MV Times July 23, 2026

Draft and craft come together Wonder and wander at Islanders Write B2 the waters B8

Thursday, July 23, 2026

THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD TIMES

Volume 43, Issue No. 29

2 Sections

Steamship general manager gets high praise and a pay raise

Price $1.00

A new board member from New Bedford is introduced to the public. BY EUNKI SEONWOO

Celebrating Portuguese culture

TESSA SCHULZ

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A weekend that also remembered Patricia Bergeron. BY THE MV TIMES

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he Feast of the Holy Ghost is a major annual Portuguese-American festival hosted at the Portuguese-American Club (P.A. Club) in Oak Bluffs. This Island tradition celebrates Queen Isabel of Portugal and her charity during a historic famine. Hundreds of spectators gathered on downtown sidewalks to watch the procession of fire trucks, ox-drawn floats, and a group of girls donning white dresses and clutching the three components of Queen Isabel’s crown — a shining scepter, plate, and crown. The feast was particularly poignant this year, remembering the late Patricia

Bergeron, lifelong member of the P.A. Club and former president, who passed away on Jan. 1 along with her partner Roy Scheffer, when the two were scalloping in a skiff that capsized. In 2001, after Bergeron’s son passed away, it became tradition to place a wreath on his grave following the parade in addition to one at the base of the statue at the Catholic Cemetery to honor Queen Isabel. This year, a wreath was placed on Bergeron’s grave as well. The Portuguese presence on Martha’s Vineyard began in the early 19th century when ships from Martha’s Vineyard

stopped at the Azorean and Cape Verde islands for supplies and crew. By 1905, more than a quarter of the residents of Oak Bluffs were foreign-born — mostly Portuguese-speaking immigrants. Over time, as these skilled sailors immigrated, they sent for their families. By 1920, almost one-third of the Island’s population were first- or second-generation immigrants. The prevalence of Portuguese language spoken here paved the way for Brazilian immigrants to also find a welcoming home, and has contributed to the diverse fabric of the Island.

ollowing a closed-door session in Oak Bluffs Town Hall, new Steamship Authority General Manager Alex Kryska was given high marks for his first six months on the job, and the ferry line’s board rewarded him with a more than $26,000 pay bump. The decision followed a public evaluation of Kryska’s performance on Tuesday during the Steamship Authority board’s monthly meeting. After exiting an executive session, the board voted 4–0 to increase Kryska’s salary from $225,000 to $251,513.60, a 12 percent increase. The only board member who didn’t vote or provide an evaluation was Kreg Espinola, the newly appointed New Bedford representative. The Tuesday meeting was Espinola’s first public appearance in a meeting; he replaced longtime New Bedford representative Moira Tierney. Kryska submitted a self-evaluation on July 1 prior to the public review, and among various topics touched on, he made a note about compensation, comparing his salary to his predecessor, Robert Davis. “I came into this role at a starting salary of $225,000. My predecessor, who served as general manager with the same title and full scope of responsibility, was compensated at $239,400, a rate he continues to receive in his current role as senior advisor, prior to any annual adjustment,” Kryska wrote. “I want to be clear that I appreciate the senior advisor role, and recognize the commitment and value he has provided to the authority throughout his career and in his current capacity. “I raise this not as a complaint, but as a straightforward and material point of comparison … Given that my predecessor’s Continued on A8

A view of the White House from the Vineyard

Leading journalists talk local roots at Islanders Write

Hundreds of Islanders attended Jill Biden’s book talk on her new memoir.

The Times announces a second ‘Island Writer,’ and a new internship. BY HAYLEY DUFFY

BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON

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ttendees filled nearly all of the red auditorium chairs in the Performing Arts Center at the Martha’s Vineyard High School (MVRHS) on Thursday night to hear Dr. Jill Biden, former first lady, discuss her new book, “View from the East Wing: A Memoir.” The talk was a part of the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series, and a stop of Biden’s book tour after her memoir was released in June. It was moderated by Sunny Hostin, an awardwinning journalist, author, and cohost of ABC’s “The View.” Biden and Hostin sat on the same Performing Arts Center (PAC) stage where MVRHS students performed the musical “Hadestown” and the Minnesingers’ spring Continued on A7

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slanders Write, a literary event sponsored by The Martha’s Vineyard Times, showcased insights of various wordsmiths, from Pulitzer prizewinning journalists to best-selling novelists, all of whom share a link to the Island. The free two-day event kicked off last Wednesday night at Featherstone Center for the Arts with a panel discussion called “Writing on the Edge: New Models for Reporting and the Current State of Journalism.” The panel, moderated by Times Publisher Charles Sennott, included awardwinning investigative journalist and staff writer for the New Yorker Jane Mayer and CEO of Hunterbrook Nathaniel Horwitz, both of whom talked about their start as local journalists, and their local connection to the Island. They Continued on A9

Panelists Nathaniel Horwitz, Jane Mayer, and Charles Sennott. See publisher's note on membership model on A2.

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news

July 23, 2026

news in brief

COURTESY NOAH MAYRAND

Floating oyster cages at Tisbury Oyster Co.

Tisbury Oyster Co. receives $10,000 state grant Tisbury Oyster Co. received $10,000 from the state as part of a funding initiative to support local farms. The grant, announced Friday, will be used by Noah Mayrand, owner of the oyster farm, to purchase floating oyster cages, redo the electrical system on the company boat, and upgrade cage-hauler equipment. “Massachusetts farmers are essential to our economy, our food supply, and our communities,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a press release. “These investments give farmers the tools they need to grow their businesses, improve their operations, and remain competitive. Their success means more jobs, stronger local economies, and fresh, locally grown food for communities across Massachusetts.” Tisbury Oyster Co. is one of seven farms in the state, but the only Island farm this year that received funding through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) program. This initiative provides business planning and technical assistance along with funding for agriculture and aquaculture farms between one and 10 years old. The selected farms work with MDAR to design their business plans. After the plans are approved, the farms receive matching grants of up to $30,000 to fund the improvements outlined in the plans. Launched in 2022, Mayrand’s farm is located in Lagoon Pond, just off Oklahoma Springs and 500 yards north of the town’s Water Works. Mayrand said that the grant came at a much-needed time for his business.

“It was a tight year, and a tough spring getting through the winter,” Mayrand said. “It’s been an amazing push for my company to grow.” Mayrand, who works as a plumber and an oyster shucker to financially support his farm, emphasized the challenges of operating an oyster farm on the Vineyard, such as the two- to three-year period that it takes for an oyster to grow to market size. “The first two years of any farm, you don’t make any money,” Mayrand said. “I know it’s a game of patience.” To design his business plan, Mayrand paired up with East Wareham cranberry farmer Rick Connole, who helped him assemble the operational logistics of his farm, such as the estimated survival rate of his oyster seed and the projected amount of seed he’ll need to purchase for the future. Once the state approved his plan, Mayrand received the grant. He underscored the importance of the purchases he has made, such as the floating cages. “Oysters are very competitive eaters. If there are too many in a cage, they’ll starve the smaller ones out,” he said. He added that improvements to his business “are the things I think about at night when I’m sleeping.” Due to the addition of his new equipment, Mayrand said that he hopes to lease a second acre in Lagoon Pond from Tisbury. Mayrand already has town approval, and is waiting for state approval.

W.T. town administrator’s retirement plans raise budgetary concerns After serving West Tisbury for more than two decades, town administrator Jennifer Rand announced she will be retiring. But with it came concerns about added expenses to the up-Island town.

According to a letter from Rand, read by West Tisbury Select Board Chair Skipper Manter during a Wednesday meeting, she plans to retire by July 16, 2027. She will be leaving her role after 23 years, and the board unanimously approved her retirement. The transition isn’t immediate, and Rand called for a meeting to be held with the town’s finance committee in early September to get ahead of the change, because “this will absolutely impact the budget.” “I really believe we should schedule this meeting with the finance committee to have a serious talk about the budget for next year, and pulling together everything we know about what’s coming, including and not limited to this position,” Rand said. September is also when a timeline for hiring a new town administrator is expected to be determined. Rand is now the third town administrator to retire in the past two years. Most recently, Wendy Brough was hired as the Oak Bluffs town administrator, replacing her predecessor, Deborah Potter. Last year, Tisbury hired Joe LaCivita to replace outgoing town administrator Jay Grande. But compared with those of other Island town administrators, Rand’s salary is roughly $25,000 lower, and a higher pay grade is expected to be needed to attract candidates. There will also be an overlap period when the town is paying both Rand and the new town administrator during the transition. “The town has grown, and you have grown in the job,” Jessica Miller, board member, said to Rand. Budget was a top concern in West Tisbury this year. It was one of the Vineyard towns that proposed steep overrides to fill gaps in its annual municipal budgets, and West Tisbury voters approved a $3.49 million override at the annual town meeting and election.

Woman struck in crosswalk in Oak Bluffs An 84-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle as she was crossing a crosswalk in Oak Bluffs last Wednesday. The accident occurred at 9:02 am. Oak Bluffs Chief of Police Jonathan Searle said the woman had visible injuries on her hands, knees, and face, “but she was alert.” Oak Bluffs Police and EMS responded to the scene, and the woman was taken to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. The driver of the vehicle, a 71-year-old man, was making a left turn onto Kennebec Avenue from Lake Avenue when he struck the woman, Searle said. Oak Bluffs Police said it is suspected that

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the driver was traveling at an excessive rate of speed, and the woman could have been in his blind spot when he made the turn. “Those two things combined resulted in him not seeing her,” Searle said. Chief Searle said a criminal summons for the driver was issued for negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a crosswalk violation. The Oak Bluffs Police Station is up the street from where the accident occurred, and the response was quick, Searle said. Four Oak Bluffs officers were on scene, as well as Oak Bluffs EMS. “We [Oak Bluffs Police] are going to urge everybody to take a few extra seconds and check blind spots,” Searle said. “It’s that time of year; trying to hurry will result in accidents like these.” The identities of the woman and the driver have not been released. Continued on A3

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July 23, 2026

Incident in Oak Bluffs paralyzes man The suspect was handed a $1,300 bail, a no-contact order with the victim, and a GPS monitoring device around his ankle. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA AND SARAH SHAW DAWSON

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ak Bluffs Police were dispatched to the Ritz Cafe for a physical assault incident in the early hours of Friday morning that resulted in a man being paralyzed from the waist down, according to a police incident report and the man’s family. Kevin Agatep was arraigned on Wednesday at the Edgartown District Courthouse, where Judge Benjamin Barnes gave him a $1,300 bail, a nocontact order with the victim, and a GPS monitoring device around his ankle. On Friday, a male, identified by police as Daniel Serusa, was allegedly injured by Agatep. A report by police stated that Agatep punched Serusa in the face, causing him to fall backwards. Police were dispatched at 12:42 am Friday. Serusa was found by police lying on the sidewalk with a “small trail of blood running from his head and a small laceration on his lower lip,” the report stated. Serusa was taken to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on a stretcher, then was medevaced to Massachusetts General Hospital at roughly 3:30 am Friday morning. Doctors informed Oak Bluffs Police that Serusa’s C6 vertebra was fractured with spinal cord compression, and his jaw was fractured. Doctors told police that Serusa would be paralyzed from the waist down. Serusa’s mother, Tammy Deese, and brother, Zac Sweeney, both posted on social media about the incident and shared updates with The Times. According to Deese, Serusa is currently in Boston for treatment, and she posted that the “next 10 days will be crucial.” “He has no feelings from his nipple line down to his toes,” Deese wrote in a post on Friday. “He was in surgery for about five hours this morning, because he had a vertebra that was broken and a pooling of blood on his spine.” Sweeney told The Times that to his knowledge, his brother didn’t know Agatep prior to the interaction. Officers found Agatep after the incident Friday morning walking on Vineyard Avenue. According to the incident report, Agatep stated to police that Serusa was trying to start a fight, and Agatep wanted to be left alone. He said that he made multiple attempts to sepa-

rate himself from Serusa. The report also stated Agatep said that Serusa opened Agatep’s rear driver-side car door before Agatep punched him in the face, causing Serusa to fall back onto the sidewalk. Agatep stated that he punched him again “even though he shouldn’t have.” According to the report, officers advised Agatep that he would be summoned to court for assault and battery. Agatep stated he understood and then was released by officers. Officers interviewed witnesses, the report stated, who corroborated Agatep’s story. Officers also met with Serusa at the Island hospital. Serusa told the officers he didn’t remember anything leading up to the fight, the report said. Serusa told The Times in a voice message Saturday: “He got on top of me while I was paralyzed and continued to punch me, and punch me, and punch me.” He also said that Agatep “was the aggressor the whole time.” According to the report, based on Serusa’s “permanent life-altering injury,” it was decided that Agatep would be arrested for assault and battery with serious bodily injury. Officers were searching for Agatep but hadn’t located him as of Saturday morning. Oak Bluffs Chief of Police Jonathan Searle said that the “suspect has been arrested” just before noon Saturday. “The suspect was identified during the initial investigation. A felony warrant for assault and battery causing serious bodily injury was obtained in [Edgartown District Court] first thing yesterday. The suspect was arrested in Falmouth today. The investigation is continuing and a more detailed statement will be released when appropriate,” Searle said in a statement to The Times Saturday. On Wednesday, July 22, Agatep was arraigned in the Edgartown District Courthouse before Judge Benjamin Barnes for his assault causing serious bodily injury. He pleaded not guilty. At the courthouse, John Wheatley, assistant district attorney for the commonwealth, said that Agatep attempted to leave the Island before being apprehended by Falmouth Police. Wheatley stated that Agatep resisted when he was arrested in

COURTESY TAMMY DEESE

Daniel Serusa in the hospital.

Falmouth, according to bodycam footage. He also said that, according to the police, alcohol was smelled on Agatep’s breath during the initial incident. “He fled intentionally when he found out the charges were much more severe,” Wheatley said. Wheatley recommended a $35,000 cash bail for Agatep, while Agatep’s defense attorney, Casey Dobel, requested $500 cash bail, insisting that Agatep, who is homeless and lives in his car, can’t even afford to pay that much. Barnes ultimately decided on $1,300 cash bail, a no-contact order for the alleged victim, and a GPS monitoring device. “I don’t want anything I say to indicate that Serusa had this injury coming to him,” Dobel said, adding that “recent reports say he [Serusa] was able to wiggle his toes.” Agatep’s defense said multiple witnesses corroborated that Serusa was attempting to get in a fight while inside the bar, with witnesses saying he was “bothering people all night,” and that Serusa said to one witness, “I am trying to get aggressive with somebody.” Dobel also said that Agatep was not inside the bar that night; he was parked in his car on Circuit Avenue trying to get a burger at Fat Ronnie’s. She said Serusa kept trying to fight him, while Agatep was asking to be left alone. “My client was not at the bar. He was getting a hamburger. The complaining witness was at the bar, trying to start a fight, backed up by witnesses at the scene.” Dobel said it wasn’t until Serusa attempted to enter Agatep’s car, which is currently also his home, and said, “Let’s make this real,” that Agatep punched him in the face.

“This is not a random attack, and the social media sphere is trying to spin it into that,” Dobel said. She stated that if the case does go to trial, then it will likely need to be moved to Barnstable because of the social media influence. Dobel also argued that Agatep was not trying to flee the Island; he was arrested while eating in Falmouth. “He had no intention of leaving the state,” Dobel said. “If he was trying to flee, it would be pretty stupid to stop and have a meal before doing so.” “My client left the Island for a day because there were threats against him on social media. He was not safe here. He was unaware there was a warrant. He knew there was a summons. All of a sudden, there’s social media posts going after him and attempting to incite violence against him. He left the Island to cool off for a bit,” Dobel said. Dobel further stated that Agatep said he was concerned Serusa had a knife, and that he was making serious threats against Agatep and his family before the conflict escalated. “Somebody was looking for a fight. He found one; unfortunately, it ended extremely badly,” Dobel said. Agatep also had his bail revoked Wednesday for separate charges against him. He is being charged with operating a motor vehicle with license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and number plate violation. He will be back in court Thursday to see if he can resolve the separate case. Agatep also previously had assault and battery charges from an incident in 2025, which were dismissed in December of last year. According to Edgartown District Court records from the incident that occurred in June of last year, officers observed Agatep on Kennebec Avenue in Vineyard Haven on top of another man, punching him repeatedly. According to reports, the fight caused some commotion on the street, but the charges were dropped due to a lack of prosecution. Serusa also has unrelated charges from an incident in January of this year. He is charged with rape and assault and battery on a family or household member. While the charges are unrelated, Serusa was scheduled to appear in the Edgartown District Courthouse for those charges on July 20 for a probable cause hearing. According to the MassCourts website, Serusa’s probable cause hearing was not held Monday because the “defendant [was] not present.” Serusa is currently being treated in Boston for his injuries. A GoFundMe was created for Serusa by his family for medical expenses and everyday cost of living stemming from the incident last weekend.

news in brief Continued from A2

ported to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital before being flown to a Boston hospital. Tisbury Police Lt. Bill Brigham previously told The Times that it seemed the driver entered the boat at high speed and The 91-year-old woman who crashed her car “careened” into a wall on the vessel. The incident caused several ferry cancellaon the Steamship Authority ferry in Vineyard Haven last week died as a result of the tions and delays throughout the day. incident, the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office confirmed last Wednesday. Massachusetts State Police identified the woman last Thursday as Ann Lees, a resident of Brookline and Chilmark who died at A motor vehicle accident in Edgartown reBrigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston sulted in one individual being taken to the “shortly after the crash.” hospital last Thursday. The DA’s office director of community A construction van with “Vineyard Remodprograms, Danielle Whitney, told The eling” printed on the side crashed into three Times on Wednesday that no charges have parked cars on Edgartown–West Tisbury been filed as a result of the incident. Road, across from the library in Edgartown. State Police are handling the case, and The 53-year-old female operator of the vestated on Wednesday that investigations hicle was taken away on a gurney, according were ongoing. to a video captured by a Times reporter. She The crash occurred on July 8 as the Island was brought to the Martha’s Vineyard HosHome was boarding vehicles for a 9:30 am pital, according to Edgartown Police. departure from Vineyard Haven. The driver, Edgartown Police Chief Chris Dolby said who experienced a medical emergency, was the woman is being charged with operating extricated by Tisbury firefighters and transunder the influence of alcohol, negligent

State Police identify driver who died in Steamship crash

Woman crashes into parked cars in Edgartown

operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and having no inspection sticker. The identity of the driver was not identified, and the seriousness of her injuries are unknown.

Truck rolls over in Oak Bluffs A truck rolled over on Sea View Avenue in Oak Bluffs this weekend near Nomans restaurant. The driver was summoned to court for allegedly driving in a negligent manner with an open container of alcohol. The driver, named by an Oak Bluffs official as Sean Hegarty, was issued a court summons after the Friday incident for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, open container of alcohol, marked lanes violation, and speeding. According to a weekend roundup of incidents posted on Facebook by Oak Bluffs Police, first responders arrived to the area on Friday at 10:23 pm after a report came in that a vehicle hit a utility pole and then rolled over three times. Police stated a “heavily damaged” 2025 Toyota Tacoma was blocking the roadway,

and the male operator was found a short distance away. The driver was then transported to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for “apparent minor injuries.” On Friday night, police from Oak Bluffs and Edgartown blocked off a large stretch of the road to vehicle traffic between the two towns — from Canonicus Avenue in Oak Bluffs to Jaws Bridge in Edgartown — in order to deal with the incident. Another police officer blocked cars from Edgartown from heading toward Nomans at the top of Beach Road. Olessa Stepanova, Eversource spokesperson, said the incident involved a “support pole.” “There were no power outages or service interruptions as a result of the incident,” she said in an email. “Our crews responded to [remove damaged] support equipment from the roadway, and [a] replacement pole was scheduled to be installed the following day.” The truck rollover came only a week after an accident in front of Nomans involving a truck and an electric dirt bike, when a father and son were medevaced to a Boston trauma center in critical condition.

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July 23, 2026

EDITORIAL Nightlife, alcohol, and policing This was a summer highlighted by the World Cup. Bars and eateries across the Island that showcased the games saw crowds of fans who stared at the screens with bated breath, erupting into boisterous cheers or collapsing into silence at the end of their favored team’s run. There was fierce support from fans of the U.S., Brazil, Cabo Verde, England, and Norway on the Vineyard. In the wake of Spain’s World Cup victory on Sunday, six Democratic Massachusetts senators, including the Cape and Islands’ Julian Cyr, announced the introduction of a so-called “fun agenda” that proposed a series of legislative amendments to bolster nightlife, cultural, and outdoor recreation in the state. Much of this fun agenda has the backing of Gov. Maura Healey, like support for local-option happy hour and codifying the liquor policies introduced this summer, and the state Senate is expected to debate the $325 million economic development bill the proposed amendments are a part of on Wednesday; results weren’t made known until after our print deadline. This is a part of an effort to spur the post-COVID recreational economy. There are a variety of economic opportunities that have relevance to the Island so full of musicians and farms, from proposed micro-grants for entertainers and expanding support for agrotourism. But the one to keep an eye out for on the Island is an effort to expand access to alcohol. Overall, we’re in favor of giving a boost to the “fun economy.” Over the years, we’ve heard of complaints about a shrinking number of venues for music, and less availability for nighttime entertainment. We’ve reported on business owners who say their revenue streams have been severely cut after closing times were moved back to 12:30 am in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, the two towns with the most bustling nightlife scenes on the Vineyard. Even when closing times were extended to 3 am statewide, Island towns gave only an extra hour, and allowed closing times to be up to 1:30 am.

We’ve seen the jubilance that can come from events happening around the Island with some casual drinking. But this past month, there have been a series of incidents that should serve as a blinking yellow light; we all need to take a moment to go into this intersection of fun and commerce, especially since this may well mean more police would be needed. In recent years, we have heard mounting concerns expressed by police departments that they feel understaffed, and those concerns feel front and center amid a summer where, anecdotally at least, it feels like there is a spike in traffic accidents and police-involved incidents. Consider: The accident near Nomans that led to severe injuries for a father and son who had to be medevaced off the Island, and a truck rollover that occurred there a week later. An alter-

cation outside a bar on Circuit Ave resulted in a man being paralyzed. In Oak Bluffs, a woman was hit by a vehicle while walking in the crosswalk. Then there were the suspected illegal fireworks in O.B. that led to beach grass catching fire. In Edgartown, a lady drove a work van into three parked cars. There was also an engine fire that scorched a car in Chilmark. And weather conditions following the Fourth of July, including heavy rain, winds, and flooding, led to congestion in Five Corners. In Vineyard Haven, a woman drove a vehicle at high speed into a Steamship Authority ferry, and died afterward.

So could stepped-up policing have stopped these events? Probably not. Was alcohol involved in all of these cases? No. The only incidents in which police mentioned alcohol were the truck rollover in Oak Bluffs, the assault in Oak Bluffs, and the work van in Edgartown. But there is just no question that excessive alcohol consumption, which happens in summer communities with great frequency, as people come here to relax and have fun, increases the risk of accidents. It clouds judgement, and some people get more aggressive, whether in person or behind the wheel. And when accidents happen, first responders need to hurry to the scene to make sure everyone is safe, or often to save a life. Police departments across the country have noted a shortage of officers, and the Island’s departments seem to have openings for officers annually. These are spurred by a mixture of factors, including retirements, housing, and lateral job changes. It raises the question in a time when there seems to be a noticeable rise in incidents: Are we shoring up our police numbers enough? Each time officers need to block off the roads, that is resources stripped away from other incidents. That’s even with mutual aid, a system that allows the towns’ first responders to help one another in emergencies. The town where this was most acutely felt was in Aquinnah. While the Island’s smallest police department is now shoring up its roster, and has recently named a new serMV TIMES geant in the department, it had to rely on support from Massachusetts State Police and Dukes County Sheriff deputies to patrol at night for months. If the amendments pass, Island towns will have to make careful consideration of how to manage the nightlife of the Island, especially regarding alcohol. This would primarily be for down-Island towns, but intoxicated driving is something that can impact anyone, anywhere on the Vineyard. Even if the state legislature passes amendments to bolster nightlife, Vineyard towns will need to strike a balance between supporting businesses, facilitating more fun for all of us, and the need to bolster the ranks of first responders.

LETTERS Say no to Katama Meadows

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30 Beach Road P. O. Box 518, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-6100 e-mail: editor@mvtimes.com

Charles M. Sennott • Publisher

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: This letter is in support of the M.V. Commission voting no on the Katama Meadows project. Development of this size will negatively impact traffic congestion, Edgartown Great Pond pollution, habitat fragmentation, and quality of life on the Vineyard. Traffic has gotten so bad that there are times when there are no parking spaces for marketing and other errands, and nitrogen loading on the Great Pond will increase cyanobacteria growth. This development will exacerbate the already existing problems we have just getting around on the Island. If it weren’t for the M.V. Commission, we would have been similarly impacted years ago. It’s time to say no to further development of this size. We’ve reached our capacity. Martha Moore West Tisbury

Katama Meadows will do ‘irreparable harm’ To the Editor: The proposed Katama Meadows subdivision with its 52 new lots, 26 of which are large luxury homes of 4,000 square feet, will do irreparable harm to the low-lying outwash plains of Edgartown, increasing nitrogen pollution in the Great Pond and ruining the delicate

environment for harvesting shellfish. Also, the clearing of 28 acres of forest means losing 1,500 tons of carbon storage — a huge carbon footprint that goes against the Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s Climate Action Plan, adopted four years ago. We don’t need more housing for the ultra-wealthy who don’t understand the true value of the land for the lives of the people who live here. This is a dangerous trend that could be railroaded in with huge effect on our community and delicate environment, already under siege by corporations seeking profit at any local cost. Please attend the final meeting on July 30 at 6:30 pm at the commission to respectfully (and silently) show your concern. Marsha Winsryg West Tisbury

The future of giving is changing To the Editor: It is easy to appreciate the things that make Martha’s Vineyard extraordinary: protected landscapes, vibrant arts and culture, historic landmarks, and organizations that support community well-being. What is less visible is what makes so much of that possible. Behind nearly every nature preserve, youth program,

health initiative, and cultural event are nonprofit organizations sustained by philanthropy. The generosity of individual donors, foundations, and trusts has quietly enhanced life across the Vineyard. Nonprofits are woven into the fabric of our community. But philanthropy is changing. Recently, the Martha’s Vineyard Nonprofit Collaborative brought together nonprofit leaders, charitable foundations, and community members at Stillpoint for a conversation on the “Future of Philanthropy: Generational Change and What It Means for the Vineyard.” Over the next two decades, an estimated $124 trillion will pass from older generations to younger ones in what experts call the largest wealth transfer in history. A portion of that wealth will undoubtedly support charitable causes. But as ownership of that wealth changes, so will the people making decisions about where — and how — they give. Are Island nonprofits ready? The encouraging news is that younger generations continue to care deeply about their communities. Yet every generation brings its own experiences, values, and expectations. As philanthropy evolves, so too must the ways nonprofits build relationships with supporters. Today’s emerging philanthropists are less likely to give out of longstanding loyalty alone. They want authentic partnerships, clear evidence of impact,

transparent communication, and opportunities to be part of the work. Many are drawn to organizations that address root causes and systemic change. This isn’t about abandoning the relationships that have sustained nonprofits for decades. It’s about building on that foundation with new ways to engage the next generation of supporters. That means inviting younger generations not only as donors, but as volunteers, board or committee members, and community partners. It means understanding what inspires them to give and involving them in shaping the future of our organizations. It also means rethinking donor engagement to reflect today’s expectations, while honoring the generosity that has carried our nonprofit community for generations. The discussion at Stillpoint made one thing clear: The Vineyard’s nonprofit sector is already beginning this work. Organizations are convening, asking thoughtful questions, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. That spirit of collaboration has long been one of the Island’s greatest strengths. The future of philanthropy will not be defined by a single generation. It will be shaped by our willingness to listen across generations, adapt, and invite new voices into the work. If we do that, the Vineyard’s tradition of generosity will not only continue, but also grow stronger. Tina Lodovico West Tisbury

news A5

July 23, 2026

ESSAY They all slope downward before intersecting with busy Seaview Avenue just past the bike path. What alarmed me was that there are no stop signs at any of these exits, and no “Caution — Bike Xing” signs. BY TOM PALLAS In other words, no one driving away from Nomans, where they As a diehard bicyclist of long stand- might have had a drink or two, is warned that they are about to enter ing, I have an aversion to electric a busy intersection after they run bicycles, or e-bikes. Don’t like ’em. over somebody on the path. They’re too heavy, too fast, and I went into the restaurant to too quiet. Many of the people who speak to the manager about these ride them on the shared-use paths dangerous conditions. She listened (SUPs) around the Island show to my concerns and said she would little concern for what it takes to bring the matter up to the owners. operate them safely and responShe also said that Nomans does not sibly. (In fact, SUP is too broad a concept. For that reason, I’m gonna own the parking lot. It all belongs to Island Inn. use their original name — bike So, I went around back to have a paths — from now on.) chat with Island Inn’s manager. He So, you can imagine what I listened cordially. felt reading about the collision Six months later, I returned to between a pickup truck turning see if any new signage had gone up. into Nomans restaurant and an electric dirt bike/motorcycle speed- None had. I repeated my concerns and disappointment at both estabing down the bike path that sent a father and son to Boston via mede- lishments, warning that I was “going to raise the stakes.” vac. I was aghast. Sorry to say that it was an idle Other than location, this accident bore no resemblance to a minor colli- threat. Other than a fruitless sion three years ago. The 20-year-old complaint to Oak Bluffs’ highway department, the issue languished daughter of good friends was slowly on my back burner. But after readexiting Nomans’ parking lot, about ing about the recent accident, my to turn left onto Seaview Avenue toward Oak Bluffs, when a 70-year-old indignation flared. I paid visits to the State Police cyclist ran into her car broadside. No barracks, the Oak Bluffs Police, and one was physically injured, but the the Oak Bluffs Fire Department, poor girl was freaked out. hoping to get more information on A few days after that accident three years ago, I biked over to No- the accident and to express my concerns about the parking lot. mans to have a look. What I found No added information was availwas alarming. There are three able to me, and although everyone entrances/exits from the large lot, was aware of the dangerous condieach of them about 30 feet wide.

Making the Island safer for cyclists and drivers

tions in the parking lot, the only suggestions were to contact District 5 at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Instead, I filed a request with the Oak Bluffs Fire Department for information on all traffic in-

I also plan to contact the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to suggest that the insurance industry require property owners to maintain adequate visible signage where their driveways cross a bike path. These are initial steps to improve bike path safety on the island: 1. Paint yellow dividing lines on every Island path. The easiest way to let all users know they’re on a two-way street. 2. Establish and enforce a 15-mph speed limit. 3. Require helmet use. 4. Towns, do a much better job clearing vegetation along every bike path inch. Keep them free of sand and gravel. Daily.

EUNKI SEONWOO

5. Place trash cans at every bus stop.

cidents involving the parking lot exits going back three years. I included another dangerous intersection, where Head of the Pond Road crosses a busy bike path before intersecting with heavy traffic on the Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road. (Once again, no signs whatsoever at the exit, unless you count two “Bikes Must Stop” signs on the path.) Next, I put in a call to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), intending to ask how they can issue a liquor license to an establishment exhibiting such little concern for its patrons. I never got to ask that question, but I had a friendly conversation with the commissioner. He suggested contacting my state senator, which I’ve done.

6. Banish all but the slowest e-bikes.

with permanent year-round occupancy restrictions. Each loan costs about $250,000. We could create 300 new units for roughly $75 million. • Ten-year Lease to Locals program: Some of our towns are participating in Lease to Locals. Homeowners are being paid to make their homes available for year-round occupancy on a yearto-year basis. Get 10-year commitments. Each would cost about $100,000. We could create 400 new units for roughly $40 million.

Additionally, our towns could use short-term rental fees and Community Preservation Act funds to augment transfer-fee proceeds to buy down units for those with low incomes, and to build when specific circumstances make it the best option (preferably on previously developed land). As they have so generously, private donors and impact investors can continue to supplement by supporting our housing nonprofits, which do their work so well. In a few decades, our problem could be solved.

7. Put the image of a bicycle on every “Caution — Bike Xing” sign. That way everyone will comprehend the message. 8. No more “Bikes Must Stop” signs anywhere, ever. In addition to being obnoxious, they are unenforced, ignored, and give drivers the idea that they rule the roads. “Caution — Busy Intersection” would be friendlier. And if I hear one more town official say, “Sorry, not my jurisdiction,” I’m gonna blow a gasket. Tom Pallas lives in Tisbury. Before moving to the Vineyard in 1998, he owned an old-time bike shop in Buffalo.

ESSAY Solving the housing crisis by reclaiming what we’ve got BY JOHN ABRAMS The housing crisis that plagues us can only be solved with longterm thinking and inventive design. While we’ve done a lot with housing on Martha’s Vineyard the past 40 years, it’s been way too little and far too slow to keep pace with the problem’s acceleration. That’s common knowledge. Now we try to build, build, build to catch up. Here’s a potential M.V. alternative: a full solution that requires little or no new building.

The problem There are roughly 17,000 existing houses on Martha’s Vineyard. About 10,000 of these are occupied for only part of the year. We need about 2,700 more year-round units for working people to call home. We could try to build those 2,700 units of new housing at the going rate of about $800,000 each. That’s well over $2 billion, and doing so

would cause widespread environmental havoc and deeply disrupt the character of our community. This will never happen. We can’t build our way out of this.

The alternative But this could happen: We could solve the crisis by reclaiming some of our existing housing stock. Five keys could unlock the puzzle: • Year-round occupancy restrictions: Purchase permanent deed restrictions from willing property owners who commit to year-round occupancy (no short-term rentals). We’ve already begun to do this. Each costs an average of $150,000. We could create 1,800 new units for roughly $270 million. • Move houses slated for demolition: Many reasonably good houses are being demolished to make way for others. Move, refurbish, and equip these houses with permanent year-round occupancy restrictions. We’ve already begun to do this. Each costs an average of $120,000. We could create 200 new units for roughly $24 million. • Shared equity appreciation loans: Help people get into the existing housing market with lowinterest down payment assistance loans, and equip those houses

These four keys could provide the 2,700 homes we need for working people who earn up to 240 percent of the area median income for just over $400 million, less than 20 percent of the cost of building. The fifth key? The money to do it: • The Martha’s Vineyard Housing Bank: Some of us have been working for six years to convince the state legislature to pass a local option transfer fee of 2 percent on high-end real estate transfers to fund the Martha’s Vineyard Housing Bank. Eventually this legislation will pass. Projections based on recent and current real estate activity estimate that this mechanism will generate about $12 million a year.

Ready, set, go! This is only a conceptual sketch, an outline of possibilities. Countless details will need solutions. Numbers will change. New ideas will surface. What matters now is getting that fifth key in hand. Once we pass the legislation, we can launch. Then comes the hard part: banding together as a region — not as separate towns — to spend those funds ingeniously and efficiently. We can do this, without wrecking our Island or breaking the bank. John Abrams is the co-founder and president emeritus of South Mountain Co.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, The Times has invited Island writers with diverse perspectives to offer their thoughts on what freedom means to them in a series called “VOICES on Freedom,” curated by Sharisse Scott-Rawlins as part of her monthly column. These essays started on July Fourth, and have continued to be published in print, and this week, we are expanding the package online. It can be read here: mvtimes.com/voices.

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news

July 23, 2026

New hire makes a dent in primary care shortage Dr. Howie Rudner is the newest provider at Martha’s Vineyard Medical. BY MARIA BARROS

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fter more than four decades in the medical field in Canada, longtime Vineyard summer resident Dr. Howie Rudner joined the Martha’s Vineyard Medical team this June as their newest primary care provider. The Vineyard community, which has a documented shortage of primary care physicians and long waitlists of patients, is federally recognized as a health professional shortage area, according to two 2025 “Community Health Needs Assessments” created by Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and Island Health Care, and year-rounders are considered a medically underserved population by similar metrics. There is one primary care physician for every 1,740 people in Dukes County, compared to the state average of one provider to 970 people. Rudner’s appointment as a new primary care physician is

one of a few ways the medical center has sought to mitigate that gap in care. “We have a lack of medical providers on the Island, and that’s really why so many people on the Island don’t have primary care,” CEO and owner of Martha’s Vineyard Medical Jeff Levy said. “It means people are forced to go to the emergency rooms for non-emergency visits,” he added. Beyond his extensive experience in primary care, Rudner’s specialty is in the field of geriatrics, a branch of medicine focused on elder healthcare. With over 33 percent of the Vineyard population over 65 years old, Rudner said that background will come in handy. “I enjoy managing diabetes, heart disease, and working with older people. I’m happy to be available,” he said. Rudner first came to the Vineyard over 40 years ago, with his soon-to-be wife, Annie.

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“I met my American wife on vacation about 40 years ago, and she was a Vineyard lover. And one of the conditions before she accepted my proposal was that she said, ‘You have to come up to one place with me and see how you feel about it.’ So I came to the Vineyard in 1985, and then we got married.” Once they started to come with kids, the Rudners bought a home — in 1999 — and have visited ever since. During the COVID pandemic, Annie decided to move to the Vineyard full-time. This year, Rudner joined her. “I got off the ferry, and my wife picked me up, and she said, ‘I’m not going home.’” Rudner then decided to leave Toronto, and he gave up his practice and got his green card and a license to practice medicine in the state of Massachusetts. Rudner said one of the hardest parts about moving

to the Island was leaving his lifelong patients in Canada. “It wasn’t easy for me to leave, because imagine, my 30-year-olds then are now 70. I was their family [doctor], so it was hard; but I decided that the Vineyard was gonna be my home.” It is an adjustment for Rudner, who worked in the Canadian healthcare system, which is mostly free, to work in the U.S., where patients often consider cost of treatment. “I’m learning a little bit. I’m still not used to having to think of a cost when I see a patient. It’s not on my radar,” he said. But it is on the mind of many locals, especially as health insurance premiums rise across the country. Federal subsidies that previously helped lower the cost of health insurance for qualifying residents expired at the end of last year, and weren’t extended by Congress. What followed was the longest

COURTESY MARTHA’S VINEYARD MEDICAL

Dr. Howie Rudner, the newest primary care provider at Martha’s Vineyard Medical.

government shutdown in history, and some Islanders have opted to go without insurance at all. Canada, on the other hand, has universal healthcare for its residents, although costs of prescription drugs, dental, and vision often fall on the individual, family, or employer.

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

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Since June of last year, Martha’s Vineyard Medical has added 600 new primary care patients to their roster of 1,500. There is room for another 1,000 patients based on existing providers. “Having more providers means more primary care patients,” Levy said.

news A7 NICHOLAS VUKOTA

July 23, 2026

Jill Biden and moderator Sunny Hostin at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center.

A view of the White House from the Vineyard Continued from A1 concert took place just a few months prior. The salutatorian of MVRHS’s class of 2026, Teagan D’Arcy, was honored by Biden on Thursday for winning an essay contest by the Vineyard Gazette, who were co-sponsors of the event. In the discussion about her memoir, Biden broached issues that ranged from her family’s experience with grief and cancer to former President Joe Biden’s health and the moment he bowed out of the running for a second term, to her work as a professor at a community college. She also touched on lighter topics, such as the food service in the White House kitchen, her security codename (“Capri,” for her Italian heritage), and her favorite Island brunch spots, which were mostly on Nantucket. She said she wrote the memoir to bring people into the Bidens’ world. “When Joe got out of office, all these people were writing books about their analysis of the White House: what happened and what didn’t happen. And I thought, ‘I want to tell my story,’” Biden said to the crowd. Biden’s new memoir takes the reader into the White House for the four years her husband was president, from 2021 to 2025. Joe Biden took office less than a year into a global pandemic that rewrote everyone’s reality, drove up housing and grocery prices, and altered federal health policy. And it was during his presidency when the public started to actively question his health and age, which was 78 when he was sworn in. Although President Biden began a campaign to run for office for a second term, he eventually removed himself from the running, a move for which he received criticism from both sides of the political aisle. His wife addressed some of this on Thursday. Her husband’s health was a concern of hers, Biden said. During a presidential debate on June 27, 2024, where Biden

went up against Trump on key policy issues on a live CNN stage, Joe Biden stumbled over his words. Jill said that as she watched her husband, in his black suit and bright blue tie, struggle to find the right words under the bright stage lights, she wondered if he was “having a stroke,” she said to the audience at the PAC. Biden announced his decision to drop out of the race and endorse his vice president, Kamala Harris, on July 21, 2024, a few weeks after videos from the debate went viral online. Nearly 10 months later, he found out his private doctors missed a Stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis, which Jill said he’s still receiving treatment for. Biden’s cancer metastasized to his bones, she said Thursday. “You look at him and you say, ‘God, he looks great, and he seems fine.’ But I know the real story. And those of you — and I know there are many in the audience, and I’m so sorry — any of you who are dealing with family members who have cancer, or who have had cancer, may I say, I know how hard it is, and screenings are so important,” Biden said. The Bidens have grappled with cancer, both with loved ones and through Jill Biden’s advocacy for survivors of breast cancer, throughout their adult lives. They lost their son, Beau Biden, to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2015, when he was 46 years old. Their other son, Hunter Biden, grappled with a different disease. He struggled with addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine, which he has since discussed publicly, including in his own memoir, “Beautiful Things.” Hunter Biden has been sober, he said, since 2019. He was also pardoned by his father for any federal crimes he could have committed between Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 1, 2024. Biden said on Thursday that it was very difficult for her to write, or say, the word “addict,” when it came to her son.

“There are so many families, I think, in this country, dealing with addiction. I’m a little sorry that I didn’t address it more while I was first lady, but it was so hard to deal with, knowing what my family went through, and I didn’t really want to take my grandchildren through that again. I mean, they had so much pain and anguish from it,” she said. Health has shown up in the Biden family’s life and work in many ways. Biden’s work with women’s healthcare was a massive part of her work as first lady. She was the only first lady to continue holding a job outside the White House in history; her advocacy for women remained throughout the four years. On Thursday, Biden and Hustin talked about the importance of female friendships, and the endurance of those bonds through difficulties — health concerns among them. “Women have been a big part of my life, and I have lots of friends. And I think women are so good at keeping up friendships. And I have to warn you, men in the audience, you’re not so good at it,” Biden said to laughs from the audience. “But when you get to retirement, you better think about it,” she added. The Bidens are not on their retirement track, however. While Joe Biden has focused on his health since dropping out of the presidential race, he also announced an upcoming memoir of his own last week, titled “Promise Me, America.” In a video announcement for the book, he said it will be about “the challenge we face as a nation, about the decisions I made, and why I made them.” Jill Biden’s own book tour is almost six weeks long, from June 8 to July 28. To the hundreds of onlookers in the MVRHS auditorium, Biden read a passage of her memoir. “Joe’s presidency was unprecedented in so many ways,” she read. “He was sworn in with the city shrouded in barbed wire because the prior

president’s refusal to concede had caused the violent January 6th insurrection. I’m sure we all remember that.” Biden said while she began as a “reluctant participant in politics,” she “vowed to make the most of [her] platform.” She pointed to perhaps the most visual example of her efforts as the East Wing of the White House. While she was first lady, she made that wing of the white-pillared building, which housed generations of presidents before them, a symbol of their welcoming attitude toward the public, she said. To the crowd on Thursday, Biden described the area in detail. She adorned the East Wing of the White House with artwork from the children of active military personnel, in an educational multimedia display, with interactive exhibits that depicted both the history of American life, and modern examples that young people would recognize. It was “magical,” she wrote in her book. “I wanted people to know that the Bidens were a military family, and how much we honored our military. And as you continued down the hall, the pictures used to be static, and they didn’t move. But as a teacher, I knew people have so many different ways of learning,” Biden said. “So I decided to change it.” Last October, Trump ordered that the East Wing be torn down to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom instead. The former structure was reduced to rubble, the artwork removed, and the entrance demolished. “The East Wing is where visitors come. That’s where they enter, and it’s so special, or it was,” Biden said. That moment, Biden said on Thursday, was one of many that’s been devastating to grapple with since her husband left office. For her, the demolition of the East Wing is symbolic of the Trump administration’s attitude toward the public, of grief, and of watching a violent act (she used the example of animals and hunting) without being able to stop it.

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July 23, 2026

Steamship general manager gets high praise and a pay raise Continued from A1 full-time GM compensation exceeds my current salary, and that I am now performing the full scope of that role while he is not, I believe it is appropriate for the board to consider adjusting my salary to at least parity with his former General Manager compensation. I would further ask the board to consider whether an adjustment beyond parity is warranted in recognition of the scope of responsibility I now carry.” Board members gave high marks to Kryska during the public part of the meeting, where he got an average grade of 90.5 out of 100. While these evaluations typically happen on an annual basis, the midpoint review for Kryska was a part of the contract he signed in December. Kryska said he’s “still having fun” and learning daily. He emphasized that running the ferry line is a team effort. “There’s a phrase I heard a couple of years ago: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far,

role of responding to what he called one-off “fires” from Vineyarders. Gavin was appointed to the board in March, and he expressed confidence in the approach Kryska’s taken — committing to public transparency and culture shift — since that time. All were aspects that the board emphasized were necessary in its search for a new general manager last year. “It’s your first six months, and you’re running and shooting,” Gavin said. But he warned Kryska that the next six months will be “a lot harder,” adding that “as you get into the minutiae, the ma-

“There’s a phrase I heard a couple of years ago: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, you go together.” —ALEX KRYSKA

Steamship Authority General Manager Alex Kryska at the ferry line board’s meeting in Oak Bluffs.

The Steamship Authority board in Oak Bluffs Town Hall.

“It’s your first six months, and you’re running and shooting.” —TED GAVIN you go together,” he said. Ted Gavin, the Vineyard’s representative, gave Kryska a 95. Gavin said Kryska’s “most visible positive attribute” was his ability to “reprioritize quickly while coming back to the core task.” In particular, Gavin highlighted Kryska’s

tration over how the ferry line was run, including a heavily delayed new website that cost nearly $3 million, and a dysfunctional reservation system. Some called for a more responsive culture, and proposed caps to the board members’ terms. It was in the wake of these frustrations that the former general manager, Robert Davis, announced in September 2024 that he would step down from his position. Davis is still with the ferry line as a senior advisor to the board. Kryska was selected over Mark Amundsen, the Steamship Authority COO, this past November. But not long after his hiring, Kryska was hit by troubles left behind by the past administration. The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General released a report in December highlighting how the

PHOTOS: EUNKI SEONWOO

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chine will resist the changes that you are trying to make.” Change was the board’s theme when it launched into finding a new general manager to lead the ferry line. Well before the search process launched in 2025, Vineyarders expressed frus-

previous, now-shelved website project wasted millions in public funds. In the wake of the state report that outlined deficiencies and routes for improvement at the ferry line, Kryska outlined in February an 18-month draft plan to address various issues, including leadership structure, financial planning, and transparency. So far, Kryska seems to

be en route to success, at least in the eyes of the ferry line’s board members, a fiveperson body whose members represent different port communities. Robert Jones of Barnstable and Robert Ranney of Nantucket both praised Kryska, and gave

him a 92 and 90 respectively. The strictest grading came from Peter Jeffrey, board chair and Falmouth representative, who was the only one not to award a grade of at least 90. Instead, he graded Kryska’s first six months at an 85. Jeffrey said the implementation of the general manager’s timeline of key objectives was slower than initially planned. Still, he praised Kryska’s leadership, accountability, and efforts to restore relations with port communities. “We’re very positive we’re headed in the right direction,” Jeffrey said. Kryska has made efforts to learn about the five port communities of Martha’s

“We’re very positive we’re headed in the right direction.” —PETER JEFFREY

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Vineyard, Nantucket, Falmouth, Barnstable, and New Bedford. At the time the last boat departed the Vineyard on Monday at 9:30 pm, General Manager Kryska was sitting at a booth by a window. He’d left partway through a summer collegiate baseball matchup between the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks and the Keene Swamp Bats, at which point the hometown team was losing 2-0. Ferry schedules meant Kryska wasn’t able to see the Sharks’ comeback, but after sitting behind for five innings, the Sharks turned the game around starting in the sixth inning, and managed to secure a 4-3 victory. Kryska was back on a boat to the Island early Tuesday to receive his high marks and raise.

Yo u A r e C o r d i a l ly I n v i t e d to a n I n t e r fa i t h C o n v e r s at i o n celebrating Rabbi Caryn Broitman’s new book Followed by a Festive Reception

Rev. Cathlin Baker and Rabbi Caryn Broitman will discuss the ways our respective sacred—and sometimes problematic— texts can speak to the challenges we face today.

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news A9

July 23, 2026

Leading journalists talk local roots at Islanders Write Continued from A1 also explored how they’ve adapted to journalism’s dramatically shifting landscape, and what feels like, particularly for investigative reporters, a climate of fear, as sources fear retribution in exposing important truths. While pointing out that the Island has an embarrassment of riches for events that celebrate authors and thought leaders, Sennott said that what makes this event unique is that “all of the writers who speak on panels and conduct writing workshops are directly connected in some way to the Island. All of the novelists, playwrights, journalists, poets, scribes, and essayists who attend proudly fit within that most inclusive definition of ‘Islander.’” He opened up the panel with a discussion on the crisis in local journalism, and updated readers about how The Times has confronted challenges by revamping the news organization’s website and expanding its membership model, which aims to increase the paper’s sustainability through community support at a time when up to two local newspapers close every week in the U.S. Both Mayer and Horwitz started their careers at local papers. Mayer, who’s long visited the Island, and recently bought a house here, said she started at the Weathersfield Weekly in Vermont in 1973, the summer when the Watergate scandal broke; she also started a paper called the Black River Tribune later in the ’70s with the then–future governor of Connecticut Ned Lamont. Horwitz, who attended the Island’s high school, started his career at The Martha’s Vineyard Times in 2014, where he managed to get in the White House press pool when then-President Barack Obama visited the Island. Horwitz joked that he thought that the opportunity would be “illustrious,” and he could “speak truth to power” and get to know hotshot journalists. But instead, he spent a hot August day in a packed bus

Island news daily

Nicholas Vukota was named as The Times’ second “Island Writer.”

Maria Barros won The Times’ Tony Horwitz Internship.

at the Vineyard Golf Club as Obama “methodically walked his way through 17 holes.” Horwitz also remembered when he sent a message to the White House press secretary, trying to be part of the informal banter that he noticed was happening on the internal messaging of the press pool. The press secretary would then forward updates to anyone subscribed to the White House press service. Horwitz, as Obama was still on the 17th hole for “what felt like an eternity,” jokingly typed out, “Where you at, bro?” It was mistakenly forwarded to thousands of journalists. As

Vineyard instead of Washington, D.C., where it’s one of the worst moments for journalism that I’ve ever seen in my life,” Mayer, who is the author of “Dark Money” and an imminent sequel, said. Mayer said that she’s never seen more people in the U.S. intimidated to talk to the press. She also noted New York Times reporters were recently subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury about their anonymous sources for a story about an Air Force One plane donated by Qatar. Intimidation, Mayer said, is “going directly at reporters, and it’s basically say-

he observed, it was his last scheduled week on the job, but as the quip caused a stir, he realized an editor would certainly have had cause to make it his last day. The current state of journalism is largely different from when either Horwitz or Mayer started in the industry. “This is a perfect moment to be in Martha’s

ing, You may have committed a crime for telling the truth in the country.” Horwitz asked Mayer how she gets people to talk when the country’s never been more afraid. “I covered the War on Terror, and particularly torture,” she answered. “So waterboarding works.” Then in all seriousness, she said she

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gets inspiration from a Bob Woodward–coined tactic, in which he calls people just before dinner, when they start to relax with a drink and tend to be a little bit looser. Also, she said, “Try to do a fair amount of

“All of the novelists, playwrights, journalists, poets, scribes, and essayists who attend proudly fit within that most inclusive definition of ‘Islander.’” — PUBLISHER CHARLES SENNOTT

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homework before [showing] up at someone’s door.” Horwitz, who said he would have been an international war reporter in another era, now runs an opensource business news outlet called Hunterbrook, which supports investigative journalism, and is funded not through advertisements, but investment and litigation:

i.e., major litigation firms use investigative journalism to bring cases against major corporations. He said the model is somewhat like Erin Brockovich, a consumer advocate and environmentalist who publicized wrongdoing by California corporations, and whose story was immortalized in an Academy awardwinning film. Horwitz also highlighted Hunterbrook’s use of artificial intelligence, not to write stories but to do research. A bright spot, he said, is that a team of a few dozen journalists and a dozen freelancers have only so many human hours, but through new AI tools, each team member can do more research than ever. He added that there is a fulltime fact-checking team at Hunterbrook to ensure any

AI-supported research is tied to a relevant source. The Wednesday talk didn’t just highlight the insights of acclaimed journalists. It also stressed the future of journalism at The Times, centered around young Islanders. At the start of the panel, Sennott announced that Horwitz’s mother, Pulitzer-prizewinning author Geraldine Brooks, recently sponsored an internship at The Times in honor of her husband and Nathaniel’s father, the late Tony Horwitz, also an author and Pulitzerprizewinning journalist. The Tony Horwitz Internship was awarded to Maria Barros, an incoming senior at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS). Sennott also announced that Nicholas Vukota was recently named “Island Writer” at The Times, an initiative coordinated through Islanders Write and the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation to mentor and train young journalists from the Island. Vukota attended Edgartown School and MVRHS, and reports on sports and police for the paper. Vukota is the second Island Writer: Sarah Shaw Dawson, who covers housing, education, and health, was awarded the honor last year. This initiative is growing, and The Times is planning to announce a third “Island Writer” position in the fall.

A10 classifieds

July 23, 2026

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

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

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

**NON-CDL DRIVERS AND LABORERS** Bruno's Rolloff, Inc. is currently seeking full-time and part-time NON-CDL Drivers and Laborers for both year-round and seasonal positions. Applicants must be available for early morning shifts and seasonal overtime. We offer competitive wages, excellent bene ts, and yearly bonuses. Applications can be picked up at our o ce at 11 East Line Road, Edgartown, or requested by emailing admin@brunosmv.com. For further inquiries, please contact us at (508) 693-5454. ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONIST Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has an opening for a parttime Academic Interventionist to provide direct services to students identified through Response to Intervention or Special Education. Applicants should be familiar with RTI and IEP development and hold a MA license in special education, reading, math, or elementary education. This position is an ideal opportunity for retired educators or those looking to work on a part-time basis, with

Jobs

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

flexible hours in a supportive environment. Please email resume, letter of interest, and completed application to Christopher Nace, Executive Director cnace@mvpcs.org. Applications can be found on the school website at MVPCS.org BOOK KEEPER/ OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR The Martha’s Vineyard Refuse District is accepting applications for the position of Book Keeper / Office Administrator. This is a full time year round, with a benefit package that includes health insurance paid leave and enrollment onto the Dukes County Retirement System. Duties include: performing the District’s routine accounting functions including payroll and monthly warrants, posting and verifying accounts payable and receivable, posting cash receipts and expenditures, reconciling accounts and balances and trial balances, prepared District correspondence and assisting the general public with information, etc. The applicant should have experience with Quick Books, Microsoft Word, Excel and posses experience and familiarity with principals and practices of bookkeeping and municipal finance. Pay range is $40.13- $50.78 per hour. Applicants should respond with a resume and cover letter to: Martha’s Vineyard Refuse District P.O. Box 190, West Tisbury, Ma 02575. or by email to mvrefuse@comcast.net

CG LICENSED CAPTAIN Need at MV Oceansports. Now til September 15th $37.50 hour plus tips and end of season bonus. Housing provided. Call 508-627-2838 Or apply in person at MV Oceansports. COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATOR, TISBURY For Tisbury Community Preservation Act Committee (CPC). Part-time, year round, independent contractor work status, varied hours weekly, from home. Bulk of work August through January. Minimum three years office experience including clerical, computer, and financial skills. Ability to write clear prose, take minutes and work independently. Excellent organizational skills required. College graduate preferred. Excellent pay, commensurate with experience. Send resume to: tisburycpc@gmail.com or by mail to Tisbury CPC, PO Box 1239, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Deadline for applications is noon, August 7, 2026. VINEYARD SCRIPTS IS HIRING A YEAR-ROUND CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Pay commensurate with experience. 117 Beach Rd., VH. Please stop by for an application or email your resume to vineyard.scripts@gmail.com.

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

DUKES COUNTY SHERIFFS' OFFICE PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS ** $500 Monthly Housing Stipend for Full Time Island Resident Telecommunicators** Are you looking to kick-start your career, while helping the Island Community? Duties include, but not limited to receiving, processing, transmitting and/or dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for police, re, emergency medical, and other public safety services via telephone and other communication devices. Effective oral and written communications skills, sensitivity to working with con dential material; exibility 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 on -site training, as well as off-island Academy training upon completion of probationary period. Full-time position with a generous bene t package, including paid leave, insurance and retirement. Full time Tele-Communicator-In-Training pay range is $71,140.94$78,545.22 annually, plus $500 monthly stipend. Applications and job description available at dukescountysheriff.com/ careers

Full-Time Bookkeeper – Vineyard Gardens Vineyard Gardens Landscaping and Garden Center in West Tisbury is seeking an experienced, in-person Bookkeeper to manage day-to-day nancial operations. The Role: Accounts payable/ receivable, payroll processing for up to 50 seasonal employees, POS retail reconciliations, job costing, and CPA tax prep. Requirements: 3+ years bookkeeping experience, advanced Excel, and absolute pro ciency in QuickBooks Online (QBO). Experience with ADP and Counterpoint POS is a major plus. High attention to detail and discretion required. Bene ts: Competitive compensation, comprehensive health insurance, PTO, and retirement options. Island housing may be available for the right longterm candidate. To Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to mv@vineyardgardens.net. Please include "bookkeeper position + your favorite plant" in the subject line. For a more detailed explanation of the positi on please visit www.vineyardgardens.net.

Join the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Team! Financial Advisor

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

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

MVCS ISLAND WIDE YOUTH COLLABORATIVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Program Director ($73,000 $88,000/year). The Program Director will lead the IWYC, a Massachusetts Family Resource Center. Responsibilities include program oversight, designing and planning the IWYC program, supervising staff, working with Leadership to develop program budgets, managing state and federal contract compliance, and collaborating with community partners. Some evening and weekend hours are required. SignOn Bonus available to employees in good standing! Quali cations: Bachelor’s degree required (relevant eld preferred) and 1–3 years of nonpro t program management or leadership experience. Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills required. Passionate about helping families thrive? We encourage you t o apply at: mvcommunityservices.org/ employment School Liaison ($23.00-$28.50/ hour) The School Liaison will serve as a resource to families, schools, and the community, connecting families experiencing CRA-related issues with services and supports. Responsibilities include providing referrals, helping develop Family Support Plans, maintaining family service data, meeting regularly with Island schools, and assisting with IWYC/FRC programming and events. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Quali cations: Background in social services or a mental health setting preferred. Strong communication, organization, con dentiality, and collaboration skills required. Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and reliable transportation required. Apply at: mvcommunityservices.org/ employment

DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS AND WASTEWATER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Town of Tisbury seeks individual to perform assistant duties. Administrative support for the activities and operations of the Department of Public Works and Wastewater Department. Some duties include: Answering phones, tracking expenditures, Wastewater Billing, and LDO related duties including record keeping and trash collection. Full-time (40 hrs/weekly) year-round, starting pay $36.57 /hour, Grade 4 step 1 or commensurate with experienced and generous benefits package under union contract including retirement. Application available on website under Human Resources. Qualified applicants should submit application and resume by July 31, 2026 open until filled to pbennett@tisburyma. gov. Town of Tisbury is EOE.

PLACE YOUR JOB LISTING, EMAIL VALERIE@MVTIMES.COM.

classifieds A11

July 23, 2026

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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

FELIX NECK IS HIRING! Full time/seasonal position: Felix Neck is looking for a dedicated Property Steward to help manage buildings, trails, and grounds, assist with animal care, support staff and volunteers, and maintain clean facilities. Full job description and application at https://www.massaudubon. org/about/careers 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. JETSKI INSTRUCTORS / BOATCREW NEEDED FOR SUMMER 2026 AT MV OCEANSPORTS. Great pay/ great tips! Will be subjected to random Coast Guard testing. Experienced boater =preferred. Start immediately and work through Labor Day. Please text or call 508-627-2838.

Jobs

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Join Our Team – Insurance Account Manager Sterling Insurance Group is growing! We're hiring motivated individuals for our Martha's Vineyard & Boston o ces. No insurance experience required — we'll train the right person. Competitive pay starting at $62,400 with a raise upon licensure. Full-time. Apply at insurewithsterling.com. MARTHA’S VINEYARD REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Seeking applicants for the following open coaching position Assistant Cross Country Application of Support Staff can be found by visiting our website at: www.mvyps.org under Employment; forms or at the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 4 Pine Street, Vineyard Haven, 02568 508-693-2009 Return completed application to the Superintendent’s Office Deadline: Until Position is Filled No person shall be excluded or

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. EOE. MVPCS LEARNING FACILITATOR The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has an opening for a Learning Facilitator in our special education department starting September 1, 2026. Please email resume, letter of interest, and completed application to Peter Steedman, Director, psteedman@mvpcs.org. Applications can be found on the school website: mvpcs.org SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST & ENGLISH-PORTUGUESE TRANSLATOR The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has an opening for a full-time Front Office Receptionist & Translator to start September 1, 2026. We are seeking a friendly, organized, bilingual individual to fill this combined position, serving as the school’s front desk receptionist while providing translation and interpretation services for students, families, and staff. Competitive salary and full benefits provided. Please email a resume and letter of interest to Chris Nace, Director, atcnace@mvpcs.organd complete an application on our website atwww. MVPCS.org.

SEEKING CAREGIVER Seeking a compassionate and dependable caregiver for approximately 5 6 hours per day. Responsibilities include assisting with dressing, bathing, and light housekeeping. References are required. Competitive compensation offered. Please call Jackie at (617) 697-8617 for more information. TEMPORARY RECEPTIONIST/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Greet clients, answer phones, and provide basic office assistance to the staff at the Dukes County Health Care Access office. Bilingual preferred (English/Portuguese). Health Care Access Specialist- bilingual preferred. The Health Care Access Specialist provides public health insurance application and enrollment services for state and federal systems including MassHealth and Medicare. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required. Proficiency with office equipment, MSO 365 and requisite software programs, ability to input/ manage data, and maintain confidentiality required. Must be able to work independently and be a positive team member in our busy multicultural Health Care Access office. 40-hour/ week position, Portuguese- and or Spanish-speaking helpful. Benefits include a competitive salary; health insurance; discounted dental plan;

and a full retirement package based on years of service. Dukes County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full job descriptions and job application available at https://www.dukescounty.gov/ employment-opportunities Send letter of interest to manager@ dukescounty.gov TICK STUDY DATA COLLECTOR Short-term, approx. 6 weeks. BiodiversityWorks seeks reliable, detail-oriented field workers to study tick spray effects on Martha’s Vineyard. Biology background helpful but will train the right person. Variable hours, must be on-Island and have reliable car. For details, email resume to mpelikan@biodiversitworksmv. org or visit biodiversityworksmv.org/ work-with-us BABYSITTER – CHILMARK Seeking a fun, responsible babysitter for 2 -year-old boy, Aug 10 Sept 4. Full-time (35 40 hrs/week), flexible schedule. Must have transportation and be comfortable at pool/beach. Approx. $27plus/hour, based on experience. Text Nora: 202-288-8362

Real Estate HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

$1,245,000 MARILYN MOSES 617462-0381 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 exibility 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...thi s classic Cape blends timeless style with modern upgrades.

$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 oor plan connects the chef’s kitchen with spacious living and dining areas, ideal for enter taining family and friends. Each bedroom suite includes a tiled en-suite bath with customizable xtures and nishes, and the second- oor 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 wal king 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!

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

MAIN HOUSE PLUS GUEST APT WITH ROOM FOR A POOL! OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 7/28, 12:30-2:00 44 TIFFANY DRIVE Tucked away in a serene setting, and set on 1.38 private acres, this beautifully renovated 4BR/4.5BA Cape offers over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space, a gourmet kitchen, large living room with 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, minisplits. Listed for $2.80M, plus $50K will be put in escrow at closing for a pool, depending on the offer! Contact Perry Patterson, Realtor, MV Luxury Homes, 973-789-1264

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

PRICE IMPROVEMENT 46 KENNEBEC AVENUE OAK BLUFFS, MA $1,395,000 CALL OR TEXT ALAN SCHWEIKERT 508-221-1708 OR MICHAEL SCHWEIKERT 774-563-9112 OCEAN PARK REALTY This exquisite Victorian home, lovingly preserved by the same family for over a generation, stands in outstanding condition and is perfectly situated in the vibrant heart of Oak Bluffs Center. Enjoy the convenience of being just steps away from the Public Beach, Steamship Authority, Oak Bluffs Harbor, a supermarket, and a variety of charming restaurants and shops that contribute to Oak Bluffs' allure as a premier summer destination on Martha's Vineyard. This delightful three-season cottage has been carefully modernized over the years, offering a rare investment opportunity. Located within the highly sought-after B1 Zone, this residence has been cherished as a family home while also providing the potential for commercial endeavors. The property features a welldesigned oor plan that includes four bedrooms-one conveniently located on the rst oor-along with a full bathroom, two half bathrooms, a laundry storage area, an eat-in kitchen, and a cozy living room. The home is adorned with stunning wood ooring throughout, bright and a iry rooms with original windows, a new hot water on demand system, and a charming front porch, perfect for leisurely afternoons. With its four bedrooms and prime in-town location, this property offers substantial rental potential, making it an exceptional opportunity for both personal enjoyment and investment.

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

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 oor 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 oors in the primary suite and lower-level playroom. Twocar garage with bonus space above. Beautiful stonework driveway. Updated furnace (2020) and water heater (2024).

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A12 classifieds

July 23, 2026

Real Estate HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

SOLD FULL PRICE IN 5 DAYS !! $895,000 CALL OR TEXT MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 Charming year-round renovated Victorian cottage in the historic Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, located in the heart of Wesleyan Grove in Oak Bluffs. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home features shiplap walls, knotty pine ceilings, original wood ooring, and sun- lled interiors throughout. The updated kitchen offers quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, stylish lighting, and newer energy-e cient appliances. Improvements include Marvin wood windows, a newer roof, hot water tank, and energy-e cient heat pumps for AC and heat. Enjoy a welcoming front porch with colorful gardens and a slate patio with fenced garden space for outdoor dining and relaxing. Just steps to Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs Harbor, and nearby be aches.

SOLD NEW LISTING IN OAK BLUFFS $968,750 ALAN SCHWEIKERT OCEAN PARK REALTY 508-221-1708 Oak Bluffs: Home Sweet Home Situated on over a quarter acre of beautifully landscaped, level grounds with colorful perennial plantings and mature trees, this sun- lled ranch offers a perfect blend of comfort and charm. The open kitchen, dining, and living areas feature cathedral ceilings, classic vertical knotty pine walls, and a cozy brick replace. Enjoy a convenient rst- oor bedroom and a spacious second- oor primary bedroom with a private deck. The nished basement provides additional living or hobby space. Updates include a 2017 oil burner and Roth oil tank. An inviting outdoor shower completes this wellmaintained home, offered furnished and ready for your personal touches. Located in a quiet resident ial neighborhood close to all that Oak Bluffs has to offer.

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

SOLD PRICE ADJUSTMENT,NOW $2,600,000 COMMERCIAL B-2 OR RESIDENTIAL OFFERED BY RENE’ BEN DAVID/ REALTOR ®, OCEAN PARK REALTY INC. 23 Circuit Ave Extension Cell 508-847-4864 3 bedrooms/1 bathroom, Rare Opportunity with Endless Possibilities – Unmatched Harbor & Vineyard Sound Views. Location, Location, Location! A truly rare offering in the heart of Oak Bluffs, where properties like this seldom become available. Positioned directly across from the iconic Oak Bluffs Harbor, this property boasts unobstructed harbor views and sweeping vistas of Vineyard Sound— a setting that captures the very best of island living. From your front yard, watch ferries come and go, boats drift through the harbor, and enjoy the stunning backdrop of open water stretching toward Vineyard Sound. This is a property that puts you right in the middle of everything, while still offering the charm and character of a classic island home. Zoned B-2 Commercial, the op portunities are truly endless. Continue the legacy of a successful tourist-oriented business like the longtime Anderson Bike Rentals, create a new commercial venture, or reimagine the property as your personal dream home. Whether you renovate the existing structure or build from the ground up, you’ll bene t from one of the most visible and vibrant locations in Oak Bluffs. Walk to everything—ferries, beaches, the marina, restaurants, movies, shopping, Ocean Park con certs, the OB shing pier, and the beloved Oak Bluffs Fireworks. This is a must-see, legacy property with rare potential in a location that can’t be beat. Very easy to show. Pre-approval or proof of funds required with all offers.

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LAND-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-WEST TISBURY

NEW LISTING IN EAST CHOP OAK BLUFFS MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 $1,199,000 .52 ACRES 66 Munroe Avenue and 17 Madison Avenue Oak Bluffs East Chop~Build your custom island retreat in coveted East Chop on this over onehalf acre parcel. Offering the potential for a 6 + bedroom residence, this exceptional homesite includes a topographic map and features expansive grounds that may accommodate a pool, 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.

HOUSES-VINEYARD HAVEN

SOLD $2,400,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381, Michael Schweikert 774-563-9112, Alan Schweikert 508—221-1708 15 Main Street Vineyard Haven $2,900,000 Prime Commercial Building – Main Street, Vineyard Haven Exceptional opportunity in the heart of downtown Vineyard Haven. This well-maintained mixed-use property offers over 3,100 sq ft of versatile space, featuring two ground- oor retail storefronts with excellent street visibility and two updated 1bedroom apartments above—ideal for staff housing or rental income. A full basement provides exible storage or utility space, and deeded rear access allows for deliveries and logistical ease. Recent updates include plumbing improvements and a fully renovated apartment. Whether you're an investor seeking steady income, a business owner looking for a a gship location, or a developer exploring mixed-use potential, this property delivers exceptional value in one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most desirable commercial corridors.

Real Estate Transactions July 13 – 17, 2026

Edgartown

Tisbury

July 14, Alastasia Tzortzatos sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 351 Week 22 to David G. Tatarian and Mary K. Tatarian for $2,000. July 15, 87 West Tisbury Road LLC sold 3 Ogden Lane to Joshua Levinson and Kara Levinson for $1,250,000. July 15, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, trustee of B R & M Trust, sold 18 Oyster Watcha Road for $8,500,000.

July 14, Arthur W. Strople III sold 51 Daggett Ave. to EBJH LLC for $464,000. July 17, Margaret Mirko sold 79 Beach Road Units 9 and Units C-13 to Neeson Partners LLC for $615,000.

LAND BANK

WEEKLY INCOME FY 2027, Year to Date:

$721,050.00

$900,000 $850,000 $800,000 $750,000

West Tisbury July 17, Nancy Arkelyan Huntington, trustee of Scotchmans Lane Nominee Trust, sold 40 Scotchmans Lane to Edward Beason and Alexandria Styron for $1,029,000.

$700,000 $650,000 $600,000 $550,000 $500,000 $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000

OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY JULY 22 AND SATURDAY JULY 25TH 10:00AM-12:00PM 145 Vineyard Meadow Farms Road West Tisbury $1,399,000 Call or Text Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 Coastal contemporary residence is located on a private 1.60-acre lot in West Tisbury, with convenient access to Long Point Wildlife Refuge and access to "Coveted" Lambert's Cove Beach. The home features four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. On the rst oor, 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 oor 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 indu ction stove along with matching stainless-steel appliances. The rstoor bathroom has been fully renovated with a tiled shower and glass door, tiled oor, 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.

HOUSES-WEST TISBURY

WEST TISBURY NEW LISTING $1,399,000 Call or Text Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 Coastal contemporary residence is located on a private 1.60-acre lot in West Tisbury, with convenient access to Long Point Wildlife Refuge and access to "Coveted" Lambert's Cove Beach. The home features four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. On the rst oor, 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 oor 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 rstoor bathroom has been fully renovated with a tiled shower and glass door, tiled oor, 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 u pdated 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.

LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The West Tisbury Planning Board will hold a virtual public hearing on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5:15 pm, on a Form C application from Vineyard Land Surveying on behalf of Mckacou Realty Trust, under the Rules and Regulations Governing the Division of Land, to create four (4) building lots that include one Homesite Lot under Section 4.4-7 of the zoning bylaws, with direct access to Island Farms Road on Assessor’s Map 16, 125, 0 Old Holmes Hole Road, RU District. Interested parties are invited to send comments and/or attend the meeting via ZOOM: For more information and/or to review the application please contact or visit the Planning Board office on the second floor of the Town Hall. Please address any comments to: Leah Smith Planning Board P.O. Box 278 West Tisbury, MA 02575 Time: Aug 10, 2026 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/88128519218?pwd=MajqFw3Emj8XsaNOPk2ZKbHazSl0R5.1 Meeting ID: 881 2851 9218 Passcode: 370057 1 646 558 8656 US 1 646 931 3860 US

Cottage City Historic District Commission PO Box 1327, Oak Bluffs MA– 02557 email: buildingadmin@ oakbluffsma.gov OAK BLUFFS CONSERVATION COMMISSION Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 40, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and the Oak Bluffs Wetlands Bylaw, the Oak Bluffs Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing for a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Anucha Browne for a deck expansion. This is located within the buffer to the 100 year flood zone at 52 Marthas Park Road, Oak Bluffs, Map 20 Parcel 148. The hearing will take place at 3:30PM on Thursday August 6, 2026. The hearing will take place at Oak Bluffs Town Hall, 56 School Street, Oak Bluffs. OAK BLUFFS CONSERVATION COMMISSION Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 40, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and the Oak Bluffs Wetlands Bylaw, the Oak Bluffs Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing for a Notice of Intent filed by Eliedson Ribeiro, of Med Home Construction on behalf of John Kooyman to add a first floor addition, shed demolition, retaining walls, and landscaping, and a new driveway. This is located within the 100 year flood zone and the buffer to the 100 year flood zone and a wetland at 114 Park Street, Oak Bluffs, Map 1 Parcel 41.1. The hearing will take place at 3:30PM on Thursday August 6, 2026. The hearing will take place at Oak Bluffs Town Hall, 56 School Street, Oak Bluffs.

LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS

Cottage City Historic District Commission NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Wednesday August 12, 2026 at 5:15 PM RE: 34 Massasoit Ave Map 11 Parcel 43 Iman Farrior This is a HYBRID meeting with both in person & Zoom participation available. The meeting will be held in the downstairs meeting room at the Oak Bluffs Town Hall, 56 School Street, Oak Bluffs MA or Join Zoom Meeting https://oakbluffs.zoom.us/ j/86490473241?pwd=Z5a7OFPA8p2WyC4PGvkObMaQikstRr.1 Meeting ID: 864 9047 3241 Passcode: 140692 Remove existing 2-story rear portion of house, construct a new, larger 2-story addition per plans. Replace all windows and doors (except in front gable & side of entry) with Norwood Historic Double Hung windows with white exterior. New French door to be custom made of Mahogany or similar. Cedar shingles to be natural. Roofing shingles to be asphalt to match existing. Proposed plans are on file in the Building Department at Town Hall. Written correspondence can be addressed to:

LEGAL NOTICES EDGARTOWN

EDGARTOWN AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR INFORMATION The Town of Edgartown Affordable Housing Committee is seeking responses from qualified developers, nonprofit housing organizations, and development teams regarding the potential development of affordable and attainable housing on Town-owned property at 294 Chappaquiddick Road, Edgartown, MA. The Request for Information (RFI) is available at https:// www.edgartown-ma.us/home/ showdocument?id=30083 &t=639185143011614833 or by contacting affordable@edgartown-ma.us or P.O. Box 5158, Edgartown, MA 02539. Responses must be received by Monday, August 3, 2026 at 3PM, and must be submitted in accordance with the requirements contained in the RFI.

BargainBox FOR SALE: 24”; Blue Townie Woman’s comfort 7 speed bike and new helmet. $75.00 617-733-5374. FREE - 78” SOFA Clean, good condition, some wear and tear, very comfortable. Pic available 561-654-6118. FREE Double bed, includes maple headboard, foot board, bed frame and mattress. Call 508-693-6670 GIVING AWAY A 16 1/2 FOOT NECKY NARPA OCEAN KAYAK Including paddles and seat cushion. 774-278-8380. 30 INCH TV Free. 508-696-4657.

GREEN SOFA, LOVESEAT Beautiful design and comfortable fabric. Call or text Mike at 203-434-3509. RED SOFA, COUCH FOR SALE - VERY COMFORTABLE $49 or best offer. Call or text Mike. 2103-434-3509. SEALY TWIN MATTRESS (2) Excellent Condition/smoke and pet free. 100.00 each Call or text 508-221-7545 AIR FRYER Blue/ New 50.00 (508)221-7545 WOMAN’S BIKE Good condition Needs air in tires 25.00. (508)221-7545

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.

$100,000 $50,000 0

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Weekly Registrar’s Report: July 17, 2026

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

news A13

July 23, 2026

obituaries of Vineyard Haven could attest from her few times there as substitute music director. Tanya was an enthusiastic birder, a rescue dog mom to Tanya Stum, who resided in her sweet babies Trix, Fudgie, Oak Bluffs with her family, and Scooter, a former wildlife Michele and Rich Beasley rehabilitator, a runner, a paddleMaloney, during her last years, boarder, and an ocean swimmer. died on Jan. 27, 2026, holding She loved to dance, and joined her sister’s hand, after a valiant groups in Oakland and at the battle with resurgent Stage IV breast cancer, which reappeared P.A. Club on the Island. Having a natural rhythm and joy for after 16 years in remission. movement, Tanya could foxtrot, Tanya was born in Chamswing, and tango with the best bersburg, Pa., on April 17, of them. She especially adored 1967, and lived there her first the Martha’s Vineyard Polar 18 years. Tanya received her Bears and Polar Bear Swimmers. undergraduate degree in voice Anyone who had the fortune performance from Carnegie Mellon University and graduate to be in Tanya’s presence knew her to be a loving, supportive, degree in elementary educacompassionate individual. She tion from the University of was the most alive, energetic Pittsburgh. She continued person with a terminal disease her education at Holy Names University in Oakland, earning we ever knew. The world will a master’s degree in music edu- be a duller and dimmer place without Tanya in it. cation specializing in Kodály Tanya was so grateful to method, graduating cum laude. the staff and volunteers at the Tanya was a multitalented person, as beautiful on the inside Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and Mass General Hospital who gave as she was on the outside. She her deeply supportive, effective performed with the San Francisco Opera Chorus, Pittsburgh care during her final battles. She gave cancer a valiant, if also Opera Chorus, Pacific Mozart heartbreaking, run for it. Ensemble, and Nevenka. She Tanya’s cheeky sense of sang with Convivium – San humor rose easily to the surFrancisco Classical Voice, which face. Her advice to friends and specializes in 21st-century chofamily: If you are one of those ral repertoire. She ended her career as a beloved music teach- scattering her ashes, be mindful of the wind direction! We are er at Love Elementary School mindful, and so will be swimin Alameda, Calif. Alongside ming her out into the ocean on her extraordinary musical abilities, she had a voice so rich an outgoing tide. Her informal memorial serand soulful it could stop the vice will take place this Saturday, world on its axis, as members July 25, 2026, at 8:30 am, on of the Unitarian Universalists July 23, 2026

Services Saturday for Tanya Lea Stum

the sidewalk by the right side of Inkwell Beach, where the Polar Bear Swimmers meet: the place and the people she loved best here on the Vineyard. All are welcome to swim with us — come with your suit and towel, or just a sweater to cheer us on from the beach. There will be a short prayer followed by the sharing of memories by any who wish to speak, after which we will take her out for a last swim. In the Polar Bear tradition of sharing, please bring any breakfast foods or drinks you’d like to share — we will provide what we can. To read the complete obituary, go to mvtimes.com.

Tru Luv Flo

Tru Luv Flo, formerly known as Robin Todd Jackson, was born in Urbana, Ill., on Jan. 22, 1956. After recently enjoying another visit with his mother and sister on Martha’s Vineyard (where he spent summers in his youth), Tru passed unexpectedly at his Urbana home on July 11, 2026.

He was 70 years young. This gentle soul was a unique, creative, intelligent, and gifted individual who lived life on his terms, seeking a path of peace and happiness. Tru’s life was varied and wholly his own; his passion abounded with creating art, including poetry, writing, and painting. He enjoyed a lifelong quest of seeking knowledge, studying a myriad of subjects. Tru was a critical thinker with a sharp wit, a loving soul who was known for helping others in their time of need. For many years, he sent handwritten notes and cards to friends and family. This act of love is a reminder of his thoughtfulness. Tru was rich in spirit. Tru graduated from Champaign Central High, and became a Navy medic as a young man. Later he enjoyed time in Venice, Calif., and Seattle, Wash., but eventually returned to Illinois after suffering the trauma of severe burns. He persevered despite health challenges; living a life filled with martial arts, healing modalities he applied in the service of others, the joy of enjoying good food, and visiting lifelong friends and family across the miles. In his later years, he achieved a long-term goal of obtaining a bachelor of science in liberal arts and sciences in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC), which was also his father’s alma mater. Tru often said, “’Tis a good life.” Tru is survived by his sister, Sylvia Jackson of Aquinnah; his brother, Aron Jackson of Ur-

bana; his nieces, Celeste Pleadwell of Seattle, Wash., Adria Tarleton of Syracuse, N.Y., and Madeline Gil of Westfield, Ind.; his nephew, Matthew Weaver of Champaign, Ill.; and his beloved mother, Blanche Jackson of Aquinnah; and other extended family. He was predeceased by his father, Billy Jackson of Champaign; his elder brother, Lon Jackson of Champaign; and his dear grandmother, Blanche (“Honey”) Tichenor of St. Louis, Mo. Donations via GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/22530262e) will support cremation services and related expenses, including a memorial. The family will plan for a future memorial in Illinois.

played on the football team. He joined the Coast Guard following high school. Dave was a lifelong sailor and fifth-generation captain. He spent many years skippering our Dad’s ferries, the Cape Islander, the Manisee, and the Schamonchi. Martha’s Vineyard was a beloved haven for Dave. He enjoyed his involvement with the Ernestina Morrisey and its restoration. Dave’s last skippering job was on the Belle Aventure, out of Camden, Maine. David leaves behind his wife, Louann Thompson of Aiken, S.C.; his daughter, Gracie Mullen Thompson of Mattapoisett; stepchildren Jason, Jon, and Catherine Brassard; as well as siblings Rick Thompson and his wife Maleerat, Carol Hess and her husband John, Susan Thompson, Linda Thompson, Brian Thompson and his wife Betsey, and Janet Leblanc and her husband Jim. Dave will be missed by his nieces, Tiare and Chelsea Hess, and nephews Nathan Hess, Zac Thompson, and Chris Davidson; as well as many fellow adventurers on many distant shores. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Admiral David Thompson was born at John W. Thompson and his Cape Cod Hospital to Edytha wife Marguerite Ritchie, and Bearse (Benttinen) and Richard Henry and Grace Chandler Scott Thompson. He was a born Bearse of Centerville. adventurer and lover of David’s wishes are to have Wequaqet Lake, where he fished, his ashes scattered on the outswam, skated, and ice-fished. going tide in Menemsha. A celDave graduated from Barnstable ebration of his life will follow. High School in 1968, where he Sail on, Sailor. A13

David Thompson

classifieds

Classifieds COMMERCIAL RENTALS COMMERCIAL SPACE IN B1 ZONING OFF HOLMES HOLE ROAD IN VH 1400-2100 SF available. Drive in access, heated with bathroom. (508)294-4261 FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE VH 600 SQ FT.Suitable for office use only. Includes conference room, 2 offices & reception area. Utilities not included. Includes 2 parking spaces. 508-221-0858.

RENTALS - HOUSES

COZY NORTH TISBURY OFF-SEASON RENTAL SEPT 10-JUNE 20TH. Dates are flexible. 3BR, two baths, ADVAC air & AC. $3,000.00 a month plus electric and propane heat. WIFI included. Call 203-988-3728 for more info.

APARTMENTS/ROOMS

STUNNING NON TOXIC (NO CARPET/NO MOLD) COMPLIMENTARY/MEDICAL/ OR OTHER RETAIL SPACE. 2000 sq.ft. West Tisbury across from Cronigs. Two full baths. laundry. Three offices and huge central space where 10 work spaces could fit. New appliances in Kitchen. Ample parking (15 cars) Coy pond. Outdoor space. $6,500 per month or share 4500 with single doctor. Text Lisa 310-213-5472. YEAR-ROUND ROOMS FOR RENT GENTLEMEN PREFERRED Edgartown. 1,500 Per Person Year-Round Washer and dryer. Shared bath, outside shower. No kitchen, small refrigerator. Outside grill, Walking Distance to the bus. No overnight guests, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking on the property. mvhaven@yahoo.com YAMAHA UPRIGHT PIANO FOR SALE... Full upright, model U3, amazing! Delivery available August 2nd. We have a complete selection of acoustic and digital pianos available. www.eastcambridgepiano.com

YARD SALES

AUTO SALES

ESTATE SALE, JULY 25-26, 70 SPRING STREET VINEYARD HAVEN 10AM-3PM BOTH DAYS Park on the street or at Tisbury School. Numbers given out at 10 am. A unique collection of little things and big things from island author Susan Branch after 36 years in her beloved house. HUGE ½ OFF TAG SALE JULY 24 & 25 — FRI. & SAT. — 9–5 Sale continues with ½ off all beautiful glassware, books, linens, household, fabric, except furniture, which is negotiable. We’ve cleaned out more; added more guy stuff, baskets, lighting/lamps, tongueand-groove boards, and still sorting. Think gifts, holidays, weddings. Follow signs to 11 Johns Way, Oak Bluffs, off Vineyard Ave. Bargain time — Cash only

2018 SHELBY GT350R Lead Foot Grey (1 of 5 this color produced), 1400 miles, not tracked, fully documented, showroom condition. (508)294-4261 SEEKING GENTLY USED TRUCK Ideally, a smaller, 1/2 ton, non-4x4, no cab necessary. Thank you for calling! Island Alpaca Company 508-423-1443

ARTICLES FOR SALE

2004 JEEP WRANGLER IN GOOD CONDITION. 118,029 miles. Standard transmission, 5 gears, four-wheeldrive. Red exterior and black interior with soft, removable top. Has a winch and snorkel. Price is $9,000. Available to pick up on Martha's Vineyard after Labor Day. 617-905-8076

BOAT SALES

FOR SALE - MVMA DOMAINS Edgartown.com, Tisbury.com, GayHead.com, OakBluffs.com Chappaquiddick.com, EastChop.‐ com Contact: jim@ginn.com ISM JEWEL GUARD SAFE TL-30 High Level Security Rating Approx 2’x2’x2’ $500 or Best Offer Contact Ted at 202-329-6399 or email ted@eascolaw.com

VINTAGE PAINTINGS BY ISLAND ARTISTS MV Vintage Fair Posters, framed/ unframed, some out-of-print; Maritime and other Artifacts, etc.; text for photos: 860-391-1893.

1999 AQUASPORT 21.5 Dual console in good condition, actively in use, with only minor scratches to the decals. Powered by a 2006 Yamaha F225TXR outboard with just 700 hours. A solid, ready-to-run boat for anyone looking to get out on the water without needing to sink money into repairs.

BOAT SALES

BOAT SALES

LOST & FOUND FOUND IN ROAD PNEUMATIC BRAD NAIL GUN. Identify brand and initials on it and I will return it to you. 774 563 0560.

SERVICES

$22K 2004 CENTURY CENTER CONSOLE, GREAT CONDITION. 150 hp Yamaha, well maintained, low hrs. Includes trailer, dinghy, Raymarine chartplotter, PFDs, many extras. 404.550.9715

FUN IN THE SUN(FISH) 14ft sunfish in very good condition, complete w. sails, 2 center boards, 2 rudders. In addition, a nearly new trailer w. fat tire launching buggy. New cover for all. $3200. 508-693-1039.

1981, 8FT DYER DINGHY Original Oars and Locks. Great condition has been in dry storage for 27 years, $1,000. 917-693-3799

MY HANDYMAN SERVICES/PROPERTY PAINT, DUMP RUN, TILE/STONE WORK, CARPENTRY, WINDOWS/ DOORS, SHINGLES, GUTTER CLEANUP, DECK REJUVENATE, POWER WASHER, ROOFS, BASEMENT/ GARAGE CLEAN UP, Certified Mold Inspector & Remediator, TENNIS COURT CLEANING, French Drain Installation. 508-684-0242., RENATO myhandymaninmv@gmail.com

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE, SCAN HERE OR VISIT MVTIMES.COM/CLASSIFIEDS

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news

July 23, 2026

‘Where does that leave our local business?’ A pop-up shop of an Amazon subsidiary sparked a protest in downtown Edgartown. BY MARIA BARROS

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dgartown’s Winter Street was divided into two sides Friday morning. On one side, a long line of mostly visitors awaited their chance to peek inside the pop-up store of the Amazonaffiliated business Shopbop. Right across the road, a group of local business owners and eager activists stood holding signs in protest against the event. The peaceful rally was triggered after the Edgartown Select Board approved a three-day license on July 9 for the online retailer’s pop-up shop. Information about the weekend event was released to the wider public four days later on Shopbop’s Instagram, which has about 1.3 million followers. Shopbop is an international online fashion retailer that offers a wide range of contemporary and designer brands. It has been owned by Amazon since 2006. Annette Luna, the rally organizer and owner of two Edgartown clothing stores, Dune and Boneyard, said the event raised an existential question: “Where does that leave our local business?” “What makes it more dangerous is they’re here for three days, but the effects will be long-lasting,” Luna said. “We won’t notice it overnight, but slowly and surely, they will

keep messaging and targeting these people who showed up to this event today to convert them to shop online.” Many other local business owners shared concerns about mainland brands coming to the Island. Lucy Dahl is the owner of Untamable Galley on Winter Street, and said local businesses have experienced the pressure of larger brands when another pop-up was previously approved. “It’s when one comes, and then there will be more. For example, a year or two ago, there was a J.Crew pop-up, and during that time, our business suffered,” Dahl said. She added that some of the effects were significantly reduced revenue: “Nobody would really buy. We sold about 50 percent [of usual sales].” Dahl said when customers stand in line and spend a lot of money at pop-ups of corporate brands rather than going to independent shops, “it affects us hugely.” Other concerns raised included a lack of support to the community by the large businesses behind these pop-up events, compared with local shops that give to Island programs from their own profits. Luna was an active part of the negotiation that took place during the select board meet-

of these types of events. during the event. “We’re very promote shopping locally. ing where the pop-up was “We’re honoring a shop-local “Amazon is using a disguise excited. We have Back Door licensed. Part of the license voucher where if you bring a of ‘We’re supporting the Donuts there this weekend approval to allow Shopbop’s receipt for $25 or more from local community. We hire ... They’re doing a couple of operation in Edgartown was local artists. We bring local a local business around the activities for this particular rooted in the retailer finding vendors,’” Luna said. “You do Island, [Shopbop] gives a event,” Andrew Olivera, overlaps in products with lothat for three days, and what complimentary tote bag to who is part of the marketing cal businesses, which never you’ve done, though, is to operation of Edgartown Col- anybody who pops in. So took place prior to the event, the detriment of small retail what we’re trying to do as according to Luna. “Shopbop lection, which includes the clothing stores. But what are Sydney Hotel, said in an inter- much as we can [is] to en[...] carries a lot of the same the long-term effects of that?” courage that sort of sharing view with The Times. brands that our boutiques in Dahl said she and other Olivera said that while the of wealth,” Olivera said. town carry. At the town meetlocal shop owners are deterShopbop has also donated ing, Amazon promised not to event may raise concerns, mined to continue raising to some local charities, such it also carries benefits: “We have any crossover product. awareness against events understand their perspective. as the Martha’s Vineyard They have done no outreach branch of the National Asso- such as these, and want to to any of our local businesses We respect their view, but our perspective really is that ciation for the Advancement take the issue to the Edgarto confirm that there is no town Town Hall again: “If this is sort of an opportuof Colored People and the crossover,” she said. On the left side of the street, nity, like a rising tide lifts all Vineyard Preservation Trust, this continues to be allowed, we’re going to bring it to a where the pop-up was hosted boats. We see this as a bigger according to Olivera. Despite some of these ben- town hall meeting in the investment in the town.” at the Sydney Hotel, there spring to ban it, or we will be efits, local business owners He added that the popwas a line of eager shoppers put out of business.” remain wary of the impacts up has a voucher system to and online influencers. Eva Andrews visits the Island regularly in the summer, was familiar with the brand, and decided to attend the pop-up event. “I mean, I completely support them in the message. My family always makes a point to shop local. The way I rationalize it is that I’m not buying anything here that I could purchase at a local Vineyard business,” she said. The Shopbop pop-up did collaborate with some local businesses, such as Back Door Donuts and Black Joy Kitchen, while Pilates and yoga studio Yoga on the Vine parSARAH SHAW DAWSON ticipated by offering activities A rally protesting the Shopbop pop-up consisted of local small business owners.

Charity swim raises more than $300,000 for cancer The Island chapter of Swim Across America was spearheaded by two local teens. BY MARIA BARROS

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s the sun rose on Meneshama beach on Saturday, hundreds of Islanders and visitors made their way into the cold Island water, riding the tide against cancer at the inaugural Martha’s Vineyard Swim Across America open-water swim. The event, led by two 17-year-old Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) students, Leah Thomson and Zoe Treitman, raised $334,043 for the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, surpassing the original fundraising goal by more than $100,000. Nationally, Swim Across America is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for cancer research and clinical trials through open-water and pool swims in more than 27 locations across the country. Since its inauguration in 1987, each local branch of the initiative, now including Martha’s Vineyard, annually organizes swimmers and volunteers to fundraise for cancer research, prevention, and treatment programs. Saturday kicked off early, with swimmer check-ins starting at 7 am, followed by the opening ceremony and safety talk, led by Treitman and Thomson. Children 8 and under were the first ones to make waves in the kids’ splash, followed by swimmers who swam distances of either ¼ mile, ½ mile, or one mile in support of cancer research. In April, Thomson said in an interview with the MVRHS newspaper High School

COURTESY SWIM ACROSS AMERICA MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Inaugural swim last weekend in Menemsha.

View, which is published weekly in The Times, that they decided to spearhead the event on the Vineyard after hearing about Nantucket’s swim; they said they were inspired by some friendly competition. “There’s an open-water swim in Nantucket, and it’s been going on for [more than] 10 years, and they broke their $1 million mark last year,” Thomson said. “So we were reading that in the news, and thought it would be great to have one on the Island, because there’s just so much

fundraising potential here.” Trietman said in April that they hoped to raise $200,000, but that threshold was surpassed by $132,043 on Saturday. “We were blown away by how much people fundraised,” Treitman said in an interview with The Times after the event. “As the swim got closer, people got even more involved, and we even had swimmers sign up at the swim. It’s really insane how much money we got raised, and I’m really excited and happy.”

The funds go directly to the local cancer center, which hopes to bring more access to care on the Island for Vineyarders and their families, eliminating the need to travel off-Island for parts of treatment, and making the experience as easy as possible for those battling cancer. The event also attracted celebrities and notable Island residents, such as Seth Meyers. Members of the Kennedy family also joined the swim this past weekend. Both event organizers said in April that their experiences with loved ones who had cancer were sparks for their drive to initiate the program on Martha’s Vineyard. “My grandmother passed away when I was in elementary school from breast cancer, and I saw how that affected my mom,” Thompson said. “Something that people have been saying to us is that instead of being scared about [cancer], we’re doing something about it.” Thomson and Treitman hope to continue fundraising with the new Martha’s Vineyard branch of Swim Across America in the coming years. “We’re definitely going to do it again next year, and hopefully for many years to come,” Treitman said to The Times. “We’re going to have it be an annual event, and keep giving money to the cancer center at the hospital.” Thomson said the experience from this year’s swim will make the process next time even smoother: “Next year, here we come! I think it’ll be a lot easier now that we have it all down.”

news A15

July 23, 2026

fishing report

Double-dipping BY LISA BELCASTRO of it. It’s so much fun, and puts your strength and resilience to the test.” A decent-size shark definitely puts your strength to the test. I had three mackerel in my cooler on Friday, which was six pieces of bait. I went through the first five over the course of 90 minutes, which was time well spent chatting with Julie, Sal, Zach Magid, and Ryan Oliver. I put the last piece of bait on. It was warm and mushy, and I had to squish it around the hook twice to get it to stay on. In other words, a yucky hunk of bait. I expectSAL TUMMINO ed a dogfish to steal it and Julie Tummino, the Shark Queen, with her third-place shark. be done for the day. That’s not what happened. Shortly after casting it e all know it is a ing to fish for a couple of out, my rod bent and the major faux pas to hours around low tide. line peeled. I lifted the rod double-dip. Be it salTruth be told, I went out out of the holder and held to fish with my friend Julie sa, spinach dip, or smoked bluefish pâté, you don’t want Tummino. Julie is the reigning on. I think that shark ran six times. My biceps were Shark Queen. She’s won the to get caught or accused of screaming. My friends tournament multiple times, double-dipping. and on Thursday, she took the cheered me on. For a hot, I’m going to share a little early lead with a 57-inch shark. painful minute, I thought secret, and please don’t hate about passing the rod to Sal. “The best part about me. Last weekend I doubleBut there’s no win in the whole thing is the dipped. I honestly couldn’t quitting, so I kept crankfriendships and the joking help myself. There were two around,” said Julie. “The fishing tournaments on the ing. Finally the shark was ribbing starts the day I leave, at the water’s edge, and I same weekend, and who wants to miss out on the fun? and goes all through the pulled him in on a wave. Sal, winter on how they are goI had the best time with Zach, and Ralph Peckham the Flukettes and Capt. measured him, released ing to beat me.” Ed Smith, jigging away on the hook, and got him back Julie and her husband Sal Saturday and Sunday in the arrived on Chappy at the in the water after a quick ninth annual Fluke for Luke end of June. They’re blessed photo. He was 61 inches tournament. I wouldn’t have to have a family place to stay from nose to the split in his wanted to miss it. tail. I’d bumped my friend during June and July, and My dilemma arose when then come back to the Derby. Julie out of first place. She the Martha’s Vineyard congratulated me the loudJulie has spent her whole life Surfcasters Association’s anvisiting Chappy in summer. est and proudest. “I love fishing, because my I fully expected Julie to nual Catch and Release Shark Tournament was switched to dad took me when I was just catch a bigger shark while a tiny tot,” said Julie. “I went I was out fluking. I left the the same weekend as Fluke shark fishing with Foster beach on Friday declaring for Luke. Fortunately, the shark tournament is four days Silva in the ’70s. He was one Julie would win and us girls long. I couldn’t fish Thursday, of the best. Back then, I was would be first and second. too small to realize the thrill While I was on the boat but I went out Friday morn-

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on Saturday, I checked in with Julie to see how she was doing. She hadn’t landed another shark. A couple of smaller sharks were caught, but none over 61 inches. On Sunday, Julie had a bug and stayed home. The guys fished hard. Ralph landed a 58-inch shark to bump Julie to third. I never thought my shark would win. He did. Guess it wasn’t so bad to double-dip. This past weekend, my friends Brad and Julie Barth came for a visit. We had talked during the week about fishing, and when they arrived on Friday, we discussed all our options: sunrise and sunset bass fishing, Sunday up in Menemsha for a combination of fishing, beaching, swimming, and lunch at the fish markets, or Chappy. I showed them a picture of my winning shark. Brad had never caught a shark, but we weren’t eager to plan for the morning low tide when we suspected Saturday night might be late to bed. We decided on Menemsha, especially since there hadn’t been any bluefish on Chappy beaches in recent weeks. Sunday dawned sunny and gorgeous after the crazy thunderstorm the night before. In complete agreement, the three of us decided to head to Chappy and take our chances fishing the rising tide. Worst-case scenario, we had a picnic in the cooler, and beach blankets and sunscreen. When we arrived on Chappy, Julie and Sal and Matt Brewer announced that they were reeling in sharks. I was excited to get a rod in

LISA BELCASTRO

Newlyweds Brad and Julie Barth visited the Island last weekend. Brad caught his first shark.

for Brad. I cut a mackerel in half, baited the hook, put an 8-ounce weight on (thank you, Matt), and Brad cast the rod. We didn’t know how long we’d be waiting, so we grabbed the cooler and our beach chairs, and went over to eat lunch with the group. Within minutes, I saw the rod tip dancing. Brad ran over, but the hook was empty. We rebaited, and Brad cast again. Once again we started eating lunch, watching the rod as we chewed. I think Brad was four bites into his sandwich when the rod bent and stayed bent. The baitrunner was open, and the line was peeling. Brad is young and strong, a double black belt, but I’d still warned him about the pull of a shark. Now he was holding the rod and asking when he could reel. “Not yet,” I laughed. “Don’t bother reeling while he’s running.” After about 10 minutes,

Brad got the shark to shore. Sal and Matt helped to unhook him. We took a few pictures, and Brad released the brown shark back into the water. I was thrilled for him. “It was the biggest fish I’ve ever caught. It was out of control in the best way,” said Brad, adding, “The best part was the fight, but putting it back in the water myself was really amazing.” We baited another hook for Julie, and Brad cast the line for his wife. The water was almost at high tide, and the sharks were no longer biting. We fished for another hour without a nibble. We left Chappy around 3:30 pm. Brad and Julie needed to catch the ferry at 5 pm. I took a quick shower, and then headed to State Beach for the MVSA annual Beach Picnic. A perfect ending to a perfect Sunday. I hope to see you on the beach, and I hope we’re catching summer fun.

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July 23, 2026

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First-ever pickleball camp taught by professionals on-Island Airport Fitness hosted adult training camps and an exhibition match between professional pickleball players. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA

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ickleball is widely acknowledged as the fastestgrowing sport in the country, and its accessibility, social environment, and competition make it an inviting game for all demographics. Local players learned this firsthand at the first-ever onIsland pickleball camp to be taught by professional players, last week at Airport Fitness. Cobi Moore, a pickleball pro and founder of Moore Elite Pickleball, which hosted the camp at Airport Fitness in West Tisbury on Thursday and Friday, said the sport is so loved because anybody can pick up a paddle and play. “You can literally just get a paddle and a ball and show up to any park. If you’re 12, you can play with a 90-yearold,” said Moore. “It’s a really easy sport to pick up, but it’s a hard sport to master.” Connie McHugh, owner of Airport Fitness, and a tennis pro who has more than 30 years of teaching experience, has operated the local gym since it opened three decades ago, and underscored the value of professional players teaching the camp. “This is our first time with professional players,” McHugh said on Friday as the camp was in session. “It’s been fabulous.” Two adult training camps were held on Thursday and Friday, and the professionals competed in an exhibition match in front of campers, who were in awe of their speed and skill in the game, Friday evening after the camp finished.

McHugh noted that in the 15 years that Airport Fitness has offered pickleball, she is seeing a younger and younger crowd take interest in the sport. “I think it went really well, and people loved it. It’s a unique event to offer,” she said. Moore fell in love with pickleball five years ago, after playing a match with his mom and friends. “My mom asked me to come play pickleball with her, and I was like, ‘No way’ at first, but I played, and I ended up playing 400-something days in a row after that,” Moore said. “I played once, and I lost to some guy who was 80, and was pissed, and I went back and eventually beat the guy.” McHugh and Moore both agreed that they would like to host a couple more camps at Airport Fitness again next summer, one early in the season and one closer to the fall. McHugh said they also had a high number of local athletes at the event, where a total of 80 percent of camp participants were year-round Islanders. Moore, who’s competed in Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) tournaments, reflected on his teaching career. After starting just 3½ years ago, he made his way up to New England from Delray Beach, Fla., and he’s now taught in Norwalk, Conn., and Middleton. Other professionals who taught at the camp included

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PHOTOS: NICHOLAS VUKOTA

1. Pickleball at Airport Fitness. 2. Camp professional Ryan Fu in action at Airport Fitness. 3. Camper in action with Moore Elite Pickleball.

Ryan Fu, an international teaching professional and longtime friend of Moore. Fu said he made the switch to pickleball after playing Division I college tennis at Bryant University. “In pickleball, you can go to the local park, play with your grandma or girlfriend, and I think people get in good shape from it. You can get better pretty quickly too, and it’s addicting to improve at a fast pace,” Fu said about his love for the sport. Angie Walker, a professional pickleball player at the camp who previously played Division I tennis at the University of Idaho, said pickleball is a natural transition from other racket sports, and the game is popular for its social aspect and health benefits.

“Pickleball is so inclusive and so social. A lot of people played tennis at a high level, but I was looking for something more fun, and you have a bit of a headstart in pickleball if you have played a racket sport,” Walker said. “I hope people stay addicted to it. People love this game for a reason.” One professional at the camp hails from Sardinia, Italy: Oscar Serra, who played Division I tennis at St. John’s University, said pickleball isn’t as popular in Italy, and he enjoyed teaching at the camp on Island. “I had a great time at the camp. The hospitality here is great,” Serra said. “I think the people I had on my court enjoyed the lessons, and they improved a lot, and it’s not easy to improve in four

hours, but I saw improvements almost immediately.” Grant Pertile, a Islander who played in the exhibition match against the camp professionals, and previously played Division I tennis at Bryant University, said he fell in love after playing doubles on the tennis court his entire life; the social aspect and competition made it a natural step for him: “I like the competition, but I also like that if you get a good group of people, you’ll have a great time.” Some local campers shared their appreciation to the crew from Moore Elite Pickleball. “I really wanted some professional instruction, and I knew I had a lot of room for improvement, and some of my friends were doing it,”

Sara Aliberti, West Tisbury resident, said. “I want to keep up with all my friends who want to get better, so I have to get better with them.” Paige Gwyzardi, an Oak Bluffs resident, said the camp was great: “It’s a great community, super-friendly, lots of laughs, and I have met a lot of great people.” Moore thanked Airport Fitness and McHugh for hosting them at the local fitness center, as well as Airport Fitness pickleball pro Brendon Ryan, who he said was instrumental in gathering local players, setting up the camp, and teaching. “She was very generous to let us in here, and we are lucky to have another pro on-Island, Brendon Ryan; [he was] very gracious with his time,” Moore said.

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M E M B E R S S H OW F E AT U R I N G Works from the MVAA Permanent Collection + MVAA Members Reception: July 26 Exhibition Dates: July 25 - 31 / Open Daily 58 Dock Street, Edgartown 508.939.4092 art@oldsculpingallery.org OLDSCULPINGALLERY.org

Across from the Chappy Ferry

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

Rocking the Boat, a sailing, environmental, and boat-building youth developmental nonprofit located in the Bronx in New York, is a place where students learn to build traditional wooden boats, sail, and restore local waterways. Students from the program made their way to the Island and went on an outing Tuesday afternoon on the Tisbury boatyard Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway’s sailboats Charlotte, Rebecca, and Swift.

T H E P EO P L E , TOW N S, A N D STO R I E S O F I S L A N D L I F E + R E STAU RA N TS, GA L L E R I ES & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

T H U R S D AY, J U LY 2 3 , 2026

Wonder and Wander Collective launches youth sailing program.

Frankie pulls the sail up as her mom, Kyleen Keenan, watches.

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July 23, 2026

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Draft and craft come alive Islanders Write 2026.

The MV Times writers festival Islanders Write took place at Featherstone Center for the Arts on Wednesday evening and all day Thursday. Hundreds of people showed up to hear conversations with Island-connected authors, agents, and publishing professionals about writing and the writing life.

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1. Nathaniel Horwitz, Jane Mayer, and Charles Sennott, not shown, kicked off Islanders Write with a discussion highlighting the challenging issues facing reporters and the news industry and new models to try to ensure the future of journalism.

2. Robin Rivera, arrived for the 9:30 am panel discussion about book reviewing and stayed for most of the day.

3. In the panel on finding humor in the hard stuff, Annabelle Gurwich recounted the story of meeting Cazzie David’s mother Laurie, who was working on "Letterman" at the time. She said Laurie was the first person to tell her that she was funny, and that conversation changed her life. Cazzie responded with her signature dry wit, “She’s never said that to me.” Jenny Allen moderated this conversation, and the three very funny women kept the audience laughing as they discussed chronicling life’s challenges.

4. During a panel discussion about writing obituaries, profiles, and biographies, Washington Post reporter Mary Jordan, right, said she does extensive research and interviews as many sources as possible when writing profiles, saying, “You always want to be fair and go the extra

mile.” She talked about having her journalism students at Georgetown, when she used to teach, interview and write about one another so they could learn how difficult it is to write an accurate profile of someone. Kevin Sullivan, middle, also a reporter for the Washington Post and married to Jordan, described how he and Jordan got access to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at home to get a sense of who they were as people. “The Secret Service was not our friend on this,” Sullivan recalled. Their story “The Uncelebrity President” became one of the most-read stories in the Washington Post. Linsey Lee, left, well-known to Vineyarders for the archive of oral histories she has conducted, said her goal is to give a sense of the diversity and a flavor of life on Martha’s Vineyard. Lee said she often interviews people who are over the age of 100, and embraces the inconsistencies in their stories, saying, “Life is inconsistent. There is no one facial truth.”

5. Bob Drogin said, “It’s time to make America read again” during his opening remarks on a panel discussion with Joshua Hammer and Brooke Allen about book reviewing. He’s seen here with Islanders Write director Kate Feiffer.

6. Following the pitch panel, literary agents Vicky Bijur and Adriana Stimola, and editor and publishers Dawn Davis and Gretchen Young

took audience questions and talked about the current state of publishing. Young referred to the upcoming August cover story in the Atlantic magazine, “The Age of Reading Is Over,” and noted that in 2004, 26 percent of people read. Flashforward to 2023, and that number is down to 16 percent. In addition to that, she said, sentences are one-third shorter than they used to be.

7. Mathew Tombers, manager of Edgartown Books, watched over the Edgartown Books pop-up at Islanders Write. 8. Whoever said the book business wasn’t fun? Literary agent Rosemary Stimola having a good laugh. 9. Four novelists got along without incident during a conversation about creating credible and complex characters. “Conflict is king when it comes to character,” said Martha Hall Kelly. Elisa M. Speranza added that while revising a novel, she’s written notes to herself stating, “Make it worse.” Nicole Galland added, “Keeping your characters in trouble is a good plotting device.” Carole Hopson, who wrote a novel about pioneering aviatrix Bessie Coleman, noted that Coleman has so much conflict in her life that she didn’t have to create any more. Her job, she said, was to

capture “what it was like to live in that period, and what it was like to evolve alongside her.”

10. Robin (“Rob”) Bonnist was one of four writers selected to pitch her book live at the event to the pitch panel. The panel consisted of author Nancy Star, publisher and editor Gretchen Young, literary agent Rosemary Stimola, and publishing executive Torrey Oberfest. In the three minutes allotted to her, Bonnist presented her memoir, titled “Gone Flying: Love, Loss, Landing.” Bonnist described to a rapt audience the harrowing story of having to land a plane when her pilot husband blacked out. 11. The day ended with a fascinating conversation between Belle Burden, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Sherry Sidoti about writing memoirs. For Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta and current Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia, writing her memoir after leaving office was an opportunity “to tell my story in its totality.” Noting that “when you are in elected office, you get bits and pieces of who we are.” When asked about the challenges of writing about oneself, Burden quipped, “It’s really easy to be yourself when you know that nobody actually reads.” Ah yes, just as we discussed earlier in the day. Of course, the robust sales of Burden’s book hopefully suggest a return to reading.

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July 23, 2026

Writing From The Heart BY NANCY SLONIM ARONIE

The Fourth of July.

When 'freedom' isn’t freedom

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arlier this month, when most of the country was celebrating the Fourth of July, I realized this was the first Independence Day in my whole adult life where I hadn't acknowledged the seriousness and the beauty of the day. Every year — except this year — I have had the honor of participating in the local televised reading of Frederick Douglass' famous address, “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” If you've not heard or read the speech, it is basically an exposé on the hypocrisy of a nation celebrating freedom while enslaving millions of my black brothers and sisters.

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And I don't use that phrase, my brothers and sisters lightly. As a Jewish person, with much of my grandmother's family murdered in Auschwitz, the current state of our country feels very threatening. If you are black or brown, then we have one — probably more than one — thing in common. In his eloquent speech, Douglass said, “To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony.” With those brilliant words in mind, somehow the idea of celebrating freedom just now feels like I'm in denial about what’s really

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‘Discomfort Isn’t a Flaw’ will be Saturday, August 15, Allison Roberts’ art is a vibrant blend of representational and abstract pieces that explore socioeconomic status, war, race, gender, love, empathy, and more. Her work is flush with humor and honesty, and the accompanying written content inspires thoughtful conversation. Roberts grew up immersed in the world of artists. Watching both of her parents create art in many forms inspired her to become an actor, artist, and writer in her own right. She is the features editor and writer at The MV Times, the founder of the popular Rochester, N.Y.–based comedy troupe EstroFest, and works as a freelance illustrator, muralist, public artist, and painter. She sells her artwork at Tending Joy in West Tisbury and Craftworks in Oak Bluffs. “Discomfort Isn’t a Flaw,” 3D mixed-media art by Allison Roberts, will be on display Monday, August 10, through Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Schule Chapel Gallery at Featherstone Center for the Arts. The opening reception

from 4 to 6 pm, with music by Sarah Shaw Dawson. 30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs. featherstoneart.org.

Tibetan meditation master Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche makes his first visit to the Island Stillpoint will host Dzogchen meditation master Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche for a special twoday visit on July 29 and 30. Rinpoche’s talk will focus on the newly released “Tibetan Book of Success: A Guide to Relationships, Leadership, Communication, and Happiness,” a collection of classical Tibetan literature offering practical guidance for living with greater purpose, integrity, and fulfillment. Drawn from a long tradition of secular Tibetan teachings on how to live a good life, “The Tibetan Book of Success” presents four newly translated texts from revered Tibetan masters, offering clear and succinct guidance for cultivating happiness, success, harmonious relationships,

going on in my country. Many of our citizens aren't free. Even immigrants with citizenship aren’t necessarily free. And since I grew up with the mantra “never again” as a Jew, I am afraid it’s sheer hubris of me to take my freedom for granted. I've read book after book, article after article, and listened to many Holocaust survivors coupled — plus last year, I saw the play “Leopoldstadt.” All of this reinforces the fact that I am not paranoid, just hyper-aware. The play was about a small town in Austria where an assimilated Jewish family begins hearing about the atrocities outside their safe and secure womb and are suddenly conscious of how tentative their existence is. For years I have had visions (not that kept me up at night, but still visions) of the

rampant inflation, unemployment at 30%, recovering from the devastation of World War I, and the strategic political maneuvering by conservative elites who mistakenly believed they could control Hitler. Yes, there are significant historical differences between then and now. But … too close for comfort. My comfort anyway. Add to the mix Christian nationalism. Christian nationalism is not on the horizon. It’s here. Texas passed recent legislation (Texas Bill 10) to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms, and they have instituted mandatory Bible story readings. In Douglas’ speech, he never puts down the men who had the courage to break with their oppressors. At one point he says, “They loved their country more than their own private interests.”

POET’S C O R N E R

Kin by Ingrid Goff-Maidoff

That was the night we sat on the Seafood Shanty deck and watched the boats of summer sailing in. The night was warm, with a slight breeze coming off the water. We relaxed and simply enjoyed ourselves. I don’t know why this seemed a rare permission. And maybe we got a little tipsy. Later, strolling back through town, everyone we met felt like long-lost kin — astonishingly lovable and not at all a stranger.

As a Jewish person, with much of my grandmother's family murdered in Auschwitz, the current state of our country feels very threatening. Gestapo banging on the door of our little cabin, giving us 10 minutes to gather our belongings and telling us this isn't our home anymore. How could what happened with the death camps and the cruelty of man's inhumanity to man be a catalyst for a Hitler to emerge? The ingredients were all there: A charismatic leader,

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and strong communities. The teachings presented in the book emphasize universal principles and values such as effective communication, integrity, decency, fairness, reliability, respect, and generosity as the foundation for a meaningful and fulfilling life. Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche is a meditation master in the Dzogchen lineage of the Buddhist tradition, and the founder and spiritual director of the Pristine Mind Foundation. Known for his accessible, passionate, and joyful approach to personal transformation, he offers practical methods for living with greater clarity, awareness, and purpose. He leads teachings and retreats in the San Francisco Bay Area and internationally, has been a lecturer at Stanford University, and is the author of “Our Pristine Mind: A Practical Guide to Unconditional Happiness, from Foundation to Summit: A Guide to Ngöndro and the Dzogchen Path,” as well as the newly released “Tibetan Book of Success.” Book event: “Ancient Tibetan Wisdom for Living a

Wish I could say the same for our leaders. I have to remember we're just a big spoiled toddler having tantrums. China is 5,000 years old. Rome is almost 3,000 years old. And the U.S. is 250 years old. Hopefully next year we’ll have grown up a little and I’ll be able to celebrate like I used to.

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Meaningful and Successful Life.” Wednesday, July 29, from 7 to 8:30 pm. Presented in partnership with Bunch of Grapes Bookstore and concluding with a book signing. Meditation workshop: “Finding Happiness Within: Reconnecting with Your Natural State of Mind Through Meditation.” Thursday, July 30, 10 am to noon. 20 Stillpoint Meadows Road, West Tisbury. Reservations available at stillpoint.thundertix.com. “The Tibetan Book of Success” is available through major booksellers, online retailers, and independent bookstores, including Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven.

Summer Institute Speaker Series: Jeh Johnson The Summer Institute hosts speakers who are deeply and actively involved in politics, economics, science and the arts. Featured speakers have included Nobel laureates, Pulitzer prizewinning authors and journalists, and political leaders.

Ingrid Goff-Maidoff lives in Chilmark, and has more than a dozen books of poetry and inspiration in print. Her work can be found at the Tending Joy shop in West Tisbury, and on her website, tendingjoy.com. Poets with a connection to Martha’s Vineyard are encouraged to submit poems of 120 words or fewer to m@mwest.com. Please also include a two- to threesentence bio at the end of your poem.

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Jeh Johnson: ‘Homeland Insecurity: Is Our Democracy Safe?’ Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson will speak about national and international security and insecurity in today’s world. As co-chair of the board of trustees of Columbia University, he will also discuss the unprecedented challenges and threats facing our leading universities. July 30 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, 130 Center St., Vineyard Haven. mvsummerinstitute.org/2026-speakers. Also, on Sunday, July 26, catch the screening of the winner of five Ophir Awards (Israel's Academy Awards) including Best Picture of the Year, “The Sea.” Director Shai Carmeli Pollak shares the story of a boy from a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank who sets out to see the sea for the first time. When his father, Ribhi, an undocumented laborer working in Israel, learns that his son is missing, he leaves his job in search of him. 7:30 pm. Runtime: 93 minutes. Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, 130

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Center St., Vineyard Haven. Tickets: mvhc.shulcloud. com/form/2026-SI-FilmSeries#purchase.

‘Legacy of Life’: Organ donation, transplantation, and health equity New England Donor Services (NEDS) will hold a community event featuring transplant recipients, insights from healthcare professionals, and conversation about the lifesaving impact of organ donation and transplantation. Learn more about health equity, myths and misconceptions, and how communities can help save lives through donor registration. Featuring Michael Curry, president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers; heart transplant recipient and Island resident Olivia Hart; and liver transplant recipient and Island resident Paul Munafo. Tuesday, August 11, from 11 am to 1 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, 1 Hospital Road, Oak Bluffs.

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Tisbury By Taylor Stone tisburycolumnist@gmail.com

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took my own advice, and made it to the beach once again! It may mark just a few trips so far, but really nothing beats an earlyevening beach visit. Complete with Wicked Burgers (and milkshakes) from Edgartown, we headed to State Beach for the perfect start to the weekend. As August inches ever closer, one week at a time, these moments seem even more valuable. Last week I was able to sit in on a very exciting meeting that took place at Featherstone Center for the

Arts: the art selection for the Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District (VHHCD) Pocketed Pole Flag initiative! Back in March, the VHHCD received permission from the Tisbury Select Board to create new pole flag “banners” all around Main Street that feature 16 pieces created by Martha’s Vineyard artists. This is a big step for the visibility of our cultural district, and although this project has been delayed a bit, we are almost to the final steps of beautifying our downtown

Edgartown By Marnely Murray marnely@gmail.com

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uly is in full swing, and the town has been talking! The best part of this week has been all the conversations on supporting local business I’ve had with visitors, friends, and business owners — because at the end of the day, growing our local economy and supporting as many businesses as possible is the goal. Consider this your sign to make a list of your favorite locally owned Edgartown business — not just shops, but restaurants, taxi companies, hotels, art galleries, bakeries, book-

stores, salons, wellness studios, Realtor offices — they all deserve a little extra local from the community, so write them a Google review so that their visibility online increases, and thus their visitations. And now, on to events this week in town: Music in the Square: Mardi Gras theme with Seán McMahon is happening on July 23 from 6 to 8 pm. This week, they welcome New Orleans–based painter Gretchen Weller-Howard for an evening featuring Seán McMahon and the Agreeable

Oak Bluffs By Joanne Lambert joannelamber@gmail.com “Her work championed the dignity, beauty, and resilience of Black culture.” –Andrea Taylor, Della Hardman’s daughter

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uly 25 is Della Hardman Day! All are invited to “savor the moment” and honor the legacy of this brave and brilliant woman, born into segregation in West Virginia in 1922, who became a world-renowned artist, educator, and journalist, and lived her later years in Oak Bluffs, where

she received the first Humanitarian Award from the NAACP for her community service. The event starts at 4 pm, and will feature guest speaker writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. We are all praying and hoping for healing for Michael and Nolan Ellis, who were injured in a vehicle/ dirtbike accident on July 9. I hope the family feels the outpouring of love from the community, and I hope that everyone will slow down on the roads and be more careful.

July 23, 2026

C harbor! Shout-out to everyone who submitted to, supported, and made this project happen. I will definitely update again when these are installed around town. In other news, so many events are happening these days that with a 500-word max, only so many can be shouted out. But here’s my personal list of “if I could go, these sound amazing” events in our town: Circuit Arts and the M.V. Playhouse continue to juggle organizing a gazillion cool things this season. I’m currently obsessed with their exhibit “Scale and Per-

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spective” (now through July 25), featuring handcrafted miniatures from Anna Fitch and Banker White alongside pastel paintings by Neva Savath Goldstein. In my enthusiasm I accidentally visited this show twice before it officially opened, and witnessed Anna and Banker painting a huge backdrop onsite to pair with their miniature town. July 22 to 25, Theatre on the Blue is performing “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” at the Katharine Cornell Theater. With only six (super-talented) local teen actors playing dozens

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of characters, enjoy this mix of theater, puppetry, and local artist collaborations before they head to Edinburgh to represent our community at the world-renowned Fringe Festival in August. July 25 at 8:30 pm marks “Light Up the Lagoon,” organized by the Lagoon Pond Association, with an evening boat parade lit up along the water and attendees encouraged to participate and watch the parade from the drawbridge or Beach Road: Bring your own lights and lanterns, as this event shines light on the importance of the Lagoon Pond waterway

S and its ongoing health for our community. July 27 through August 1 is the 12th annual Martha’s Vineyard Documentary Week at the M.V. Film Center, with six nights of awardwinning films, special guest speakers, director Q and As, and more. Reminder: Do you have an upcoming birthday, event, or just something you want shared in a future Tisbury column? Email me at tisburycolumnist@gmail. com with your own stories of our town, or upcoming events you’d like to see spotlighted here.

July 27 through August 1 is the 12th annual Martha’s Vineyard Documentary Week at the M.V. Film Center, with six nights of awardwinning films and special guest speakers. Men. Should be a fun night! The Edgartown Race Weekend's 'Round-the-Island Race is July 25. Competition is open for PHRF-NE and Multi-Hull ratings. For NOR and registration, visit rtirace. org or contact Margaret Passafiume, racer@edgartownyc. org, 508-627-4364. Head to the Old Whaling Church with tickets to see Emi Ferguson, flute and voice, with pianist Jacob Rhodebeck on July 26, which seems to be an incredible performance. Tickets can be found on mvcms.

org/events.html. If you haven’t visited the Edgartown Village Market this summer, on Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm, you must. I was just there last week, and it was packed to the brim with some of my favorite local businesses, and some new and emerging ones! Shout-out to Yellow Legs, a new company on-Island handmaking leather flipflops, and his story is fantastic. I won’t tell you more, you should stop by the market and check out yellowlegs.com.

Speaking of new business in town, an exciting new service that has just launched! Edgartown Delivers is a new grocery shopping, concierge, and home delivery service started by Edgartown resident Becky Bonds. Edgartown Delivers was started to ease the stress of shopping and stocking rental properties and private homes for Vineyard renters and homeowners. Find out more at edgartowndelivers.com. If you’re already looking at your August calendar, might I suggest getting tickets to

If you’re already looking at your August calendar, might I suggest getting tickets to the 2026 Grace Kelly Benefit Concert on August 7 at 7:30 pm?

“Light up the Lagoon” returns on Saturday, July 25! The Lagoon Pond Association invites everyone to join in on a beautiful evening to recognize the importance and beauty of Lagoon Pond by bringing lights to beaches, docks, boats, and houses around the lagoon. At 8:30 pm, there will be an illuminated parade of boats that will travel the length of the Lagoon. Participate with your lights, and watch from any of the public access beaches on both sides of the Lagoon. For more info, call Barbara Kopans at 617-877-7310. I’m looking forward to vintage baseball in Waban Park on July 25! I have just learned about the history of baseball in the park in the late 19th century, and now the Westfield Wheel-

men are coming to M.V. to play the game the old-fashioned way. Their founder, Dan Genovese, will give a presentation about the history of vintage baseball on M.V. at the museum on June 23, at 5 pm. Celebrate the Flying Horses at their 150th birthday party on July 25. From 10 am to 5 pm, there will be games, including a scavenger hunt, lawn games, cornhole, limbo, and a dance party — all at Union Chapel. The carousel will be offering special prizes

and fun, and there will be a dance party and birthday cake to end the day. The July Full Moon rises on July 29; it is the Buck Moon, named for the season of full growth of the antlers of the male deer. This moon should be accompanied by meteor showers, making for some spectacular night-sky watching! The Tabernacle Sunset Concert series features drummer and singer-songwriter Alwyn Robinson on Friday, July 24, at 6 pm. Featherstone “Musical

the 2026 Grace Kelly Benefit Concert on August 7 at 7:30 pm? Dynamo saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly makes a rare Martha's Vineyard appearance to benefit the Island's nonprofit community. And thanks to the generosity of Kelly and the Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation, all proceeds from the concert will be donated to Martha's Vineyard Arts and the Martha's Vineyard Nonprofit Collaborative. Tickets can be found online on Eventbrite at bit. ly/EB_GraceKellyTix. Birthday wishes go out to some incredible Edgartown ladies: On July 27 and 28, Meg Honey Baptiste and Jean Wong respectively, celebrate their special days! Make sure to wish them a happy birthday if you see them this week!

Mondays” presents the Jeremy Berlin Trio on July 27. The music starts at 6:30 pm. Happy birthday to the beautiful Stephanie DaRosa on July 24! Logan Campbell will blow out his candles on the 25th. Paul Robinson celebrates on July 26, and Skye Sonneborn has her day on the 27th. We remember Jackie Kennedy Onassis on her birthday, July 28. Beth Serusa shares the day! Rachel Barrett Perry and Denise Cote-Alwardt share their birthdays on the 29th. Send me your news!

I’m looking forward to vintage baseball in Waban Park on July 25! The Westfield Wheelmen are coming to M.V. to play the game the old-fashioned way.

R E AD T H E T I M E S @ MV T I M E S .CO M

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Aquinnah By Kathie Olsen aquinnahcolumn@gmail.com

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quinnah surely is a magical place. Where else will you find the sound of powerful drumming and beautiful singing, hundreds of people of all ages walking and running around, breathtaking jewelry, the finest artwork, a firetruck, an ambulance, a helicop-

ter, police cars, food vendors, and a booth with antitick socks, all in the same field on the same day at the same time, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. That was the scene during the day last Saturday. That night, a wild storm blew in with pounding rain, flashes of lightning, and a rolling

C thunder seemingly replicating the drums of the Black Brook Singers from earlier in the day. I tell you, there is no place else I would rather be than here. The sheer joy and artistic excellence that the Native Artisan Market and Festival gave us on that day (thank you, Aquinnah Cultural Center) seems to be the spirit of the time. At the Chilmark library, Ronni Simon’s sculptural art is on display until August 2, and at the Field Gallery in West Tisbury, for the next few weeks you can find our own Max Decker’s brilliant paintings.

On Wednesday, July 29, the Friends of the Up-Island Council on Aging are sponsoring their monthly luncheon for seniors at the Aquinnah Town Hall. I’ve seen the menu, and it looks terrific.

Chilmark By Claire Ganz cganz@live.com

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hat a week. After days of apocalyptic smoke descending, blotting out the sun, turning midday into dusk, and the moon into a red planet, a lightning show, wind, and rain, cleaned it up. Sunday was glorious. There are so many things to see and do. Ronni Simon’s work is on display at the Chilmark library until August 2. And her gallery in Chilmark is always open by appointment; call 508-325-2242. She has a wide range of

talents, as a screenwriter, potter, and hand-colorist. Her jewelry expertly uses the textures, shapes, and colors of semiprecious stones and freshwater pearls. Constantly evolving, Ronni's designs experiment with color and form, drawing the viewer into the pleasing balance and expansive wonder at the entire composition. Her sculptures are fabulous. Ronni has lived on Martha's Vineyard for 40 years, and continues to be inspired daily by its magic and natural beauty. We are so lucky.

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

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bby started shaking as soon as she heard the first rumblings of thunder Saturday evening. She looked outside, then paced back and forth between Mike and me. One tends to notice having 65 pounds of vibrating golden retriever in your lap, no matter how much she is loved. We were happy for the

rain, though, and the respite from watering for a day or two. When I took Abby out later, the smoke, heat, and humidity of the past week had been washed out of the air. It was a lovely night. MA Vote by Mail postcards arrived at our house last week, with a request form for an absentee ballot for the upcoming Sept. 1 primary, and the Nov. 3

Anne, A.F. Cook’s collection of recent paintings, “Seasonal Impressions,” opens this week at the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank across from the Chilmark Community Center, and runs through August 5. In this exhibit the artist explores cool-warm color contrasts to capture the Vineyard landscape in different seasons. The opening reception is Friday, July 24, at 5:30 pm. North Tabor Farm is resuming its Wednesday Night Pizza Pickup. Their

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Speaking of brilliance, two of our younger citizens outdid themselves at the Swim Across America event in Menemsha this week. The event, which takes place throughout the country, raises funds for cancer research and treatment, with the funds raised here for the M.V. Hospital Cancer Center. Sisters Lucille and Hazel Stahl were among the youngest to successfully swim the longest distance, a full mile, in our cold waters. We’ve watched those girls grow and thrive. I’m proud to know them. They swam as part of Team Jay, in tribute to Jay Grossman, their dear friend who was recently lost to cancer. The Aquinnah library and the Aquinnah Cultural Center have teamed up to offer a treat for you and your little ones. At 1 pm on Saturday, July 25, at the library, Brad Lopes, education & public

program manager for the ACC, will be reading “Big Baby” by Robert Peters, and “Clambake: A Wampanoag Tradition,” by Russell Peters. This is storytelling at its best. The program is free, and all are welcome. On Wednesday, July 29, the Friends of the Up-Island Council on Aging are sponsoring their monthly luncheon for seniors at the Aquinnah Town Hall. I’ve seen the menu, and it looks terrific. I’ve also attended many of these gatherings, and I promise there is great company. Then, on Thursday, July 30, at 5 pm, the Aquinnah library partners with the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group in sponsoring Aquinnah’s new Shellfish constable and harbormaster, Isaac Taylor. Isaac will tell you how to get your family permit and where to harvest, along with

tales of shellfishing in local waters and about the ecosystem benefits of this natural resource. It’s free and open to all. I missed Julianne Vanderhoop’s birthday on July 19. This week, we have a treasure trove of birthdays, each a person who is dear to my heart. Celebrating are Hugh Taylor on July 24, Joan LeLacheur on July 26, Max Decker on July 27, Vera Dello Russo on July 28, and Hollis Smith on July 29. What a fine bunch of Leos. A sad note. Tru L. Flo (formerly known as Robin T. Jackson) passed away unexpectedly on July 11 at his Illinois home, after a recent visit to Aquinnah to visit with his 100-year-old mother, Blanche Jackson, and sister, Sylvia Jackson. The family has created a GoFundMe page on Facebook to support burial and memorial services.

wood-fired pizzas topped with our seasonal ingredients are delicious. Preorder early, because they often sell out before the 3 pm cutoff on Wednesday: They have 15 pizzas available per time slot. Pick the time, and then choose your pizza type. Unfortunately, the ordering platform will not display how many are still left until you get to the checkout page. If you have any questions, reach out to them at northtaborfarmmv@gmail.com. July 26, Peaked Hill’s Valerie Sonenthal is offering a

Restorative Sound Journey. Register on her website: peakedhillstudio.com. Tuesdays are for lobster rolls from the Chilmark Church, 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Wednesday and Saturdays, the Chilmark Flea Market is off North Road. On Wednesdays, stop by the church’s rummage table. Sunday 1 to 5 pm, Indigo Dye at Native Earth Teaching Farm. Sig Van Raan reported the following from the softball game: “In spite of the heavy overnight rains and a field

that needed mud clearance and regrading by the grounds crew, enough players showed up to play the usual Sunday morning game. “This writer was recruited to pitch (for the first team in multiple years) versus veteran pitcher Hans Solmssen, who pitched his usual steady and reliable self. Van Raan pitched nobly for three innings, but then we won't discuss that nine-run fourth inning. “Always great to see players from years past who show up for a game or two in July. Both Junior Farrel and Ed Eger hit mammoth shots over everything — the younger players played really well — The beautiful weather beckoned for beach time, as did the World Cup for the big game later in the afternoon.”

Ronni Simon’s work is on display at the Chilmark library until August 2. And her gallery in Chilmark is always open by appointment; call 508-325-2242. midterm election. Fill out the form at the bottom of the mailing if you would like your ballots mailed to you. Make sure to return the card to Tara WhitingWells, our town clerk, by 5 pm on August 25. If you are registered with a party, that party’s ballot will be mailed to you for the primary election. If you are unenrolled, you must choose which party’s ballot you want sent to you. If you forget to indicate a party, another postcard will be mailed to you. You may also submit your application online: voteinma.com. Even easier is voting in person. Forget the absentee

The biggest news is that the Friends of the West Tisbury Free Public Library’s 66th annual Book Sale will begin next Thursday, July 30.

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ballot request, and come to the Public Safety Building to vote early, or on the date of the election. For information, contact Tara at 508-6960148, weekdays between 7:30 am and 12:30 pm. The library has lots of special programs for kids, tweens, and teens, especially during these summer vacation days. Learn how to make potions this afternoon (July 23, if you are reading this online or in time in the printed MV Times) from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. On Friday at 3 pm, Laura Hearn will teach young adults and grownups, ages 12 and up, the art of dryer-ball needle felting. Supplies will be provided, but space is limited, so please preregister at wt_ mail@clamsnet.org. There will be another tween/ teen crafting program on Tuesday, July 28, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, also with supplies

provided. Crafts and art supplies are always available in the Children’s Room. Also at the library, this Saturday, July 25, pianist Judy Merion will perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Goldberg Variations,” and “Sonatine” by Maurice Ravel. The concert will begin at 3 pm. Wednesday, July 29, 4:30 pm, Carol Rocamora and Lee Wolf will present “Trends and Highlights of the New York Theater Season.” The biggest news is that the Friends of the West Tis-

bury Free Public Library’s 66th annual Book Sale will begin next Thursday, July 30. You have probably noticed the tent in the West Tisbury School parking lot; that is where the sale has been for several years. Hours are 9 am to 3 pm. The sale will run through Monday, August 3. Books are full price Thursday through Saturday, halfprice on Sunday, and free, although donations are welcome, on Monday. It is a highlight of every book collector’s year.

Lionel Christopher Nieder

Mackenzie Nieder and Brian Nieder of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Lionel Christopher Nieder, on July 13, 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Lionel weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces.

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ather Crowds g , 1912. 4 on July

‘Away to See’

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A visual and poetic celebration of the Island. BY MICHAEL WEST

n “Away to See,” longtime summer residents Paul and Liz Norwood have collaborated on a book of Vineyard moments and places that everyone here will recognize. “Away to See” is a memento of their “favorite corners and experiences,” distilled into illustrations and verses that capture iconic views of Martha’s Vineyard. On the back cover, the Norwoods invite the reader with an image of a sailboat alongside these verses:

line. It is a refreshing view of our island that has seen so much high-income extravagance in recent years. It is a joy to turn these pages and see the beauty of nature and of “living well, but simply” brought to our attention. Liz Norwood also captures the humor of the place in “Ode to Prepositions.”

An Invitation Each facet of the Vineyard bends and blends land and sea culture and climate history and legend.

And when your toes are planted firmly in the sand, you can simply say you’re on island.

Each facet a proposal to roam to explore to dive in. Each facet a mere drop in the ocean of this place. “Away to See” asks the reader to turn pages and pause, browsing the insightful and informal verses and gazing at gorgeous impasto illustrations. This is the Vineyard of summer visitors, but free of ticks and traffic. We don’t get ferry delays or Five Corners in the rain. We do get Jaws Bridge, the Inkwell, Ice House Pond, Menemsha, Lambert’s Cove and Cedar Tree Neck, the Tabernacle, Chappy Ferries, and the Fair. Each of these “facets” captures the place, knowingly, lovingly, invitingly. We get the simple pleasures of “The Simple Life.” Our small corner of the island with small rooms, small drawers, spotty wifi yet a short walk to a glorious pond a forest of oaks a friend’s house. Paul Norwood’s illustration accompanying these lines depicts a casually dressed woman clipping towels to an outdoor clothes-

Cities and towns are lived in. Islands, however, are lived on. So when you’re here, you’re on Martha’s Vineyard.

The Norwoods live in Mill Valley, Calif., in the off-season. Paul Norwood is a painter who shows locally in the Eisenhauer Gallery in Edgartown and is currently featured there in a fatherdaughter exhibition with his daughter, Laina Norwood. Liz Norwood is a freelance editor and professional writer working with Bay Area nonprofits and small businesses. This collaboration, their first book together, is designed to be extended to other locations in the future. Meanwhile, we have a paean to the “Honor System,” pervasive here: The unmanned roadside flower stand is a Vineyard staple. They’re scattered about the island — bouquets of pinks, reds, purples standing proudly in mason jars next to a small wooden collection box and a hand-painted sign, Flowers $10. Paul Norwood’s illustration of Liz’s lines is a sunburst of sunflowers and peonies rising from mason jars, just like the ones we see along up-Island roadways. Another great pairing is “The Antidote.” The Antidote the best medicine the cure for what ails

steep in saltwater soak in the sun soothe diffuse dilute evaporate into the ether rinse Repeat On the facing page, a young towhead luxuriates on an inflated innertube, legs dipping into the ocean, arms extended to paddle, only when necessary. There is no agenda. Only rest. And one might wish that it never comes to an end. That it might go on forever. Of course, we also have “The Fair,” with teeming throngs of people, colorfully garbed, in the foreground, and a towering ferris wheel just beyond them: A temporary town risen from the soil erected in a week, celebrated for four days, dismantled in even fewer. As every Vineyarder knows, the Agricultural Fair heralds the final weeks of summer, when those glorious days on Island are coming to a close. Nothing lasts forever, and for the Norwoods. Pulling up stakes and leaving the Island at summer’s end is the true mark of a year that’s passed “Away to See” captures beautifully the flow of summer days and nights and the ebbtide that brings it to an end. It is the perfect book to give to a summer visitor, as a remembrance, or to someone thinking of coming here. These intimate verses and evocative illustrations play together perfectly to create a vivid portrait of what it means to live here in the summer months, and why so many families come here year after year. “Away to See” is for sale at Edgartown Books and Bunch of Grapes, as well as on Amazon.

The Flying Horses without the crowds. PHOTOS COUR TESY OF MV PRES

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Happy 150th birthday to the Flying Horses! This Saturday, July 25, the Vineyard Preservation Trust will celebrate the beloved carousel’s 150th birthday, with games, prizes, parties, contests, and drawings. Singing “Happy Birthday” is scheduled for 4 pm. The landmark building has barely

changed over the years, as you can see from these vintage photos courtesy of the Vineyard Preservation Trust. The Flying Horses’ 150th birthday will take place Saturday, July 25, from 10 am to 5 pm at Lake Avenue in Oak Bluffs.

COMMUNITY NOTES ‘Re-Engraving Paul Revere: The Boston Massacre’ In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Vineyard Haven library welcomes living history presenter Andy Volpe for a presentation on Paul Revere’s “Boston Massacre” print. Revere’s “Bloody Massacre” is one of the most infamous propaganda prints in American history. Better known today as the “Boston Massacre,” its image has found its way into hundreds of publications, history books, and videos. While the event itself is heavily analyzed and debated, the plate and print have an interesting backstory that is not often talked about. Volpe will also touch on his own work replicating Revere’s prints, including how he went about producing a hand-engraved, full-size replica of the “Massacre” — one of only two such replicas created in the 21st century — which he created for the event’s 250th anniversary. Andy Volpe is an artist, printer, and living history presenter in Worcester. Since 2010, he has collaborated with Gary Gregory of the Printing Office of Edes and Gill, which replicates important American Revolutionary documents and images, notably the Declaration of Independence, using the same techniques and replica presses. Volpe’s work focuses on replicating prints by Paul Revere, as well as other notable 18th century prints. He holds a degree in fine arts from Westfield State University, where he fell in love with the printers in the Renaissance and Early Modern periods. He also regularly

presents at the Higgins Armory Collection at Worcester Art Museum on various arms and armor periods with several living history groups. 6 pm on Tuesday, July 28, Vineyard Haven library, 200 Main St. Free and open to the public, no registration required. For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or 508-696-4211.

Ruel Gallery lineup Join Nettie and Colin Ruel for an opening reception on Thursday, July 23, from 4 to 7 pm, and see the new work. Colin has brought in many beautiful paintings on history. “So many of us and our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents before us have stood on this Flying Horses platform, reaching for the brass ring and experiencing joy. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the oldest operating carousel in the country. Colin has painted a flying horse on a piece of the carousel’s original platform. This piece will be available at our opening reception,” the Ruel Gallery states. There are also pop-ups coming: July 25: Ruel’s talk at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum about his current exhibit July 30: Roy Swim pop-up August 7: Meet the Fleet: Festivities and music Ruel Gallery: 31 Basin Road, Chilmark. ruelgallery.com.

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David Lau put some real pace on the ball during the game.

Players of all ages and abilities play at the Tisbury Council on Aging.

Alina Wen and Rae Carter had a great time playing together.

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he room was abuzz with players of all ages, from as young as 4 to those in their late 80s, playing vigorous rounds of table tennis on Tuesday night at the Tisbury Council on Aging. The M.V. Table Tennis Club, which gathers on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 pm, and occasionally on weekends, has been active for decades. A core group of 15 to 20 players meets year-round, with summer visitors joining in the fun during the high season. Players are, or have been, engineers, teachers, potters, dentists, rabbis, speechwriters, caretakers, fishermen, and painters. Secretary of the club Rae Carter notes, “One of our very skilled and very enthusiastic players is Nikola. He has played with us through high school, and is now in college at UMass Amherst. He is studying abroad in Germany, but is still playing three or four times a week. He got so incredibly good, which is fun to see.” Board president Bob O’Rourke recalls the group’s origins. He and two Aquinnah residents, John Walsh and Craig (“Spa”) Tharpe, got permission from the selectmen to set up a table tennis venue in the town hall in 2005. Over the years, the club has set up shop in different places, including the high school, the bowling alley, the YMCA, and West Tisbury School. O’Rourke, a Chappy resident, even dreamed up the idea of playing on the ferry, and, with the permission of then-owner Peter Wells, they set up a table for a game in 2015, trying to keep the balls from bouncing into the harbor. Table tennis originated in Victorian England in the 1880s as a parlor game for the wealthy seeking an indoor alternative to lawn tennis. It was playfully known as “whiff-whaff,” “flim-flam,” and “ping-pong” — with the latter derived from the distinctive sounds the ball makes when struck — “ping” — and when hitting the table — “pong.” In 1901, the introduction of celluloid balls to replace rubber and cork ones revolutionized the game’s speed and bounce.

PHOTOS DENA PORTER

Ping-Pong diplomacy M.V. Table Tennis Club is hitting hard and having fun. BY ABBY REMER The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926 by nine nations in London, coinciding with the very first world championships, held in London. In 1952, the game changed forever when Japan introduced sponge-covered rackets, which enabled unprecedented spin and sparked

the rise of Asian dominance in the sport. In 1971, table tennis gained significant geopolitical significance during “Ping-Pong diplomacy,” when highly publicized matches between the U.S. and Chinese national teams helped ease Cold War tensions and paved the way for Richard Nixon’s visit to China.

Left, This handy gadget helps pick up stray ping-pong balls. Right, club president Bob O'Rourke played table tennis with other club members.

“It’s absolutely addictive. It’s the best thing for having fun.” –RAE CARTER

Table tennis became an official Olympic sport in 1988. While MVTTC members aren’t Olympians, some advanced members travel to compete in tournaments. O’Rourke notes, “You’re not going to play better unless you’re willing to go up against better competition. It’s an advantage whether you win or lose.” Players of all levels are welcome at the Tisbury Council on Aging. Carter recalls when she first started, some eight to 10 years ago: “I could get the ball across the net, but I couldn’t play seriously. A lot of the players who were better than I was were very patient and explained how to get better. I play at a much higher level from coming constantly.” She says that the correct form is critical to improving: “Without it, the ball is not going to go where you want it to.” It’s also about practicing enough to hit the ball on muscle memory. Carter continues, “If you stop and analyze it, you’ve lost it. It has to become rote.” Asked what keeps her coming back, Carter responds, “It’s absolutely addictive. It’s the best thing for having fun.” O’Rourke notes that just shy of his 90th birthday, “It’s the best exercise because you don’t just stand still and hit a ball. You move side to side, forward and back. I also like the competition.” Geoffrey Borr of Chilmark Pottery, who started playing when the group began in Aquinnah, notes, “It’s about what makes things fun, which involves your capacity to become absorbed in it. Table tennis is a natural moving meditation. It is one of the most exciting sports you can play. And it’s also nice to get together with people who have a common interest.” The M.V. Table Tennis Club meets downstairs at the Tisbury Council on Aging on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 pm (weekends are coordinated by text). After two complimentary visits, annual membership dues are $60, and walk-in nonmembers are asked to donate. Equipment is provided, and instruction is available from other players. For more information, visit mvtabletennis.com.

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Wonder and Wander Collective launches youth sailing program. BY ELLA MUNNELLY

Life Goes On sailing out of Vineyard Haven Harbor. PHOTOS: ELLA MUNNELLY

Mike Benjamin, left, and "Frankie" Vignolo-Keenan watch as the sails go up.

The crew of Life Goes On.

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The Vineyard has a new nonprofit founded on a simple conviction: Children learn best when the world itself is the classroom. The Wonder and Wander Collective, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, is launching an immersive, nature-based education program centered on Life Goes On, a 54-foot, Robert Perry–designed bluewater ketch. Donated in 2025 and sailed up from the Bahamas to Edgartown Harbor, the vessel now serves as both classroom and expedition platform for young learners. This summer marks the group’s pilot season, with its first crew of young sailors heading out on the water. Geared toward children ages 8 to 14, the program emphasizes hands-on, experiential education. Wonder and Wander is designed as a homeschool- and family-centered program, serving kids who are learning outside the traditional school structure. Kyleen Keenan is a steward of the nonprofit, along with Nico Ewing, Rachel Ewing, Ariana Binney, and Capt. Kate Richardson. Richardson and Keenan are living on Life Goes On in Edgartown Harbor together this summer, along with Francesca (“Frankie”) Vignolo-Keenan, Keenan's 11-year-old daughter. “Community is the medicine we all need,” said Keenan. “I think it matters more than ever that we have safe and inspiring spaces for young people to come together and to do things that bond us in community.” Keenan grew up landlocked in Western Massachusetts, but learned to sail early alongside her father, who would buy and restore old sailboats, and who restored Life Goes On and donated it to the nonprofit in 2025. Together they explored the many islands of New England, including Martha’s Vineyard. When she turned 18, she moved to the Island and began working as a waitress. “Success to me is more children to get out on the water, and more children falling in love with the devotion, the art of sailing, and being in community,” said Keenan, “and a full programming next year, families and children being able to

connect in this way, offscreen, in immersive, nature-based learning.” A female captain and woman-led crew guide the program, bringing both maritime experience and mentorship to the next generation. Capt. Richardson, U.S. Navy veteran turned professional mariner with a 100-Ton Captain’s License (officially a Master 100 Gross Tons), which requires doing 720 days of sea service and passing rigorous written exams, said the environment on the water offers something unique. “What a great experience to learn at 10 years old, and these kids are Island kids, they can captain boats with these skills,” said Richardson. Richardson began her maritime career working on the fast ferry between Martha’s Vineyard and Rhode Island while studying marine biology in college. She is drawn to the art and puzzle of sailing. She sees wind and current as teachers, constant forces that she is not there to control but rather to work with. Richardson also highlights the power of music, and plans to incorporate that into the Wonder and Wander programming. “There’s something really special about singing together and harmonizing and do-

From left: Kate Richardson, Francesca (“Frankie”) Vignolo-Keenan, and Kyleen Keenan; the crew of Life Goes On.

Capt. Kate Richardson climbs to the crow's nest of Life Goes On.

ing it on the water,” said Richardson, “to be out here where the ocean really amplifies anything you’re feeling and doing.” Their first children’s retreat is scheduled for August 24, and will be five days of singing, swimming, and sailing. Geared toward young girls but open to all children, the program will start with guests coming aboard on Monday and getting to know the boat, followed by a small sail on Tuesday, a bigger sail on Wednesday, and an overnight voyage on Thursday. The weeklong experience will be offered on a sliding scale, from free to $700, to meet families where they are, and offer the experience to all interested children. It will be held two weeks in a row. “I also understand that this is like a luxury to be able to world-school our kids,” said Keenan. “That’s why we wanted to make a fundraiser. If people donate, we can be on a sliding scale so if you can’t afford it, you can still come, because there is abundance.” The organization will host an “Evening on the Water” fundraiser on August 23 at Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway in Vineyard Haven. The event will feature live music, a children’s song performance, mocktails served by young crew members, local food, a silent auction, and tours of Life Goes On. Charters aboard Life Goes On will also help sustain the boat and fund sailing scholarships, so that a child’s access to the water will not depend on what their family can pay. It is the organization’s foundational belief that children who learn this way become more confident, more capable, and more connected to the sea, to new places, to people, and to a sense of their own competence. “We’re meant to learn by play that keeps us curious, and that makes us geniuses,” said Keenan. “When you’re out there and you’re learning by doing, you’re learning math, you’re learning physics, you’re learning, and you’re in this natural environment, and I feel like that’s what the children of the future need.” The program is also intentionally community-driven. “It’s an asset held in the community,” Keenan said. “There is a movement toward putting land and assets in community hands, and that’s the goal of this. To have this be something that evolves beyond us, and whoever wants to get involved, it can be managed by the community for the betterment of the community. I think decentralizing assets in that way, it’s like instead of everything being mine or yours, it’s for all shared use.” Keenan sends her daughter Frankie to the Woods School, which is a naturebased homeschool program at Allen Farm based on the same foundations that guide the nonprofit. Keenan says living with an 11-year-old child, she sees firsthand the lack of curiosity and wonder in today's youth. “My hope is through these intimate programs, especially for young women, that they can feel confident, like seeing a female captain, and saying, Yeah, things are gonna go wrong and we can fix them, and we can do hard things, and we can get through this, and living in community we’re happier.” The hope is that summer sailing becomes one piece of a year-round experiential education model that extends into international field programs. Working with trusted partners around the world, students would be brought into new ecosystems and communities to study, contribute, and broaden their sense of what’s possible. “Loneliness is an epidemic that many of us suffer in silence,” said Keenan, “but when you are out on the water and it’s six girls, and we’re singing, and we’re sailing, and we’re swimming and we’re being present, and we’re really holding space … I think that that’s a powerful medicine for each other. We all need it.”

B10

calendar & community

July 23, 2026

Event spotlight for the week of 7•24 — 7•29

FRI 7/24

SAT 7/25

SUN 7/26

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Live theater workshop: ‘Overcome’ Clay bas-relief showroom opening ctor Amy Brenneman takes audiences along as she learns how to become a true ally to her daughter Charlotte, who was born with a rare chromosomal abnormality. “Overcome” takes an honest look at the preconceptions of disability, unexamined ableism, and the promise and challenge of a truly inclusive society. Written and produced by Brenneman and Sabrina Peck; directed by Peck; starring Amy

Brenneman, Jesse Jason, Adrianne Krstansky, Alison Manning, and Joshua Olumide. $50, 7 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, 24 Church St., Vineyard Haven. circuitarts.thundertix. com/events.

nternationally acclaimed sculptor Juliet Ehrlich has formed an alliance with M.V. Tile Co. Ehrlich's distinctive, sophisticated, clay bas-relief sculptures echo the diver-

sity, beauty, and quality of the products available at M.V. Tile Co. 1 to 6 pm, free, showroom within M.V. Tile. 123 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven. julietehrlich.artspan. com/carousel.php.

MV TIMES

Legacy Week on the Vineyard

egacy Week on the Vineyard was created to engage, empower, and highlight the bond and value of historically Black colleges and universities. This is the 10th year of Legacy Week, which offers several opportunities to relax, connect with fellow HBCU alumni and their

families, and participate in fun and impactful events. 9 am to 11 pm, 11 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs. events.eventnoire. com/e/2026-legacy-week.

MV TIMES

MON 7/27

TUES 7/28 WED 7/29 Sounds like summer concert series

Ice Cream Making on the FARM

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Jewish Culture Festival

he Martha's Vineyard Jewish Culture Festival brings together food, music, art, and community this year

celebrating the Shabbat dinner table. 4 to 8 pm. Location given upon ticket purchase. vineyardchabad. org/jewish-culturefestival.

njoy live music on the West Tisbury library lawn. This week, Rose Guerin and Friends will be performing. It’s a family-friendly and free event; feel free to bring a blanket and make it a picnic, or just come for the show. Concerts will be held indoors if it rains.This program is funded in part by a grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council,

a local agency supported by Mass Cultural Council. Additional funding has been provided by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library. edgartownlibrary. assabetinteractive.com.

ring family and friends to the FARM kitchen and whip up your own ice cream. While your ice cream churns, you will have an opportunity to visit with cows here on the farm. Each family will take home their own pint of homemade ice cream. This is a family program geared for ages 4 and up. Preregistration is required. Member adult/ child pair, $32; Nonmember pair, $40. If you would like to attend but are unable to pay, please reach

out to lbrown@thetrustees.org for more information. 3:15 to 4 pm. The FARM Institute, 14 Aero Ave, Edgartown. explore. thetrustees.org.

MV TIMES

Events THURSDAY, JULY 23

Dance Fitness and Strength Training with Kris Martin

7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. A creative blend of rhythmic resistance, cardio conditioning, manageable mobility and core strength exercises all set to crazy-FUN music. 508-696-8000, 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.

Virtual Kripalu Flow Yoga

7:30 am, West Tisbury Library. On Zoom with Yogijay. Sign up for free by emailing wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.

Morning Pages Mornings

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.

Early Birders Walk

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

Kaiut Yoga

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.

Active Arts Preschool Camp

9 am-1 pm, Island Children’s School, West Tisbury. We know that chidlren learn best while having fun... and what better way to do that than outside with your friends! 586-943-5559, activeartsmvy@gmail.com.

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. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org.

ACE MV presents a Latin Dance Class with Lorena Crespo

9-10 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This Latin dance class is a fun and inclusive space where everyone is welcome to learn rhythms like salsa, bachata, merengue, pop, and more info@stillpointmv.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.

Balletics

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

Catboats: Sail Sculpin 2026

9 am-6 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Catboats: Sail Sculpin 2026 508-9394092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Tennis Morning Clinic Level 3.5+

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.

Docent-Led Arboretum Tours

9:30-10:30 am, The Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury. Learn about the incredible history, people, and plants that make the Polly Hill Arboretum a local and global landmark. Free with admission! 508-6939426, info@pollyhillarboretum.org.

Library Friends of Oak Bluffs -BOOK SALE!!!

10 am-4 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Library Friends of Oak Bluffs -BOOK SALE!!! 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org.

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.

Goat Yoga MV

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

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.

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. 774549-9107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org.

Artists’s Premiere: Jeff Hoerle & Max Decker

10 am-5 pm, Field Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s Premiere: Jeff Hoerle & Max Decker 508-693-5595, info@fieldgallery.com.

Kayak Dreams at Sea Level

10 am-5 pm, Turpentine Gallery, West Tisbury. Kayak Dreams at Sea Level oil paintings show takes you on a meditative journey along the costal plains 508-6935963, mitch@turpentinegallery.art .Carnegie Heritage Center 10 am to 4 pm. The carnegie heritage center, Edgartown. Friday and Saturday, Admission: $5 (ages 12+). vineyardtrust.org/events/ 774549-9107, thecarnegie@mvpreservation.org.

Art Class for Kids

10:30 am-11:30 pm, Chilmark Library. Art class for kids. 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com.

Fault Lines

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

Pokemon Club

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.

Tech help

11 am-1 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Free tach help 508-6932896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov.

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 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com. Continued on B11

community & calendar B11

July 23, 2026

‘Conscience of the nation’: Documentary Week

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BY ABBY REMER

s the M.V. Film Center’s website says about its powerful offerings for this year’s Doc Week film festival, “Documentary films have become the conscience of the nation, providing a deeper study of contemporary, and often unnoticed, social issues.” Running from July 27 to August 1, the series features a Q and A after each film, giving audiences additional insight into the documentary. M.V. Film Society founder and executive director Richard Paradise explains, “The opportunity to have the filmmakers join us is very important.” On opening night, director Ivy Meeropol will appear after her inspiring documentary, “Ask E. Jean,” on Monday, July 27, at 7:30 pm. Of late, E. Jean Carroll is best known for winning not one but two court cases against Donald Trump for sexual assault in 1996 and for subsequent defamation, in which he called her a liar and insisted, “She’s not my type.” Meeropol interweaves multiple layers throughout her film. We meet Carroll today, still as feisty and irreverent as she was at the height of her fame 25 years ago, when she was a trailblazing contributing editor at “Esquire,” an advice columnist at “Elle,” and host of her own wildly popular “Ask E. Jean” television show, where she championed women. Asked why she didn’t speak up at the time, Carroll candidly tells us that she was part of the generation that swept things under the rug and gritted their teeth, but after the Me Too movement, she knew she had to take a stance. While deeply personal, “Ask E.

Jean” examines the societal hurdles women face when confronting predatory men and their lies, highlighting the power of truth to combat gaslighting. Tuesday, July 28, at 7:30 pm, the immensely powerful documentary “When a Witness Recants” is followed by a Q and A with film director Dawn Porter. It exposes the life-altering havoc caused by one teenager’s lie under police pressure. In 1983, author Ta-Nehisi Coates learned that a 14-year-old boy had been murdered at his Baltimore middle school. Revisiting the case, Coates uncovers the truth: Three innocent teenagers were wrongfully convicted and spent 36 years in prison — leaving a lasting impact on the accused, the witnesses, and their community. Wednesday evening, July 29, at 7:30 pm brings us “Behind the Lines,” followed by a Q and A with film director and writer John B. Benitz and book author Andrew Carroll. The documentary follows renowned historian Andrew Carroll on his decadeslong global mission to track down roughly 200,000 pieces of correspondence written by active military personnel, veterans, and civilians caught in the crossfire, from the American Revolution to the present day. Instead of standard voiceovers, the film brings these historical records to life using live performances and dramatic readings by actors such as Laura Dern, Annette Bening, Michael C. Hall, and Gary Cole. Featuring interviews with Paul McCartney, Carole King, and other musicians, “Peter Asher: Everywhere Man” screens Thursday, July 30, at 7:30 pm, followed by a Q and A with the filmmak-

ers, Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine. Asher’s extraordinary life has intersected with some of the greatest artists and musical moments of the past six decades. A child actor who became a British Invasion pop star (Peter & Gordon), head of Apple Records, and a defining architect of the American singer-songwriter era as a producer for the likes of James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt, he is a Zelig-like figure who remains a vital creative force to this day. Amy Goodman is an awardwinning investigative journalist, author, and host and executive producer of ”Democracy Now!” which airs on more than 1,500 public television and radio stations worldwide. She is the subject of “Steal This Story, Please!” screening on Friday, July 31, at 7:30 pm, followed by a Q and A with Goodman and film directors Carl Deal and Tia Lessin. The documentary features 30 years of archival footage showing Goodman facing down armed soldiers, politicians, and riot police in global conflict zones ranging from East Timor and Nigeria to indigenous protests at the Dakota Access Pipeline. Set against the backdrop of shrinking newsrooms and deliberately eroded public trust, “Steal This Story, Please!” frames independent journalism as an essential pillar of a functioning democracy. “Seized,” screening on Saturday, August 1, at 7:30 pm, will be followed by a discussion with director Sharon Liese and Charles Sennott, MV Times publisher. The gripping documentary investigates the controversial August 2023 police raid on the Marion County Record, a smalltown newspaper in Marion, Kan.

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Works by Anna Fitch, Banker White, and Neva Goldstein 508696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.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.

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.

Family Yoga Play

11-11:30 am, West Tisbury Library. Playful, fun yoga for littles & their caregivers. Rec. for ages 0-5! Free and no registration needed. hburbidge@clamsnet.org.

Art Show - Full Run: “Seasonal Impressions” by A.F. Cook

11 am-4:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Bank - Chilmark branch. The full run dates of the “Seasonal Impressions” show by A.F. Cook, 7/23 - 8/5 This is a SEPARATE listing from the single-event reception on July 24. 508-627-4266, acook77@msn.com.

Through surveillance tapes and police body cameras, we are immediately dropped into the raid on the paper’s office and on the home of editor and co-owner Eric Meyer. The stress of the latter raid contributed to the death of Meyer’s 98-year-old mother, who was home at the time and was a former longtime editor and co-owner of the paper. The documentary explores how a local dispute, in part over the driving records of a woman with whom the police chief was romantically involved, exploded into a national constitutional crisis over press freedom and police overreach. Sundance Institute says, “‘Seized’ asks difficult questions about power, accountability, and

where journalism fits inside a community that doesn’t always want to be scrutinized. Who’s right? The paper or the town? Liese is smart enough to leave that question unresolved. The beauty of the film is that it trusts the audience to sit with the discomfort — and decide for themselves.” Paradise says about his hopes for the festival, “Like with all the films we show at the center, I hope that the audience will be educated or enlightened on a subject or individual, and that they will be entertained. Some of the most powerful documentaries are the ones you’ll be thinking about many days after seeing them.”

Events

Continued from B10

Works by Anna Fitch, Banker White, and Neva Goldstein

For tickets and more information, visit mvfilmsociety.com.

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.

‘MOANA’ at the Edgartown Cinema 1 pm, Edgartown Cinema , Edgartown. Live-action adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film ‘Moana.’ 508-6278008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com.

Performing Class

1-4 pm, Aquinnah Town Hall, Aquinnah. Student-driven performing classes!laurajordandecker@gmail.com.

Children’s Afternoon Art: Printmaking (ages 9+)

1-3 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. These classes will introduce young artists to some printmaking techniques, while encouraging them to find their artistic voice. 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org.

‘TOY STORY 5’ at the Edgartown Cinema

1:15 pm, Edgartown Cinema. Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they’re introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime. 508-627-8008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com.

Book Signing: ‘Triage’ by Elisa M. Speranza

2-4 pm, Edgartown Books. Author and MV summer resident Elisa M. Speranza signs copies of her new work of historical fiction, ‘Triage’. 508-6278463, info@edgartownbooks.com.

Adult Cow Connection at The Farm Institute

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

Chair Yoga

2:30-3:30 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Chair Yoga 508-693-2896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov.

Family Movie

2:30-4 pm, Chilmark Library. Family Movie 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com.

Community Knitting Circle

3-4:45 pm, Chilmark Library. Join us for a relaxed afternoon of knitting. Our knitters love to share their knowledge and beginners are welcome! 508-6453360, chil.programs@gmail.com.

Kid’s Potion Making

3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Create your own take home potion and write a magic spell! 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org.

Partner Dancing Class with Maria & Tad Lawcewicz

3:30-4:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Learn partner dancing with Maria and Tad Lawcewicz 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

‘MOANA’ at the Edgartown Cinema 3:45 pm, Edgartown Cinema. Liveaction adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film ‘Moana.’ 508-627-8008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com.

‘TOY STORY 5’ at the Edgartown Cinema

4 pm, Edgartown Cinema. Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they’re introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime. 508627-8008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com.

Artists Premiere: New Work by Traeger di Pietro, Mary Moquin, Nick Patten 4-6 pm, North Water Gallery, Edgartown. Artist’s premiere featuring new work by Traeger di Pietro, Mary Moquin, Nick Patten. continues through August 5, 10-5 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sun. 508-627-6002, info@northwatergallery.com.

Music and Mocktails

4-5 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Live music , mocktails, and appetizers! 508-693-2896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov. Continued on B12

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

HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL 7:30 PM EVAN NORTHRUP & BRYSON LANG: 7:00 PM Fri 7/24 AN EVENING OF MAGIC ILLUSION AND MIND-BLOWING JUGGLING Sat 7:30 PM 7/25 HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL LAST SHOWING 4:00 PM Sun 7/26 THE SEA IN COLLABORATION 7:30 PM

Thurs 7/23

with the MV Hebrew Center and MV Summer Institute

MV DOC WEEK RUNS JULY 27 THROUGH AUGUST 1ST Mon 7/27

DOC WEEK: ASK E. JEAN

7:30 PM

with director Ivy Meeropol

DOC WEEK: WHEN A WITNESS 7:30 PM RECANTS with a discussion with the filmmaker Dawn Porter Wed DOC WEEK: BEHIND THE LINES 7:30 PM 7/29 Tue 7/28

with Dir. John B. Benitz and author Andrew Carroll

Thurs 7/30

DOC WEEK: PETER ASHER: EVERYWHERE MAN with the

7:30 PM

filmmakers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine

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

B12

calendar & community

July 23, 2026

Events

Continued from B11

Table Tennis

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

Chillin’ In Chilmark: Joel Harrison & Stan Strickland Duo

5-6 pm, Chilmark Community Center. Join the Chilmark Community Ctr. and Chilmark Public Library for a night of world-class Jazz with Joel Harrison & Stan Strickland Duo. Bring a picnic! 508-645-3360, chil.programs@gmail.com.

The Game as It Was: Baseball on the Vineyard before the Modern Era

5-6 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven. Baseball historian leads vintage-rules talk and doubleheader at Waban/Alley. 508-627-4441, events@mvmuseum.org.

Fermentation for Beginners: Kimchi 5:30-7 pm, The Farm Institute, Edgartown. Each participant will bring home their own batch of kimchi 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org.

The Woody Plant Collections of Arboretum Wespelaar with Dr. Koen Camelbeke

5:30-6:45 pm, The Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury. Koen Camelbeke will discuss the specialized collection of trees and shrubs featured at Arboretum Wespelaar in Belgium. Learn more and register online. info@pollyhillarboretum.org.

Forest Science, Spiritual Experience, and Climate Change w/ Bob Perschel 5:30-7 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Join Vineyard resident and professional forester Bob Perschel for a talk about his fifty-year quest in pursuit of something larger than all of us info@stillpointmv.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.

As You Like It

6 pm, Tisbury Amphitheater, Vineyard Haven. As You Like It 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Music in the Square - Mardi Gras Theme with Sean McMahon 6-8 pm, Eisenhauer Gallery, Edgartown. Eisenhauer Gallery presents “Music in the Square” with Sean McMahon & The Agreeable Men 508-627-7003, eisenhauergallery@gmail.com.

Film Screening: Pretty Dirty: The Life and Times of Marilyn Minter 7:30 pm, Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Film Screening: Pretty Dirty: The Life and Times of Marilyn Minter 508-6966300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Summer Institute: Thomas Friedman 7:30-9 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, Vineyard Haven. Pulitzer-winning author and New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman speaks on trends shaping our world today. 508-693-0745, mvsummerinstitute.org.

HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL

Art Show - Full Run: “Seasonal Impressions” by A.F. Cook

8 am-4:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Bank Chilmark branch, Chilmark. The full run dates of the “Seasonal Impressions” show by A.F. Cook, 7/23 - 8/5 This is a SEPARATE listing from the single-event reception on July 24. 508-627-4266, acook77@msn.com.

Pumped Up Intervals with Maria McFarland

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

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. 508-627-4850, 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.

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

Catboats: Sail Sculpin 2026

9 am-6 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Catboats: Sail Sculpin 2026 508-9394092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Can You Dig It: Quahog Harvesting with the Edgartown Shellfish Department 9:30-10:30 am, Katama Landing, Edgartown. you will get a chance to learn techniques for harvesting shellfish from the constables 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

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.

Kid’s Music Class

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

Works by Anna Fitch, Banker White, and Neva Goldstein

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Works by Anna Fitch, Banker White, and Neva Goldstein 508696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Toddler Time

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.

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. 508-693-7373, 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 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.

Fault Lines

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

12-2 pm, The Red House PRSC, Vineyard Haven. Features highlights from the NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK MUSEUM AND ACHIVE 508-693-2900, jtau@mvcommunityservices.org.

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.

Artists’s Premiere: Jeff Hoerle & Max Decker

10 am-5 pm, Field Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s Premiere: Jeff Hoerle & Max Decker 508-693-5595, info@fieldgallery.com.

Seashore Discovery

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.

10-11 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. In this workshop, you’ll learn what manifesting actually is, what it’s not, and the key steps to begin calling what you want into your life info@stillpointmv.org.

10 am-5 pm, Turpentine Gallery, West Tisbury. Kayak Dreams at Sea Level oil paintings show takes you on a meditative journey along the costal plains 508-6935963, mitch@turpentinegallery.art.

Kayak Dreams at Sea Level

7:30-9 pm, Katharine Cornell Theater, Vineyard Haven. Step into Tolkien’s epic tale, a fast paced stage adventure filled with daring quests, fierce battles, laughter, & heart. 508-208-5945, islandheth@gmail.com.

Barre Fusion with Kris Martin

The Art of Manifesting

Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky

Library Friends of Oak Bluffs -BOOK SALE!!!

FRIDAY, JULY 24

10-11 am, The Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury. Learn more about the Arboretum and its plant collections on guided walks led by PHA collections staff. Free with admission. 508-693-9426, info@pollyhillarboretum.org.

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.

7:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. Captured live of the hit musical Hadestown, which won eight Tony Awards in 2019. 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com.

The Hobbit Play

Polly Hill Arboretum Staff-Led Botanical Spotlight Tour

10 am-4 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Library Friends of Oak Bluffs -BOOK SALE!!! 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org 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

Artists Premiere: New Work by Traeger di Pietro, Mary Moquin, Nick Patten 10 am-5 pm, North Water Gallery, Edgartown. Artist’s premiere featuring new work by Traeger di Pietro, Mary Moquin, Nick Patten. continues through August 5, 10-5 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sun. 508-627-6002, info@northwatergallery.com.

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.

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.

Historic Home of Bill W and Lois W. Comes to the Vineyard

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.

Chilmark Community Trust: Shellfish, Science & Shucking

1-3 pm, The Yard, Chilmark. Join Isaiah Scheffer and Emma Green-Beach for an unforgettable afternoon exploring the creatures that shape our Island’s waters, culture, and economy. info@ chilmarkcommunitytrust.org.

Children’s Afternoon Art: Ceramics (ages 7+)

1-3 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. From decorative planters to dragons to mugs, students will learn and experiment with multiple techniques in construction and decoration. 508-6931850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org.

Performing Class

1-4 pm, Aquinnah Town Hall, Aquinnah. Student-driven performing classes!laurajordandecker@gmail.com.

Book Signing: ‘Beneath Still, Dark Water’ by Stephen Paul Sayers

2-4 pm, Edgartown Books. Cape Cod Resident and Author Stephen Paul Sayers signs his new thriller ‘Beneath Still, Dark Water’. 508-627-8463, info@edgartownbooks.com.

Tabletop Roleplay Group: MonsterSized Summer Road Trip

3-6 pm, Edgartown Library. Throughout the campaign, you’ll experience highs and lows as you roadtrip across the country 508627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

Grace Church Lobster Rolls

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

Artists’s premiere: Terry Crimmen, Heidi Lang, Kenneth Vincent 4-6 pm, Granary Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s Premiere: New work by Terry Crimmen, Heidi Lang, and Kenneth Vincent 508-693-0455, info@granarygallery.com.

Book talk: “The Best Women’s Travel Writing”

4 pm, Vineyard Haven Library, Vineyard Haven. With editor Lavinia Spalding and author Natalie Baszile 508-6964211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Edible Garden Tour with Carol Collins and Janet Woodcock

5-6:15 pm, Provided upon registration, Vineyard Haven. Learn how to create a balanced vibrant food garden! 508693-9549, programs@mvagsoc.org.

Art Reception: “Seasonal Impressions” by A.F. Cook

5:30-7 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Bank Chilmark branch, Chilmark. Art show of new Vineyard landscape oil paintings by A.F. Cook. 508-627-4266, acook77@msn.com.

As You Like It

6 pm, Tisbury Amphitheater, Vineyard Haven. As You Like It 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Friday Nights with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish

6:30-8 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.

AN EVENING OF MAGIC, ILLUSION, AND MIND-BLOWING JUGGLING

7-9 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. Martha’s Vineyard Film Center 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com.

Live Theater Workshop: Overcome 7 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Live Theater Workshop: Overcome 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Sound for Personal and Planetary Healing

7-9 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Jonathan Goldman will discuss the importance of understanding and using the power of sound info@stillpointmv.org.

The Hobbit Play

7:30-9 pm, Katharine Cornell Theater, Vineyard Haven. Step into Tolkien’s epic tale, a fast paced stage adventure filled with daring quests, fierce battles, laughter, & heart. 508-208-5945, islandheth@gmail.com.

Drive-In Movie: Back to the Future 8:15 pm, The Vineyard’s Drive-In at the YMCA, Vineyard Haven. Drive-In Movie: Back to the Future 508-6966300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Crochet a Chicken with Sarah Vail

Chilmark Library. Sarah Vail will teach the art of crocheting a chicken in this three-week class. Registration required. Space is limited. 401-649-2180, chil.programs@gmail.com.

Dance Fitness with Kris Martin

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

Vinyasa Power Yoga

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.

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.

Beginner Pickleball Clinic

9-10 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Curious about pickleball? Join a session to learn the basics! Advance registration is required, call 508-696-8000 or go to our website to register. workout568@aol.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.

Simple Basics - Paint and Color Workshop with Eva Cincotta

9 am-12 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. This one day beginner workshop introduces students to the basics of painting (oil or acrylic) including fundamental techniques and working with color. 508-6931850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org.

Kaiut Yoga

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

Chilmark Flea Market

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

Barnyard Buddies

9:30-10:30 am, Farm Institute, Edgartown. Spend your Saturday morning exploring the farm and meeting our friendly animals in this program for families! For ages 2-5, pre-registration required. 508-627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org.

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.

Art Exhibition: MVAA Permanent Collection and MVAA Members

10 am-6 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: MVAA Permanent Collection and MVAA Members 508-9394092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Kayak Dreams at Sea Level

10 am-5 pm, Turpentine Gallery, West Tisbury. Kayak Dreams at Sea Level oil paintings show takes you on a meditative journey along the costal plains 508-6935963, mitch@turpentinegallery.art.

Mini-Maker Craft Club

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

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

Edgartown Race Weekend’s ‘Round-the-Island Race

10 am-5 pm, North Water Gallery, Edgartown. Artist’s premiere featuring new work by Traeger di Pietro, Mary Moquin, Nick Patten. continues through August 5, 10-5 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sun. 508-627-6002, info@northwatergallery.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 25

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 am-11:59 pm, Edgartown Yacht Club. Edgartown Race Weekend’s ‘Roundthe-Island Race event is July 25, 2026. 508-627-4364, racer@edgartownyc.org.

Morning Brews & Yoga

8:30-10 am, Island Autism Group, Hub House Porch, Vineyard Haven. Support mental differences, get your yoga on, connect with community and enjoy your favorite morning beverages all in one! 860-682-3753, info@wholesomemv.com.

Artists Premiere: New Work by Traeger di Pietro, Mary Moquin, Nick Patten

The Fabulists

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

Hoerle & Max Decker

10 am-5 pm, Field Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s Premiere: Jeff Hoerle & Max Decker 508-693-5595, info@fieldgallery.com.

Library Friends of Oak Bluffs -BOOK SALE!!!

10 am-2 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Library Friends of Oak Bluffs -BOOK SALE!!! 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org

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

10 am-5 pm, Granary Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s Premiere: New work by Terry Crimmen, Heidi Lang, and Kenneth Vincent 508-693-0455, info@granarygallery.com.

Family Kayak Adventure

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

Misty Meadows Saturday Pony Rides

10 am-12 pm, Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center, West Tisbury. Enjoy a 15 minute Pony Ride on our beautiful property! Each child must be booked into a separate time slot for a ride, and our weight limit is 150lbs. 508-338-7198, info@mistymeadowsmv.org.

Saturday Storytime

10:15-10:45 am, Oak Bluffs Library. Join us for a fun-filled storytime with stories, songs, scarves, shakers and a parachute. Stories are geared toward kids ages 1.5 to 5 years old. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

Pilates Flow with Camille Beauzile

10:30-11:45 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This upbeat Pilates class blends preventative medicine, mind-over-matter focus, and joyful movement info@stillpointmv.org.

Works by Anna Fitch, Banker White, and Neva Goldstein

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Works by Anna Fitch, Banker White, and Neva Goldstein 508696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.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.

Goat Yoga MV

11 am-12 pm, Native Earth Teaching Farm, Chilmark. Slow Flow Yoga with baby pygmy goats. goatyogamv@gmail.com.

SIMON GALLERY

11 am-3 pm, SIMON GALLERY, Chilmark. Peter Simon Photo & Ronni Simon Designs. Open Sat. & Sun., 11-3. Open by appointment - 508 325-2242. In Chilmark, Tabor House Rd. Follow Simon signs. ronnisimondesigns@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.

Storytime

11-11:30 am, Chilmark Library. We’ll read classic and current children’s literature, and sing, move, and play together. Ideal for ages 3-6. adubno@clamsnet.org, 508-645-3360. 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com.

Fault Lines

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

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.

Artists’s Premiere: Jeff

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

community & calendar B13

July 23, 2026

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B14

community & calendar

July 23, 2026

gallery

Form, movement, and light Gwen Marcus and Paul Beebe at Louisa Gould Gallery. BY ABBY REMER

“Afternoon Sun at Lighhouse Beach” by Paul Beebe.

“Morning Light” by Paul Beebe.

“Sunset at Aquinnah” by Paul Beebe.

“Sailing Home” by Paul Beebe.

PHOTOS: LOUISA GOULD

B

eauty calls to both painter Paul Beebe and sculptor Gwen Marcus, whose works are on view at the Louisa Gould Gallery through August 31. Beebe’s oils capture the gorgeous, distinctive light in his Vineyard coastal scenes and seascapes. He first visited the Island 36 years ago, and was immediately captivated by the natural wonder around him. That experience inspired him to take up painting, first with watercolors, then in oils. Beebe aims for the feel more than the exact replication of reality: “Wherever I go, I have my sketchpad with me. I’m always looking for an idea for a painting. I might move things around, though, to make it better, which is my ultimate goal.” “I’m a realistic impressionist,” he says about his style. “I enjoy painting the light that hits things, as opposed to the things themselves. The light is most important because it’s transportive.” We see this transcendental quality in “Sunset at Aquinnah.” The warm hues skip atop the waves rolling in and out along the beach, the foam rising as the water hits the boulders. At the opposite end of the day is “Morning Light,” with its dominant cool shades of violet, blue, and green. Beebe draws our attention to the central boat with its billowing sail that just catches the warm yellow of the rising sun, anchoring our gaze amid the other boats sitting quietly on their moorings. We see a similar play of colors in the full sails of the schooner in “Sailing Home.” Beebe notes, “My goal is not to capture a specific boat and every piece of rigging. I find that I enjoy painting things where I just get the feeling of the scene, rather than photorealism.” The painting didn’t originally include the schooner at all. Beebe was initially drawn to the way the late-day sun hit the lighthouse in the distance. “When I was working on the composition, I thought it would be perfect to

put a classic schooner in there, so I went through my sketches and photos to find something that would enhance the painting. I really liked the light effect on the water and the clouds. But I decided to throw caution to the wind and put the boat in.” Beebe places us directly in his quite large painting, “Afternoon Sun at Lighthouse Beach,” which conveys the essence of Edgartown Harbor later in the day. The footsteps in the cooling sand are ours as we make our way down the path toward the Edgartown Lighthouse. Beebe first sketched the scene on the back of an envelope, but knew he wanted to, as he says, “capture it on an epic scale. With Edgartown Harbor, I knew I needed a lot of real estate right off the bat.” Gwen Marcus celebrates the beauty of the human body. She created her first sculptures at 9, and by 11, had her first exhibition at the National Academy Museum in New York City. Her bronze figures, caught mid-action, pulsate with life, as does the fabric that drapes their forms. We see this in “The Tempest,” which she has sculpted in various sizes, including eight-foot-high versions. We are drawn to the well-muscled, slender man, head down, leaning into an unseen gale, walking around him to see the figure from all angles. Naked, with drapery around his waist, the cloth flies about amid the storm, constantly moving our eyes about his body. The figure, balanced precariously on one foot, hair streaming back in the storm, is a nod to Shakespeare’s play, but goes beyond it. Marcus says, “He’s very powerful, yet there’s a vulnerability to him. He’s struggling against these forces, but there is a beauty to his resilience under pressure. Everybody has that private tempest inside them that they carry.” Marcus portrays women in quiet, intimate moments, such as off for the day’s shopping in “Tillie” and “To Market,” or standing in an open robe, stretching upward Continued on B15

community & calendar B15

July 23, 2026

gallery

“To Market,” bronze sculpture by Gwen Marcus.

Continued from B14 as though just arising from bed or getting into or out of a shower. The fabrics that cover these women accentuate their forms, endowing the sculptures with vitality and motion. Marcus begins sculpting by looking at a nude model, adding the garment only after it is welldefined. “Otherwise, you lose the sense of the body underneath,” she says. “The drapery is not an embellishment; it is used to enhance the form and increase a sense of drama and the dynamic of movement,” Marcus said in an interview in American Art Collector. All her works have a nar-

working, initially sculpting the figure in clay, “The piece will shift. It changes with the model’s energy. It starts to take on its own feeling and breath, and with that comes a different story. I just let it happen. It’s hard to fight it when it’s starting to go into its own space.” Marcus creates a wax replica of the piece, which is encased in a heat-resistant mold and then melted away. Molten metal is then poured into the cavity. She refines the resulting bronze sculpture, and finally develops the patina by brushing on thin, transparent chemical layers and heating them with a blowtorch, so they adhere and create different colors,

“The Bather,” bronze sculpture by Gwen Marcus.

“I enjoy painting the light that hits things, as opposed to the things themselves. The light is most important because it’s transportive. –PAUL BEEBE rative quality, inviting us to create our own stories. For instance, what is the longhaired young woman in “The Bather” thinking as she sits on a boulder by the water, one leg extended as if to dip her toe in? Marcus’ keen vision starts with a live model. In an article in Fine Art Connoisseur, she explains, “The most important reason to use a live model is to stimulate the emotional and visual energy that makes the sculpture live. It is the inner energy that gives a work its true individuality. It is not formed on the surface, but pulled from its inner core, a life force from within.” Although she starts with an idea of what she wants, Marcus notes that once she begins

adding visual depth to the metal surface. Once out in the world, the spirit in Marcus’ figures exists beyond their physical form. She says, “Sometimes, when I leave my studio and close the door, I feel like somebody’s in there.” While their subject matter diverges, Beebe and Marcus share a visceral passion for beauty that creates a powerful show. “Paul Beebe and Gwen Marcus,” new figurative bronze sculptures, and oil paintings of M.V., on view at the Louisa Gould Gallery through August 31. For more information and to see additional images, visit bit.ly/ LGG_BeebeMarcus.

“Tillie,” bronze sculpture by Gwen Marcus.

“The Bather,” bronze sculpture by Gwen Marcus.

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July 23, 2026

Wild Side BY MATT PELIKAN

SAMMI CHAVES/BIODIVERSITYWORKS

Inter-Island BioBlitz.

W

hile it’s a word of recent coinage, “bioblitz” has rapidly gained widespread currency among naturalists around the world. The concept is a flexible one. But basically, a bioblitz is an intensive, time-limited survey of the biodiversity of a particular location. The time from may range from hours to weeks, and the location may be a single property, a complex of areas related by ownership or ecology, or even a town, county, or state. Bioblitzes are generally open to the public. Indeed, part of their purpose is often outreach and education. But whatever specifics are involved, bioblitzes spice up the observation of nature with a spritz of challenge or competition. It’s an engaging combination: In the same way that birders have long motivated themselves by building year and life lists, bioblitzers test their skills and sometimes their stamina by trying to find, photograph, and identify as many species as possible. While the relationship is not obligatory, most bioblitzes use the community science platform iNaturalist.org as their tool

for collecting data. A vast, public database of natural history observations, iNaturalist (“iNat” to its enthusiasts) offers easy data entry from phones or computers, identification assistance from intelligence both human and artificial, and like any database, resources for sorting, selecting, and analyzing data. Bioblitzing on Martha’s Vineyard dates back just over four years, to June 2022, when BiodiversityWorks and the Trustees teamed up to run the first bioblitz of Long Point Wildlife Refuge. The Long Point blitz has evolved into an annual tradition, with the fifth consecutive one held this past June. Island naturalists have also bioblitzed Correllus State Forest three times, with a fourth effort this month. One-off bioblitzes have been held on two Nature Conservancy properties, Hoft Farm Preserve and the Medicine Lots. Bioblitzing remains something of a niche interest: Across the 10 Vineyard bioblitzes held before I wrote this, a total of just 46 observers had submitted iNat observations for at least one event. But some individual bioblitzes have generated prodigious amounts of information. The 2025 Correllus blitz, for example,

MIKE WHITTEMORE

Natural rivals

documented 368 species with a total of 1,050 observations. Combined, Vineyard bioblitzes have contributed more than 6,700 iNat observations, and documented more than 1,300 species. And as observers gain experience with the peculiar demands of bioblitzing, skills and productivity have improved. Active observers often enter more than 100 observations in a one-day blitz (I think I hold the record here, with 310 observations last year in Correllus). And with each event held, more and more observers break into double or triple digits in the observation and species categories. All of this will take a new turn starting at 5 pm on July 24, when the first Inter-Island BioBlitz

Running for two weeks, until 5 pm on August 7, this event pits Nantucket (which has developed its own bioblitz traditions) against the Vineyard.

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From top: Informational briefing at a 2022 bioblitz. Recording a bioblitz observation. Imperial moth at a bioblitz moth sheet.

kicks off. Running for two weeks, until 5 pm on August 7, this event pits Nantucket (which has developed its own bioblitz traditions) against the Vineyard. Proposed by Sarah Bois, the science director at Nantucket’s Linda Loring Nature Foundation, this new event draws

on the perpetual, generally good-natured rivalry between the islands to incentivize observers. The Vineyard simply cannot, in my humble opinion, allow That Other Island to win! BiodiversityWorks will be running various public events, including moth nights and plant and in-

sect outings, during this event. But the Inter-Island BioBlitz is open to anyone with a (free) iNaturalist account, and all iNat observations made on Martha’s Vineyard during the event will automatically be swept into the project that logs results. So anyone with a camera or cell phone can help put Nantucket in its place. Fun competition aside, data from this event will also be useful. The simultaneous snapshots of biodiversity will reveal differences in the species mix and seasonality of these two similar-butdifferent islands. Past iNaturalist data suggest that we can expect a thousand or so observations during two weeks in summer, even without the stimulus of a competition. And hundreds of common or widespread plants and animals can be guaranteed to turn up in our results. But victory (in both the total observations category and the number of species) will come from energetic individual outings during the event, and from experienced bioblitzers strategically deploying their effort. A bioblitzer who surfcasts, for example, realizing that bluefish or striped bass are not slam-dunk species in an event like this, may make a point of photographing and iNatting a timely catch. Birders may simply leave the plants to others, and ramp up their time in the field with a camera and telephoto lens to seek species that others are unlikely to be able to document. And you can be sure that I will be targeting scores of obscure insect species that I happen to know reliable locations for. To participate, no action is needed except entering Vineyard iNat observations made during the event. But the Martha’s Vineyard Atlas of Life website, at mval. biodiversityworksmv.org but also easily found by a web search, hosts a page devoted to the event, with information on the event, links to resources for using iNaturalist, and other ways to learn and participate. This is bioblitzing made easy, and I hope that many of my readers rise to the challenge.

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