and I joined in on the fun last week, and let me tell you, we had a blast. Believe it or not, it was also my first time playing trivia, and I even had some right answers! We didn’t win, but we enjoyed ourselves — eating delicious Indian food, chatting with friends, putting our heads together trying to recall information we last thought about in high school. It’s led by Ryan and Dough, also known as Brews Brothers Taproom Trivia, and they do a great job keeping the trivia
questions fun and interesting! Ryan also informed me that he hosts karaoke night at Indigo on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 pm. I’m not sure I’m ready to sing for a crowd, but if you’re into that, now you know. On August 31 from 8 to 10 am, join the Martha’s Vineyard Bird Club for an August Birding 101 walk at the boat landing off Braley’s Way and Sheriff ’s Meadow Sanctuary. It’s perfect if you’re curious about birding, or looking to build confidence in the field. Bring your binoculars! Don’t have any? I called the Edgar-
S the Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District. After the closing of Island Music and an interim relocation to the Katharine Cornell Theater, Open Mic Nights will now be held in the library’s new Community Room at 6 pm on the third Thursday of the month, beginning Sept. 17th. Happy belated birthday to Tisbury artist Althea Freeman-Miller on August 25, and future birthday wishes to Lucy Morrison on August 31, and Edwin Gould on Sept. 2. 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.
town library, and Caroline at the front desk informed me that they have a pair in their Library of Things that you can check out! Happy belated birthday (August 19) to Capt. Joe Uva — one of the kindest smiles in Edgartown, with the greatest sea legs! This week’s birthday wishes go out to Emily Monteiro of 19 Raw on August 27, Emily DaRosa of LandVest MV on the 29th, Liam Cosgrove of Top Shell Oyster Farm on August 31, and Alex Tamargo of Town MV on Sept. 2. Cheers to all of you!
If you’re free on Thursday, August 27, I urge you to check out the fun time that is trivia at Indigo, starting at 8 pm. A group of friends and I joined in on the fun last week, and let me tell you, we had a blast. neighborhoods. This may be the last opportunity for the public to be heard about this hotel project. The meeting will be held at the Town Hall, and a Zoom link is available on the town website. The Oak Bluffs Open Market continues on Sundays through mid-October. From 10 am to 2 pm in Washington Park (above the harbor, across from Our Market), the market offers a variety of local and specialty foods, flowers, and artisans, with live music. Friday Sunset Concert Series on the lawn at the Tabernacle features the Dock
Dance Band on August 28, 6 to 7:30 pm. Lots of other activities continue at the MVCMA into September. On Tuesday mornings, it’s Pilates under the tent at 8 am with Judy, and on Friday mornings, it’s Yoga at 8 am with Lorrane. Check out the calendar at mvcma.org. Featherstone is wrapping up its music series this week, with a special performance of the Delanie Pickering Band on Thursday, August 27, followed by the last Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish concert on Friday, August 28. Then get your
tie-dye ready for the Grateful Dread on Monday, August 31. The music starts at 6 pm. It’s been so awesome to enjoy such great music in a beautiful outdoor setting; thanks to Ann Smith and her incredible staff for this summer gift! Happy birthday to Jean Dupon on August 27! Anne Whiting celebrates her day on the 28th; she shares the date with Chris Alley. Billie Hancock blows out her candles on August 29, and we remember my friend Tom Rancich on that day also. August 30 is a big day for
birthdays, celebrating Pam Melrose, Ashley Girard, Jennifer Fiore, Danielle Albert, and Justin Oslyn. Nancy Giordano and Chuck Wiley celebrate on August 31. September birthdays start off with a bang: The fabulous Karen Trotier celebrates on Sept. 1, along with Anne Davey. The mayor of Oak Bluffs and ambassador of smiles, Eddie Ben David, will give and receive birthday hugs on Sept. 2. Miss Xena Clark also celebrates on the 2nd by turning 6 years old! Stay kind out there, and send me your news!
There will be an important meeting for Oak Bluffs residents on Monday, August 31. The Copeland Board will hold a public meeting at 5 pm to consider the Oceanview Hotel proposal.
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Aquinnah By Kathie Olsen aquinnahcolumn@gmail.com
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lection day is Tuesday, Sept. 1. I remember the first time I voted. It was way back in the olden days when we had giant machines, each one surrounded by a curtain. You walked through the curtain of your designated voting booth and voted by pulling down a little lever. The registrars at the tables where we checked in and picked up our ballots were a formidable bunch. Most of them were women, all of them in business dress, and not a one of them doing anything other than taking it all seriously.
There was no monkey business, that’s for sure. Today I’m a registrar, which means, among other things, that I get to greet voters as they come through the door. In our small town, I find that many faces are known to me, and part of the joy of the day is seeing each one, celebrating the first-time voters, cheering for those whose physical challenges made getting to the polling place difficult but who made it anyway, just being grateful. That said, every registrar I know or have ever seen still takes
Chilmark By Claire Ganz cganz@live.com
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ate August is lovely. The water is warm, and at Native Earth Teaching Farm, Rebecca Gilbert’s vat of indigo is available to refresh dishcloths, pillowcases, skirts, and dresses. Indigo on a brown dress became a lovely green. The Yard announced Sarah Glazer Khedouri and Fred Khedouri have generously pledged to match up to $25,000 raised through donations from a
community of friends, students, dancers, and patrons through Sept. 15th. This means that every contribution made to The Yard this month (bit.ly/Yard_Donate) will be matched, doubling your impact. The Yard was founded in Chilmark in 1973. It is a place where artists from around the globe create, perform, and offer classes to the community, and go out into the libraries, museums, pop-up venues on farms,
West Tisbury By Hermine Hull hermine.hull@gmail.com
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drove to the Public Safety Building last Saturday afternoon, through the rain, past the rustygreen foliage surrounding the Mill Pond, past the white mallows blooming in Parsonage Pond, not really paying much attention to the sights, as I had something on my mind. Listening to the news that morning, Mike and I heard that the federal government planned to send federal agents and National Guardsmen to oversee polling sites throughout the country. Not that I’m worried they will come to West Tisbury, but I believe that the intimidation and lies about voting are poisoning our country, making Amer-
icans question the veracity of our elections, of all of our civic institutions. I was on my way to work with Tara Whiting-Wells at the Public Safety Building. Saturday was the last day to register to vote before the Sept. 1 primary, and the first day of in-person early voting. I have been one of three registrars since 2022 when Rufus Peebles retired; the others are Bernice Kirby and Jonathan Klaren. We have always used paper ballots in West Tisbury. I have great respect for the reliability of pencil and paper. Ballots were fed into a wooden box with a hand crank and a bell that dinged as the ballot went through. Becky Cournoyer
C the business seriously. Right along with the cheery greetings, we check and doublecheck to make sure that the tally aligns with the voter lists where we ticked names off as each ballot was distributed. We make sure that more than one set of trained eyes is always on every step of the process. I get quite grumpy when I hear anyone say that our elections are fraudulent. Let me tell you, I don’t know of any place where the voting officials are anything other than scrupulous watchdogs protecting what is a hard-won right to have each vote correctly recorded. There are constables
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and wardens, registrars and town clerks, all of them alert and on guard. Your vote is safe. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, and don’t let anyone take that right away. So please, just get out there and vote. Meanwhile, at the library, much is going on. One of my favorite new things is what is called a Library of Things. It’s a collection of games, tools, electronics, and more that you can borrow with your library card. The vision of the Library of Things is to reduce wasted resources and encourage people to rethink whether they want or need to pur-
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chase items they rarely use. The Library of Things is an extension of the sharing economy already practiced by library patrons. Among items available are life jackets, tool sets, PA systems, a Chromebook, binoculars, a sewing machine, a Giant Sorry game, and more. If you haven’t been to the Aquinnah library lately, go on by and give a cheer to the hard-working staff, and maybe take home a Giant Ring Toss while you’re at it. On the topic of the library, I want to thank Beth Green, who has been busily doing the groundwork to get the Friends of the Aquinnah
Your vote is safe. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, and don’t let anyone take that right away. So please, just get out there and vote. and senior centers through paid residencies. After their summer season, in November and March, they offer creation residencies with guest artists, and host workshops in the Island schools. Their works of art spread joy and foster community, creativity, and healing. Classes continue at the Yard this week, and next week, August 31 – Sept. 4, 10:45 am – noon, Naomi Goldberg offers Modern Dance for Life, a class open to all abilities. It is described as a beginning Modern Dance class with a warmup based on various standing and gentle exercises, a floor section with Pilates and yoga-influenced moves, with an easy gratitude ending. It’s $15 a class,
cash/check/Venmo, no preregistration required. Dance inspired the large 10- by 4-foot painting by Harriet Bernstein on display at the Chilmark library. It was created during a monthlong retreat at the Vermont Studio Center in 2022 after losing dance studio space for her weekly improvisational dance activity. She hoped to dance with big brooms as paintbrushes and see what happened. The brooms never manifested, but the large painting emerged, mark by mark, into a cornucopia of
found the original 1893 box in Marjorie Manter Rogers’s barn; it was donated to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, along with the wooden box purchased in 1941, the one many of us remember. Prudy Whiting bought the first modern voting machine during her tenure as town clerk. Tara replaced it when it became obsolete in 2018 or 2019. Our second machine was donated by the state during COVID, when distancing was required. I remember teams of us sitting in pairs around tables after the polls closed on Election Night. One person called out the yes/no/blank marks, while the other recorded the votes and tallied
the numbers. We were earnest and careful, checking and double-checking our counts before turning them in. Those protocols remain in place today. We did have fun, though. Waiting for the polls to close was a good time to visit with our neighbors. So was sitting at the tables checking voters in. Katherine Long, Eileen Maley, Hasty Runner, Andrea Hartman, and Ginny Jones were among my memorable partners, always with interesting conversations, and knitting projects that made our shifts go by quickly. On the tables are big books with voters’ names and addresses. Names are checked off when you an-
pink. This is the first time the painting will be on display, along with her other works. Let’s fill the room and hear the story at her reception, Saturday, Sept. 5, at 3 pm. Valerie Sonenthal is offering a healing Sound Journey, Sunday, August 30, at 4 pm at her Peaked Hill Studio. Sign up at peakedhillstudio.com/embedding-ex. Congratulations to Irene Wong, guest chef extraordinaire at North Tabor Farm, on her food travel series “On the Road,”
The Yard's works of art spread joy and foster community, creativity, and healing.
I remember teams of us sitting in pairs around tables after the polls closed on Election Night.
nounce yourself upon entering, and take your ballot. Those numbers are tallied at the end of the day. Ballots are stacked on the table in packets of 50, counted and recounted. There are no mistakes. Every ballot is accounted for. If it is damaged or mismarked, it is handed to Tara, or to election warden Dinny Montrowl, who write SPOILED across it, put it in an envelope, and destroy it after 30 days. Early in-person ballots and mailed-in ballots are checked against the voter rolls, and go into the vault at Town Hall to be counted on Election Day. If the machine can’t read them, they are hand-counted. To be clear, there is no possibility anyone could vote twice. Election regulations are the purview of each state, not the federal government. The Brennan Center for Justice reviewed data from 42 areas with large immigrant populations, and
S Library back on its feet. She has called for a meeting on Saturday, August 29, at 1:30 pm of all interested in joining. Friends of the Library groups raise supplemental funds for the library, help with library programs when asked, and serve as community cheerleaders who urge their neighbors to enjoy the library collection and programs. The fundraising shouldn’t put you off; sometimes you can do your part simply by baking cookies to sell at the Aquinnah Artisans Fair, or inviting a few friends over for a coffee and chat about what’s available right here at our Aquinnah library. Come to the meeting and sign on. There’s no pressure to do any more than you wish. Happy birthday wishes this week go to Todd Vanderhoop on August 31.
streaming on Netflix. Nothing is as wonderful as eating her food, but this is a delicious and feelgood show. Tuesday, Sept. 1, is North Tabor Farm’s Rebecca Miller’s birthday. It’s also the last Chilmark Church Lobster Roll sale, 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Sig Van Raan was away this week, but reports co-commissioner Caleb pitched for both sides of a high-spirited game. It was well-attended, with the usual aplomb for home runs and defense. Save the date for a celebration of life for Dr. Tim Guiney at 3 pm on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. Tim died on Sept. 12, 2025, at the age of 85.
found 30 cases of suspected noncitizens who voted, out of 23.5 million votes cast. Even the conservative Heritage Foundation Election Fraud Database found fewer than 300 cases of proven “fraudulent use of absentee ballots” over 43 years, 1982 to 2025. Tara and I read through old lists that Prudy and Muriel Bye had written. So many revered members of our town, so many long-gone. I wanted to list everyone. Many still set up voting booths, hand out ballots, bring snacks. Most are people I have known and worked with as long as I have lived in West Tisbury. We have served on committees and boards, celebrated birthdays and new babies, and we have mourned our losses. We have grown older together. Most important, don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Public Safety Building. Polls are open between 7 am and 8 pm.
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community & calendar
August 27, 2026
BOOKS
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ummer 2026 has been one of the busiest and buzziest of the six summers I’ve been managing Edgartown Books — a season stuffed with wonderfully written books that have grabbed the attention of Vineyarders and visitors. Belle Burden’s “Strangers,” Ann Patchett’s “Whistler,” Kathryn Stockett’s “Calamity Club,” and Patrick Radden Keefe’s “London Falling” are only some of the summer’s biggest hits. Truth is, 2026 is a very good year for books. And as the leaves turn, and the Island empties, the loud book buzz is going to continue. The first book to look for, even before Labor Day, is “The Disappearers,” by the Booker winner Marlon James. Set in 1980s Jamaica, eight gay men join to put on a play. Attacked by a mob, one is killed — a death which haunts the survivors. Leaves will still be green, and it won’t yet be officially autumn, when two highly anticipated novels arrive on our shelves. Probably causing the most chatter is John Green’s return to fiction with his new adult book, “Hollywood, Ending,” about the tension between public and private life, with all its absurdity and glamour, mixed with vulnerability behind the camera’s lens. Also eagerly awaited for is Emily St. John Mandel’s “Exit Party,” which begins at a glittering Los Angeles party. A guest vanishes into thin air, setting in motion a globe-trotting adventure mixed with sci-fi, and blended with human drama. Both of these are on my “must read” list. Come October, the winds will blow, and we fear that “something wicked this way comes” — which is a perfect time for the release, from Stephen King and the late Peter Straub, of “Other Worlds Than These,” the final installment of the “Talisman” trilogy, with artwork by Gabriel Rodriguez. King
AROUND THE BOOKSTORE
Autumn comes in like a lion The summer buzz around books continues. BY MATHEW TOMBERS
finished the work after Straub’s death with the abundant notes he left behind. Protagonist Jack Sawyer returns to the Territories and Mid-World. For fans of the series, this is a bittersweet finale. “Yellowface” was the first book by R.F. Kuang that really caught my attention. Author of the “Poppy War” trilogy, “Babel” and “Katabasis,” she returns with “Taipei Story,” not a fantasy but the very poignant tale of Lily Chen, college freshman, off to Taipei to enter an immersive language program. Her grandfather dies while she’s studying, breaking a bridge to the past. Through adventures and misadventures, Lily searches for the meaning of home. As a chill descends and we look forward to Thanksgiving, the midterms just in the rearview mirror, Rachel Maddow will be out with “Department of Fate.” Crown, her publisher, describes it as a “revelatory, rollicking trip” through the 150-year history
of the Justice Department — the branch of government which has had probably the most influence in shaping us, weathering multiple crises, scandals, and upheavals, mixed with heroic efforts. LaVar Burton has a memoir coming out in November, “Take My Word for It,” a
Unbound” novellas are coming out in a single version this fall. It’s a far cry from her romcoms, but within the wheelhouse she has created with other books like “Mate.” In “Bound,” a grifter and a British professor become entangled when he kidnaps her to replicate a mysterious text. In “Unbound,” Lilit, a 5,000-year-old woman, gets involved with a mortal ER physician, who becomes a pawn when someone starts to hunt her. “Switzy,” by Emma Cline, follows David, a retiree who’s wandering across Europe on some kind of vague pilgrimage, blending travel writing, memory, regret, and the clarity one finds in old age. It’s on my list. For those who are looking for good mysteries, there are a couple to take a look at. First, Hank Phillipi Ryan, who has graced our bookstore’s porch for signings, is back with the highly anticipated “Mother Daughter, Sister Stranger,” about the sole survivors of a devastating event. John Grisham is out with “The French Illusion,” a thriller about a Parisian honeymoon which goes catastrophically wrong. It will probably be one of the fall’s biggest commercial hits. Min Jin Lee, author of “Pachinko,” returns with “American Hagwon.” Filled with insightful observations of her characters, it follows siblings as they navigate the fallout from the 1997 financial crisis and family expectations. In a banner year for books, from fading summer to lea-strewn autumn, to curling up with a blanket in winter, there’s a title sure to call you to its pages.
Truth is, 2026 is a very good year for books. And as the leaves turn, and the Island empties, the loud book buzz is going to continue. turn on a phrase he used on PBS’ “Reading Rainbow.” One of my favorite actors, he describes his life from being raised by his mother to playing Kunta Kinte in “Roots,” to Geordi on “Star Trek: Next Generation,” to “Reading Rainbow.” It’s a very human American story. I can’t wait to read it. Ali Hazelwood caught my attention with “Love, Theoretically,” one of a number of books she’s written with strong, smart heroines. She also has plumbed the paranormal for material, and her “Bound and
Edgartown Books, 44 Main St., Edgartown; edgartownbooks.com.
calendar & community B7
August 27, 2026
Christopher Knott and Ten MacInnes of Agreeable Men.
BEHIND THE BAND
Agreeable Men The vast and cheerful repertoire of Christopher Knott and Ted MacInnes.
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hat makes a man agreeable? For guitarist and bassist Christopher Knott and drummer Ted MacInnes, being agreeable is their entire brand: They named their musical duo after the personality trait, and have embodied the quality throughout their lives. The way they play music, the jokes they toss to each other that soothe instead of sting, and the environment they create for the crowds at their shows can truly be summed up in one word: Agreeable. Their band name is essentially the way they operate. From live-band karaoke sets (instead of a backing track by a DJ) to requests for covers from the crowd, Knott and MacInnes say a lot of, “Yes … and?” “Whether it be comedic improv or musical improv, a lot of that's about agreement. That I accept that premise, and I will build on it,” Knott said of the name. What’s compelling about navigating the music scene with kindness, the way Knott and MacInnes do, is
BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON that it has put them in high demand. The duo performed 38 shows in July alone; the residencies (arrangements to play weekly at venues) keep coming, along with the fans that follow along; and it’s all sandwiched into their busy lives, day jobs, relationships, and other musical projects. The pair play every week at the Town and the Wharf in Edgartown and the Ritz Cafe and Nomans in Oak Bluffs. They perform covers, without genre discernment (if it’s a catchy song, they probably know it), originals, and do live karaoke at the Ritz and the Wharf. The Agreeable Men are known for the joy they bring to their shows, and the sheer amount of music they know, which is currently at nearly 500 hit songs and counting. Knott and MacInnes got their start on the Island through their friend and fellow musician, Seán McMahon. In 2022, they were brought together as McMahon’s band: Knott as his bassist, and MacInnes as his drummer. The two bandmates traveled to the Vineyard from Rhode Island and Connecticut for shows, and developed a love
Christopher Knott and Ten MacInnes. PHOTOS: SARAH SHAW DAWSON
The Agreeable Men are like a road trip with friends. It doesn’t matter to them whether they’re in the backseat, the passenger side, or the driver’s seat, as long as they’re moving forward. for the Island through their passion for music. But by the time McMahon and his wife, Katie, had their third child, late night performances became less doable. So he told Knott and MacInnes to carry on as a duo with the residencies they had set up at venues like the Ritz. The three of them
still perform together, but usually at earlier time slots. The drummer and bassist each stepped into the role of vocalist, Knott sidled over to the guitar, and they became the Agreeable Men. “It was nice that we had the foundation of playing together for years with Seán,” Knott said as he gestured toward his
friend. “It was a really natural thing to work together.” And since they started their duo, they’ve been booked and busy. “We've been growing, I'd say exponentially or at least linearly, and like, this year's been the most insane year yet,” MacInnes said. Soon after moving to the Island to play with McMahon, MacInnes met his fiancėe, Kelly Bowes, and now has two children under 2, James and Calvin. The young family bought a house on Facebook Marketplace a couple of years ago through a listing he initially thought was a scam. MacInnes is a project manager for Linguistic Systems, and works remotely as his day job, doing English translations online. As a result, he’s conversational in multiple languages, and quite good at impressions, which he said go hand in hand. He’s also a welder on the side, braving the scalding heat and creating chain ink fences when the opportunity arises. The home MacInnes purchased is on Chappaquiddick Island, off downtown Edgartown. When their shows run after last call for the Chappy Ferry, MacInnes packs his drum set into his car, parks for the night, and kayaks home across Edgartown Harbor. “My drums have probably never been inside my house,” MacInnes said with a laugh. Then he pointed at Knott, and recalled, “I bought my drums on Facebook Marketplace also,” in addition to the house. For the past four years, Knott has toggled between Rhode Island and this Island, but after purchasing a home on the Vineyard, he’s more often found on this side of the shoreline. He plays shows in both locales, along with his girlfriend, musician Allison Rose. Knott teaches music lessons, hosts a podcast about music history, and works as a videographer for festivals and events. He said the biggest is the Newport Folk and Jazz Festival, where he meanders with a camera in hand to capture the likes of Joni Mitchell, Flea, and more. In his free time, Knott heads to the trodden field off Barnes Road and plays disc golf. He also writes songs. So far, he said, he’s composed just under 1,000 originals. Most of those, he added with a chuckle, aren’t his best. But with a repertoire of nearly 1,000 original songs and almost 500 covers, Knott has covered many musical
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bases. He uses that jukebox of song knowledge twice a week at karaoke, and even more through requests at various shows. For his originals, song releases are on the horizon, he said. “For this band, I just started researching the most popular songs from every year of popular music — from 1965 to the present — to see what people were still listening to,” Knott said. The duo have one mission in mind when they play together: Create a space of comfort, fun, and nostalgia for their listeners. The classic rock ’n’ roll stereotypes of big egos and smashed guitars onstage are absent from Agreeable Men sets. Although the songs that have echoed in the background of those explosive moments might be played by Knott and MacInnes, their sound is paired with beaming smiles and visible excitement. They shine brightly when they uplift other vocalists through karaoke, something they both said they’re passionate about. To them, highlighting talent in others is a way of sharing it with the whole community. The Agreeable Men are like a road trip with friends. It doesn’t matter to them whether they’re in the backseat, the passenger side, or the driver’s seat, as long as they’re moving forward. “Our favorite thing to do is play music. I mean, period,” Knott said. “So, if we're doing that, we're probably going to be pretty happy about it.” “That's what being an agreeable man is all about,” MacInnes added.
Upcoming shows WEEKLY RESIDENCIES: Tuesdays: Live-band karaoke at the Ritz Cafe in Oak Bluffs at 9 pm Wednesdays: the Town in Edgartown at 7:30 pm Thursdays: Live-band karaoke at the Wharf in Edgartown at 10 pm Sundays: Nomans in Oak Bluffs from 2 to 5 pm Sundays: with Seán McMahon at the Ritz at 8 pm OTHER SHOWS: August 27: with Seán McMahon at Slough Farm Sunset Series in Edgartown Sept. 4, 11, and 25: the Ritz in Oak Bluffs at 8 pm Sept. 5: Christopher Knott solo set with original music at the West Tisbury library at 2:30 pm
SCAN HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!
B8
calendar & community
August 27, 2026
Event spotlight for the week of 8•28 — 9•3
FRI 8/28
SAT 8/29
SUN 9/30
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Women Behaving Badly
omen Behaving Badly is a deliciously defiant theatrical experience charting one woman’s journey from good girl to unapologetic diva. Through a blend of music and storytelling, the show explores what happens when we stop shrinking, stop waiting for permission, and start claiming the fullest version of ourselves. 7 to
‘Artists' Premiere’
9 pm. Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Ave., Oak Bluffs. $40 to $70. eventbrite.com/e/womenbehaving-badly.
rtists’ Premiere,” featuring new works by Michael Stimola, Jennifer Brown, and Judy Bramhall, brings three distinct artistic voices
who explore the textures, colors, and atmospheres of Martha’s Vineyard through textile art, photography, and mixedmedia. 4 to 6pm. Field Gallery, 1050 State Road, West Tisbury.
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Musical Mondays: Grateful Dread
usical Mondays feature musical performances on Featherstone’s outdoor stage. Enjoy music while supporting musical artists and the
nonprofit art center. Tickets are $20 per person, with 50 percent of proceeds from each performance going to the musicians. Tickets for each week's performance will go on sale to the public at noon a week prior. 6 to 7:30 pm. $20. Featherstone Center for the Arts, 30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs. featherstoneart. org/music.html.
MV TIMES
eet Mermaid Farm cows and learn about rotational grazing and the many ways that this system of management benefits humans and our local ecosystem. The tour includes
TUES 9/1
Flaky Galettes with Chef Melissa McCullough
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iscover the art of creating a classic French galette. Participants will learn how simple, fresh ingredients can create mouthwatering masterpieces. Each participant will make a delicious flaky pastry dough from scratch to use as the foundation for a galette. Participants will also be able to take their freshly baked galettes home to enjoy.
a visit to the milk room, as well as the processing room and cheese cave, where yogurt, lassis, and cheeses are made. At the end, you will have an opportunity to taste yogurt, lassis, and some Mermaid Farm cheeses. $45. 10 to 11 am. Mermaid Farm and Dairy. 9 Middle Road, Chilmark. eventbrite. com. MV TIMES
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MON 8/31
Mermaid Farm Tour and Tasting
WED 9/2
Preregistration is required. Please contact with any allergy or food accommodation: thefarminstitute@ thetrustees.org, or if you’d like to join as a member and receive discounted programming. If you would like to attend but are unable to pay, please reach out to lbrown@thetrustees.org. https:// thetrustees.org/ event/447783. The FARM Institute, 14 Aero Ave., Edgartown.
Grandparents Day Celebration
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ake your own tea party and create some special crafts. Bring your grandparent or adopt a "grand-pal" for the day. 3:30 to 4:30 pm, West Tisbury library and the
Up-Island Council on Aging. Free. Event contact: Hannah Burbridge: hburbridge@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366. West Tisbury library, 1042 State Road, West Tisbury.
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Events THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Dance Fitness and Strength Training with Kris Martin
Art Exhibition: Bernstein, Grandin. Morgenbesser, Everett, and Brenner
7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. A creative blend of rhythmic resistance, 9 am-6 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: Bernstein, Grandin. Morgenbesser, Everett, and cardio conditioning, manageable mobility and core strength exercises Brenner 508-939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org. all set to crazy-FUN music. 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com.
Polar Bears MV Celebrate Their 80th Season on 4th July
Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Quest
Morning Pages Mornings
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. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org.
Early Birders Walk
9-10:30 am, Airport Fitness, West 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.
Kaiut Yoga
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.
Balletics
9:30-10:30 am, The Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury. Learn about the incredible history, people, and plants that make the Polly Hill Arboretum a local and global landmark. Free with admission! 508-693-9426, info@pollyhillarboretum.org.
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. 8-9 am, West Tisbury Library. Meets on the library porch. Writing prompts and inspiration with Kate Feiffer. No sign up required. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.
Tennis Morning Clinic Level 3.5+
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. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org.
Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery
8:30-9:30 am, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. Kaiut Yoga 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, valerie@peakedhillstudio.com.
Docent-Led Arboretum Tours
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.
Goat Yoga MV
10-11 am, Native Earth Teaching Farm, Chilmark. Slow Flow Yoga with baby pygmy goats. goatyogamv@gmail.com.
Origins -Drum Circle with Roots
10-11 am, Milokan Cultural Center and Drum Museum, Chilmark. More than just a jam.... 774-563-0870, rick@drumrol.org.
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.
Artists’s Premiere: Heather Neill, Kib Bramhall, Tamalin Baumgarten, Milton Avery & Thomas Hart Benton 10 am-5 pm, The Granary Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s Premiere: Heather Neill, Kib Bramhall, Tamalin Baumgarten, Milton Avery & Thomas Hart Benton 508-693-0455, info@granarygallery.com.
Carnegie Heritage Center
10 am-4 pm, the carnegie heritage center, Edgartown. Admission: $5 (ages 12+). vineyardtrust.org/events/ 774-549-9107, thecarnegie@mvpreservation.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.
Pasta Making Class for Kids
10:30-11:30 am, Chilmark Library. Pasta making class for kids 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com.
Tech help
JourneyDance with Deneen McQueen
11 am-1 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Free tach help 508-693-2896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov.
Solar Car Race Program
11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Connected: Selected Works by Brooke Adams 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.
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.
Connected: Selected Works by Brooke Adams
10 am-1 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Ignite your child’s passion for STEM and teamwork with Vineyard Power’s two-day program! Designed for kids aged 8-11. Sign up by calling 508-693-9433. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.
Summer Show
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.
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. Continued on B9
Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator
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.
Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show
calendar & community B9
August 27, 2026
‘Soul Patrol’ at the M.V. Film Center BY ABBY REMER
Y
ou know you are in for something powerful when the first words onscreen in J.M. Harper’s “Soul Patrol” tell us that all the Super 8 footage we are about to see was shot by Vietnam veterans who carried their cameras with them during the war, while still in their teens. Playing at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center starting on August 29, the film, which won the directing award for U.S. documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival, digs deep into a heretofore overlooked chapter of our country’s history. “Soul Patrol,” based on Ed Emanuel’s book of the same title, drops us into the heart of a special airborne command unit, the surviving members of which are gathering for the final time. They belonged to the ultra-elite force the “Lurps,” consisting of several hundred men who fought in six-man reconnaissance teams — one of which was known as Soul Patrol, so named because it was the only one made up entirely of Black members. Emanuel says to his brothers-in-arms during the on-camera gathering, “After 50 years of running away from my service in Vietnam, I felt that maybe there’s a chance I could reunite our team, and hopefully, this final reunion would help me. I could free myself from these demons and questions and bad memories that I have. I’m asking you to pour your heart out and tell your story so people will know what we experienced.”
We hear from the now older men as the film unfolds, each speaking of their experiences, providing a kaleidoscopic view augmented by ample Super 8 footage, the men’s old photographs, archival imagery, and skillful re-enactments, all woven seamlessly together into a haunting tale of the cost of war to those who fought it. While “Soul Patrol” brings home the intense danger the soldiers faced, it makes clear they were fighting on another front, including against the overt racism they faced within military ranks. The documentary highlights the internal crises of young Black soldiers fighting for a country embroiled in civil rights turmoil and domestic antiwar movements back home, including many Black leaders in the U.S. speaking out against sending Black men off to fight. We hear Martin Luther King Jr. proclaiming, “We were taking the Black young men who had been crippled by our society and sending them 8,000 miles away to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia, which they had not found in Southwest Georgia or East Harlem. And to die in extraordinarily high proportions relative to the population.” The film stresses that unearthing and preserving these buried histories is vital to preventing the active erasure of Black military contributions. Onscreen, Jesse Lewis — a soldier who later went back as a reporter — notes that while Blacks made
11 am-12 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Bring your 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.
VHPL Book Club Reads “Wild Dark Shore: A Novel” by Charlotte McConaghy
Strings & Things drop-in club
3:30-5 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Play games with string, including iconic childhood favorites like Cat’s Cradle. Explore our building materials including Legos, Magnatiles, and more. 508-6964211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.
2 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Come enjoy a lively discussion in a casual “hybrid” format. Send an email Loïs Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org to be 11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Music and Mocktails added to the list. Everyone is welcome! Bluffs. Group Exhibition - Lois Mailou 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. 4-5 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Jones: Sphere of Influence 917-960Tisbury. Music and Mocktails on the patio Coin Collecting Event 9344, info@knowhereart.com. 508-693-2896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov. 3-8 pm, Portuguese American Club, Oak Fault Lines Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway Bluffs. Join Collectors, Enthusiasts, and 11 am-5 pm, Knowhere Art Gallery, Oak experts. Celebrate America’s 250th Anat MV Family Resource Center Bluffs. Group Exhibition: Fault Lines niversary with the coin designs of 2026. 4-6 pm, MV Family Resource Center, Vineyard 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com. Free Entry, Investments, Appraisals Haven. Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway Secret Gardens Watercolor Show 508-939-1041, ianthurber111@msn.com. at MV Family Resource Center 508-560-3378, 11 am-5 pm, The Moore Family Gallery, Oak pmchugh@mvcommunityservices.org. Opera Appreciation Lecture Bluffs. Hannah Moore’s Secret Gardens, an ex- Series with Susan Grunthal Table Tennis hibit of recent work in watercolor and ink 508- 3-4:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Susan 5 pm, Tisbury Senior Center, Vineyard Haven. 801-1052, hannahmooreportfolio@gmail.com. Grunthal will delve into the fascinating Table tennis for all ages and skill levels. Discomfort isn't a Flaw art show history and music of four operas 508-627- 508-728-5898, raeobmv@gmail.com. 4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Book Talk: Thomas Dresser’s Historic 12-4 pm. Oak Bluffs. A vibrant blend of
representational and abstratct pieces by Allison Roberts exploring socioeconomical status, war, race, gender, love and more. Schule Gallery. Featherstone Center for the Arts. featherstoneart.org. Open Door Club by SANCTUAIRE, Fragrance House
12-8 pm, MV Botega, Edgartown. Step inside The Open Door Club by SANCTUAIRE—a fragrance house and lounge where scent, storytelling, hospitality and Black leisure come together. care@sanctuairelife.com.
Free CPR Class
1-2:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Led by Alan Ganapol. Gain valuable skills that can help save a life. Not a certification course. Email wt_mail@clamsnet.org to sign up. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.
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.
up 11 to 12 percent of the general population, the percentage went up to 23 or more in Vietnam, and that Black soldiers were wounded or killed at a higher rate than their white comrades. The cost of the war to these men, who we see were truly just boys at the time, is intense. “My job was to kill as many people as I could and make a difference,” one says. As we watch them in their fatigues gathering all their weaponry to carry in what will be a 150-pound rucksack, another of the men explains the need to be ruthless because the enemy is “out there to die or to kill you.” The intensity of the team’s time in Vietnam is amplified emotionally by their experiences upon returning home. Like many Vietnam vets, they were met with hostility from those who were vehemently antiwar, and there were the psychologi-
cal wounds they all carried, which they speak achingly about. Many note that for decades, they didn’t talk about having served. All seem to have buried the pain, and for some, it surfaced as violent, dangerous rage. In a brief segment, the wives of the soldiers share the ongoing pain they witness in their husbands, with one stating, “Vietnam, it’s not over yet.” At its heart, though, “Soul Patrol” is about the intensely deep bonds these men developed with one another, and the unbreakable, lifesaving trust they had while operating high-risk, deep-reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. We see it continually in the photographs and footage from their time in Vietnam, as well as in the moments they share during the final reunion, which allows these brave veterans to confront decades of hidden pain and find solace.
Events
Continued from B8
Pokemon Club
“Soul Patrol” is playing at the M.V. Film Center starting August 29. For tickets and more information, visit mvfilmsociety.com. The film’s director, Jason Harper, will join via Zoom for the Q and A at the August 29, 7:30 pm showing.
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! 508-6453360, chil.programs@gmail.com.
Tie-Dye Party!
3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Bring your WT Library Summer Reading Shirt to tie dye and celebrate the end of Summer! Thus 8/27 3:30-4:30pm 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org.
Storms of Martha’s Vineyard
5:30-6:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Local author Thomas Dresser will discuss his newly released book, Historic Storms of Martha’s Vineyard. This event is free and open to the public. 508-693-3366, wtprograms@clamsnet.org.
Design Your Own Planner
5:30-7:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Design Your Own Planner 508-6939433, cphelan@clamsnet.org.
Community Sound Bath
5:30-6:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Ukulele Jam Community Sound Bath 508-6933:30-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. All ages and 9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org. abilities. The library has ukuleles to borrow, Farm to Focaccia: Bread Art or bring a guitar or banjo, or come to sing. with Vineyard Baker wt_mail@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366. 5:30-7:30 pm, The Farm Institute, Edgartown. At Stillpoint // Naptime Join Teri Culletto of Vineyard Baker for a hands-on focaccia class! 508-627-7007, with David Stanwood 3:30-4:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org. Experience the calming effect of Thursday Fried Chicken harmonic vibration, with pianist and at The Beach Plum acclaimed piano technician David 5:30-8:30 pm, Beach Plum Inn & ResStanwood. info@stillpointmv.org. tauraunt, Chilmark. eventbrite.com.
Comedy Night returns to the Leeside Pub on August 27th
6-7:30 pm, Quahog Republic’s Leeside Pub, Woods Hole. 617-755-4622, onpremsieentertainment@gmail.com.
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.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: In Conversation
6-7:30 pm, Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs. Join Skye Perryman and Jonathan Capehart for a conversation on democracy, community, and the power of everyday action. eventbrite.com.
AMERIGO: THE SEARCH FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. AMERIGO: THE SEARCH FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM. Followed by a discussion with producers David and Julie McCourt, MV Times publisher Charlie Sennott 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Barre Fusion with Kris Martin
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.
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. Continued on B10
Music in the Square - Tauras Biskis Brazilian Duo
6-8 pm, Eisenhauer Gallery, Edgartown. Eisenhauer Gallery presents “Music in the Square” with Tauras Biskis Brazilian Duo 508-627-7003, eisenhauergallery@gmail.com.
Thursday with Delanie Pickering Band 6-7:30 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Join us this summer for Musical Mondays, featuring musical performances on our outdoor stage under the trees! 508693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org.
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.
Knowhere After Dark
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
Knowhere After Dark
6:30-8:30 pm, Knowhere Art Gallery, Oak Bluffs. An evening in the galleries with art, music, and easy conversation. 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.
Live Music: John Craigie
7 pm, Old Whaling Church, Edgartown. Live Music: John Craigie 508-6966300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.
The MV Film Society • Now celebrating 28 years • 1999-2026
7:30 PM THE ODYSSEY AMERIGO: THE SEARCH 7:30 PM Fri 8/28 FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM Followed by a discussion with producers David and Julie
Thurs 8/27
McCourt, MV Times publisher Charlie Sennott and special guests.
SOUL PATROL
7:30 PM
SOUL PATROL THE INVITE Mon 8/31 THE ODYSSEY Tue 9/1 ASK E. JEAN Wed 9/2 THE ODYSSEY Thurs PETER ASHER: 9/3 EVERYWHERE MAN
4:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM
Sat 8/29 with director J.M. Harper via Zoom Sun 8/30
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
scan code for complete schedule
mvfilmsociety.com
508.69 6.9369
B10
calendar & community
August 27, 2026
Events
Continued from B9
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.
EFF’n Move Series with Tuni
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.
Art Exhibition: Bernstein, Grandin. Morgenbesser, Everett, and Brenner 9 am-6 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: Bernstein, Grandin. Morgenbesser, Everett, and Brenner 508-9394092, art@oldsculpingallery.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.
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.
Artists’s Premiere: Heather Neill, Kib Bramhall, Tamalin Baumgarten, Milton Avery & Thomas Hart Benton
10 am-5 pm, The Granary Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s Premiere: Heather Neill, Kib Bramhall, Tamalin Baumgarten, Milton Avery & Thomas Hart Benton 508-693-0455, info@granarygallery.com.
Obstacle Course
10-11:30 am, Oak Bluffs Library. Enjoy passing through all the obstacles of the course we created just for you! Box Crawl, Hurdle Jump, Balance Beam, Bucket Stilts and more! Drop-in. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.
Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator
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. 774-5499107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org.
Carnegie Heritage Center
Friday and Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. Admission: $5 (ages 12+). vineyardtrust.org/events/ 774-549-9107, thecarnegie@mvpreservation.org.
Seashore Discovery
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.
Landscape Sketching with M Colleen Harrigan
10 am-1 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. This class for all levels from beginners to more advanced participants. The goal is to guide students through basic technique develop their skills. 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org
Summer Show
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.
Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show
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 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.
Loïs Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence
11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition - Lois Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence 917-9609344, info@knowhereart.com.
Fault Lines
11 am-5 pm, Knowhere Art Gallery, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition: Fault Lines 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.
Toddler Time
10:30-11 am, West Tisbury Library. Sing fun songs and play instruments with friends! Ages 0-5 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org.
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.
10:30 am-4 pm, Edgartown Library. Visit the library every Friday and pick up a stuffed dinosaur 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.
11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library, West Tisbury. To strengthen our connection to Earth and maintain balance. To sign up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366
Kid’s Music Class
Adopt a Stuffed Dino
iPad Workshop with Kathy Lavieri 10:30-11:30 am, Edgartown Library. You have an iPad and you’re excited to use it—but where to begin? 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.
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.
Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky
Discomfort isn't a Flaw art show 12-4 pm through Sept 6. Oak Bluffs. A vibrant blend of representational and abstratct pieces by Allison Roberts exploring socioeconomical status, war, race, gender, love and more. Schule Gallery. Featherstone Center for the Arts. featherstoneart.org. 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.
Open Door Club by SANCTUAIRE, Fragrance House
12-8 pm, MV Botega, Edgartown. Step inside The Open Door Club by SANCTUAIRE—a fragrance house and lounge where scent, storytelling, hospitality and Black leisure come together. care@sanctuairelife.com.
Book Signing: ‘The Madness of Ida Mae’ by Christine Bagley
2-4 pm, Edgartown Books. Author Christine Bagley signs copies of her collection of short stories, ‘The Madness of Ida Mae and other stories of love, murder & misfits’. 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.
Teen Gaming
3 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library Switch games and gaming laptops for teens.jrapuano@clamsnet.org.
Tabletop Roleplay Group: Monster-Sized Summer Road Trip
3-6 pm, Edgartown Library. Throughout the campaign, you’ll experience highs and lows as you roadtrip across the country 508627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.
Book Talk: Bob Perschel’s Numinosity
3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Bob Perschel will read from his new book Numinosity: A New England Forester’s Search for the Ineffable. This program is free and all are welcome. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.
One Bad Crab: Screening, Discussion and Green Crab Tasting
4 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Film screening followed by green crab appetizer tasting by Chef Galen. With filmmaker Sandy Cannon-Brown and members of the MV Shellfish community. 508-6964211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.
[Online] Build It, Build It Better: Poetry Workshop with Donald Nitchie 4:30-6 pm, Edgartown Library. This workshop is perfect for beginning writers or anyone curious about writing in groups. 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.
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.
Built on Stilts 30th Anniversary Soirée and FUNdraiser
6-9 pm, Portuguese American Club, Oak Bluffs. Celebrate 30 years of Built on Stilts with an evening of finger food, mingling, pop-up performances, silent auction, cash bar, and a dance party! shakes9999@yahoo.com.
Moonrise Kayak
6-8 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Nighttime is the right time for a Sengekontacket Pond Paddle with our naturalist guides. The full moon appears and shines the way! Ages 16+ only 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org.
Friday Nights with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish
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.
Loving Kindness and Mindfulness Meditation: A 90-Minute Journey
8:30-10 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This class offers a blend of loving-kindness meditation, mindfulness practice, and shared experiences through personal reflection info@stillpointmv.org.
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.
Chilmark Flea Market
9 am-2 pm, Flea Market Field, Chilmark. 508-645-3100, chilmarkflea@gmail.com.
Greenhouse Soil Therapy!
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.
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.
Vinyasa Power Yoga
7-9 pm, Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs. A genre-defying one-woman show charting the path from good girl to unapologetic diva — combining the power of opera with the wit of cabaret. 508-338-7420, info@heatherpoduska.com.
9-10 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Curious about pickleball? Join a session to learn the basics! Advance registration is required, call 508-696-8000 or go to our website to register. workout568@aol.com.
Women Behaving Badly
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.
Beginner Pickleball Clinic
Drive-In Movie: My Neighbor Totoro
7:30 pm, The Vineyard’s Drive-In at the YMCA, Oak Bluffs. Drive-In Movie: My Neighbor Totoro 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
Polar Bears MV Celebrate Their 80th Season on 4th July
7:30-8:30 am, Inkwell Beach , Oak Bluffs. The
For events for the full week scan code or visit mvtimes.com/things-to-do.
community & calendar B11
August 27, 2026
BUSINESSDIRECTORY LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPING
ROOFING
INDIGO FARM Full Service Landscape Design, Build, & Maintenance
info@millerspros.com
Maintenance Spring & Fall Clean-ups Native Planting • Renovations Mulching • Fertilizing Brushcutting Vegetable & Herb Gardens
METAL WORK
WATER TESTING
FineMetalwork.com
What’s IN YOUR WATER?
Custom railings, gates, fireplace screens and hardware in wrought iron, bronze and stainless steel
Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory
Build Stonework • Walls • Paths Patios • Trenching • Drainage Road & Parking • Bobcat Services • Water Features Light Excavation
Tree Work
CONCRETE & MASONRY
HEATING
ISA Certified Arborist Tree & Shrub Pruning Hand & Tree Spade Removal Transplants • Chipping
HEATING
FRANK’S
Floor Radiant Heat
High Efficiency Heating & Air Conditioning
Concrete & Masonry
508-560-3234 FENCING
· Oil Burner Service · Boiler, Furnace and Tank Installations · 24/7 Emergency Service
islandenergyinc.net 508-696-5959
The Good Neighbor Fence Company 508-693-1008
OFFICE SUPPLIES
WATER TREATMENT
www.indigofarm.com
Heating Oil Delivery ... and More!
Herring Creek Road, Aquinnah Phone: 508-645-2903 Fax: 508-645-9421 wtghalaboratory@comcast.net
508.696.6114
·
508-696-6984 Whit Hanschka
Full service water testing for your home or business
BRENNAN & CO., LLC. Sales · Service · Installation 508-696-0043 • Fax 508-696-6874
HOME IMPROVEMENT Organic Gardening and Landscaping, Inc.
· Flowers, Shrubs, Trees · Lawn Mowing & Pruning · Fertilizer Programs · Organic Deep Root Fertilizer · Stone and Brick Work · Driveway & Lawn Installations · Bobcat Services
BONJOUR
HOME IMPROVEMENT RESTORATION & PAINTING
KITCHEN & BATHROOM RENOVATION DECKING · CARPENTRY ·ROOFING· SIDING
ROOFING
Leonardo Bonjour
508-560-0464 BONJOURPAINTING.COM
508-627-7094
Island news daily Three Generations of Roofers
OVER 25,000 REFERENCES ACROSS THE SOUTH SHORE AND MARTHA’S VINEYARD. LOCAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE
A FEW LOCAL REFERENCES: YMCA, Old Whaling Church, The Black Dog, Lambert’s Cove Inn, Edgartown School, Giordano’s & Alley’s General Store
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL
· Asphalt Shingles · Flat Rubber Specialist · Slate Shingles & Cedar Shingles · Copper Gutters & Custom · Sheet Metal Work
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B12
community & calendar
August 27, 2026
M.V. CENTER FOR LIVING
DEMENTIA AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT Mary Holmes, Executive Director • 508-939-9440 maryh@mcventer4living.org • mvcenter4living.org A monthly newsletter from your local Councils on Aging and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living PO Box 1729, Vineyard Haven, MA Tel: 508-939-9440. By Mary Holmes
September 2026 - Vol. 30, Issue9
SHINE NEWS
A great volunteer opportunity awaits! Join the SHINE team and become a trusted resource in your community!
The Cape Cod & Islands Regional SHINE program is now recruiting volunteers for our 2026 training class. No prior experience with health insurance is required — we provide comprehensive screening, training, and certification so you can become a Medicare expert. As a SHINE volunteer, you can make a real difference by • Counseling individuals one-on-one • Speaking to community groups • Providing office support We’ll help you find the role that fits your skills and interests. All you need is integrity, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help others. Medicare can be confusing. If you’ve navigated the enrollment process yourself, you know how challenging it can be. Now, you can guide others through their first enrollment, and help them compare plan options, or troubleshoot issues.
You know your community and neighbors best, that’s why your involvement matters. SHINE volunteers are highly trained and certified to assist with • Original Medicare (Parts A and B) • Medicare Advantage (Part C) • Prescription drug coverage (Part D) • Medicare supplement (Medigap) • Programs that help reduce healthcare costs Make a meaningful impact. Become a SHINE volunteer today! Please call the Cape Cod and Islands Regional SHINE Program Manager Kristina Whiton-O’Brien at 508-375-6762, and choose option No. 2 to sign up!
CORE Ann Baird • 508-693-7900, ext. 210 • mvcommunityservices.org Counseling, Outreach, and Referral for the Elderly (CORE) at M.V. Community Services works with at-risk and mostly homebound seniors in the community,
addressing significant physical, behavioral health, social, and casemanagement needs of seniors age 60-plus, at no cost to the client.
Announcements:
• The center is welcoming volunteers for all interests! Call or email today. • Free Memory Training with M.V. Center for Living at Oak Bluffs Public Library. Tuesdays, 2-4pm. Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27. Email oakb_mail@clamsnet.org or call 508-693-9433 to register. This course is not intended for those with a dementia or an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but we have other support for all needs. • Save the date, Oct. 17, 10 am-3 pm, for our first Mah Jongg Tournament to support dementia and caregiver services! Visit mvcenter4living.org for more information. Email katiev@mvcenter4living.org, or scan the QR code to be added to Mah Jongg mailing list. Registration will open after Labor Day.
Regular programs:
Mon-Fri: 9 am – 3 pm, Supportive Day Program Wed: Memory Support Group, 10 to 11:30 am Thu: Music and Memory Cafe, Sept. 17, 10:30 am to noon Fri: 11 am – noon, Open House Fri: 10 – 11:15 am, Dementia Caregiver Support Group on Zoom. Call for a link!
Services
Fees may apply. Call for more information. • Supportive Day Program: Activity and social program • Respite Innovations: Home visits • Dementia coaching: To make home life easier • Support groups: Professionally led for both caregivers and those experiencing memory changes • Resources and education: Remove stigma and learn strategies
The Supportive Day Program (SDP) is a daily program for older adults who may experience memory challenges or disability. Enriching activities and a family-style lunch create a day of community engagement, purpose, and meaning. Equally important is the respite provided for caregivers. When a caregiver has time for rest and self-care, the quality of life for both the caregiver and care recipient improves. Call Stacey Northrop (ext. 102) to learn about registration. Respite Innovations Respite Innovations brings person-centered engagement into the home, and affords caregivers time to take care of themselves. Call Ann Baird at MVCL if you are a caregiver who would benefit from a break! 508-9399440, ext. 105.
Resources and education
The Family Caregiver Support Program advocates for caregivers, providing memory screenings, family meeting facilitation, ongoing Alzheimer’s and dementia education, and referrals to programs that can support your caregiving efforts. Our services at MVCL provide meaningful tools and tips for a better caregiving experience. We support any caregiver living on Martha’s Vineyard, or who is caring from afar for someone living here. Caregiver counseling: We can help you navigate the system of public and private care for the best plan to meet your needs. Consultation can be provided in the home, at our office, or over the phone. We can meet with caregivers individually or as a family. Dementia Friends: Dementia Friends USA is part of a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. By providing a free, one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session for your staff, you are helping the community better serve our neighbors. Contact Mary Holmes, Dementia Friends champion, at maryh@ mvcenter4living.org or 508-939-9440 to arrange a free session today!
VETERANS CORNER
LET US HELP YOU: · With a non-diet approach to weight loss · Lower your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol · Increase your energy and feel great · Navigate Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) and other food allergies · Prevent diabetes, heart disease & chronic inflammation Prudence Athearn Levy, MS, RDN, LDN Josh Levy, MS, RDN, LDN
To learn more call 508-627-3235 or visit vineyardnutrition.com
The Dukes County Veterans Service Department serves the veterans of all seven towns within Dukes County. The Veterans Service Officer helps veterans obtain all the benefits to which they are entitled, keeps records of living and deceased veterans, and conceives programs to honor vets and promote patriotism. Veterans Services provides for the provision of Federal Veterans Administration and general laws governing the financial support of local veterans, including the determination of eligibility, the disbursement of veterans benefits and assisting local veterans and their families in obtaining financial & other counseling, advice and assistance. Dukes County Veterans Service Department Veterans Service Officer: George Pimentel Phone: (508) 693-6887 Mailing Address: PO Box 190, Edgartown, MA 02539 Website: www.dukescounty.org/ veterans-services-officer
SEPTEMBER 2026 Emergency Food Program
For emergency food, please contact your local Council on Aging.
M.V. Mediation
Serving our community by providing education, outreach, mediation, conflict coaching, facilitation, and related services to help prevent and resolve conflicts. mvmediation.org, 508-693-2999
Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Supportive Day Program Mary Holmes, Executive Director Program hours: Monday through Friday 9 am - 3 pm.
Call 508-939-9440 for information and referrals.
A Monthly Newsletter from your local Councils on Aging and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Find helpful information on Veterans Services, Travel News, Activities, Individual Town Councils on Aging and more! To place your ad email, adsales@mvtimes.com or call 508-693-6100
community & calendar B13
August 27, 2026
HEALTHY AGING MARTHA’S VINEYARD
EDGARTOWN COUNCIL ON AGING
Cindy Trish, Executive director • 508-618-5134, ctrish@hamv.org
Lyndsay Famariss, Director • 508-627-4368
Tech Pro MV: Technology help for adults 55-plus Technology is an important part of everyday life, from staying connected with family and friends to accessing healthcare, managing finances, and finding information online. For adults 55 and older who need a little help navigating technology, Tech Pro MV offers local assistance throughout Martha’s Vineyard at no cost to you. The Call the Tech Pro program connects adults 55 and older with friendly, patient technology support at their local Council on Aging. No prior technology experience is required, and beginners are welcome. Tech Pro can help with a wide range of common technology needs, including using smartphones, tablets, and computers; setting up new devices; accessing email and video calls such as Zoom and FaceTime; navigating hospital portals; troubleshooting internet and Wi-Fi issues; printing and scanning; and learning how to stay safe online and avoid scams. The program is designed to provide assistance in a comfortable, easy-to-understand environment, without pressure
or confusing technical jargon. The goal is to help older adults use technology safely and confidently while staying connected and independent. Drop-in technology help is available during the first and third weeks of the month at the following locations: Tisbury Council on Aging: Tuesdays, 11:30 am-1 pm. Up-Island Council on Aging: Thursdays, 11 am-1 pm. Oak Bluffs Council on Aging: Fridays, 11 am-1 pm. Edgartown Council on Aging: Second Friday of the month, noon-1 pm. To get started, contact your local Council on Aging or email Tech Pro MV at techpromvy@gmail.com. You can also learn more about the program and available resources at techpromv.org. Whether you are learning to use a new smartphone, trying to connect with loved ones online, or simply have a technology question, Tech Pro MV is available to help you build your skills and confidence.
UP-ISLAND COUNCIL ON AGING Bethany Hammond, Director • 508-693-2896 Mondays • Balletics, 9 am • Strength & Fitness – Virtual, 9 and 9:35 am • Yoga – Virtual, 9:15 am • Parkinson’s Support Group – second and fourth Mondays at 1 pm Tuesdays • Strength & Fitness –Virtual, 9 and 9:35 am • Keeping the Balance, 10 am • Duplicate Bridge, 1-4 pm • Silent Book Club, second Tuesday, Sept. 8 Wednesdays • Attorney Conni Baker, second Wednesday by appointment, 508-477-4502 • Yoga – Virtual, 9:15 am • Fitness with Margarita, 10 am • Aging GREATfully, first and third Wednesdays, 10 am • Mah Jong, 1-3 pm Thursdays • Strength & Fitness – Virtual, 9 and 9:35 am
• Balletics, 9 am • Tech Pro Help, first and third, 11 am-1 pm • Weekly Luncheon, 12:30 pm (sign up Monday before) • Wellness Clinic with VNA Nurse, third Thursday, 12:15-1:15 pm • Chair Yoga, 2:30 pm Fridays • Food Distribution, fourth Friday • Strength & Fitness – Virtual, 9 and 9:35 am • Yoga –Virtual, 9:15 am • Keeping the Balance, 10 pm • Fitness with Margarita, 10:30 pm • Watercolor Painting, 1 pm SPECIAL EVENTS • Grandparents Day Tea and Crafts Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 3:30 pm, at the West Tisbury library • Aquinnah luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 30, at noon
TISBURY COUNCIL ON AGING Catie Blake, Director • 508-696-4205 WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Mondays 8:15 am, Tai Chi with Shaka 9:30 - 10:30 am, Line Dancing with Catie 11-12 pm, Chair Yoga with Kat 1-3 pm, Silver Quilters 1-3 pm, Mah Jong Call on Monday to make a lunch reservation for Thursday: 508-693-4393, ext. 466. Tuesdays 8:30 - 9:30 am, Earlybird Fitness 10 - 11 am, Fitness with Catie 11:05 - noon, Chair Volleyball Wednesdays 9 am, Playreaders with discussion 1 pm, Shredding with Cynthia (Living Room) 1 pm, Ukulele Players 1 pm, Pick-Up Ping Pong (lower level) 12 pm, Knitting Studio 1:30 pm, Canasta Thursdays 8:30-9:30 am, Earlybird Fitness 10 -11am, Fitness with Catie 11:05 - noon, Cornhole Lunch at noon. Reservations are to be made on the prior Monday; call Nicole at 508-693 4393, ext. 466. $4 suggested donation.
Fridays 9 - 9:50 am, Yoga with Kat 10 - 11 am, Chair Yoga with Kat 11:15 - 12:15 pm, Chair Volleyball 1 pm, Tai Chi with Shaka Announcements Visit our website, tisburycoa.com • Free Legal Advice with Atty. Bergeron, Thursday, Sept. 10. Please call 508-6964205 for an appointment. • “Lifeline” from ConnectAmerica will give a presentation on Thursday, Sept. 24, 1 pm • Blood Pressure Check, Friday, Sept 18, at noon (third Friday of each month) • Food Rescue every M-F, 9:45 am • Help us transform our deck into a comfortable three-season gathering space for everyone to enjoy! Our goal is to raise $15,000, and thanks to matching funds, every dollar donated helps the mercury rise even faster toward our goal, and we are ¾ of the way there! To contribute, please make checks payable to Tisbury COA Friends, Inc. • Please call 508-696-4205 to borrow or donate medical equipment. We have a large supply. Before you buy, check with us. • Call for information on legal help, the home modification program, shopping assistance, and more.
Sept. 3: 2-3 pm, Movement Speaks: Modern Dance Class with Naomi Goldberg Haas. Move your body and express yourself in an environment that is welcoming and open to Weekly events all. To register, visit the calendar at Monday edgartownlibrary.org, or call 508-627-4221. 12:30 pm: Bridge Sept. 8: 11am, Coffee with a Cop. Come learn 2 pm: Katama Walk what’s new at the EPD. Tuesday Sept. 9: Hearing checks with Shawn Woodbrey Edgartown Shopping Shuttle; of At Home Hearing. Call for appointment. call the Anchors to register. Sept. 10: noon, Pizza Party with Rich and 10 am: Knitting Becky of Beach Plum Jam! Join us for the mu12 pm: Tuesday lunch sical stylings of this locally sourced musical 1:15 pm: Mah Jongg duo. Pay what you feel. Wednesday Sept. 11: Drop-in Tech Help, Rizwan Malik. 12:30 pm: Bridge Sept. 14: 1-3 pm, Sight Loss support group at Thursday the Anchors. 12-1 pm: Souper Thursday. Free! Sept. 15: 9 am, Yoga with Carol Vega resumes. 2-4 pm: Canasta Sept. 16, 23, and 30: 8:30 am, doors open for Friday Fish Distribution. Thanks to the generosity of 9-11 am: Men’s Group the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Blue 12 pm: Friday Cafe Fish Derby, volunteers, and fisherfolk who 1:15 pm: Mah Jongg make this program possible. Sept. 16: 9:30am, Tai Chi April calendar with Nan Doty resumes. Please visit edgartowncoa.com for more inSept. 16: SHINE virtual consultations formation on programs and services. All are with Bill Redmond at the Anchors. welcome! Register for programs in advance by Sept. 21 and 28: Cuts for Seniors by Dee Dee. calling 508-627-4368. By appointment only. Call the Anchors. Tues. and Fri. lunches: Meals served at noon. Cuts for $20, or Cut and Blow Dry for $30. Call by noon the day before to register. Visit Sept. 25: noon, Birthday Cafe to celebrate edgartowncoa.com for our menu. VTA/ECOA Shuttle on Tuesdays. The bus will June birthdays. Sept. 28: 11:30am, Edgartown Bowling begins pick up residents at their homes, take them to at the Barn, Bowl and Bistro in Oak Bluffs. Stop & Shop, pharmacy, Post Office, and/or the ECOA, and home. Please sign up by Friday Join us for bowling and lunch. Just $10 for Edgartown residents, thanks to the generosity of at noon for Tuesday shuttle. the Friends of ECOA! Please call the Anchors Sept. 1: Wellness Clinic and blood pressure to register if this is your first time. checks during lunch. Drop-in, 12-1 pm. The Anchors is closed on Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day.
OAK BLUFFS COUNCIL ON AGING Rose Cogliano, Director • 508-693-4509 Weekly activities Daily: Beverages and Snacks All Day, 9 am-3 pm Mondays • Exercise with Patience Campell and Marilyn Miller. In person or on Zoom, 9 am. • Chair Volleyball, 1-2 pm • Blood Pressure Clinic with Nurse Faith Laskaris, 12-1 pm, Sept. 14 and 28 Tuesdays • Cornhole, 1-2 pm • Crochet and Knitting, 1-3 pm • Peticare with Debbie, biweekly at 10 am. Dates: Sept. 1 and 15. Call for a reservation. All pets must be leashed or crated. • Wellness Clinic, Sept. 8 at 12:30 pm. This program has returned with the Oak Bluffs Board of Health and the VNA! • BOWLING IS BACK! The OBOCA Senior Bowling Program begins for the 2026–27 season on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Please contact Rose at rcogliano@oakbluffsma.gov or 508-693-4509, ext. 3, for information. Must sign up by Sept. 22. • OBCOA and OBPD Luncheon, Sept. 8 and 22 at noon. Call for reservations. • MATTER OF BALANCE, 2-3:30 pm. Lauren Bagnall will share her knowledge and expertise regarding balance, exercise, and health. We are currently full, but plan on offering the program again in 2027. Wednesdays • Coffee with a Cop, Sept. 2 at 10:30 am. Join Chief Searle for informative conversation! • Let’s Talk – Stroke and Memory Support Group, weekly 9:30am, Sept. 2, 10 am, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30. • Bingo, 1-3 pm - Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Thursdays • Exercise with Bill White, 9 am in person or on Zoom. Meeting ID: 890 5226 6998, Password: 474213. • Chair Volleyball, 1-3 pm • Crochet and Knitting, 1-3 pm • Pizza Party! Please call Rose at 508-693-4509, ext. 3, to reserve your spot. No reservation, no pizza! Sept. 3 and 24 at 1 pm
Fridays • Tai Chi with Floyd Lifton, 9 am in person or on Zoom. • Back to OBCOA! Cell Phone Mastery, 11 am-1 pm, Sept. 4 and 19 • Game Day, 12-3 pm, Sept. 11, 18, 25 Monthly programs • Sept. 2, Coffee, Tea, and Conversations with a Cop. Meet Chief Searle and his team! Refreshments served. 10:30 am • Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, 10:30 am in person on Thursday, Sept. 17, and live on Zoom. • Social Security Video Display Program, Sept. 28 at 9:30 am. Call for an appointment. • Open Enrollment/SHINE. Please contact us to schedule an appointment if you have any insurance needs, questions, updates. Call 508-693-4509, ext. 3. • Outreach with Susan von Steiger, 508-693-4509, ext. 4. • Applications and forms preparation • Durable medical equipment • Fuel assistance, by appointment with Susan • Insurance assistance • Lifeline • Monthly Social Security video display program • SNAP • Reassurance phone calls Rose’s Wish List We need adjustable metal canes with four prongs; also bath and shower seats in gently used and new condition. Please consider donating them to us to provide them for our seniors’ use! Thank you for the donations of durable medical equipment we have received! We will close Friday, Sept. 4, at 1 pm in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 8:30 am. WELCOME SEPTEMBER 2026! HAPPY LATE SUMMER TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
B14
community & calendar
August 27, 2026
PHOTOS COURTESY THE GRANARY GALLERY, UNLESS NOTED
gallery
“The Missing Spindle,” by Heather Neill.
“Self-Pwwortrait,” by Kib Bramhall.
“Wool Gathering,” by Heather Neill.
“Menemsha, 1941,” by Thomas Hart Benton.
Bramhall, Benton, Neill, Baumgarten, and Avery at the Granary Gallery. BY ABBY REMER sky’s response to sunrises and sunsets over Vineyard Sound. Gazing at Bramhall’s works, a Zen-like calm comes over us as the perfection lures us into his renderings of the very spirit of a place. We can hear the crunch of the crystalline, hall (b. 1933), Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975), Heather light-dappled snow in “Witch Brook,” and imagine standing Neill (b. 1958), Tamalin Baumgarten (b. 1986), and Milton before the spectacular, warm glow of Avery (1885–1965) are stellar examples the sun parting the clouds over the dark of their oeuvres. And while not every ocean waves in “Sunrise.” The enorimage is of the Island, the Vineyard is the predominant star. mous, moody expanse of sky fills more The iconic and beloved Island than three-quarters of the painting in painter Kib Bramhall, his wife Tess, “Clouds Illusions,” whose poetic title and four generations of the famadds resonance to the dance of a dizzying number of blue hues that define ily were in attendance at the Granearly the entire canvas. nary Gallery for the recent opening. Bramhall describes his subject as “life at Walking in, you were greeted with a the rim of the sea.” He says, “I try to make plethora of exquisite oils on canvas by my portraits timeless — no beer cans on Bramhall, who has, since the 1950s, the beach, nothing but the true essence of been capturing the effervescent beauthe beauty that the artist has seen, nothing ty of land meeting sky and water. that is mutable and everyday.” His prowess as a fly-fisherman as well There is a quietude to Bramhall’s as a painter has always drawn him close work, which is devoid of human figures, to the shoreline. Bramhall lives on Sevbut occasionally nods to a human presen Gates Farm with a view of the north shore high above the treeline. His locale Kib and Tess Bramhall at ence. A single footprint appears at the allows him to see the intricacies of the bottom edge of “Self Portrait,” virtually the exhibit's opening reception. MV TIMES
current star-studded show is a splendid THE GRANARY GALLERY'S way to end the summer season. The works by Kib Bram-
placing us in the artist’s shoes. The dunes softly undulate back toward the shoreline, lulling our eye to the distant horizon. The six buoys in “Resting” each sit atop a lobster pot, lined up at eye level as we are lying on the ground. These sentinels connect to the artist’s passion and skill as a fisherman. Chris Morse, who, with his wife, Sheila, owns the Granary, Field, and North Water galleries, says, “I’ve worked with a lot of landscape painters, but very few have walked the shores of this Island as completely as Kib has. He has fished every inch of the north and south shore. His recordsetting is legendary. Then he gets into his studio and creates these mood-evocative pictorial views of our Island.” Bramhall invites us to share in his emotional connection to the land and sea of his beloved Vineyard: “You have to look at it this way, and if you do, you’ll see something, feel something, that you may never have seen before.” There is a treasure trove of paintings and prints by Thomas Hart Benton, one of the founding fathers of the American Regionalism movement, focused on depicting places and faces — mostly from the Midwest and the South in early 20th century America. Every summer from 1920 to 1974, Benton and his family ventured to the Vineyard, like many of his creative contemporaries, including Life magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. Indeed, you will find two Eisenstaedt photographs of Continued on B15
community & calendar B15
August 27, 2026
gallery Benton on display — one of the artist on the beach, sketchbook in hand, and another of him at work in the studio, in which we see both the canvas and the model at the same time. Center stage is the stunning “After the Storm,” which in a single dramatic moment conveys the story of a shipwreck off the Island’s coastline. Benton was in Menemsha during the 1944 hurricane when this Newfoundland schooner was driven ashore in a gale. He arrived in time to watch a lifeline being tossed to the men still aboard the vessel, one clinging on for life as he dangled over the sea. The boat lists wildly to one side; the ocean roils below, including a giant wave recalling the famous early 19th century Japanese print by Hokusai, appropriately titled “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.” The intense colors jump off the canvas, heightening the image’s intensity. Benton said, “The American scene became my subject, and I found it first here on the Island.” Instead of enormous murals representing historical ideas, on the Vineyard, Benton painted his children; the rhythms of the Chilmark landscape, such as the small gem “The Four Brothers,” of mushrooms nestled in the woods; farmers hard at work; and a lovely 1941 painting of the harbor in “Menemsha.” Heather Neill’s paintings breathe with a life of their own. Each scene is a jewel informed not just by her keen eye, Continued from B14
which captures every nuance of color, light, and form, but filtered through her heart. They are an accumulation of experiences and personal associations that create stories we are invited to enter and explore. Neill paints with a singular, crystalline clarity that draws our gaze to every detail. “The Missing Spindle” speaks to Neill’s intense attention to detail in the interior, and her love of Andrew Wyeth’s work, echoes of which we see in her color palette and in the open fields visible through the window, looking out onto the world. The empty seat beckons us to fill it, sit sipping tea, and stare out at the autumnal landscape. Neill explains, “The depth of field in that painting was tricky, with a shallow foreground and angled corner cupboard. I spent hours lining up the perspective and lighting the edges to help direct the viewer’s gaze out that window to what originally drew me to that subject … the metal gate. In the reworking, I fussed over that chair a dozen times before realizing that the wide gap on the right was not a drawing error or camera lens aberration, but an actual missing spindle. The teacup came from Jane Slater’s shop in Menemsha; the feather was left for me on the evening walk home from the studio midway through working on this painting … I don’t remember seeing who built the nest, but the [hanging] enameled pot has a permanent resting place on that porch.”
“I try to make my portraits timeless — no beer cans on the beach, nothing but the true essence of the beauty that the artist has seen, nothing that is mutable and everyday.” –KIB BRAMHALL
“Resting,” by Kib Bramhall.
“In The Evening Light,” by Tamalin Baumgarten.
Neill steps back in “Dry Dock,” an enormous painting featuring Little Lady, a historic 1929 wooden fishing boat. It is the last one-person wooden fishing dragger, and is currently being restored by wooden boatbuilders at the Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway. The turbulent clouds set off the old vessel, adding drama to the scene, moving it far beyond photorealism. Tamalin Baumgarten’s spare, dreamlike images relate to her part-time home on Cuttyhunk Island. The breeze seems to caress our face as we stand at the boat’s railing while the sun sparkles on the open expanse of water in “Ferry Crossing.” A realist painter, Baumgarten says, “I believe the ‘real’ part comes from an ability to capture the feeling of a moment beyond just describing in paint what it looks like.” With “In the Evening Light,” we enter the spare interior room, which includes a mysterious shadow of a just-extinguished candle, although we see no humans in the silent scene. Rounding out the stunning show are several impressive Milton Avery paintings, which, while not of the Vineyard or its surroundings, are quintessential examples of his work. Avery was a master colorist on Cape Cod, and a vital bridge between American representation and abstract painting. He turned everyday scenes into flat, poetic shapes, using bold, unnatural colors to create a sense of depth and emotion. His unique style deeply influenced younger artists who later started Abstract Expressionism. The exceptional quality of all these artists has influenced, and will continue to influence, artists in the future, but currently offers an overflowing plate of gems. The Granary Gallery, 636 Old County Road, West Tisbury. For hours and more information, visit granarygallery.com.
“In the Studio” by Milton Avery.
“Dry Dock,” by Heather Neill.
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August 27, 2026
The flower colors are enticing, and come in a color range of quiet and pastel to hot, hot, hot. Crape myrtles have many attractive attributes that have caused Northern gardeners to desire them over the years, including the wonderful flowers, brilliant fall foliage color, and attractive trunks with mottled bark that stand out all winter. The height ranges from dwarf, ground-hugging forms to fairly large and spreading, such as the white crape myrtle at the North Tisbury bank branch. Depending on cultivars chosen, crape myrtle is suitable as an attractive hedge. Many are grafted for greater hardiness; pay attention to planting depths.
Garden Notes BY ABIGAIL HIGGINS
Also, harvesting our vegetables.
Crape myrtle is suitable as an attractive hedge.
Trees, ever more important
Trees and heat islands
Mercifully, rain and temperatures are falling. A stately oxydendrum graces an Island road. In a month or more, it will become a towering pillar of scarlet and crimson. Do other people look at trees? The way I do? I hope so. We need to start caring and thinking a lot more about trees and why they matter. Trees mitigate heat everywhere, while at the same time absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide. Trees help water to infiltrate soils to replenish wells and aquifers, and through evapotranspiration return cooling moisture to our surroundings. How to achieve these benefits? Very obvious measures are tree planting, and woodland and forest protection. Before a serious heat wave or forest fire occurs here, such as in the American West and in Europe during the summer of 2026, we and our policymakers need to pay close attention to what has happened elsewhere. Not after, but before it happens here.
In the kitchen
Martha’s Vineyard is an island — but it would be erroneous thinking to suppose that being an island surrounded by water, Martha’s Vineyard could not become a “heat island.” Urbanizing — permitted land clearing and development — proceeds here at a rapid rate. None of this is a positive trend in a warming world. Concrete, asphalt, heatemitting traffic jams; these all contribute to degrade a destination whose attractions are clean air, clean water and beaches, and absence of the daily trials of mainland “heat island” life. Elsewhere, where intolerable conditions have already prevailed, plans to mitigate or reduce paving, increase rainfall retention and infiltration, wholesale municipal planting of suitable tree species, and limits on development have all been implemented successfully. The New Yorker article linked to here, bit.ly/TNY_ EndOfEuropeanSummer, describes at length measures taken in other tourist destinations. While Martha’s Vineyard still has the attributes of a livable place, we must be proactive in taking steps for it to remain that way.
Crape myrtle
Crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, a small shrub or tree of gardens in hot Southern climates, is now successfully growing here.
Summer winding down, more rainfall and release from the heat, garden harvest picking up, preserving some of what is plentiful at the moment: Here is “Garden Special,” from “The All-New Fannie Farmer Cookbook.” It can be canned or frozen and used in any number of ways.
Put in a deep kettle:
· 6 sweet peepers, green or red, cut in pieces and seeded · 1 qt. diced onions · 1 qt. celery, coarse leaves and stalks included · 1 qt water or tomato juice
Curing harvested vegetables improves keeping qualities.
PHOTOS: SUSIE SAFFORD
I
t has been a long summer of too much stalled traffic, too many monster trucks on Island roads, and general exhaustion of people who must put up with bad air, overtourism, and disruptions that are more serious than “mere inconvenience.”
Preserving some of what is plentiful: Garden Special.
While Martha's Vineyard still has the attributes of a livable place, we must be proactive in taking steps for it to remain that way.
Cook for 20 minutes. Add: 4 qt. ripe tomatoes peeled (optional) and quartered 3 Tbsp. salt 2 Tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. pepper
In the garden
Already too much of the morning has passed pruning, staking, and tagging dahlias. How can one perform mundane tasks, like house cleaning, preserving and cooking, sowing, and transplanting, when these garden sirens call for attention? Harvesting of garlic, onions, squash, and potatoes includes a curing period. Leave the vegetables in a well-ventilated, dark place for a couple of weeks: “Curing involves placing vegetables in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for
a few days to allow their skins to toughen and minor wounds to heal. This process helps extend their shelf life and preserve their quality after harvesting.” –Chelsea Green Winter squash and pumpkin vines are capable of spreading far and wide. Gentle training or pegging them down keeps neighbor plants from being swallowed up. Beautiful platycodon and phlox are having their moment. Deadhead to keep bloom coming and to prevent unwanted phlox “mutt” seedlings. Hydrangea crowns have received their top-dressing of compost here at home. We have a longer window here on the Island, but in general, late summer and fall mophead cleanup consists of removing or shortening back woody or dead canes. Unless the hydrangeas are cultivars of types that form flowers on new wood, let old papery flowers remain. These flowers provide the often-cited protection of old-wood. Doing all the spring cleanup in fall may appear to be labor-saving, but can be costly. Polar vortices are violent, increasingly common weather extremes that may catch borderline-hardy subshrubs, such as mopheads, at times when they have started out of dormancy and into growth. The time to split and replant yuccas and other perennials with similar offset structure is now. More even conditions arrive in late summer, making the transition easier. Cooler temperatures make this a propitious time for transplanting.
Are we nuts?
Heard on Main Street: “Humans buy a piece of earth, remove almost everything that naturally grows there, replace it with one species of grass, then spend the rest of their lives stopping that grass from doing the one thing that grass does: grow. “We water it so it grows. Fertilize it so it grows faster. Then every weekend we drag a machine across it because it grew.” Tick check every night.
Now on Special* THIS WEEK AT JARDIN MAHONEY
Keep your landscape in bloom! with late-summer and fall-blooming hydrangeas.
Select
Endless Summer ‘The Orignial’ Hydrangea - 3 gal. - $29.50 Select
Green Giant Arborvitae 3 gal. - $29.50
*While supplies last.
45 Edgartown/ VH Rd., OB - 508.693.3511 - jardinmahoneymv.com - Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm