MV Times · May 7, 2026

Alpha-gal

Empty Tisbury storefronts raise eminent domain question for voters

VBY EUNKI SEONWOO

acant stores and darkened windows on Main Street in Vineyard Haven have become not only an eyesore for all and a lost business opportunity for the Island, they have also raised a persistent question that voters put to the candidates in a forum last week as Tisbury goes to the polls on Tuesday, May 12.

The question is: What is the town going to do about this?

As the year-round gateway of Martha’s Vineyard, Tisbury, which includes the village of Vineyard Haven, is where Islanders come and go, where workers commute to job sites, and where visitors first see the Island after sailing aboard a Steamship Authority ferry. Just past the ferry line’s facilities is downtown Vineyard Haven, where on Main Street there are a few once-grand commercial properties that sit vacant and interrupt a line of vibrant shops. Some of these properties are a part of the real estate portfolio of the Hall family, which owns multiple properties across down-Island towns and has been the target of criticism for leaving hallmark theaters and formerly bustling storefronts vacant.

Revitalizing the town has been on the mind of local officials and business owners for a while, but some voters have made their calls for action public. At a recent meeting, the question of eminent domain was put

Housing crisis threatens vital summer economy

Is a lack of housing creating an urgent threat to seasonal sustainability?

BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON

The seasonal ebb and flow of Island life moves like the tides, a motion that is necessary to keep the local community afloat. But these days, the summer economy and the need for affordable housing feel more like an unpredictable crosscurrent that threatens the sustainability of the Island.

Twenty thousand year-round Islanders live and work here in the winter, waiting for the waves of 100,000 people to wash up on local shores every summer.

There’s a complex and symbiotic relationship between year-round residents on Martha’s Vineyard and the summer boom. Seasonal workers and Islanders alike rely on the tourism-fueled summer economy, and yet the hordes that come increasingly threaten their very ability to stay here.

Now and historically, safe and affordable housing has been the biggest challenge in keeping the mutually beneficial relationship alive. While summer visitors and the workers

Continued on A8

Largest housing project on the Island greenlit

The project will now move forward to Oak Bluffs officials for review. BY

EUNKI SEONWOO

The two-year saga of a controversial project has come to an end through the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC), after a narrowly split approval greenlit the largest housing development in the Island’s history.

Green Villa is the largest project that’s been approved so far by the regulatory body, and Island officials, current and former, are recognizing that the project will have long-lasting impact on the Vineyard, from the availability of developable land to wastewater flow. Some details are still pending as the developer and Island regulators await decisions from the Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee and in Massachusetts Land Court.

In the broader context of housing on the Vineyard, Green Villa, with its size and infrastructure needs, is consequential. The Island is short on affordable housing, but also on land. Environmental considerations like wetlands and wastewater are issues the commission takes on when looking at proposals, but the Island has yet to see the long-term

impacts of housing projects of this size. Large developments introduce more people and units, but pull resources like power, water, and light. Since Green Villa is proposed near other sprawling buildings, such as Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, the YMCA, and other housing projects, the impact will be even more heightened.

“Infrastructure investments that the towns need to make to keep up with projects like this are willfully behind,” former Oak Bluffs planning board chair Ewell

The inquiry was spurred by the recent Island Theatre decision in Oak Bluffs.

A moment captured at Allen Farm in Chilmark: An ewe stands watch over her lamb on a sunny May morning. As Mother’s Day approaches, moments like these offer us a symbol of the quiet strength, nurturing care, and unconditional love that mothers everywhere offer so freely. On the cover of our Community and Caledar section, we also showcase the artistry and bond of mother-daughter duo Taylor and Lori Stone. SEE B1.

A rendering of Green Villa, the largest development proposal in Island history.

Experts: Deer sterilization won’t solve Island’s tick crisis

HAYLEY DUFFY

Areduction of deer densities on the Island wouldn’t necessarily mean an immediate decrease in the amount of ticks, but any efforts could make other strategies, such as chemical treatments, managing other host populations, and other solutions currently in research much more efficient and effective.

That’s what Martin Feehan, deer and moose biologist for the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), made clear as part of a panel of experts on the Island-wide deer aerial survey. The public panel discussion and Q and A was held last Thursday, organized by the nonprofit Tick Free Martha’s Vineyard, which also commissioned the survey. It included Feehan; Virginia Barbatti, executive director of the nonprofit; Joseph Capece, president of the Martha’s Vineyard Hunt Club; and Patrick RodenReynolds, public health biologist and director for the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program.

How the Island actually reduces the number of deer, and eventually ticks, remains in the works. And while deer sterilization was brought up, the idea was shot down by experts as not a sound option for a place like the Island.

The event, held at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury, was a means to educate the public on the survey conducted by independent conservation nonprofit White Buffalo. The survey cataloged deer counts after drones flew from more than 100 spots from mid-February to mid-March. The results counted 4,681 deer, and estimated the Island’s deer density at approximately 53 per square mile. Some areas in Aquinnah and Chilmark, though, and on Chappaquiddick, are much higher, at more than 100 deer per square mile. This aerial survey, Barbatti said at the event, was the initial step for Tick Free M.V. to reduce the number of ticks on the Island.

But Barbatti said that reducing the tick population can’t be discussed before deer on the Island are properly managed, and that even making a plan to do that was a bit premature for the panel last week. “We’re not going to be laying out a strategy for what to do about the deer,” she said. “We’re at an earlier stage than that. We’re sharing the information that we got because we believe that the community deserves to have the best possible information so we can have shared conversations about what to do next.”

Barbatti told The Times, “It is clear that we need to take action. These survey results are a call to action for our community. We want to hear more from residents as we build a plan to address these high deer densities.”

The biological relationship between deer and ticks isn’t direct, though the large mammals do host the small arachnids, and Roden-Reynolds said at the panel that there are a number of factors that influence the prevalence of ticks in a yard and tick-borne diseases in humans.

For example, dependent on their life stage, ticks can prefer smaller animals, like mice and shrews, and though born sterile of illness, when they bite an infected host, they can acquire disease that can be later passed on to humans.

But deer are important to the reproductive cycle of ticks, because typically bigger and older ticks prefer bigger hosts. And “when deer densities are high enough, an area reaches a ‘saturation point,’” Feehan said, where enough deer are able to effectively host an unlimited number of ticks.

Based on the deer survey, Feehan’s data from his own tick surveys across the Island, and disease data from public health officials, there are consistencies and overlap between areas of high deer and high tick densities. There are also places closed to hunters that match up to where there are pockets of high deer and tick densities. A lower density was recorded by the drone survey in spots, like the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, which has very large, consistent, and continuous tracts of land open to hunters.

The eradication of deer isn’t a silver bullet for the Island’s tick problem. But, Feehan said, even if this isn’t a one-to-one relationship, deer reduction and deer population management can make tick reduction strategies more effective. Still, he added that studies have shown that once deer densities drop below 12 deer per square mile, tick reductions start, and “crash out” when they get below eight deer per square mile.

Hunters are one way to help, and there are plans throughout the state to extend the season and make the sport more accessible. But Capece highlighted that access to land remains a big issue, especially as the Island becomes more developed.

Roden-Reynolds said that “targeted interventions” would make the greatest impact. This is because ticks spend most of their life off the host — in leaf litter or elsewhere in the landscape — and feed only about three times in a life cycle for a week or so.

“We can either disrupt the adult ticks feeding on deer to kind of break that reproductive cycle, or, in a way, reduce the number of hosts that are available for the ticks to find and feed [on],” Roden-Reynolds said. “Because basically, right now, there’s just enough deer out there specifically for reproduction that the ticks have no problem finding a blood meal and producing larvae for the next season.”

This is especially true for lone star ticks, which can cause the red-meat allergy alphagal syndrome in humans, and use deer as a key host. Feehan, however, said that they can move through all the stages of their life cycle on one deer, and so they can reproduce on a smaller number of hosts.

news in brief

Ten young Islanders earn education and workforce scholarships

MVYouth announced Tuesday that the community fund has awarded nearly $600,000 to 10 local high school students for college, healthcare and education, and workforce development scholarships this year.

“With the generous support of our donors, MVYouth has selected an excellent group of students each spring for the past 12 years. In this time, we have witnessed the cost of higher education escalate enormously. Most students face educational costs that are completely untenable for their families. Our lastdollar scholarship awards enable students to select schools that would otherwise be financially out of reach. We are so grateful

“Even if you got rid of almost all of the deer on the Island, you got rid of 95 percent of the deer, there would likely be little to no reduction in terms of lone star ticks, unless there are other strategies, like treatment, included,” he said.

Tick Free M.V. representatives said there’s not a concrete plan yet on either deer management or tick eradication, but they hope to create one alongside public policy and health partners, with input from residents. When asked about deer sterilization, Feehan said that would be an expensive venture, costing at least $1,000 per deer. He added that sterilization hasn’t been done in a place as big as Martha’s Vineyard, and devoid of predators, the deer can just continue to reproduce, so the Island isn’t a realistic place to do that.

“This was an exceptional group of panelists discussing such an important issue,” Barbatti told The Times. “I am grateful that Martin came to share his perspective as the state deer biologist, along with Patrick as the local tick biologist and Joe as a longtime local hunter. This deer survey makes clear that there is major work to be done to address the high deer densities on Martha’s Vineyard. Deer are the primary reproductive hosts of ticks, and we can see from the tick saturation curve that Martin presented that reduced densities will be essential to our efforts to reduce tick abundance.”

A recording of the panel discussion will be available soon, and there will be another presentation on the survey as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s discussion on ticks on May 21 at 5 pm.

corrections

to be able to help so many students take advantage of the outstanding educational opportunities they have earned without taking on debt that will burden them and their families,” Lindsey Scott, executive director of MVYouth, said in a press release.

In the past 12 years, MVYouth has awarded more than $9 million in scholarships to 123 students. The advisory board for the fund assesses criteria such as academic performance, character, school activities, community service, employment experience, and career goals in order to recommend the young Islander for these scholarships, the release reads. Semifinalists are also interviewed by the advisory board and board of trustees.

Continued on A3

In the April 30 edition, the article about “The Brass Ring” by Nancy Wood featured an incorrect book cover image. Here is the correct cover. “The Brass Ring” will be on sale at the Grange Hall Artisan Fair in West Tisbury over Memorial Day weekend.

In the story “Governor candidate to host meet and greet on Island” published on April 30, Andrea James is a mother of five children.

In the story “Tisbury denies short-term rental cap removal,” published on April 30, Tisbury Town Administrator Joe LaCivita’s housing accommodations are at the town’s old waterworks building, not the Tashmoo Springs building.

A talk on the aerial deer survey was recently hosted by Tick Free M.V. BY

MARTIN FEEHAN/MASSWILDLIFE

Deer-tick saturation curve.

Rebecca Haag elected as next select board member

and budget overrides.

BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON

With heavy voter turnout in Chilmark and the final count of votes in just before midnight, Rebecca Haag was confirmed as the select board member for the next three years, with just over 60 percent of the total vote, beating the write-in candidate Katherine Carroll.

From noon to night on Wednesday, just under 600 Islanders strode into the Chilmark Community Center to cast their votes. Passerby waved at both select board candidates, who held colorful campaign signs above their heads outside of the Chilmark Community Center. The eagerly awaited ballot questions were all passed by voters, including budget overrides and changes to repeal a ban on commercial cell towers that was instituted over a decade ago. Cellular coverage has been a talking point of the Chilmark Select Board for the past year. The issue has created a unique dilemma: Building cell towers has been banned and changing the character of the town is usually avoided, but the difficulty in finding service has become a public safety concern for residents, according to first responders. Three ballot questions on Wednesday were approved by voters that would permit cell towers within Chilmark and allow the town to install and lease out two macro cell towers. One of the three ques-

Continued from A2

The college scholarships offer four years of “last-dollar” funds, which is what remains after family contributions and institutional aid, to high school seniors who qualify for financial support. This year’s recipients are Nicola Capece, who will attend Swarthmore College; Syius Rigali, who will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Charlotte Sebastian, who will attend Providence College; Tasman Strom, who will attend Northeastern University; and Milo Sullivan, who will attend University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

The healthcare and education scholarships go to seniors who plan to pursue careers in those two fields. This year’s recipients are Emily Boyd, who will attend Wellesley College to pursue a career in healthcare; Elle Mone, who will attend Middlebury College to pursue a career in education; and Amelia Schaeffer, who will attend Wesleyan University to pursue a career in healthcare.

The workforce development scholarships go to people ages 18 to 25 to pursue technical training and professional development in one- and two-year programs. The career fields can include automotive mechanics, aviation, building trades, cosmetology, culinary arts, healthcare, horticulture, interpreting, landscaping, marine trades, and wind technology. This year’s recipients are Savannah Matthews, who will attend the Collectiv Academy to pursue training in cosmetology, and Xeandre Miller, who will attend Cape Cod Community College to pursue training in aviation maintenance technology.

Nevin Sayre to be honored with Community Services award

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) announced Monday that Nevin Sayre is this year’s recipient of the Art Buchwald Award for Outstanding Community Service.

A press release from MVCS said that the honor recognizes Sayre’s “exceptional dedication” to the nonprofit and his “inspiring efforts” through his fundraising initiative, the Round the Vineyard Challenge, which is a solo 55-mile circumnavigation of the Island on a wingfoil board.

“We are thrilled to honor Nevin Sayre

tions also allows for an additional cell site to be installed at Peaked Hill, where a cell tower utilized exclusively by first responders already exists.

But the highlight of the night was the election of the next select board member in town.

“I want to thank my supporters and the voters of Chilmark for their trust in me,” Haag said in a statement to The Times. “I hope to represent all of Chilmark, and I encourage residents to engage me and the full board on issues they care deeply about. I want to tip my hat to Katie and I look forward to working with her,” said Haag. “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”

A last minute write-in campaign for a select board seat by generational Chilmark resident Carroll was matched with enthusiasm by townspeople, with 232 of them showing their support for her at the polls. Haag, however, won decisively with a total of 357 resident ballots. Twelve townspeople left the question blank.

Haag is not a stranger to the Island or the unique issues townspeople face. She has been a full-time Chilmark resident for 10 years, and has lived on the Island for over 35. Haag held the executive director position at Island Grown Initiative from 2016 to 2024, when she retired

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

Rebecca Haag, shown here speaking to voters at a candidates forum, was elected as the next Chilmark Select Board member.

and set her sights on volunteer work. She is the chair of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital board, volunteers for Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard, and drives local seniors to medical appointments and grocery stores.

“As someone who wanders through Menemsha in January, swims at Lucy Vincent Beach, and walks the many beautiful trails, I feel an obligation to give back to the community,” Haag wrote of her decision to run for town office in a letter to the town.

A budget override of nearly $368,000 was initially approved by voters at the Chilmark town meeting on Monday night, to raise the property tax levy over the 2.5 percent limit in place by the state, referred to as Proposition 2½. This proposition is a Massachusetts law limiting taxes in municipalities, and can only be exceeded through voters’ approval. The override was approved at Chilmark town meeting on the previous Monday, then again at the ballot boxes.

news in brief

with the Art Buchwald Award,” said Scott Turton, interim CEO of MVCS, said. “Through his energy, creativity, and compassion, Nevin has inspired others to get involved, and helped ensure that MVCS continues meeting the evolving needs of our community.”

Sayre is a Vineyard Haven resident and a professional windsurfing champion who was a four-time Collegiate Sailing AllAmerican, and an inaugural inductee to the Windsurfing Hall of Fame.

Through Sayre’s Round the Vineyard Challenge, he’s raised critical funds for MVCS services, including behavioral healthcare, early childhood programs, and the Connect to End Violence initiative, the release read.

Also, between 1988 and 2008, Sayre organized the Martha’s Vineyard Windsurfing Challenge (also known as the Vineyard Challenge) to benefit MVCS, and brought windsurfers from across the globe to the Island.

“My mom was passionate about helping Community Services. The Vineyard Challenge was my crazy way of giving back to the Island community,” Sayre said in the release. His mother was an active MVCS board member, and helped organize the Possible Dreams auction in the ’80s.

The Art Buchwald Award for Outstanding Community Service honors Island individuals whose “philanthropic leadership reflects the humor, heart, and humanity” of late journalist and longtime MVCS supporter Art Buchwald. The official award is presented at the Possible Dreams auction, a MVCS fundraising event, which will take place on Saturday, August 8, this year. Last year’s honoree was Larkin Stallings, owner of the Ritz Café and president of the Oak Bluffs Business Association.

Polly Hill finds a new director

Ian Tucker Peach has been named new executive director of the Polly Hill Arboretum (PHA), succeeding longtime leader Timothy M. Boland, who is retiring this summer, a press release from the organization’s board of directors announced on Wednesday.

Peach, who lives on Chappaquiddick in Edgartown, is currently director of design for Wilkinson Ecological Design, a New England

firm that specializes in shoreline stabilization and ecological restoration while protecting the biodiversity of unique natural ecosystems. Peach is the company’s lead for restoration ecology and large-scale land management projects in Maine and Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and the Islands.

“I am thrilled to join the community of the Polly Hill Arboretum,” said Peach. “It is a place of unique and exquisite trees, gardens, acts of science-led plant conservation, and legible history, all connected by the talented staff, engaged board, and passionate volunteers. It will be my honor to lead and steward Polly Hill for its next arboreal chapter.”

Boland, who spent more than 20 years as the executive director, began at the arboretum as curator in 2002, and became executive director in 2004. He oversaw the organization’s growth into an international institution for plant conservation, education, and historic preservation. The 72-acre public garden in West Tisbury was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, and the nonprofit manages 25 acres of maintained landscape and another 47 acres of woodlands with trails open to the public.

“I am excited to welcome PHA’s new executive director, Ian Peach, to lead the next chapter of our institutional growth,” said Boland. “The arboretum community of friends and supporters will appreciate his thoughtful approach in maintaining the spirit of this special place, as well as his advocacy on behalf of our core tenets of education and plant conservation, and the stewardship of our historic landscape and buildings. I look forward to watching PHA flourish in the years ahead.”

The board voted unanimously to hire Peach after a national search assisted by Carolyn O’Brien Consulting in Cambridge. A pool of more than 30 applicants was narrowed down to a few finalists earlier this year. Peach is expected to start in early July.

“Ian brings a rare combination of scientific experience, operational expertise, and a personal leadership style that aligns exceptionally well with the arboretum’s mission, traditions, and aspirations for the future,” said Selena Roman, president of the arboretum’s board of directors, in the release. “He is highly regarded for his ability to transition an organization with positivity

Residents across all Island towns voted on overrides this year, many due to rising education and operational costs.

Chilmark residents were asked to approve $252,210 for operating costs of the up-Island regional schools, $48,283 for Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, $43,427 for an additional EMT on staff, and $24,044 for additional hours at the Chilmark Free Public Library.

Three of the ballot questions before voters were regarding unreliable cell service and ways to address it.

The select board members rejected a proposal by Verizon to boost connectivity this January over concerns that it would presume preference for one carrier over another. Verizon filed a federal lawsuit to the town over the rejection in an attempt to overturn the decision. But the cell service saga may be coming to a close. After voting yes on all of the ballot questions, Chilmark residents could see better coverage soon.

Other elected town officials:

• Board of assessors: Elizabeth Barrett Oliver

• Board of health: Drew Belsky

• Trustee of the public library: Kaila Allen-Posin

• Finance advisory committee: Marshall E. Carroll III and Deborah Hancock

• Planning board: Peter Cook, Mitchell Posin, and Hugh Weisman

• Cemetery commissioner: Mary E. Grady

• Tree warden and surveyor of wood, lumber, and bark: Aaron Brown

• Fence viewer: Keith Emin

and great regard for staff, members, the public, and the culture. His collaborative style and passion for Polly Hill will lead us well into our next chapter.”

A native of New Boston, N.H., Peach holds an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College and a master’s in landscape architecture from Cornell University. He was also awarded a research fellowship through Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to investigate how Christchurch, N.Z., transformed its post-earthquake spaces into thriving locations for ecology and public engagement. Before Peach joined Wilkinson in 2021, he held roles on the Island, including that of land superintendent for the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank.

Peach lives with his wife, Lily Walter, who operates Slip Away Farm on Chappaquiddick, and their two children.

Edgartown man found unconscious at SSA terminal dies

A 63-year-old Edgartown man who was found at the Steamship Authority’s (SSA) Woods Hole terminal unconscious died in Falmouth Hospital Wednesday.

Geoff Spillane, SSA spokesperson, said there was a “medical emergency” before the 6 am ferry departure to the Vineyard Wednesday morning. He said the Falmouth Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene, but didn’t have additional information.

Falmouth Police Lt. Ryan Hergt said first responders were dispatched to a call about the man, who was “on the ground next to a vehicle,” at around 5:26 am.

“It does appear the male was waiting to board the first ferry of the day when the incident occurred,” Hergt said in a statement. Hergt said medics “initiated life-saving measures and transported him to Falmouth Hospital,” which is just under five miles away. The man was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

According to Hergt, a police investigation, “including interviews with witnesses and a review of surveillance footage,” determined that there was no foul play. Falmouth Police didn’t disclose the individual’s identity, or what the medical emergency was.

Chilmark residents voted on Wednesday for cell service upgrades

ESSAY

BY CHARLES SENNOTT

Through more than 40 years as a journalist, I have followed a path that is both global and local.

Reflections on World Press Freedom Day

And this week that path came full circle when we gathered on Sunday, which marked World Press Freedom Day, in The Martha’s Vineyard Times’ newsroom on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven.

About 35 Islanders

crowded into our modest and cluttered newsroom for a Publisher’s Forum, which is part of a promise we made to the community when I became publisher two years ago, to host outreach and information sessions about what we are working on and what you would like to see us working on.

At this forum, I shared an analysis that has shaped much of my work as a local and national reporter and as a foreign correspondent in the Middle East and beyond. My take on this distressing moment we live in is that the crisis in local news has everything to do with the crisis in our democracy. Local news is a binding agent that, when done right, can pull communities together around a shared set of facts, around solutions to challenges we face, and around the stories of those who need to be held accountable and those we need to celebrate. Across America,

the world, and we all need to care about it if we want to live in a functioning democracy.

We also wanted to share some exciting updates from our newsroom. We announced that our two talented reporters, Eunki Seonwoo and Hayley Duffy, have stepped up into the role of news editors. They will continue their reporting on transportation and the environment, respectively, while they also preside over a team that continues to serve the Island with reporting on all of the issues that matter.

We also introduced the idea that we are becoming “digital first” in our editorial mission. That process began with a muchneeded redesign of our website, which we are aware has been pretty abysmal in recent years. We hope you see the improvements we are making to provide a better user experience for you, our readers, on our website, and we would love to hear your feedback.

This undertaking is being done in partnership with NewsPack, which is a division of WordPress, headed up by CEO Kinsey Wilson, an innovative leader who previously served as the head of digital at the New York Times and NPR. Newspack allows smaller, independent news organizations like ours to publish a great website, build an audience, and increase revenue with an affordable monthly fee.

We are not done with this process of reviv-

is Sarah Shaw Dawson, who was born and raised on the Island, and her excellent reporting on housing in this edition is proof that this initiative was a very good idea. The first Island Writer was supported through a gift of $150,000 from John and Michelle Battelle. And now, thanks to two new, and equally generous, gifts of $150,000 each over three years from Jim and Susan Swartz and David and Nina Fialkow, we will be able to expand the program. These two gifts will allow us to add two more Island Writers who will serve their community through local reporting in the years ahead. If you know someone who should be considered for this position, please have them forward a résumé and cover letter. We are looking for a new generation of Islanders who want to join us in telling the story of our Island. The deadline for applications for this year is June 1. If you would like to consider supporting one of these positions, please let us know. All communications can be sent to publisher@mvtimes.com.

Last but certainly not least, we also announced our first Anthony Horwitz Internship. We all knew the late Anthony Horwitz as Tony, a Pulitzer prizewinning journalist and writer, and year-round resident who loved every inch of the Island and who had a special passion for softball. This internship is supported by his widow, acclaimed novelist Geraldine Brooks, as well as his

local newspapers are dying at the alarming rate of two per week, and more than two-thirds of all newspaper jobs have been lost in the past 20 years. It is a full-blown crisis. And when a community loses its local news source, a barren landscape that is known as a “news desert,” we know three things happen: Voter participation declines, polarization rises, and bond ratings are weakened. That, in simple terms, indicates that banks and other institutions of lending will not want to invest in communities where no one is watching the store. So that is why I say the crisis in local news has everything to do with the crisis in our democracy. We are coming apart in part because we are losing the glue that holds us together: trusted, local news.

You’ve probably heard that before if you have read my essays in this space, but it is sadly becoming more and more true every day. So we thought World Press Freedom Day felt like the right day to make the connection. We wanted our local community to understand that the ongoing assault on a free, independent press is happening across America and indeed around

ing our website, and we still have quite a way to go to get it right. But we hope you see some improvement.

We also made several important announcements at our forum in the newsroom.

We introduced Sean Potts, who will be serving as a new director of marketing and digital strategy starting later this month. Sean has been a lifelong summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard, and has been living on the Island year-round for the past few years. Sean is an extraordinary talent whom I have been recruiting for the better part of two years, and we are thrilled to be welcoming him to the team.

We also announced an expansion of our nonprofit initiative to sustain a new generation of Islanders who want to be journalists. Our nonprofit arm is run through the Islanders Write program, which we offer free every summer for the past 14 years through the leadership of our Islanders Write executive director, Kate Feiffer. Last year, Kate and I announced our first full-time reporter, or Island Writer, as we have named them. She

whole family, including Nathaniel, his son, who is a digital journalism entrepreneur. Nathaniel got his start at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School newspaper, which we are proud to publish weekly, and right here in our newsroom as an intern at The Times. We want to thank the Horwitz family for honoring this long connection to our community newspaper, and we are thrilled to announce we have named a rising senior at MVRHS who, just like Nathaniel, is a reporter at the High School View. Her name is Maria Barros, and she is part of the vibrant Brazilian community on the Island.

Welcome, Maria! We are looking forward to working with you. And we are looking forward to seeing you, our readers, both in print and online as we forge ahead to carve a whole new digital path that we hope will wind its way right into your mailboxes and inboxes in the years ahead.

Onward!

Charles M. Sennott is the publisher and editor of The Martha’s Vineyard Times.

HAYLEY DUFFY

Islanders crowded into The MV Times newsroom for a publisher’s forum Sunday evening.

ESSAY

An ode to motherhood

BY MELLY MEADOWS MCCUTCHEON

Mother’s Day is a well-earned celebration of the selfless sacrifice it takes to be a good mother. And every good mother deserves a lifetime of praise.

Sometimes overlooked is the pain a woman feels when she is barren and was unable to have children. There is a moment when you realize the pain of empty arms and an aching heart. Also not to be overlooked — the mother who had to bury a child before they had a chance to reach their full potential.

Mother’s Day is like admiring a beautiful rose. It’s delicate. If you reach for it or touch the delicate beauty of motherhood, you quickly learn it also hides painful thorns. It is no small job to be a mother. As with a pearl, beauty comes from pain as well as joy.

I had to learn how to grow from pain, because I am “that person” who was unable to have children. I am the barren woman on Mother’s Day.

On the Island, I was lovingly nicknamed “the Daffodil Lady.”

I plant daffodils and gardens as random acts of kindness. My first “guerrilla garden” was planted 20 years ago at the headstone for a baby named Joshua. I don’t know

LETTERS

Let’s

not stigmatize our neighbors

To the Editor:

At the town meeting last week, I was lucky enough to get to know some of my neighbors better. Hearing them speak on current issues, and exchanging ideas in the wake of successful direct democracy, I was happy to gather a few phone numbers and make some new friends. But when, out of curiosity, I entered a name into Google, I found something disheartening.

My neighbor doesn’t have a lot of internet results, or a strong internet footprint. Unfortunately for him, one of the only things that shows up about him on the internet is a decade-old arrest, preserved in The MV Times’ “Court Report.” To be clear, he was then — and remains — legally innocent. He was accused of something, and the charges were dismissed entirely.

As a defense attorney, I understand what may have happened — prosecutors and police routinely overcharge people with something frightening or stigmatizing in order to gain leverage during the plea process, but if they don’t have the evidence, will ultimately have to drop the case or lose at trial. But what if I were an employer considering hiring my neighbor? What if I were just an ordinary person with no connection to the court system, who found this search result sufficient grounds to no longer associate with my neighbor?

As someone who writes about the criminal court system, I’m deeply appreciative of the paper’s commitment to shining sunlight into the depths of the courthouse. But do we need to attach names to every charge, while the accused is still legally innocent? Creating search results that may follow them

his family, and I don’t know his story. I do know that somewhere there is a mother who is sad.

Planting daffodil bulbs is a symbolic exchange of pain in the winter seasons of life for the joy and hope that come forth when the daffodils bloom in the spring and we start our life anew with hope.

Two years ago, I tried a Mother’s Day experiment. I started my day with tears and sadness and was hoping the day would pass quickly. Then I thought to myself, If I am feeling this way right now, I may not be alone. I went to the Facebook Page “Islanders Talk” and I posted my Mother’s Day story, one that is honest and raw.

I decided to take action over the pain, so I reached out to see if there were other people who were also hurting and said, “If you are feeling sad and alone this Mother’s Day, how about you come and help me make a guerrilla garden makeover for a very deserving woman who has been a mother to many through her writing workshops at Renaissance House, Abigail McGrath.”

The outpouring of love was overwhelming, and the personal stories that people shared were incredible. I wiped the tears from my eyes, went and bought the plants and materials needed, and then a group of what started as strangers but quickly became friends did a garden makeover for Abigail. We worked quietly

and quickly, and the results were rewarding.

While we worked, Abigail was inside resting. We later learned that she had cancer; she died that same year in December. The beauty that came from this pain is that Abigail was able to enjoy her flowers and roses while she was still living. Also, the act of planting the flowers for her gave those of us working together a sense of family, community, and joy. The Mother’s Day story was only up for about three hours and then I deleted it to erase the footprints of our guerrilla gardening handiwork.

Later in the fall, I helped lead the planting of the giant daffodil heart in Oak Bluffs, also created in honor of Abigail McGrath. It

contained 1,200 daffodils, and they danced in the spring in loving memory of an Island giant who was no longer with us in person, but forever with us in spirit.

The lesson I learned, and the challenge I would like to make for anyone who is feeling sad on Mother’s Day for whatever reason, is this: Turn your pain into beauty. Find someone you love and do a random act of kindness. Being kind brings forth healing, and we sure need both kindness and healing in our world today.

To all those who are hurting, know you are loved.

Melly Meadows McCutcheon is a resident of Vineyard Haven. To read the complete essay, go to mvtimes.com.

long after their name should have been cleared? I would encourage the paper to consider ways to cover what types of crime are being reported on the Island, which categories of cases are being prioritized in court, and of course notable convictions or high-profile legal matters. But maybe it’s time to step back from stigmatizing the accused with blanket coverage of mirror accusations that names names and may cause lifelong consequences.

Emily Galvin Almanza, Esq. Vineyard Haven

A shout-out to Tisbury voters and invitation to all To the Editor:

The voters of Tisbury deserve a bit of recognition and praise for the leadership, support, and understanding they showed to address the need for affordable housing at the Tisbury town meeting last week (April 28, 29). Tisbury voters approved and affirmed a set of tools that will play a significant role when applied to programs that expand access to affordable housing stock. Voters approved an incentive by adopting Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, Section 50, which provides a tax exemption for owners of properties who rent to families who qualify for affordable housing; voters rejected a proposal to remove a limit on short-term rentals, thus supporting a guardrail that prevents further erosion of year-round housing; voters approved disposal of a nonconforming town-owned parcel to be used for an affordable housing unit; and, voters supported continued funding for the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority (DCRHA) and the

Tisbury Municipal Housing Trust.

The opportunity voters presented to Tisbury officials is to use these tools to creatively employ a portion of our existing housing supply to expand access for year-round residents. Tisbury’s next step is to adopt administrative policies to implement the tax exemption, and register, inspect, and monitor short-term rentals.

For example, with the appropriate administrative policies, an investorowned property has the potential to earn as much or more by renting to an income-qualified healthcare, nonprofit, or public employee as they would from renting short-term for 75 nights a year, minus the headache and depreciation associated with shortterm-rental “churn.”

The opportunity presented to the Island at large is twofold. First is to learn with Tisbury as we engage these tools. Will landlords find this attractive? Will the DCRHA waitlist be reduced? Will noncompliant rentals be brought into compliance? What are the fiscal implications? And second, maybe one or more other towns will join with Tisbury to make common administrative tasks more efficient. Can we monitor, register, and inspect short-term rentals through shared personnel and contracts? Can we share communication and outreach activities through “Lease to Locals” or similar function?

The Tisbury town meeting didn’t discover a path guaranteed to solve the affordable housing crises in the town or on the Island. It doesn’t exist. Rather, the voters at the town meeting displayed intelligent conversation, respectful disagreement, and an overall willingness to take steps, study them, and change them, when need be, to address the lack

of affordable housing. I commend this effort, and invite others in Tisbury to join, as well as those in other towns to collaborate.

Victor Capoccia, chair Tisbury affordable housing committee

Aghast and concerned over Vineyard Haven USPS

To the Editor:

Having just spent some time in the Vineyard Haven Post Office lobby, I’m stunned and upset. I was there for a while, surrounded by people of various nationalities, skin colors, ages, sizes, etc. You get the picture. Collectively, we were surrounded by a plethora of “patriotic” decorations, everywhere one looked. Wall-height “Welcome” banners, garlands of shiny stars and signs hang in windows and on walls and poles. Everything was red, white, and blue. The signs reading: “Land of the Free”; tell that to Renee Good. “God Bless the USA”; tell that to our non-Christian citizens who live in fear. “Land of the Free Because of the Brave”; tell that to Alex Pretti. (By the way, Pretti was the Brave.) “Welcome”; tell that one to the immigrants who are suffering untold horrors. If we are so star-spangled great, why do children get gunned down in school?

It’s all propaganda. You are welcome, free, and blessed if you are wealthy, powerful, white, and male. The Trump administration is trying to brainwash us. We on M.V. are too smart, too compassionate, too respectful to be fooled by an egomaniacal autocrat. Vineyard Haven postmaster, please remove the signage.

Susan Desmarais Oak Bluffs

LargesthousingprojectontheIslandgreenlit

Continued from A1

Hopkins told The Times.

After around 3½ hours of deliberation on Thursday, April 30, the MVC voted 6–5–1 to approve Green Villa, a 116-unit project proposed to be built at 71, 77, and 79 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road and 10 Gamba Road in Oak Bluffs. Green Villa, planned to consist of two- and threestory buildings and to be free of fossil fuels, was the only project that was taken up during the meeting.

While ultimately approved, some commissioners lamented the impact the project would have on the Island. Not only is the project site next to another large housing project, the 60-unit Tackenash Knoll under construction by Island Housing Trust, some commissioners lambasted the design. “Uninspired,” Tisbury representative Ben Robinson called it, and a “placeholder,” governor’s appointee Michael Kim said. He added that the plan isn’t in line with Vineyard architecture.

“This is something that was dropped from 10,000 feet, and it will be visible from 10,000 feet,” Kim said, saying it will leave an irreversible scar on the Island.

Robinson, who himself participates in the “Island shuffle,” moving from one

housing situation to another throughout the year, said he didn’t want to see such drastic changes to find a way to solve the Vineyard’s housing crisis. “We are fundamentally changing the character of the Island,” he said.

But opposition to the proposal was one vote short, and the development will now return to the Oak Bluffs officials for review for needed permits, including a comprehensive special permit and a building permit. It’s a lengthy process, as the project plans connect it to the Oak Bluffs sewer system, which the town still needs to upgrade to meet growing demand. Based on the town’s sewer infrastructure upgrade schedule, Green Villa will have an initial hookup by 2028 and a full connection by 2031.

Hopkins pointed out another aspect of developments that he said is often underconsidered: water. Not wastewater, but the water Islanders drink, wash dishes with, and shower under.

“Right now, we’re spending tens of millions of dollars just to keep up and maintain clean drinking water. I didn’t see that emphasized enough in this project. We’ve built smaller developments, and they’ve had significant impacts. I

think the water department is doing a phenomenal job, but they’re not being factored into these decisions primarily, like I think they should be,” Hopkins said. Green Villa developers were also embroiled in a recent state ruling that questioned the MVC’s authority. The Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee ruled

that the MVC does not actually have the authority to review Chapter 40B projects, a decision that the Island’s regulatory body has pushed back on and plans to appeal. Chapter 40B is a state statute that allows developers to circumvent local zoning to more easily build housing projects if at least a quarter of the units are affordable.

This ruling was based on a complaint filed by William Cumming of Falmouth-based development

prioritized groups include residents of Oak Bluffs, the town Cumming’s team is working with, households with employment on Martha’s Vineyard, and municipal and school employees.

The remaining 12 units are proposed to be sold at market rate to help subsidize the project.

Green Villa first came before commissioners in 2024. The project has had a tumultuous review process with Island officials, in-

higher peak traffic at intersections on Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road (estimated increases at the following intersections: 5.1 percent increase at Barnes Road, 7.3 percent at Village Road, and 4.7 percent at County Road).

But Cumming’s offers and conditions imposed by the commission include mitigation efforts for concerns raised. While the project waits to be connected to town sewer, it will utilize an

company Atwood Co. for a different project he proposed, called Edgartown Gardens, an up-to-60-unit development near the Edgartown Triangle that the MVC unanimously rejected in October. Whether the MVC’s appeal will be successful is yet to be seen. Additionally, the Massachusetts Land Court is scheduled to hold a summary judgment hearing for both of Cumming’s projects on May 7 (after our print deadline), a hearing in which the housing appeals committee decision is expected to play a part.

As for the Oak Bluffs development, short-term rentals will be prohibited, and 104 of the 116 units at Green Villa will be restricted based on the Dukes County area median income (AMI). Plans include 29 units for households that earn up to 80 percent of AMI ($72,950 for a oneperson household), 66 for households that earn up to 150 percent AMI ($157,700 for a one-person household), and nine for municipal and school employees earning up to 100 percent of AMI ($105,100 for a oneperson household). Only 30 of the 150 AMI units are planned to be sold to yearround businesses and used as employee rental housing. Cumming did commit to providing an Island preference for 70 percent of the affordable housing. The

cluding litigation with the Oak Bluffs zoning board of appeals over the hearing process and challenges against the MVC’s authority to review the project. But wind blew into the sails of the project last spring, when the Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee ruled that Oak Bluffs did not have safe harbor, a status given to municipalities that have at least 10 percent of housing stock as affordable units, when Green Villa was submitted.

Safe harbor status also allows towns to deny or approve special permits for 40B housing developments.

Green Villa, a Chapter 40B project, returned to the Oak Bluffs zoning board to create a revised proposal following a series of collaborative workshops. But a procedural issue occurred — the MVC hadn’t approved the project and the applicants were unwilling to extend the amount of time needed for a draft decision. Since the zoning board couldn’t issue a comprehensive permit without MVC approval, the project was effectively denied in January, and waited for commissioners’ review.

While Green Villa will certainly bring a large amount of housing stock to the Vineyard, its size has raised various concerns, including environmental concerns like nitrogen impacting the nearby Sengekontacket Pond, and

innovative/alternative septic system to reduce nitrogen output. Additionally, the developers said they plan to implement various methods to help with traffic flow and safety, such as promotion of a rideshare option for residents, working with the Vineyard Transit Authority to build a bus stop along both sides of Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road including flashing crosswalk lights, and funding at least $200,000 in roadway improvements for Oak Bluffs. Commissioners deliberated on the merits and demerits of the project for the Island up to the last minute on Thursday. Commissioners who approved the project included Willa Kuh of Chilmark, Doug Sederholm and Linda Sibley of West Tisbury, and Peter Wharton and Brian Smith of Oak Bluffs. Commissioners who rejected the project included Robinson, Kim, Jannette Vanderhoop of Aquinnah, and Mary Bernadette Budinger-Cormie of Tisbury. Jeffrey Agnoli of Edgartown abstained. In the approval granted by the MVC on Thursday for Green Villa, various parts of the project’s design, including landscaping and the sewer system, will be subject to the additional review by the commission’s land use planning committee.

report.

Sarah Shaw Dawson contributed to this

COURTESY MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMISSION

A landscape and layout plan for Green Villa in Oak Bluffs.

EmptyTisburystorefrontsraiseeminentdomainquestionforvoters

forward to Tisbury select board candidates Constance Alexander and John Gregory Martino: Is it a tool that can be utilized to deal with empty storefronts in Tisbury?

Around 30 Tisbury voters gathered at the Tisbury Senior Center during an April 30 candidates’ forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard ahead of the elections next week. Among voters was Rachel Orr, Tisbury finance and advisory committee member, who highlighted some empty storefronts in Tisbury owned by “longtime property owners” who also have underutilized properties in other Vineyard towns. She wanted to know what the best way to address these properties would be and whether or not Tisbury could take a cue from its neighboring town.

“We’ve seen how Oak Bluffs has dealt with that situation with the eminent domain possibility in taking one of those buildings,” Orr said, referring to the Island Theatre, a property on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs that voters approved, during their annual town meeting and election, to “take” from the Halls. Orr said eminent domain would be “kind of a big step” for Tisbury, but asked whether the candidates thought this, or another solution, was in the future for addressing the underutilized properties.

Eminent domain is a process that allows a municipality to take private property, with compensation to the owner based on fair market value, to use for a public purpose. A seizure recently occurred in Oak Bluffs with the dilapidated Island Theatre, though what the property will actually be used for remains uncertain. The Halls also had a property, the former Yellow House, taken from them in 2017 through eminent domain in Edgartown. It’s since become a Lululemon store.

Along Tisbury’s Main Street, there are several buildings with posters tacked on advertising for tenants. The most recent addition is the now boardedup property that formerly housed Island Music, which closed late last year because it wasn’t able to financially recover after a car crashed into the building in August. But the buildings that really raised the eminent domain question belong to Benjamin Hall Jr., an Edgartown attorney. In Tisbury, these include the Capawock Theatre and 35 Main St., the former home of Bunch of Grapes Bookstore.

While the Capawock, according to Hall, operates for around four months out of the year for various events, including a pop-up holiday mart in the winter, 35 Main St. hasn’t had a tenant since the bookstore moved 150 feet away in 2017.

Neither select board candidate was keen to pounce on an eminent domain seizure, instead both preferring to speak with property owners first to get a fuller picture.

Alexander called it an “issue of supply and demand,” and said that for busy property owners, the building may not be a priority for them “in certain circumstances.”

But she added that the town would need to make an effort to make it a top priority.

“We need to engage in conversation, problemsolve, maybe come up with transitional opportunities between point A and point B,” Alexander said.

She added that there hasn’t been much conversation between town officials and the property owners, and she preferred to “work cooperatively and collaboratively.”

“The eminent domain piece can prove to be very expensive, and I’m not sure we are at that crux at this point and time,” Alexander said. Martino said it would be important to know the owner’s intent with the property, whether that’s “demolition by neglect” or another issue. But he highlighted that more information was needed, from costs to a more concrete plan, before a decision could be made.

“I would look at it from all different angles,” Martin said. “What does eminent domain cost? What can the return be if we [take] that land, and what would we do with it?”

Martin agreed that discussions must happen first, but if an impasse is reached, then town officials will need to gather data and potentially bring a proposal to voters.

Hall told The Times that while the Capawock is occasionally used, actually renting or selling the property would require heavy amounts of renovations to convert it from a movie theater to another use. That includes complying with new energy codes, which adds to renovation expenses.

But for 35 Main St., Hall flagged lacking accessibility to wastewater as the primary cause for delayed plans, which he also attributed as the main reason the Island Theatre had sat empty for years. Hall said the building is permitted for a 130-seat restaurant, but he alleges that they suddenly lost wastewater flow and that there are incomplete town records regarding flow allocation to his property. Hall also said there was originally a chef who wanted to use the property, but the plans fell through following the COVID-19 pandemic as well as due to inaccessibility to wastewater.

Kirk Metell, Tisbury Department of Public Works director, and Joseph LaCivita, said while there had been wastewater flow allocated for 35 Main St., it had expired, and the allocation

went to another property.

Metell said wastewater allocations usually last a year, and the town had given Hall several extensions considering the pandemic.

“We would love to see something in that location,” Metell said. However, Metell and LaCivita said a plan and operator, which would be needed to consider how much flow could be allocated, had

not been presented so far.

LaCivita said the property was in a “limbo” state and that the last time he’d spoken with Hall about the project was in 2025.

While Hall said there were other considerations for use of the Tisbury property, he deemed a restaurant to be the best use of 35 Main St. He said that he wants to lease out the property to someone who

would run a year-round eatery with reasonable prices.

“We don’t want another T shirt shop,” Hall said, adding that he thinks of Tisbury as a “diamond in the rough to be a restaurant mecca.”

LaCivita didn’t rule out the possibility of eminent domain. “I firmly believe eminent domain has a place in local government, and Oak Bluffs made a fitting decision for that parcel [Island Theatre],” he said in a statement to The Times.

Before joining Tisbury,

1. Constance Alexander, left, and John Gregory Martino, who are both running for the Tisbury Select Board, at the candidates’ forum on April 30.

2. The Capawock Theatre on Main Street in Vineyard Haven.

3. Benjamin Hall Jr. wants a restaurant to operate at

LaCivita was the general manager of Watervliet, N.Y., where, he said, there were instances in which eminent domain worked well and was “used as an economic engine to spur redevelopment.”

LaCivita said Tisbury officials and residents will need to see “what transpires here” and determine what steps will make sense for the community.

But even if eminent domain seizure of certain properties is favored by the town, pursuing it might not be in the town’s near future. A February report compiled by the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Collins Center at the town’s request found that Tisbury needs to develop a plan to stabilize its finances and ability to borrow funds, especially with hefty capital projects, such as the renovation of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and construction of a new town hall, expected to cost the town tens of millions of dollars.

Despite costs, LaCivita said the town needs to keep tabs on the property. While there haven’t been discus-

sions about possible eminent domain, LaCivita noted that Hall’s properties sit at the heart of Tisbury.

“You can’t lose sight of that property,” LaCivita said of 35 Main St. In Oak Bluffs’ case, voters approved their town’s raising $5 million for the seizure, which includes various costs like initial improvements, legal fees, planning, and demolition of the theater; it does not include expenses of developing the actual property. Based on the warrant article, buying the property isn’t off the table, and the Halls have said the asking price for the Island Theatre is $2.8 million. Hall said he hasn’t heard from Oak Bluffs since the vote. Hall told The Times he hopes that in Tisbury, cooler heads will prevail.

“You have to have faith in the leadership that there’ll be less vindictiveness,” he said. At the forum, voters also got the opportunity to hear from candidates in other contested races: incumbent J. Hillary Conklin and Joanna H. Jernegan for town clerk, Betsy Carnie and Emma Kaitlin Kristal for board of health, and Bruce J. Campbell and Richard Wayne Homans Jr. for finance and advisory committee. (Campbell didn’t attend the forum.)

Tisbury will be holding its annual town election on May 12 at the town’s emergency services facility from noon to 8 pm. Voters will vote for a total of 20 seats up for re-election, and for two ballot questions asking for Proposition 2½ overrides that would allow the town to raise more in property taxes than the state limit. One question requests $1 million to fill a funding gap for school and town funding, while another requests the town be allowed to borrow $3 million to expand the town’s sewer collection system in the State Road sewer district.

The full forum is available on the MVTV website.

PHOTOS: EUNKI SEONWOO

Housingcrisisthreatensvitalsummereconomy

Continued from A1

needed to accommodate them aren’t a new phenomenon, this summer, that current feels like it is ripping. And business owners and the people they employ are becoming increasingly concerned.

This is the first in an ongoing series by The Times to navigate the places where a sustainable Island life meets a thriving economy, which, without fail, leads back to the issue of affordability and housing. The Times set out to catalog the reality of a summer economy on a finite piece of land, including lodging for the people who live here and the people who visit.

Over the past 11 months, The Times has looked at historic records and books, and interviewed housing and town officials, small business owners, and workers. Tours of some accommodations for seasonal employees have painted a picture of a place strained for space, and tenants with nowhere else to turn.

The data alone paint a bleak picture of housing on Martha’s Vineyard. For Islanders who are able to find a place to stay, nearly half spend more than 50 percent of their income each month on their rent or mortgage, which is double that of those renting and owning in Greater Boston. Calculations by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) from 2025 showed that a person earning $168,615 a year, far higher than the average Vineyarder, could not afford to buy a home. And at an estimated $3,000 rent for one room and one bath and a minimum wage of $15 per hour, the numbers don’t come close to doable for most local workers, even to rent.

Meanwhile, 60 percent of the housing stock on the Island is considered vacant, or lived in for fewer than two months out of the year. Those seasonal homeowners rarely rent out to yearrounders. Islanders and local businesses increasingly feel the squeeze of low availability, even when the houses are physically there.

The exacerbated dynamics Islanders see playing out now are all part of an ancient rhythm.

Arthur Railton, the longtime editor of the quarterly Dukes County Intelligencer, wrote in his 2006 book “The History of Martha’s Vineyard: How We Got to Where We Are” that summer visitors had been coming to this landscape since the beginning of recorded time. He explained, “They roamed over its hills and valleys more than 10,000 years ago. But they hadn’t come to vacation at the beach; there was no beach.”

Martha’s Vineyard wasn’t yet an island, all those millennia ago, Railton writes,

and the “summer people” were hunters who purposefully migrated to the land to hunt animals for sustenance. Now, these seasonal visitors look a bit different, and they are after a different game: Airbnb deals, affordable rental homes, and ferry reservations.

Jumping to modern history, by 1860, locals saw the positing of the Island as a massive vacation destination. The mid-1800s boom was partly due to camp meetings in Oak Bluffs that gained national attention, and partly an effort from Islanders to make downtown more attractive through building resorts and hotels. When they built it, visitors came. But they needed seasonal workers badly.

“There’s a strong parallel between 19th century seasonal labor and 21st century seasonal labor,” Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s research librarian, Bow Van Riper, said.

Susanna Sturgis, writer and longtime Islander, moved to the Vineyard around that time, and witnessed many of the changes that led to intense hikes in both population and cost. She saw the ways people rose

Between 1970 and 1980, the number of year-rounders increased by 45 percent, according to the U.S. Census and MVC, to 8,897 residents. There were 8,700 housing units on the Island, and homes ranged from around $250,000 to $500,000 to purchase in 1980.

In the 1990s, summer rentals took off. The year-

more money through tips, but their hourly rate is usually much lower, $6.75 or less. Year-round, however, those tips to compensate for the low starting wage are less reliable.

“Housing is the biggest issue that we face,” owner of S&S Kitchenette Spring Sheldon told The Times. She said multiple pro-

He said details are rather scarce, but immigrants, people of color, and Wampanoag tribe members made up a large portion of hospitality workers over a hundred years ago, and were often put up in “the kinds of tenement-style housing you hear about” today.

Much has changed in the past 150 years. But some things have remained true. Housing accommodations have been amended, albeit sometimes questionably, for seasonal workers since the beginning of the Island’s foray into a summer destination in the late 19th century; the outsourcing from off-Island for local work is still a common practice.

This was somewhat easier when, in the 1970s and ’80s, the Island was a hot spot for a college student to come and work for that classic summertime job as a line cook, house painter, or lifeguard. Young people often stayed in family homes or rented a house with a group. Rent was then more affordable and could be split.

to meet a Vineyard that was rapidly gaining popularity. But one visit to the Island in 1993 changed everything: a summer vacation by former President Bill Clinton with his family and the full White House entourage.

“I see the Clinton visit as being a turning point, because it really directed more attention on the Vineyard from people who hadn’t had a previous interest in the Vineyard,” Sturgis said.

As the summer population rose, so too did housing costs. Islanders started the dance of the “Island shuffle,” moving from the comfort of their home to other apartments, backyard shacks, or tents in order to make space for tourists and Airbnb rentals, or found other creative ways to stay on the Island, like building yurts or structures on their friends’ land. Tent communities even began to spring up in the warmer months.

As costs became more untenable in the ’90s and 2000s, Sturgis said people started to commute from the mainland.

round vacancy rate was about 58 percent, nearly at the current standing this year of 60 percent, news outlets reported.

By 2000, the year-round population surged to 14,901, and a building boom equated to a total 16,621 housing units, according to data from the MVC. Many of those properties were built and bought by wealthy seasonal visitors who had a newfound interest in what the Island had to offer.

But part of what brought them to the Island was the people who lived there: the exact community who now can’t afford to stay.

Thousands of dollars are needed to rent a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment on the Island, and the current minimum wage can’t compensate for that. Many jobs on the Island have compensated for the higher costs here by raising that minimum, but in the hospitality industry, $15 per hour is a standard starting pay. Servers and bartenders at restaurants make far

at its most dire point yet, the tipping point may be closer than anyone would like to admit.

“There’s no question that the Island needs the staffing, and we have insanely limited housing,” said Larkin Stallings, owner of the Ritz Café and president of the Oak Bluffs Association.

Stallings said he’s watched his employees grapple with rental issues over the 12 years he has owned the Ritz. Prices simply keep rising, and rental housing is increasingly limited.

Although there are many businesses that hire locals who have accommodations already, rarely does this make up the entire workforce. But Seth Woods, the owner of the Homeport restaurant in Menemsha, said he still hires high school and college students, and many of his employees have worked there for years, and are lucky enough to stay in family homes for the summer. He feels the effects of seasonality, but said “word of mouth is our best advertising” when it comes to hiring.

spective employees have inquired about a job at her restaurant, but they all need accommodation, and she, like so many employers on the Island, said she just isn’t able to provide it.

And, as she pointed out, the housing crisis is just as hard for business owners themselves who often scramble to balance it all.

“If this summer is quieter … you’re still having to pay rent year-round. Eventually, it’s going to crumble. If we don’t have a stable local community of people who have expendable incomes of their own, then the businesses that are here and exist will struggle more,” Sheldon said.

Fortunately for business owners, Island officials expect this to be a busy summer season. Erica Ashton, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, said bookings at Cape Air are surpassing last year.

“This weekend feels like a turning point. With the weather improving, it’s shaping up to be one of the first strong retail weekends, and that energy is critical for our local businesses.”

Ashton said about the first weekend in May.

A busy summer season, as welcome as that is, doesn’t change the problems that the Island increasingly faces every year. And most business owners who spoke with The Times feel the same way as Sheldon: Finding workers hinges on housing; rentals are too expensive; and meeting the demand for tourism is more difficult as a result. The seasonal crunch of the Island spans many generations, but with a busy season likely around the corner, and affordability

“Owning a year-round business is a lot easier to make ends meet than a seasonal one, as you can imagine. However, when you have a great crew, like we do at the Homeport, it makes things much easier,” Woods said.

With a squeezed job market nationally, many younger Americans have opted for internships that further their career, while others have turned to social media and remote work as a potential source of income. The number of U.S.-born students who are seeking hospitality jobs has simply decreased across the country, according to reports. To compensate, one solution Vineyard businesses have utilized in the past few decades is hiring international students through a special work visa program known as the J-1 process. According to the U.S. State Department, the J-1 program brought 650 young international students to work on the Island in 2025, which The Times will unpack in the next part of this series.

Ewell Hopkins, former chair of the Oak Bluffs planning board, said there are some key questions that the Island community needs to answer:

“Should we make this community easier to live in for a broad spectrum of people, or should we expect that there’s going to be a large percentage of migratory workers who can’t afford to live here who will be imported on a regular basis to do the work that needs to be done? What kind of community do we want?”

This is part of a continuing series by Sarah Shaw Dawson, The Times’ Island Writer, whose reporting beat is housing, health, and education.

Crowds of people arrive on the Vineyard by boat.

Restaurants get busy in the summer.

PHOTOS: MVTIMES

Tisbury voters back expanding select board, overrides

Tisbury voters passed a hefty budgetary override and approved expansion of its select board, bringing to a close their 2026 annual town meeting just before 11 pm Wednesday.

On the second night of deliberating town warrant articles, more than 115 voters returned to the Tisbury School gymnasium to cast their votes.

Article 41, the $43.8 million FY 2027 operating budget, was passed after some debate by residents that included criticism of a 5 percent cut across the board to town departments proposed by Town Administrator Joseph LaCavita, and concerns about Tisbury’s share of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School renovation costs. The article also in-

cludes a $1 million Proposition 2½ override that will appear on the town election ballot on May 12.

Article 28, authorizing the town to borrow $3 million for expansions of the sewer collection system in the State Road Sewer District, passed with little discussion. The borrowing also requires voter approval of another Proposition 2½ override on the May 12 ballot.

Article 34, a citizen petition to expand the select board from three to five members, passed on a standing vote, 66–51. Many residents echoed support to increase the limit, citing that it would increase communication, bring more expertise, and reduce workload on current members.

“I full-heartedly support moving to five,” said Ben

Robinson, planning board member.

Even though the increase passed on the town meeting floor, Tisbury won’t actually have a five-member select board until after May 2027.

The select board’s next step is to file a home rule petition with the Massachusetts legislature. The petition will go through a legislative process in Boston, where it must be approved by the state House of Representatives and Senate, then signed by the governor. A special election ballot question will be held in Tisbury if the petition is approved, which is expected to be in January or February 2027. At the annual town election in May 2027, voters will need to approve a special ballot question to officially change the select board to five members.

John Cahill, select board member, expressed caution about expanding the board to five members, describing it as “a significant structural change.” He warned that it could lead to more uncontested elections, and a larger risk of creating cliques or fractures in the select board, and said that in a small, close-knit town like Tisbury, a three-member board is in most cases more efficient, intimate, and accountable.

Another article that had a noticeably close standing vote

was Article 19, which would have transferred $1 million to the general stabilization fund to bolster the town’s reserves for emergencies, unexpected expenses, and future budget gaps, but it failed on a 56–55 standing vote.

Voters also approved Article 33, a citizen petition, introduced by members of the Martha’s Vineyard Fourth Amendment Project (MV 4A), including co-founder Batya Diamond, that proposed to designate Tisbury as a “Fourth Amendment Workplace Community.” The nonbinding resolution was passed overwhelmingly by voters.

The MV 4A Project, part of a national movement, aims to encourage businesses and organizations on Martha’s Vineyard to become “Fourth Amendment Workplaces,” to affirm their support for constitutional rights, and to protect their workers from unreasonable searches and seizures.

The movement formed in response to heightened federal immigration enforcement in which agents were accused of breaking detainees’ rights.

Additionally, $12 million in borrowing for a new water storage tank was approved (Article 25), $250,000 for municipal financial recovery services passed (Article 12), and $85,000 to remove the abandoned vessel Seeker (Article 8) failed after a motion to take no action was approved.

Voters also had significant discussion over Article 14, which authorized more than $1.1 million in capital spending for a variety of town projects and equipment, including funding for software upgrades and building repairs in town, funding to repair and heat the Tisbury Emergency Services Building, funding for the Tisbury Police Station and the town hall, $320,000 toward repairs to the historic Skiff Avenue stone wall, and $100,000 to begin addressing an invasive Southern pine beetle outbreak. Residents raised questions about several items, such as whether the removal of the pitch pine is really a solution to the beetles, and whether the stone wall qualifies as historic; Bow Van Riper, Martha’s Vineyard Museum research librarian, clarified that it is a historically significant and unique structure to New England from the 1890–1920 period. A motion to take no action on the stone wall failed, and the entire article was passed as written. Voters are now set to decide the $1 million operating budget override and the sewer debt exclusion on the May 12 ballot. The election will be held at the Tisbury Emergency Services Building, and includes various candidates for voters to cast ballots for, including in a contested select board race.

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

PHTOTOS: NICHOLAS VUKOTA

LaCivita

willing to support individuals who have the desire to obtain licenses.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Island Elderly Housing is looking for a full time administrative assistant for our Proper ty Management team

This position provides administrative suppor t for all rental and tenant-related activities This position requires working with tenants Candidate should have strong organizational and time management skills, along with strong written and verbal communication skills Experience/ proficiency with computer entry and database systems For more information about Island Elderly Housing visit our website www iehmv org Please send resume to dyoung@iehmv org

CHAPPY BEACH CLUB IS HIRING CAMP COUNSELORS.

Successful candidates are at least 16 y.o. and able to work Mon - Fri June 28 (Sunday Orientation) - July 24. Hourly wage of $15 with additional Staff Appreciation bonuses. Housing is not available. Contact sydney@chappaquiddikcbc.org

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT

VINEYARD GOLF CLUB

Seeking a dependable, motivated person to join our facilities team this summer. Entry-level position — prior maintenance experience nice but not required. Work involves running errands, gathering materials, and assisting staff with day-to-day property maintenance. Valid driver’s license required. Weekend availability a must. Potential to grow into a full-time year-round role. Competitive pay. Send a brief intro to aramirez@ vineyardgolf.com

ART TEACHER, ELEMENTARY GRADES MVPCS

The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has an opening for a 3 days-per-week (.60 FTE) Art Teacher for grades K to 6 to start September 1, 2026. Must hold a BA/BS; teaching experience preferred. Competitive salary and full benefits provided. Please email a resume and letter of interest to Peter Steedman, School Director, at psteedman@mvpcs.org and complete an application on our website, www.MVPCS.org.

DRIVERS WANTED: We are looking for people for full time/ part time. All shifts available. Applicants must possess a Massachusetts Driver’s License and have at least 2 years driving experience. Any questions please call BOB @ HARBOR TAXI 508-693-0037.

FISHERIES INTERVIEWER

Survey captains returning from offshore. Must be able to ID big game fish. P/T thru Oct. $35/hour for 2 to 4 hour assignments. Apply online at quantech.com

Atlantis Hardscape LLC has open positions on different crews

•Landscape Maintenance

Foreman-manage day to day operations, identify and prune plant material, ability to speak with clients when needed

Experienced Stone Mason

Lawn Mowing Crew-experience with large commercial mowers

SS#, valid M A drivers license required

Text 774-563-0181

Email nwatlantismv@gmail com

DRIVERS AND LABORERS WANTED

Bruno s Rolloff Inc is looking for full-time and par t-time CDL and NON-CDL drivers as well as Laborers for year-round and seasonal work Applicants must be able to work seasonal over time and early morning hours Competitive wages, excellent benefits and yearly bonuses are offered Applications can be picked up at our offi

Jobs

JOB POSTING HEAD OF CIRCULATION

The West Tisbury Free Public Library is seeking an organized, detail-oriented individual to fill our Head of Circulation position. This is a benefited F/T position (40 hrs/week, $33.50/ hr), beginning July 1, 2026.

This position helps provide leadership for the library’s Circulation team, including participation in hiring Circulation staff, training and evaluations. Duties include oversight of all circulation transactions and statistics including interlibrary loans, maintenance of policies and procedures, and purchase and cataloging of periodicals.

Requires strong interpersonal skills and ability to be an effective team leader. Must be self-motivated, have experience working with the public, superior technical abilities, management experience and a minimum of three years of working in a public library. Must have a strong familiarity with KOHA, CLAMS, ComCat and mediated interlibrary loans along with google suites. Nights and weekends required.

Submit Town of West Tisbury application and resume to Alexandra, Library Director, West Tisbury Free Public Library at apratt@clamsnet. org by May 15th. Applications and job description are available at the Library or online at the town of West Tisbury website: https://www. westtisbury-ma.gov/391/Employment-Committee-Openings. EOE. Strong in-house candidate. JOB POSTING LIBRARY COL LECTION SPECIALIST

rpor t Administration Office, 71 Airpor t Road West Tisbury, M A 02575 or at https:// mvyairpor t com/employmentoppor tunities/ The Mar tha s Vineyard Airpor t is an Equal Oppor tunity Employer and an Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Positions open until filled

HIRING SALES ASSOCIATE: Full-time position available this spring/summer at The Great Put On a clothing boutique with 56 years of history on Mar tha s Vineyard If interested please email thegreatputonmv@gmail com or call 508-560-9821 for more information

The West Tisbury Free Public Library seeks an organized, detail-oriented, and technology-savvy Library Collection Specialist. This is a benefited F/T position (35 hrs/week, $33.50/ hr), beginning July 1, 2026. This position is responsible for acquisitions, cataloging, budget tracking, deaccessioning, and overall management of all adult materials in a variety of formats. Bachelor’s degree in a related field required, along with 2-5 years of professional-level library experience including collection development, cataloging, and experience working with online ordering tools. Master’s Degree in Library Science is strongly preferred. 1/2 of hours will be dedicated to working the circulation desks or other areas of the library as needed. The ideal candidate will have a strong familiarity with KOHA, CLAMS along with google suites and excellent customer service skills. Nights and weekends may be required. Submit Town of West Tisbury application and resume to Alexandra, Library Director, West Tisbury Free Public Library at apratt@clamsnet. org by May 15th. Applications and job description are available at the Library or online at the town of West Tisbury website: https://www. westtisbury-ma.gov/391/Employment-Committee-Openings. EOE. Strong in-house candidate. JOBS AVAILABLE: MARTHA’S VINEYARD SHIPYARD

Join our team in Vineyard Haven!

We are a family-owned boatyard looking for reliable individuals to help us maintain the Island’s boating community. We will train the right candidates for all positions.

1. Mooring Service Crew (Full-Time, Year-Round)

Join our waterfront team managing and maintaining the Island’s critical mooring infrastructure. This is a physical, outdoor role perfect for someone who loves the water.

Role: Inspecting, repairing, and installing mooring systems.

Benefits: Competitive pay, health insurance, paid vacation, and 401(k).

2. Boat Rigger (Full-Time, YearRound)

Advance your marine career with our

rigging department.

Role: Stepping masts, hardware installation, and mechanical systems.

Benefits: Competitive pay, health insurance, paid vacation, and 401(k).

3. Seasonal Cleaner (Spring/Summer)

Help us get the fleet ready for the summer season!

Role: Interior and exterior detailing of power and sailboats.

Schedule: Full time, seasonal business w/ competitive pay. Opportunity for it to become a year-round position for the right candidate Housing is available for the right candidate. We offer local housing options to help our staff live and work comfortably on-Island.

TO APPLY: Email: Jhale@mvshipyard.com

JOIN THE ALEX MILL TEAM ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD

We’re opening on Martha’s Vineyard and looking for friendly people to join us for the summer season.

If you’ve got an eye for style, care about the little things, and enjoy helping people find the pieces they’ll actually wear, you’ll be in good company. Interest? Please email your resume and a short introduction to:lori@ alexmill.com

MASS AUDUBON FELIX NECK

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Love nature and want to share it with others? Mass Audubon Felix Neck is hiring: Camp Staff, Seasonal full-time. For detailed job descriptions and applications; www.massaudubon. org/jobs

MVCS DISABILIT Y SERVICES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Family Suppor t Center Program Manager ($63,000-$78,000 per year)

We re looking for a compassionate culturally responsive leader who honors families lived experiences diversity and cultural values In this role, you ll direct programming and suppor t families in navigating complex systems accessing resources, and exploring selfdirected options ac ross the lifespan Experience preferred but paid on the job training may be provided Apply at: mvcommunityservices org/ employment

Family Suppor t Center Service Navigator ($23 07-$27 40 per hour)

Do you love helping families thrive?

We’re seeking a compassionate and resourceful Service Navigator to suppor t families in identifying resources solving problems and building strong community connections Join a team that values family strengths diversity and self-direction across the lifespan Experience preferred but paid on the job training may be provided Apply at: mvcommunityservices org/ employment

NOW HIRING

Transit Connection Inc the private operating contractor for the Mar tha s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) has the following openings

All applicants will be subject to driving and criminal record checks, as well as alcohol and controlled substance pre-employment and random testing Vehicle operators must also pass a DOT standard physical Work schedules can vary and will include weekends and holidays The VTA/Transit Connection is an equal oppor tun ity employer

Paratransit Coordinator

FT year-round position receiving client requests and scheduling trips for The Lift The Lift provides ADA paratransit van transpor tation for people with disabilities Service is shared-ride door-to-door for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using the bus system Computer literacy and a good knowledge of Mar tha s Vineyard required Pay star ts at $28/ hour

Paratransit Driver

FT and PT/Year-Round position in system serving a medically qualified passenger group Exemplary driving customer service and communication skills required Pay star ts at $28/hour

Vehicle Operator, Fixed-Route FT/PT Seasonal and Year-Round

Safely operate a variety of commercial transit vehicles on a scheduled basis, providing excellent customer service to passengers obeying all DOT and traffic regulations Work time varies, early morning to late night Knowledge of Mar tha s Vineyard is very helpful

Commercial Driver License training is available Pay star ts at $28/hour

Please apply at:

11 A Street

Edgar town M A 02539

Or download application at www vineyardtransit com

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE POSITION

Administrative assistant, bookkeeper wanted for island based real estate management team. Experience in Quickbooks and MS Office and Adobe Acrobat and filing systems sought. Good wages and benefits package. Email Resume and contact info to admin.job@realestateofmarthasvineyard.com

SALES ASSOCIATE + JEWELRY WELDER

STEFANIE WOLF DESIGNS, A WOMAN-OWNED JEWELRY BRAND IN OAK BLUFFS, IS HIRING TWO ROLES Friendly, reliable, love jewelry? Email coral@stefaniewolf.com or stop by. Details: stefaniewolf.com/pages/ hiring

SEASON AL BOAT CLEANER

Experienced preferred but will train the right applicant in boat prep & waxing Motivated self-star ter who can work with minimal supervision & complete assignments on schedule Please apply via email to jhale@mvshipyard com

SUMMER OPENINGS:

Summer Supervisor- supervise summer staff, make schedules, payroll. Work closely with the public. Water safety/lifeguard certification, CPR and First Aid training a plus.

Starting salary $31.06

Assistant Supervisor – Assist supervisor when needed. Cover duties when supervisor is not available. Must have 5 plus years’ experience. Starting salary $29.38

Lifeguard - must have water safety/ lifeguard certification, CPR and First Aid training. Assist with beach patrons, ensure that proper beach and safety regulations are followed.

Starting salary $23.79

Parking Lot Attendant- ensure cars entering the lot or parking in designated areas have a valid sticker or pass. Assist the public with information, policies and expectations of beach use.

Starting salary $17.68

Beach Sticker Seller- responsible for organization and sale of beach stickers and passes for Lambert’s Cove Beach. Responsible for tennis court reservations and sale of tennis keys. Collecting money and keeping accurate records of all sales. Starting salary $20.97

Recreation Instructors - must have basic knowledge of basketball skills and drills. Responsible for organizing activities for students grades four through nine. Starting salary $23.79 Limited positions available. Application can be found at Town Hall or www.westtisbury-ma.gov. Application deadline is April 1, 2026. West Tisbury is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

TEACHER’S ASSISTANT MVPCS

The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has an opening for a full-time Elementary Teacher’s Assistant to start September 1, 2026. We are looking for a creative, enthusiastic individual wishing to explore or advance a career in education within our project-based learning curriculum. Competitive salary and full benefits provided. Please email a resume and letter of interest to Peter Steedman, School Director, at psteedman@mvpcs.org and complete an application on our website, www.MVPCS.org.

THE BOATHOUSE & FIELD CLUB

JOIN OUR TEAM THIS SUMMER Seasonal positions — June through Labor Day

Swim Instructor

We are seeking a certified Water Safety Instructor (WSI) to lead swimming lessons and aquatic programming for our members. WSI certification is required.

Lifeguard

Current lifeguard certification required

Membership Front Desk

A welcoming presence at the heart of our member experience. Responsibilities include greeting and assisting members, managing inquiries, and supporting day-to-day operations. Prior customer service or hospitality experience preferred.

To apply, at boathousemv.com or emailing Davina.webb@boathousemv.com

We look forward to welcoming you to the team.

THE EDGARTOWN BOARD OF HEALTH WILL AMEND SEPTIC REGULATIONS TO INCLUDE ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN A MEETING ON 5/12 AT 2PM VIA ZOOM, AND AT FUTURE MEETINGS AS NEEDED.

Agendas will posted in accordance with opening meeing law.

THE GREAT PUT ON IS SEEKING AN ADMINISTRATIVE/OFFICE ASSISTANT TO HELP WITH SHIPMENTS, ONLINE ORDERS, PHONE CALLS, AND ENTERING/ RECEIVING ORDERS.

Must be organized and detail-oriented. If interested, email thegreatputonmv@gmail.com or call 508-560-9821

TOWN OF WEST TISBURY PAYROLL AND HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR

The Town of West Tisbury is seeking to hire a 35 hour/week Payroll and Human Resources Administrator. The position reports to the Finance Director. The Payroll and Human Resources Administrator performs a wide range of administrative, technical, and confidential duties supporting the Town’s personnel, payroll,

and employee benefits functions. Responsibilities include coordinating employee onboarding and offboarding, administering employee benefits programs, and processing payroll in compliance with federal and state regulations. This role also maintains accurate and confidential personnel and payroll records, provides administrative support to the Personnel Board, and assists with the development and implementation of personnel policies. The position ensures compliance with applicable employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, and Town policies, and performs related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, human resources, or a related field; and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing, benefits administration, or municipal personnel work; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working with third-party payroll providers such as Harpers Payroll Services or similar outsourced payroll systems is strongly preferred. This is a benefited position. Full job description and required application form can be found on the Town’s website at www.westtisbury-ma.gov, or by calling 508-696-0102. The Personnel By-Law anticipates hiring at Step 1 ($49.05/ hr.). The Town may offer a higher starting step, up to Step 3 ($54.07/hour), depending on qualifications and experience. Position will remain open until filled. EOE.

WE H AVE OPEN POSITIONS ON DIFFERENT CREWS: Landscape maintenance foremanRequires the ability to identify and prune plants, talk with clients and coordinate day to day operations Stone Mason-Minimum 2 years experience working with stone Mow crew-experience with operation of large mowers SS# & legal papers required Email: nwatlantismv@gmail com Text 774-563-0181

BEACH PATROL DUKES COUNTY IS LOOKING TO HIRE PART-TIME BEACH PATROL FOR THE SUMMER SEASON Will be responsible for issuing parking tickets on State Beach, informing patrons of beach rules and do general maintenance tasks. Candidates must be at least 18 years old. CPR certification preferred. Job application and job description available at https://www.dukescounty. gov/employment-opportunities

DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Responsible for managing County programs, including Health Care Access, Public Benefits Access, and Vineyard Smiles as well as direct client service as needed. Includes program planning and development; grant writing, management and reporting; hiring and supervising staff; oversight of systems used to access and document benefit applications; acts as liaison to town governments, local and regional health and human services coalitions and boards. Knowledge of the health and human service needs of diverse Islanders preferred. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Full job description and job application available at https:// www.dukescounty.gov/employment-opportunities

$1,790,000 CALL OR TEXT

ALAN SCHWEIKERT 508-221-1708 OR MICH AEL SCHWEIKERT 774-563-9112 Oak Bluffs: Waterfront Proper ty at Vineyard Haven Outer Harbor** This is an exceptional oppor tunity to acquire a stunning white sandy beach proper ty on Vineyard Haven Harbor This charming Island cottage boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and sound, showcasing magnificent sunsets each evening ove r the West Chop Peninsula You can enjoy the lively boating scene, with yachts from around the globe and ferries arriving at por t, all in the company of your favorite guests This picturesque setting is enhanced by the delightful scent of vibrant rugosa roses that adorn the sandy landscape Experience the unique convenience of storing your paddleboard kayak windsurfer and other watercraft right in your backyard, allowing you to indulge in refreshing swims at your leisure There is potential for mooring a motor or sailboat, pending approval from the Harbormaster This proper ty epitomizes the classic Mar tha s Vineyard experience creating timeless memories Additionally, it has a solid rental history Please note our information suggests that the adjacent lot is unbuildable; however, we r ecommend verifying this with the town

$2,250,000 M ARILYN MOSES OCEAN PARK REALT Y 617-462-0381 NEW CONSTRUCTION Welcome to Lagoon Ridge Oak Bluffs newest and most soughtafter neighborhood Build your 3bedroom dream home in this elevated enclave, set 95 feet above Lagoon Pond and capturing sweeping sky views colorful sunsets, and refreshing sea breezes This exceptional home site represents one of the final oppor tunities in this th riving new community To be built The Naushon features 3 bedrooms, 3 5 bathrooms and over 2,400 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space A grand wrap-around covered porch provides a welcoming entry and the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or cool evening breezes Inside the open-concept floor plan connects the chef s kitchen with spacious living and dining areas ideal for enter taining family and friends Each bedroom suite includes a tiled en-suite bath with customizable fixtures and finishes, and the second-floor suites may offer private balconies for added relaxation Classic Oak Bluffs cottage architecture meets modern comfor t and energy efficiency, 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 fishing All utilities electric town water, and a private, state-ofthe-ar t 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 Proper ty 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!

Real Estate Transactions

April 27 - May 1, 2026

Edgartown

April 27, Night Heron 15 Inc.

to

15

Lisle and Alodia Gabre-Kidan for $2,049,000. April 27, Kevin R. Hughes, trustee of Harborside Inn Condominium Trust, sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 204 Week 42 to Shirell A. Gross for $1,995. April 27, Kevin R. Hughes, trustee of Harborside Inn Condominium Trust, sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 456 Week 18 to Shirell A. Gross for $1,245.

April 27, Kevin R. Hughes, trustee of Harborside Inn Condominium Trust, sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 203 Week 43 to Michele Chiles-Hickman for $195.

April 27, Kevin R. Hughes, trustee of Harborside Inn Condominium Trust, sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 516 Week 44 to Michele Chiles-Hickman for $195.

April 30, Nis S. Kildegaard and Carolyn J. Kildegaard sold 14 Twenty First St. North to Hans Van Lackner and Aileen Roman for $1,100,000

May 1, Peter J. Valenti and Patricia J. Valenti sold 36 Smith Hollow Drive to 36 Smith Hollow LLC for $1,900,000.

May 1, William E. Griffin and Kay M. Griffin, trustees of William E. Griffin

Real Estate

$500,000 SOLD BY M ARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 WONDERING

WH AT YOU COT TAGE IS WORTH? CALL OR TEXT ANY TIME!

Experience the charm of 21 Rock Avenue nestled in the Historic Mar tha s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association This year-round cottage features 1 bedroom and 1 bath and is just moments away from Oak Bluffs Harbor, ferry por ts, sandy beaches ar t galleries and delightful restaurants Recent exter ior enhancements include cedar fencing refreshed house trim new paint, and an upgraded roof

Please note that the heating system is currently not functioning Enjoy the convenience of on-site parking

This cottage is also featured in both the Eisenstaedt and Painter Ladies books, adding to its unique appeal

$895,000 22 MONTGOMERY SQUARE OAK BLUFFS M ARILYN MOSES | 617-462-0381 OCEAN PARK REALT Y, INC

Charming year-round renovated Victorian cottage in the historic Mar tha s Vineyard Camp Meetin Association, located in the hear t Wesleyan Grove in Oak Bluffs T 3-bedroom, 1-bath home feature shiplap

617-462-0381

MOSES

OCEAN PARK REALT Y Welcome to Lagoon Ridge Oak Bluffs newest and most soughtafter neighborhood! Build your 3bedroom dream home with M Duffany Builders on this lofty setting 95 feet above Lagoon Pond featuring sweeping sky views, colorful sunsets, and refreshing salty sea breezes This exceptional building lot is among the last of the remaining oppor tunities in this thriving new community Utilities are already at the site including town water electric; and a private Amphidrome wastewater system that will save you the cost and inconvenience of a septic

IMPROVED PRICE: $1,795,000**

Revocable Trust and Kay M. Griffin Revocable Trust, sold 42 Deacon Vincent Way to Mary C. Steele and Cameron P. Steele, trustees of Steele 2002 Trust for $2,325,000. May 1, John A. Eller and Lisa M. Eller, trustees of Eller Family Revocable Trust, sold 43C Dark Woods Road to Michael Sanderson and Mary-Ellen Sanderson for $1,850,000. May 1, Drake Jordan Karin and Elizabeth Jordan Karin sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 215 Week 17 and Unit 215 Week 34 to Ernest John Jaxtimer for $2,000.

Oak Bluffs

April 28, William Ultan, also known as William Marshall Ultan, the Estate of Susan D. Ultan, Alan D. Drezner, and the Estate of Susan Drezner Ultan sold 39 Iron Hill Road to William Westman and Wendy Westman for $1,650,000.

Tisbury April 28, Lee Fleming, trustee of Lee Fleming Revocable Trust, sold 202 Lake St. to Jamie Wells for $1,130,000.

April 30, Hammarlund MV LLC sold 10 State Road Unit 3 to Jamie G. Loschen for $373,450.

3 bedrooms/1 bathroom, Rare Oppor

with Endless Possibilities – Unmatched Harbor & Vineyard Sound Views Location

Location! A truly rare offering in the hear t of Oak Bluffs

ties like this seldom become availabl e Positioned directly across from the iconic Oak Bluffs Harbor this proper ty boasts unobstructed harbor views and sweeping vistas of Vineyard Sound a setting that captures the very be of island living From your front ya 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 proper ty that puts you right in the middle of everythin while still offering the charm and character of a classic island home

Zoned B-2 Commercial, the oppor tunities are truly endless Continue the legacy of a successful tourist-oriented business like the longtime Anderson Bike Rentals,

Real Estate

SOLD & CLOSED IN 30 DAYS

$1,995,000 CALL OR TEXT

M ARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381

HOUSE & STUDIO ABOVE GARAGE

Welcome to 26 Tia Anna Lane! This exquisite residence is immaculate, stylish and fully renovated ready to welcome its new owners! Situated on a beautifully landscaped 0 30acre lot adorned with vibrant plantings, the home boasts pristine conditions both inside and out featuring newer Hardi Pla nk siding

The inviting farmer s porch complete with Mahogany decking, sets the tone for this charming proper ty while a lovely pergola graces the back of the house Upon entering you are welcomed by a whitewashed wood with high ceiling that enhances the warm ambiance

The flooring throughout the home is first-growth Southern Pine meticulously crafted with pegged and bunged details The expansive entrance leads into the living and kitchen areas which are bathed in natural light creating an airy atmosphere Uncover the charm of the wood-burning stove nestled in the family room equipped with a circulating fan adds warmth efficiency and focal point for gatherings Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the kitchen, which is outfitted with stainless steel GE

SOLD BEING OFFERED BY RENE BEN DAVID/OCEAN PARK REALT Y INC CELL 508-847-4864

$1,250,000 11 ONONDAGA AVE, OAK BLUFFS OPEN HOUSE

SOLD BEING OFFERED BY RENE' BEN DAVID,REALTOR ® AT OCEAN PARK REALT Y INC CALL OR TEXT 508-847-4864

$999,999 00

the kitchen bathroom dining room and one bedroom with a new furnace installed in 2019 Addit ional features include an electric stove, refrigerator washer dryer garbage disposal 50-gallon propane hot water heater and approximately 200 sq ft of storage Mature gardens and lawn with irrigation fur ther enhance this special offering Best of all the cottage is offered TURNKEY and FULLY FURNISHED, ready for you to enjoy from day one SOLD

$899,000 NEW SPRING LISTING CALL OR TEXT M ARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 Experience the charm of this exquisitely renovated Victorian Gingerbread Cottage, nestled within the historic Mar tha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association Just moments away from Oak Bluffs Harbor, ferry terminals ar t galleries restaurants public beaches and vibrant shopping areas, this cottage offers an unparalleled location next to all of Oak Bluffs picturesque parks This rare gem features two side yards adorned with vibrant landscaping, enhancing its curb appeal Step inside to discover a breathtaking chef’s kitchen designed with chic shiplap walls and custom cabinetry Recent updates include a brand-new roof modern electrical and plumbing systems, a state-of-the-ar t HVAC system and energy-efficient high-qualit y Blomberg appliances The cottage showcases gleaming hardwood floors throughout complemented by a fresh coat of paint and designer finishes that add a touch of elegance This three-season home is move-in ready, making it the perfect place to enjoy a fantastic location where everything is within walking distance

Cafe Series appliances attractive quar tz counter tops walk in pantry and ample cabinet space to store all your cooking essentials The screened porch offers an ideal setting for enter taining guests or enjoying a peaceful morning coffee amidst the lush surroundings All bathrooms in the home have been meticulously renovated ensuring modern elegance and functionality while custom window treatments elevate the aesthetic Additional updates include, a hot water heater (installed in 2020) pull-down stairs to a fully insulated attic (upgraded in 2021) energy-efficient heat and air conditioning with mini-splits, in ground sprinkler system for easy maintenance and a forced hot water boiler for optimal comfor t throughout the year The beautifully landscaped yard provides ample space for outdoor enjoyment, and deeded access to the Lagoon from Gull Landing opens up oppor tunities for kayaking, swimming, fishing, boating, clamming or simply savoring the picturesque waterfront scenery Call now for your private tour!

Comfor table Island Home on a Quiet Dead-End Road in Oak Bluffs: Welcome to 11 Onondaga Avenue the second home on the left on a shor t, quiet dead-end road in a wellestablished Oak Bluffs neighborhood enjoyed by both yearround and seasonal residents This well-cared-for 3-b edroom 2 5bathroom home offers space, comfor t, and a truly inviting island lifestyle just a shor t walk to the Oak Bluffs Sailing Camp Park and beach, where beautiful sunsets over the water await Inside the openconcept layout connects the kitchen and dining area to the living room creating a bright and functional space perfect for both enter taining and relaxed daily living An inviting deck o ff the dining room extends your living space outdoors into a serene landscaped setting ideal for enjoying meals in the fresh Vineyard air The home is set on a peaceful lot with both front and back yards offering a sense of seclusion and space to enjoy Upstairs, the primary bedroom features an en suite with a shower, providing a comfor table and quiet retreat Two additional bedrooms and a full ba th complete the upper level, and a half bath with washer /dryer is conveniently located on the main floor The full basement includes both indoor and outdoor access offering flexibility and additional potential A finished room in the basement is ready for your creative touch whether as a media room home office playroom or guest overflow The proper ty also includes a spacious storage shed and a driv eway that easily fits three to four cars A new roof installed in 2023 adds peace of mind and value Located minutes from downtown Oak Bluffs, local beaches, ferries, and all the charm the Vineyard has to offer, this home is ready to be your island getaway year-round residence or next investment

Location Location Location! This unique proper ty on the beautiful island of Mar tha’s Vineyard presents an incredible oppor tunity for the buyer with vision to complete and personalize a home full of potential The original residence built in 1920 offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bath and has been expanded with a substantial newer addition, creating increased living space and a finished garage area suitable for storage or future use Above the garage, another 2 bedrooms and a full bath

and

COMMERCIAL CONDO FOR RENT/ SALE AT TISBURY MARKET PLACE

600 sq ft. First floor unit.

Call Leslie for details 508-333-1000.

FUR NISHED 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.

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE AT WAKEMAN CENTER, 57 DAVID AVE, VINEYARD HAVEN.

3 rooms, 387 sf, $2400. Must qualify as non-profit or public organization that conserves land, water, preserves scenic views, open spaces, performs land use planning, performs research related to protection, conservation or supports agriculture or recreation. Contact Wakemancenter@gmail.com

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT.

One room 1,200 sq. ft. office space for rent. Unique building on Beach Rd in Vineyard Haven. Office space only use. (508)627-2750.

OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE VINEYARD HAVEN

11 A Evelyn Way. 675 square foot unit, bathroom, back deck, plenty of parking. Year-round lease. All electric heat and utilities. $3500 a month, available immediately. First and last month rent & security deposit required. Contact Chris 508-627-2895 for appointment.

SUMMER RENTALS

CUSTOM ARTISAN CRAFTSMAN

CARRIAGE HOUSE IN WEST

TISBURY FOR MONTHLY RENTAL WITH UPPER LEVEL LIVING SPACE

One bedroom with king size bed and large loft area with full size bed. Beautiful woodworking throughout home . Conveniently located and close to shopping and beaches. July and August $11,000 per month .June and September $6,000 per month . 508-221-2796

APARTMENTS/ROOMS YEAR ROUND

Studio, one person only, full-time, day-worker preferred. West Tisbury. No smokers, no pets. Partially furnished or not. $1,750. Application & references, first/last/secuirty. 508-693-9199.

LOST & FOUND

LOST CARTIER TANK WATCH, SMALL WITH RED LEATHER STRAP.

Reward. Text. 508-627-0809. PETS & LIVESTOCK HORSES FOR HALF LEASE TO GOOD RIDERS ONLY. Stunning floating gaits. Lovable and gorgeous chestnuts both. Enzo: Dressage/jumper- famous sire in Olympics! Indoor arena and out door ring. Also his friend Diamond. For trails and light ring work much less expensive. Text Lisa 310-213-5472

Legal Notices

MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

The public is invited to a public hearing concerning whether the proposed amendments to the regulations governing the Coastal District in the Town of Chilmark conform to the guidelines for the development of the District specified in the Commission’s designation of the District. Amendments are proposed in Section 3.07(4) Separations in the Coastal District. Annotated changes can be found on the MVC website: www. mvcommission.org/dcpc

Date & Time: Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:35 p.m.

Place: Hybrid Meeting MVC Office - 1 st Floor, 33 New York Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA and Zoom Meeting ID: 878 2111 0402; Password: 430182

Written testimony may be submitted prior to or during the hearing. Check for updates on the online calendar.

(zoom link below) public hearing on May 20th, 2026 at 5pm at the Town Hall Annex at 66 Highpoint Lane and via zoom at a regularly scheduled meeting to consider a change of operator for the food establishment located at 52 Beach Rd.

Locus: 52 Beach Rd., Tisbury, MaAssessor’s Parcel 09-C-08

Property Owner: Acme Vineyard Haven MA LLC

Applicant: Milan Basnet Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.

us/j/86345233438

Meeting ID: 863 4523 3438

Passcode: 137791

Edgartown Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The applicant is seeking permission for the demolition/removal of an existing house and the reconstruction of a modular home in the same general location, all within the buffer zone to a bordering vegetated wetland. The property is located at 221 West Tisbury Road (AP Map 21 Lot 76) For a copy of the application or for questions related to joining the meeting via Zoom, please contact: conservation@edgartown-ma.us

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EDGARTOWN CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Gary

2004 PORSCHE BOXSTERS No dings or dents. Very clean car. Needs nothing! $17,500 or best offer. 508-560-0088 SERVICES 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, French Drain Installation. 508-684-0242., RENATO myhandymaninmv@gmail.com LANDSCAPING & GARDENING LANDSCAPE SERVICES Clean ups, Lawn care & more. Great references 508-560-5543. YARD SALES

M ARSH ALL SANDERLING 18 SAILBOAT – CLASSIC CENTERBOARD CATBOAT WITH TILLER

Sails beautifully in shallow water and can be beached the quintessential Cape Cod/Mar tha s Vineyard boat Includes trailer, sail, cushions life vests bronze step fully equipped and ready to enjoy Stored under tarp; needs wash and fresh bottom/cockpit paint $6 400 OBO Vineyard sale preferred Must pick up; seller c annot transpor t Text for details (407) 625-1475

132 SOUTH RD CHILMARKSUNDAY, MAY 3RD & 10TH - 9AM - 3 PM Furniture, Tools,Records,Art/ Craft,China/Kitchen, much more! 508.314.0041 appointment.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD

DRAFT FFY 2027-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) has released the Draft FFY 2027-2031 TIP for 21-day public review and comment period at its April 15th , 2026, JTC meeting. The public comment period will end at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 6 th , 2026.

Please send written comments to Michael Mauro via email at: mauro@mvcommission.org or to: Joint Transportation Committee P.O. Box 1447 Oak Bluffs, MA, 02557

Copies of the document are available for review on our website at http://www.mvcommission.org, and/or upon request. A HYBRID public meeting of the MVC and Martha’s Vineyard MPO advisory committee, the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC), is scheduled for May 20 th , 2026, at 10:00 AM. Please contact Michael Mauro at 508-338-7315 for further information.

LEGAL NOTICES TISBURY TOWN OF TISBURY Office of PLANNING BOARD PO BOX 602 VINEYARD HAVEN, MASSACHUSETTS

WWW.TISBURYMA.GOV

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to MGL Ch. 40A, s. 9; and section 06.06.03, 06.06.08 of the Tisbury Zoning Bylaw, the Tisbury Planning Board will hold a hybrid

Engage with writers and publishing professionals for discussions about the art, craft, and business of writing.

Join us July 15 for our kick-off event at 7:30 pm and all day July 16 at Featherstone Center for the Arts. Free to attend!

For more details scan QR Code below or visit: islanderswrite.com

With thanks for the support of:

A copy of the application and plans are available to review. Please send an email to tisburyplanningboard@tisburyma. gov with your request. Interested parties are invited to send comments and/or attend the virtual meeting.

LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS

AMENDED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

RE: Vineyardville LLC Appeal Vineyardville, LLC 11 Peter M. Williamson Blvd. Map 48 Parcel 20-3

The Oak Bluffs Zoning Board of Appeals will hold an In-Person Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6:00PM in the Oak Bluffs Town Hall Downstairs Meeting Room, 56 School Street, on the application of the referenced petitioner seeking: A Special Permit within Oak Bluffs Zoning By-Law Section 4.4.4, or any action related thereto, to: construct a 400 s.f. detached bedroom on a 60,021+/- s.f. lot located in the R3 zoning district. Relevant documents and/or proposed plans will be available on the Town of Oak Bluffs’ web site: https://www.oakbluffsma.gov/443/ ZBA-Regular-Meetings

Written correspondence can be addressed to the Board of Appeals via email: zbaadmin@oakbluffsma. gov or mailed to: PO Box 1327, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

LEGAL NOTICES EDGARTOWN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EDGARTOWN CONSERVATION COMMISSION

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 4:35 p.m. the Edgartown Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing via Zoom on a Notice of Intent filed by Vineyard Land Surveying & Engineering on behalf of Arielle Wannamaker under the

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 4:40 p.m. the Edgartown Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing via Zoom on a Notice of Intent filed by Schofield Barbini & Hoehn, Inc. on behalf of 30 Crackatuxet Nominee Trust under the Edgartown Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The applicant is seeking permission to construct, and maintain, an elevated walkway over an existing walking path crossing BVW and salt marsh and within a FEMA Flood Zone. The applicant also wishes to permit and maintain an existing kayak rack. The property is located at 30 Crackatuxet Cove Road

Unified track hosts 400-meter race for first time

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) unified track team held its home opener last Thursday, hosting Dennis-Yarmouth (DY) at the Island track and field.

“It was awesome,” said Kevin McGrath, MVRHS unified track and field head coach, of the meet. “DY was amazing. They’re very similar in size to us, and they’re a great team with a great coach and great kids. So it was just a great first home meet for sure.”

Athletes from both programs competed in the long jump, 100-meter dash, 200-meter relay, 400-meter race, and the shot put. The meet on April 30 marked the first home meet of the year for the Vineyarders, who had one away meet earlier this season.

Unified track brings together students of all abilities and disabilities to compete on the same teams, emphasizing inclusion and shared participation, highlighted McGrath.

James Olin Fishbeck, of Edgartown died peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Jim Fishbeck was born in 1943 in Helena, Ark., along with his twin sister Jan, to parents Donald and Doris Fishbeck. The family settled in Lansing, Mich. after World War II.

Jim graduated from Everett High School in 1961 and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University in 1966, later returning for an MBA. He worked for a year at Collins Radio, then had a 30-year career at Analog Devices, where

“It’s so important to get kids mixing it up in that way,” he said. “To see people with different abilities, disabilities play together on a level playing field almost reminds them of how similar we all are.”

MVRHS unified track athlete Ethan Burr said he felt empowered by the 400-meter race, which had never been held in the Vineyard’s unified sports program before.

“The unified track meet was so fun, and I loved running the 400!” said Ethan in a message shared with The Times.

McGrath said Ethan’s performance in the first 400-meter race run by unified athletes was the highlight of the day.

“He just jumped right in, and when he went in to run it, a bunch of other players were like, ‘I want to do it, too,’” said McGrath in an interview with The Times. “Even though they hadn’t practiced it … he really got them into it.”

obituaries

he retired as director of corporate communications.

Jim was an avid pilot, learning to fly at MSU, and owning his own plane. He is survived by his life partner, Lee Morgan; twin sister, Jan Heston; brother, John Fishbeck, niece, Jennifer Miller; great-niece, Dalayna Miller; and great-nephew, Wyatt Miller.

No funeral or memorial service is planned at this time.

Timothy J. Mullin

A graveside service for the burial of ashes will be held for Timothy J. Mullin, 75, of Edgartown, who died on

McGrath said he has been involved with the MVRHS unified track and field program since its inception around 2017, when Ryan Kent first brought unified sports to Martha’s Vineyard.

“Ryan Kent started it … He’s the one that really brought unified sports here,” said McGrath. “I give a lot of credit to him for that, and now it’s just exploding in this state.”

McGrath recalled when the program first started in 2017, there were roughly only 30 teams competing at the time. He said there are now more than 300 teams.

The Vineyarders are planning to compete in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Unified Track & Field sectionals on Friday, May 8, in Middleborough, and if MVRHS athletes qualify, they will compete in a state championship meet on May 27 at Natick High School.

March 11, 2026, at the New Westside Cemetery on Saturday, May 16, at 1 pm, with military honors provided by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard.

Martha M. Child

A graveside service for Martha M. Child, who died on Jan. 6, 2026, at the age of 69, will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven, at 11 am.

OBITUARIES

e Martha’s Vineyard Times publishes obituary information and photos at no charge for current and former residents of Martha’s Vineyard and for persons with signi cant ties to the Island community. e submission deadline for full obituaries is 5 pm Tuesday, for publication on the following ursday. e Times reserves the right to edit as needed. If you have questions or need assistance writing an obituary, please call (508) 693-6100 and ask to speak to the Community editor. Obituary information may be submitted by

e-mail: editor@mvtimes.com mail: PO Box 518 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 by hand: e Times o ce on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven (opposite the ArtCli Diner).

The Oak Bluffs Terminal and ticket office are opening Thursday, May 14—and we're celebrating!

Stop by the terminal for the arrival of the first boat at 10:15 a.m. and grab some coffee and a treat.

Oak Bluffs will be open for the season May 14–October 22, 2026. During operating hours, ticket sellers can help customers with reservations, including preferred spaces for island residents.

Find our 2026 ferry schedules at SteamshipAuthority.com/schedules or scan the QR code with your smartphone.

Ethan Burr was the first MVRHS unified athlete to run the event in the home opener. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA

James Olin Fishbeck

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

Grady Stalgren, a volunteer partner with MVRHS Unified Track, does the long jump.

Youth carry on family traditions at annual Kids’ Trout Derby

UThe fishing competition at Duarte’s Pond has been held for 52 years. BY

nder the bright light of the full Flower Moon, families and friends walked the perimeter of Duarte’s Pond, staking out their favorite spot for the 52nd annual Kids’ Trout Derby on Saturday, May 2. Some brought chairs, some brought sleeping bags, and some brought live bait, while others had PowerBait in their pockets.

Everyone brought the most important ingredient, kids.

Sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club, the Kids’ Trout Derby is a family event that often generations of anglers have competed in. Coop and Lela Gilkes have worked tirelessly on this event for decades. They brought their children, and then their grandchildren.

On Saturday, while Lela manned the scoreboards, Coop was never more than five feet from his son Danny and his granddaughter Hunter. “She’s well-versed in hot dogs and doughnuts,” said Danny Gilkes of the six years his daughter has participated in the Derby. “She finished off my coffee,” added Coop.

I watched Hunter’s rod bend, listened as Coop and Danny coached her when the line got tangled in the invasive lily pads, and I nodded when Coop lovingly tied on a new hook and assured Hunter she’d land the next one. While Hunter was waiting for the next bite, a shout rose from across the pond. A fish was on,

and enthusiasm rippled across the water. The sun was just beginning to crest the trees when 8-year-old Daisy Neadow carried her bucket to the official tent with the first fish of the derby.

Daisy placed her rainbow trout on the measuring board and smiled widely when Cooper Fersen measured it at 14 inches. Daisy released the trout seconds later and headed back to her parents, brother, cousins, and grandmother.

Daisy enjoyed fishing, but she’d also like to spend her time swimming with the fish.

“My parents are going to get me a mermaid tail. I like the ocean. A lot. It’s beautiful,” said Daisy, who finished in second place in her age division.

As I was talking with Daisy’s dad, Tom, who had fished the Kids’ Trout Derby when he was little, we saw a fish hit someone’s line in the crowd of people to our right. The fish was putting up a fight, but we couldn’t see who was reeling it in.

A couple of minutes later, David Pothier, last year’s winner, walked over with a nicely sized brook trout. David’s brookie measured 16.5 inches, setting a tough length to beat.

David went right back to fishing. He caught quite a few more, and released them all, as they were too short to beat his leading fish.

I asked David’s dad, DJ, if it was tough waking him up at 3 am for the derby. DJ chuckled. “Sometimes it’s hard to wake him up for

LISA BELCASTRO

school. But if I say, ‘Dude, want to go fishing?’ he jumps right up.”

I’m not surprised 9-year-old David loves to fish. It’s in his blood. DJ fished the Kids’ Trout Derby, and is an avid fisherman now. And David’s grandfather, also named David, is a fisherman who serves on the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby committee.

While young David loves fishing, he’s also into dirt bikes and baseball. In fact, he was racing from the Kids’ Derby to the opening day Little League baseball parade and cookout, which started at 9 am. “His uniform is in the truck. He’ll change on the way,” said DJ.

David has his sights set on playing shortstop or pitcher. “I like shortstop because it’s Little League, and that’s where most of the hits go. But maybe pitcher. I asked my coach if I could pitch in the next game,” said David.

As the sun warmed the air and the surrounding trees were reflected in the pond, the bites slowed down. Doughnuts and hot chocolate and hot dogs were consumed in vast quantities, and folks started to wonder if there were any big, hungry fish still out there. Coop put a live shiner on Hunter’s hook and said, “I think there’s another big one out there.”

Sure enough, Hunter’s rod bent. She reeled and reeled, and yelled, “Grandpa, get the

net.” Coop scooped up Hunter’s fish and we all cheered. It was a big largemouth bass, her second one of the day. I’m not sure who was happier, Hunter or Grandpa Coop.

When the horn sounded at 8 am to end the competition, David had won the largest trout and Hunter had won the largest fish with her 18.5-inch bass.

“I finally won,” said Hunter, 11, who’s in fifth grade at the Edgartown School. She enjoys fishing with her family, but she also likes “carpentry, sewing, and making food.”

The youngest division winner was 5-yearold Izzy Pachico, who landed a 14.5-inch brook trout. Izzy has participated in two previous trout derbies, but this was her first time placing. “I love fishing. I love to keep the fish,” said Izzy.

“She’d eat fish every day if she could,” said her dad, John Pachico.

All-round sports enthusiast Jackson Lucier took home first place for his 14.5inch rainbow trout in the 9- to 11-year-old division. Jackson, who’s in fourth grade, plays sports year-round. He’s on football, basketball, and baseball teams, and he’s taken up golf.

When I asked Jackson what he liked about fishing, he answered immediately, “Eating them.”

Does he have a favorite? You bet: “Bluefish are my favorite. I like bluefish pâte.”

Right on, Jackson!

As families dispersed, children running and laughing, parents carrying trophies and holding little hands, and everyone smiling, I knew I’d spent a perfect morning fishing. Never held a rod, but I sure did land a great start to my day.

I hope to see you on the beach — maybe I’ll have my rod next time.

RESULTS

Largest trout: David Pothier, age 9 16.5-inch brook trout

Largest fish of any other species:

Hunter Gilkes, age 11

18.5-inch largemouth bass

8 years and under

First, Izzy Pachico, age 5 14.5-inch brook trout

Second, Daisy Neadow, age 8 14-inch rainbow trout

Third, Gunner Harlow, age 8 14-inch brook trout

Ages 9 — 11

First, Jackson Lucier, age 10 14.5-inch rainbow trout

Second, Madelyn Ward, age 11 14.5-inch brook trout

Third, McCabe Neadow, age 10 13.5-inch brook trout

Ages 11–14

First, Colby Vought, age 12

14.5-inch brook trout

Second, Christian Fisher, age 13 14-inch brook trout

Third, Rye Silva, age 12 13-inch brook trout

David Pothier caught the largest trout, a 16.5” brook trout.

PHOTOS BY DENA PORTER

Hunter Gilkes caught the largest fish of any species, an 18.5” largemouth bass!

Twelve-year-old Colby Vought won first place for catching a 14.5” brook trout.

Gunner Harlow caught this 14” brook trout and took third place in his age category. Ten-year-old McCabe Neadow won third prize for catching a 13.5” brook trout. Rye Silva won third place in the 12—14 year old category for catching a 13” brook trout.

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Both Taylor and Lori Stone cherish their mutual passion for art.

Although the weather has yet to really comply with this sentiment, I think it is safe to say we made it through another Vineyard winter. I love the anticipation in the air this time of year; light returns to seasonal business windows, tradesmen are at every corner working overtime to meet the summer deadlines, and familiar faces fill the streets again. It’s all happening.

Speaking of happenings, the events calendar is gaining momentum, with the return of many annual favorites, and a few new gatherings in the mix. May is packed with everything from cultural programming to outdoor festivals and local traditions, setting the tone for the months ahead.

This month kicks off with Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard, which is a part of one of the country’s largest charity cycling series, including local route options that range from 25 to 60 miles total. The event continues to raise critical funds in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its mission to create a world free of MS. Then, Circuit Arts will put on “No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions,” which is a five-day celebration of bold, unconventional comedy, bringing together performers from Martha’s Vineyard, New York City, and beyond. Featuring everything from improv and standup to clowning, storytelling, and comic dance across venues like the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse and Strand Theatre, the festival promises a “weird, wired, and wonderful” lineup that showcases just how expansive comedy can be.

The 29th annual Big Night Out then returns to the P.A. Club, bringing the Island community together for an evening of music, food, and celebration in support of Vineyard Montessori School. The beloved fundraiser features a lively dance floor, local bites, and an online auction, all benefiting one of the Vineyard’s most vital educational and childcare resources.

Mid-month, one of the most beloved spring traditions returns: Porchfest Edgartown, a grassroots music event where front porches become stages and neighborhoods transform into living,

As new businesses open and the calendar fills, May marks the beginning of the Vineyard’s return to full season. BY

breathing concert venues. Soon after, Martha’s Party Wedding and Event Conference will provide attendees with an immersive and informational day dedicated to the art of Island event coordination. And then, as Memorial Day approaches, the pace accelerates.

The Vineyard Artisans Festival returns for Memorial Day weekend, showcasing the work of more than 100 local artists and makers — everything from ceramics and textiles to jewelry and photography. At the same time, the Environmental Film Festival brings together storytelling, activism, and community conversation, offering a glimpse into the Vineyard’s deep connection to land and sea.

Memorial Day weekend also brings the Island’s Memorial Day Parade, followed by our annual March to the Sea. Both of these moving tributes honor those who have died on duty in the armed services, bringing the community together in remembrance and respect. By the end of the month, the Island feels alive again. What begins as a handful of gatherings and a few more “Open” signs on business doors quickly becomes a steady, unmistakable rhythm that carries us forward. And before you know it, May has done its job; ushering in the start of the season we wait for all year. May is about momentum, and the months that follow are about expansion. While the Vineyard will always

JENNA SYLVIA

be rooted in its traditions, this year brings a notable wave of newness that signals where the Island is headed next. The Grapevine will continue to provide a roundup of what’s to come at the beginning of each month, but as the season begins to take shape, this is the perfect moment to look beyond the immediate calendar and spotlight some new events to come.

One of the most exciting additions to our local calendar comes early in the season with the introduction of the First Ferry Party in Oak Bluffs, a new annual kickoff event planned for May 14. It’s a concept that feels almost overdue — a moment dedicated to marking the true beginning of the season.

The Oak Bluffs Association

promises to provide more information soon!

Further into the summer, another new event will be centered around wellness, community, and connection. InkWellness Fest, planned for August 5 near Inkwell Beach, introduces a fresh layer to the Vineyard’s event landscape. Rooted in health, movement, and mindfulness, the festival will reflect a broader shift happening both on and off the Island. There is an increasing desire for experiences that feel both celebratory and restorative.

The Oak Bluffs Tennis Club, a historic piece of the Island’s social and recreational fabric, is in the midst of a thoughtful revival. Plans are underway to reintroduce programming, beginning

with a June clinic in partnership with East Chop Tennis Club, followed by a Labor Day tournament that aims to re-establish the club as a gathering place for both competition and community. August, as always, brings with it a surge of energy, and this year, that energy is further amplified by the addition of the HBCU Arts Festival, taking place during the first week of the month. Featuring student performers visiting from historically Black colleges and universities, the festival introduces a powerful new platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange.

Layered across all of this is a larger, statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Ameri-

1. A trail of flowers line the sea after being tossed into the water at Owen Park by Tisbury School students in tribute to fallen soldiers during the annual Memorial Day March to the Sea.

2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

3. Island Naturals jewelry by Aquinnah Wampanoags.

4. The duo Darby and Sam performed at Bad Martha's during Porchfest.

5. Festivalgoers enjoy a screening in a previous year at the Chilmark Community Center.

6. Oak Bluffs Middle School students and faculty tossed flowers from Inkwell's shore.

can Revolution in Massachusetts. While the Vineyard’s role in that history may be a smaller chapter, it is nonetheless an important one, and the Island will take part in honoring it through exhibitions, talks, and community gatherings throughout the summer. More information about many of these events can be found by visiting the Vineyard Preservation Trust website. As the season unfolds, these new gatherings will find their place alongside the familiar rhythms we return to year after year, each contributing to the story of this place in its own way. And as always, The Grapevine will be here to follow along — sharing what’s ahead, what’s happening, and what makes this Island so special.

Emma Brodie is the first Vineyard author, to the best of my knowledge, to get the endorsements of both Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club and Jenna Bush Hager. Her new page-turner of a novel, “Into the Blue: A Love Story,” was published by Thousand Voices, the imprint Hager launched in 2025, and was chosen as Reese’s April Book Club Pick. In Vineyard parlance, this kind of endorsement is as thrilling as the SSA unexpectedly calling and saying, “You’re such a fabulous driver that we’ve decided you’ll be able to get ferry reservations on any ferry you’d like for the rest of your life.”

BOOKS Celebrating MVRHS Graduates Ila Briggs Halby

Actress Reese Witherstone started her book club in 2017. It has a large fan base of enthusiastic readers, and each month it champions a book written by a woman. Today, in my inbox, for example, there was an email from Reese’s book club extolling, “We’re swooning over the romance of it all, thinking big thoughts about destiny versus choice, and loving the importance that author Emma Brodie gives to fandom (and shippers!) in the novel.” Not surprisingly, this kind of exuberant and high-profile recommenda-

tion has helped propel the book onto the New York Times bestseller list. In a recent email exchange with Brodie, who has been living on the Vineyard year-round for the past five years, I asked her about getting word that “Into the Blue” was a Reese Book Club pick. “I found out in January, and was utterly stupefied,” she wrote. “My reaction was disbelief and absolute delight. It's such a huge honor.”

Romantic improvisations

The world of improv (improvisational acting) plays an important aspect of the novel, bringing the characters together as actors improvising scene work while working out the tensions, sexual and otherwise, in their relationship. Noah’s aunt Eudora is an actress who has garnered “multiple Tony awards, an Emmy, and an Oscar nomination,” and according to her nephew, “never does anything that’s not in her own self-interest.” Eudora cajoles AJ and Noah into working on a project with her, and she schools them in the craft of improv, which we find out is much more than trying to come up with a clever retort to an unexpected situation. Eudora’s husband Ezell, who died before he finished writing what would have been his final play, had previously written a book titled “Laughter & Death: A Handbook for Improvisation,” which offers wise lessons for improv, and life. Lessons such as, “All people play games. They’re given to us by parents, teachers, and society at large, the scripts written long in advance. Here’s what they’ll never tell you; you don’t have to play.”

“Into the Blue: A Love Story,” by Emma Brodie. BY

KATE FEIFFER

“Into the Blue” is a story of young love and unexplained loss; it’s a story of passion, ambition, lust, stepping out of your comfort zone, and making and dealing with untenable decisions. The novel spans the years 2000 to 2015. It’s difficult to figure out how much to say about a book like “Into the Blue” without giving too much away, but in brief, AJ Graves, called “Age” by friends and family, is a high school student with dreams of becoming a comedy writer when she meets Noah Drew, the scion of a family of celebrated actors. Noah graduated from the same high school AJ attends, and left college to return home because his mother is ill. The two meet when he gets a job at a video store where AJ works.

AJ and Noah appear to be falling for each other when Noah takes off without a word, leaving AJ feeling crushed, confused, and furious. The two reconnect seven years later when they are both hired to act in a reality show that is an intergalactic, improv-based TV series. That’s as much as I’m going to reveal about the plot of the novel because I don’t want to start issuing spoiler alerts.

I asked Brodie about her own experiences with improv. “I did improv at UCB [Upright Citizens Brigade, the improv and sketch comedy group whose members have included Amy Poehler and Kate McKinnon] between 2012 and 2015, and when I was trying to figure out the best way to dramatize AJ and Noah's cosmic connection, I couldn't think of a more appropriate medium for it,” she responded.

“Into the Blue” is Brodie’s second novel. Her debut was “Songs in Ursa Major,” which was published in 2022. She said she wrote the first draft of “Into the Blue” during the summer and fall of 2023, and worked on revisions for the following two years. It’s an impressive timeline, given how seamlessly the book’s various threads are woven together and how authentically she was able to capture the raw emotion of insistent young love, not to mention that she also has a day job, working as an editor for publisher Clarkson Potter.

Emma Brodie will be speaking with Jenna Bush Hager on June 29 at 7 pm at the Old Whaling Church. “Into the Blue” is available at Bunch of Grapes and Edgartown Books.

COMMUNITY NOTE

The Minnesingers hit the stage for spring

The Minnesingers of Martha's Vineyard Regional High School will present their annual spring concert on Saturday, May 9, at 7 pm, and Sunday, May 10, at 2 pm, at the Performing Arts Center. The singers have just returned from a tour in Northern Italy, where they participated in a cultural exchange, performing in cathedrals and music

schools. The spring performance of the Minnesingers, known for their energy and musicality, is often their most light-

hearted show of the year. This year also marks the retirement of their longtime pianist, Nancy Rogers, who was a part of the original Minnesingers group when it was founded in 1968. This is the final show for Rogers.

Led by director Abigail Chandler, herself a former member, the Minnesingers carry on a longstanding tradition as part of the Island’s arts community. Their spring concert is a must-see.

Unbounded energy for doing good in the world. BY

MARGE HARRIS

Energy unbounded!

That’s how I would describe Ila Briggs Halby. Ila would come into class bouncing with some news or idea, and it was delightful to be one of her teachers. She loved high school, and took advantage of every opportunity to learn, especially with Señoras Murphy and Ditchfield taking her on class trips to Spain and Mexico. Her world opened up, and there was no stopping this young woman!

Attending Boston University’s occupational therapist program, she did internships at Perkins Institute for the Blind and community outreach in a working-class neighborhood in Dorchester. During her summers on Martha’s Vineyard, she volunteered at Camp Jabberwocky, not knowing that her work with the disabled would be her passion in the future. Note: Ila and Zeno Farm recognize and use the terms disabled and disability, and see that not as a negative but as a genuine part of a person’s identity.

After BU, in order to acquire her license as an occupational therapist, Ila did internships in Austin, Texas, Stockholm, Sweden, and in the general psychiatric ward at Massachusetts General Hospital. During the summers, she returned to the Vineyard, building her waitressing schedule around volunteering at Camp Jabberwocky.

In her first year at Jabberwocky, she met Peter, her future husband. They both knew that they wanted to work in a full-time “Jabberwocky-like” program, and so they began one in Lincoln, Vt. They purchased land and began the gritty work of actually building the buildings, establishing the year-round program, developing staff primarily of volunteers. and assuring that it remained free for all participants. The farm is called Zeno, after the road it was built on, and is now in its 18th year. No matter what your disability or ability is, in this community, there is a role for you to play, to give back, and to belong. They celebrate the diversity of disability, and continue creating a yearlong program of activities, workshops, and programs all over the country, but their home base is Vermont. You make us proud, Ila. Please keep up this most important work, as your website states, “Moving the needle toward a more loving and equitable world for all.” We so need it, especially now! zenomountainfarm.org.

Marge Harris was a teacher at MVRHS for 27 years. You can contact her at margeharris@comcast.net. This column appears twice a month.

Cole Reed Herman

Kayla Herman and Adam Herman announce the birth of a son, Cole Reed Herman, on March 6, 2026, at Novant Health Medical Centerin Huntersville, N.C. Cole weighed 7 pounds,11 ounces. Proud grandparents are Crystal and Kent Reed of Kannapolis, N.C., and Pam and Donald Herman of Oak Bluffs. Greatgrandparents are Tommy and Wanda Hale of Concord, N.C., and Stan and Marie Mercer of Chilmark.

Daphne Helen Dreyer Martin

Hilary Dreyer and Benjamin Martin of Aquinnah announce the birth of a daughter, Daphne Helen Dreyer Martin, on April 30, 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Daphne weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces.

Emma Brodie

Minnisingers performing at Performing Arts Center.

TOWN COLUMNS

About our town columns, here and online

And: Tisbury has a new town columnist. BY NICOLE GALLAND

We hope you have been checking out our redesigned website, which is still being worked on, and perhaps you have noticed that we’re trying to center our coverage around the six Island towns, and as part of that we are prominently featuring our town columns. We want to make sure that in this increasingly digital age, you know that the town columns are all featured in their entirety on the new

website, and we hope they are easier to find. There are three ways to find them:

• Under the “Towns” tab, it will appear at the top of each given town’s page.

• On the website’s top menu, under “Opinion,” you will find them under “Columns.”

• On the “Island Life” homepage, the columns will be featured along with all other content from the Community section.

Edgartown

By Marnely Murray marnely@gmail.com

This is your last warning: Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, and if you haven’t figured out what you’re doing for that special woman in your life, now is the time. Can’t think of ideas for Mother’s Day? Let me be your guiding light — below are just some ideas, everything from material gifts to experiential ones, and all can be locally sourced in Edgartown.

1. A custom charm bracelet from CB Stark Jewelers: Pick a lighthouse, a right whale, or “Entering Edgartown" sign. It is the gift that

grows every year, and is deeply authentic to the Island.

2. A Morning Glory Farm CSA flower share: fresh, locally grown blooms from the farm, delivered weekly. What mother wouldn’t love this?

3. A new outfit from Katydid, one of the most

she also worked at Educomp for more than 10 years, under the aegis of the beloved and much-missed Pat Gregory.

Oak Bluffs

By Joanne Lambert joannelamber@gmail.com

“Behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.”

–Mitch Albom

Here is your official reminder: Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 10. Most of the time, mothers get taken for granted. They work behind the scenes, hoping to give their children what they need. They don’t do it for applause, they don’t want any spotlight on them. Most of

the time they are winging it and hoping for the best! That is why we need Mother’s Day, so there could be one day when the spotlight IS on the moms, and they will accept accolades and gifts. So don’t miss this chance to thank your mom. If your mom is no longer with us, just set aside some time to feel grateful for her, and do what she would like the most for you — be happy. All moms need to laugh! Lucky for us, the Strand

In related news, we are delighted to announce that Tisbury has a new town columnist! Her name is Taylor Stone, and you’ll meet her in these pages next week. But first, to facilitate her leaping in with both feet, I want to tell you a little about her.

Taylor has been a Tisbury resident for 10 years now. She moved to the Vineyard with her family just before fifth grade, and went to the Edgartown School, and then to MVRHS (class of 2009).

beloved boutiques on Main Street. Consistently wellcurated, it’s such a delight to walk in there and chat with Kate Walpole!

4. Comfortable summer shoes from Charleston Shoe Co.: Stylish, comfortable, and machine-washable. Perfect for the mom who loves practicality!

5. A piece of local wampum jewelry from Claudia Jewelry: Handcrafted, Island-made, and such an authentic and memorable gift to give.

6. A sailing sunset experience with Catboat Charters:

While at the high school, she was involved in the arts, singing with the Minnesingers and playing Snoopy in the high school play “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” She also taught dance at Rise, in Woodland Center, during its early years.

But she was chiefly a visual artist, and after graduating, she went to the Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in illustration, before returning home to the Vineyard. During that time

Book a sunset sail out of Edgartown Harbor with Catboat Charters. Sailing with Captain Kurt is one of those experiences that stays with you.

7. A curated read from Edgartown Books: Ask Mathew Tombers for a recommendation. This independent bookstore is truly such a gift to our town!

8. A vintage find from Portobello Road, a treasure hunt of a shop with books, decor, antiques, and Island curiosities. No two visits are the same, and the shop playlist is always on point!

Book a sunset sail out of Edgartown Harbor with Catboat Charters. Sailing with Captain Kurt is one of those experiences that stays with you.

will be hosting two comedy shows over the weekend. Friday it is “An Evening of Comedy with Susan Rice” at 7:30 pm, and Sunday features Ophira Eisenberg, at 7 pm. Both of these veteran comedians are smart, relatable, and hilarious. The shows are part of a weekend-long event being presented by Circuit Arts called “No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerous Proportions.” Check out the schedule at circuitarts.org. Returning home from va-

cation is never easy, but it is certainly easier when home is this Island! After being away for 12 days, just feeling the ferry pull away from Woods Hole toward home brings such comfort. I’m still not used to the sight of the new ferry terminal, though. And you have to pay attention, as they move the cars from one staging area to the next. I just read that the terminal will open in June. Maybe when it is open and active, it will look better?

The MVRHS Minnesing-

As an artist, Taylor has been an integral part of the Vineyard arts community. She was a featured artist in Featherstone’s group show, “30 Under 30” — as well as a “40 Under 40” Chamber of Commerce honoree. She’s been a member of Vineyard Artisans for 10 years, and a member of Night Heron Gallery from 2020 until it closed. You can find her this summer selling at the Chilmark Flea, and she has also appeared at Harborfest, Tivoli Day, Martha's Vineyard Center for Visual Arts (its name before Galaxy Gallery), Saturday Strolls, Christmas in Edgartown, the Ag Fair, and other events and venues. One of her creations you might recognize on Main Street is the giant cauldron that appears on Halloween. Or you may have seen her New Year’s Eve ball, which was “dropped” at the M.V. Play-

9. A dining experience at any of our local restaurants: If your mom is a foodie, a gift certificate to 19 Raw, Bettini, Town, Alchemy, Katama Kitchen, or the Terrace is always a good idea.

10. A piece of original art from North Water Gallery: The art curated here has everything from contemporary to traditional artwork, something for Mom to hang on the wall and think about the Island all year long.

11. A casually elegant outfit from Slate: It’s one of the most quietly stylish boutiques in town, and owner Liz Hynes does an incredible job bringing us the latest in fashion!

12. A bike from Wheel Happy: Give the gift of mornings of cycling around Edgartown on a beach cruiser, if that’s your kind of mom. Best

ers have returned from their performance tour in Italy, and are ready to share their talents with the community this weekend with their annual sSpring show. These shows are always so much fun, showcasing the choir and individual performances. Shows are at the PAC on Saturday, May 9, at 7 pm, and Sunday, May 10, at 2 pm. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students.

house at the turn of the year. In addition to her own work, Taylor is a champion and facilitator for others, as the coordinator of the First Friday V.H. events. She also helps organize other Visit V.H. annual events, such as Halloween Happenings and ’Tis the Season in Tisbury. She’s also the clerk of the board of the Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District. Taylor’s engagement with Tisbury isn’t limited to the arts, however; she’s also the administrator for the Vineyard Haven Business Association, so many of you might already know her. In short, Taylor Stone has spent the past decade engaging fully in her Tisbury life, and looks forward to engaging with her fellow residents to hear about how you’re doing likewise.

If you have anything you’d like to share with her in time for her first column, please reach out to her via email, at tisburycolumnist@ gmail.com.

way to see the town, and Phil Hughes can absolutely guide you in selecting the right bike for Mom! 13. Coffee date: Pick up gift cards from our local Edgartown coffee shops like Rosewater Market, Edgartown Meat & Fish Market, Cozy Corner Cafe, Espresso Love, and Behind the Bookstore, and give Mom a book of potential coffee dates with you! At the end of the day, if your mom is anything like my mom, she’ll love anything you come up with — whether it’s a gift, an experience, a coffee date, or a phone call. And to those with mothers in heaven, may her spirit be all around you on Mother’s Day, reminding you that a mother’s love is forever with us. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Edgartown moms!

The Community Greenhouse on New York Avenue opens the season with its annual Plant Sale over Mother’s Day weekend. They will be open Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm, selling organic vegetables and herbs, perennials, and annual flowers. You can become a member while you’re there, or even sign up to join the awesome volunteer team that keeps the greenhouse green.

Don’t miss this chance to thank your mom. If your mom is no longer with us, just set aside some time to feel grateful for her, and do what she would like the most for you — be happy.

Sing “Happy Birthday” to Don Groover on May 7! Diane Sylvia celebrates on May 9; she shares the day with Jamie Boyle. On the 10th we say happy birthday to Richie Smith, and we remember the unforgettable Primo Lombardi. We send birthday wishes to Primo Jr. on the 11th! Shirley Washington celebrates her day on the 12th, and we remember Marion Cardoza. Send me your news!

TAYLOR STONE

Taylor Stone, our incoming Tisbury columnist.

TOWN COLUMNS

Aquinnah

By Kathie Olsen aquinnahcolumn@gmail.com

Get ready for all the thinking and meeting and voting this week by attending the third annual “Aquinnah Variety Show” on Saturday, May 9, at Town Hall. This extravaganza, the brainchild of Kate Taylor and Laura Jordan-Decker, features your neighbors of all ages doing things you had no idea they could do. There will be singers. There will be dancers and comedy and magic. There will be poets and basketball players and actors. There is even an original minimusical production. Folks have been practicing and rehearsing for weeks, with

Laura and Kate and their co-producer, Barbara Wallen, providing guidance. There is no fee for this one, but I urge you to contribute what you can, as they do pay for various necessary things like technical help. Doors open at 5 pm, and the hall fills up quickly, so bring your family, come on down, and get in line. I guarantee a terrific evening.

Then on Tuesday, May 12, at 7 pm at Town Hall, Aquinnah will hold its town meeting. It’s an important gathering, and I urge all registered voters to finish their dinner that night, take care of bathroom needs, and get yourselves there. At the town meeting, in addition to many budget items covering everything from town staffing and infrastructure, there is a lot to consider. The playground is on the docket, as well as funding for summer programming by the parks and recreation committee. The town will vote to establish a bylaw that designates Aquinnah

as a Fourth Amendment Workplace Community, that will support efforts to inform and educate town staff, and workplaces and agencies, about search and seizure rights and responsibilities of employees and patrons. There is a warrant article authorizing the select board to dispose of certain town-owned property located at Aquinnah Circle North. There are tax issues, articles regarding ambulance service, Lighthouse needs, Dukes County needs, housing, food waste recycling (as opposed to food waste landfill), timeshare issues, support for the Aquinnah Cultural

In all, there are 31 warrant articles. You can read the full warrant by going online at aquinnah-ma.gov, or by picking up a copy at Town Hall.

Chilmark

By Claire Ganz cganz@live.com

Osprey bird counters are stopping by to check on the nests.

Last weekend

Patricia (“Tricia”) Bergeron’s ashes were laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Oak Bluffs, Zelda (“Zee”) Finkelstein Gamson was buried in Abel’s Hill, Roy Scheffer was remembered at the Ag Hall, and Catherine Mersin Mayhew was remembered at the First Congregational Church in West Tisbury, with a reception at the museum. It is striking how the dawn breaks after walking in darkness weighted with sorrow, fear, and shame.

The breathtaking beauty of the faces of neighbors and landscapes we share replaces worry. Victories and joy are remembered, and love of the kind that pounds your heart, pumping generosity, grace, kindness, well-being, and goodness into every one of your cells, until it overflows and you want to dance again, and touch the shoulder of a stranger who reminds you of someone, and tell them how wonderful they are and were. Congratulations to Ruby Russell, 16, on winning the 2026 USA Gymnastics State Championship for her age group. Congratulations to

West Tisbury

By Hermine Hull hermine.hull@gmail.com

It was overcast and chilly for both May Day celebrations I attended last week. It didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone in either group. The Chilmark School fourth and fifth graders had been practicing for weeks, and they put on an excellent performance. Our West Tisbury festivities were wellperformed and well-attended, too. Children and adults held the ribbons, dressed in flouncy skirts or serviceable blue jeans, several adorned

in flowered crowns or hats. Avril Espy called out directions for the complicated steps that turned ribbons into a woven coat-of-manycolors encasing the pole. I had never seen a Maypole dance, so it was a treat to see

Beth Goodell and Martha’s Vineyard Gymnastics. Congratulations also to her parents, Jen and Tony Russell. It takes a team.

North Tabor Farm welcomes, for a six-month collaboration, the inimitable and inspiring chef, writer, showrunner, director, and producer, and lifelong New Yorker, Irene Wong. Irene will be cooking up treats for sale in the farmstand and at the farmers market. She mentioned that this is a year where we cannot be doing the same things. We are thrilled. Congratulations, Rebecca

Haag, on election to the select board. Rebecca Haag replaces outgoing Chair Marie Larsen. Thank you, Marie, for the hours of care, thought, and work it takes to show up and provide oversight and leadership. Rebecca joins Jeffrey Maida and Matthew Poole; this week they will meet to reorganize and assign chair, vice chair, and clerk.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Barrett Oliver, board of assessors; Drew Belsky, board of health; Kaila Allen-Posin, trustee of the public library; Mar-

Center and the M.V. Shellfish Group programming, and more. In all, there are 31 warrant articles. You can read the full warrant by going online at aquinnah-ma.gov, or by picking up a copy at Town Hall. Read it in advance if you can, and come prepared for some lively discussion and terrific civic education.

The town election follows on Thursday, May 14, with in-person voting at Town Hall running from noon until 8 pm. There are no contested positions on the ballot, but rumor has it that there are several folks vying for position as write-in candidates. Open positions include one member of the select board, one library trustee, and one member of the board of health. There are openings for two members of the planning board. The positions of town clerk and the constable are on the ballot. There are also

shall Carrol and Deborah Hancock, finance advisory committee; Peter Cook, Mitchell Posin, and Hugh Weisman, planning board; Mary Grady, cemetery commissioner; Aaron Brown, tree warden and surveyor of wood, lumber, and bark; and Keith Emin, fence viewer.

Thank you to Janet Weidner, Jane Slater, Bradley Carroll, and Katie Carroll, Julie Flanders, and Tim Rich for the research and presentation honoring Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy and the 250th anniversary of

North Tabor Farm welcomes, for a six-month collaboration, the inimitable and inspiring chef, writer, showrunner, director, and producer, and lifelong New Yorker, Irene Wong.

two only a day apart. Sheila Morse, Avril Espy, Meg Carman, and Teri Mello formed the Friends of the West Tisbury Village committee after attending the town visioning weekend. They have hosted other events to bring West Tisbury residents together in our historic town center. Walking or driving around town is such a treat in the spring, watching the season unfold. The pear trees at the cemetery are spectacular. They have grown so thick

that the branches wove together above my head in clouds of white blossoms. On my way home, I stopped to watch Allen Whiting’s new lambs. I feel so lucky to live in a place with life cycles and seasons, to walk on earth instead of on cement.

M.V. Democrats will hold their monthly Zoom meeting this Saturday, May 9, at 9:30 am. Guests are Rep. Thomas Moakley, Sen. Julian Cyr, and Peter Enrich, member of the M.V. Democrats legislative committee.

On my way home, I stopped to watch Allen Whiting’s new lambs. I feel so lucky to live in a place with life cycles and seasons, to walk on earth instead of on cement.

three questions on which you can vote yay or nay: These are for funding of the Up-Island and M.V. Regional High School budgets, exemption from provisions of Proposition 2½ to allow for repairing the Town Hall parking lot, and an additional exemption for repairs to the Firehouse and town office building. Up on the Cliffs, work on the access ramp and bus shelter continues. It is finally looking like we’re on the homestretch there, and that we can be proud of our new and welcoming entrance to that special place. This week, we celebrate the birthdays of two extraordinary women. On May 6, it’s Alex Taylor’s birthday, and on May 11, we celebrate Robin Robinson. Both these ladies give a great deal to our community, and stand as shining examples for us all. Wish them well if you see them.

American democracy. The Chilmark Wool Fair and Yarn Swap will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 11:00 am to 4 pm at the Chilmark library. This daylong event will feature a community art-making project, talks, demonstrations, and a yarn swap. Fiber artists, knitters, and crocheters are welcome to sign up for our yarn swap. Spring is a great time to clean out your stash of yarn, books, and supplies. A Chilmark School art show will hang on the walls.

Beetlebung Farm is offering another class, “Demystifying Sourdough: Bread-Baking Basics for the Home,” on May 16. It includes the lesson, bread tasting, flour samples, takehome starter, and a printed recipe. It’s $60 per person; sign up on Beetlebung’s website, or at bit.ly/BF_SourdoughClass.

They will begin meeting weekly at the Howes House on Tuesday, May 26, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, to write and address Postcards to Voters. Interested volunteers are welcome.

Also on Saturday, kids in K through eighth grade are invited to “Seedlings by the Sea” from 2 to 4 pm, at the West Tisbury library. They will decorate pots, plant sprouts, and enjoy snacks.

On Wednesday, May 13, the MVRHS Building Committee will hold another information session at 4:30 pm. It’s getting close to June 2, the day we will vote on the addition and repair of the regional high school. It’s important to be well-informed.

The Up-Island Council on Aging is planning a day trip to the Providence

Performing Arts Center on June 6 to see “The Lion King.” Tickets also include the bus to and from Woods Hole and lunch. Call 508693-2896 if you are interested. The UICOA has lots of programs scheduled for every weekday. Check out its schedule.

Painter Harriet Bernstein and cartoonist Mick Stevens are exhibiting their work together at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse through May 16. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. There will be an artists’ reception on Thursday, May 14, from 5 to 7 pm. When the new Martha’s Vineyard Times website debuted, I couldn’t find my town column. You need to look under “West Tisbury,” “Opinion,” or “Island Life.”

Running a kitchen in alpha-gal times

Advice from the Vineyards’ boards of health.

BY KREM MISKEVICH COMBRA

On Monday, May 4, boards of health from across Martha’s Vineyard organized a meeting about best practices for creating an alphagal-friendly kitchen. The discussion brought together public health officials, scientists, and members of the Island’s food industry to address a condition that is becoming increasingly relevant to daily life on the Vineyard.

The conversation was led by epidemiologist Lea Hamner, who specializes in tick-borne diseases, and included Josh Levy from Vineyard Nutrition; Patrick Roden-Reynolds, a wildlife biologist who surveys ticks on Martha’s Vineyard; and local chefs Charles Granquist (Slough Farm), Everett Whiting (Fish House), and Hal Ryerson (Sweet Life).

Board of health agents Alexa Arieta and Fred Hehre were also present.

“The goal today is to get business owners, restaurant owners, people who work in the kitchens, to kind of come together in a roundtable discussion,” said Arieta to start the meeting. “To make sure that everybody understands just how serious this actually could be in your restaurant. I’ve worked in many kitchens in my life

where you’ll hear somebody say, ‘Oh sure, you’re allergic to dairy, you just don’t like it,’ but this could be really serious for someone.”

It is unusual for all boards of health to organize a meeting for the food industry. The initiative reflects the growing seriousness of the risk alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) poses. Until officials figure out what to do with the growing deer-tickspreading party, we have to assume the lone star tick will continue to affect Martha’s Vineyard’s residents and visitors.

On an island where outdoor work, farming, landscaping, and recreation are central to daily life, exposure to ticks is hard to avoid. As a result, alpha-gal is no longer a rare condition — it’s part of the lived experience for the year-round population, especially service industry staff and guests.

Jamie Hamlin, Vineyard caterer, raised a concern about working and dining outdoors. “We do a lot of work in open fields, so we are particularly susceptible,” she said. “Do any of the organic sprays work on alpha-gal? What would you recommend for treating us and the property? What are guests supposed to do?”

Roden-Reynolds emphasized the first step should be treating your clothing

with permethrin and making sure your clothes are properly tucked in. “That’s what I do when I go out on my surveys. Been here five years, only have had two bites. Even if you treat the property, it’s not going to eradicate the problem. And as soon as you venture out, you’re exposed again.”

Hamner added that permethrin has been studied for more than 30 years, and is not toxic to humans.

Levy explained the intricacies of AGS, describing it as a potentially life-threatening allergy primarily triggered by consuming — or sometimes even inhaling the fumes of — cooked beef, pork, lamb, venison, or goat. Dairy and other mammalian-derived products, such as broths, gelatin, stocks, and even refined white sugar (filtered through animal-bone charcoal) are lower-risk allergens. Certain non-mammalian products, like fish roe, red algae, or carrageenan, can also ignite a reaction.

saw his wife go into anaphylaxis within 20 minutes of eating a burger. Her reaction made him realize just how serious this allergy can be, and since then Granquist has implemented very rigorous protocols to avoid crosscontamination in his kitchen at Slough Farm. With AGS, even trace exposure can be problematic. The seasoning of a cast iron pan or grill can transfer allergens onto alpha-gal-friendly food, rendering it unsafe.

Hamlin, who has five close friends with alpha-gal, recommends recipes from the Mediterranean region, where olive oil replaces butter as the primary fat. Both her son and I (also a chef) mentioned Asian cuisines as good options, relying less on dairy and more on umami-boosting ingredients. (I have found that silken tofu is perfect for making creamy chocolate mousse, and serves as a dairy-free thickener.) Chef Ryerson used to use only veal bones as a base for his sauces. Since the alpha-gal outbreak, he’s pivoted to chicken carcasses and feet, which contain a lot of gelatin, and dried mushrooms for depth.

ABOVE: Panel, from the left, Patrick Roden-Reynolds, Hal Ryerson, Everett Whiting, Charles Granquist, Josh Levy, Lea Hamner. LEFT: Chefs and food industry leaders from around the Island gathered for the panel discussion.

tions include hives, itching, swelling of the lips and/or throat, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Consuming alcohol or fatty foods may worsen the reaction. Levy recommended using the FIG (Food Is Good) app to search for foods with alpha-gal. Since there is no cure, the only recommended treatments are to avoid mammalian products, cook your own food, and avoid getting more tick bites.

As the number of affected Islanders grows, the food industry cannot ignore this dangerous allergy. For local restaurants, creating AGS-friendly menu items is quickly becoming part of the

The alga carrageenan — a potential AGS trigger — is frequently used in vegan substitutions. Levy noted that fortunately, a lot of imitation products are labeled “carrageenan-free,” making them easier to identify.

out for lunch the other day to the Atlantic,” she said. “She stopped at the front desk to ask if they are aware of alpha-gal. They just said, ‘What?’”

Board of health agents addressed questions: Are you going to do any outreach to restaurants? How are you planning to educate the food industry?

Arieta responded that the meeting itself was intended to serve that purpose. As a chef in attendance, I noted that not all restaurant owners were there, and that the information about the meeting had been limited. The only public notice I was able to find was a single Instagram post on the M.V. Chamber of Commerce account, and the event wasn’t listed on the Inter-Island Public Health calendar.

Chefs must be honest about what they can and cannot do in their kitchens, to help their patrons make an informed decision about their health.

baseline expectation for doing business on the Island, and a sign of care for the safety of our community.

At Sweet Life, Chef Ryerson makes sure that each section on the menu has one alpha-gal-friendly dish, and maintains detailed allergen documentation. Chef Whiting has stopped using butter, and created more offerings that avoid mammalian products altogether. At the Maker Cafe, many dishes can be adapted by substituting olive oil for butter and omitting Parmesan, and are prepared in separate pans to prevent cross-contact. At MV Salads, allergy orders are handled directly by the manager.

Unlike typical food allergies, symptoms can take up to two to six hours to show up. Some common reac-

Treating allergy alerts in restaurants is challenging, to say the least. Guests tend to overuse the term to force the kitchen to accommodate their preference, and chefs often have a difficult time believing that their patron is allergic to parsley. Chef Granquist acknowledged he’d had a somewhat loose approach to AGS until he

Efforts like these reflect a growing awareness across the Island’s food industry. Yet it is apparent that even though the room was full today, there are a lot of folks who are unaware of the problem, or do not take it seriously. Hamlin shared a recent experience to illustrate the problem. “My alpha-gal friend and I went

Hehre noted that the issue is discussed at every inspection, but no policy has been implemented. The boards of health suggest that kitchens put together an “allergy kit” that contains extra-clean and sanitized utensils, cutting boards, etc. By law, food establishments are required to provide reasonable accommodation to customers with food allergies. At the same time, chefs must be honest about what they can and cannot do in their kitchens, to help their patrons make an informed decision about their health. Since there is no official policy, AGS has not made it to allergen-awareness training. It’s surprising, considering that about 500,000 Americans are battling this. Hamner called upon the attendees to advocate for the proposed “Alpha-Gal Allergen Inclusion Act,” which would require clear product labeling and make navigating this problem a lot easier for all of us. She also invited suggestions and input on how to keep educating Martha’s Vineyard’s food industry. For chefs, the issue extends beyond managing workflow. As a chef myself, my hope is that this situation will prompt a consideration of sourcing away from heavily processed foods with long ingredient lists toward more transparent, wholesome, and seasonal cooking. Hehre followed up after the meeting: “A key takeaway from today's discussion is the need for increased education and awareness about alpha-gal syndrome. To all readers: you can help spread awareness by continuing this conversation with residents and visitors; consider posting public health education materials in your business, and share the link to the Inter-Island Public Health Collaborative webpage on this topic, bit.ly/IPH_alphagal-info.”

Krem Miskevich Combra has been a private chef on Martha’s Vineyard since 2021. Seasonal, local, and safe cooking is their priority.

PHOTOS: KREM MISKEVICH COMBRA

Big Night Out

Get ready for the 29th annual Big Night Out fundraiser benefiting Vineyard Montessori School. Dance the night away at the P.A. Club with DJ Smooth B, enjoy delicious food and a lively bar, and bid on exciting items in the online auction, which features generous donations from both Island and off-Island businesses.

Free. Visit vineyardmontessori.com/bignightout to check out the fantastic online auction and join the fun while supporting a vital community resource. From 7 to 10 pm, In-person and virtual. P.A. Club, 137 Vineyard Ave., Oak Bluffs.

SAT 5/9

FRI 5/8 SUN 5/10

Open casting for ‘The Turnaway Play’

What happens when a person is denied an abortion? M.V. Sexual Wellness, Island Theater Workshop, and Reproductive Equity

Now answer this question with a performance of “The Turnaway Play” on July 16 at the Old Whaling Church. If you’d like to join the cast, there are two open casting calls, May 2 and 9. Arrive anytime between 10 am

and 1 pm, and be prepared to perform a short monologue (two minutes or less). Can't make it? Send a video (YouTube preferred) to Vineyardtenor@gmail.com by May 9. Private home: 194 John Hoft Road, Vineyard Haven.

Mother's Day brunch at Pawnee House

Don’t forget to spoil Mom! Treat her to a relaxed and delicious Mother’s Day at Pawnee House, where she will enjoy a delicious brunch featuring seasonal favorites and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From 10 am to 2 pm. Reservations are recommended. Book now at thepawneehousemv.com/ reservations. 20 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs.

TUES 5/12 MON 5/11 WED 5/13

Alida O'Loughlin photography

The "Forms, Shapes, and Patterns" show reflects the artist's view of often overlooked sights in nature and daily life. The one good thing the artist experienced during the Nazi occupation of Hol-

land as a teenager was the fact that the youth organization, Netherland Youthgroup for the Study of Nature, existed. Here she learned to see details many others missed. 9 am to 5 pm. Martha’s Vineyard Community Television. 58 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs. Please contact Alida O'Loughlin at alidamv@comcast.net or call 508-560-2648.

T‘Ticks on the Vineyard’

his online lecture series features local experts in public health, medicine, ecology, and community prevention to share the latest information about ticks on the Island. Speakers will explore ticks from multiple perspectives, including changing environmental patterns, emerging health conditions, clinical care, and communitybased prevention strategies. All programs are presented online. From 5 to 6 pm; admission:

$10 per participant; $50 for the entire series. mvmuseum.org/events/tickson-the-vineyard-series. Registered attendees will receive a link to join by email before the program begins.

Events

Pony Storytime at Misty Meadows

Catch up with West Tisbury children’s librarian Hannah at Misty Meadows for a Pony Storytime. Enjoy pony stories, songs, and meet some sweet four-legged friends.

Free, 11 to 11:30 am. westtisburylibrary.org/ publiclibrary/calendar. Event contact: Hannah Burbidge, hburbidge@ clamsnet.org, 508-6933366. 55 Misty Meadows Lane, West Tisbury.

THURSDAY, MAY 7

Dance Fitness and Strength

Training with Kris Martin

7-8 am, Airtport 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, info@airportfitnessmv.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. 508693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Open Practice Group

8-9 am, Aquinnah Town Hall. Mindfulness & meditation practice group, open to anyone interested in being more intentional and practicing with others. 413-575-0110, ruthfolchman@me.com.

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.

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. Fit for Flow with Maggie Bucci 9-10 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This fitness class, led by Maggie Bucci, is designed to get you fit to flow with the journey of life info@stillpointmv.org. Alida O’Loughlin Photography 9 am-5 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, Oak Bluffs. The Show, “Forms, Shapes and Patterns” allows for many sights unseen in Nature and in Daily Life. 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net. Wiggle with the Words Storytime 10:30-11 am, Edgartown Library. Fun props and interactive stories. Geared for ages 1-5, but all are welcome. No sign-up. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221. Tech help 11 am-1 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Free tach help 508-6932896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov.

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. Thursdays 11:00-11:30 WT Library 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org. Spring Spectacular Show

11 am-4 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Annual Spring Group Show: Sean Roach, Christie Scheele, Teek Eaton-Koch, Juliean Jarreau, and Paul Beebe. 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com. Tick Talk Thursdays: Community Q&A with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program 12-1 pm, Vineyard Haven Library. Open office hours: ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about ticks and tick-borne diseases. Register on VH Library event calendar. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. Mah Jongg for Beginners Course 12:30-2:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Learn the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg. Registration is required. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

Red Dragon Mah-Jong 1-3 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Come join us for a fun

weekly Mah-jong meetup! Bring your board or use one of ours, subject to availability. 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org. Community Knitting Circle 1-3 pm, Chilmark Library. Join us for a relaxed afternoon of knitting in the Martha’s Vineyard Room. Our knitters love to share their knowledge and beginners are welcome! 508-645-3360, chil.programs@gmail.com.

Virtual Writing Series: Writing About Nature with Caroline Joy Adams 2 pm, Vineyard Haven Library. Explore various writing topics and creative pathways in a supportive writing community led by creative writing coach Caroline Joy Adams. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. Wings of Fire Book Club 2:45-3:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Come read and discuss the Wings of Fire books with other kids who love the series! 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Ukulele Jam 3:30-5 pm, West Tisbury Library, West Tisbury. All ages and abilities. The library has ukuleles to borrow, or bring a guitar or banjo, or come to sing. wt_mail@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366.

Naptime with David Stanwood

3:30-4:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Experience the calming effect of harmonic vibration, with pianist and acclaimed piano technician David Stanwood. info@stillpointmv.org. Anime and Manga Club

4-5 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. For kids and tweens is grades 4th-7th Come talk about your favorite anime and manga! Draw and snack. Take a look at our manga collection. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org. Washington Ledesma Open Studio 4-6 pm, Washington Ledesma’s Studio, Oak Bluffs. An easy way to spend some time: meeting a well- known Island Artist in person and learn more about his whimsical creations in clay or on canvas. 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net.

Common Thread: Social Needlework Meetup

5-6 pm, West Tisbury Library. Bring your own project or learn a new skill. We can help with needle felting, knitting, crochet, visible mending or needlepoint. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.

Table Tennis

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

Pilates Flow with Camille Beauzile 5:30-6:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This upbeat Pilates class blends preventative medicine, mind-over-matter focus, and joyful movement info@stillpointmv.org.

Author Talk: “Historic Storms of Martha’s Vineyard” by Thomas Dresser 6-7 pm, Edgartown Library,. Join us for a lively talk with author Thomas Dresser about his latest book 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Jazz at Sweet Life with Jeremy Berlin 6:30-8:30 pm, Sweet Life, Oak Bluffs. Jeremy Berlin plays jazz piano every Thursday at the Sweet Life starting at 6:30 617-835-3756, emhaggerty@gmail.com. A Variety Show (No Bones Comedy Festival) 7:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. A Variety Show (No Bones Comedy Festival) 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org. No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

The edge of insanity “The

SChristophers” at the MVFC.

BY ABBY REMER

teven Soderbergh’s dark, witty comedy, “The Christophers,” playing at the M.V. Film Center starting on May 8, is a delight. Ian McKellen, at the top of his game, brings his great acting chops to Julian Sklar, an irreverent, bohemian artist past his prime. Michaela Coel counters Julian’s eccentricities with her nuanced performance as Lori Butler, Julian’s unflappable assistant.

The story’s premise centers on Julian’s estranged, money-grabbing adult children, Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning), who want to hire Lori to complete their father’s long-ago abandoned, unfinished canvases — the “Christophers.” After his death, they plan to sell the eight “newly discovered paintings” he supposedly created at the height of his career for a fortune. Lori, an artist who works as a restorer, initially resists. The children protest, first noting that their father had his assistants complete his work all the time. (In fact, the practice has art-historical precedent, as

the great Renaissance masters had their apprentices paint the backgrounds and minor figures in their works.) But Lori protests, “You said it’s a restoration job … It’s a forgery job.” Barney jumps in, “No, no. God no. All we’re trying to get you to do is complete them … Really, Lori, does it even matter?” She only changes her mind when the siblings point out that an early work by their father just sold for more than $3 million, and they agree to give Lori a large share of the profits from the sale of the forgeries.

What the siblings don’t know is that, at age 12, Lori first pursued art after seeing a painting by Julian. But as a 19-year-old art student, she appeared on a popular television show where Julian, with a flippant air, pronounced on whether contestants’ art was worthy. In a flashback, we see him cruelly dismiss Lori’s painting as rubbish.

Julian doesn’t recognize Lori when she interviews for the assistant position to help catalog his work. His initial interrogation sets his character in motion. In a nonstop soliloquy, bordering on the

“The Christophers,” playing at the M.V. Film Center starting May 8. For information and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com.

edge of insanity, he warns Lori that if she is either an admirer or an artist herself, he doesn’t want to know. Then he rambles off non sequiturs: “I’ve done nothing important in 30 years; nothing at all for 20. I was bisexual when it actually meant something. Are you any good with humidifiers?”

After Lori easily assembles his new humidifier, Julian agrees to have her as his assistant. But having deduced his children’s mercenary scheme, he warns, “Don’t talk to me about [the ‘Christophers’]. They’re a train wreck.”

Events

The plot twists and turns as Lori continually switches allegiance between the children and Julian, especially as the pair’s complicated relationship deepens. McKellen deftly conveys Julian’s fascinatingly complex character, boomeranging between moments of madness, cutting cruelty, and pathos.

Ultimately, in addition to being a really good yarn, “The Christophers” is an interesting meditation on aging, the fickleness of fame, and the monetization of the art world.

FRIDAY, MAY 8

Cardio and Conditioning with Alyson Parker

7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Cardio and strength work with weights and conditioning using your own body weight for resistance. 508-696-8000, info@airportfitnessmv.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, info@airportfitnessmv.com.

Alida O’Loughlin Photography 9 am-5 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, Oak Bluffs. The Show, “Forms, Shapes and Patterns” allows for many sights unseen in Nature and in Daily Life. 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net. 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

Seasonal Crafting 10:30 am-4 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Craft projects for ages 3-11. Fresh craft each week! Drop in. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org. Mini-Maker Craft Club 10:30 am-2 pm, Edgartown Library. A different-themed craft will be offered every week, drop in and get creative! 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Spring Spectacular Show 11 am-4 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Annual Spring Group Show: Sean Roach, Christie Scheele, Teek Eaton-Koch, Juliean Jarreau, and Paul Beebe. 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com. 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 508-645-3360. Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky 11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. To strengthen our connection to Earth and maintain balance. To sign up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366.

The Art of Home Organizing with Stephanie Radman

11:30 am-12:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Join Stephanie Radman for an engaging program on the art of home organization 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

West Tisbury Book Sale Donations 1-2 pm, Friends of West Tisbury Library Shed, West Tisbury. Donate your lightly used books for the annual Friends of the West Tisbury Library Book Sale. 617-5437898, westtislibraryfriends@gmail.com.

Big Night Out

7-10 pm, PA Club, Oak Bluffs. Free community night of dancing, auction, supporting Vineyard Montessori School 508-693-4090, admin@vineyardmontessori.com.

An Evening of Comedy with Susan Rice

7:30 pm, The Strand Theatre, Vineyard Haven. Susan Rice has been making audiences laugh for 40+ years with sharp wit and fearless storytelling. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions 508-6966300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 9

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, info@airportfitnessmv.com.

MVRHS CTE-HORTICULTURE

- Plant Sale fundraiser

9 am-12 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Oak Bluffs. MVRHS CTE- HORTICULTURE

Annual Mother’s Day Weekend. 508693-1033, kcrossland@mvyps.org.

Community Planting Day

9 am-12 pm, The Red House PRSC, Vineyard Haven. We’ll be planting gardens together to beautify our new space. 508-693-2900, jtau@mvcommunityservices.org.

Vinyasa Power Yoga

8:15 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. A Variety Show (No Bones Comedy Festival) 508-6966300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org. Continued from B7

9-10 am, Edgartown Library. Therapeutic and creative, with elements of strength building. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221. OSHA 10 / Hot Works Class

9 am-2 pm, MVRHS, Oak Bluffs. Get these certifications on island! 508693-9222, garrett@acemv.org.

Acrylic Painting

9 am-12 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Perfect your painting techniques during this weekly intermediate/advanced class! 508-693-1850, 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.

MV Dems Monthly Meeting

9:30-10:30 am, Democratic Council of MV, West Tisbury. Guest speakers, discussion, outreach for national, state and local Democratic leaders and issues. Email demsmv@gmail.com for Zoom link. 774-563-0467, demsmv@gmail.com.

Tyke Hikes

9:30-10:30 am, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Skip, waddle, or walk with your little ones alongside a Naturalist as you explore a new habitat on this one-hour program. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org. Open Casting Call for the Turnaway Play

10 am-1 pm, Private home, Vineyard Haven. Open call auditions for the Turnaway Play to be performed at the Old Whaling Church on July 16th. 508-627-2456, vineyardtenor@gmail.com. Community Greenhouse Plant Sale!

10 am-3 pm, Community Greenhouse, Oak Bluffs. Community Greenhouse Sale! Get your annual and perennial plants! Beautiful herbs and flowers. Discounts for members and memberships available on site. 774-563-8417, smiller8690@gmail.com. Carnegie Heritage Center Opening Weekend

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

10 am-12 pm, Farm Institute, Edgartown. 978-921-1944, information@ttor.org.

Baby and Toddler Storytime

10:15-10:45 am, Oak Bluffs Library. Join us for a fun-filled storytime with stories, songs, and shakers! Tummy time for our smallest pals! Great space for post storytime play. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

Adult Community Dance with Jesse Keller Jason 10:30-11:30 am, West Tisbury Library, West Tisbury. For adults and seniors of all levels. No sign-up. wt_mail@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366.

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. Mini-Maker Craft Club 10:30 am-2 pm, Edgartown Library. A different-themed craft will be offered every week, drop in and get creative! 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

Spring Spectacular Show

11 am-4 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Annual Spring Group Show: Sean Roach, Christie Scheele, Teek Eaton-Koch, Juliean Jarreau, and Paul Beebe. 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

Dear Grandma

11 am-12:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library,. Dear Grandma, 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org.

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, 508-6453360. chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com. Ballroom/Partner Dance Class 11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. On the second Saturday of the month, from 11:30am12:30pm, come to a free Ballroom/Partner Dance Class led by Tom Carberry, from MV Ballroom Dancers 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org. Sound Bath with Trish Ginter

11:30 am-12:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Registration required. Sign up at edgartownlibrary.org. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Town Bar MV Mother’s Day Brunch & Market

12-3 pm, Town Bar MV, Edgartown. Brunch + shopping at Town MV = the perfect Mother’s Day combo. Saturday, May 9th from 12–3pm for brunch, cocktails & a local makers market! 774-228-7540, hello@shoredupdigital.com.

Clowning Workshop

1-3:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Clowning Workshop 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org. Pokemon Club

1-2 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! There is no trading allowed. Ages 5-11. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

Tea Party & Spring Craft 1-3 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Tea Party & Spring Craft 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org.

Growing Cucumbers, Melon, and Squash with Ethan Buchanan-Valenti 1-2:30 pm, Beetlebung Farm, Chilmark. A gardening workshop about growing cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, and melons) 508-693-9549, programs@mvagsoc.org. Seedlings by the Sea 2-4 pm, West Tisbury Library. Join us at Seedlings by the Sea on Saturday, May 9th from 2:00–4:00pm at the West Tisbury Library. Open to kids ages K-8. 508-6930189, campbythesea@hospiceofmv.org. All Ages Chess Club 2-3:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Join us in a fun and welcoming environment. oakb_mail@clamsnet.org, 508-693-9433. Creative Movement for Birth 3-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Learn & practice proven techniques to build your confidence going into labor. WT Library 5/9 3-4:30 508-693-3366, birthwithjesse@gmail.com. Career Navigation Office Hours with AceMV

3-4 pm, West Tisbury Library. Visit the West Tisbury Library downstairs conference room on Saturdays in May from 3-4pm to learn about the career navigation resources of ACE MV 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org. Concert with The Big Kids

3-4 pm, Edgartown Library. Local musicians Shelagh Hackett, Eric Johnson, and Doug Brush perform classics from the 60s onwards. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. High School Building Tours

3-4 pm, MVRHS - Library, Vineyard Haven. The Martha’s Vineyard School Building Committee is hosting informational tours of the existing high school 518-369-6224, mary.korba@mvyps.org.

A Variety Show (No Bones Comedy Festival)

6 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. A Variety Show (No Bones Comedy Festival) 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org Minnesingers Spring Concert at MVRHS

7-8:30 pm, MVRHS Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs. MVRHS Minnesingers perform their lively spring concert May 9 & 10. A fun, high-energy show for all ages. mvrhsminnesingers.org.

A Variety Show (No Bones Comedy Festival)

No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions

Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 10

Mother’s Day Brunch at The Pawnee House

10 am-2 pm, The Pawnee House, Oak Bluffs. Mother’s Day Brunch at The Pawnee House on Sunday May 10th from 10am-2pm 508-338-2770, thepawneemv@gmail.com.

Spring Spectacular Show

11 am-4 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Annual Spring Group Show: Sean Roach, Christie Scheele, Teek Eaton-Koch, Juliean Jarreau, and Paul Beebe. 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

Sunday B-Side Brunch

11 am-2 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven. Sunday B Side Brunch: 11–2 at First Light Café. Great food, views, and soulful vinyl by DJ Vincent Patricola. Free and open to all. 508-627-4441, rpierce@mvmuseum.org.

Meditating With The Body, Turning Toward The Heart

11:30 am-12:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury.

An Exploration of Somatic Meditation, breathwork, and visualization practices, that focus on tending and listening to the heart. jenna@awakeningthewildheart.com.

A Variety Show (No Bones Comedy Festival)

2 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. A Variety Show (No Bones Comedy Festival) 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org. Minnesingers Spring Concert at MVRHS

2-3:30 pm, MVRHS Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs. MVRHS Minnesingers perform their lively spring concert May 9 & 10. A fun, high-energy show for all ages. mvrhsminnesingers.org. Between the Oaks Outdoor Church

4:30-5:30 pm, First Congregational Church of West Tisbury, West Tisbury. Intergenerational gathering to connect with the natural world through readings, prayer, and song. 508-693-2842, wtiscong@comcast.net.

An Evening of Comedy with Ophira Eisenberg

7 pm, The Strand Theatre, Vineyard Haven. Ophira Eisenberg, comedian and podcast host, headlines theaters worldwide and premieres a new special in spring 2026. Opening the show: Mike Albo. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org. Radio show - mix of stuff from everywhere

7:30-9:15 pm, WVVY - MV Community Radio, Vineyard Haven. Radio show “It’s a Big World, Open Yer Ears”. This week: a mix of everything from everywhere. 96.7 lpfm or www.wvvy.org 617-676-8160, egik_egak_egoogimak@yahoo.com. No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions

Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. No Bones: A Comedy Festival of Humerus Proportions 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

MONDAY, MAY 11

Dance Fitness and Strength

Training with Kris Martin

7-8 am, Airtport 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, info@airportfitnessmv.com. Virtual Chair Yoga with YogiJay

7:30-8:30 am, West Tisbury Library. Accessible to all levels and ages. Sign up for free by emailing wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org. Core Stability, Strength and Balance with Alyson Parker

8:30-9:30 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. A class featuring core stabilization, strength and balance; we target all major muscle groups and include some intermittent cardio. All levels welcome 508-696-8000, info@airportfitnessmv.com. Alida O’Loughlin Photography

9 am-5 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, Oak Bluffs. The Show, “Forms, Shapes and Patterns” allows for many sights unseen in Nature and in Daily Life. 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net.

Spring Spectacular Show 11 am-4 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Annual Spring Group Show: Sean Roach, Christie Scheele, Teek Eaton-Koch, Juliean Jarreau, and Paul Beebe. 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com. Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky 11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. To strengthen our connection to Earth and maintain balance. To sign up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366. ‘Cut the Cord’ Gadgets Made Easy 12:30-1:30 pm, Tisbury COA, Vineyard Haven. Cut the Cord Paying TOO Much for Cable? 508696-4205, tisburycoa@tisburyma.gov. West Tisbury Book Sale Donations 1-2 pm, Friends of West Tisbury Library Shed. Donate your lightly used books for the annual Friends of the West Tisbury Library Book Sale. 617-543-7898, westtislibraryfriends@gmail.com. Drop-in Mah Jongg 1-3 pm, Edgartown Library. Mats, tiles, and cards provided. No formal instruction. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221. Switch Games for kids and teens 3-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. Switch club Mondays from 3-5pm in the Community Room 508-693-3366, lhearn@clamsnet.org. Farm/Restaurant Meet and Greet 5:30-7 pm, Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury. A meet and greet for farms and island wholesale food buyers (chefs, caterers, etc.) 508-693-9549, programs@mvagsoc.org.

Writers Read on Zoom 7 pm, West Tisbury Library. Email Niki Patton to be a reader or listener at this event: gaia1muse@ gmail.com. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 12

Cardio and Conditioning with Alyson Parker

7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Cardio and strength work with weights and conditioning using your own body weight for resistance. 508-696-8000, info@airportfitnessmv.com.

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.

Pilates Flow with Camille Beauzile 9-10:15 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This upbeat Pilates class blends preventative medicine, mind-over-matter focus, and joyful movement info@stillpointmv.org. Alida O’Loughlin Photography

9 am-5 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, Oak Bluffs. The Show, “Forms, Shapes and Patterns” allows for many sights unseen in Nature and in Daily Life. 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net. Little Naturalists

9:30-11:30 am, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Let curiosity lead the way in this playful program for children and caregivers. Explore nature through free play, sensory activities and time outdoors 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org. Play Kitchen and Store

10 am, Oak Bluffs Library. Come enjoy watching your kids be creative and solve problems! For ages 2-6. Drop in between 10am-noon. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org. Free Range Fun

10:15-11 am, West Tisbury Library. Enjoy a room filled with parachutes, scarves, bubbles, music and more to explore! Recommended for ages 0-5 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org. Work From Home, From The Library

11 am-12 pm, West Tisbury Library.Get help working remotely with child watch at the library. 11-12pm on 5/12, 5/26 508693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org. Spring Spectacular Show

11 am-4 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Annual Spring Group Show: Sean Roach, Christie Scheele, Teek Eaton-Koch, Juliean Jarreau, and Paul Beebe. 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com. SQUAD FITNESS with Triva Emery • BeWell-MV 11 am-12 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. SQUAD FITNESS with Triva Emery • BeWell-MV 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org.

Events

Balance with Kanta Lipsky 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This is a one-hour class based on the gentle, flowing movements of Qigong (Chi Kung) info@stillpointmv.org.

Lego Club

2:45-4 pm, Chilmark Library. Kids Lego Club 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com. Drop in for our Teen and Tween Art & Craft Class

3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury. Teen and Tween Art & Craft Class at the library-meets every Tuesday, from 3:30-4:30pm. ages 10-18, supplies provided. 508-693-3366, lhearn@clamsnet.org.

ASL Practice Group

4:45-5:45 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Want to learn ASL? Come drop in on our conversational practice group! No experience necessary. 508-693-9433, sschofield@clamsnet.org.

Knitting Group

5-6 pm, West Tisbury Library. Creativity and conversation. Use supplies provided or bring your own. Adults and teens. No sign-up. wt_mail@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366.

Ticks on the Vineyard: What We Know 5-6 pm, Vineyard Haven. A five-part online series with local experts exploring tick trends, health risks, and prevention strategies on Martha’s Vineyard. 508-627-4441, events@mvmuseum.org. Table Tennis

5 pm, Tisbury Senior Center, Vineyard Haven. Table tennis for all ages and skill levels. 508-728-5898, raeobmv@gmail.com. Living Differently: A Conversation with Kate DeVane

5-6 pm, Vineyard Haven. A candid conversation about autism, community, and daily Island life 508-627-4441, events@mvmuseum.org.

Armchair Traveler - Thailand with the Malik Family

5-6 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Armchair Traveler - Thailand with the Malik Family 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org.

What’s News at MVH #2: The Surgeon’s Secret–It’s Not Just About the Cut 6 pm, Katharine Cornell Theatre, Vineyard Haven. Learn about the latest surgical procedures and diagnostic services available on the island, including knee/hip replacement surgery and foot/ankle care 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

Library Walking Group

8:30-9:30 am, Edgartown Library. Join Library Director Lisa Sherman for a walk around town! 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Barre Fusion with Maria McFarland

8:30-9:30 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Ballet styled flows, barre work, balance and weights using disks, loop bands and Bender balls. Come with sneakers, barre sox, or bare feet 508-696-8000, info@airportfitnessmv.com.

Play Reading at Tisbury Senior Center

9 am-12 pm, Tisbury Council on Aging, Vineyard Haven. Play Reading for Artistic, Literary and Dramatic Pleasure 201-207-7568, monahennessy1@gmail.com.

Alida O’Loughlin Photography

9 am-5 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, Oak Bluffs. The Show, “Forms, Shapes and Patterns” allows for many sights unseen in Nature and in Daily Life. 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net. Tour of the Rhododendrons Collection with Tom Clark

10 am-12 pm, The Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury. 508-693-9426, pollyhillarboretum.org.

Outside Storytime 10:15-10:45 am, Oak Bluffs Library. Join us for a fun-filled storytime with stories, songs, scarves, and a parachute. All ages are welcome. We’ll be inside with poor weather. 508-693-9438, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

Pony Storytime at Misty Meadows 11-11:30 am, misty meadows equine learning center, West Tisbury. Join Hannah at Misty Meadows for a Pony Storytime 5/13 11-11:30. Enjoy pony stories, songs and meet some 4-legged friends. 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org. Spring Spectacular Show

11 am-4 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Annual Spring Group Show: Sean Roach, Christie Scheele, Teek Eaton-Koch, Juliean Jarreau, and Paul Beebe. 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

Mah Jong 1-3 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Come join us for Mah Jong every Wednesday from 1-3:00 @ The Up Island Council on Aging . 1042 State Rd West Tisbury 508-693-2896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov. West Tisbury Book Sale Donations 1-2 pm, Friends of West Tisbury Library Shed, West Tisbury. Donate your lightly used books for the annual Friends of the West Tisbury Library Book Sale. 617-543-7898, westtislibraryfriends@gmail.com.

Virtual Reality for Tweens & Teens 3-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. For ages 10-18. Each participant’s time depends on the turn-out. lhearn@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366.

Drop-in Knitting Group with Cindy Bonnell

3-5 pm, Edgartown Library. All levels are welcome to bring their projects for support and inspiration. programs@edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Fit Camp with Bonnie Kingsbury 3-4 pm, Edgartown Library. This fun afterschool youth fitness program 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Kids Crafts -Mini Mosaics

3:30-5 pm, EMS Building, Vineyard Haven. Make a fun miniature mosaic.jrapuano@clamsnet.org. MVRHS Building Project Community Information Sessions

4:30-5:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Representatives from MVRHS and the building project team will share the latest design updates, outline next steps, and answer questions from attendees 518-369-6224, mary.korba@mvyps.org.

Virtual Tick Talk: Permethrin-treated clothing with Insect Shield 5 pm, Vineyard Haven Library, Vineyard Haven. Learn about the innovation, technology, and safety record behind this tick-bite prevention tool. Presented by Insect Shield President Jason Griffin. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Inside Circuit Arts: Art, Marriage & Collaboration

5-6 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven. Brooke and Brian Ditchfield discuss Circuit Arts, collaboration, and how they’ve shaped Martha’s Vineyard’s cultural scene together. 508-627-4441, events@mvmuseum.org. Música Do Circulo/Music of the Circle 5-6:30 pm, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. MÚSICA DO CIRCULO is: playful, singing, improvisation, games, rhythm, melody, harmony, connection, movement, fun, FREE and JOYFUL! Led by Roberta Ki 774-563-0318, roberta@bewellsing.com. Quilting Circle

6-7:30 pm, West Tisbury Library, West Tisbury. All are welcome. For details, email Wendy at wgnierenberg@yahoo. com or call the library at 508-693-3366. Homegrown Club Meeting

6-7 pm, Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury. The monthly meeting of our Homegrown Club for island edible growers 508-6939549, programs@mvagsoc.org. Piano Dream Sailor: Winter Reapings 2026 with David Stanwood

6:30-7:30 pm, Stillpoint, Vineyard Haven. Please join David Stanwood at Stillpoint for an evening of original compositions info@stillpointmv.org. High School Building Tours

6:30-7:30 pm, MVRHS - Library, Vineyard Haven. The Martha’s Vineyard School Building Committee is hosting informational tours of the existing high school 518-369-6224, mary.korba@mvyps.org. Free English Classes

7-8 pm, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, Vineyard Haven. Free English Classes offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Basic conversational classes offered. To register text 774-563-0460. brentbrown81@gmail.com. “Dinner & A Movie” Night at The Pawnee House

7-9:30 pm, The Pawnee House, Oak Bluffs. “Dinner & A Movie” Night at The Pawnee House on Wednesday, May 13th 508-3382770, thepawneemv@gmail.com. Adult Board Game Night

7:30-10 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Adults are welcome to join us at the Barn and Bowl Bistro for a variety of board games and socializing. 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

Dance Fitness and Strength

Training with Kris Martin

7-8 am, Airtport 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, info@airportfitnessmv.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.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Open Practice Group

8-9 am, Aquinnah Town Hall. Mindfulness & meditation practice group, open to anyone interested in being more intentional and practicing with others. 413-575-0110, ruthfolchman@me.com.

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.

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. Fit for Flow with Maggie Bucci 9-10 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This fitness class, led by Maggie Bucci, is designed to get you fit to flow with the journey of life info@stillpointmv.org. Alida O’Loughlin Photography

9 am-5 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, Oak Bluffs. The Show, “Forms, Shapes and Patterns” allows for many sights unseen in Nature and in Daily Life. 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net. Wiggle with the Words Storytime 10:30-11 am, Edgartown Library. Fun props and interactive stories. Geared for ages 1-5, but all are welcome. No sign-up. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221.

Tech help

11 am-1 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Free tach help 508-6932896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov. 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. Thursdays 11:00-11:30 WT Library 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org.

Spring Spectacular Show

11 am-4 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Annual Spring Group Show: Sean Roach, Christie Scheele, Teek Eaton-Koch, Juliean Jarreau, and Paul Beebe. 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com. Tick Talk Thursdays: Community Q&A with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program 12-1 pm, Vineyard Haven Library. Open office hours: ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about ticks and tick-borne diseases. Register on VH Library event calendar. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Mah Jongg for Beginners Course 12:30-2:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Learn the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg. Registration is required. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

Discover Belly Dance!

1-2 pm, Tisbury COA, Vineyard Haven. Discover Belly Dance! Thursday, May 14th at 1PM 508696-4205, tisburycoa@tisburyma.gov.

Red Dragon Mah-Jong 1-3 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Come join us for a fun weekly Mah-jong meetup! Bring your board or use one of ours, subject to availability. 508-693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org.

Community Knitting Circle

1-3 pm, Chilmark Library. Join us for a relaxed afternoon of knitting in the Martha’s Vineyard Room. Our knitters love to share their knowledge and beginners are welcome! 508-645-3360, chil.programs@gmail.com.

Virtual Art History Series: The Painter’s Palette–A History of Color 2 pm, Vineyard Haven Library. Led by art historian Mary Woodward. Register on Vineyard Haven library event calendar. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Wings of Fire Book Club

2:45-3:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Come read and discuss the Wings of Fire books with other kids who love the series! 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Book Buddies

3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. High schoolers reading to kids! 2nd and 4th Thursdays 3:30-4:30 WT Library 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org. Library Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting

3:30-5 pm, Edgartown Library. The Board’s monthly meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of the month 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Needle Felting for beginners ages 12-adult 4-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. Thurs 5/14 at 4pm we have a beginner needle felting class for ages 12 to adult and class size is limited, please email or call to register. 508-693-3366, lhearn@clamsnet.org. Anime and Manga Club 4-5 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. For kids and tweens is grades 4th-7th Come talk about your favorite anime and manga! Draw and snack. Take a look at our manga collection. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

Common Thread: Social Needlework Meetup 5-6 pm, West Tisbury Library. Bring your own project or learn a new skill. We can help with needle felting, knitting, crochet, visible mending or needlepoint. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org. Table Tennis 5 pm, Tisbury Senior Center, Vineyard Haven. Table tennis for all ages and skill levels. 508-728-5898, raeobmv@gmail.com. Parenting with Support 5:15-6:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Parenting with Support 508-6939433, cphelan@clamsnet.org. Pilates Flow with Camille Beauzile 5:30-6:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This upbeat Pilates class blends preventative medicine, mind-over-matter focus, and joyful movement info@stillpointmv.org.

Author Talk:”Under Two Flags:A Novel of World War I” by Janis Robinson Daly 6-7 pm, Edgartown Library. Join us for an engaging talk with award-winning historical fiction author Janis Robinson Daly 508627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. Jazz at Sweet Life with Jeremy Berlin

6:30-8:30 pm, Sweet Life, Oak Bluffs. Jeremy Berlin plays jazz piano every Thursday at the Sweet Life starting at 6:30 617-835-3756, emhaggerty@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Cardio and Conditioning with Alyson Parker 7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Cardio and strength work with weights and conditioning using your own body weight for resistance. 508-6968000, info@airportfitnessmv.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, info@airportfitnessmv.com Alida O’Loughlin Photography 9 am-5 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, Oak Bluffs. The Show, “Forms, Shapes and Patterns” allows for many sights unseen in Nature and in Daily Life. 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net.

A

perfect combination

The Empty Bowls project creates community.

BY ALLISON ROBERTS

On May 9, there will be a supper and silent auction in support of the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA). The Empty Bowls project is a grassroots, international movement where artists and community members create handcrafted bowls, serve a meal, and donate proceeds to food banks.

“The Empty Bowls supper movement originated in 1990 in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and was created by art teacher John Hartom

and his wife, Lisa Blackburn, as a communitybased response to local food insecurity in 1990,” says Pam Benjamin, director of Sense of Wonder Creations (SoWC), and organizer for the local Empty Bowls fundraiser. “This has become a perfect combination of creative and artistic ideas, where the community can come together to help relieve the suffering and needs of children and families around the world.”

Benjamin says she got involved with MECA through Palestinian friends whose families live in Gaza. “The Middle East Children’s Alliance gives to children in Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon, but the Martha’s Vineyard Empty Bowls supper project is earmarked for children and families in Gaza.”

Artists who are contributing a bowl include Bill O’Callaghan, Geoffrey Borr, Micah Thanhauser, Amy Nevin, Victoria Correnti, Brendan Coogan, Leslie Freeman, Darcie Hanaway, Lola Northrop, Jennifer McCurdy, Merry Farm Pottery Crew, and several high school students. Gina Stanley of the ArtDliff Diner and Beetlebung Farm are donating

Dispensing love

Family and community hold space in M-C Lamarre’s art.

BY ALLISON ROBERTS

Being part of a large family can be chaotic and loud. There’s no such thing as privacy. But having an army of siblings can also provide built-in friendships and a lifetime of support. As one of 10 kids, Island artist M-C Lamarre knows this well. She beams when she talks about her family. Along with Island-related images, she even incorporates family members into her artwork.

“I give a little nod to my family by including their interests and hobbies into my prints — my dad’s love of baseball, my brother’s love of music, a swan to symbolize when my parents got married,” she says.

Lamarre attended Providence College, where she majored in fine arts, with a concentration in ceramics. “I did my junior year in Italy, which really shaped a lot of my choices,” she says. “Art is influenced by its location, the time it was made, and the resources that are available.”

Like many artists, Lamarre has reinvented herself several times — sometimes out of necessity, and sometimes to avoid creative stagnation. She landed a groovy position as the tour manager for Artrain USA, the nation's only art museum on a train. “As tour manager, I was responsible for onboard operations from the time the train left Ann Arbor in January until it returned in November. We brought art to communities that might not otherwise have access to it,” she explains.

Once that tour ended, Lamarre needed something new, and wound up painting murals. “I didn’t know how to paint, but I taught myself,” she says.

Since Lamarre is a baseball fan, it’s fitting that her most noted mural work is painting the likeness of Fenway Park’s iconic Green Monster. She has traveled to 23 states and Canada, painting the Green Monster. “I have painted more than 190 Green Monster murals, and they are located in both commercial and residential settings, on both interior and exterior surfaces, in bars, bedrooms, basements, bonus rooms, and more.”

Then COVID hit. “I couldn’t be inside anyplace,” she says. So she reinvented herself again by creating rope baskets. “I didn’t know how to sew, but I bought a sewing machine, spools of rope, and taught myself. Everyone was really responding well to the baskets, but with everything that was happening with my dad, who had Alzheimer’s and dementia at the time, I kept having to go off-Island and help my mom care for him, and then come back and work on the baskets. It was a lot.”

Sadly, two years ago, Lamarre’s father passed away, and two months later, her brother also passed: “When my dad and my brother died, I just sort of lost the wind in my sails. I just couldn’t do art. I have always functioned creatively, so it

M-C Lamarre in her studio in front of one of her art vending machines.

PHOTOS: M-C LAMARRE

M-C Lamarre showing one of her many Potluck Print carvings.

“Each red little box hosts a different collection of hand-carved, hand-colored, and hand-stamped prints by me. Four quarters will bring you a little burst of love in the form of a mini art print.”

–M-C

LAMARRE

was upsetting. I tried everything. I went to Maine and found a rubber-stamp-carving class, and it helped me focus. I wanted to learn something new that required 100 percent of my attention.”

On-Island, with the help of Althea Freeman-Miller, artist and owner of Althea Designs, Lamarre began learning the process of carving and printmaking: “I would carve in class and outside of it, and learn more about the process, with Althea’s help. She shared her materials and tools and was very forthcoming, which I appreciated. Printmaking was freeing. It’s not forgiving, so you have to learn to live with errors — unlike with painting.”

Lamarre’s printmaking journey sparked her popular Potluck Prints venture, also lovingly referred to as “vending machine art.” “The original idea for vending-machine art came from a woman in Maine who started it as a way to get her prints out and get quarters to do laundry. These machines were in grocery stores, and filled with stickers and temporary tattoos, when I discovered them.”

Lamarre has four mini-art vending machines that she places around the Island. On her website, she describes what’s inside them: “Each red little box hosts a different collection of hand-carved, hand-colored, and hand-stamped prints by me. Four quarters will bring you a little burst of love in the form of a mini art print. Every

“This

has become a perfect combination of creative and artistic ideas, where the community can come together to help relieve the suffering and needs of children and families around the world. “

—PAM BENJAMIN

bread; Cronig’s and Stop & Shop are donating salad; Waterside Market and Mo’s are donating desserts.

Glenway Fripp and David Stanwood will provide live piano music, followed by the Dock Dance Band. Soup, salad, bread, and

single design has been inspired by those I love, those I lost, and experiences that have shaped me, and the little Island of Martha’s Vineyard, on which I live.”

Freeman-Miller says she remembers M-C wanting to create art that felt simple, true, and fun: “She was seeking community. She was feeling the pain of loss. Printmaking served as healing handwork and connection. The vending machines created community. Accessible art. Collection connection. I share a similar story, so I knew the feeling. I love seeing her success, and I proudly hosted a machine at my studio in August. It helped me connect to a new wave of art collectors. So magical!”

The Potluck Prints have been a big success, says Lamarre: “It’s been a whirlwind. People from all over are collecting my cards, and other artists’ cards, online. Since some people aren’t here, I’ve created packs of cards I call ‘mini mailers,’ that I send out. I also try to place the vending machines in different towns at the same time, and in new businesses to help promote them.”

At one point, other community members were invited to create their own Potluck Prints: “I spent the month of January focused on some mural projects and planning the 2026 MV Potluck Prints season. While I was busy at my work, I invited the Island community to pick up blank cards and create prints, cards, or inspirational words that would be put into the mini-art

dessert will be served, and at the end of the evening, each attendee will take home a beautiful handmade bowl. Suggested donations are $35 to $60 (or higher) for adults. The event is organized and sponsored by Sense of Wonder Creations, Olive Branch Fair Trade, and Expanding the Conversation.

Call Pam Benjamin at 508-693-3142 for more information and to make reservations.

vending machines. The community responded, and I received more than 400 prints. The machines were loaded with all the prints, with the intention that 100 percent of the proceeds were going to M.V. Hospice and Palliative Care, as I utilized their services for 13 months of grief counseling.” Not all of the cards have cycled through the machines yet, so Lamarre is working on a couple of ideas about how to dispense them in order to create a larger contribution to M.V. Hospice.

Lamarre will be releasing new vending machines the first Saturday in May. “They will be at Reliable — Bob will be in the machine again [a print of Bob Pacheco, the owner] — Edgartown Hardware, the Maker, and I’m waiting to hear back from Black Sheep. It’s not a monetary thing,” she continues. “It’s more regaining my sense of self, having lost what was so much a part of myself when my father and brother died —

they were two of my biggest cheerleaders.”

Visit M-C’s website, mclamarre.com. You can also find her on social media at instagram.com/mclamarre and facebook. com/basketcasemv#.

One of Lamarre's rope baskets.

A variety of Potluck Prints.

PHOTOS: M-C LAMARRE

COURTESY SOPHIE FREITAS

MECA's water-trucking project in Gaza.

Owner of Reliable Market, Bob Pacheco, with his very own Fenway Franks Potluck Print.

A school for 240 students that MECA helped fund opened in Gaza.

ISABELLE ANTHONY

The High SchoolView

The High School View is staffed and prepared entirely by students from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, and published on their behalf by The Martha’s Vineyard Times.

Ms. Ferrone walks the teacher’s path

BY PENNY HADDAD

Walking into English teacher

Christine Ferrone’s classroom, one is likely to see desks arranged in a horseshoe, where daily literary debates take place, and student projects on a wall opposite windows that look out onto the courtyard — at this time of year, a cherry tree is in full bloom and on display. For Ms. Ferrone, teaching is not only about informing young minds, but also about connecting with students, nature, and the Island commu-

nity on a deeper level. As one of the most senior staff members at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS), Ms. Ferrone currently teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Literature, Capstone, and a course on the “Psychology of Happiness.”

Senior Samilly Guimaraes said, “When I took Ms. Ferrone’s happiness class, my perspective on life changed completely. She was someone who was able to give me the light at the end of the tunnel when I needed it most. Ms. Fer-

“Teaching is the most challenging and difficult profession, while also being the most rewarding,” said Ms. Ferrone. “I consider it a spiritual practice, because when you're interfacing with so many people, so many students, it's as if you are confronting the human condition, and you are inevitably confronting yourself.”

The paradox of something being negative and positive at the same time is a central theme in Ms. Ferrone’s AP Literature class, and mirrors the tension she is able to hold in her own life.

teaching chose me, and for me it's probably true.”

After spending a year teaching English in Colombia, followed by a year teaching English at Scituate High School, Ms. Ferrone moved to the Island. She has taught a variety of courses within the English department, and became the department chair in 2020, where she is known for her empathic and collaborative leadership style.

stantly is just how many people I've met on this island who are so curious and passionate in their own ways. People who want to be in deep conversation, and who have an appreciation for the community and are able to show up in such authentic ways.”

rone is a teacher who takes time to help students when they're struggling, and explains things in a way that resonates with us.”

'Senior assassin' game returns with a creative spark

Seniors sprint across neighborhoods and hide between bushes, water guns in hand, while scanning the streets for their target and waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger. This year’s senior assassin, an annual student-run game where students are assigned classmates as targets to “kill” with water guns is back, with a money prize of $700 and unlimited bragging rights on the line.

The class of 2026’s game started on April 3, with 106 seniors playing. Currently, there are six players still competing, with the winner expected to be announced in the following week.

Junior Kelly Pacheco is this year’s senior assassin coordinator, and explained how the game works.

“Friday at 8:15 at night, new targets will open up, and you'll get assigned a random target. And then you have a week to get your target out.

BY MARIA BARROS

And when you get your target, you get an elimination point, which means you're safe for the next week,” she said.

Kelly also explained the Purge Day rule, when stakes get even higher. “Friday is the only day of the week where it's “Purge Day,” which means nobody is safe, and you can get anybody out, no matter if they’re your target or not,” she said.

This year, senior assassin became a showcase of creativity and strategy, as players started to think outside the box. Senior Syius Rivera Rigali decided to spend a night in his car to avoid being taken out. Cars are one of the safe zones during the game.

“It was the first day of the game, and me and my friend were working out at Be Strong, and then both our people showed up, and I ran into the bathroom and stayed there for a while ... And then I got home, and they were there, and I was like, ‘They’re probably going

Editors-in-Chief:

to be here next morning, so I might as well just stay in my car,’ because I was going to get up early to go get my target anyway,” he said.

Senior Milo Sullivan, who also helped organize the event, said, “My target for the first round was Xeandre Miller, and he’s an athlete. I chased him around for like 30 minutes one morning ... I kept looking for him, and he hid under his neighbor’s tarp.”

Among the most talked-about moments of the game was Nick Merriam’s elimination of Ronan Mullin, which was turned into a creative video edit that was shared on the senior assassin Instagram page, and has been viewed 3,450 times. One of the rules of the game is that students are required to film themselves when they eliminate their target. Behind the scenes, senior assassin is organized by Kelly with help from senior coordinators Milo Sullivan and Nora Motahari. “I want

Though she’s been a teacher for almost 30 years, she did not originally consider teaching as a career path. “Teaching felt like a logical extension of my [undergraduate] course of study, which was English and American studies,” she said. “I've often said that I didn't choose teaching,

to make sure that everything runs smoothly and is fun for the grade, because everyone's worked really hard, and we deserve a fun little game at the end of the year,” Nora said. While the game is popular among students, it is not without its detractors. Critics of the game take issue with the way that it may normalize violence, or potentially lead to misunderstandings with law enforcement if students' water guns resemble real weapons. For this reason, the seniors’ version of the game includes a variety of rules, including a requirement that students’ water guns not resemble real weapons.

For most seniors, the biggest impact of the game is how it brings classmates together in the final months of high school.

Elle Mone said, “I think that it definitely brings everyone together, because even if there are little arguments, most of the time they’re either fake or everyone laughs about them. Either way, it’s everyone talking and interacting with each other — which doesn’t always happen. It’s super-fun, and has brought people closer together in sort of a different or nontraditional way.” HSV

Outside of school, Ms. Ferrone engages with the community — and often former students — by participating in writing groups and theater productions.

She also values her frequent beach walks and dog walks through the local forests.

“I really like the quietness of the Island, when you can be out in nature. I think this place is pretty magical,” she said. “And what astounds me con-

Much like the “both/ and” view Ms. Ferrone inspires her students to take in her AP Literature class, she finds teaching both exhausting and rewarding. She said, “It tests my capacity for empathy, compassion, and kindness both to myself and my students. I take what I do as a teacher all so seriously, maybe a little too seriously, and that's what I've learned too, how to show up each day not only with the intent to shape minds and hearts to the best of my ability, but also to try and hold it all with some lightness.” HSV

Izzie Anthony and Pickle Eville • Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Maria Barros • Faculty Advisers: Kate Hennigan and Rachel Schubert

ISABELLE ANTHONY

English teacher and department chair Christine Ferrone greets her freshman mentor group before classes begin.

PHOTO COURTESY GUINEVERE CRAMER Student government volunteers, from left, Addison Blake, Tessa Schultz, Linden MacLeod, and Margaret Moehnke, delivered seltzers to teachers throughout the first day of teacher appreciation week. Other scheduled acts of appreciation include a morning kayak with Island Spirit Kayak, massages with Allyson Metell and Lucy Benedetto, yoga with Yogi Jay, a Black Sheep breakfast, and gift raffles all week long.

THE ART OF TAYLOR AND LORI STONE.

Although Taylor Stone’s art and that of her mother, Lori Stone, are in different media, they share a passionate love of nature. Taylor is perhaps best-known for her bright, whimsical, three-dimensional cut-paper framed illustrations inspired by nature and fueled by her imagination. Fairies and trolls amusingly inhabit her colorful woodland scenes. A similar sense of magic animates Lori’s distinctively quirky dolls from the early 2000s that seem to have leaped off the pages of fairy tales.

Lori Stone's quilt has been a major inspiration in her daughter Taylor Stone's art.

PHOTOS:

Continued from B14 Taylor says, “While my mom doesn’t make fiber art these days, she’s still very much alive, and loves spending time in her garden at home.” In fact, the winterberries, daffodils, roses, bleeding heart, and tulips depicted in the wall hanging flourish in her mother’s garden.

“I’dbeendreamingofdoingashowforthe pastyearthathighlightsbothofourart,”Taylorcomments.Whenanopportunityarose tomountashowattheMinerFamilyGallery,openingontheFridayofMother’sDay weekend,shejumpedatthechance.Sheadds, “It’sinterestingbecauselastyearonMother’s Dayweekend,Iaskedmymothertoshow meallofherartwork.Herartandmineare similaratheart,intheirfeelingandenergy, eventhoughthey’reinverydifferentmedia” Speakingoftheirdrawtonature,Taylorsays, “WedefinitelymovedtotheIslandin2001 becausenaturewasimportanttous,soit’sno surprisewe’vebeeninspiredbyflowershere” Taylorhasbeenstudyingthewallhangingforinspiration.Shesays,“Itoccurredto me,Whydon’tItreatmymom’spieceasmy

“I want to encourage people to talk to their moms, slow down, and smell the flowers.” –TAYLOR STONE

master study? She wasn’t just an artist. She was a talented artist, and really good at what she did. I think this is a great opportunity for me to see things from her perspective. To ask, ‘Why’d she make this choice? Why did she pick these flowers? I wonder how she came up with this composition.’”

Taylor’s process begins with lightly sketching the hand-stitched names of the flowers and their general shapes in her mother’s composition on tracing paper. After researching the blooms, Taylor adds details to her sketch: “Since the wall hanging is unfinished, part of me can guess what she may have wanted to add with the stitching, or think about how I can play with the image on my own.” The final step is to translate the composition into cut-paper collages, which,

like her other art, are layered to create depth in the final framed image.

Taylor will also be exhibiting a book she created with her mother. “Another crazy kismet moment is that 2026 also marks 10 years since ‘Vineyard Magic: A Collection of Wildflowers [And Other Sightings] on Martha’s Vineyard.’" The hand-stitched book, bound on the edge with flower-infused paper made by Island paper artist Sandy Bernat, features striking color silhouettes of blooms native to the Vineyard, and an accompanying poem that the mother and daughter collaborated on. “She’s always been my editor,” Taylor notes. “She knows about publishing and printing, and I knew she was a great writer. We started from the beginning, thinking about what we wanted to make sure we cov-

ered in the poems, and how the colors should flow through the book like a rainbow. It was a lot of sitting out in the backyard on sunny days, writing poetry about fairies.”

Taylor intends to include visitors in the show: “I hate going to an art show where you’re intimidated about walking around, where you feel like you can’t touch anything, and it’s too serious. I always like incorporating an interactive element that lets people create or add something. I plan to have precut pieces of paper, and encourage everyone to draw a flower and leave it there, so that by the time we close, we’ll have another display of flowers.”

Asked what she hopes visitors will come away with from the mother-daughter show, Taylor says, “I want to encourage people to talk to their moms, slow down, and smell the flowers.”

“A Season of Flowers” at the Miner Family Gallery, located at 34 Beach St. Extension in Vineyard Haven,

from Friday, May 8, to June 3. Opening reception is on Friday, May 8, 5 to 8 pm.

runs

1. See Lori Stone's floral work, above, and how her daughter Taylor Stone has drawn inspiration from the quilt. 2. One of Taylor Stone's sketchbooks filled with her colorful artwork. 3. Taylor Stone's three-dimensional cut-paper plants, flowers and nature scenes are whimsical and a joy to see. 4. Lori Stone's dolls are beautifully intricate. 5. Taylor Stone practices her techniques in her sketchbooks.

6. Lori Stone stitched a biblical phrase in the center of her floral quilt.

Garden Notes

BY ABIGAIL HIGGINS

would be truly recognizing the gift of darkness, or becoming educated about the living world’s many natural processes that require nighttime darkness. While it is biologically correct that almost all life on earth is light-driven, it is also biologically correct that the diurnal turn to darkness is equally necessary.

Flowery May seems to have come our way, although spring drags its feet a bit more than we, impatient for sunshine and warmth, might wish.

The shadbushes create delicate clouds of blossom in woodsy places; treasure one if it shares your space. The frail blossoms’ ephemerality in the Island year is as much cause for pensiveness as are the famous flowering cherries to the Japanese sensibility.

Dramatic emergence dominates woodland-style gardens, with new tree leaves in the near distance and, close by, Solomon’s seal, mayapple, Jeffersonia, fiddlehead ferns, and more busting up through their covering of old leaves and debris. These settings seldom need cleanup in the usual sense, maybe just keeping an eye out for weeds.

Soil temperatures are slowly on the rise. The soil thermometer registers different readings in different spots, having borderline readings between cool and warm in two places, and of barely warm (60°) in one more. With more sunshine and less overcast, soils will rapidly warm.

If this is similar to your soil, it means, impatient as we are, that dahlias, beans, sweet corn, peppers, and other warm-season plants should wait — there is no

advantage in planting warmseason seeds and plants into cool soils. Go ahead with cool-season crops: lettuces, cole crops, spinach, peas, onions, and potatoes: All fine.

Dark skies

Suzan Bellicampi recently publicized the mission of the dark skies movement in her “All Outdoors” column in the Gazette. The struggle against light pollution and light trespass is an uphill battle. Here, it seems our many new Island neighbors think it is cool to string bright lights everywhere, to turn nighttime into day on decks and patios, and even to uplight trees, and then to never turn them off — leaving them burning all night long.

Islanders who travel out West or down under return home extolling the wonder of the billions of stars they have seen in the dark skies of these distant latitudes and meridians. However, here at home there is a disconnect: no awareness of nonstop, 24hour synthetic daylight we impose on ourselves, on our neighbors (light trespass), or on our living world.

Instead, it would be very cool if Island residents and people newly moved here were to become delighted and entranced with the Island’s still relatively dark nighttime skies — they do remain lovelier than the mainland’s.

What would be very cool

Rather than duplicating the conditions that far too many urban and suburban Americans live under, where light pollution causes nighttime skies that are sort of grayish, with only the brightest stars and planets visible, we could be far more proactive in pro-

1. Ostrich fern, and Jeffersonia in foreground.

2. Variegated Solomon’s seal and mayapple.

3. Goblet-flowered ‘Sayonara,’ one of the loveliest magnolias.

4. Early spring garden: Peony shoots and bleeding heart.

tecting the natural wonder of dark nighttime sky.

In fact, Nantucket, Chilmark, and West Tisbury already have dark sky regulations in place. Nantucket honors the Nantucket-born astronomer, Maria Mitchell, with its bylaw (bit.ly/MA_ DarkSkiesTowns). However, as with many bylaws already on the books, enforcement is dilatory, and people are often reluctant to rat out their lighttrespassing neighbors.

Leeks

At Thanksgiving, when my dinner contribution was to be braised leeks, I was horrified to see dark specks of insects on the perfect vegetables I had harvested only days before. It looked as if the entire large crop would be ruined by allium leaf miner. The leeks recovered, however, and grew well through winter under the snow. They could well have been a component of the oldtime “hungry gap” (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_gap).

Blue-violet coloration signifies cold hardiness, which the leek ‘Bleu de Solaise’ exhibits. Look for the characteristic when selecting for seed-saving. Now, though, some are beginning to bud, and need to go into the kitchen ASAP. They are easy to turn into leek and potato

soup, a culinary standby of many variations and cuisines and, depending on the individual recipe used, an alphagal-congruent one.

In the garden

Forsythia has no pollen or seed production. Its reproductive strategy is to tip-root: Branches root where they touch, quite quickly. Prune them now to shape and to prevent forsythia creep. These rooted pieces may also be used to start a forsythia hedge or room, if you have space or inclination.

Pruning after flowering of other spring-flowering shrubs happens now, to avoid losing next spring’s flowers. An exception (There is always an exception, right?) is lilac. Avoid pruning lilac until after the egg-laying phase of active lilac borers has passed, usually July; the pruned woods’ scent attracts the female lilac borer. Flowering magnolias are signs of longtime residency and continuity. Today’s ownership mode appears to preclude planting one of the loveliest of flowering trees. Seasonal residency or shortterm? Perhaps no one is there to see it in flower. It is ironic, therefore, that we see many flowering plums, and weeping cherries grafted onto standard trunks. These trees are cliché, and often become ungainly or exhibit disease problems that magnolias do not, even though many magnolias are also grafted.

Mark narcissus and early spring bulbs such as snowdrop in need of dividing. Snowdrops transplant best “in the green,” before foliage withers. Screen and spread compost; every bit of it produces great results for soil and plants such as peonies and bleeding heart. Shearing early-season bloomers, such as creeping phlox, arabis, and iberis, immediately after flowering makes them shapely for the rest of the season. Start a feeding program for roses: one to two cups of low-number, organic soil food scratched around the base once a month. These plants need adequate moisture to produce bloom; give one inch of supplemental water weekly if it is dry. Tick check every night. Don’t scratch — investigate!

PHOTOS: ABIGAIL HIGGINS