MV Times October 22, 2026

Half-million for the Island’s environment A5

Thursday, October 22, 2026

New MVCS headquarters open A6

THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD TIMES

Volume 43, Issue No. 42

2 Sections

Katama Meadows overwhelmingly denied by the MVC

Price $1.00

At the seventh meeting about the 54-acre subdivision proposal, commissioners finally made a decision. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON

‘THE BIG EASY’ First time fishing on-Island, a Louisiana native takes home the Derby grand prize. BY PAUL W. BAGNALL

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avid M. Gerhardt traveled all the way from Louisiana this fall to fish for the first time on Martha’s Vineyard. And he was just in time for the last week of the Derby. Before last Tuesday, Gerhardt had never even seen a bluefish, let alone caught one, but when he landed a giant one, it became clear to him and everyone fishing with him that there was a good chance

he’d just secured a spot on the daily leaderboard and possibly even a Derby key. By the time the crowd gathered for the 81st annual Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Awards Ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Gerhardt, 44, was not just a daily leader — his 21.1-pound bluefish was one of the six grand prize winners, and he was given one of the six coveted keys.

BY EUNKI SEONWOO

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he whole country is counting down to the much-anticipated midterm elections, which will determine the congressional sway of a divided country and serve as a referendum of sorts on the presidency of Donald Trump. While Massachusetts isn’t a battleground state, there’s still excitement, which could be seen when Islanders congregated at Five Corners in Tisbury as one of more than 3,000 No Kings rallies that took place across the country on Saturday — the same day early voting began in Massachusetts. This time, rather than purely anti-Trump messaging, the focus Continued on A9

See Lisa Belcastro's fishing column about the Derby ceremony on A16.

Soaring fuel costs prompt a call for hikes in ferry tickets

Early voting underway as Island counts down to midterm election Islanders cast ballots for gubernatorial candidates and nine questions on statewide issues.

And then came the moment when Derby President John Custer ceremoniously saw which of the leaders’ keys would open a padlock and who would get to drive away with the big prize, a Jeep Gladiator Mojave X. Continued on A15

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

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ne of the largest housing proposals ever evaluated by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) was overwhelmingly rejected last Thursday after seven long and heated sessions in which commissioners weighed not only the plan in front of them but also the consequential impacts of vast housing development on the Island. Katama Meadows, the 54-acre subdivision that was eventually denied Thursday, had been widely criticized since its introduction to the regional planning board. The final MVC decision could set a precedent for future development on the Island. In a brightly lit meeting room Thursday night, commissioners deliberated the merits of the project as nearly a dozen Islanders lined teal chairs and watched in silence. More than 40 people observed the meeting over Zoom. Before the last “no” vote echoed in the room, the energy was increasingly charged. The final vote was 10 to 3 with one abstention from West Tisbury Commissioner Ernie Thomas. Behind the scenes of the historic decision were emphatic letters of both opposition and support, expert testimony, pending lawsuits and state rulings, hours of deliberation, and board member recusals that all surfaced during regional review of the proposal. As the chips fall, there remain profound questions about the subdivision which at one point was supposed to include up to 52 lots for residential housing, and what a denial to the developer means for the Island. From broad policy implications to the acute Continued on A8

SSA plans to open public forums on budget and fares. BY EUNKI SEONWOO

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ecord-breaking prices for diesel fuel are driving increases in the cost of shipping and trucking around the world, and that economic pain is hitting home here on the Island as the Steamship Authority (SSA) looks to increase fares to offset the rising costs. For Islanders, that means an uptick in ferry ticket costs to access, from a 50¢ increase in an adult ticket to $4.25 increases for Vineyarders bringing a car aboard. SSA is looking at a preliminary 2027 budget of $174.2 million. First presented to the Port Council on Sept. 1, the proposed budget is a 7.5 percent increase from the 2026 budget of $162.08 million. Still, this isn’t the final version, and SSA Treasurer and Comptroller Mark Rozum said he expects “these things to change somewhat as things materialize.” The potential rate increases also reflect the SSA’s pattern of utilizing fare adjustments Continued on A7

EUNKI SEONWOO

Steamship Authority ferries docked in Woods Hole.

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news

October 22, 2026

news in brief Chilmark Police help stranded dolphin Two Chilmark Police officers pulled on waders near Abel’s Hill, a private neighborhood in Chilmark, last Monday and went across the pond to reach the South Shore, where a dolphin was beached. Bret Stearns, a full-time Chilmark Police officer and member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Greater Atlantic Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network, which responds to local calls of stranded, entangled, or injured marine mammals and sea turtles, said he received a text message in a group chat of Island responders at 1:36 pm. The text said that a short-beaked common dolphin was stranded and seen by beachgoers. Short-beaked common dolphins have a “distinctive ‘hourglass’ color pattern” of dark gray, light gray, and tan or yellow, and tend to grow to be between six to eight feet long, according to a NOAA spokesperson. The one found in Chilmark was estimated at six feet. “While the cause of this stranding is unknown, investigations into previous dolphin strandings have identified causes such as infection, biotoxins, human interactions, and malnutrition,” a spokesperson for NOAA said in an email to The Times. The beachgoers had tried to put the dolphin back in the water with a towel, but the dolphin only beached itself again, Stearns said. The same thing happened when Stearns and Michael Duella, another Chilmark officer, arrived at the beach around 2:35 pm. Stearns said that they found the dolphin alive high on the shore and away from the water; the dolphin had no visible injuries, and had “plenty of vitality.” They used a large wool blanket to cradle the dolphin out to the ocean. But during attempts to refloat the dolphin, it came back to the shore several times. The last time Stearns and Duella carried the dolphin out, they walked out as far as they could, and watched the dolphin head past the “second surf.” It’s not natural or instinctive for dolphins to repeatedly beach themselves, Stearns said. “There’s usually something wrong” if that’s their tendency, he said. He said he hopes for the best, and NOAA has pictures and details of the event for the future. The network hasn’t received any additional reports of this dolphin as of Thursday, Oct. 15, the NOAA spokesperson said. If you see a stranded, distressed, or dead marine mammal, contact a local stranding network artner, or call NOAA’s stranding hotline at 866-755-6622.

State awards grants for local housing initiatives Housing projects in each Island town received a funding boost of more than $400,000 through the seasonal communities designation, part of a statewide initiative to increase housing stock and affordability in municipalities that “experience significant seasonal swings in housing demand and employment,” according to a press release from the governor’s office. Gov. Maura Healey’s administration announced the awarded grants Tuesday, Oct. 20, as part of the Seasonal Communities Grant Program (SCGP). Local towns received six of 24 total grants, which totaled $2 million. “From the Berkshires to Cape Cod and the Islands, our seasonal communities are an important part of what makes Massachusetts special,” Healey said in a press release about the grant funding. “But we know these communities face unique challenges, especially when it comes to housing for the people who live and work there year-round. That’s why we created the seasonal communities designation, and are backing it up with funding to help local leaders build more homes, support their workforce, and keep their communities strong for generations to come.” The SCGP is designed as assistance for

Chilmark Police Officer Michael Duella was one of the responders to the stranded short-beaked common dolphin.

BRET STEARNS

municipalities with a heavy reliance on tourism. The Vineyard is one of 44 designated municipalities through the Affordable Homes Act, a substantial state housing bond bill that was signed into law in 2024 by Healey. In March, approximately $775,000 was awarded to local housing projects on the Island in the first round of grant funds seen by towns from the designation. Housing continues to be the crux of the Island’s economy, as The Times reported this spring, and the sustainability of both is increasingly at risk as the seasonal nature of Martha’s Vineyard pushes rental and homeownership costs to higher margins. The grants awarded on Tuesday are for infrastructure, development, and construction of projects like Bellevue Veterans Community in Oak Bluffs and Carl Widdis Way in Aquinnah; they can also be used for town and housing planning, local zoning, and other actions that support housing development. Three out of six grants are to Island Housing Trust (IHT), the largest nonprofit affordable housing developer on the Island. The awards must be spent by June 30, 2027. IHT was additionally awarded a $750,000 grant for Cat Hollow, a six-unit affordable housing project in Tisbury, through the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program. This award was through a separate state grant package, the Community One Stop for Growth Awards. “Island Housing Trust collaborated this year with Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Aquinnah to secure approximately $950,000 in state grants through the Seasonal Communities Grant Program and Housing Works Infrastructure Program. This money will fund predevelopment and construction costs for active town projects, as well as muchneeded municipal infrastructure upgrades that will support imminent affordable housing projects serving Island residents,” IHT told The Times in a statement. In addition to the grants for seasonal communities, the state announced $65,153 in funding to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) for updates to the tribe’s Hazard Mitigation Plan Tuesday. The plan is a federally recognized document created by the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe that outlines climate risks and introduces strategies to mitigate those using traditional ecological knowledge. The funds were awarded through the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance program, and are administered by the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. “The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has a deep and enduring connection to their homeland on the southwestern tip of Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s essential that the tribe’s knowledge and priorities guide efforts to prepare for the impacts of climate change and natural disasters,” Cape and Islands State Sen. Julian Cyr stated in a press release about the funds. “This funding will help the tribe do just that, allowing for bolstered hazard mitigation planning that is rooted in the tribe’s values, concerns, and intimate relationship with the land.”

The seasonal communities grants: • Aquinnah: $56,820 for Carl Widdis Way (four units), plus predevelopment funds for Maisie’s Way (four units) • Chilmark: $60,024 for the Peaked Hill Pastures development and rehabilitation of an affordable home (15 units) • Edgartown: $76,423 for 294 Chappaquiddick Road (five units) • Oak Bluffs: $77,140 for Bellevue Veterans Community through IHT (12 units) • Tisbury: $74,960 to the Cat Hollow project through IHT (six units) • West Tisbury: $69,737 for duplexes at 401 State Road through IHT (eight units)

The Governor hits the market The Steamship Authority’s (SSA) oldest vessel, the freight ferry Governor, hit the market this fall. Bids are open until Dec. 8, and the ferry line previously assessed the Governor at an estimated value of $325,000. It’s currently docked at the SSA’s Fairhaven repair facility, after serving one more summer as a spare ferry. The SSA board unanimously approved selling the double-ended freight ferry in May as the ferry line looked at which vessels to replace in its fleet. While other vessels, the Sankaty and the Nantucket, were also under consideration for sale, the Governor was ultimately considered the riskiest to keep. It has antiquated systems, and maintaining it up to standard and crewing the vessel would cost an estimated $1 million a year. The Governor has sailed since 1954, first in California as the Crown City. It exchanged hands over the years, from Washington State Ferries to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Governor began sailing with the SSA as a backup vessel for the Vineyard route in 1998.

Edgartown Police hire second Portuguese-speaking officer The Edgartown Police Department formally swore in a new patrol officer who speaks Portuguese at the Edgartown Select Board meeting on Monday, Oct. 19. Officer Miguel Jarillo, 23, an Oak Bluffs resident, stood before his peers from the Edgartown Police Department, members of the Edgartown Select Board, and other residents as he was sworn in as the newest police officer by Edgartown Town Clerk Karen Medeiros. Jarillo is now one of two officers in the local department who speak fluent Portuguese, which Edgartown Police Chief Chris Dolby called “a very big asset.” According to 2020 census data, 14 percent of people in Dukes County identified themselves as Portuguese or Brazilian. Jarillo also fills a vacancy after the town lost officers to the Aquinnah department, which faced severe staffing shortages. Jarillo was born and raised on-Island. He attended Edgartown School and graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in 2022, where he played right of-

fensive guard for the football team and defensive midfielder for the boys’ lacrosse program. He said he also played a little soccer. Jarillo already worked as a traffic officer for the Edgartown Police Department in 2023, and graduated from the police academy as a Tisbury officer in March. Jarillo said he conducted patrols in Tisbury and helped the community as much as possible, and looks forward to his time in Edgartown. “It feels good,” he said to meeting attendees. “I’m very excited to start in Edgartown. The people of Edgartown have been extremely nice to me, so I’m thankful and grateful.” Dolby also said goodbye to Edgartown Police Sgt. Ryan Ruley, who is transferring to the Aquinnah Police Department as chief of police as of Nov. 6, and credited Edgartown for sending quality officers to other departments across the Island. “Look at what the town of Edgartown has provided back to the Island: chiefs, supervisors. And I think that’s a credit upon the town of Edgartown, the community that supports us, and the previous leaders at the Edgartown Police Department,” Dolby said. Continued on A3

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news A3

October 22, 2026

Gov. Healey addresses alleged rape at State Police barracks Candidates asked about State Police misconduct at the final gubernatorial debate. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA

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ov. Maura Healey and Michael Minogue made their case to voters Thursday in the final gubernatorial debate ahead of the Nov. 3 state election, and one of the topics dicussed was the alleged rape that occurred at the Massachusetts State Police Barracks in Oak Bluffs in August, which sparked a fiery exchange between candidates. Panelist Adrian Walker, a columnist and associate editor for the Boston Globe, asked Healey and Minogue how they would change “the culture of misconduct in the State Police.” “Massachusetts State Police have opened an internal affairs investigation after a trooper let a friend stay at the Martha’s Vineyard State Police barracks, and he allegedly raped a woman, and that’s just the latest scandal for the agency,” Walker said. Edward Joseph Brown, 27, of Boston was arraigned Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Edgartown District Court, and pleaded not guilty to a felony rape charge. The charge stemmed from an Oak Bluffs Police investigation into a reported sexual assault on August 15 by a suspect who stayed at the Massachusetts State Police barracks on Temahigan Avenue in Oak Bluffs this summer to visit a trooper friend.

Brown works in the Department of Safety Services for Boston Public Schools, attorneys said at the arraignment, and was on the job at Boston Latin Academy in Roxbury when he was arrested Oct. 9 by Oak Bluffs and Boston police. Brown was held at the Dukes County Correctional Facility until he posted a $10,000 cash bail. During the debate, Healey said that she was proud to have the support of the State Police in the race, and highlighted her appointment of Geoffrey Noble, the current superintendent of the department. “Col. Noble has come in and with his management team done a wonderful thing in my view,” Healey said. “Do things happen? Sometimes things happen, but I can tell you, he and I make sure that swift action is taken.” Minogue, the Hamilton Republican, responded, “I think the governor just said, ‘Sometimes things happen.’ That is unacceptable,” he said. “A woman was raped. ‘Sometimes things happen’ is not acceptable.” In his initial response to Walker’s question, Minogue blamed leadership. “It starts with the leader, and we have to make sure that we have high expectations, and this other person

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

Gov. Healey came to the Island to visit new hospital workforce housing in June 2025.

shouldn’t have even been there,” Minogue said. The Oak Bluffs barracks, located at 51 Temahigan Ave., are living quarters for officers stationed on-Island. The official State Police website doesn’t clarify whether civilian guests are allowed to stay overnight. Media relations for the State Police responded Tuesday to questions from The Times about a guest policy. Since Brown’s arraignment, Noble has prohibited overnight guests at the temporary housing units used by troopers during seasonal assignments on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Noble also directed the development of a formal written policy that requires written approval from the barracks commander for guests, who have to be accompanied at all times. An internal af-

fairs investigation by the department is open and active. “As a person with two daughters and as a person who was raised a certain way, this is not acceptable in the culture. I will make sure that corruption is not tolerated,” Minogue added. He said that people need to be held accountable for “this type of nonsense,” and claimed Healey doesn’t do that. Brown was released on conditions to stay away and have no contact with the alleged victim and any potential witnesses, to turn over any firearms to Boston Police, and to check in with probation once a week. There is a pretrial hearing scheduled for Dec. 11 at the Edgartown District Courthouse.

news in brief bership-based organization that works with schools and government groups to improve school transportation management. Ashley Lopes, MVYPS assistant superintenA neighborhood of permanently affordable rental units in Oak Bluffs, Tackenash Knoll, is dent, said that the new van, which went into use last week, was added to the fleet of three open for applications. school buses that serve the area after parents Lease applications opened Oct. 13, and will shared their concerns about students being on close on Dec. 13. The homes, built by Island the buses for long periods of time. Housing Trust in partnership with the town “We’re hoping that this will ease the time on of Oak Bluffs and Affirmative Investments, the longer routes up there,” Lopes said. “We’re will be available to Islanders earning between 30 percent and 120 percent of the area median seeing that kids are using those vans at the income (AMI). For an individual, this range is moment, and we’re continuing to look at the an annual income of $34,300 and $137,050. For routes throughout the district to see if there’s any consolidations that can happen.” a family of four, the annual income range is Despite potential consolidations of less busy $48,950 to $163,100. routes, Lopes reassured that no staffing cuts Tackenash Knoll is a neighborhood of 60 The first phase of a plan to cut 52 acres of would be made to the district’s bus drivers. white pine plantations to restore native spe- one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. “We’re not looking to reduce any staffing. It’s located at 85 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven cies in the State Forest stalled this month We’re just looking to have routes in better Road, next to the YMCA and across from the after the bid process proved unsuccessful, places that kids are,” she said. Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. once again. Lopes, who started as assistant superinFor applicants who earn below 50 percent The state Department of Conservation AMI, rent is income-based. Those who earn and Recreation (DCR), which owns and tendent in August, told The Times that she’s manages the Manuel F. Correllus State For- above 50 percent AMI can see applicable rent focused on addressing the issue of tardiness in costs on the application. est, received only one bid over the winter school transportation, which she attributes to a Each unit has a dishwasher, microwave, and shortage of bus drivers. when they put out a request for quotes refrigerator. Laundry, a community room, bike (RFQ) in mid-January. The bid exceeded “A priority right now is getting kids to school the budget, and the agency planned to rebid racks, and a bus stop are located in common on time, which should be every year … and areas in the neighborhood. The apartments are also making sure we have buses run where stuthe project in the fall. pet-friendly, with a limit of one per unit. But this time around, they received no dents are,” she said. The nonprofit manager of Tackenash Knoll, bids in response to the RFQ, a spokesperson Other upgrades in the works include orderfor DCR said in an email to The Times. Bids Community Builders, held an information ing routing software, implementing an online session on Oct. 15 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at were due on Friday, Sept. 18. timekeeping system for drivers, and a possible The spokesperson said DCR plans to eval- the Oak Bluffs library. A second informational partnership between MVYPS and the Vinesession is on Nov. 21 from 10:30 am to noon at yard Transit Authority (VTA) to recruit more uate options to move the project forward. The phased project has received criticism the Oak Bluffs library. Both sessions will have school bus drivers. virtual options available for joining. from some Islanders, who even fought for a required environmental impact report on the project. Officials eventually found that earlier processes and other documents were sufficient to stand in the place of a report. The Massachusetts State Police barracks loMichael Blanchard, a photographer, galcated at 51 Temahigan Ave. in Oak Bluffs is As the Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools lery owner, and daily patron of the State officially closing its doors to overnight guests (MVYPS) undergoes an independent audit of Forest, told The Times in an email, “The its transportation department’s practices, sev- at the temporary housing units where troopers fact that no one bid on this latest proposal stay during seasonal assignments on the Island eral implemented and potential changes were should not go unnoticed. For nearly two and Nantucket. presented at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional years, a group of concerned Island citizens The decision comes after an incident that High School (MVRHS) committee meeting on has remained actively engaged in this issue allegedly occurred at the barracks on August Monday. — gathering more than 1,500 signatures, 15, in which a woman said she was raped by The implemented changes include the adconsulting legal resources, participating in Edward Brown, a Boston Latin Academy secudition of a van to transport students residing the public process, and closely monitoring rity administrator who was on-Island to visit in the up-Island towns to MVRHS and the each step of DCR’s plans for the State ForUp-Island Regional School District’s (UIRSD) Ryan Costello, a state trooper on assignment on Martha’s Vineyard. est.” He added that there is a plan to start a elementary schools. The Island’s schools also Brown was arraigned on a felony rape charge nonprofit for the protection and stewardenrolled in the Massachusetts Association at the Edgartown District Courthouse on ship of Island forests. of Pupil Transportation (MAPT) — a mem-

The Edgartown department also recently saw Continued from A2 Officer Jefferey Trudell transfer to the Aquinnah department as a sergeant. Trudell and Ruley’s vacancies and the hiring of Jarillo brings the Edgartown department to 18 officers, one short of its approved staffing of 19. Dolby said they will advertise an opening soon. “That’s OK with me. These guys get along and further their careers in a small police department,” Dolby said in the meeting. “For those guys to be able to leave and make those advancements — I’m proud of that.”

Tackenash Knoll rental units open for applications

State Forest cutting plans stalled after no bids

State Police close door on Bus changes arrive for Island public overnight guests at the barracks schools as audit continues

Tuesday, Oct. 13, when Assistant District Attorney Courtney Scalice said the alleged victim woke up naked in bed in an unfamiliar location, and when she tried to leave, a man matching Brown’s description forced himself on top of her and raped her while she was kicking and screaming. Oak Bluffs received 911 calls of a “distressed female, naked, on the side of the road,” according to a press release from the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, by the barracks at 12:57 am on August 15. She was taken to the hospital, where a SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) kit was administered. Since the arraignment, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble has prohibited overnight guests at the temporary housing units on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. He is also directing the development of a formal written policy that requires troopers to receive written approval from the barracks commander for visitors to enter non-public areas of the property and for visitors to remain accompanied at all times. “These allegations are deeply troubling,” Noble said in a statement shared with The Times. “The Massachusetts State Police are fully cooperating with the ongoing criminal investigation and conducting an internal review of applicable policies, visitor authorization procedures, and compliance with established requirements. I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, security, and accountability at all State Police facilities and ensuring that any identified deficiencies are addressed with appropriate corrective action.” Sgt. James Webster, the current station commander at the Oak Bluffs barracks, declined to comment, and directed further questions to State Police media relations. Brown’s charges stem from an ongoing investigation into the incident by Oak Bluffs Police. An internal affairs investigation by the state department also remains open and active. The incident and culture of Massachusetts State Police was a topic presented to Gov. Maura Healey and Republican candidate Mike Minogue at the final gubernatorial debate last Thursday. Brown pleaded not guilty at the courthouse on Oct. 13 and was released with conditions, including a stay away and no contact order with the alleged victim and any potential witnesses, after posting a $10,000 bail. Brown’s next event at the Edgartown courthouse is a pretrial hearing scheduled for Dec. 11.

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October 22, 2026

EDITORIAL As the clock ticks down to what is expected to be a historic midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Islanders will have plenty to consider in this election cycle, from candidates running for federal and state office to a total of nine statewide ballot questions. The large number of ballot questions make it the busiest slate the state has seen in more than a generation, and include important proposals on everything from expanding the state’s public records laws to whether the state should repeal the existing cannabis laws. But the question on the ballot that we feel deserves particularly careful attention for Islanders is Question 7. This ballot question proposes a law that would become a much-needed ratchet set in the Island’s toolkit that could help address the housing crisis by lowering barriers to the construction of smaller, more affordable homes. Ballot Question 7 is worthy of consideration because it is pointed directly at addressing perhaps the greatest challenge for the Island and communities across the Commonwealth: how to solve the housing crisis that is severely impacting young families who are first-time buyers, as well as older homeowners looking to downsize. Specifically, Question 7 proposes a law that would allow single-family homes to be built in residential zones if the lot is at least 5,000

Ballot Question 7 addresses affordable housing

square feet, has at least 50 feet of land bordering the street, and has public sewer and water services. It also allows cities and towns to regulate some aspects of the homes, like the dimensions of the building, open space, parking, and, perhaps most important to the Island, whether it can be used as a short-term rental. According to the secretary of state’s information for voters, “The proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably regulate certain aspects of those single-family homes, including their height, distance from neighboring buildings, open space, parking requirements, and whether they can be rented out on a shortterm basis. The proposed law would also allow the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to issue guidance or regulations to administer the proposed law.” The arguments in favor of this ballot question are clear on our Island: Allowing smaller homes to be built on smaller lots than before means there will be more affordable homes, and that will help us to dissuade our younger Islanders from leaving and allow our seniors to

find a way to stay by downsizing more easily. The arguments against this question also have merit, as the proposed law goes against local zoning, and doesn’t necessarily consider local conditions like environmental protection, the condition of existing infrastructure, and the extraordinary surge in the population during our summers. Removing local decisionmaking can create unintended consequences. Considering around 43 percent of the Island is permanently reserved for conservation, it raises practical concerns about how much land we really have to allow for more construction, and it raises questions about the balance between sustainability and development. It overlooks concerns about the need to expand wastewater infrastructure with a more comprehensive wastewater management plan. But, on balance, we believe the benefits represented in Question 7 outweigh the concerns and would allow the Island to establish a commonsense pathway toward more affordable housing. And right now, this Island needs to do everything it can to be sure that happens.

LETTERS Understanding Ballot Question 7

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

Charles M. Sennott • Publisher

Note to Readers The Times welcomes letters to the editor on subjects of interest to Islanders. Each letter must include the name, address, and phone number of the writer. No exceptions, no anonymous letters, no pen names. All letters are subject to editing for style, taste, sense, and conciseness. Five hundred words is the outer limit. We publish most letters, but not all. The editor chooses. Letters will normally be published in the week they are received, but not always. The Times accepts letters by mail and e-mail.

To the Editor: Question 7 on the November ballot would require every Massachusetts town to allow a single-family home on any lot of 5,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage, as long as the lot has access to public sewer and water. Whatever you think of its goals, understand what a yes vote does: It takes one of the most basic planning decisions away from our towns and hands it to a statewide formula. Towns can already do this. Any town meeting can reduce its minimum lot size tomorrow, and the state even pays towns that adopt starter-home districts. Island towns have looked at that choice and declined so far, because unrestricted small lots do not produce year-round housing here. Question 7 doesn’t give towns a new tool; it takes away the right to decide, and an edict from Boston is the wrong way to settle a question that turns entirely on local conditions. Here those conditions are plain. The measure assumes a lot with access to sewer can take on more homes. Oak Bluffs expects only about 150,000 gallons of added treatment capacity by 2028, and nearly all of it is already committed, mostly to nitrogen cleanup our ponds depend on, the rest to housing projects already in the pipeline. Edgartown faces similar limits. Tisbury’s plant can treat 139,000 gallons a day, and the town’s wastewater plan already commits all of it: The downtown is capped, the new State Road district takes the rest, and the next expansion costs $10 million or more. Question 7 would allow a home on every 5,000-square-foot sewered lot, inviting lots to be divided to that size, and each new hookup would compete for capacity already promised to affordable housing and water quality. Nor is there any guarantee these homes would house year-round residents. The Island’s problem is not a shortage of houses; it is that too few of the ones we have are lived in year-round. On an Island where a small lot near town is prime second-home property, smaller lots without restrictions will add to the seasonal stock, not fix the imbalance.

A no vote from the Island sends Beacon Hill a clear message: Seasonal communities need the authority to tie small-lot housing to year-round or affordable use, and to tie sewer “access” to real capacity. If Question 7 passes anyway, those protections will have to come from the legislature, and our towns will need the same voters behind them. Either way, vote no on Question 7, and then stay engaged. Ben Robinson Tisbury Ben Robinson is a chair of the Tisbury planning board. He is writing as a resident.

To a successful Gay Head 10K To the Editor: We are writing to express our heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding success of this year’s Gay Head 10K — Run for the Light — Road Race. Now in its 13th year, the race took place on Sunday, Oct. 4, on a spectacularly beautiful day at the Cliffs. The event, and the many hours of work that go into bringing it to life each year, are a testament to the power of community spirit and the generosity and dedication of our neighbors, visitors, and local businesses alike. Our sincere thanks go to Chief Randhi Belain and the Aquinnah Police Department, Gordon Perry, the town of Aquinnah, Tri-Town Ambulance, and all the volunteers (including the MVRHS cross-country team!) who worked tirelessly to ensure the race’s smooth execution. Your hard work and commitment are instrumental in making this event such a success. We thank Tom Seeman and Island Source for the water along the course and at the race finish. The postrace feast generously provided to our runners from the Gay Head Store, The Outermost Inn, Quitsa Kitchen, Morning Glory Farm, and Juli Vanderhoop is always a special part of the event. It gives runners, volunteers, and spectators a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of the day together while taking in the extraordinary beauty of our surroundings, right under the lighthouse. We are equally grateful to our local business sponsors, whose generosity helps sustain the race year after year, and to the

Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation for serving as our fiscal sponsor. Their sponsorship plays a crucial role in the race’s continued success, and its positive impact on our community. The proceeds from the Gay Head 10K race contribute to the vital maintenance of the 1856 Gay Head Lighthouse. This iconic landmark is a beacon of our community, and your support helps ensure its continued splendor. Congratulations to all the runners who competed in the race, and especially to Sam Fetters of Vineyard Haven and Anna Riordan of Northborough for their accomplishments as first male and first female, respectively! We hope to see you all next year — the first Sunday in October! Until then, keep on shining! Meg Athearn, Eliza Curtis, Hilary Dreyer, Casey O’Connor, Reaan Steenkamp, Ashley Van Murphy, Martha Vanderhoop, and Beth Wike Gay Head 10K Race Committee

Congratulations to the Schifter family To the Editor: Congratulations to the Schifter family, winners of the 2026 Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Sportsmanship Award! Martha’s Vineyard Beachgoers Access Group (MVBAG) congratulates the Schifter family on receiving one of the Derby’s most meaningful honors. Rick Schifter accepted the award to a standing ovation from hundreds of attendees — a powerful tribute to the Schifter family and what they’ve done for our community. The Derby has always been about more than catching fish. It’s about community, friendship, and memories that last a lifetime. For generations of Derby fishermen, Wasque has been one of the places where those memories are made. This year, the Schifter family worked with the Trustees to restore historic OSV access across their property to Wasque, opening it once again to fishermen and beachgoers. At a time when historic public beach access faces so many challenges, the

Schifters showed what it means to put the broader community first. They didn’t just help restore access to Wasque. They helped keep alive a tradition that means so much to so many of us. Congratulations to the entire Schifter family on a well-deserved honor, and thank you from all of us at MVBAG! Peter Sliwkowski Martha’s Vineyard Beachgoers Access Group

Keep Island Theatre for the arts To the Editor: With businesses leaving town (Basics, Linda Jean’s, Phillips Hardware, Murdick’s, etc.), this is the perfect opportunity to encourage business growth within the downtown area year-round. I strongly believe the Island Theatre should remain as a theatre (performing arts center) that can operate year-round: movies, live theater, music, comedy, educational talks, town meetings, etc. (The African American Film Festival will be looking for a new home once the high school construction gets underway.) If so, the building could be a vibrant entry to the town 10 to 12 months a year, which should interest other businesses to go along for the ride. At a minimum, could the eminent domain process proceed with a plan to restore the two primary façades until a bottom-line (use) solution is developed? If so, the front façade is an easy renovation. The long façade could be much more interesting: a collection of large-format black-andwhite images of 1890s Cottage City, an interesting (historic) look when entering Oak Bluffs. We don’t need more parks, nor do we need more modern housing built along Circuit Ave. Based on the renovation of Union Chapel, the Flying Horses, the arcade building (which is now seen from Kennebec), the Camp Meeting Association, and Ocean Park, another anchor to Circuit Ave. is a worthy responsibility. Don’t tear it down and replace it with something artificial, or nothing at all. Phil Regan Oak Bluffs

news A5

October 22, 2026

Island awarded half a million in funding for environmental projects Congressman Bill Keating speaks to the importance of SNEP programs ahead of midterms. BY EUNKI SEONWOO

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nder a presidential administration that’s curbed billions in grant funding to environmental initiatives over the past two years, on Oct. 15 Islanders, state representatives, and environmental professionals celebrated a federal program that continues to empower communities to protect their water resources — a crucial part of coastal communities like Martha’s Vineyard. The small gathering at the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) office in Oak Bluffs highlighted three awards issued this year through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Southeast New England Program (SNEP), congressionally funded grants that assist communities to restore clean water and ecosystems in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It’s a collaborative approach by governmental and nonprofit entities. “This is a regional program of the EPA. It’s not out of Washington,” Tom Ardito, SNEP watershed implementation grants director at Restore America’s Estuaries, said at the MVC office. U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, who founded the program with U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island in 2012, said that many of the critical water-quality issues the Vineyard faces go back decades, including to when Keating owned a house in Edgartown. The problems of wastewater and environmental degradation, Keating noted, are compounded by the Island’s infrastructure’s being intensely burdened by the tourism “lifeblood” in a short period of time. “A lot of these issues were issues then,” Keating said. Of the $2.3 million in

grants and technical assistance awarded this year across the country, $500,000 has gone to efforts on the Island. Half of the Vineyard’s share went to a joint project by the MVC and Roger Williams University to install an “innovative, permeable reactive barrier” at Sailing Camp Park to restore Lagoon Pond. The method injects a vegetable oil–based mixture into the ground that captures nitrogen, which contributes to pond degradation on the Vineyard, and converts it to inert nitrogen gas. It will be the second of its kind installed on the Island since the MVC put one in at another section of the pond, near the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, in 2020, according to Jessica Thomas, project lead and professor at Roger Williams University. And $242,000 of the remaining half funded continued salt marsh and barrier beach restoration at Chappaquiddick by the Trustees of Reservations. Alejandra Navares of the Trustees said the work restores the “ditching” from farmers who grew salt hay for livestock feed in salt marshes, which now have trouble keeping pace with sea level rise. The Trustees use a combination of ditch remediation, runneling (channeling out ponded water), and microtopography (creating small islands from excavated sediment) to restore the marshes’ natural state. The Great Pond Foundation also received $6,000 to continue its “clean water stewardship” of Edgartown Great Pond. Keating said that compared with other federal grants, SNEP “comes from the ground up” to help communities acquire expertise from organizations in the network that have access to tools like

satellite imagery, as well as to funding that may not be financially viable through regular municipal budgets. He described the program as an example of “where government works” by empowering local initiatives rather than just doling out dollars. “Communities are in charge, basically,” said Keating. “They’re the ones steering the ship. We’re the crew.” Keating added that the grants act as an investment in the community, which is particularly helpful “on this beautiful Island that is so fragile,” particularly due to the long-standing issue of nitrogen degradation. Peter Wharton, MVC chair, said the “nexus” of these discussions is often the commission, which he said was created 50 years ago to help protect the Island’s unique values, ranging from historical and cultural to scientific and ecological. He noted the MVC’s ability to do the “granularity of work” that utilizes federal funds to protect the Island. Much of it, Wharton said, comes down to water quality, but he said the Island is under threat. “These values are being threatened, and may be irreversibly damaged with uncoordinated and inappropriate uses of the Island,” Wharton said. Commissioners at a recent candidates’ forum in Edgartown also expressed worries of potential overdevelopment due to a state statute that allows for more affordable units in exchange for zoning exemptions. Since SNEP is a regional program run by a federal agency, worries about cuts to scientific research and environmental protection initiatives have increased since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The impact

PHOTOS: NICHOLAS VUKOTA

Congressman Bill Keating speaking at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services offices in Oak Bluffs about enviornmental restoration.

Left, Times reporter Eunki Seonwoo and Congressman Bill Keating speak at the MVC office.

could be seen just across Vineyard Sound in Woods Hole, a hub of marine and climate research, where scientists rallied last year against funding cuts. Much of the cuts were conducted by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), whose conduct Keating described to The Times as “illegal.” While the EPA has awarded grant funding under Trump, the administration is looking at potentially cutting the agency’s budget by half in fiscal year 2027 by targeting what it’s dubbed as “Green New Scam spending.”

Laura Ludwig, who runs the Marine Debris and Plastics Program at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, highlighted that funding is necessary for organizations to do habitat restoration. Intensifying storms have caused more ghost gear, or commercial fishing equipment lost at sea, to wash up on Massachusetts coastlines and damage shorebird habitats. One such example is a project she’s working on with members of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to clear ghost gear from Nomans Land, off Chil-

mark, which has the added challenge of having unexploded ordinances. “All my other federal funding went away, except for this, so thank you,” Ludwig said to Keating. Keating told The Times that the visit wasn’t a part of his busy re-election campaign schedule, but he noted hope for a blue wave in the upcoming midterm elections. “I’m more optimistic there’s going to be — in just a few weeks — these issues receive the kind of importance they have had in the past,” Keating said to the audience.

resting under the massage table or at the feet of meditators, or accompanying Jackie for walks at Sepiessa. She took advantage of the rich cultural life of the Vineyard and, often with Mick at her side, attended concerts and readings. She and Mick could be found in town in the mornings, drinking coffee and watching the life around them. In quieter moments, Jackie was captivated by the birds that came to their feeder, a new interest for her. Jackie always welcomed the new, even as her Island roots grew ever stronger. In the past couple of years, Jackie began experiencing some memory decline. Always the healer not only of

others but of herself, she enrolled herself in a dance class and writing course to keep her mind and body active and challenged. At the time of her death she was working on her memoirs. While they remain unfinished, a memorial event in the planning will be an opportunity for all who loved Jackie to tell their own stories of her.

obituaries Jackie Clason

Treasured Martha’s Vineyard healer Jackie Clason died peacefully in her sleep the morning of Oct. 14, 2026, at home with her beloved partner of many years, Mick Stevens.

She was 73. Like many others of her generation, Jackie arrived on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard from Springfield in the 1970s without a plan. The Island proved to be the place where she would grow and find her purpose. That discovery took many twists and turns. Literally. As “Crash” Clason, she was one of only two female participants in the annual Crunch demolition derbies, held on Columbus Day from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. She earned her reputation as a champion, emerging unscathed from a crash that turned her car upside down. She had yet another moniker, Mermaid, her handle during the years she drove a taxi.

In Jackie’s own words, she grew bored with her life, and sought work that would satisfy her yearning for deeper human connection. She developed a thriving practice as a masseuse. Going deeper still, with the support of one of her clients, she attended homeopathy school, since she had benefited herself from this natural healing system. As this practice also thrived, Jackie continued to seek additional ways of healing not just the body but the spirit. She was drawn to the work of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, eventually becoming ordained and receiving the dharma name Friendship of the Heart. Indeed, her heart was huge. She incorporated meditation into her work,

and would hold the spirits of those around her in peace and equanimity. One of the secrets behind Jackie’s success, beyond her bountiful compassion, was her discretion, whether it was holding a confession whispered during a massage, or the stories of her patients. Crash, Mermaid, Friendship of the Heart. These were all parts of what made Jackie who she was — adventurous, always her own self, always open to those around her. She loved the water, body surfing at Quansoo or swimming at Ice House Pond, faithfully attending water aerobics in the company of friends as often as she could. Her dog Dexter held a prominent place in her heart. He could often be found

Services Sunday and Monday for Margaret A. Burke Margaret A. Burke of Edgartown, the wife of David Burke, died on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital at the age of 56. Continued on A14

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A6

October 22, 2026

A grand opening for M.V. Community Services’ new headquarters The new facilities took nearly two years of construction to complete. BY SARA CREATO

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fter 18 months of construction, the new campus and headquarters of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) was officially opened Friday afternoon in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The campus at 111 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road, across from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, has served Islanders for six decades. The new headquarters, built by West Tisbury-based South Mountain Co., and named in honor of the Morby family for their $3 million gift, is 13,700 square feet, and features “modern, accessible spaces that prioritize client safety, privacy, and dignity,” a press release from MVCS stated. The entire project had a campaign goal of $17.5 million, which was reached in December 2025. The “overall campus refurbishment,” the release stated, will be unveiled next spring, and both milestones mark “a significant community-led investment in the future of health and human services” on the Island.

After the ceremony, MVCS CEO Scott Turton, board chair Amy Gavin, and chair of the board’s Space to Thrive campaign, Gary Foster, welcomed guests to self-guided tours of the building. There were also a musical performance by the Black Brook Singers of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), readings from “People and Predicaments,” the 1976 book about community health needs on Martha’s Vineyard by MVCS founder and author Dr. Milton Mazer, and remarks by James Anthony, president and CEO of Martha’s Vineyard Bank. Gavin, who shared her experience as a survivor of domestic and gun violence with the audience, emphasized how MVCS serves the Island community. “My journey of hope and healing is why the mission of MVCS to help our entire Island community be as vibrant, strong, and healthy as it can be is so deeply personal to me. Because no one should ever have to face trauma,

seek safety, or rebuild their life alone,” Gavin said. “Like all of you, I treasure MVCS’s unwavering commitment to providing year-round care for all Islanders.” Turton expressed his thankfulness for the new building. “I’m personally overcome with gratitude. Gratitude to Mother Nature for squeezing us in between rain, wind, and a cold front coming tomorrow. Gratitude to each of you, neighbors, partners, donors, clients, friends, and family who have taken time out of your day to spend it here with us today,” Turton, who was recently officially named CEO after he filled the interim position, said. “Gratitude for the dream team of a staff. I see a lot of you up there who show up every day with their caring talents and full hearts, whom I know I now have the privilege of leading as chief executive officer of this company.” The new space also includes a curated art collection assembled by MVCS board member Liza Cowan May that includes

A ribbon-cutting ceremony opened MVCS’ new facilities Friday.

120 works by more than 60 Island artists. The offices in the new building include mental health and substance use disorder services for children, youth, adults and elders, veterans services, senior services, disability services, and a Connect to End Violence extension office, as well as MVCS administration, finance, development, human resources, IT, and facilities offices. The new main building sits beside the Paul and Sandra Pimentel Early Childhood

Center, which was completed in 2021, and the Red House Peer Recovery Support Center. Within the headquarters are the William and Rose Styron Center for Wellness and Recovery, to serve as a hub for MVCS mental health and substance use disorder services, the new Rappaport Welcome Center and waiting room, named after the late Ron Rappaport and his family, and the Nancy and Jerome Kohlberg Jr. Board and Community Room.

PERRY GARFINKLE

“The new facility replaces a deteriorating complex of decades-old structures, bringing MVCS services under one roof to improve access and care coordination. Its accessible, energy-efficient design can adapt to changing programs, service demands, and client needs over time,” the release stated. The former counseling facility is set to be demolished, and replaced with greenspace and walkways for clients and the public.

ISLAND ENERGY Heating Oil Delivery and More! 2027 OPERATING BUDGET OPEN HOUSE The Steamship Authority has released the preliminary 2027 Operating Budget and a set of preliminary rate adjustments that are approximately 5% higher than 2026. The SSA Port Council and Board will vote on the budget in November, but we want to hear from you in the upcoming weeks. Join us at an open house to discuss the budget, the factors that are driving up our costs, and cost-saving measures we’re taking in response. • 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 27 • Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, 130 Center Street, Tisbury Questions? Visit www.steamshipauthority.com/2027budget

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October 22, 2026

Soaring fuel costs prompt a call for hikes in ferry tickets

offset fuel costs, and private companies like FedEx and Continued from A1 UPS raised shipping rates by roughly a quarter-percent. $950 to $1,000 for a “Everybody is in the same And the SSA uses a treultra-low-sulfur diesel which, to offset rising costs and inPalmer Avenue lot pass. boat that we are,” Rozum said. according to the U.S. Energy mendous amount of fuel flation. The ferry line’s fares The ongoing development Information Administration, across its vessels. According have increased annually since $2,050 to $2,250 for a has almost doubled to $6.28 to a SSA fuel report, the ferry of the SSA’s new reservation 2022, when adult tickets were Woods Hole lot pass a gallon, roughly 1.7 times line acquired 3.8 million gal- system is also expected to raised to $9.50. contribute to a $4.8 million higher than the $3.80 per gal- lons of fuel in 2025, which Now the SSA is lookAnd freight booking rates increase to personnel costs, lon cost in the week of Feb. 23. cost $9.6 million. ing at rate increases across are proposed to be raised 6 although much of the hikes Rozum said the SSA’s fuel But covering high fuel fare types and parking fees. percent. also stem from pay raises prices are estimated to incosts is not exclusive to the Here’s how that breaks down The proposed rates, acagreed upon in union for the Vineyard route: cording to Rozum contracts. Training at a SSA board Passengers including for the new meeting on Tuesreservation system and day, would bring in $11 to $11.50 for a new captains is expectan additional $9.3 one-way adult ticket. ed to cost roughly $1.8 million in revenue, $5.75 to $6 for a child ticket million for next year. with $5.6 million $94.50 to $99 for Under the current coming from the 10-ride adult pass proposed budget, which Vineyard route. also includes $161.8 milThe primary cost $57.50 to $59.75 for lion in forecast revenue driver, SSA As10-ride child/senior pass — including more than sistant Treasurer $193.75 to $203 for $9 million in grants for Courtney Oliveira 46-ride pass capital projects like the said during the slip repair in Vineyard Tuesday ferry line Vehicle Haven — the SSA is board meeting, are Standard fare: between expected to have a net vessel fuels and Vineyard SSA Board Representative Ted Gavin, a $4 and $9 increase, income of $573,246 payroll. left,and SSA General Manager Alex Kryska at the offseason and summer next year. The budget The cost of board meeting in Oak Bluffs. season respectively. also has more than $1 fuel has skyrockEUNKI SEONWOO million contracted for Excursion fare: between eted since Februa $3 and $4.25 increase, terminal maintenance. SSA, Rozum said. This is an crease by $4.9 million, or 43 ary, when the U.S. and Israel offseason and summer Peter Jeffrey, Falmouth issue that is hitting across the launched a joint attack against percent, next year. While the season respectively. ferry line has locked in 63 per- transportation and shipping representative and board Iran, a war that’s led to trade sector. Other ferry lines have chair, called for more data route blockades, military cent of 2027 fuel purchases, $1,155 to $1,210 increase for on costs to the ferry line, and also raised rates in response strikes across the Middle East, it’s still a high cost compared a 10-ride automobile pass. to higher fuel prices, such as on how customers utilize the and thousands of deaths. It’s with 2026, when fuel was trips. He also questioned a a $3, or 5.7 percent bump, at a contrast to President Donbudgeted at $11.5 million. Parking lack of a contingency fundHy-Line Cruises. The U.S. “There’s a lot more risk this ald Trump’s campaign trail A $1 increase to the daily Postal Service implemented year than there was last year, ing line item. promises to cut down on enparking fee from Jan. 1 to Dec. an 8 percent increase in with the price volatility in the “This has been an excepergy costs, and no wars. The 31 (new rates between $21 to postage costs in March to market,” Rozum said. tionally awful year in terms SSA’s main fuel for its fleet is $26 depending on season).

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news A7 of … our operational contingencies,” Jeffrey said, noting a concrete bumper that was damaged in Nantucket by a ferry collision, and doors of the Barnstable falling off earlier this fall, which cost the SSA around $60,000 to recover. The budget is based on past traffic and upcoming capital projects, so Rozum said there is no “rainy day fund” for “what-ifs,” but some contingencies are built into different parts of the budget, like for repairs to the Oak Bluffs terminal after storms. “This is a bare-bones budget,” Rozum said, also noting that it does not include the RD-99 renewable fuel currently used in the Island Home. The SSA scheduled open houses where ferry line officials will review and answer questions regarding the “proposed budget, the factors that are escalating expenses, and cost-saving measures that are being implemented in response,” a press release states. The open house on the Vineyard is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center in Tisbury. Two more open houses are scheduled on Nantucket, on Oct. 26 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Nantucket Hotel and Resort, and in Falmouth, on Oct. 28 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the SSA Administrative Office.

A8

news

Katama Meadows overwhelmingly denied by the MVC

October 22, 2026

“overwhelming against this project,” largely because of the Continued from A1 environmental concerns. “The location is wrong for this,” Tisbury Commisprevious comments to The is income-segregated,” West able to buyers regardless of need for more housing that sioner Ben Robinson said on Tisbury Commissioner Linda Times on Wednesday, Oct. seasonality, and commisyear-rounders can afford, Thursday. He explained that Katama Meadows unearthed sioners estimated could have Silbley said Thursday. “I find 21 and added that Katama Meadows was smart develop- the land Katama Meadows that repulsive.” included homes valued at a needed examination is proposed for needs enviChilmark Commissioner ment for the Vineyard. He around sustainability for the around $5 million each. ronmental protections, not Joan Malkin asked: “Do we said “the common denomiThe other 26 lots were people who live and work on development. He said the nator is that the opponents Martha’s Vineyard, and what proposed as “attainable” and need more ‘missing middle’ parcel is a wildlife corridor, at the expense of affordable to this project do not want type of housing the commu- “affordable” lots available meaning animals frequently housing?” housing of any kind.” to mainly moderate-income nity actually wants. pass through the area. The developers of Katama Cumming stated to The earners and municipal work“Without a clear vision “I’m having a hard time and priorities associated with ers in the town of Edgartown. Meadows, Richard Matthews Times over text that he and Douglas Anderson, are doesn’t think the MVC deci- supporting it,” Oak Bluffs Twelve lots were planned that, every circumstance is Commissioner Brian Smith based in Salt Lake City, Utah. sion on Katama Meadows going to be a challenge,” said to be sold at $225,000 each, said during deliberation of They purchased the acreage will “withstand judicial rewith one of those to Habitat Ewell Hopkins, president Katama Meadows. “When is in 2017 for $6.6 million. Soon view” from an appeal by the for Humanity, and 14 were of Vineyard Conservation after, they crafted a proposal, applicant. “The MVC’s denial enough, enough?” set for donation to the town Society, which opposed the Smith referenced a quote then a second, then a third. of Katama Meadows seems of Edgartown, with another project. “What is the comThe third iteration of their to be more about competing from MVC housing planner one of those for Habitat for mon vision?” Humanity. The proposal did align After the decision, comwith many of the MVC’s missioners assured that the policies, but it was found by commissioners to be an over- land will remain undevelall detriment to the Island in oped for now. But the parcel is still owned by the developmultiple categories, such as ers, and as indicated during environmental impact, and Thursday’s session by comalignment with the MVC’s 18-year-old set of community missioners, it’s highly likely they will submit another goals called the Island Plan. proposal. “Tonight, the Martha’s It’s currently unclear Vineyard Commission whether a future proposal squandered a golden opporwill better address the affordtunity to provide ‘missing ability concerns of the Island middle’ housing to police officers, teachers, firefighters, community, and pending lawsuits and rulings compliand EMTs. They did so despite the proposal complying cate the issue. The MVC’s ability to rewith their housing, nitrogen, and open-space policies, and view large developments specifically proposed under having the support of the Edgartown Select Board and Chapter 40B, which is unlike the Katama Meadows project Affordable Housing Committee,” the legal representa- and require a quarter of units to be affordable, was thrown tive for Katama Meadows, into flux by a state ruling Robert Moriarty, told The in April, which the MVC is Times on a phone call imactively appealing now. The mediately after the decision. state ruling was initiated by “It’s a sad day for the everdwindling, important mem- Falmouth-based developer William Cumming in relabers of our community who earn too much to qualify for tion to a Chapter 40B project he proposed called Edgar‘big A’ affordable housing but make too little to pay the town Gardens. The active ruling by the skyrocketing cost of marketstate that the MVC is aprate housing.” COURTESY MVC Developments that include pealing and open suits with Laura Silber when she said, visions of what the Island Cumming were referenced in plans, called Meetinghouse only affordable units, like “We can’t build our way out Place, was for 24 market rate should be than the merits of Katama Meadows by comthose built by nonprofit of this.” Smith said, “Sooner homes. In 2020, it was denied the project itself.” missioners with phrases by developer Island Housing or later, we have to come to by the MVC. Last summer, the Edgarcommissioner Michael Kim Trust, have seen their share that realization and look to The developers appealed, town Affordable Housing like, “In fear of a lawsuit, I of community pushback, other paths to get people into Committee, Edgartown vote yes,” which he said dur- and in a settlement with the but many Islanders largely MVC, they went back to the Select Board, and the town’s housing that don’t destroy ing a vote on a condition for approve of projects that are the environment.” drawing board and came up fire department signed letthe project, and “We know available to lower-income On the Island, there’s ters in support of Katama families for rent or purchase. there will certainly be an ap- with a proposal for a mix of limited land, so there’s inMeadows before it went The policies in each Island peal,” as he stated during the market rate lots and affordable lots. Then, they brought before the MVC to be evalu- tense pressure to make the town and MVC don’t restrict final meeting last week. housing built here count. Commissioner Brian Smith that fourth iteration proposal ated as a development of projects to be affordable to Building with the intenregional impact. to the town of Edgartown. said at a League of Women the extent of IHT develoption of lowering prices isn’t But Islanders and enviTown officials stated that the Voters Martha’s Vineyard ments, but instead leave the ronmentalists have not been seen by planners as the need in Edgartown was for panel last week that if the option open for developers first choice in a community so convinced of the need “missing middle” housing ruling stands, it could result to plan for housing that is where the value of those for a project like Katama in the “demise of the Island.” and urged the applicant to partly affordable and partly homes appreciates over time But the ruling, while it was adjust their proposal accord- Meadows. There has been market rate. Or in the case of because of less availability raised during deliberation as ingly. So, the Katama Mead- widespread criticism of the Katama Meadows, filling a of land. And many luxury development plan; opposiows project was changed to need, town officials said, for a potential push to approve Katama Meadows with coninclude “attainable” housing tion has argued the proposal homes are seen by locals as moderate-income, “attaina diversion from character goes against the character under a form of missingditions, did not ultimately able” housing. standards for seaside New and needs of the Island by middle housing called the sway the commissioners on Katama Meadows was putting environmental pres- England communities. McCarron Model. how consequential the prooriginally envisioned across Community members, sure on the area and building Eventually, through talks posal would be for the area. 54 acres and would have market-rate homes that could some commissioners, and For the majority of the MVC with the town, Katama included homesite lots proconservation groups have Meadows included the dona- be seasonally owned. posed for Edgartown located board, the impacts were too pointed to acute concerns The nitrogen that the protion of 14 lots that would be detrimental to approve the along Meshacket Way and that Katama Meadows is an available to moderate-income posal would have inevitably project. On Thursday night, Division Road. It included families and municipal work- introduced into the nearby the allowance of 52 homes to commissioners debated asexample of the dangers of Edgartown Great Pond would allowing luxury developers, which appealed to town pects of the proposal from be built by the future buyers likely be the tipping point for ment solely for the sake of officials. Due to state-subsienvironmental concerns to of the lots. Half of the lots dized income restrictions for the pond’s health, conservawere proposed as market rate qualms with the cost of the needed units. tionists said in February. As affordable housing projects, at 4,000 square feet each that housing options and its ac“The housing crisis is not a Malkin pointed out Thursmunicipal workers often tual attainability. would have allowed homes lack of abundance,” Aquinday, community members, make too much to qualify. “I find it quite offensive with up to five bedrooms. nah Commissioner Jannette testimonials, and letters were Vanderhoop said on ThursMoriarty reiterated his They would have been avail- that the design of this project

day. She referenced that more than half of seasonal homes sit empty for most of the year. She said the housing crisis is, instead, “a lack of access.” But to other commissioners, the exchange of affordable housing for market-rate homes is an unavoidable reality as the cost to build continues to rise. “To secure housing for 26 Island families and preserve forever about 32 acres of woodland … is worth losing those 22 acres of woods. The price we’re going to pay … and I’m not going to sugarcoat this … is 19 luxury homes for off-Islanders,” Sederholm said. “I firmly believe that if this project is denied, what will come next will be worse.” In the final vote on Katama Meadows, three commissioners were either recused or unable to vote for other reasons. Jeff Agnoli recused himself during the review process on Katama Meadows because of his opposition to the previous plan by the developers, Meeting House Way LLC; Mike MacKenty was not present for one of the meetings during final deliberation on the project, which made him ineligible to vote; Elaine Miller was sworn into the MVC after review on the project began. Additionally, Kate Putnam was removed from the commission during review of the proposal, for what she said was her opposition to Katama Meadows. Putnam was appointed by the Edgartown Select Board in 2022, and was replaced in 2026 by Daniel McGinn, who was in favor of Katama Meadows and voted to approve the final plan. In regard to town boards, Julia Livingston, an Edgartown Planning Board member, was asked to recuse herself by Moriarty, who represents Katama Meadows, during review of the project because of her staunch disapproval of the plan. She maintained that the proposal was unnecessarily harmful to the environment and not enough of a benefit to the year-rounders who lived in the town; Moriarty wrote in a letter that she was opposed through different iterations of the project despite the inclusion of affordable units through different iterations of the project. On Oct. 15, commissioners made their decision. The effect on the future of development because of that decision is yet to be seen. Final vote 10-3-1 For denial Ben Robinson, Joan Malkin, Mary Bernadette BudingerCormie, Jannette Vanderhoop, Brian Smith, Peter Wharton, Bill Lake, Willa Kuh, Mark Gauthier, Linda Sibley Against denial Doug Sederholm, Dan McGinn, Michael Kim Abstained Ernie Thomas

news A9

October 22, 2026

Early voting underway as Island counts down to midterm election Continued from A1 ballot that features candidates from all parties and advances the top two candidates in each race to the general election (Question 3); allow voters to change their addresses on the day of elections (Question 4); limit the amount of revenue the state can collect (Question 5); prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana (Question 8); and amend the state firearms regulations to include school administrators and licensed healthcare pro-

berly Driscoll unexpectedly has one fewer opponent since Shawn Oliver, who was Minogue’s running mate, suspended his campaign. Oliver dropped out of the race after being charged for allegedly operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol Saturday night, when New Bedford Police responded to a call of a car that had struck several parked vehicles and then flipped over. Following the incident, Minogue expressed he was “extremely disappointed,” and said he would ask Oliver to resign if elected. On Monday, Minogue confirmed publicly that there would be no lieutenant governor in his administration, if he is elected. The less-covered candidates are in the James-Kittredge ticket, an independent bid for the state’s top elected position. Andrea James is a seventhgeneration Massachusetts resident who owns a home in Oak Bluffs, where her family Early voting is seasonally visits, and is maktaking place ing a bid for governor. She is a Island-wide former criminal defense and until Oct. 30. real estate conveyance lawyer. EUNKI SEONWOO Kayla Kittredge, who is runviders as people who can ask ning as James’ running mate, is cantly reduce the minimum lot requirements for residential a court to require individuals a Middlesex Community College student. buildings on the Island, which to surrender firearms and licenses/permits if they presU.S. Sen. Ed Markey, who range from 10,000 square feet ent a danger to themselves or has been in his seat since 2013 in some down-Island towns’ residential zones to three acres others, and place a ban on so- and served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 37 years in Chilmark and West Tisbury. called ghost guns and parts, which are often untraceable before that, is defending his Towns would be able to because they’re privately seat from John Deaton, a regulate some elements of made through means like 3D- Bolton Republican who served the homes, such as building printing (Question 9). in the U.S. Marines and is a dimensions and open-space trial attorney. Markey and requirements, and whether The candidates Deaton appeared in a televised short-term rentals were allowed. Supporters say this is Unlike in the primary elections debate to make their cases to a way to increase affordable in September, which only fea- voters. Candidates who did not appear in the debate but homes and provide a space for tured Democrats and Repubare on the ballot include Joe young people to raise families licans, candidates from other and for seniors to age in place. political parties will appear on Tache, a Boston social activist and youth worker in the But opposers argue this is a voters’ ballots in November. Socialism and Liberation one-size-fits-all approach that The Island has historically circumvents local control and been a stronghold of the Dem- Party, and Shiva Ayyadurai, an ignores local control condiocratic Party, making it a chal- independent from Belmont who holds four degrees from tions, such as the environment lenging climb for candidates the Massachusetts Institute and existing infrastructure. from other parties and those of Technology but is better And on the Island, there is un- running as independents. All known for being the selfcertainty on how many homes of the incumbent state ofproclaimed inventor of email the rule would bring, with the ficeholders and congressional public sewer access requirerepresentatives are members of and promoting conspiracy theories. Ayyadurai was briefly ment. the Democratic Party. Question 10 is the only Gov. Maura Healey, a popu- in the Island’s spotlight in 2021 after he uploaded a now-deletnonbinding question that lar incumbent, has already ed video of when he appeared is appearing in 11 districts. sparred in two televised deThe ballot questions as a guest speaker for the MarDukes County voters are asked bates against her Republican tha’s Vineyard Regional High whether their representative challenger, Mike Minogue, Vineyarders will be voting on School civics class. should “vote in favor of legisla- who served in the U.S. Army nine binding, statewide ballot Incumbent Attorney Genand is CEO of medical detion regulations to reduce the questions this election cycle. eral Andrea Campbell, a House speaker’s and Senate vice firm Abiomed, the two The state Elections Division Democrat, is facing Michael clashing over issues including provides full guides on all bal- president’s control over state Walsh, a Lynnfield Republican legislators’ stipends,” and abortion rights, housing, and lot questions. and attorney who is litigating whether this extra pay should federal immigration crackQuestion 6 is a ballot meacases against Campbell’s office. be given only to legislators downs. The alleged rape that sure that’s received recent who do a significant amount of occurred at the Massachusetts William Galvin is seeking to attention from Vineyard continue his more than threeadditional work that is publicly State Police barracks in Oak conservation organizations. It decade tenure as secretary of “transparent and accountable.” Bluffs in August also sparked proposes establishing a fund state against Anne R. Brensley, Other questions include a fiery exchange between the that collects money from the a Republican entrepreneur and candidates. sales tax from sporting goods, proposals to have the state former Wayland Select Board legislator and the governor’s Healey has a stronger pull recreational vehicles, and golf member. Incumbent Treasurer courses. The money would be office be subject to the Massa- among voters so far. A poll Deborah Goldberg is facing conducted by the University used for conservation activities chusetts Public Records Law of Massachusetts Amherst and Elizabeth Dionne, a Republike protecting natural resourc- (Question 1); allow employlican serving as the Belmont ees of the Committee for Pub- WCVB found the incumbent es and expanding outdoor Select Board chair. Incumbent recreational spaces. Supporters lic Counsel Services to engage governor to have a 25-point Auditor Diana DiZoglio is lead over Minogue, who was like Mass Audubon argue this in collective bargaining with their employer (Question 2); viewed as aligning with Presi- running against Al Ozonoff, a is a way to fund efforts like Medford Libertarian and data replace political party prima- dent Donald Trump. storm resiliency and pollusystems expert. And Bill KeatMeanwhile, Lt. Gov. Kimtion reduction without raising ries in state elections with a was to encourage voters to go to the polls. Bay State voters will have a chance to cast their ballots for nine statewide questions on issues ranging from a more robust public information law to the prohibition of the sale of recreational marijuana, to changes to state law that would pave the way for more affordable housing. Early voting is taking place until Oct. 30, and the state election is on Nov. 3 from 7 am to 8 pm. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3. And there’s still time to register to vote. Oct. 24 is the last day someone can register to vote or change parties, and vote-by-mail applications will be accepted until Oct. 27. Voter registration and mailin ballot applications can be found on the state Elections Division website. This midterm election arrives amid concerns about the possibility of the Trump administration’s seeking to interfere with results, which was the focus of the messaging at the No Kings rally last week. Carla Cooper, one of the rally organizers from Indivisible Martha’s Vineyard, estimated between 200 and 250 people showed up at Five Corners for the rally. Cooper said the goal was to encourage early voting in person if possible, especially with fears among election officials and constitutional scholars that the Trump administration might interfere. Election experts say they fear an array of risks, from the federal seizure of ballots and voting equipment to troop deployments and immigration raids near polling places. These concerns stem from the fact that Trump, whose approval ratings hit a new low of 36 percent this week, according to both Fox News and CNN, has made no secret of the White House’s desire to exert control over the election process. Cooper said that it is critical for people to register to vote, and to vote early and in person, if possible. “We don’t want people left behind,” she said. So what’s on the ballot, and where do Islanders vote?

taxes. But it would require the reallocation of funds supplied by sporting goods sales taxes. And for the housingsqueezed Vineyard, Question 7 could help bring some smaller units to the Island. It proposes a law that would allow singlefamily homes to be built in residentially zoned areas on lots of at least 5,000 square feet that have at least 50 feet of land bordering the street and access to public sewer and water services. This would signifi-

ing, the longtime 9th District Congressman, is running against R. Tyler Macallister, a Republican businessman and fisherman who served on the Mattapoisett Select Board. Meanwhile, a local focus in this election has been on those running to be on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) and the Dukes County Commission (DCC). The majority are aiming for re-election, and none of these races are contested, but a few MVC candidates — incumbents Mary Bernadette Budinger-Cormie, Mike MacKenty, and Jannette Vanderhoop — are conducting write-in campaigns after paperwork lapses excluded them from the ballot. Candidates appearing on the ballot for DCC include Tristan Israel of Tisbury, Randal Scot Milch of Chilmark, Douglas Ruskin of West Tisbury, Christine Todd of Oak Bluffs, Richard Wharton of Oak Bluffs, Michael Charles Bellissimo of West Tisbury (new candidate),

and Kate Putnam of Edgartown, who is running for both commissions as a nonincumbent. Other MVC candidates include Ben Robinson of Tisbury, Ernest Douglas Sederholm of West Tisbury, Brian Conway Smith of Oak Bluffs, and Frederick Khedouri of Chilmark (new candidate). Daphne DeVries, who’s running for Dukes County register of probate, is also running unopposed. Several incumbents for state office are running uncontested as well, including Rob Galibois, who secured the Democratic nomination for Cape and Islands district attorney in a landslide victory against his opponent Mike Giardino in the September state primaries. Other uncontested candidates include Julian Cyr for Cape and Islands senator, Thomas Moakley for state representative, and Joseph Ferreira for the councillor of District 1. See the full story at mvtimes. com. Voting locations and schedules are available at each town clerk’s site.

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508-693-0574

A10 classifieds

October 22, 2026

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

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

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

ADMINISTRATION FOR PROGRAMS. Primary responsibilities include data entry, record keeping, and tracking for finance & program services. Kinship Heals is a substance-free workplace. All staff must be substance free and abide by the Substance Free Workplace Policy. (As a receipt of federal funds, marijuana is considered an illegal substance). Salary is $82,000.00 upon hire, and $92,000.00 upon completion of probationary period and Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence trainings. For more information about our organization visit www.kinshipheals.org. For a full job description, or to submit resume, email jada@kinshipheals.org.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH STERLING INSURANCE GROUP. Full-time, in-person Insurance Account Manager in Vineyard Haven. Experienced professionals and career changers welcome. Training provided. Starting at $62,400; higher pay based on experience. Benefits include PTO and 401(k) match. Apply at insurewithsterling.com/careers. DENTAL ASSISTANT Full/Part time year round, 2-4 days @week. Salary commensurate with experience, willing to train the right applicant. 508-693-9682

Jobs

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Education Manager Join the PHA team as our Education Manager! This position is responsible for the strategic growth of adult and youth education at the Arboretum and the day-to-day operations of PHA’s education programs, including planning, implementation, and evaluation. This involves the development of curricula and supporting materials for our youth education program and the development of a yearly schedule of educational events for adults. Application deadline is 11/16/26. More info at pollyhillarboretum.org/get-involved/ employmentopportunities/.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

FELIX NECK IS HIRING Love nature and want to share it with others? Lead Education Coordinator & Camp Director. Full time, year-round. We are seeking an experienced educator who is enthusiastic about working with youth and staff developing and leading nature-based education programs. For detailed job descriptions and application: www.massaudubon. org/jobs GARDENER WANTED We’re looking for an experienced gardener. Knowledge of organic methods helpful. Must speak fluent english and have valid working papers. Please reply to info@ vineyard.net

ISLAND ALPACA ENTHUSIASTS WANTED Farm store positions, full and part time. Request an application by email: info@islandalpaca.com.

WANT TO WRITE FOR OUR AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY AND CALENDAR SECTIONS? If you are an Islander with a desire to write feature articles, profiles and about community events and issues, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, we want to hear from you for assignments. Payment per published article. Contact Perry Garfinkel at perry mvtimes.com.

@Marthasvineyardtimes

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

HARBOR HOMES OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD IS HIRING A FULL-TIME DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION TO MANAGE DAY-TO-DAY ORGANIZATIONAL AND OFFICE OPERATIONS. This leadership role will manage HR administration, support financial processes, and improve the systems and technology that support the organization’s mission. The position is primarily o ce-based; hybrid work may be considered. To apply, email executivedirector@harborhomesmv. org.

HOUSEKEEPER – PRIVATE RESIDENCE REQUIRES PROFESSIONAL, DETAIL-ORIENTED & PROACTIVE HOUSEKEEPER. Must be a team player with strong written & spoken English. Guaranteed 20 hrs/wk, $35–$45/hr, PTO, holidays, 401(k). Please send resume to jobs@ DeepWaterEstateServices.com HR MANAGER-PART TIME ISLAND ELDERLY HOUSING IS LOOKING FOR A PART-TIME HR MANAGER (8 HOURS PER WEEK). This position manages all areas of human resources. Must have 5 years human resources generalist experience and strong communication/ interpersonal skills. For more information about Island Elderly Housing, visit our website, www. iehmv.org. Please send resume to leller@iehmv.org MARTHA’S VINEYARD SHIPYARD IS SEEKING AN ORGANIZED AND DEPENDABLE FULL-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM. Your prime focus will be managing employee timecard data to ensure our customers are billed accurately and on time. Key responsibilities will be to collect & review daily employee timecards for completeness: enter

JOB OPPORTUNITIES hours & work data into our billing system, verify accuracy and identify & resolve discrepancies quickly and help the office team with other basic admin tasks as needed. If you have great attention to detail & love keeping things organized, have provenexperience in data entry, office admin and strong time-management skills, we can teach you how to do the rest. This is a full-time, benefited position. Please send your resume & a brief note about your availability to jhale@mvshipyard.com with the subject line Office Admin . MVPCS LEARNING FACILITATOR The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has an anticipated opening for a Learning Facilitator in our student services department to start as soon as possible. We are looking for creative, enthusiastic individuals wishing to support students within our project-based learning curriculum. Competitive salary and full benefits provided. Please email a resume and letter of interest to Chris Nace, Executive Director, at cnace@mvpcs. org and complete an application on our website at www.MVPCS.org. MVPCS TEACHER’S ASSISTANT The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has an opening for a full-time Elementary Teachers Assistant to start as soon as possible. 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 Chris Nace, Executive Director, at cnace@mvpcs.org and complete an application on our website at www. MVPCS.org SEEKING SKILLED CARPENTER AND MOTIVATED HELPERS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. Must have own transportation, basic hand tools, a strong work ethic, willingness to learn and commitment to safety. Call today! (508) 685-4628

Join the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Team! Martha’s Vineyard Bank, a local community bank has some exciting opportunities available. If you are seeking a career with an organization that has a strong commitment to the communities we serve then we want to hear from you!

AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES: • Executive Assistant to the President & CEO • Financial Advisor Please visit www.mvbank.com for detailed information or to apply. We offer an exceptional benefits package including both 401k and pension plan, growth opportunities and competitive compensation. Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.

A Monthly Newsletter from your local Councils on Aging and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living brought to you by

Find helpful information on Veterans Services, Travel News, Activities, Individual Town Councils on Aging and more! To place your ad email, adsales@mvtimes.com or call 508-693-6100

classifieds A11

October 22, 2026

Jobs JOB OPPORTUNITIES VINEYARD CONSERVATION SOCIETY SEEKS PART-TIME ADVOCACY & PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR. Environmental advocacy, community organizing, events and communications. 20 hrs/week, $35/hr. Deatils & how to apply: https://vineyardconservation.org/career-opportunities

SUN ISLAND DELIVERY Delivery Driver / Truck Driver Non CDL on Martha's Vineyard We are offering a full-time posiition for a reliable and motivated delivery driver to join our team. This position involves operating a company vehicle to deliver freight. CDL license is not required but would be a plus. We offer a competitive pay rate and full benefits package. Please contact Tony at 508-6931036 or email mvsis355@gmail.com

Classifieds

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

DUKES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TELECOMMUNICATOR-INTRAINING $500 Monthly Housing Stipend for Full Time Island Residents Looking to kick-start a rewarding career while serving the Island community? Duties include, but not limited to receiving, processing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety services. Requires effective oral and written communications skills, high integrity, positive attitude, sound judgement, and the ability to handle confidential material and adapt to changing environments and priorities. Essential functions include rotating assignment to the day, evening and night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Paid on-site training, plus offisland Academy training.

SUPERVISOR/LEAD CARPENTER Adam T. Inc. is seeking a highly dependable, motivated individual to fill one of the expanding Construction firm’s Supervisory/ Lead Carpenter positions. A true craftsman with leadership/ supervisory experience and a truck is a must. Wage/Benefits/Profitshare commensurate with skill level and experience. Email resume to adam@adamtinc.com TOWN OF EDGARTOWN | COUNCIL ON AGING PART-TIME OUTREACH WORKER | $37.05/HOUR The Town of Edgartown seeks to fill the temporary position of Part-Time Outreach Worker. With weekly schedule to be determined, the position requires 12-18 hours/week. Position is non-benefitted and limited-term based on grant funding. Responsibilities include meeting with Edgartown older adults in their homes and in our building, and facilitating access to services, transportation coordination, and other support and administrative functions. Minimum of two years’ experience in gerontology, social work, a related field required; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with Microsoft and Google suites necessary. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Application and full job description available at www.edgartown-ma. us or contact lfamariss@edgartown-ma.us. Please return completed applications to the Human Resource Office in Town Hall, PO Box 5130, Edgartown, MA 02539, or to HR@ edgartown-ma.us. Position will be open until filled. Town of Edgartown is EOE.

Full-time position with a generous benefit package including paid leave, insurance, state pension and deferred compensation matching. Full time Telecommunicator-In-Traini ng pay range is $73,986.64- $81,687.06 annually, plus $500 monthly stipend. Candidates must pass skills-based aptitude testing, interview, background check, and postconditional-offer medical and audiology evaluations. Apply today! Download applications and job descriptions at dukescountysheriff.com/careers

SEEKING THERAPEUTIC COMPANION. $25.00 - $35.00 per hour. Daily pay approximately $600 - $1000 per day. Love supporting others through life's toughest moments? We're looking for compassionate, calm, and discreet companions to provide livein mental health support to aging clients in their homes. Apply at: intentclinical.com/careers or hiring@intentclinical.com.

READ ONLINE: MVTIMES.COM

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

APARTMENTS/ROOMS

YARD SALES

AUTO PARTS/ACCESSORIES

COMMERCIAL RENTAL $6,000 to $12,000 includes 2 bedroom apartment. Or $4000 to share with position. Best building on the island. Option to purchase as a well, $2.5 million. Text Lisa 310-213-5472.

ROOMS FOR RENT EDGARTOWN Beautiful, open light bright home. $1k-$2k. 508-221-0300 WINTER/YEAR-ROUND Beautiful one-bedroom plus office. One person preferred. Very spacious. Washer, dryer and patio. Utilities included. Lambert’s Cove area. $3,000/per month. Text or call (508)939-1414. YEAR ROUND RENTALS Simple accommodations. $800/ month. Text 310-213-5472 RENTING A ROOM, IN A NICE HOME IN KATAMA, EDGARTOWN. No pets, no smoking. Private entrance. Utilities included. Call for price info.508-627-9601.

EDGARTOWN ESTATE SALE FRI & SAT, OCT. 23 & 24 FROM 9-4 PM 205 MEETINGHOUSE WAY, EDGARTOWN, MA Beautiful home w/fine furnishings incl. Bedroom, Dining & Living Room; Oriental rugs; Lots of artwork incl. J. Delbos; Collection of old tin signs; Art pottery; Substantial group of saltwater fishing gear; Garage & cellar stuff; Outdoor teak furniture, iron planters & more.

FIBERGLASS TRUCK CAP FOR GMC/CHEV 6 1/2’ BED Missing front window glass $300.00 OBO. 508-326-7954.

WINTER RENTALS

EDGARTOWN WINTER RENTAL 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths furnished on private road $2500+ utilities 1st and security no smoking/pets Nov 1 - May 1 Contact Sandra 508-733-0672 RENTAL THRU JUNE 2027 MONTHLY RENTAL Two bedroom apartment huge one bath. $3300+$700 for utilities, Internet, and trash. Available immediately. Perhaps available next summer for a year-round contract. Professionals preferred. $9000 to move in. First and last month and deposit. Text 310-213-5472 WEST TISBURY FURNISHED 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH. Clean and bright. Available Nov.1-May 1. $2,500 + utilities. Contact Rich 916-215-1915

FROM FLOORS TO FINISHES – WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED! • Floor Installation • Hardwood Sanding • Painting • Kitchen Remodeling Multflooring.com 508 982 9675

PETS & LIVESTOCK

HORSE FOR HALF LEASE TO GOOD RIDERS ONLY Stunning floating gaits! Lovable, valuable 18 hand gorgeous chestnut Enzo: Dressage/jumper- famous sire in Olympics! Indoor arena- Text Lisa 310-2135472.

YARD SALES

SERVICES

ESTATE SALE Antiques, Vintage, Collectibles, Local Art, Art, Furniture, Household & Kitchen Items, Handmade Lamps, Sporting Goods, Something for Everyone Sat/Sun 10/31 & 11/1 - 10a - 2p No Early Birds/Please park respectfully 24 Myober Ln - Edgartown 850-293-4345

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

APARTMENTS/ROOMS

ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT IN OB No pets, no smoking. $3k/ month. First/last. Move in November 1st. 508-939-0087.

ANTIQUES BUYING EVENT! SAT & SUN, OCT. 24 & 25 FROM 10 TO 4 PM Buying unwanted gold jewelry & coins, sterling flatware, tea sets & silver jewelry. Also, Antiques of all types & Free Appraisals too! Located at Enchanted Chocolates Shop - 4 Chapman Ave., Oak Bluffs

LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 5:15pm the ZBA will hold a public hearing at the TOWN HALL-2 nd floor meeting room on an application for a Special Permit from Schofield, Barbini & Hoehn Inc. on behalf of Richard Wells O’Neill and Robin Lynne O’Neill, to construct a 20’x45’ inground swimming pool and equipment shed under section 8.5-4C of the West Tisbury Zoning Bylaw at 34 South Pond Rd., Map 30 Lot 2.23, in the RU district. Interested parties are invited to send comments via email to: zba@westtisbury-ma.gov or mail comments to: Zoning Board of Appeals, PO Box 278, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Please call 508696-0107 for information on the application.

WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 5:30pm the ZBA will hold a public hearing at the TOWN HALL-2nd floor meeting room on an application for a Special Permit from Vineyard Land Surveying & Engineering, Inc. on behalf of Benjamin and Thorunn Zimmerman, to install a 7’x13’ pre-cast concrete Soake Pool under section 8.5-4C of the West Tisbury Zoning Bylaw at 5 Scottys Lane, Map 7 Lot 58, in the RU district. Interested parties are invited to send comments via email to: zba@westtisbury-ma.gov or mail comments to: Zoning Board of Appeals, PO Box 278, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Please call 508696-0107 for information on the application.

ADVERTISEMENT TOBID MGL C.149 OVER $150K Dukes County Regional Housing Authority seeks sealed electronic bids for building and site improvements in Oak Bluffs, MA. Work includes siding, insulation, windows, kitchens, baths, flooring, a new hot water heater, fixing a structural crack, and site upgrades. Estimated cost: $598,500. Bidders must be DCAMM certified. Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive. View documents and submit bids via biddocs.com by 11/5/2026,3:00PM EST. No hard copies accepted. PUBLIC HEARING Martha’s Vineyard Commission The public is invited to a public hearing concerning the following Development of Regional Impact

#775 741 Main Street Applicant: James Ferraro, Owner; Valerie Moore and Tim Stewart, Agents Location: 741 Main Street, Vineyard Haven. Map 3-B, Lot 6 (approximately 0.693 acres). Proposal: Replacement of a Victorian eclectic dwelling built circa 1910 previously damaged by fire and demolished. Date & Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Place: Hybrid Meeting MVC Office - 1st Floor, 33 New York Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA and Zoom Meeting ID: 844 3938 7278; Password: 085346 The application and plans are available on the MVC website. Written testimony may be submitted prior to or during the hearing. Check for updates on the online calendar.

Legal Notices

BargainBox ARCHERY 2 compound bows $70.00 each. Bear 45-60. Martin 45-60. Both with sights and quivers. 774563-8473 CASE (300) 4 OZ CLEAR PET LOW PROFILE COSMETIC JARS $100.00. Case (520) 89/400 smooth, black lids $100.00. Denise 508-496-5986

DESIGNER DRAPERIES Twelve pairs, newly dry cleaned. 84” long. Call for colors. 774549-5900 FREE 2 SOFA 3 seats each. Txt for availability 508-560-4212. 24 INCH BICYCLE Like new. $100. 774-563-8516.

FREE YELLOW 2-PERSON KAYAK. Available for pick up at 127 Bernard circle. 773-521-5448. JIGSAW PUZZLES SCRABBLE, PARCHEESI, ETC. Good/Excellent condition. $3-$12. 508-693-7472 -Call anytime, 7:30am-12:30pm is best.

NINJA CREAMI MACHINE WITH PINT CONTAINERS $100.00 PowerBlock sport 24 pair of free weights. 2.5 - 24 lbs each. $100.00 denise 508-496-5986. dblair1451@gmail.com

BARGAIN BOX ADS ARE FREE; CALL OR EMAIL TO RENEW AFTER 2 WEEKS

24 words maximum • Maximum sale price is $100 • Prices must be listed with each item. BUSINESSES MAY LIST FREE ITEMS ONLY. NO LISTINGS FOR ANIMALS. LISTED FLOWERS, GARDEN PLANTS, FIREWOOD, AND MANURE MUST BE FREE.

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A12 classifieds

October 22, 2026

Real Estate REAL ESTATE WANTED

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

ISLANDER SEEKING HOME FOR SALE BY OWNER IN OB. Budget of $1-1.2M. Ideally the sale would take place fall 2027. Text/call 508-727-0027 with opportunities.

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

#2 WINEMACK ST, OAK BLUFFS FOR SALE $1,095,000 CALL OR TEXT Rene Ben David, Cell 508-847-4864 OCEAN PARK REALTY INC. Located at the southern end of Winemack Street, this inviting 3bedroom, 2-bath Oak Bluffs home offers a quiet residential setting in a neighborhood of both year-round and seasonal homes, while remaining remarkably close to everything Oak Bluffs has to offer. Just approximately 1.2 miles from downtown, you’ll enjoy convenient access to the ferries, Oak Bluffs Harbor, beaches, shopping, restaurants, and all the attractions that make this area of Martha’s Vineyard so special. Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is also just a short two-minute drive away. Built in 1988, the home offers approximately 1,456 square feet of living area, with prefinished wood flooring in the living room and bedroo ms. The roof is approximately 10 years old, and recent improvements have focused primarily on the basement, where the space has been transformed to expand the home’s usable living and recreational area. Whether you envision a TV room, game room, home o ce, exercise area, or a combination of uses, there are plenty of possibilities. A newly completed “doghouse”-style exterior basement entry provides convenient direct access to the lower level. The first and second floors would benefit from a little TLC and personal touches to brighten and refresh the space, providing a great opportunity for the next owner to make the home their own. Outside, the property offers a small, manageable yard with off-street parking, along with a classic Vineyard outdoor shower—a favorite feature after a day at the be ach and something many consider a must-have for Island living. Set on a 5,000-squarefoot lot, the property offers the best of both worlds—a quieter location at the Eastville side of Winemack Street while still being just minutes from downtown Oak Bluffs. Prequalification letter from your lending source or proof of funds required. Owner and tenants currently occupy the home; 24-hour notice for show ings is preferred.

$1,450,000 MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 4 LAGRANGE AVENUE Tucked away on a dead-end road in Oak Bluffs Enjoy the best of Vineyard living from this beautifully renovated Oak Bluffs home, ideally located just a short walk from a private Lagoon beach—perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and all your favorite water activities. The inviting living area features a dramatic vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace, creating a warm and spacious gathering space. The thoughtfully designed layout offers a private first-floor primary suite, while the second-floor features two additional spacious bedrooms and a full bath. Step outside to a spacious back deck, ideal for outdoor dining, entertaining or relaxing after a day at the beach. Beautifully updated for today’s lifestyle, this home offers a wonderful blend of comfort, coastal living and Vineyard charm.

$1,150,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 30 Double Ox Road in Oak Bluffs Create an extraordinary Martha's Vineyard estate in the exclusive Lagoon Ridge community of Oak Bluffs. This mostly wooded estate parcel of over one acre features gently rolling topography, providing an exceptional canvas for a customdesigned luxury residence. Privately situated within an intimate enclave of just four estate parcels, the property is accessed by a welcoming paved approach. This thoughtfully planned neighborhood will feature distinctive architectdesigned residences, creating a refined and cohesive community setting. Approved for connection to the neighborhood's private Amphidrome® (you will avoid the high expense of a septic system a savings of almost $50,000)on-site wastewater treatment system the parcel is approved for a threebedroom residence and may offer the potential for additional flex spaces, expansive outdoor living areas, a pool, and attached or detached garages, subject to applicable approvals. Embrace the timeless Martha's Vineyard coastal lifestyle, with beaches, boating, children's sailing programs, the harbor, ferries, boutique shopping, restaurants, and the charm of Oak Bluffs just minutes away. This exceptional offering presents a rare opportunity to create a private Island retreat in one of Oak Bluffs' most desirable neighborhoods.

$1,475,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 Renovated Cape style home in the desirable East Chop neighborhood of Oak Bluffs, offering the perfect combination of coastal charm, modern updates and an exceptional location. This bright and inviting 3bedroom, 2-bath home features a spacious open floor plan, coastalinspired décor throughout, and comfortable spaces designed for relaxed Vineyard living and entertaining. A first-floor bedroom provides added flexibility, while the enclosed 120-square-foot sun porch creates a wonderful extension of the living space. Outdoor living shines with a newer mahogany outdoor shower, bluestone patio and beautifully designed walkway, all surrounded by a private setting. An unfinished basement provides approximately 720 square feet of additional space for storage and fu ture possibilities. Walk or bike to Jetty Beach and the East Chop Lighthouse, enjoy the nearby East Chop Beach Club, or stroll to Oak Bluffs Harbor, downtown restaurants and shops. With a proven rental history and a desirable East Chop location, this move-inready property is equally suited as a Vineyard retreat, year-round home or investment opportunity

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS $1,599,000 Alan Schweikert 508-221-1708 OAK BLUFFS Beach Road: VINEYARD HAVEN OUTER HARBOR WATERFRONT WITH DOCK… 1860’s Beach House with substantial 60’ dock built in 2004, is situated on OUTER HARBOR in private waterfront setting. Enjoy all variety of watersports, dramatic sunsets every evening, refreshing swims, or just relax on your back porch and watch the colorful boating activity unfold. Property features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, attached garage, open kitchen/dining/living area with stone fireplace, hardwood flooring throughout and plenty of space to work with for your own design. Location is convenient to shopping, restaurants, and ferry. Requires restoration and renovation.

$2,250,000 MARILYN MOSES OCEAN PARK REALTY 617-462-0381 NEW CONSTRUCTION Welcome to Lagoon Ridge, Oak Bluffs’ newest and most soughtafter neighborhood. Build your 3bedroom dream home in this elevated enclave, set 95 feet above Lagoon Pond and capturing sweeping sky views, colorful sunsets, and refreshing sea breezes. This exceptional home site represents one of the final opportunities in this thriving new community.To be built — The Naushon — features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and over 2,400 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. A grand wrap-around covered porch provides a welcoming entry and the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or cool evening breezes. Inside, the open-concept floor plan connects the chef’s kitchen with spacious living and dining areas, ideal for 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 comfort and energy e ciency, making The Naushon an ideal yearround or seasonal retreat. Lagoon Ridge offers direct access to conservation lands with wal king and biking trails, and nearby Lagoon Pond invites kayaking, sailing, and shell fishing. All utilities—electric, town water, and a private, state-ofthe-art Amphidrome wastewater system—are located at the street. This innovative system serves the entire neighborhood, providing convenience and peace of mind. Lagoon Ridge is a covenantprotected community with architectural review and professiona l management by First Property Management Co. This beautiful home site is ready for the construction of your Vineyard dream home. Eleven lots have sold—only two remain available. Call for details!

YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUILD ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD Save 1/3 off convention building methods. New homes and additions. High-end home shells are custom designed, constructed in a controlled environment, and delivered to your MV site for about $135/sq.ft. (Estimated price for finished house: $550/sq.ft.) Packages include: Custom design, post and beams, roof and walls, doors and windows, siding and trim, insulation and floors. The preconstruction wall and roof panels go up in about 3 weeks. View model in Aquinnah by appointment. (508) 645-3572 Broker participation invited Posner@MVPostAndBeam.com

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

$2,490,000 MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 ALAN SCHWEIKERT | 508-221-1708 OCEAN PARK REALTY, INC. Located in the desirable Hidden Cove Association, this beautifully renovated home offers over 2,800 square feet of living space and waterfront access for boating, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, clamming, and fishing. Explore Major’s Cove, Felix Neck, Sengekontacket Pond, and beyond to Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds.Meticulously maintained and renovated throughout with a contemporary flair, the home enjoys a tranquil setting overlooking meadows, marshland, and ponds, with abundant wildlife and everchanging scenic views. The spacious open living and dining area features a wood-accented vaulted ceiling, expansive glass, southfacing sliders, and a remotecontrolled propane fireplace. A thoughtfull y designed kitchen complements the inviting living spaces, ideal for entertaining and everyday comfort.The second-floor primary en-suite offers breathtaking vistas, a flexible loft with built-ins, and a walk-in closet. Additional above-grade bedrooms enjoy picturesque pond views, including a second en-suite. An outdoor shower adds the perfect Vineyard touch.Sophisticated yet comfortable, this except ional property offers a wonderful opportunity to embrace the Vineyard coastal lifestyle.

$925,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 67 Hudson Avenue Oak Bluffs ALL OFFERS REQUIRE COURT APPROVAL in multiple jurisdictions and may be somewhat lengthy. A straightforward offer is encouraged and may help expedite the required court approvals in multiple jurisdictions. Located in a convenient Oak Bluffs setting, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,000 square feet of living space on a generous .69-acre lot. Built in 2014, the property presents an excellent opportunity for a year-round residence, vacation getaway, or investment. The property is being sold as is. Buyers and their agents are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and verify any potential for expansion or additional improvements with the Town of Oak Bluffs. All buyer’s agents must submit proof of funds with a ny offer. The Court approval in multiple jurisdictions is required and may result in a longer than usual acceptance process.

OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 21 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 38G REDUCED, NOW $389,000 Call or text Rene Ben David 508-847-4864 Ocean Park Realty Inc. Welcome to Unit 38G at the Island Inn, offering resort-style living in an exceptional Oak Bluffs location just steps from the beach. This desirable ground-floor end unit features a large glass slider opening to the patio, with stairs leading to the heated outdoor pool just a few feet away. Accommodating up to six guests, the unit features one bedroom with a queen bed, a separate sleeping area partially divided by a 4' wall with two single beds, a sofa bed, 1.5 baths, and a small kitchen with a two-burner cooktop. The Island Inn is a seasonal resort community, open April–October, with beautifully maintained grounds, heated pool, three association clay tennis courts, outdoor fire pits, and easy access to downtown Oak Bluffs, beaches, restaurants, shops, ferries, golf, and boating. The popular Noman’s outdoor family restaurant is directly next door, offering dining, cocktails, lawn games, live entertainment, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Gulph Creek Management is conveniently located on site and handles rentals, bookings, cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. Just bring your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Vineyard getaway, investment, or combination of personal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only, 10AM–3PM. Proof of funds required.

Ocean Park Realty, Inc.

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

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

OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 27 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 10C $287,500.00 Call or text Rene Ben David 508-847-4864 Ocean Park Realty Inc. Welcome to 27 Island Inn, Unit 10C, a comfortable one-bedroom, onebath Martha’s Vineyard retreat offering an ideal combination of personal enjoyment and rental opportunity. Accommodating up to four guests, 10C features a queen bedroom, sofa bed, cozy living area, well-equipped kitchenette. A unique feature is the adjoining door to Unit 9C, a studio with two double beds, full bath and kitchenette. Units 9C and 10C are being offered for sale separately, with the opportunity to purchase both together—perfect for extended family, guests, or expanded rental possibilities while still allowing each unit to be used independently. Island Inn is a seasonal resort, open April through October, offering a relaxed, petfriendly setting with a heated outdoor pool, 3 association clay tennis courts, grilling areas, fire pits and spacious grounds. Directly next door is the popular pet-friendly Noman’s, featuring outdoor dining, cocktails, lawn games and entertainment. Ideally located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, just minutes from beaches, golf, shops, restaurants, ferries and Oak Bluffs Harbor. On-site Gulph Creek Management handles virtually every aspect of the rental operation, including bookings, guest coordination, cleaning, repairs and maintenance. Just bring your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Vineyard getaway, investment, or combination of personal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only, 10AM–3PM. Proof of funds required. ,

classifieds A13

October 22, 2026

Real Estate HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

LAND-OAK BLUFFS

LAND-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-WEST TISBURY

SOLD $2,394,000 12 SAMOSET AVENUE OAK BLUFFS YOUR IN-TOWN ADDRESS COULD BE OUR NEXT SUCCESS CONTACT MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 Built in 1875 by renowned architect Samuel Pratt, this classic 4bedroom Victorian is just one block from the beach and moments to the harbor, ferries, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy water views from the mahogany wrap-around porch and private balcony. Historic charm is complemented by thoughtful updates, including mini-split heating and cooling, Harvey replacement windows, a rebuilt mahogany porch, newer roof, updated electrical, outdoor shower, and town water and sewer. Established rental history with 2026 bookings in place. Partially insulated 3-season home.

OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 33 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 25F $260,000.00 CALL OR TEXT RENE BEN DAVID 508-847-4864 OCEAN PARK REALTY INC. Welcome to 27 Island Inn, Unit 25F, a comfortable studio offering the perfect combination of a Martha’s Vineyard getaway and rental opportunity. Accommodating up to four guests, this inviting unit features two double beds, one full bath, a convenient kitchenette, cable TV and free WiFi. Island Inn is a seasonal resort, open April through October, offering a relaxed, petfriendly setting with a heated outdoor pool, 3 association clay tennis courts, grilling areas, fire pits and spacious grounds. Directly next door is the popular pet-friendly Noman’s, featuring outdoor dining, cocktails, lawn games and entertainment. Ideally located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, just minutes from beaches, golf, shops, restaurants, ferries and Oak Bluffs Harbor. On-site Gulph Creek Management handles virtually every aspect of the rental operation, including bookings, guest coordination, cleaning, repairs and maintenance, making ownership easy and convenient. Just bring your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Vineyard getaway, investment, or combination of per sonal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only, 10AM–3PM. Proof of funds required.

OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 27 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 9C $287,500.00 Call or text Rene Ben David 508-847-4864 Ocean Park Realty Inc. Welcome to 27 Island Inn, Unit 9C, an inviting Martha’s Vineyard retreat offering the perfect combination of personal enjoyment and rental opportunity. This comfortable studio accommodates up to four guests with two double beds, a full bath, kitchenette with a 2-burner cooktop, cable TV and free WiFi. A unique opportunity is adjoining Unit 10C, a separate 1-bedroom, 1-bath suite accommodating up to four guests with a queen bed, sofa bed, cozy living area, well-equipped kitchenette with 2-burner cooktop, and patio/deck. Units 9C and 10C can be enjoyed separately or together through the adjoining door. Each is being offered for sale separately, with the opportunity to pu rchase both together—ideal for additional family, guests or expanded rental possibilities. Island Inn is a seasonal resort, open April through October, offering a relaxed, pet-friendly setting with a heated outdoor pool, 3 association clay tennis courts, grilling areas, fire pits and spacious grounds. Directly next door is the popular and pet-friendly Noman’s, offering outdoor dining, cocktails, la wn games and entertainment. Ideally located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, you’re minutes from beaches, golf, shops, restaurants, ferries and Oak Bluffs Harbor. On-site Gulph Creek Management handles virtually every aspect of the rental operation, including bookings, guest coordination, cleaning, repairs and maintenance. Just bring your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Viney ard getaway, investment, or combination of personal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only

OAK BLUFFS WATERVIEW LOT FOR SALE $1,200,000 PRICE REDUCED, NOW $1,049,000. CALL OR TEXT Rene Ben David's Cell 508-847-4864 OCEAN PARK REALTY Welcome to # 0 Temahigan Ave & Dover Street, Oak Bluffs. Build Your Martha’s Vineyard Dream Home. Rare opportunity to own a level, cleared corner lot in desirable Oak Bluffs, with paved roads bordering two sides, ready for construction of your Martha’s Vineyard dream home. Approved for up to 6 bedrooms, this exceptional property includes an approved 6-bedroom septic design, with room for a possible future pool. Located in the sought-after Eastville area, where many homes enjoy beautiful water views, this lot offers the potential to capture stunning views of Vineyard Sound and beyond from a thoughtfully designed home. Create a custom residence that embra ces all the beauty and lifestyle Martha’s Vineyard has to offer. Enjoy a short walk to Eastville Beach, where you can take in spectacular sunsets, watch the ferries come and go, and experience the charm of island living. Just a short drive away, you’ll have access to everything that makes Oak Bluffs so special — additional beaches, shellfishing, swimming, boating, and the vibrant energy of Circuit Avenue, featuring boutique shopping, diverse restaurants, and convenient ferry service to and from the island via the iconic Oak Bluffs Harbor and nearby ports. This is more than just land — it’s an opportunity to create something truly special. Don’t just dream it — make it reality. Owning a piece of Martha’s Vineyard is an investment in a lifestyle you’ll never regret. Please include a preapprov al or proof of funds with offer. Seller is offering a buyers broker consideration.

SOLD $1,200,000 NEW LISTING IN EAST CHOP OAK BLUFFS MARILYN MOSES 617-462-0381 .52 ACRES 66 Munroe Avenue and 17 Madison Avenue Oak Bluffs East Chop~Build your custom island retreat in coveted East Chop on this over onehalf acre parcel. Offering the potential for a 6 + bedroom residence, this exceptional homesite includes a topographic map and features expansive grounds that may accommodate a pool, subject to local approvals. Ideally located just minutes from the East Chop Beach Club, Oak Bluffs Harbor, beaches, ferries, restaurants, shops, and vibrant downtown Oak Bluffs. Buyers should perform their own due diligence with the appropriate town agencies to verify all information regarding building requirements, approvals and intended use. All offers should include proof of funds.

SALE PENDING WEST TISBURY $1,349,000 Call or Text Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 Coastal contemporary residence is located on a private 1.60-acre lot in West Tisbury, with convenient access to Long Point Wildlife Refuge and access to "Coveted" Lambert's Cove Beach. The home features four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. On the first floor, you'll find two bright bedrooms, a modernized bathroom, and sliders from the living area that lead to a new AZEK deck and enclosed fenced gardens, perfect for outdoor enjoyment. The open floor plan includes attractive beadboard ceilings that create a sense of space and light. Recent upgrades feature a remodeled kitchen with a tiled backsplash, granite countertops, and an LG induction stove along with matching stainless-steel appliances. The firstfloor bathroom has been fully renovated with a tiled shower and glass door, tiled floor, new toilet, vanity/mirror, rainfall showerhead, and all new hardware. Additional updates include a newer roof, Azek window trim, an outdoor shower enclosure, and gutters with leaf guards. The basement has a 9-foot ceiling with four windows, providing potential for further finishing with town approval. Other improvements include updated plumbing and electrical systems, a new well pressure tank, new Culligan Water Filtration and Conditioning system, and a Generac whole-house generator installed in 2022.

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

LAND BANK

WEEKLY INCOME FY 2027, Year to Date:

$8,604,047.94

$900,000 $1,349,385

$915,111.32

$970,610

$850,000 $800,000 $750,000 $700,000 $650,000 $600,000 $550,000 $500,000 $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 0

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Weekly Registrar’s Report: Oct 16, 2026

PUBLISHED THE LAST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH IN THE

To advertise email

adsales@mvtimes.com

Real Estate Transactions Oct. 12 – 16, 2026

Chilmark

Oak Bluffs

Oct. 14, North Bog LLC sold 16 South Road to Nicole M. Abrunzo and Christopher H. Merritt for $2,325,000.

Oct. 13, Diane E. Maguire, Scott P. Kowalchek, and Sandra E. Kowalchek sold 12 Samoset Ave. to Dennis Loria and Patricia M. Loria, trustees of 2025 Loria Family Trust, for $2,394,000. Oct. 16, Craig M. Mackenzie sold 13 Beach Road to Joan Bolen and Ji Chen for $1,375,000. Oct. 16, Edward M. Swan Jr. and Claudia A. Swan sold 40 Hidden Cove Road Building B Unit 3 to Michael L. Rothwell and Allan M. Silk, trustee of Irrevocable Trust FBO Michael L. Rothwell, for $1,385,000. Oct. 16, Rachel Goldstein, trustee of 312 East Chop Drive Realty Trust, sold 312 East Chop Drive to Sherry Kay Rutherford for $2,050,000. Oct. 16, Linear Property Group 1 LLC sold 28 Grovedale Road to Noni Ellison McKee for $1,700,000.

Edgartown Oct. 14, Scott D. Lennen and Jane J. Lennen sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 418 Week 43 to Benjamin Austin for $250. Oct. 14, Richard M. Lamusta sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 352 Week 15 to Theodore M. Horne and Frances C. Horne for $1,000. Oct. 15, Goldeneye LLC sold 24 Katama Bay View Road to Andrew Doyle and Elizabeth Doyle for $7,500,000. Oct. 15, Robert F. Hoerle sold 118 South Water St. to Colleen M. McLane and Colin M. McLane for $6,125,000. Oct. 15, Toby Merrill and Jane Merrill sold 91 Plantingfield Way to Scott William Brickman and Julie Frank O’Brien for $17,500,000. Oct. 16, Oliver Snider and Mathew Snider, trustee of Mattakesett Realty Trust-II, sold 3 Somerset Lane to MV Dune Grass LLC for $6,400,000. Oct. 16, Jonathan C. Ellis transferred a portion of 68 Turkeyland Cove Road to 68 Turkeyland Cove Realty Trust, represented by trustee Kathryn R. Ham, for $1,431,250. Oct. 16, 68 Turkeyland LLC transferred a portion of 68 Turkeyland Cove Road to 68 Turkeyland Cove Realty Trust, represented by trustee Kathryn R. Ham, for $4,293,750.

Tisbury Oct. 13, RAM2 Partners LLC sold 9 Hagerty Drive to Tucker Martin and Meredith Martin for $3,025,000. Oct. 14, Oceansky Homes LLC sold 5 Pine Tree Lane to Maya Moran for $1,980,000. Oct. 16, Richard S. Dubin, trustee of M. Aldworth Realty Trust, sold 35 Mount Aldworth Road to Bridgeford RE Holdings I LLC for $3,300,000.

West Tisbury Oct. 16, Warren J. Simmons and Leslie Richmond Simons, trustees of 225 Lambert’s Cove Road Realty Trust, sold 225 Lambert’s Cove Road to Travis R. Keltner and Amy Trutor for $1,685,000.

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MARTHA’S VINEYARD

DISTRICT COURT REPORT Oct. 5 Meirilucia D. Nunes, 45, Oak Bluffs; assault and battery, assault with dangerous weapon, arraigned and held, bail set at $500 with potential for bail revocation, conditions to stay away from and not contact alleged victim, stay away from address of incident,

and remain alcohol-free with testing three times a day, continued to discovery compliance and jury selection.

conditions to stay away from and not contact alleged victim, continued to pretrial hearing.

Oct. 9

Kevin Vasconcellos, 53, Fairhaven; operating under the influence of liquor, arraigned and held, bail set at $200 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing.

Norma N. Holmes, 83, Edgartown; open and gross lewdness, deface property, disorderly conduct, arraigned and released on personal recognizance,

Dear Members: Thank you for being part of the Martha’s Vineyard Times community, supporting local journalism on the Island. Local news matters now more than ever, and we could not do it without you! For our year-round residents and our digital members, far and wide, we look forward to continuing to serve you, as always. For our members with ONISLAND delivery of the print edition who may be packing up to leave the Island for the winter, please note that if you forward your mail from your Island post office, they will not forward newspapers or magazines without extra payment. The papers stack up in your box or are returned to us.

There are options for you to stay connected with The Times while you are away: · If you would like the print edition to be mailed to your OFF-ISLAND address for winter, it is easily done! You can upgrade your account by going to mvtimes. com/my-account, switching to off-Island delivery, changing your shipping address, and paying the $65 fee, which the post office charges for weekly off-Island delivery. · You also can choose to pause print delivery and switch to a digital account for the time you are offIsland. There is no additional fee for this. Just go to mvtimes.com/my-account and switch to a digital only account. You will continue to have full digital access, with the option to receive the top stories of the day with The Minute and our 4 monthly newsletters. · We also want to remind you that our website offers a digital version of the print edition. Using the link below, you can see the whole paper in digital form, turn the virtual pages, and feel like you are reading the print edition! Scan this QR code to learn more or visit mvtimes.com/thisweeks-paper/

Thank you again for your membership and support!

A14

sports

news

October 22, 2026

sports@mvtimes.com

MVRHS girls soccer earn 5-0 win on senior night The Vineyard team will say goodbye to four valuable seniors.

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ed by a hat trick from senior captain Leah Thomson, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School girls soccer team defeated the Nashoba Valley Tech Vikings 5-0 on Saturday during their senior night at home, improving their record to 8-4 overall, and 6-1 in the Cape and Islands League. The Vineyarders opened the scoring early in the first half when a corner kick from senior captain Ava Townes led to a scramble in the Vikings penalty box. Thomson recovered the rebound with a quick kick for the first goal of the afternoon. Sophomore Helena Goncalves made it 2-0 for the Vineyarders with a rebound from another scrum in front of the Vikings net that rang the crossbar before entering the net. Thomson scored from just inside the box with a low shot to the bottom left corner to make it 3-0 before the end of the first half. Townes opened the scoring early again in the second half with a rebound in front of the

BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA Vikings net, again, and put another goal on the board to make it 4-0. Thomson completed her hat trick just a minute later. With 26 minutes left in the game, she walked the ball toward the net from the corner then took a shot across the face of the net to the far side. Thomson was awarded the game ball, and the girls defeated Nashoba Valley Tech 5-0. Head Coach Matt Malowski said the Vineyarders played a solid game. “They played to their standard,” he said. But there are some technical things he plans to have the team work on in the coming weeks as postseason approaches in November, such as containing attackers to the perimeter, winning defensive headers, and consistently positioning themselves between the opponent and the goal. “Those little things matter,” Malowski said. He added that he is very proud of his seniors. Makowski credited the win and part of the season’s overall success to the team’s

Julie Ann Robinson

Julie Ann Robinson, an accomplished interior designer and beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and boss, passed away peacefully at home in West Tisbury on Oct. 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, after a short yet courageous battle with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. She was 78. Julie lived what could have been several lifetimes. Raised in an upper-middle-class New York household, she went on to sail around the world with a free-spirited anarchist, living off the land and sea, before raising her family and establishing a business on Martha’s Vineyard.

Senior captain Leah Thomson moves the ball through the midfield. NICHOLAS VUKOTA

ting in our formation, the better we’ve been getting.” Senior captain Laina Dubin, who was out roughly eight weeks with an ankle injury, was cleared for practice Friday afternoon, and got a touch on the ball in the first play of the game. “It felt great,” Dubin said. “It was so fun to be out there with my team. It was nice to be back, and I can’t wait until I can play.” Malowski acknowledged the challenge of a young roster with only four seniors and a large sophomore class. “The vision and the attitude and the mindset and all the things these guys have been

doing right, as well as what we have been doing with such a young team, are a testament to the leadership these [seniors] show,” he said. “The senior captains’ positivity and camaraderie is carried onto the future players of the team.” The Vineyarders face a demanding stretch ahead. They were set to host Nauset Regional High School on Tuesday at 3 pm at McCarthy Stadium Field in the teams’ first meeting of the season, but the game was postponed on Monday. Nauset is ranked ahead of the Vineyard, and has played in some close games, including a win over Nantucket and a loss to Sandwich. The girls’

soccer team travels to Sandwich Thursday for a game at 4 pm, and hosts Sutton on Saturday at 2:30 pm. “We’re going to play our game, and we’re going to just try and play tough,” Malowski said of the Nauset matchup. For a postseason run, he stressed discipline, especially against stronger teams. “It’s going to come down to defending. They need to be composed, smart, and they can’t step up [too soon]. They just need to contain the players and stand them up.” Townes said the group’s postseason goal is straightforward: “Make a run like we did last year.”

Megan worked and volunteered in several Island offices and institutions, including the Martha’s Vineyard Registry of Motor Vehicles, Oak Bluffs School, Oak Bluffs Select Board office, Oak Bluffs Police Department, and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She was the longtime and beloved Oak Bluffs town columnist for The Martha’s Vineyard Times. She was a parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and loved singing in the choir for more than 30 years. Megan is remembered for her devotion to God, family, friends, and town, and for her gratitude toward the many people and organizations that supported her family over the years. Megan leaves behind a large and loving family, including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, in-laws, goddaughter, and many friends. Her parting wish was simple: “Be kind and help wherever you are needed.” The family wishes to thank all her friends, caregivers, EMTs and community that helped make her last days full of love and peacefulness. Visiting hours in the Chapman Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 5 to 7 pm. Her funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 11 am in St. Augustine’s Church, on Franklin Street in Vineyard Haven, and burial will follow

in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, on Vineyard Avenue in Oak Bluffs. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a gift donation in Megan’s memory; please consider making a donation to the PortugueseAmerican (P.A.) Club benevolent or scholarship funds.

obituaries

Continued from A5 Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Chapman Funerals and Cremations in Falmouth, located at 475 Main St. in Falmouth, from 2 to 5 pm. A funeral Mass will be held the following day, Monday, Oct. 26, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located at 511 Main St. in Falmouth, at 11 am. A full obituary will follow in another edition of this paper.

ability to get its wingers wide and create one-on-one situations, which opens space in the middle, he said. “When they can do that, it opens it up for the central players,” Malowski said. “Leah had a great game today, and one of the reasons was because she had so much space in the middle because our center midfielders are holding their position, and the wingers are giving us that [space].” The Vineyarders have been rotating between two different formations, a three- and four-player defensive line, senior captains Thomson, Townes, and Maple Martone said. Thomson said the current alignment is beginning to click. “The center mids are holding their positions, and then the wingers,” she said. “When Ava [Townes] and Evie [Moffatt] are able to go down the side and then play a cross [pass] or play [the ball] back to the center mids, that’s when we’ve been really good. The more comfortable we’re get-

Born in Manhattan on March 21, 1948, to Eugenie and Benjamin Robinson, Julie was the youngest of four children, and grew up in White Plains, N.Y. She attended the Barlow School, Lasell Junior College, and the ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles, where she studied photography. In 1976, newly divorced and at a crossroads, Julie arrived on Martha’s Vineyard in a Morgan sports car, returning to an Island she had known since childhood summers. Encouraged by her sister-in-law, Ingrid Robinson, she chose adventure over returning to New York. In Santa Barbara, she met Dennis White. Together, they embarked on an eight-year voyage aboard the Emma Goldman, a 28-foot Herreshoff ketch, and supported themselves through carpentry, sail repairs, and canvas work, drawing on sewing skills Julie had learned in childhood lessons arranged by her mother. Their first son, Sasha, was born in Australia in 1981. Three years later, their second son, Joshua, was conceived near Sri Lanka. Following pregnancy complications in South Africa, Julie flew to Barbados to give birth and to care for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease. Dennis made the 56-day Atlantic crossing to reunite with her. Back on Martha’s Vineyard, they spent six years building a new, 41-foot Emma Goldman,

aboard which they homeschooled their sons and continued sailing for two winters. In 1987, Julie founded the Canvas Co., which evolved into Julie Robinson Interiors. Her artistic eye, attention to detail, and lasting client relationships made her one of the Island’s premier interior designers, earning multiple “Best of the Vineyard” awards. A survivor of Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2008, Julie maintained her beautiful smile, warmth, energy, and positive attitude through life’s challenges. She appreciated both the finest comforts and the rugged simplicity of life at sea, always valuing relationships above all else. Julie was predeceased by her husband, Dennis White, and parents, Eugenie and Benjamin Robinson. She is survived by her sons, Sasha and Joshua Robinson-White; daughterin-law, Elizabeth Rothwell; sister, Toni Robinson, and her husband, Michael; brother, John Robinson, and his wife, Fredelle; brother, Jeffrey Robinson, and his wife, Dtai; cousin, John Robinson, and his wife, Lupi; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. A celebration of Julie’s life will be held on Nov. 8, from 2 to 5 pm, at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA of Cape Cod Hospice (email giving@capecodhealth. org for details), whose compassionate staff cared for both Julie and Dennis.

Megan Alley

Megan (Bagley) Alley, a

lifelong Island resident and longtime Oak Bluffs resident, died at the age of 90. Born April 8, 1936, at the original Cottage Hospital in Oak Bluffs, she was raised in Vineyard Haven, by her father Gerald and mother Elizabeth, with her sisters Joyce and Ann, and later made her home in Oak Bluffs, marrying her high school sweetheart, Dennis Alley, in 1955. Megan grew up during the Depression and World War II years, an era that shaped her values of faith, family, thrift, service, and community. She attended Tisbury School, played music and sports, and graduated from high school shortly after turning 17. She and Dennis raised three children, and her family grew to include 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Celebration of life for Susan Spalding Silva A celebration of life for

Susan Spalding Silva will

be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 4 pm. at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor her life. Light refreshments will be served. Contributions of small bites or baked goods are welcome; please contact Andrea Silva at letscelebratesue42@gmail. com by Nov. 5.

OBITUARIES The Martha’s Vineyard Times publishes obituary information and photos at no charge for current and former residents of Martha’s Vineyard and for persons with significant ties to the Island community. The submission deadline for full obituaries is 5 pm Tuesday, for publication on that Thursday. The Times reserves the right to edit as needed. If you have questions or need assistance writing an obituary, please email editormvtimes.com. Obituary information may be submitted by e-mail: editor@mvtimes.com, barbara.davis@mvtimes.com mail: PO Box 518 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 by hand: The Times office on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven (opposite the ArtCliff Diner).

news A15

October 22, 2026

Continued from A1 The crowd was hushed as the first four keys failed to open the lock, and then Custer tried Gerhardt’s key, and … click. He was the winner. It all came so easy, but then the shock of his win started to set in as he was swarmed by the crowd and left speechless. “It felt overwhelming and surreal, to say the least,” said Gerhardt, who hails from Mandeville, La., just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, or “the Big Easy,” as the city is referred to in a state famous for its reputation for leisure, sportsmanship, sweet jazz, and, well, just having a good time. “Honestly, I was just excited to catch a bluefish,” Gerhardt said after posing for photos with his new Jeep Gladiator wrapped in specialized “Vineyard” camo and a Derby logo. Gerhardt’s winning fish was caught Tuesday morning from the boat of Island resident Sandy Fisher. It was the only weighable one Gerhardt caught on his trip to the Island, and he happened to land it off Wasque Point, only 30 minutes into an allday trip. The Island-wide fishing Derby is more than just about catching fish, and the awards ceremony on Sunday celebrated the support that the fishing community and the Derby have received to keep it going for more than 80 years, John Custer, president of the Derby, said. “Nothing lasts for more than 80 years unless it has strong support, and the Island community continues to get behind the Derby,” Custer said during the award ceremony. Other contenders for the grand prize were Bruce Dew III with a 19.91-pound bluefish, Sherry Countryman with a 19.91-pound false albacore, Angela Fisher with a 13.7-pound false albacore, David Kadison

‘The Big Easy’ First time fishing on-Island, a Louisiana native takes home the Derby grand prize. BY PAUL W. BAGNALL

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

David Gerhardt with his new Jeep Gladiator.

with a 10.98-pound bonito, and Cameron Maciel with a 9.13-pound bonito. Countryman netted a state record weight for her false albacore, but she couldn’t make it to the ceremony. Still, she made up for it with a cardboard cutout of herself present under the tent. Other winners of the Derby included first-place triple crown winners who netted the biggest cumulative weight for bluefish, bonito, and false albacore. Those anglers were David Kadison at a total of 43.35 pounds, Thomas Rapone with 36.2 pounds, and Jay Harrison at 34.65 pounds. The junior triple crown winner was

Christian Fisher with 37.7 pounds, and mini junior winners were Calvin Stedman at 36.21 pounds and Clifton Colby netting 21.66 pounds. Team Tongatapu, made up of Tyler Poole and Dmitri Consolati, was awarded the Bob “Hawkeye” Jacobs Award for recording a shore triple crown for a total weight of 39.14 pounds. The Albies, Blues, and Bones Award went to Ethan Hartmann and Jackson Munson for the largest shore catch of false albacore, bluefish, and bonito hooked by an angler between 15 and 18 years old; no false albacore were caught to place in this award category.

The R.W. Cutler Bike Shop Award went to Emmett Sylva and Latham Kurth, with the Edgartown-based bike rental shop donating bicycles to the first-place junior boat and shore winners whose names were drawn randomly Saturday night. Other award winners in categories for shore and boat fish received placards and prizes for adults, juniors, and mini juniors. And this year, the Kids’ Mini Derby was renamed the Cooper and Lela Gilkes Kids’ Day Derby in recognition of the Gilkes’ commitment to the Island fishing community. This year, the annual Derby had 3,044 partici-

come and expenses from this year’s Derby still need to be totaled, but Custer told The Times that income doesn’t come only from registrations, but also income from the online auction, and raffle and merchandise sales. Gerhardt told Lisa Belcastro, The Times’ fishing columnist, that both the winning bluefish and the Jeep truck will be shipped to him in Louisiana. “It was probably the best fishing trip I have ever been on where we only caught one fish,” Gerhardt told The Times. “Never been to Martha’s Vineyard, never fished in the tournament, and never caught a bluefish.”

pants, down slightly from the previous year’s 3,200, Custer said. “I always say as long as we get 3,000 registrants, that support allows us to do what we need to do, and we are grateful for that support,” Custer said at the ceremony. And the Derby’s support of the Island goes beyond the awards tent, as the tournament raises money for scholarships. In June 2026, the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby awarded 12 Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School graduates scholarships totaling $115,000, which was the same as the previous year, but still a record high. In-

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A16

news

October 22, 2026

fishing report

2026 Derby delivers the magic

PAUL BAGNALL

Fisher’s key into the lock. The audience gave a collective “Aw!” when the lock remained closed. Tension built as the next three keys were duds. BY LISA BELCASTRO We were down to the final two: Gerhardt, visiting the Vineyard for the first time from New Orleans, and Islander and crowd favorite Maciel. Gerhardt stepped forward and passed his key to Custer, hands shaking, and a hush fell over the crowd. The key turned, and the loudest “click” echoed across the tent. Gerhardt, with his first Derby fish and his only weighable fish, won the best Derby grand prize ever. Gerhardt immediately thanked his friends Kevin and Leigh Lord. The night before, a group of us were out to dinAngie Fisher and son Cameron Maciel celebrated their Brothers Buddy and Tony D’Agostino celebrate receiving the ner, passing time before the Grand Leader placings in the 2026 Derby. David Furino Memorial Award. final Derby bell sealed Gerwon the Shore Team Compe- one knew, but the cheers when hardt’s victory. Leigh, who had fishing solo. “There was neo Award, donated by Steve they won could be heard tition (53.4 pounds). a school of bunker off the London. “I got a hint about it predicted Gerhardt’s win the throughout Oak Bluffs. D’Agostino accepted the east side of Nantucket. I was [Saturday] night, but it was a minute she heard he’d agreed This year, the Martha’s Abe Williams Memorial trolling. I started reeling in surprise,” said Angie. to the trip, never wavered. “I Vineyard Surfcasters Associa- have faith,” she stated simply Award for being the first anso I could cast-net some bait, I don’t know how many tion’s Sportsmanship Award and that’s when I hooked the times family members have gler to record a shore triple yet firmly to all of us. hit close to home for most of fish,” said Kadison. “It was a shared the grand leader crown. In two final special When Kevin Lord began the Derby’s shore anglers. really fun day.” stage, but it was pretty darn moments, D’Agostino won to plan his three- to-five-year Kadison caught his thirdawesome seeing Fisher and the Roland Perreault and Huff We have seen the shrinking transition to retirement, he of the Island’s beach access place overall bluefish (17.75 Maciel onstage together for Langley Memorial Award, knew exactly who he wanted due to erosion, homeowners, to bring in. “I’ve known David pounds) the day after the their shore fish. The audiwhich is awarded at random and legal battles. leading 21.01-pounder had to a third-place shore winence chatter was definitely since he got out of college. We John Custer began the been weighed in. Kadison ner, but meant so much to hoping one or the other worked for the same company. award presentation by readand William trolled the D’Agostino, as his “Derby would win the Jeep. He was a sales guy, and I was waters off Chappy all day. ing, “The definition of Mom” Sherry Ann Mele doKeeping it all in the Fisher an engineer. We stayed in They never caught a fish. sportsmanship is the quality family, one of my most finnated the award years ago. touch,” he said. “David started As darkness was settling in, tastic memories occurred of showing fairness, respect, For the pièce de resistance, part-time in January and “A rod looked like it was all during the final week of the and generosity toward the D’Agostino and his brother came on full-time in August.” weeded up. I picked it up opposing team or player and Derby, when David Gerhardt and best friend Tony, also a Kevin invited his new and started reeling in. All of landed the biggest bluefish the game itself when compet- partner to the Vineyard for veteran, received the David a sudden — whomp! — I’m on. any of us had ever seen during. Because of these qualities, business and fishing. They Furino Memorial Award for “I was very lucky with all siblings who show determi- the Surfcasters would like to ing our charter aboard Capt. fished in the morning, and three fish,” said Kadison. “It recognize this entire family nation and sportsmanship. Sandy Fisher’s boat, Cuyler then those of us on the beach was a really fun Derby, again.” Grace. While David spent a “Definitely one of the most for working with the Trust- would watch them drive away The mother-son duo of An- few nervous days watching the memorable moments,” said ees to restore OSV access to go back to the Lords’ rental through their property to D’Agostino of the award leaderboard to see if anyone and actually work. gie Fisher and Cameron MaWasque, for being unselfish, with Tony. would beat his 21.01-pound “Best business fishing trip I ciel each caught their leading and showing generosity.” Mann and D’Agostino blue, those of us who had seen have ever had,” said Gerhardt. fish at Memorial Wharf, and When Custer announced, The winning bluefish and each held onto their lead until many bluefish before doubted weighed in the two first fish “Rick Schifter and his family,” the truck will be shipped to a bigger one would be caught. of the Derby, respectively. the final bell. Maciel took the crowd rose to their feet “After weighing in that small Bruce Dew and Sherry Gerhardt in Louisiana. Gerhome the Shore Bonito Grand in resounding applause and blue, I landed the albie,” said Countryman both held onto Leader for his 9.13-pound hardt and Lord took the fish D’Agostino, who had gone up cheers. Many of us had tears their leads to claim a grand bone. “It ran three times. I to Larry’s Tackle Shop and put to Lobsterville Beach the next in our eyes and hearts overthought at first it was an al- leader prize, Dew for his it in their freezer. After disday in search of his bonito. flowing with gratitude. bie. When the head-shaking massive 19.91-pound shore covering there was no dry ice “Rich gave me a rod for bluefish, and Countryman started, I knew it was a to be found on Martha’s VineIt’s a Jeep thing for her Derby and state record Father’s Day that says ‘Paw bone,” said Maciel. “He yard, the Lords and the team Paw’ on it. I’m his son’s godstayed deep. I didn’t put a lot 19.91-pound false albacore. at Larry’s packaged the frozen It was time. The six grand The grand leaders posed father. Then I pulled out a of drag on, so I didn’t lose leaders were called back to the fish in ice packs and took it to for a few group pictures, then pink Maria [lure] that Jim him. When he got close to the Edgartown Mail Room. stage. Derby Treasurer Chris were asked to take a seat and Wareing gave me. On the the wharf, I knew I needed Gerhardt and “Big Bluey,” Reed held a bucket of badges wait patiently for the key third cast, I landed a bone.” with numbers from one to six as Gerhardt’s daughters Greta to get his head up. Then I ceremony while the 2026 SpeD’Agostino and Mann tightened my drag a bit. and Liza named the fish, above anyone’s line of vision. each had to travel home for “That fish in the water cial Awards were presented. Our grand leaders reached in left the Island on Monday. family and work at differlooked massive. Everyone I’m fairly certain Buddy Gerhardt arrived home that and each pulled out a badge. was like, ‘Oh my God!’” ent points during the Derby. D’Agostino had the best Fisher picked No 1. Kadison day. Bluey would arrive on said Maciel, who’d been When they were on-Island, time during the Specials. Wednesday, Oct. 21, by 10 am, was second, Countryman onstage before, but never as D’Agostino’s a badass vetthey were sleeping in their third, Dew fourth, Gerhardt and will be going to a taxidera grand leader. eran who fishes hard, smiles trucks and fishing every fifth, and Maciel completed mist for a skin mount. “I was there when Cam wide, and laughs loudly and minute they could. On Oct. The Jeep Gladiator, nickthe order of keys. caught his,” said Fisher. “He 13, D’Agostino landed that often. I think his picture is named “Vinny” for Vineyard Derby Chairman Joe was like, ‘This is a good one.’” in the dictionary to define 18.53-pound bluefish. Mann El-Deiry passed a bucket Vines, is being shipped as They both had good ones, knew he needed something the word “fun.” well. “I talked with Mike containing envelopes which though Maciel had just left the bigger than his 14 to nudge For someone who’d never [Delbuono] at Premier [Jeep],” contained keys — five ranwharf when Fisher hooked up been on the Derby stage behis team into first place. dom keys, and one magic key. said Gerhardt. “He has a truck on her Shore False Albacore On the second to last day fore, D’Agostino wore a hole coming this direction in the Fisher drew first and kissed Grand Leader (13.7 pounds). of the Derby, Mann kept in the proverbial red carpet her envelope. Like his mom, next couple of weeks.” Fisher put in the hours, and casting until the miracle hap- Maciel kissed the envelope, during six trips to the stage. I’m looking forward to seedidn’t quit until the sun set on Yes, six! He won third place pened. He felt the hit, and ing pictures of Gerhardt and then shot his hands in the the last day. She was out on in the Shore Bluefish division never let go. When he got the his family in Vinny, and of air, to the cheers of the Chappy on Saturday, trying to with a 18.53-pound gator, 16.52-pound blue to the beach, crowd. Big Bluey proudly hanging in catch a big blue to up her triple finished third (31.4 pounds) he shouted, “I did it. I did it! their home. My gosh, what an When the tent grew quiet, crown weight. She landed one, in the Shore Triple Crown We’re going to be first.” incredible story! Custer called Fisher forward a hefty guy at 15.13 pounds, “Last year, we finished 12th. and held out his hand for her behind Jay Harrison (34.65 which moved her into second pounds) and Fisher (34.43 We set a goal to be in the top key. He opened the envelope, To read more abut the Derby place for the Shore Triple. An- pounds), and he and his Paw 10. Who knew we would be said, “For a new Jeep GladiAward Ceremony, please go to first?” said D’Agostino. No Paws teammate Rich Mann gie also won the Janet Messimvtimes.com. ator Mojave,” and inserted LISA BELCASTRO

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hen you woke up Sunday morning, could you feel the excitement in the air? It was 29°F when I opened the door at 5 am, and I almost didn’t mind. We were only a few hours away from the 2026 Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Awards Ceremony at Farm Neck. Can you imagine the anticipation rippling through the homes of the six grand leaders, pondering the moment they would be holding a key that might, or might not, open the lock to a custom Derby-themed 2026 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X, donated by Shep and Ian Murray of Vineyard Vines? I can’t tell you what five of the six people were doing, but I worked alongside David Gerhardt all morning as about 20 of us set up chairs, hung posters, unloaded the prize truck, and created the scene for the awards ceremony. Gerhardt, who was a long way from his home and family in Mandeville, La., was all jokes, with a bit of nervous laughter, shared freely with the many new friends he’d already made. The Mini Junior and Junior awards were presented in the morning. The highly anticipated key ceremony and adult prizes began at 1 pm. The flyrod division was awarded, then the third- and secondplace all-tackle recipients collected their trophies. The energy notched up as Grand Awards were called. You’d have thought we’d all just seen a pod of albies breaking within casting range. David Kadison, who has won more Derby awards than I can remember, picked up the first grand leader award for his 10.98-pound boat bonito. In addition to his winning bonito, Kadison took home top prize in all three senior divisions, as well as the Boat Triple Crown and the Boat Team Competition with Joe Thompson. I asked Kadison, who has probably run out of wall space for all his Derby plaques, why he fished every possible day, and nearly every hour possible, during the 35 days. “It’s kind of like an addiction. You can’t stop,” said Kadison. “I look forward to the Derby all year. I schedule my year around it. It’s one of the most fun things in my life.” When I tell you that Kadison fishes hard, I’m not exaggerating. He heads out before sunrise and often returns after sunset. Every possible day. Each of his big Derby fish this year was “kind of memorable.” He caught his albie trolling home from a day fishing off Nantucket with his son William. They’d caught and released a few 14-pound albies, but he gave the rod to William more often than not. It was late in the day when Kadison said, “The next fish, I’m reeling in.” And the next fish was the 16.62 albie. Kadison netted his grand leader bonito on a day he was

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

T H U R S D AY, O C TO B E R 22 , 2026

A HEADY BEER The art and chemistry behind a glass of Offshore ale.

PERRY GARFINKEL

‘VIVIENNE VALE’S VAUDEVILLE REVUE’ B2

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A ‘PERFECTLY RIGHT’ PLACE B6

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community & calendar

October 22, 2026

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A spirited night guaranteed

ou don’t have to worry about being frightened by things that go bump in the night at Circuit Arts’ multifaceted Halloween delight. Inspired by the vaudeville halls, supper clubs, and grand hotels of the early 20th century, this year’s Spirits & Spirits transforms Grange Hall into the Hotel Le Grangé, and we are invited guests to come play all evening. .Co-producer and Circuit Arts Managing Director Kelly Kaye speaks of the

“Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue” at Spirits & Spirits. BY ABBY REMER

If last year's Spirits and Spirits (seen in this photo montage) is an indication, hold onto your masks for this year's.

“Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue” runs from Oct. 27 through 31. Tuesday–Friday, doors to the house and bar open at 6:30 pm before the ticketed 7:30 pm showtime; Saturday, doors open at 5 pm for the early show, with a 6 pm showtime. Doors open at 7:45 pm for the 8:30 pm performance. Come early for a drink in the Afterlight Lounge and settle in. Seating is general admission and is first-come, first-served. Late admission will not be permitted once the revue begins. Tickets are $25, and are available at circuitarts.org/spirits-and-spirits.

PHOTOS: DENA PORTER

“There’s something about the Grange Hall around Halloween where the veil feels a little thinner.” –KELLY KAYE

C 32nd annual Barn Raisers Ball Dance the night away and celebrate the 1994 construction of the Ag Hall barn, built by more than 300 community members. Like past years, this event is a BYOB event with a dessert potluck, and music by Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish.

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Saturday, Nov. 7, 7:30 to 10 pm. Open to all, with a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury, marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org.

hosts its traditional community Halloween celebrations on Oct. 31. The day includes a Main Street costume parade, local business trick-or-treating, and festivities at the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Vineyard Haven Halloween

Main Street Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treating

The town of Vineyard Haven

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event’s impetus: “We wanted to create a Halloween experience that was missing on the Island. For people with little kids, you have the trick-or-treating, and the only real alternative was the bar scene. I was trying to get something more dynamic and inbetween, catering to the things I find fun about the holiday.” Circuit Arts began hosting Halloween events at the Grange in 2024. That first year, they tickled audiences with dramatic monologues on the upstairs stage. Kaye says, “People loved it, so I had a bigger idea for 2025, which became the first Spirits & Spirits.” Last year, audiences experienced the fictional Hotel Le Grangé through an eerie theatrical experience that unfolded throughout Grange Hall. The team transformed the first floor into a faded, early 20th century grand hotel with vintage velvet furniture, low lighting, and a bar, with the performance taking place upstairs. “There’s something about the Grange Hall around Halloween where the veil feels a little thinner,” says Kaye. “This year, we’re opening another door into that world, and taking audiences into the hotel’s Orchid Ballroom.” This year expands the hotel’s mythology, introducing a completely new story, characters, and performance style that unfolds entirely on the ground floor. “Last year, we sent out a survey, and the biggest feedback we got was that they liked the downstairs space and enjoyed playing with us, feeling like they went back in time. So, we decided to lean into that,” shares Kaye. We will meet Vivienne Vale, a celebrated star of stage and screen, portrayed by Circuit Arts house manager Shelagh Hackett. She has handpicked an intriguing lineup of Island actors, musicians, dancers, improvisers, and specialty performers to bring her revue to life. Part variety show, part experiential theater, the evening unfolds around the audience. Kaye says, “I want people to walk away with an appreciation of the sheer variety of talent we have on this Island, which is plainly on display.” Kaye, co-producer Mac Young, and coproducer and Circuit Arts creative director and filmmaker Danielle Mulcahy orchestrated the evening. “We are playing in shaping a whole world. We’re writing an original script, and designing the floor plan and seating,” Kaye notes. Start your evening of strange delights an hour before the show, grab a seat, and enjoy a drink and a light snack. Miss Vale believes an evening in the Orchid Ballroom calls for a little flair. Vintage finery, cocktail attire, costumes, and other imaginative interpretations are warmly encouraged. Miss Vale appreciates a guest who knows how to make an entrance, as long as it doesn’t outshine her own.

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Bring the kids for an afternoon parade starting around 3:45 pm to 4:15 pm (exact times to finalconfirm locally). The parade starts near Mansion House down Main Street,, then the kids can enjoy an afternoon of open trick-or-treating at participating local downtown businesses. Free. Main Street.

S Halloween on the Hill

Enjoy a fun evening of trick-ortreating with candy and noncandy options, seasonal crafts, popcorn, games, and a quiet sensory space, at the M.V. Museum. Costumes are encouraged. Free (donations appreciated). From 4:30 to 6 pm. M.V. Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, mvmuseum.org.

community & calendar B3

October 22, 2026

Writing From The Heart BY NANCY SLONIM ARONIE

The juggle is worth it.

Caring for aging Mom and living your own life

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visited a friend in one of those super-fancyschmancy assisted living places. Her apartment (that’s right, she lives in an apartment) has two big rooms, a charming kitchenette and, get this, a walk-in closet. There are two dining rooms to choose from, one casual and one formal, a pool, gardens to stroll through, a chapel, a meditation room, and a bowling alley. They have lecture series and book clubs and speakers and movie night. There are snacks available 24/7. When she saw my mouth hanging open in awe, she said you should get your name on the waiting list. It’s four years out. My interior monologue went something like this: This place must cost the proverbial arm and both legs. But if I sold my little Vineyard cabin at peak sellers’ market, I could probably live there for a few hours. When you’re 84, four years out is wayyy too far in the future to make any plan other than finding out where the nearest crematorium is. When my Aunt Shirley was 87, she used to joke, “No point buying green bananas.” I remember when my mother was in her 70s and she came out here to visit. I adored her and told her she was never, ever, ever going to a home for the aged (that's what they called those places then).

The week she was here I led a writing workshop, so every morning while I was getting ready with my usual rushed routine, it seemed my mom needed something that kind of threw me off my center. The first morning she called from the bedroom and said, “Honey, can you come help me do the hospital corners on my bed. And also I need a little

read. I made the sandwich with her favorite barbecue potato chips and sweet mixed pickles, put them on a beautiful antique china dish with a teeny vase with a small bunch of zinnias, kissed her on the top of her curly silver head and ran out the door to my car. I drove up to Radar Hill and ran my 3.1 miles. While I was huffing and puffing I kept thinking, What was I thinking? If this was demanding now, what would it be like when she was really old? This was just a preview, and she had me jumping. I meant it when I told her she would not go to a home for the aged, but the reality was hitting me square in my guilt-ridden gut. As I was agonizing, ruminating, and worrying, I suddenly remembered a story I had heard from my teacher, Ram Dass, about a young Chinese man tilling his fields. He looks up and sees his old father on the porch. He thinks to himself, He doesn't work. He just sits and costs me a fortune. All I do is work to feed him. That’s it. I have to get rid of him. So he builds a box, puts it on the wheelbarrow and drives it up to his father on the porch and says, “Father, I can no longer afford you. Get in.” The father climbs in, and the man pushes him up the mountain, and just as he’s about to tip him over, he hears a desperate knocking. “What is it, Father?” he says. The old man says, “I understand what you are doing. But save the box. Your son will need it.” I don't think I’ve ever actually run down Radar Hill, but I got home faster than the speed of light on a dimmer switch. I grabbed my mother, held her in my arms and said, “When you're ready we will add an in-law apartment. You will be moving in with us.” We never did have to add the extra space. She did move in with us for a while (and she was delightful and easy), but really wanted to live in a community with friends her own age. She moved to the Hebrew Home in West Hartford, and loved her last years with her people. That was 30 years ago. Now it’s my turn. Maybe I should get on that waiting list. Or just give my son this column. And a wooden box.

I meant it when I told her she would not go to a home for the aged, but the reality was hitting me square in my guilt-ridden gut. dish for my vitamins.” Of course, I had said yes, and ran in with a pretty little bowl and helped her make the bed. The next day she asked me if it wouldn't be too much trouble to go down to the Chilmark Store and get her one of those bran muffins. Or was it cranberry walnut? She said she couldn't remember but it was the one she loved last summer. I jumped in the car, raced to the store, came back with the muffin, and with a little anxiety continued getting ready for the class, which was about to arrive. Each morning she needed something that added minutes to my schedule. The third afternoon she asked if I could find that classical music station and set her up with a nice tuna fish sandwich; she’d be happy to just stay home and

BOOKS

Unexpected twists and turns “The Little Bookshop by the Harbor,” by Jean Stone.

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BY ABBY REMER

ucking into any of Jean Stone’s novels is always comforting, like joining a group of friends you haven’t seen for a while, and are happy to be among again. Even if you haven’t read any of her previous books in the two series set on the Vineyard, Stone’s ability to evoke our beloved home creates a welcoming embrace. Stone’s first Vineyardbased book came out in 1997, “Places by the Sea.” She recalls, “In 1995, I went to the Vineyard for the long weekend after Thanksgiving, staying at what was then the Daggett House, and started writing. It was one of those magical things that happen when you’re really lucky.” Stone went on to live here for two winters, and then fulltime for four years. Little nuggets like the inclusion of Orange Peel Bakery and the railroad car at the Black Dog Café on State Road give the setting for the book an authentic feel. In her first six-book Vineyard series, the main characters lived on Chappy. In “The Little Bookshop by the Harbor,” the second novel in her upIsland Vineyard series, the drama centers on Maddie Clarke, who lives with her grandmother, Nancy, in Menemsha. Maddie

recently moved to the historic fishing village where her late mother was born. In the first novel, Maddie learns that her mother was Wampanoag, making Maddie indigenous on her maternal side. Maddie and her son, Rafe, are excited to embrace their Wampanoag roots and happily prepare for Cranberry Day, a centuries-old harvest celebration and important cultural holiday. At the

concluding feast, Maddie hears about a bait and tackle shop in Menemsha that’s closing, and dreams of opening a bookstore there for residents yearround, along with visitors in the summer. She also wants to sell her Grandma Nancy’s handwoven Wampanoag baskets, which Rafe will also craft, donating the proceeds to benefit Wampanoag kids. Unsurprisingly for the Vineyard, Maddie has to

jump through regulatory hoops to get approval, and faces substantial renovations. Fortunately, she seems to have allies in her father, who comes to stay for a while, and in a friend, Rex, an appealing romantic interest. As always, Stone delivers unexpected twists and turns as the story unfolds, including a series of threatening anonymous notes Maddie keeps receiving, telling her to get off the Island. On top of that, we occasionally hear Grandma Nancy’s voice, offering hints of the backstory that we begin to piece together as the novel progresses, heightening the tension and mystery surrounding the past. Asked about the process of coming up with her narrative, Stone says, “I write a synopsis with all the key plot points, so I know where I’m going before I start a book. But how I get there is more freeform. And I don’t presuppose anything about the characters; it’s instinct. I let them evolve.” Ultimately, she says, “What I want is for readers to feel good, and to feel like they’ve learned something about the Vineyard.” “The Little Bookshop by the Harbor,” by Jean Stone, available at Edgartown Books.

Unsurprisingly for the Vineyard, Maddie has to jump through regulatory hoops to get approval, and faces substantial renovations.

B I R T H A N NOU NC E M E N T S Antonella Caroline Cordeiro Luiz

Theodore Ricardo Clark-Dyke

Ana Carolina Cordeiro and Manoel Luiz Jr. of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Antonella Caroline Cordeiro Luiz, on Oct. 11, 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Antonella weighed 6 pounds, 7.3 ounces.

Katherine Peck Clark and Keenan Ricardo Dyke of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Theodore Ricardo Clark-Dyke, on Oct. 15, 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Theodore weighed 7 pounds, 11.8 ounces.

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Tisbury By Taylor Stone tisburycolumnist@gmail.com

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alloween is now fully in-season. Spooky decorations are starting to appear around town, and soon many Chilmark School Scarecrows will join the downtown fun as well. I keep noticing wise old trees showing off their beautiful colors. Mix that with our recent weather, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for exploration. I always love leaf-peeping strolls this time of year along Wil-

liams Street, West Spring Street, or for a longer adventure, winding through Oak Grove Cemetery, next to the Tisbury School, for some truly blazing colors. M.V. Screenprinting is working overtime on its next annual installment of the Haunted House, open on Oct. 30 and 31, with options for both early, lights-on fun, and later evening scares. The Halloween Puppet Parade will also be happening on Hal-

Edgartown By Marnely Murray marnely@gmail.com

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he end of October is here, and events are still rolling in, even after the Island’s biggest event just culminated — the M.V. Derby. Congrats to David Gerhardt, who claimed the Boat Bluefish Grand Leader title with his 21.01-pound bluefish, and took home the winning Jeep after his key opened the lock. A round of applause to the Derby committee for all their hard work and time put into this annual tradition, and we can’t wait for next season! Now, for upcoming events. This first one is an all-Island event to get you in the har-

vest spirit, the sixth annual Harvest Festival, hosted by the M.V. Agricultural Society and funded in part by a grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council. It takes place on Oct. 24, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Ag Hall; you’ll find everything from a pie-eating

By Joanne Lambert joannelamber@gmail.com

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hotos of the bright foliage colors up north do not make me jealous. I just love Island autumn colors, which come more quietly but are equally stunning — the feathery grasses on the edge of the ponds, the yellow goldenrod popping along the beach dunes. And especially the sky, with bright red sunrises

C loween Day, starting at 4 pm at the Mansion House. Bella leads the way with her larger-than-life handmade puppets, and everyone is encouraged to jump in and join the march down Main Street. Visit Vineyard Haven will again hold its TisScary Halloween Happenings at 35 Main St. post-parade, with trick-or-treating at open businesses, music, costume contest, and more. The M.V. Museum’s Hal-

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loween on the Hill from 4:30 to 6 pm also offers games, seasonal crafts, a quiet sensory space, and of course trick-or-treating, so there are options for every ghoul that might stop by. There is a new group art show up at the Workshop Gallery through Nov. 15. While I haven’t yet visited “The Museum of Unnatural History,” it is certainly on brand for this season, and definitely on my to-do list. I will be sure to report back

and painted pink sunsets, followed by clear, starry nights. October’s full moon is the Hunter’s Moon, rising on Oct. 26. Like the Harvest Moon, this moon is traditionally associated with preparing for winter. Other names for this moon refer to falling leaves and migrating birds. The Farmer’s Almanac states that the moon will be most easily seen on Oct. 25, and will stay bright early in the evening for several days. The sixth annual Harvest Festival is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Ag

SCAN HERE TO SIGN UP OR LEARN MORE

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once I make it over. S&S Kitchenette will hold another “Esoteric Evening” on Thursday, Oct. 29, 4 to 8pm. With drinks, bites, tarot, and more, all witchkind are welcome. On Oct. 24, an inclusive Teen Pride Party takes place at the V.H. Library, 7 to 10:30 pm. Expect music, food from Wicked Burger, and a special printmaking activity with Althea Designs. To all the witches gathering in Edgartown on Oct.

Visit Vineyard Haven will again hold its TisScary Halloween Happenings at 35 Main St. post-parade, with trick-or-treating at open businesses, music, costume contest, and more. competition to sustainability demonstrations, so plan on staying for the entirety of the event — I know I will be. Both Diane Carr and Sydney Mullen mentioned that they had gone on the haunted historic Edgartown walking tour with Seamus Rattigan, and they enjoyed it. I’m hoping to experience this tour myself soon, and you can too. Check out his website at hauntededgartown.com for full details; tours are 90 minutes long and cost $30. On Oct. 23 from 7 to 9 pm at the Old Whaling Church,

the “Fire & Song” fundraiser concert will be taking place. It’s a benefit concert supporting the Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition, featuring pianist Joel A. Martin and vocalist Theresa Thomason in an evening of music and reflection. Tickets and more details can be found online at mvdiversitycoalition.org. To get into the spirit of Halloween, there will be a “Witching Hour” costumed paddle parade on Oct. 25 for kayaks, SUPs, and canoes, complete with hot chocolate and a suggested donation supporting the

There will be a “Witching Hour” costumed paddle parade on Oct. 25 for kayaks, SUPs, and canoes, complete with hot chocolate and a suggested donation supporting the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group.

Oak Bluffs

“How bravely Autumn paints upon the sky the gorgeous fame of summer, which is fled.” – Thomas Hood

October 22, 2026

Hall. There will be pumpkin carving, farm animals, crafts and games, antique power displays, and lots of contests — plus a clothing swap, local eats, and live music by Blues Switch and the Flying Elbows. It’s a really fun day for all ages; see you there. On Sunday, the annual end-of-season Pig Roast at Coop de Ville starts at 11 am, with music by Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish in the afternoon. M.V. Community Services officially opened its new

building on Oct. 16 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to thank the community and donors who made it happen. Called the Morby Family Building, it will house the many services provided by MVCS, including Island Counseling and Veterans Services. With the YMCA renovation next door, the Ice Arena in full swing, the popular Skate Park and Tackenash Knoll housing complex opening soon, that section of Edgartown Road in Oak

S 25: I hope to catch the floating parade of your “Witching Hour” this year, from 9 to 10 am, and will cackle along with you from shore as you pass by on paddleboards, in canoes, or however else you float on the water. El Barco has joined the list of businesses now closed for the season in Tisbury. Happy birthday, Avery Miner, of Tisbury’s own Miner Family Gallery, on Saturday Oct. 24. Do you have an upcoming birthday, event, or just something you want shared in a future Tisbury column? Email me at tisburycolumnist@gmail. com with your own stories of our town, or upcoming events you’d like to see spotlighted here.

Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group. Meet at 8:45 am at Collin’s Beach (beside the Reading Room), and you’ll be paddling toward the Edgartown Lighthouse. Need equipment? Text Chick at Island Spirit Kayak at 774-563-1805. To continue with the witchy theme on Oct. 28, Juniper by Donaroma’s is hosting a floral witchy broom workshop, where participants will get to create a decorative floral broom using dried grasses, branches, berries, and other seasonal textures in a workshop with a spooky, witchy atmosphere. Price is $125 per person, and you can sign up by calling or emailing Amy Coffey at amy@ donaromas.com or 508-6273036, ext. 1. As a reminder, trivia at Indigo, led by Brews Brothers Taproom Trivia, is now

starting at 6:30 pm every Thursday, so join in on the fun. Leaving my cozy home after the sun sets is truly a feat, but we all have to be strong and not let the doldrums of winter, which technically haven’t even started yet, get to us. Don’t forget, Edgartown’s Happy Haunting happens on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 am to 1 pm. Brought to you by the Edgartown Board of Trade and Edgartown’s small business community, join our community for continued Halloween fun, while little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat from business to business. Rumor has it the Edgartown Police Department has full-size candy bars! I’m still figuring out my costume, but I’ll see you downtown for this fun time, one not to be missed. Happy Halloween weekend, Edgartown!

Bluffs is alive and vibrant. Next up will be the high school renovation across the street, starting next year. Over at the Featherstone Center for the Arts, the last exhibit of 2026 is open through Oct. 25 in the Francine Kelly Gallery. It is the “Featherstone Board and Instructor Show,” showcasing the work created in the studios and amazing talent within the community. The gallery is open daily from noon to 4 pm. After this, it will be time for the Holiday

Gift Show. You know I have a rule about talking about Christmas before Halloween, so more about that later. Happy birthday to Wyatt Loughman on Oct. 22; happy birthday to Oliver Danielson, who celebrates on Oct. 24. Oliver is the grandson of Dave and Ellen Richardson. Birthday hugs to the amazing Ann Baird on Oct. 25. A couple more amazing women share the 26th, Judy O’Donoghue and Evelyn Vertefeuille — and they share the day with Hillary Clinton. Happy birthday to Erika Oliver on Oct. 27, and sending birthday balloons to Brooklyn for Scott Bradley. On the 28th, we celebrate Lori Katsounakis and Shawn Shaw, and send birthday hugs to Emily Hartford. Send me your news!

The sixth annual Harvest Festival is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Ag Hall. There will be pumpkin carving, farm animals, crafts and games, antique power displays, and lots of contests.

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community & calendar B5

October 22, 2026

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Aquinnah By Kathie Olsen aquinnahcolumn@gmail.com

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love it when yet another local kid goes out into the world and does good. Maxwell Butler, Aquinnah King of the Hammond B-3, opened last week at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles for the first night of his cross-country tour with Patrick Droney. The tour will end at the Shubert Theatre in Boston in November. This comes after a six-week tour with Duane Betts, son of Dickey Betts of Allman Brothers fame. Max and his partner, Jordan Liebovitz, will be joining his equally fabulous mother, Mallory Butler, here in Aquinnah for

Thanksgiving. Look for them then and give a salute. We live at the end of a long, dark, driveway. Even so, we usually are delighted to welcome a number of young, costumed trickor-treaters for Halloween. They come hopping out of their grown-ups’ cars,

By Claire Ganz cganz@live.com

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Mutiny, Love, and Adventure at the Bottom of the World,” by Tilar J. Mazzeo. Every vote counts, and we can cast our in-person ballots early at the Chilmark Town Hall, through Friday this week from 1 to 3 pm. On Saturday, Oct. 24, ballots can be cast from 9 to 11 am, and 3 to 5 pm. Next Monday through Friday, we can vote between 1 and 3 pm. The last day to cast an in-person ballot is Friday, Oct. 30. The last day Chilmark residents can register to vote is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9

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

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riving home from the Chilmark School one afternoon last week, Iyla and I noticed the changing colors: beetlebungs as dark as Homer’s “wine-dark sea,” one fiery red maple tree, and others in those vibrant shades as we drove along South Road. I asked if she had noticed the darker mornings and evenings. She had. The chilly mornings, too, and leaving the house wearing layers to be taken off by midmorning, reversing the process by late afternoon. I finally got up to the library to see the quilt

carrying bags or plastic pumpkin containers, walk up to our door with expectant faces, and always examine the bowl of goodies we present to them with great seriousness. The selection process takes time. Once they select one or two candies, mostly they remember to say a polite “thank you” as they turn around and scurry back to their vehicle, eager to get to the next place. We know most of them, at least by sight, and watching them grow from year to year is part of the joy. I miss those who have aged out and no longer

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take part in this yearly ritual, but confess to loving this yearly ritual anyway. The monthly luncheon for seniors hosted by the Friends of the Up-Island Council on Aging takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Aquinnah Town Hall. Come and enjoy the good company and the terrific food. If you plan to attend, try to let them know in advance at 508-693-2896. Thursday, Oct. 22, 3:30 until 5 pm, the Aquinnah Library is hosting a Pokémon Scavenger Hunt. Then, on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2pm,

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the Aquinnah library Book Group meets. That night, at 7 pm, the library invites teens to a co-hosted Teen Pride Party at the Vineyard Haven library. The party includes a Wicked Burger Pop-Up and a print project with Althea Design. Ask library staff for further information. In-person voting takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Aquinnah Town Hall. This one is a doozy, with a lot of important issues, and interesting candidates for state and local offices. If you haven’t seen an official Voters Information Booklet,

On Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2 pm, the Aquinnah library Book Group meets. That night, at 7 pm, the library invites teens to a co-hosted Teen Pride Party at the Vineyard Haven library. The party includes a Wicked Burger Pop-Up and a print project with Althea Design.

Chilmark

unday was bright, warm, and sunny. The forecast calls for jacket and cap weather. The Beetlebung trees are red, the ferns gold. The Chilmark library’s Book Club will meet Oct. 27, from noon to 1:30 pm. This month’s selection is a fabulous read, the true story of a 19-year-old woman who took on challenges, became the captain of a merchant ship, and faced treacherous navigation of Antarctica's deadly waters — “The Sea Captain's Wife: A True Story of

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show. I had some respiratory bug when the quilters had their opening, and I didn’t want to be around other people. I’m disappointed not to have told them in person what a gorgeous collection of work they have on display. I am amazed at the variety of fabrics, colors, designs, pieced or appliqued, picto-

to 11 am and 3 to 5 pm at the Chilmark Town Hall, 401 Middle Road, and online at bit.ly/Mass_RegisterToVote. Thank you to the Martha’s Vineyard League of Women Voters for hosting a lovely and informative tea at the M.V. Museum. Thank you, Bow Van Riper, for giving us information from the museum’s collection on the women who were there in the beginning. The collections in the museum and the towns are archives that don’t

just preserve things from decay, but make them available for us. I am constantly reminded that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before. Thank you, Deborah Medders, for presenting the history of the league and the continued nonpartisan focus of the league on the right of every adult citizen in the U.S. to cast a vote, and the right to be informed on the issues on the ballots so you can decide how to cast

your vote. Thank you, Ken Armstead and Joan Kass, for helping young people register and supporting civics education.Thank you, Carol Early, for supporting membership. The group’s Facebook page is bit.ly/MVLeagueOfWomenVoters. The Chilmark Volunteer Fire Department has a new digital home on Facebook: bit.ly/FB_ChilmarkFD. It is late, but time to double-check that the fire extinguishers are where they

S go by our library and take some time to look at it. This election has nine binding statewide ballot questions, so it will be worth your time to read up on them. Your vote is a precious right. It is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Your vote will be carefully counted, and it will count. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The laws and officials selected will have power over things that will affect your life, so standing up and voting now really matters. If you haven’t voted yet, I look forward to seeing you at Town Hall on Tuesday the 3rd. I’ll be delighted to give you an “I Voted” sticker. Birthday hurrahs this week go to Curtis Langer on Oct. 22, and to our harbormaster, Isaac Taylor, on Oct. 25. As I won’t have a column next week, early birthday shoutouts go to Buddy Vanderhoop on Oct. 29 and to Carla Cuch on Oct. 31.

belong, test the smoke and carbon dioxide alarms, clean the chimney, furnace ducts, and stovepipes, and check the furnace and woodstove. Iggy’s, Larsen’s Fish Market, and Pandora have closed for the season. The Menemsha Texaco has shifted its hours, weekdays 8 to 4 pm, weekends, 9 to 1 pm. And Marshall reminds us we can come Monday through Wednesdays for early morning coffee and conversation, 6:30 to 8 am.

Thank you, Bow Van Riper, for giving us information from the museum’s collection on the women who were there in the beginning. The collections in the museum and the towns are archives that don’t just preserve things from decay, but make them available for us.

rial or pure abstraction. Not unlike any type of art, the possibilities are endless. Do go to the library to see this show. It will be up until the end of October. Early voting continues at the Public Safety Building through Oct. 30. On Saturday, Oct. 24, hours are 9 am to 5 pm. Next week, polls are open 8 to 11 am. Vote on Election Day, Nov. 3, between 7 am and 8 pm. The Up-Island Council on Aging is looking for volunteer drivers for an up-Island shuttle program for seniors. Call the Howes House for more information: 508-693-2896.

Kudos to Brynn Schaffner, the West Tisbury Fire Department, and the upIsland Boards of Health for the vaccine clinic at the Public Safety Building last Sunday. There were no long lines, and there were plenty of people taking information and giving shots. It couldn’t have gone more smoothly. There was even coffee and muffins. Thanks to everyone for making it so easy. On our way home, Mike and I stopped at the Ag Hall to watch Iyla ride in the horse show. She and her horse, Enzo, have been working so hard together. Their effort

The Up-Island Council on Aging is looking for volunteer drivers for an up-Island shuttle program for seniors. Call the Howes House for more information: 508-693-2896.

showed; they won a blue ribbon, and two red ones. There will be a concert called Fire and Song at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown this Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 pm. It is a fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition and the Martha’s Vineyard Living Legends Project. Pianist Joel Martin will perform classical, jazz, and pieces by Komitas, the Armenian composer Martin has studied for several years. He will be joined by vocalist Theresa Thomason, whose work is rooted in gospel and African American musical

heritage. Tickets are $60, or VIP tickets for $100 that include special seating and a reception with the musicians. For more information: projects.yvomendez@ gmail.com. I was at Ghost Island last week, and I was surprised to find some late orange nasturtium flowers tucked beneath a row of zinnias. Nasturtiums are my favorite summer flower. My little bouquet may be the last for this year. There is nothing prettier than a few bright flowers and leaves in a glass jar, a simple and perfect ornament for my windowsill.

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community & calendar

October 22, 2026

PERRY GARFINKEL

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here is something perfectly right with our world. Thousands of Vineyarders and friends from beyond our shores, some living, some gone, have come together to create it. When I arrived at work last week, I found myself, my teammates, and my patients smiling all day. I had the urge to hug just about everyone I met, and I sensed the feeling was mutual. What’s behind all this joy — the new Martha’s Vineyard Community Services building — is no mere inanimate thing. What makes people smile when they walk through its doors is that it feels very much alive. Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings and they shape us.” I have been thinking about those words all week. From my new office window I can see the old building. It was cramped and dilapidated. It was too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and it flooded in heavy rains. Offices were carved out of former closets, and sound machines hummed on hallway floors by thin walls to mask private conversations. Even so, for decades, people who walked through its doors told their stories, shed tears, shared hugs, and, in many cases, turned their lives around. It was an imperfect building that served as a place of healing for thousands. Last week, about 30 employees and former employees gathered there, burned sage, and said an emotional goodbye to an old friend that had served us loyally. Now it is gone. Why does a building matter so much? We are a community with more than our share of highs and lows. On the plus side, we are surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty and blessed with extraordinary resources for connection: senior centers, the YMCA, our hospital, two hospices, conservation land, places of prayer and meditation, theaters and playing fields, and well over a hundred nonprofits — more than three times the national average per capita is spent on these organizations. And yet, this same Island struggles with high rates of depression, substance use, and tick-borne illness. Our year swings from a summer of nonstop work and socializing to a winter that brings many of us isolation, underemploy-

Momentous ribbon cutting at Community Services, Oct. 16.

Something perfectly right

with our world

New Community Services building is more than just brick and mortar. BY CHARLES SILBERSTEIN WITH LAURA ROOSEVELT

ment, and loneliness. One in four year-round Islanders, and many seasonal residents, come to Community Services each year for help. The new building is breathtakingly beautiful, and its beauty is a boost to the

The new building is breathtakingly beautiful, and its beauty is a boost to the healing that happens inside it. There are views of nature from every window, light streaming through windows and skylights, the colors of the Island in the walls and furniture.

healing that happens inside it. There are views of nature from every window, light streaming through windows and skylights, the colors of the Island in the walls and furniture, artwork by Vineyarders, and easy access to private spaces and gathering spaces indoors and out. Last week, when I went out to the waiting room to bring my patients into my office, each one greeted me with a smile: “This is amazing.” “I knew it would be nice, but I had no idea.” “Wow.” One said, “I feel like I’ve left the Vineyard, and yet the Vineyard is everywhere.” Churchill was right. The building is already having an impact on us. This space tells people that they matter

and are valued. Working in a beautiful setting increases job satisfaction, and results in better patient care. Patients who feel welcomed and comforted by a positive environment heal faster — hospital patients with a view of nature have been shown to recover sooner, and need less pain medication. Dignity can be built into the walls. The children who will grow up knowing that this building is here, and the Islanders who will walk through its doors decades from now were our inspiration. They gave all of us the reason to build something both aesthetically pleasing and meant to last. And in the building, I can also feel the spirits of those who came before: generations of dreamers, donors, clinicians, board members, architects, builders and neighbors. Perhaps that is why it feels so good to be there. It doesn’t belong only to the organization and its board, but rather to all of us: patients and counselors, administrators and maintenance staff, the people who designed it and the people who built it. And it is in that shared sense of ownership, all of us growing and learning together, that the deepest healing happens. I have avoided naming names instrumental to the building’s construction, because once such a list began, it would never end. But there is one person whose spirit I felt there countless times on my first day, and whom I will think of every day I return. My office was built in his honor, and his name is beside my door: my friend and mentor, Dr. Milton Mazer. Milton came to the Island in 1961 as its first resident psychiatrist. He started the Island Counseling Center, which grew into what Community Services is today. He was ahead of his time: Two years after he created ICC, the national community mental health movement took hold based on the idea he was already practicing here: that people heal best not in distant institutions, but in their own communities, supported by family, neighbors, schools, and work. Milton’s book, “People and Predicaments,” named the stresses of year-round Island life, and many of them are among those that we still see. It was Milton who encouraged me to come to the Vineyard when he was winding down his practice. He died in 2007 at 95, but his spirit — and those of countless others — lives on in this new building. I think he would be proud of it. Come by and see it. There is something perfectly right with our world, and its doors are open. Charles Silberstein, MD, is the medical director of Island Counseling Center at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. His wife, Laura Roosevelt, is a writer, poet, photographer, and editor.

2026 HOLIDAY ADVERTISING! Publishing December 3

Publishing November 19

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Celebrate the season of giving and tradition!

This special section includes a handy town-by-town schedule of holiday events, so everyone can plan their holiday activities… and shopping! Distributed in all newspapers and at select locations, and available in time for Christmas in Edgartown.

This glossy, full-color publication features a gift guide, along with stories about our traditions, as well as a spotlight on Island nonprofits, unique local gift ideas. Island Holidays is inserted in all newspapers, on the ferries, and at select retail locations.

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calendar & community B7

October 22, 2026

Event spotlight for the week of 10•22 — 10•28

FRI 10/23

Fire & Song fundraiser concert

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he Fire & Song fundraiser concert at the Whaling Church in Edgartown will benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition and its Living Legends Project. The evening features internationally acclaimed pianist

and composer Joel A. Martin and vocalist Theresa Thomason, with music and reflection focused on cultural connection and advancing equity. Tickets range from $60 to $100, with VIP admission including premium seating and a reception.

An Evening with Matt Nakoa

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ward-winning composer and performer Matt Nakoa brings an eclectic mix of piano and vocals to the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse in Vineyard Haven. Trained as a concert pianist and vocalist at Berklee College of Music, Nakoa blends classical music, songwriting,

and honky-tonk, drawing on years of performing in New York City piano bars and touring with folk legend Tom Rush. Tickets are $25.

SAT 10/24

SUN 10/25

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Harvest Festival

elebrate fall at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s Harvest Festival in West Tisbury. The free event features pumpkin carving, farm animals, a hay maze, kids’ crafts, adult demonstrations, local food, pie-baking and pie-eating contests, and live music by the Flying

Elbows. The festival runs from 10 am to 2 pm.

Haunted Edgartown

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iscover Edgartown’s spooky side on Haunted Edgartown, a 90-minute guided walking tour through the historic town. Hear eerie tales of shipwrecks, curses, restless spirits, and buried secrets while exploring historic sites and shadowy streets. The PG-13 experience is suited for curious adults and brave teens. Tickets are $30,

Witching Hour

ress up for the Witching Hour, a costumed paddle parade launching from Collin’s Beach in Edgartown toward the lighthouse. Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are welcome, with hot chocolate provided and a suggested $20 donation benefiting Vineyard Cancer Support Group. Participants should arrive by 8:45 am, bring their

own costumes and equipment, and wear required personal flotation devices.

Open Writing Hours at Featherstone

with tours on Oct. 24 and 31, from 7:30 to 9 pm.

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dependently. Sessions run riters of all levels are invited to bring Sundays from 1 to 3 pm. their projects to Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs for Open Writing Hours. The free, weekly drop-in session offers a quiet library setting and the company of fellow writers while working in-

EVENTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 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. 508-693-2896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov

[Free] Adaptive Strength and Pilates with Judy Kranz

9-10 am, West Tisbury Library. Weekly Pilates and strength training. This class is free and open to the public. Please dress in comfortable clothing and bring your own mat. wt_mail@clamsnet.org

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

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery

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

Little Naturalists

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

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

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

Painting Still Life with Liz Taft

10 am-1 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. This class is about learning to see things simply and translating that into a painting. Open to anyone who has done a little bit of painting! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

Drop-in Mah Jongg

10:15 am-12:15 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library, Vineyard Haven. Drop in for a pick-up game or two of American Mah Jongg on Thursday mornings this fall! No instruction provided, so best for experienced players. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org

Wiggle with the Words Storytime

10:30-11 am, Edgartown Library. Fun props and interactive stories. Geared for ages 1-5, but all are welcome. No sign-up. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221. 508627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

Tech help

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

Stravaiger: Wanderer

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. “Stravaiger: Wanderer” is an art exhibit that revolves around Scotland, open throughout the month of October. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Knowhere Art Continues This Fall 11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Knowhere Art Continues This Fall 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com

Al Ufoq Grassroots Women’s Empowerment in the West Bank, Palestine

12:30-2 pm, West Tisbury Library. Healing Sage: Grassroots Women’s Empowerment in the West Bank, Palestine 508-6933366, friendsofthehorizon@gmail.com

Chair Caning Workshop Series with Fred Thornbrugh

Kids Crafts & Crunch Spooky Lanterns

3:30 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Make a spooky lantern while enjoying snacks provided by MV Community Services. 508-696-4211, jrapuano@clamsnet.org

Pokemon Club

3:30-4:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Bring your Pokémon cards to show to others! This is a club to talk about Pokémon, look at 2:30-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. Email gwilbur@clamsnet.org for more information or to cards, play the game and draw! For ages register. 508-693-3366, gwilbur@clamsnet.org 5-12. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org

YOU HAD TO BE THERE — 3-4:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Each week we’ll at the MV Film Center Creator Club

have a different hands-on craft to try 508627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

Community Knitting Circle

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

Pokémon Scavenger Hunt

3:30-5 pm, Aquinnah Library. There are Pokémon loose in the library & we need your help to catch ‘em all! Join us at for a Pokémon Scavenger Hunt, prizes, and activities! 508-645-2314, cbrust@clamsnet.org

4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. YOU HAD TO BE THERE — How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution Spread Love & Overalls and Created a Community That Changed the World. 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com

Artist Reception – Mary Ellen Heitl

4-5:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Artist Reception – Mary Ellen Heitl 508693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org

Edgartown Old Westside Graveyard Walking Tour

4-5:15 pm, Old Westside Graveyard, Ukulele Jam Edgartown. Gravestones are a window 3:30-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. All ages into the past. Walk through Old Westside and abilities. The library has ukuleles to graveyard with historian Elizabeth Villard. borrow, or bring a guitar or banjo, or come to Fee $20. Information. Text 508 627 2529 sing. wt_mail@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366. 508-627-2529, evillardmv@gmail.com 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org ‘The Social Reckoning’ at

At Stillpoint // 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

the Edgartown Cinema

4 pm, Edgartown Cinema. Follows Frances Haugen, a young Facebook engineer, who enlisted the help a Wall Street Journal reporter, to blow the whistle on the social network. 508-627-8008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com

‘Other Mommy’ at the Edgartown Cinema

4:15 pm, Edgartown Cinema. Bela, an 8-year-old girl living in a home with marital problems, confronts a sinister entity which comes out of her closet. 508-627-8008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com

Table Tennis

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

Meditation

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

Jazz piano at the Sweet Life with Jeremy Berlin

6:30-9 pm, Sweet Life Cafè, Oak Bluffs. join us for dinner, drinks a some live jazz piano. Jeremy Berlin plays every Thursday at 6:30 598-696-0200, erin@sweetlifemv.com

Live Blues Music with The Blues Trio at The Pawnee House 6:30-8:30pm 6:30-8:30 pm, The Pawnee House, Oak Bluffs. Live Blues Music on Thursday Nights at The Pawnee House 508-3382770, thepawneehouse@gmail.com

‘The Social Reckoning’ at the Edgartown Cinema

6:45 pm, Edgartown Cinema. Follows Frances Haugen, a young Facebook engineer, who enlisted the help of a Wall Street Journal reporter, to blow the whistle on the social network. 508-627-8008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com

HAUNTED HISTORIC Edgartown Walking Tour with Seamus Rattigan

7-8:30 pm, carnegie heritage center, Edgartown. This special 90-minute Haunted Edgartown Walk with the Island’s own Seamus Rattigan brings together ghost stories,

Island legends, and shipwrecks. 774-5499107, thecarnegie@mvpreservation.org

‘Other Mommy’ at the Edgartown Cinema

7 pm, Edgartown Cinema. Bela, an 8-yearold girl living in a home with marital problems, confronts a sinister entity which comes out of her closet. 508-627-8008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com

Master potter Juliet Ehrich’s work by appointment

Oak Bluffs. Island sculptor, master potter, and published arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich’s diversely themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be seen by appointment by calling 502-9363599. 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com

Alida O’Loughlin Photography Show “WATER”

The Photography Gallery at the MV Television Center, Oak Bluffs. A Show of Photographs by Alida O’Loughlin on WATER in its many manifestations from the city of Rotterdam to hidden places on Martha’s vineyard 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

Pilates Mixed Apparatus Class

9-9:55 am, Vineyard Pilates & Bodywork, Vineyard Haven. This group equipment class using Reformer and/or Tower and/ or Chair is designed for those with some experience on the Pilates Apparatus. 508-696-6452, pilates@vineyardpilates.com

Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Quest

9 am-3:30 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Enjoy Sengekontacket on this self-guided kayak tour. Clues lead you through the pond. Call to reserve for up to 3 hours; returning the boats by 3:30. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org Continued on B8

calendar & community

B8

October 22, 2026

MON 10/26 TUES 10/27 TUES 10/27 Forever chemicals on-Island

Moonrise Kayak

J

oin naturalist guides at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided moonrise kayak paddle on Sengekontacket Pond. Watch the full

moon rise as the sun sets during this monthly evening outing. The two-hour paddle runs from 4:15 to 6:15 pm, and is open to participants ages 16 and older.

T

he Vineyard Conservation Society and Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative will host a free panel discussion on PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” at the M.V. Film Center in Vineyard Haven, with a virtual option available. Experts Amber Schmidt, Dr. Robin Dod-

Acrylic Painting with John Holladay

Stravaiger: Wanderer

9 am-12 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Perfect your painting techniques during this intermediate/advanced class. Bring an image for inspiration and learn to improve your composition. 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. “Stravaiger: Wanderer” is an art exhibit that revolves around Scotland, open throughout the month of October. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Knowhere Art Continues This Fall

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery

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

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

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

Kid’s Music Class

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 508-6453360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com

Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky

11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. To sign up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org or call 508-6933366. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org

Learn to scrapbook/junk journal

Self Care Club (ages 8+)

10:30 am-4 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Craft projects for kids ages 3+. New craft each week! Drop in. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Create and play using our collection of Play-Doh and sculpting toys 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Knowhere Art Continues This Fall 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com

3-4:45 pm, West Tisbury Library. DIY scrapbook/ junk journaling for kids ages 10-18 years 508-693-3366, lhearn@clamsnet.org

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

Drop-in Play-Doh Group

3:15-4:15 pm, West Tisbury Library. Self Care Club for Kids 8+. Crafts, skin care, reading, and more! 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org

[Online] Build It, Build It Better: Poetry Workshop with Donald Nitchie

4:30-6 pm, Edgartown Library. This workshop is perfect for beginning writers 508627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

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

Thurs 10/22

4:00 PM

YOU HAD TO BE THERE LAST SHOWING

FALLEN ANGELS Captured live on Broadway 7:30 PM 4:00 PM Fri COLORS OF TIME 10/23 HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY 7:30 PM HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY COLORS OF TIME COLORS OF TIME Sun 10/25 FALLEN ANGELS HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY

Sat 10/24

4:00 PM 7:30 PM 1:00 PM 4:00 PM 7:30 PM

MONDAY & TUESDAY OCT. 26 & 27 · FILM CENTER IS CLOSED

Wed 10/28 Thurs 10/29

HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY 7:30 PM

HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY 4:00 PM COLORS OF TIME 7:30 PM

WINNER BEST ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATION 2025 Voted by the Vineyard Community The MV Film Center is open to the public and masks are optional for all individuals. Please join us for an in-person movie experience soon!

Information & Schedules

S

tep into the Orchid Ballroom at Grange Hall in West Tisbury for Spirits & Spirits: “Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue,” an evening of music, comedy, dance, and specialty acts hosted by the fictional starlet Vivienne Vale. Guests are encouraged to dress in vintage finery, cocktail attire, or creative costumes. Tickets are $25, with doors opening an hour be-

fore showtime, and snacks and drinks available in the Afterlight Lounge for guests 21 and older. Performances begin at 7:30 pm Oct. 27–30, with additional dates available.

EVENTS

Continued from B7

Friday Crafting

son, and Dr. David Sherr will discuss water safety, reducing household exposure, health research, and policy implications. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Spirits & Spirits: ‘Vivienne Vale's Vaudeville Revue’

scan code for complete schedule

mvfilmsociety.com

508.69 6.9369

An Evening with Matt Nakoa

7 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Award-winning composer and performer Matt Nakoa brings his genre-bending, hot-handed piano and vocal skills to Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Fire & Song Fundraiser Concert

7-9 pm, Whaling Church, Edgartown. 413-2181353, projects.yvomendez@gmail.com

Spooky Movie Night

7:30-9 pm, The Red House PRSC, Vineyard Haven. Join us for a spooky Movie Night: Pizza, Popcorn and Drinks 508-693-2900, jtau@mvcommunityservices.org

Master potter Juliet Ehrich’s work by appointment

Oak Bluffs. Island sculptor, master potter, and published arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich’s diversely themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be seen by appointment by calling 502-936-3599. 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com

Alida O’Loughlin Photography Show “WATER”

The Photography Gallery at the MV Television Center, Oak Bluffs. A Show of Photographs by Alida O’Loughlin on WATER in its many manifestations from the city of Rotterdam to hidden places on Martha’s vineyard 508560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 Real Estate Salesperson License Prep Class

9 am-5 pm, Haven, Vineyard Haven.

In-person real estate salesperson exam prep class Megan@acemv.org

Vinyasa Power Yoga

9-10 am, Edgartown Library. Free and open to the public. Registration is required. Sign up at edgartownlibrary.org. 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

Children’s Saturday Crafting: Halloween (ages 6+) with Helen Hall

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery

10 am-12 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Come have fun in the Children’s Arts Studio for a Halloween themed crafting workshop! Ages 6+, all materials included. 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

Kaiut Yoga

10:15-10:45 am, Oak Bluffs Library. Join us for a fun-filled storytime with stories, songs, scarves, and shakers. There will be interactive board books and a story picture book as well. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org

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

Saturday Storytime

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

Community Dance Class

6th Annual Harvest Festival

10 am-2 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, West Tisbury. Celebrate the harvest with food, fun and music. 508-693-9549, admin@mvagsoc.org

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

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

10:30-11:30 am, West Tisbury Library. Join instructor Jesse Keller Jason for a fun, adaptive adult dance class. Free and open to all. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org

At Stillpoint // 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

At Stillpoint // An Introduction to Knife Sharpening

10:30 am-12:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This two-hour Knife Sharpening class will provide lots of hands-on experience info@stillpointmv.org

Story Journeys

10:30 am, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Movement, stories, and music threaded together in an improvisational and participatory journey 508-6964211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org

Stravaiger: Wanderer

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. “Stravaiger: Wanderer” is an art exhibit that revolves around Scotland, open throughout the month of October. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Knowhere Art Continues This Fall 11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Knowhere Art Continues This Fall 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com

Storytime

11-11:30 am, Chilmark Library. We’ll read classic and current children’s literature, and sing, move, and play together. Ideal for ages 3-6. adubno@clamsnet.org, 508-645-3360. 508645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com

Drop-In Crafts: DIY Reading Scratchers and Paint by Sticker

12-3 pm, Aquinnah Library. DIY Reading Scratchers and Paint by Sticker. Other craft materials will also be available. Kids of all ages are welcome. 508-645-2314, cbrust@clamsnet.org

Mah Jongg Group

12:30-2:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Weekly gameplay at the library. Email gwilbur@clamsnet.org to reserve your spot or for more information. 508693-3366, gwilbur@clamsnet.org

‘Colours of Time’: Moving forward by looking back

C

édric Klapisch’s “Colours of Time” slips and slides beautifully in and out of two eras like a fine handwoven tapestry. The French film, screening at the M.V. Film Center the weekend of Oct. 23, is lush with color and ideas that entrance our eyes and minds from the first moment to the last. Two interwoven narratives relate intimately

BY ABBY REMER to each other. In contemporary Paris, Seb, a young digital content creator, attends a meeting with about 30 other people. To everyone’s surprise, a developer tells them they are all cousins, direct descendants of Adèle Vermillard, who lived at the end of the 19th century. The presenters explain they want to buy Adèle’s estate to build a mega supermarket and garage. Seb becomes one of four

representatives designated to inspect Adèle’s abandoned house, where they discover mysterious treasures — family photographs, possible Impressionist art, and other items — all buried under dust. A corresponding story unfolds as Adèle arrives in 1890s Paris to find her mother, who abandoned her at birth. When Adèle finds her, their relationship proves complicated.

Adèle’s mother works in a brothel, which initially shocks her naive daughter. However, their connection improves as Adèle becomes more worldly through her friendships with two young men, which draws her into the birth of early photography and the explosive rise of the Impressionist movement. The dual narratives move forward as the four contemporary cousins uncover information about

calendar & community B9

October 22, 2026

EVENTS Exploring Printmaking with Allison Doherty

1-4 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Explore techniques such as linoleum block printing; dry-point etching; monotype; and mixed-media processes in these one day workshops. 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

Book Group

2-3 pm, Aquinnah Library. Join us for a discussion of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin. This program is free and all are welcome. 508-645-2314, cbrust@clamsnet.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. 508-693-9433, oakb_mail@clamsnet.org

Children’s Ceramic Exploration (ages 7+)

2-4 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. In this class, students will explore hand building. From decorative planters to dragons to mugs, children will learn and experiment! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

Peter Halperin: Solo Guitar Concert 3-4 pm, West Tisbury Library. Join Peter Halperin for a special solo guitar performance at the West Tisbury Library. Free and open to the public. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org

At Stillpoint // Healing Hour with Sue Angeley

3-4 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Healing practitioner Sue Angeley utilizes two modalities that employ vibrational energy to lead you to a deeply restorative state of relaxation info@stillpointmv.org

THISTLE

7 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Live Music: Thistle boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Teen Pride Party

7-10:30 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. An inclusive teen (8th grade - Senior) event. There will be food from Wicked Burger, music and printing with Althea. Please register! 508693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org

Haunted Edgartown

7:30-9 pm, The streets of Edgartown. Get ready to explore spooky stories and ghostly vibes in Edgartown! 508-2123035, seamusrattigan@gmail.com

Master potter Juliet Ehrich’s work by appointment

Oak Bluffs. Island sculptor, master potter, and published arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich’s diversely themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be seen by appointment by calling 502-9363599. 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com

Adèle’s past. The parallel connections between periods, relating to art, photography, personal letters, and relationships, eventually fall seamlessly into place. Throughout both stories, though, the main characters’ growing friendships carry the heart of the tales. As one of the cousins says, researching Adèle and her circle is like a police investigation: “But these people are our family. I feel like in discovering things about them, we’re discovering ourselves. “Colours of Time” screens at the M.V. Film Center the weekend of Oct. 23. For tickets and more information, visit mvfilmsociety.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 Real Estate Salesperson License Prep Class

9 am-5 pm, Haven, Vineyard Haven. In-person real estate salesperson exam prep class Megan@acemv.org

THE WITCHING HOUR A Paddle Parade of Witchy Fun!

9-10 am, Collin’s Beach (beside the Reading Room), Edgartown. No broomspeed records here—this isn’t a race, just a spellbinding floating parade of fun. 774563-1805, chick@islandspiritkayak.com

Restorative Sound Journey

2-3:15 pm, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. Relax and Reset with an intimate Restorative Sound Journey. 774-5638282, valerie@peakedhillstudio.com

Neighborhood Dance w/ MV Ballroom Dance Group & PathwaysArts

3-4:30 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Please join us for this once-monthly dance event brought to you by the Martha’s Vineyard Ballroom dance group info@stillpointmv.org

MARY MAGDALENE COMMUNITY

5-6 pm, UUSMV, Vineyard Haven. Mass Free Fairy Sculpture Trail conducted by Roman Catholic Woman at Island Folk Pottery 9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. The en- Priest Rev. Mary Leahy at UUSMV, VH chanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Sculpture Trail on Sunday at 5pm. Prayer service at 4:30 for elections safety. ALL WELCOME! meanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded landscape populated with whimsical sculptures. 781-929-2833, newseeds28@gmail.com Radio show - Music from 508-955-9944, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com

Who’s a Mensch and How Might Things Be Different ...? 10 am, Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Haven. Please join us in person or online on Sunday! uu.society.mv@gmail.com

Meditation

10-11 am, Bodhi Path Buddhist Center, West Tisbury. Group meditation, both in person at Bodhi Path in West Tisbury and online via Zoom. marthasvineyard@bodhipath.org

Softening Into Stillness

11 am-12 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Somatic meditation practice. Soften awareness into the body to release tension, cultivate resilience, and connect to presence. awakeningthewildheart@gmail.com

Kirtan, Live Music - Call and Response Chanting with Bhakti

12-1 pm, West Tisbury Free Library, Side Porch (or Community Room in inclement weather), West Tisbury. Experience the transformative power of Kirtan - Live Music, Call and Response Chanting with yogic band Bhakti. Come sing, dance, chant with us. 802-989-9992, rachelbaird9@gmail.com

Knowhere Art Continues This Fall 12-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Knowhere Art Continues This Fall 917960-9344, info@knowhereart.com

Open Writing Hours

1-3 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Join us for Open Writing Hours every Sunday! Writers are welcome to gather and work in Featherstone’s Library. 508-6931850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

Gnome Sculpture Workshop with Sabrina Kuchta

2-4 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Learn basic hand building and structural techniques to construct a garden gnome of your very own! 508-6931850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

around the World

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. Good stuff. 96.7 lpfm or www.wvvy.org 617676-8160, egik_egak_egoogimak@yahoo.com

Master potter Juliet Ehrich’s work by appointment

Oak Bluffs. Island sculptor, master potter, and published arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich’s diversely themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be seen by appointment by calling 502-9363599. 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26

Pilates Mixed Apparatus Class

9-9:55 am, Vineyard Pilates & Bodywork, Vineyard Haven. This group equipment class using Reformer and/or Tower and/ or Chair is designed for those with some experience on the Pilates Apparatus. 508-696-6452, pilates@vineyardpilates.com

Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Quest

9 am-3:30 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Enjoy Sengekontacket on this self-guided kayak tour. Clues lead you through the pond. Call to reserve for up to 3 hours; returning the boats by 3:30. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery

9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. The enchanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Sculpture Trail meanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded landscape populated with whimsical sculptures. 508-9559944, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com

Moving Stories Dance Class

11-11:45 am, West Tisbury Library. Free, Creative Dance Class for ages 2-6 WT Library 11-11:45 on Mondays 508-6933366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org

Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky

At Stillpoint // Pilates Flow

11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. To sign with Camille Beauzile 9-10:15 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org or call 508693-3366. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org upbeat Pilates class blends preventative medicine, mind-over-matter focus, and Switch Games for kids and teens joyful movement info@stillpointmv.org 3-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. Switch club Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Mondays from 3-5pm in the Community Room 508-693-3366, lhearn@clamsnet.org Board Quest 9 am-3:30 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Moonrise Kayak Edgartown. Enjoy Sengekontacket on this 4:15-6:15 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, self-guided kayak tour. Clues lead you Edgartown. Nighttime is the right time for through the pond. Call to reserve for up a Sengekontacket Pond Paddle with our to 3 hours; returning the boats by 3:30. naturalist guides. The full moon appears 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org and shines the way! Ages 16+ only 508627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org Free Fairy Sculpture Trail

Sound Bath

5-6 pm, The Red House PRSC, Vineyard Haven. Immersive healing experience using sound vibrations to calm mind, body. 508-6932900, jtau@mvcommunityservices.org

Master potter Juliet Ehrich’s work by appointment

Oak Bluffs,. Island sculptor, master potter, and published arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich’s diversely themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be seen by appointment by calling 502-936-3599. 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com

Alida O’Loughlin Photography Show “WATER”

The Photography Gallery at the MV Television Center, Oak Bluffs. A Show of Photographs by Alida O’Loughlin on WATER in its many manifestations from the city of Rotterdam to hidden places on Martha’s vineyard 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 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

at Island Folk Pottery

9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. The enchanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Sculpture Trail meanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded landscape populated with whimsical sculptures. 508-9559944, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com

Play Kitchen and Store

10 am-12 pm, Oak Bluffs Library, Oak Bluffs. Come enjoy watching your kids be creative and solve problems as they play ‘kitchen and store!’ For ages 2-6. Drop in. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

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

Assisted Knitting Open Studio

10 am-12 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Join us for open knitting studio with assistance from Helen Hall and Zoe Thompson. Enjoy company and conversation as we work on our own projects! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

Seasonal Storytime with Rachel

10:30-11 am, Edgartown Library. Come celebrate fall with stories and hands-on fun inspired by the season. 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

Work From Home, From The Library

11 am-12 pm, West Tisbury Library. Get support while working from home, with MVRHS Early Education students. Tuesday 10/13 & 27 11-12pm. Email hburbidge@clamsnet.org 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org

Stravaiger: Wanderer

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. “Stravaiger: Wanderer” is an art exhibit that revolves around Scotland, open throughout the month of October. 508-6966300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Virtual Armchair Travel To Easter Island

2 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Led by Jack Holmes, owner of “Images From Near and Far.” Register on Vineyard Haven Library event calendar. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org

Memory Training – MV Center for Living

2-4 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Memory Training is an intensive course teaching memory enhancing techniques and practical strategies. 508-6939433, cphelan@clamsnet.org

Lego Club

2:45-4 pm, Chilmark Library. Kids Lego Club 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com

After School Club

3-5 pm, Aquinnah Library. Fun activities, board games, and crafts! Kids of all ages are welcome. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 508-645-2314, cbrust@clamsnet.org Continued on B10

B10

calendar & community

October 22, 2026

EVENTS

Continued from B9

Drop in for our Teen and Tween Art & Craft Class

Forever Chemicals On-Island

3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury. Teen and Tween Art & Craft Class at the librarymeets every Tuesday, from 3:30-4:30pm. ages 10-18, supplies provided. 508693-3366, lhearn@clamsnet.org

Lil Lab Tick Workshop

3:30-4:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Students in grades 4-6 are invited to join us for a 4 week, hands-on exploration of ticks. Please register w/ mlynch@clamsnet.org or 508-693-9438. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org

kundalini

4:30-5:30 pm, The Red House PRSC, Vineyard Haven. Kundalini yoga awakens inner energy through breath, movement, and meditation 508-693-2900, jtau@mvcommunityservices.org

ASL Practice Group

4:45-5:45 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Learn, connect and have fun through sign language! 508-693-9433, cphelan@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. 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

5:30-7:30 pm, MV Film Center, Vineyard Haven. VCS and the Inter-Island Public Health Collaborative invite the community: Discussion with 3 expert voices on PFAS science, education, and advocacy. 508-693-9588, info@vineyardconservation.org

Cheese 101 & Guided Tasting with Morgen Schroeder of MV Cheesery

Spirits & Spirits: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue

7:30 pm, Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Spirts & Spirts: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Master potter Juliet Ehrich’s work by appointment

Oak Bluffs. Island sculptor, master potter, 5:30-7 pm, Edgartown Library. Registration is reand published arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich’s quired. Attendees will enjoy a selection of cheeses diversely themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org seen by appointment by calling 502-936-3599. Barre Fusion with Kris Martin 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com 5:30-6:30 pm, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Ballet Alida O’Loughlin Photography styled flows, barre work, balance and weights Show “WATER” incorporating disks, loop bands and Bender The Photography Gallery at the MV Television balls. Come with sneakers, barre sox, or bare Center, Oak Bluffs. A Show of Photographs feet 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com by Alida O’Loughlin on WATER in its many Música Do Circulo/Music Of the Circle manifestations from the city of Rotterdam 5:30-6:45 pm, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. to hidden places on Martha’s vineyard 508MÚSICA DO CIRCULO is: playful, sing560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net ing, community, improvisation, rhythm, melody, harmony, movement, fun, FREE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 and JOYFUL! INFO:roberta@bewellsing.com Mindfulness & Meditation 774-563-0318, roberta@bewellsing.com Open Practice Group Meditation 7:30-8:30 am, Aquinnah Town Hall. Mindfulness 6-7 pm, Bodhi Path Buddhist Center, West & meditation practice group, open to anyone inTisbury. Group meditation available both in per- terested in being more intentional and practicing son at Bodhi Path in West Tisbury, and online with others. 413-575-0110, ruthfolchman@me.com via Zoom. marthasvineyard@bodhipath.org Old-Time Appalachian Jam at the Library Chilmark Church Pizza Nights 8:15-10 am, Oak Bluffs Library. Old-Time 6 pm, Chilmark Church. Tuesday Free Pizza Appalachian Jam at the Library 508Nights 508-645-3100, pclarkgoff@comcast.net 693-9433, cphelan@clamsnet.org

At Stillpoint // 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

Play Reading at Tisbury Senior Center

OPEN HOUSE

FALMOUTH ACADEMY

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY, NOV. 7 | 1-3 PM

SATURDAY, NOV. 7 | 1-3 PM

Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Quest

3:30-5 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library, Vineyard Haven. Play games with string, including iconic childhood favorites like Cat’s Cradle. Explore our building materials including Legos, Magnatiles, and more. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org

9-9:55 am, Vineyard Pilates & Bodywork, Vineyard Haven. This group equipment class using Reformer and/or Tower and/ or Chair is designed for those with some experience on the Pilates Apparatus. 508-696-6452, pilates@vineyardpilates.com

Strings & Things drop-in club

9 am-3:30 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown. Enjoy Sengekontacket on this self-guided kayak tour. Clues lead you through the pond. Call to reserve for up to 3 hours; returning the boats by 3:30. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org

Memory Infusion Support Group

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery

Tour our 34-acre campus with our student ambassadors

Grades 7-12 •

Meet our teachers and students

Learn about transportation options and 5-day boarding

7 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, MA 02540

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508-457-9696

Featherstone’s Yarn in the Art Barn

4-7 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Explore different types of yarn for sale in a fun environment. Come build your stash, connect with other artists, or find your next project! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

9:30-10:30 am, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. This is a one-hour class based on the gentle, flowing movements of Qigong (Chi Kung) info@stillpointmv.org

5-7 pm, Juniper, A Branch of Donaroma’s, Edgartown. Create your own decorative floral broom using dried grasses, branches, seed pods, berries, florals and seasonal textures. 508-627-3036, extension 1, amy@donaromas.com

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator Scan to register

3:30-4:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living, Vineyard Haven. Memory Infusion Support Group, 3:30-4:30 at MV Center for Living. Contact Mary Holmes to register. 508-939-9440 maryh@mvcenter4living.org 508-939-9440, maryh@mvcenter4living.org

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

10 am-11:30 pm, Tisbury Council on Aging, Vineyard Haven. Are you concerned about memory changes? Join us for a safe, welcoming group to talk openly & explore helpful tips and tools for memory support. 508-939-9440, maryh@mvcenter4living.org

See what makes Falmouth Academy different.

Rug Hooking Open Studio with Island Hookers

Pilates Mixed Apparatus Class

Memory Support Group

J O I N U S F O R A N O P E N H O U S E AT FA L M O U T H AC A D E M Y.

3-4 pm, Edgartown Library. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Weather permitting. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org 3-6 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Come further your skills with the support of the Island Rug Hookers! They will be available for guidance ,or just come for company while working! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

9 am-12 pm, Tisbury Council on Aging, Vineyard Haven. Play Reading for Artistic, Literary and Dramatic Pleasure 201-2077568, monahennessy1@gmail.com

At Stillpoint // Balance with Kanta Lipsky FALMOUTH ACADEMY

Fit Camp with Bonnie Kingsbury

10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE HERITAGE CENTER, Edgartown. This exhibition highlights the creative process of muralist Margot Datz, whose work transformed the Old Whaling Church and Flying Horses Carousel. 774-5499107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org

Wednesday Storytime

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

FLORAL WITCHY BROOM WORKSHOP

CSL Test Prep Course

5-8:30 pm, MVRHS, Oak Bluffs. This in person class will prepare you to pass the Construction Supervisor’s License Test. 978-939-3435, NAILIT@contractorsuccess.com

At Stillpoint // Women’s Circle with Emily Galligan

5:30-7 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Enter a space for slowing down, tuning in, and connecting deeply with yourself and other women. info@stillpointmv.org

Restorative Reset with Jelisa Difo

5:30-6:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Postures close to the ground for deep rest and relaxation. programs@edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

Quilting Circle

Children’s Storytime

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

Stravaiger: Wanderer

6-7:30 pm, Haven, Vineyard Haven. Four-part series with SCORE mentors to create a business plan 508-693-9222, info@acemv.org

10:30-11 am, West Tisbury Library. Storytime with Hannah! Fun stories and silly songs for kids of all ages. Rec ages 0 to 5 but all are welcome. 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org

Business Planning 101: From Idea to Action

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. “Stravaiger: Wanderer” is an art exhibit that revolves around Scotland, open throughout the month of October. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Dinner & A Movie at The Pawnee House

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

7-9:30 pm, White Stone Equestrian, West Tisbury. Haunted hayrides 7-9:30pm Wed 10/28 - Fri 10/30. Tickets $20. Friday lit-up Pumpkin Walk! Bring your carved pumpkin Friday 9am-3pm with on/ off light. 774-563-9506, nicole@mvtimes.com

Mah Jong

Lego and Magna-tile Club

2-4:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. For kids of all ages. Creativity, problem solving, spatial reasoning and teamwork are skills your child can practice at Lego Club. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org

Magical Magnets

2:30-5 pm, Chilmark Library. Magnet exploration for kids 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com

Virtual Reality Games for Ages 10-18

3-5 pm, West Tisbury Library, West Tisbury. The Oculus VR is set up for 10-15 minutes of use per person. wt_mail@clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366. 508-693-3366, lhearn@clamsnet.org

Drop-in Knitting Group with Cindy Bonnell

6:30 pm, The Pawnee House, Oak Bluffs. Dinner & A Movie at The Pawnee House 508-338-2770, thepawneehouse@gmail.com

Halloween Fest at White Stone Equestrian!

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. 774-563-0460, brentbrown81@gmail.com

Spirits & Spirits: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue

7:30 pm, Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Spirts & Spirts: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Alida O’Loughlin Photography Show “WATER”

The Photography Gallery at the MV Television Center, Oak Bluffs. A Show of Photographs by Alida O’Loughlin on WATER in its many manifestations from the city of Rotterdam to hidden places on Martha’s vineyard 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 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. 508-693-2896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov

[Free] Adaptive Strength and Pilates with Judy Kranz

9-10 am, West Tisbury Library. Weekly Pilates and strength training. This class is free and open to the public. Please dress in comfortable clothing and bring your own mat. wt_mail@clamsnet.org

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

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery

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

Little Naturalists

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

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE HERITAGE CENTER, Edgartown. This exhibition highlights the creative process of muralist Margot Datz, whose work transformed the Old Whaling Church and Flying Horses Carousel. 774-5499107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org

Painting Still Life with Liz Taft

10 am-1 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. This class is about learning to see things simply and translating that into a painting. Open to anyone who has done a little bit of painting! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org

Drop-in Mah Jongg

10:15 am-12:15 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library, Vineyard Haven. Drop in for a pick-up game or two of American Mah Jongg on Thursday mornings this fall! No instruction provided, so best for experienced players. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org

Wiggle with the Words Storytime

10:30-11 am, Edgartown Library. Fun props and interactive stories. Geared for ages 1-5, but all are welcome. No sign-up. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221. 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

Tech help

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

Stravaiger: Wanderer

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. “Stravaiger: Wanderer” is an art exhibit that revolves around Scotland, open throughout the month of October. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org

Master potter Juliet Ehrich’s work by appointment

Oak Bluffs, Oak Bluffs. Island sculptor, master potter, and published arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich’s 3-5 pm, Edgartown Library. All levels are welcome diversely themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be to bring their projects for support and inspiration. seen by appointment by calling 502-936-3599. 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com programs@edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org

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

community & calendar B11

October 22, 2026

O

ur Island youth are a precious treasure. Since 2004, the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Task Force (YTF) has worked to protect them. They know it takes a village to reduce substance use and risky behavior in children across the Island. In that light, YTF promotes community-wide health and wellness for young people and families. They do so through a collaborative network of youth, parents, health practitioners, health and social service organizations, public officials, educators, law enforcement officers, and other community members. YTF grew out of a response to concerns about the findings of a 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the Martha’s Vineyard schools, which documented high levels of substance use and other risky behaviors among youth in grades seven through 12. The troubling data directly led local parents, school administrators, and civic leaders to mobilize, culminating in the official formation of YTF in 2004. Now, it is the task force that conducts a biannual survey of middle and high schoolers to track use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. “The 1999 survey was during the opiate epidemic, which was significantly more of an issue than we’re dealing with currently,” YTF’s executive director Angela Knapp says. “Currently, we have some of the lowest overdose rates that we’ve seen in years. Things are looking really good for our youth here on Martha’s Vineyard. The results related to over-the-counter medications and pharmaceutical misuse are quite low. We’re lower than the nation, and we’re lower than the state of Massachusetts.” The task force uses the data to guide its other work, which focuses on collaborating with community stakeholders. For instance, in partnership with the schools, Knapp goes into health and science classes to speak about prevention before it becomes an issue. She continues, “Our Youth Risk Survey shows that most middle schoolers report trying or starting to use alcohol and tobacco for the first time around 10½ years old. Most of us aren’t talking to our kids about this at that age. YTF will also be provid-

A comparison of the 2005 to 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (the earliest and latest dates for which the YFT data are available) reveals that the numbers have improved over the years. For instance, in 2005, 11 percent of middle schoolers and 54 percent of high schoolers had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. In 2025, fewer than 1 percent of middle schoolers

1

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1. All Kids Thrive Island Camp Summit 2026 in collaboration with YMCA, the Farm Institute, and Felix Neck Wildlife Refuge. 2. YTF educating people about alcohol effects on the brain at the MVH Health Fair.

3 PHOTOS COURTESY MV YOUTH TASK FORCE

It takes a

Vineyard village MV Youth Task Force addresses substance abuse among Island youth. BY ABBY REMER ing one-on-one counseling with parents or students who are facing disciplinary action about why we use substances, how to identify our activator, and finding a coping mechanism that gives us an alternative.” Scott Mullin, advancement and development manager, began helping YTF in 2021, in collaboration with Community Services’ Family Resource Center, to create LGBTQIA+ youth programming on the Island. They brought the Out

year’s First Night celebration to provide a wholesome, substance-free community event, held on Dec. 31 at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse from 5 to 8 pm. Community nonprofits came together to offer crafts and activities. Upstairs, a DJ played while people danced, and local restaurants donated warm food and drinks. Another example is YTF’s Early Education Resiliency Program, which supports inhome daycare enrichment.

these emotions arise.” YTF supports parents, as well. For instance, the sixweek course “Guiding Good Choices” is offered in collaboration with the Family Resource Center. Knapp says, “It’s geared toward parents of tweens and early teens on how to talk to their kids about what these substances are and how to create clear family values. Many young children don’t understand their parents’ expectations.” The program is hosted at the various

who know what they need.” Knapp explains, “Participants on the Youth Advisory Board will receive a stipend for their expertise. There is an application, and we’ll be looking for a diverse group of eight to 10 individuals. Applicants should be passionate, motivated, and interested in advocacy and leadership, because a big part of what we hope to do with the youth is help them make change in the community. They will also travel to different political events around prevention, substance use, and smokeless tobacco, which is becoming a concern in the community. We will bring in all grade levels, with hopes that our first-year students will stay with us all four years.” The Youth Advisory Coalition is ongoing within the school and open to anyone. Knapp notes, “The Youth Advisory Board will consistently touch base with the Coalition around how to create recreational activities and connect with the youth community across the Island. In time, our goal is that we’ll be in the middle schools, and that will hopefully feed into the high school program.”

“Our Youth Risk Survey shows that most middle schoolers report trying or starting to use alcohol and tobacco for the first time around 10½ years old. Most of us aren’t talking to our kids about this at that age.” –ANGELA KNAPP at Home program from the Home for Little Wanderers in Boston to the Island to provide outpatient therapeutic support services for Vineyard LGBTQ+ individuals, families, couples, and caregivers. Knapp says, “We are also a Hope Framework–certified organization, so we create environments and experiences that support children early on. Evidence shows that positive childhood experiences can offset adverse childhood experiences.” Along these lines, YTF spearheaded last

Jenna Robichau, founder and certified arts educator behind Active Arts, helps young peopel understand their bodies and emotions through play and movement. Knapp says, “As you work with your body through different movements, which might be crawling, jumping, or slithering across the floor, you’re connecting with your nervous system and emotions. Jenna teaches how to use your body to reset when you might feel anxious, overly excited, or overstimulated, and what to do when

town libraries, with childcare while parents meet. “We send the families home with dinner after to simplify life, because we’re asking for their afternoon and evening time.” Knapp notes a recent shift in the organization. “We have a new slogan: ‘Powered by youth. Backed by community.’ With this in mind, we’re creating a Youth Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Coalition made up of high school students to inform what they’re doing. After all, they are the ones

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3. Camp Summit 2026 with Farm Institute, YMCA, and Felix Neck brings camp leaders to learn about the importance of their role as trusted adults in campers' lives.

reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days, and 20 percent of high schoolers did. Knapp says, “That is a 10 percent reduction in middle school drinking rates and a 34 percent reduction in high school drinking rates over the past 20 years of MVYTF surveying the community.” For the question about marijuana, in 2005, some 3 percent of middle schoolers and 38 percent of high schoolers had used marijuana in the past 30 days. In 2025, it was zero percent of middle schoolers and fewer than 15 percent of high schoolers. Knapp says, “Vaping is another concern that MVYTF identified in 2016 and began addressing immediately. Since 2016, Martha’s Vineyard vaping rates have been lower than the national and Massachusetts averages.” She adds, “One component we need to address now is the rising rates of tobacco pouch and kratom use. In our 2027 survey, we will address these issues more directly.” Asked what she would like readers to know about how to help youth, Knapp says, “The most important message is that community connection and belonging are among the key root elements that help us avoid later highrisk behaviors and reduce the likelihood of substance use disorder. By getting into an individual’s life, at whatever age, you can make a difference by creating a community of respected, trusted individuals. Remember, any one person can make a difference by being that trusted confidant, and communication is a key aspect of that.” For more information, visit mvyouthtaskforce.org.

B12

community & calendar

October 22, 2026

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community & calendar B13

October 22, 2026

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.

Principal Lombardi emphasizes listening BY MARIA BARROS

F

or Principal Bryan Lombardi, getting to know Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) means starting with the people who fill its hallways. This week, he began inviting small groups of students into his office during flex to talk about school, share ideas, and get acquainted with their new principal. The meetings reflect an approach to leadership that prioritizes listening to the school community. During Thursday's flex session with a group of six students, senior Griffin Buhler asked Mr. Lombardi what led him to become a principal. “I initially started out as a history teacher,” said Principal Lombardi, “but then started to wonder about the students who weren’t doing well in school, and so I became a guidance counselor.” He explained how then becoming a school adjustment counselor ultimately led him into the

field of administration. So far, Mr. Lombardi has spent 28 years in education, 22 of which he has spent working in administration. He most recently served as principal at Northampton High School and Stoneham High School. At Stoneham, Mr. Lombardi oversaw a major building project valued at $217 million. His experience with the project is particularly relevant at MVRHS, where a new school building, recently approved to cost around $333 million, is expected to break ground in the spring. The opportunity to help guide MVRHS through a major transition was among the factors that drew Mr. Lombardi to the position. “I was interested in the new building project. I've done that before, and I'm really excited about what that does for school and the culture,” he said. Mr. Lombardi was also attracted to the Island com-

TESSA SCHULZ

The new principal, Bryan Lombardi, listens to senior Sarah De Melo during a small group meeting he held for students. He wants to hear directly from students about their experiences at MVRHS.

munity and its diverse student body. “I love the diversity of the student body, the diversity of the educational opportunities for students. That really resonated with me,” he said. “I want to be part of a diverse school setting with inclusive offerings that provide opportunities for all students.” The vice principal, Justine DeOliveira, was on the hiring committee that selected Mr. Lombardi last spring. “During the interviews, he brought up wanting to be part of a community where you might run into a student on the weekend and say hi. And I was like, ‘OK, I think he gets it.’”

For Mr. Lombardi, building relationships is more than a way to get to know the student body. It is central to how he believes a school should be led. “No matter what you do in life, it's about having relationships,” he said. “Being able to laugh, or smile, or cry with students is what’s needed to support them. I want to make decisions that are based on genuine care and concern for students.” Senior Sarah De Melo attended the Thursday flex conversation. “What surprised me the most was how [Mr. Lombardi] used his own experiences to connect with me.

Turning things around: Football team makes their comeback

can always tell he truly cares about football, the players, and the community.” Even though the team has experienced three losses this season, they have kept a positive attitude, and continue to work hard. Matthew said, “We know what we're capaBY DIVYA RANDOLPH, ALICE SMITH, AND GIOVANNA MESSINA ble of as a team, even when things get tough. We believed said. He added, “Well, usually. team for almost five years, ast Friday night, Zeke in ourselves, and we knew I like being out with the kids. and is one of four team Vought, the new head we had the potential to turn captains. “I already knew I like trying to teach them to football coach of the things around.” Martha’s Vineyard Re- have good character and to be [Coach Zeke] personally, More communication beresilient, to push through dif- and had experienced some gional High School of his coaching style before tween the football team and ficult times and have fun.” (MVRHS) led the team to cheer team this year has been the season,” said Matthew. This year's football team an exciting overtime victoencouraged by Coach Zeke. “He loves the game, and ry against Monomoy at the has seen an increase in Junior Nora Duncheva annual homecoming game. younger and less experienced treats us like family. He pushes and motivates us to said, “As a cheerleader, I can It was the team’s first win of players. Trust-building apsee how [Coach Zeke] is reimprove and build someproaches like holding team the season. ally paying attention to the dinners and meaningful con- thing we can be proud of, Coach Zeke graduated kids. He cares about their both on and off the field. from MVRHS in 1993, and versations have helped playHe wants to help us become health, of course physically, ers withstand the pressure. played football for three of but mentally as well. He has not only better football Due to Coach Zeke’s long his four years. He currently been active in getting the players but better men.” works in the building as an history with the program, cheer team more involved for Junior Lorenzo Diaz, who educational support profes- players have adjusted quickly community bonding.” is a varsity slotback and to having him as their head sional (ESP), and has been Lorenzo said, “The cheeroutside linebacker on the coach, and are responding involved in the football program on the Island since to his encouraging coaching team, has had a longstanding leaders make a big difference connection with Coach Zeke. for the football team. At the style. 2012. end of the day, having that Junior Matthew Alves has “I worked very closely with “Coaching is my favorite support, knowing that the Zeke my sophomore year. I been a part of the football part of the day,” Coach Zeke

L

When I shared something about my life, he shared a similar experience of his own, which made the conversation feel way more personal. He genuinely wants to understand students and connect with them,” she said. Guidance counselor Sean Mulvey, who served as interim principal last year, said he’s looking forward to the seasoned perspective Mr. Lombardi brings to the school. “He's very respectful of the way we do things here already, but I think he's nudging us in the right direction of things that we've been doing for a long

time that we can definitely improve on,” he said. For his first year at the helm, Mr. Lombardi hopes to continue listening, while maintaining the school’s longstanding traditions. “I want to have a real understanding of what the school does, and what the areas are that we want to move forward with in terms of growth and improvements. I want to see us on track with the building project, I want to connect with the students, and for them to know that I'm in it with them, to help provide the best learning and school experience that we can,” he said. Beyond his goals for the school, Mr. Lombardi said one of the most meaningful parts of his job is watching students grow throughout their high school years. “I feel like I have the best job in the world. It's really nice being able to work with students and seeing them go from being a kid to — over four years, only 720 days — seeing them blossom into a young adult. It's fascinating. It's exciting,” he said. “I’m honored to be part of that. It’s a privilege and something I appreciate and take much satisfaction in.” HSV

Coach Zeke Vought clenches his fist in celebration on the sidelines of the Homecoming game against Monomoy High last Friday night.

ANALEE WIKE

cheerleaders are there, win or lose, makes a big difference.” The MVRHS football team is an integral part of the Island's culture, and the football program has long been supported by the broader Vineyard community. At the end of Spirit Week, the stands were packed with support for the Island’s football team. “Growing up, I always knew I wanted to play football,” said Lorenzo. “It was a huge part of me. Being

able to play at this school has been an amazing opportunity. I'm grateful for this program, because it caused a turning point for me.” “We know we still have work to do, and to not let this one win get to our heads. If we continue to push each other and be careful, for potential the sky's the limit for what this team can accomplish. I'm excited about what the future holds for this program,” said Matthew. HSV

Editor-in-Chief: Maria Barros • Assistant Editors-in-Chief: Divya Randolph and Alice Smith • Photography Editor: Tessa Schulz • Faculty Advisers: Kate Hennigan and Daniel Soares

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B14

community & calendar

October 22, 2026

Atkins watching the boil. PHOTOS BY ELLA MUNNELLY, UNLESS NOTED

Early in the morning, hours before Offshore Ale Co. in Oak Bluffs opens for service, the smell of grain, yeast, and floral hops fills the brewpub. Behind the glass separating the dining room from the “lab,” large copper kettles mark the beginning of the process that eventually brings a cold glass of ale to the bar. At the center of it all is Neil Atkins, Offshore’s head brewer, who combines the precision of a microbiologist with the curiosity of someone who loves making beer. “I always say the main ingredient for brewing is passion,” said Atkins. “A lot of people can learn it, but you have to have that nut.” Originally from Britain, Atkins moved to the States when he was 12. After finishing school, he worked at Norton Farm in 1994, where he received housing in exchange for working 12 hours a week. Some years later, when a job opened up at Offshore, he looked back fondly on his time on the Island. He and his wife also had a 5-year-old son, and with his education in mind, the family was ready for the move. Before joining Offshore, Atkins was a homebrewer, and working at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. He eventually took a job at Anderson Valley Brewing Co. in Boonville, Calif., where he worked as a microbiologist. “I was a laboratory guy, and took a microbiologist job at Anderson Valley Brewing Co.,” said Atkins. “Doing that, you learn how to do all of it, so I said why not just make the beer?” His time as a microbiologist gives him a different appreciation for the science behind the process, and precise attention to detail, but Atkins couldn’t be where he is now without his love for the game. Throughout his career, he has trained several people in the trade. Currently, Mike

Brewing at Offshore is a delicate craft.

A HEADY BEER

Art and science go into a cold glass of Offshore ale. BY ELLA MUNNELLY

Hartzband is his right-hand man, and Atkins is considering a collaboration with former apprentices. He recalled one person who approached the brewery after spotting him lifting grain outside the storefront on Kennebec Avenue and offering to help for free. “He had the passion for it,” said Atkins. That combination of patience, curiosity, and passion comes into play every morning, as Atkins climbs the connecting ladders between floors to peer into copper kettles and check on the fermenting beer upstairs. Each batch begins by mixing different types of grain with hot water and letting the mixture sit for about an hour. The exact timing depends on the beer being made. “I’m giving you the average here,“ said Atkins. “If it’s Inkwell or something really big, then that’s going to take longer.” “Then we vorlauf — don't ask me how to spell it, it’s German — that’s just taking that hot water and putting it back on top of the grain to clarify it. Then we start running it off into the kettle, which is happening now,” Atkins said, gesturing to the copper vats behind him. As the liquid runs into the kettle, the grain is rinsed with hot water. Once the kettle reaches 10 barrels, or more depending on the beer, Atkins begins the boil and adds hops, which influence both bitterness and aroma. Timing in this process is crucial. “The longer the hops boil, that's for bitterness, and toward the end of the boil, that would be for aroma,” explained Atkins. The Menemsha Ale boils for 60 minutes, like most of Offshore’s ales, while others require more time. The Islander boils for 90 minutes, and the Inkwell takes two and a half hours. After the boil, the ale travels upstairs, cooling to 68° along the way. Yeast is added, Continued on B15

community & calendar B15

October 22, 2026

“I was a laboratory guy, and took a microbiologist job at Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Doing that, you learn how to do all of it, so I said why not just make the beer?” –NEIL ATKINS

Patrons put the beer to its ultimate test.

Atkins displays grain used for brewing.

The small but mighty canning machine.

PERRY GARFINKEL

along with occasional spices and additional hops, and fermentation begins. “A small beer like this will be done fermenting in probably four days; then we chill it and it's ready to go,” said Atkins. Pointing to the vessels where the beer ferments, Atkins explained that someone could drink it straight from the tap at that stage if they wanted. The process might be technical, but Atkins also enjoys the opportunities it gives him to experiment. Pumpkin ale, for example, allows him to change things up each year, adjusting the spices and ingredients. Atkins himself doesn’t drink pumpkin ale, but he does enjoy making it, because it allows him to be more creative. “It’s fun to switch it up and add pumpkins and add spices, and. you know, get nervous: ‘Oh, did i put too much spice in there?’” he said. “I change it every year, and you know it’s always fun making a brand-new beer.” “And even just making East Chop is still super-fun, and that's very straightforward,” he added. The Inkwell, meanwhile, is the most timeconsuming beer to make. “It’s an awful lot of grain in that hopper you gotta add, and if you get that one wrong, it’s so high alcohol that the yeast could fail,” said Atkins. His customers can rest assured that Atkins would never get anything wrong. On occasion, Atkins sits at the bar to watch people and see how they react to his creations. “I have my reviews from certain officers of the law who like certain ones. Some have claimed that it’s the best pumpkin ale ever this year, so that's nice to hear,” he said. Of all the beers Offshore serves, Atkins is most fond of the Menemsha Creek Pale Ale, but preferences among customers shift with Continued from B14

the seasons, too. “It's funny, we can see different beers become more popular at different times of the year,” said Atkins. One seasonal favorite in addition to the pumpkin beer is Hopps Farm Road American Pale Ale, which Atkins said is popular through the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Last month, about 40 people gathered at Cleveland House in West Tisbury to harvest locally grown organic hops for the beer. Those hops were then brought to Atkins and Hartzband, who used them to make this year’s version. Offshore also cans its beer and ships it off-Island, reaching communities across Massachusetts. The operation produces just under 1,000 barrels annually, a relatively modest amount compared with the much larger brewery where Atkins once worked. At Anderson Valley, production was closer to 45,000 barrels annually. The difference in scale is considerable, and Atkins appreciates the smaller operation. Since 1997, Offshore Ale Co. has served Island residents and visitors with craft beer and hearty meals. For Atkins, the appeal extends beyond the brewing room. He values working at a restaurant that stays open throughout the off-season and serves the year-round community. Atkins himself tries to avoid dining at establishments that aren't open year-round. As of late, their presence in the town of Oak Bluffs has declined, and Offshore remains among the few establishments helping keep the local community fed — and hydrated. Whether he is experimenting with a new seasonal recipe or tending to a familiar ale, Atkins' work is rooted in the same combination of science, creativity, and passion that first drew him to brewing. For those sitting on the other side of his “lab,” the result is something simple: a glass of cold beer. For Atkins, it's a labor of love.

The grain is clarified with hot water and run off into the kettle.

Atkins watching the boil.

Still life with beer and nuts.

MVTIMES

Copper vat where the process begins.

B16

community & calendar

October 22, 2026

Garden Notes

thickens as it senses favorable growing conditions, and grows toward them.

BY ABIGAIL HIGGINS

Beech update

And good news for beech fans.

1.

Fall revives the grass

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utumn is settling in. Grasses and Amsonia hubrichtii light up fall gardens, while ajuga ages colorfully. Native witch hazel opens its first pale, threadlike flowers. The recent rains appear to drain the trees and foliage of green, leaving us with novel but ephemeral beauty. These small events occur while daily, mundane life binds us to routines — the store, work, school — that could be happening anywhere. Yet we live in a place with accessible nature and beauty that are incomparable, if we get out of the car and our habitual ruts.

Autumn intentions

The RHS says, “For gardeners, the message is clear: Make the most of autumn and winter to improve soil, establish plants, and reduce the amount of watering your garden will need next year.” Another maxim: Get to work: next season’s garden starts at the end of this season’s. This includes the all-essential addition of humus. Humus is the remains of decayed or organic matter. While not itself a nutrient, it supports soil life and makes nutrients more available to plant roots, and creates good topsoil. Humus holds water and makes soil easier to work. Almost all who garden have access to biomass: leaves, plant and kitchen waste. Compost

it all and add it into the topsoil, not the landfill. Make yet another thought, “modest design, extravagant care,” a reality. Mulching with the organic matter available is a thrifty response to rising costs of everything. Compost, pine needles, seaweed, choppedup leaves — all free — are examples of extravagant soil improvers whose costs are in the effort, not the price.

2.

1. Harvest and cure sweet potatoes. 2. Ajuga ages colorfully. 3. Lighting up fall gardens: Amsonia hubrichtii. 4. Bring hippeastrums under cover.

Lawns rebound

Fall is the time for aerating island lawns. (Skunks may be doing this for you, signifying the presence of white grubs.) Continue cutting at two inches. Poorly growing patches might benefit from a thin application of screened compost or leafmold, and overseeding. Lawn professionals abhor white clover in their ideal lawns. However, its presence makes lots of sense. Nitrogen fixing, erosion and wear resisting, and water-wise: Dark green clover improves the looks of any lawn, in my opinion. Soil is softer after rains, and edging beds sets them off nicely. Grass revives in fall, whether extra lawncare steps are taken or whether it is simply its natural response to cooler conditions and natural rainfall. This includes “edge-creep,” where grass eagerly extends tillers and rhizomes into the edges of flowerbeds and shrubberies. Tillers are secondary stems that develop off the main plant; the grass

According to this post from Holden Arboretum’s “Get Growing” blog, progress is occurring in the mission to end-run beech leaf disease (BLD): “Nearly a third of beech trees near BLD’s epicenter in northeast Ohio … have died since the disease was discovered in 2012.” Documenting and monitoring trees that appear healthier in otherwise heavily symptomatic areas has resulted in building a database of these healthy trees. “Such trees will be conserved for use in further experiments to determine if genetic resistance to BLD is a genetic trait that can be passed from parent trees to their progeny, an essential step required in the development of a breeding program to create resistant trees.” An existing research planting of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) at the Holden Arboretum provided an opportunity to test beech

3.

for genetic resistance to BLD. The trees were established years before BLD arrived, in 2005, and had been selected, bred, and tested by the U.S. Forest Service for resistance to a different disease, beech bark disease. Once BLD arrived, the research team noticed that not all the trees were showing symptoms. Read more about these encouraging developments at bit.ly/HFG_BLDResistance.

Defoliators

4.

PHOTOS ABIGAIL HIGGINS

Humus holds water and makes soil easier to work. Almost all who garden have access to biomass: leaves, plant and kitchen waste.

In the aftermath of the recent heavy rains, damage from defoliation by several organisms became apparent: buxus, orchard trees, lilac, and shadbush suffered. Fall webworm damage emerged. The identity of specific leaf blights (fall webworm, cedar/ quince rust, lilac leaf blights, and more) must be diagnosed by pathology labs such as the one at UMass: bit.ly/ UMass_PDL. Lilacs alone are

subject to several different ones. However, to generalize, warm, moist conditions promote the spread and development of these problems. Good culture appropriate to the species is always pertinent. Try to learn the requirements of the plants you intend to grow. In the small collection of nine lilacs here, mostly Syringa vulgaris, three are not defoliated. Why, and what are the differences? It is hard to say. A venerable white lilac, a ‘Miss Kim,’ and a Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Clarke’s Giant’ have retained their foliage, while nearby plants are skeletal. Lilacs are suited to full sun locations and neutral soils with good drainage. The site here becomes shadier by the year, and not all of these lilacs are planted in ideal locations.

Home poultry

Feathers are everywhere! The shortening length of daylight hours signals the end of egg laying, and the start of molt. This also means changing over chickenfeed from layer formulas to refeathering ones. It is an opportunity to do coop housekeeping. Remove cobsweb from the overhead and compost old bedding, replacing with fresh shavings, hay, or even fallen leaves. Replace nesting box material, and be liberal with food-grade diatomaceous earth in them to deter insect parasites (mites and lice) that stress birds. Spray down roosts with undiluted vinegar. Inside dusting boxes are nice features for birds when bad weather keeps them shut up. A number of different materials work: wood ash, dry soil, ground limestone, or a combination. In addition to compost piles, vegetable gardens are great destinations for the bedding and droppings. It is soil cover, and can be sheet-composted to mellow over winter, during which it should break down.

In the garden

Check gutters. Harvest and cure sweet potatoes. Bring hippeastrums under cover. For reflowering, give 10 weeks of dormancy in low light with cool temperatures and just-moist soil. Spring flowering bulbs: ordering, planting!

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