Editorial: Fateful elections A4
Nearly a million for Five Corners plans A6
A tempest in Tisbury Town Hall Thursday, October 29, 2026
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Select and planning boards take steps to resolve an employee dispute through a complex and costly process. BY EUNKI SEONWOO
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COURTESY ISLAND SPIRIT KAYAK
he curtain seems to have closed on a yearlong drama that town officials say undercut the Tisbury planning board’s ability to function at full capacity and cost the town thousands in legal fees. At center stage in this conflict is Tisbury Town Administrator Joe LaCivita, who has tried to restructure town government, and in so doing has raised some fundamental questions around who has authority over the planning board administrator and, more broadly, has critics saying that it reveals a pattern of dysfunction in Tisbury town government. LaCivita’s moves were one of the reasons for an ongoing civil suit triggered by former planning board administrator Amy Upton, and both the select board and planning board separately retained legal counsel over the disagreement. The issues involving Upton have created what Ben Robinson, planning board chair, has described as a “long, drawn-out saga” stirring distrust and miscommunication between the two boards; he even called the town “fairly dysfunctional.” The planning board unanimously voted on Oct. 21 to issue a statement to the select board accepting a memorandum of understanding regarding authority over the planning body’s administrator. The memo had been approved by the select board on Oct. 13. The planning board’s statement does make requests for changes to the memo, such as to add language explicitly stating that the planning board retains authority over the administrator, but members agreed last week that they will accept the memo either way. Robinson told The Times on Monday that this memo “should resolve the original Continued on A7
Witches take to the water for a good cause It was the witching hour early on Sunday when Island Spirit Kayak held its annual paddle parade of witches for the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, dedicated to cancer patients, survivors, their families, friends, and caregivers. More than a dozen Islanders, in witchy hats and capes, met at Collin’s Beach on a beautifully warm October day. They paddled on calm waters toward Edgartown Lighthouse ahead of the holiday, during a month that raises awareness for breast and liver cancer. See more Halloween-related events for this weekend on B7.
Heading for a clash over new housing proposal
Island state troopers suspended Alleged rape at barracks implicates two Island state officers. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA
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assachusetts State Police suspended two troopers, Ryan Costello and Robert Branca, with pay, on Thursday, Oct. 22, for what officials said was their conduct in connection to an individual who was a guest at the State Police barracks onIsland and is now accused of rape in an incident that occurred there in August. The suspensions stem from an internal affairs probe into the alleged rape of a woman by Edward Joseph Brown, 27, who prosecutors said was on-Island to visit Costello when the incident occurred. Brown, who pleaded not guilty to a felony rape charge earlier this month, was investigated Continued on A9
Edgartown Cove is the first Chapter 40B proposed since a state ruling threw the MVC’s authority into flux. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON
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new housing proposal backed by a developer who is behind some of the most contentious projects in recent Island history is already fanning the flames of ongoing conflict with the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC). The project and the developer William Cumming are again bringing into sharp focus the question of whether the MVC has authority to review projects under a state statute that allows for local zoning to be curbed in exchange for some affordable housing, otherwise known as Chapter 40B. Despite the pending litigation, Edgartown officials say they are moving forward under existing guidelines. Cumming, a Falmouth-based developer Continued on A8
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news
October 29, 2026
news in brief Harbor Homes winter shelter opens Nov. 1 with new director The only nonprofit and shelter that assists unhoused people on the Island is entering the fall season with a new shelter director and a plan, as homelessness on Martha’s Vineyard continues to rise. Harbor Homes has several changes underway as the annual winter shelter gets set to open on Nov. 1. The winter shelter will be located at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edgartown this year, as the new permanent building the organization secured in Vineyard Haven is renovated; the process to find a permanent place took several years, and received pushback from potential neighbors. But the season before its next chapter begins, Harbor Homes is returning to its roots: St. Andrew’s in Edgartown, where the winter shelter began in 2016. After years at churches during the colder months, Harbor Homes’ winter shelter nailed down a more stable spot at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services campus in 2022. But due to the construction planned for the area, the shelter had to relocate after the 2024–25 winter season. Last year, the winter shelter was temporarily located at Harbor Homes women’s congregate housing at 111 New York Ave. on Oak Bluffs, through a zoning allowance from the town. “We are grateful to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for once again opening its doors to our winter shelter guests,” Jeannette de Jesús, executive director of Harbor Homes, stated in a press release Monday. “This partnership reflects the generosity and commitment of our Island community to ensuring that our neighbors experiencing homelessness have a safe place to stay and access to essential services during the coldest months of the year.” The new permanent shelter, located at 515 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road in Vineyard Haven, is slated to be completed by Oct. 1 of next year, but could be done even sooner, de Jesús said. As construction continues, and the shelter opens in a temporary location for what could be the last time in the nonprofit’s history, Harbor Homes administrators said they’re excited for the future. “We’re really thrilled that we’re going to have a permanent shelter,” de Jesús told The Times on Monday. According to the release, the winter shelter served 58 individuals last season, and the number of people in need of an overnight stay is projected to increase this year. While de Jesús said there’s “no reliable projection of homelessness on the Vineyard,” there was a peak in the number of people without a home in January 2026. She said there’s no single indication, and the weather was “particularly bad,” but the data point to a rise. She added that “considerable shortages of affordable housing on the Island support our concern that homelessness is increasing.” “Across Cape Cod, Nantucket and [the] Vineyard, homelessness was up more than 35 percent,” she told The Times. “These regional figures may indicate that homelessness is on the rise, and there will be more pressure for services.” Alley joined Harbor Homes in May, according to the release, and worked with shelter leadership, staff, and volunteers on summer programs and plans for the winter shelter. Her work as the director of the winter shelter will include daily operations and oversight of the volunteers and shelter. “Having grown up on the Island, taking care of my neighbors has always been important to me,” Alley said in the release. “A
few years ago, I learned about the important work Harbor Homes does, which inspired me to volunteer and begin my journey with the organization. I believe deeply in Harbor Homes’ mission, and look forward to working with our team and community partners to help our clients find a path to stability.” The overnight winter shelter at St. Andrew’s will be open seven nights a week through April 18. The shelter is open from 6 pm each night until 8 am the following morning. Guests receive an evening meal and breakfast, and have access to showers and laundry. Harbor Homes also provides access to social services and health resources, according to the release.
were an attempt to criminalize the left wing in Brazil. The charges against him were annulled by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, and he won the presidency over the older Bolsonaro in 2022. Lula’s re-election is viewed by global political analysts as a deviation from the regional trend of victories for right-leaning Latin American presidential candidates who ally with Trump, according to the AP. Lula’s victory is also viewed as a win for the environment, since he hopes to reduce deforestation and make Brazil a leader in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sheriff’s Meadow receives largest land acquisition in its history
Lula wins Brazilian presidential re-election
One of the largest land trusts on the Island just got a little bigger. In a “historic agreement” announced Thursday, the Vineyard Open Land Foundation (VOLF) handed over stewardship of all its lands to Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, the largest conservation land acquisition in the history of Sheriff’s Meadow, according to a press release. “We are honored that the Vineyard Open Land Foundation has conveyed these lands to Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation,” Adam Moore, president of Sheriff’s Meadow, said in a press release. “We look forward to serving as the steward of these lands for generations to come. Through the agreement, VOLF conveyed 256 acres to Sheriff’s Meadow through properties at Squibnocket Farm and the Eddy Farm in Chilmark and Cranberry Acres, an organic cranberry bog in Vineyard Haven, as well as four conservation restrictions, two in West Tisbury, one in Chilmark, and one in Edgartown, which are 79 acres in size. VOLF still holds two small properties in Chilmark and Oak Bluffs, but Moore said they might give those to Sheriff’s Meadow as well. According to the press release, Sheriff Meadow plans to continue operation of the organic cranberry bog on Lambert’s Cove Road, which will open soon for harvest and sales, under VOLF supervision. Moore said that he plans to have a set schedule of when the bog is open soon, and berries already harvested will be available at stores and farmstands across the Island. Plans for the Squibnocket Farm and Eddy Farm properties “will be written and implemented after time for ecological inventory, study, and consultation, building on previous VOLF ecologic studies and management,” the release stated. Prior to the acquisition of VOLF lands, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Henry Beetle Hough in 1958, owned and protected 2,493 acres of land across the Island and held 45 conservation restrictions over 1,018 acres, for a total of more than 3,500 acres of land across the Island. The VOLF is a charitable trust founded in 1970 to assist and prompt the preservation of the nature and character of Martha’s Vineyard and minimize land development along highways, byways, and shores, a mission similar to Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation. It preserved more than 2,035 acres of land across the Island, and planned conservation-oriented subdivisions as well as the development of 16 below-market residential sites for Islanders, the press release said. Some of the projects include Sweetened Water Farm, the preservation of the top of Peaked Hill, Pilot Hill Farm, King Point, Nat’s Farm, the Edgartown Pond Lot (now known as Huckleberry Barrens), Cranberry Acres, the Goethals property, and Squibnocket Farm, which took 10 years to complete and preserved 364 acres.
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, often referred to as Lula, was re-elected Sunday after the electoral court announced he had 4.4 million votes (51.8 percent) over Flávio Bolsonaro. The election was watched closely by the Brazilian community on Martha’s Vineyard, where 14 percent of people in Dukes County identify themselves as Portuguese or Brazilian, according to 2020 census data. Some were even able to travel off-Island to Framingham and Malden to cast their votes. According to the Superior Electoral Court’s website, voters in the Boston area heavily favored Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who remains jailed on a 27-year prison sentence for his role in an attempted coup after the 2022 election, has already refused to concede, and asked that the results be annulled. He’s since fled the country, and landed in Miami on Oct. 28, according to the New York Times, after Brazilian authorities canceled his passports as part of a moneylaundering investigation. Just three minutes before polls were scheduled to close, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin issued a ruling to keep the polls open for two more hours, which was requested by both candidates because of bus issues and heavy rains, according to the Associated Press (AP). But Bolsonaro, who styled himself after U.S. President Donald Trump, such as casting doubt on the electoral system, now criticizes Zanin, a former lawyer for Lula, for the decision. Lula is an icon of the left in Brazil and a member of the Partido dos Trabalhadores, and has served time in prison on charges related to a corruption scandal during his first term as president, from 2003 to 2010. He was released from prison in 2019 after serving 18 months, and has asserted that the charges
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VOLF has also preserved roadside vistas and uninterrupted natural vegetation along public roads. Founding trustees of VOLF included Jerome Weisner, Mary P. Wakeman, Hans Loeser, William Honey, Herbert E. Tucker Jr., Ann Hale, Edward Logue, Henry Beetle Hough, Kevin Lynch, Robert Simon, and James Alley. “Over the years, the changing nature of the Vineyard real estate market resulted in less planning opportunities for VOLF’s work, as larger parcels that came on the market were purchased by wealthy Vineyard summer residents as ‘kingdom properties,’ and by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank’s ability to acquire parcels for preservation and public use,” the press release stated. The release also praised the work of Carol Magee, who started at VOLF in 1975 and became the first female executive director of a major land conservation organization on the Island. “The VOLF Trustees and I wish to commend Carol Magee for her 50 years of diligence and dedication to the mission of the Vineyard Open Land Foundation and its conservation land planning efforts,” Eric Peters, chair of VOLF’s board of trustees, said in the release.
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October 29, 2026
Study on Lyme disease includes Martha’s Vineyard
conduct as a graduate student. Telford said the results of the deer cull on Great Island were almost immediate — deer tick larvae significantly decreased, and have been on the decline ever since. He added that he Tick specialist Dr. Sam Telford turns again to Island to study public health burden. returns to Great Island every fall to check areas for ticks. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON Telford told The Times that ticks aren’t a new problem study said they hoped the data on Martha’s Vineyard, but especially on the Island. fter a warm October they are a pervasive one. “I’ve collected from their input The bloodwork and survey weekend, 165 Islanders been coming out to Martha’s and bloodwork would help lined up to donate their of Islanders will be used for a Vineyard doing Lyme disease blood at the Agricultural Hall study funded by the National research around ticks. work since 1993,” he said as he “We’re trying to better and Morning Glory Farm for Institute of Health (NIH) sat outside of the Agricultural understand the role of other and conducted by Dr. Sam a study on the public health infections in the environment Hall. “So when this project Telford, a tick specialist and burden of tick-borne condiprofessor of infectious disease and other risk factors,” Telford came up with NIH, and we retions, specifically chronic or ceived funding for it, we obviand global health at Tufts Uni- said — he named risk factors persisting Lyme disease. like insecticide exposure — ously had to include Martha’s versity’s Cummings School A mini-laboratory was set “and whether they contribute Vineyard, because people are of Veterinary Medicine. The up under the wooden rafters to this group of people who so exposed to ticks out here.” main purpose of the study is of the Agricultural Hall on have a hard time resolving Telford’s most recent reto research persistent Lyme Oct. 12 for the study; the Lyme disease.” search is one of many efforts disease symptoms that don’t same was done at Morning The questionnaire for that has emerged in the last go away after initial treatment. Glory the next day. Islandyear for the study and treaters had their blood drawn by But Telford said the panel they participants named other potential environmental facment of tick-borne condicollected will screen for all registered nurses and filled tions, as well as the eradicators through questions, such out a two-page survey about tick-borne conditions. Some participants told The as “Do you have a companion tion of ticks, as alpha-gal tick bites; the study was cases rise and general anxianimal?” More inquiries on open to year-round residents Times they had volunteered and visitors who spent more because they wanted to know the form asked how prevalent ety around ticks grows. A new tick center opened whether they had unknowdeer and mice were around or than two months on the Iswithin a person’s home, meth- at Martha’s Vineyard Hosingly contracted tick-borne land each year. pital this summer to treat conditions, such as tularemia, ods of mosquito-bite prevenParticipants, who were tick-borne conditions and Lyme, Rocky Mountain spot- tion, and the amount of time volunteers and not paid, take pressure off of the emerpeople spent outdoors. ted fever, or the allergy to will receive their test regency room. The hospital also Telford’s background is in mammalian products, alphasults this winter. Though researchers await results to gal syndrome. While many of epidemiology, and he has pio- launched a research center to study alpha-gal, and began its give locals any verdict from those conditions present with neered several peer-reviewed first study this fall. studies on ticks. His research the study, they did speak to obvious symptoms, there are Tick Free MV, a nonprofit on the small arachnids the importance of informa- people who have contracted stretches back to an infamous formed to specifically address the diseases or allergy and tion from as many sources deer abundance on the Island deer cull on Great Island on as possible, as ticks contin- are asymptomatic. And othas a way to decrease the numthe Cape, which he helped ue to threaten public health, ers who volunteered for the
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ber of ticks, launched last winter and hopes to decrease the herd by 70 percent. Martha’s Vineyard Medical, which opened last fall, started a tick center soon after. All of these efforts come as the topic of ticks is on many Islanders’ minds, regardless of seasonality, wealth, housing, or other disparities that exist on the Island. “We talk about ticks all the time,” Janet Stoddard, a pastor at the Chilmark Community Church, told The Times at the Agricultural Hall. “It’s a major part of conversation.” Stoddard, who lives in Chilmark, said she participated in the study to see her own results and participate in a broader understanding of tickborne conditions. She hasn’t yet secured a primary care provider on the Island because of waitlists for care, and said she hadn’t been tested yet. Another study participant,
A Vineyard tick. COURTESY MAINE MEDICAL CENTER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
photographer Joshua Robinson-White, said he attended because he was curious. “I’ve been bitten by a bunch of ticks this year,” he said. He added that his awareness of ticks, especially in the summer and fall months, keeps him from going outside as much. Local tick epidemiologist Lea Hamner, who assisted with Telford’s study, said she participated in a similar study last year, and she’s hoping the data will lead to a greater understanding of how tick-borne conditions are experienced by the population. “How many people are not sick at all, how many people are sick, how many people have been exposed — that’s super-valuable for me as an epidemiologist,” Hamner said. She said the public health surveillance conducted on the Island is good, but more information is always better. “There’s no such thing as perfect data,” Hamner said. “This is a different type of data, and it gives us a snapshot in time of how many people on Martha’s Vineyard have evidence of Lyme disease infections in their past.” In addition, she said, the study will reveal the other conditions, like alpha-gal, that are present in participants. “Being able to look at a complex problem from multiple viewpoints is extremely valuable,” she said. “This is one of the ways.”
obituaries Nancy Washington
Nancy Washington — a distinguished educator, passionate advocate for education, the arts, and equitable healthcare, a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend — was born on March 15, 1939. She was the only child of Tanner and Courtney Duckrey. Nancy grew up in the Nicetown neighborhood of Philadelphia. She attended Girls High School, where she was salutatorian of her graduating class. Nancy earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Boston University in 1960, and a master’s degree in education from Temple University. Soon after graduating from college, she met and fell in love with Milton Washington, whom she married in 1960. Their loving marriage endured until his death in 2016. A promising business opportunity brought the family to Pittsburgh in 1967. Although initially a reluctant transplant, Nancy soon found a welcoming circle of friends, and became
deeply rooted in the community she would call home. She continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh, earning a doctorate in educational psychology in 1973. Nancy’s distinguished 27year career at the University of Pittsburgh began soon after graduation, when she joined the Greensburg campus as an assistant professor of psychology. She was promoted to associate professor in 1979, and later held appointments in clinical epidemiology and family medicine. As assistant dean for minority affairs at the School of Medicine and, beginning in 1993, assistant to the chancellor, she worked to expand opportunities for students, strengthen minority recruitment and retention, and advance the university’s commitment to inclusion. She also helped establish the Center for Minority Health in 1994. She retired from the university in 1999. Nancy, Milton, and the family began spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard in 1976, when they rented their first home in West Tisbury. They quickly fell in love with the Island, and soon built a summer home in Vineyard Haven. A high point of the year was the time she spent there with friends and family. In 2026, the family celebrated 50 years on the Vineyard, with several generations gathered together. Mrs. Washington was a longtime member of the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club, attended Union Chapel, and supported the Featherstone Center for the Arts, among other Vineyard institutions.
Nancy served organizations including the Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Foundation, Point Park University, Wilson College, and the Association of Theological Schools. A co-founder of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, she was also involved with the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, City Theatre, the Frick Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Symphony. She supported workforce and civil rights groups, and remained devoted to the Tanner G. Duckrey School in Philadelphia, named for her father, the city’s first African American superintendent of schools. Her honors included recognition as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, the Sen. John Heinz History Center’s History Makers Award for community service, Carlow University’s Women of Spirit Award, the Patricia R. Rooney Award, City Theatre’s Robert Frankel Award, and the Three Rivers Youth Humanitarian Award. She is survived by her daughters, Linda and Lara; her sons-in-law, Gregory and Ken; and her grandchildren, Courtney (“Cece”) and her husband Tom, Zoe, Kendall, and Tanner. She is also remembered by relatives and friends in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Martha’s Vineyard, and elsewhere. Contributions may be made to the Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, online at eyeandear.org/donate.
Dorothy Ellen Bruce Underwood
Dorothy Ellen Bruce Underwood of Oak Bluffs died
peacefully at home on Sept. 20, 2026, at 99. It will come as no surprise to those who knew her that she authored this obituary. Born to Viola and Charles Bruce in Somerville, Dorothy was the fifth of seven children. Her mother died when Dorothy was 3. In her twenties, Dorothy worked in a sewing factory on Kneeland Street in Boston. She later became a bookkeeper, having a knack for numbers. She met David Underwood, the love of her life, in the mid1950s, when he played Monopoly with her upstairs neighbors. Their relationship blossomed, but soon David was called up to serve in the Army and stationed in Germany. After two years apart, he returned home, and their courtship resumed. Dorothy and David married on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1960. Before leaving for work the day after their wedding, David promised to always take
care of her — and he did. They raised their children in Randolph and Oak Bluffs, furnishing their homes one room at a time. Dorothy loved to sew, making clothes for herself, her daughters, and their dolls. She made slipcovers, draperies, and window shades. She taught herself to wallpaper, paint, refinish floors, and lay carpeting and linoleum. A homebody by nature, Dorothy was happiest caring for her family and home. Dorothy first visited Martha’s Vineyard in 1934, when she was about 7 years old, with a family friend who lived down the street in Roxbury. They attended Illumination Night. Thirty years later, she and David bought a house in Oak Bluffs with no plumbing or electricity. They brought supplies in a station wagon over the years, including a bathtub, kitchen sink, lamps, and a hand-me-down refrigerator from David’s mother. Always a team, they worked on the house together. Dorothy painted around the windows, while David painted the walls. He mixed wallpaper paste, and held the ladder while she hung the wallpaper. He dug in the garden, and she planted. David died in 2021, and Dorothy’s health began to decline shortly afterward. She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Tyndal of Hawai'i, Jennifer Thomas (David Thomas) of Maryland, and Melissa Perry of Milton; grandchildren Joshua Somoano (Heidy), Rebecca Thomas, Lydia Perry, Jared Thomas (Emily), and Joey Perry
(Sage); great-grandchildren J.J., Julissa, and Reign; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was grateful to her “special angels”: sisters-in-law Gretchen Tucker Underwood and Laura Underwood Horne; brother-in-law Emmanuel Horne; nephew Peter Wharton; and dear friends Debbie Stead, Ann Baird, and Joanie Oliver. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to two organizations that played such important roles in her life: the Oak Bluffs library (online at bit.ly/OBPL_Donate), whose amazing staff so generously supported her love of reading, and Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard (online at hospiceofmv.org/annual-appeal), whose staff provided such skilled, loving, and compassionate care at the end of her life. A celebration of the lives of Dorothy and David Underwood is planned for summer 2027.
Gary M. Williams Gary M. Williams, 73, of Edgartown died on Wednesday morning, Oct. 21, 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. His funeral service will be private, and a complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper.
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.
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October 29, 2026
EDITORIAL Fateful elections in different corners of the world Ballot boxes in Brazil, Israel, Serbia, and the U.S. are opening and closing along the same hinge of history. In all of these countries, there are consequential elections unfolding this week and next that will determine the fate of their nations, and that will reverberate around the world on a wide range of issues including climate change, energy policy, the costs of inequity and corruption, and a check on the rise of authoritarianism. It’s too early to tell precisely what the Israeli elections on Wednesday as of our print deadline and the formation of a government which still lies ahead will mean for the state of Israel, the future of the Palestinian people, and the wars in Gaza and Iran. In Serbia, longtime strongman Aleksander Vučić conceded defeat to a student movement that highlighted allegations of corruption and creeping authoritarianism in an election viewed in the Balkans as a historic moment of change. And here in America, the midterms are reaching a boiling point as early voting is underway, and the election takes place on Tuesday, with most polls predicting a rebuke to the Republican Party and its unquestioning support for Donald Trump’s war in Iran and the soaring fuel costs that have come with it. It is a truly global moment when the issues that bind us all together feel very much woven through national and local elections, tethering us all to a shared fate. Here on Martha’s Vineyard, the Island’s robust Brazilian community in particular was transfixed all week after the results of the Brazilian election were announced on Sunday, with a leftist icon securing a victory over a right-wing senator, the son of Brazil’s former authoritarian leader, who himself is now serving prison time for an attempted coup. In Vineyard Haven, Brazilian news channels were blaring in the Martha’s Vineyard
Grill on Sunday night as votes were being counted across Brazil. On Monday, in school parking lots, Brazilian immigrant parents picking up their kids were discussing the political maelstrom back home. And all week in the cramped aisles of the Vineyard Grocer, shoppers picked up favorite Brazilian brands and traded points of view on the rival candidates. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, often referred to as Lula, was re-elected after the electoral court announced he had 4.4 million votes (51.8 percent) over Flávio Bolsonaro, who fled the country and landed in Miami on Wednesday as he reportedly sought to elude an investigation into a money-laundering case. The Island’s large and vibrant Brazilian community closely watched the election, and some traveled to off-Island polling stations. According to 2020 Census data, 14 percent of people in Dukes County identify themselves as Portuguese or Brazilian. Some less formal estimates place the Brazilian population on the Island considerably higher — up to 20 percent of the year-round population — amid a steady wave of immigration over the decades. School officials have stated that up to 40 percent of the students in some schools speak Brazilian Portuguese as a first language in the home. The election in Brazil is fateful for the future of not only Brazil, but the planet, as concerns of climate change ran like an electric current through the process. Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon was reduced to record lows under Lula after it soared under Bolsonaro, whose son was also seen as aligned with the timber industry, allowing it to continue with virtually unchecked deforestation. For environmentalists, particularly climate activists, the Lula victory was a positive development for the health of the Amazon, which is essential to cool the planet. Some, however, point out that Lula has a less-than-stellar record on agribusiness. The election in Brazil, like the elections in Israel, and the upcoming midterms in the U.S., are all pieces of a global puzzle in a time of polarized politics that seem to resonate far beyond their domestic borders.
Some Brazilian immigrants on the Island traveled to Framingham and Malden to cast their votes. According to the Brazilian Superior Electoral Court’s website, voters in the Boston area heavily favored Bolsonaro. That support emerges from the conservative and fervent Christian evangelical movement in Brazil, particularly the so-called “gospel of prosperity,” which served to fuse Bolsonaro and Trump together. Bolsonaro’s son followed in his father’s footsteps on this political faultline. The elder Bolsonaro remains jailed on a 27-year prison sentence for his role in an attempted coup after the 2022 election, has continued to refuse to concede, and asked that the results be annulled. His son has also not recognized the election he has just lost, and criticized judges for interfering. Both Bolsonaros have clearly styled themselves after Trump by casting doubt on any election that does not result in victory. Lula is an icon of the left in Brazil and member of the Partido dos Trabalhadores, and has served time in prison on charges related to a corruption scandal during his first term as president, from 2003 to 2010. He was released from prison in 2019 after serving 18 months, and has asserted that the charges against him were an attempt to criminalize the left wing in Brazil. The charges against him were annulled by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, and he won the presidency over the older Bolsonaro in 2022. Lula’s re-election is viewed by global political analysts as a deviation from the regional trend of victories for right-leaning Latin American presidential candidates who ally with Trump, according to the AP. What all of these elections across Brazil, Israel, and the U.S. offer us is an education on how global issues are shaped on a global, national, and local level, and how they are of concern to all of us. But most importantly, these dramatic elections across these different corners of the globe remind us of the most important lesson of all. That is, that your vote matters. So get out there and vote! In Portuguese, Votar! In Hebrew, Kol! In Serbian, Glasati! And in plain old English, VOTE!
LETTERS Vote wisely on Question 8 To the Editor: To quote Einstein, “Nothing is more destructive to the respect for the government and the laws of the land than the passing of laws which cannot be enforced.” Exhibit A: the prohibition of alcohol (1920–33). Please vote wisely on Question 8. Ken Rusczyk Oak Bluffs
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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: On Saturday, Oct. 17, at 9 am, when it was still raining, about 30 hardy volunteers from Oak Bluffs Tree Stewards (OBTS) planted 10 more trees in Oak Bluffs parks. There are now four more trees in Naushon Park, one more in Nashawena Park, and five in Sunset Lake Park, including three weeping willows on the southwest side of the lake. In total, we have planted 71 trees over the past 3½ years. All but one (killed by insects) are growing well, thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, who have watered the newly planted trees three times a week all summer long, every year. It is a huge time commitment, and we appreciate the O.B. residents who contribute their time to watering the trees. The cost of the trees and the planting materials are covered by donations to OBTS and CPA funding. This year, we are applying for CPA funding again so that we can plant 60 more trees; 10 each in the
fall and spring for the next three years. All of this has been made possible by Tony Lima, chair of the O.B. parks commission, who chooses the tree types and locations, Chris Joyce, O.B. parks manager, who picks up the trees and planting supplies, and Dana Hughes, parks commissioner, who supervises the volunteer watering and care of the trees after they are planted. Together, O.B. elected officials, staff, and residents are greening up our parks. A big hurray for all our donors, friends, and volunteers. We couldn’t do this without all of you. Kelly Joyce and Peter Meleney, co-founders Oak Bluffs Tree Stewards
Chappy court decision is justified To the Editor: Rich Thompson’s letter begins with “inescapable math” and ends with accusations of theft and kleptocracy. But you cannot steal from the public what the public never owned. For this 71-year-old Islander, with a long memory and a belief that facts still matter, what’s troubling is how quickly history has been abandoned for hysteria. The Cape Poge families Thompson calls the “lucky 11” have been there nearly a century. Long before The Trustees charged people to drive across their land, these families willingly shared it. Some even donated land for conservation. They asked for responsible stewardship and respect for their property rights. That was generosity. That was permission. It was never surrender of ownership.
And for decades, it worked. So what changed? Not the families. Not their rights. The Trustees changed. Leadership shifted, operations expanded, and Mother Nature reshaped the coastline. Beaches disappeared. Routes narrowed. The land couldn’t accommodate what it once had. Rather than educate the public and cooperate with neighbors, the Trustees chose confrontation and litigation against families who made access possible. The Trustees appear to have learned something. With Schifter, they recognized his property rights and negotiated an acceptable arrangement. Imagine that. Asking permission works better than making demands and suing when told no. It’s unfortunate the Trustees had to learn that lesson the hard way, after destroying their relationship with the Cape Poge families — some of whom had donated land to the very organization that is now suing them. And the torch-and-pitchfork campaign against those families hardly encourages anyone back to the negotiating table. Why did two judges reach different conclusions? One ruled before trial; the other after hearing evidence. A preliminary assessment isn’t a final determination. That’s litigation, not conspiracy. William Gazaille Edgartown
We’re lucky to have Martha’s Vineyard Hospital To the Editor: On Oct. 19, I spent the day at our hospital, first with a nurse practitioner from
Dr. Price’s office, then with the office teams in radiology and the lab. My husband Bruce and I were both so impressed by their friendly, helpful behavior, embodying the Island’s happy sense of itself after a satisfying summer. I was unable to walk easily, and the smiling, friendly faces everywhere in the hospital made it so much easier to be rolling around the hallways in a wheelchair. This warm, friendly atmosphere creates and reflects an atmosphere that flows from and into the Island community. We all know we’re lucky to be living here on Martha’s Vineyard, and our hospital reflects that awareness. It’s here for us when we need it. It works well into Island life, just as our good schools are giving us happy children and our diverse markets give us satisfied patrons. With all this warmth, and my husband’s patient, loving care, I recognize a loving environment. This thank-you note goes to you all. Sarah Nevin Edgartown
Touchdown Club says thank you To the Editor: A few weeks ago, we asked the Vineyard community to help us give our high school football team a better ride to its away game in Orange. And our community really came through! Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, families, friends, and football supporters, we reached our fundraising Continued on A5
news A5
October 29, 2026
VINEYARD GALLERY KRISTOFER RABASCA
ESSAY Know your voting rights this Election Day BY ANDREA JOY CAMPBELL Every eligible voter in Massachusetts has the right to cast their ballot freely, safely, and without intimidation or interference. As your attorney general, protecting that fundamental right is one of my top priorities. With Election Day approaching, my office has heard residents’ concerns about interference in our elections, the presence of federal law enforcement at polls, and whether their votes will be counted. I want to be clear: Your right to vote is protected by law, and my office stands ready to defend it. Recently, my office helped lead legal challenges against federal actions that threatened to inter-
LETTERS Continued from A4 goal, and raised enough money to charter a coach bus for the team. We want to extend a heartfelt thankyou to everyone who contributed. As we said in our original letter, this effort was about more than a bus. It was about showing a group of kids and coaches who have worked hard to keep Vineyard football going through some challenging years that their community is behind them. And that’s exactly what you did. The players and coaches will now be able to make the long trip to Orange in greater comfort, and they’ll do so knowing that their Island community came together to make it happen. We’re grateful for the support, the encourage-
ment, and the enthusiasm we’ve seen for Vineyard football this season. It means a great deal to this program as it continues to rebuild. Thank you! Go Vineyard! Caroline Flanders, Katelyn Holway, Chick Stapleton, Moira Silva Martha’s Vineyard Touchdown Club executive committee
Abortion care is between patients and their doctors To the Editor: Massachusetts recently took a key step in passing the Prioritizing Patients Access to Care Act to ensure that decisions about abortion care remain where they belong, between patients and their doctors. Every day, as providers, we are
fere with how states administer elections, including voting by mail. We won a court order preventing a rule from taking effect that would have upended our vote-by-mail system, and posed a serious risk of disenfranchising voters. We took this action because no eligible voter should lose their opportunity to vote because of unlawful interference. Protecting the right to vote also means ensuring voters understand their rights, and know where to turn if something goes wrong. Our “Know Your Rights” voter guide and the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website are two trusted sources of information. Here are a few things every Massachusetts voter should know: You have options for casting your ballot. Vote early up to Oct. 30. Check your municipality’s website for early voting hours and locations. Vote on Election Day, Nov. 3, from 7 am to 8 pm. If you are in
line by 8 pm, you have the right to cast your ballot. You have the right to vote free from intimidation and interference. On Election Day, each polling place must have a police officer or constable present to assist election officials and ensure everyone can vote safely, without interference or intimidation. If you see anyone using intimidation tactics at a polling place, speak with the location’s police officer or warden, and contact the attorney general’s office. Many organizations and civil groups send observers to polling locations to watch the voting process. Observers cannot interact or interfere with the voting process. You have the right to assistance if you encounter a problem voting. If your name isn’t on the voting list at your polling location, or you’re denied a ballot, you have the right to request and cast a provisional ballot. Election offices will then work to verify your eligibility
so that your ballot may be counted. If you are unable to mark your ballot due to physical disability, there is equipment at every polling location to help you mark your ballot independently, or you can receive assistance from a poll worker or person of your choosing. Voters do not have to navigate concerns alone. My office will continue to ensure that our election laws are followed and voters are protected. If you believe your voting rights have been violated, contact the attorney general’s office at 617-727-2200. Our democracy depends on the ability of every eligible voter to participate freely and fairly. Know your rights. Make a plan to vote. And know that your attorney general has your back.
trusted to listen to our patients, assess their unique medical circumstances, and determine the best course of care. But when the government interferes, providers can be forced to navigate legal restrictions alongside complex healthcare decisions, compromising the provider-patient relationship at moments when patients need compassionate, individualized care most. No law can anticipate every diagnosis, complication, or circumstance. Healthcare works best when providers can use their medical expertise and professional judgement to respond to the patient in front of them. At Health Imperatives, we see every day how barriers to healthcare disproportionately affect people with limited incomes, transportation challenges, and other circumstances that
can make traveling hundreds of miles for care difficult, if not impossible. Last year we had 1,800 clinical visits and treated more than 1,000 individuals from Martha’s Vineyard, regardless of their income, insurance coverage, or immigration status. We thank Gov. Healey and the Massachusetts legislature for protecting the provider-patient relationship, and for recognizing these patients deserve quality care close to home.
in science education, Karl Nelson received the County Award from the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers in recognition of his remarkable career teaching science at the West Tisbury School. In his 32 years of service, Karl Nelson’s students maintained a record of high performance in MCAS scores in eighth-grade science, and in 2010 and 2011 — two consecutive years — his students ranked the highest in the state. Karl Nelson recently retired from teaching math and science, but his methods of teaching hands-on science are fondly remembered by generations of students.
Dr. Timothy Spurrell, medical director Health Imperatives
Karl Nelson is Dukes County science educator of 2026 To the Editor: At an awards banquet on Oct. 23 in Marlborough, celebrating excellence
Andrea Joy Campbell is the Massachusetts attorney general. She is running for re-election as the Democratic nominee.
Joel Weintraub, Dukes County director Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers
news
October 29, 2026
PHOTOS COURTESY MARTHA’S VINEYARD MUSEUM
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Top left, standing roughly where the Shipyard Office is, looking down Beach Road toward Five Corners after 1938 hurricane. Top right, standing between the Citgo station and Boch Park, looking toward Five Corners, after the 1938 hurricane. MassDOT checks drains during a storm this year.
Flooding at Five Corners.
MV TIMES
he Five Corners intersection is a funnel for people, cars, freight, and, maybe most consequentially, water. Just an inch and a quarter of rain is almost a guarantee that the intersection, as well as a significant portion of Beach Road, will flood and thereby impede access to a vital emergency and transportation route on the Island. The problem has plagued the Island for generations, but has intensified through increased rainfall, sea level rise, and worse storm surge brought on by climate change. For many years, local, county, state, and even national entities have studied and envisioned how to fix the problem, but they have failed to make any tangible headway. But now, after a summer and during a fall when there were several instances where the vital corner that connects the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and the Steamship Authority’s main terminal was inundated and closed to traffic, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) announced a $387,000 grant award from the state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program that may finally begin to address the problem head-on. Using language laced in bureaucratic speak, the grant is for “long-term resilience vision with near-term practical actions and mid-term planning.” The plan is to build on previous studies, of which there are many, conducted on the Beach Road area, which mostly focused on immediate scenarios instead of long-term, Sakiko Isomichi, climate resilience planner for the MVC, said. The town of Tisbury also received $500,000 for the “planning, technical analysis, stakeholder coordination, and preliminary engineering for the Five Corners/Beach Road corridor,” through a state Community One Stop for Growth, part of the Executive Office of Economic Development. Sean Young, local building inspector and conservation agent for the town of Tisbury, said the grant can be used to get a project to “shovel-ready,” though there is currently no construction proposed. Separately, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), which owns Beach Road as a state highway, is at work on redesigns of the outfall system, which is supposed to direct groundwater
be relocation or raised roads. “How do we make a decision of what should be happening, and what is the consensus of the community members?” That process has already started to happen. Property owners in the area, which includes the Martha’s Vineyard Times offices, were invited to a discussion at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Oct. 21. There, Isomichi said that a finalized roadmap is projected Two grants awarded and one project proposed to solve flooding in Tisbury. to be done in early 2028, BY HAYLEY DUFFY and the project has to end by June 2028. Project partners include the towns of Tisbury are planning for long-term The same is true for Veterans “get overwhelmed within out to the harbor but often and Oak Bluffs, the hospital, pathways.” He mentioned Park, located behind the Post minutes” from just an inch doesn’t work. the $500,000 grant from the the Steamship Authority, and and a quarter of rain. Office, which was created The several grants and an MassDOT. Engineering and state to design to construct He’s hopeful that a Massin the mid-1950s. The area approved short-term plan and said he hates grants too, design is by Geosyntec and used to be tidal wetlands, and DOT project to redesign the mark what officials hope is a Copley Wolff Landscape because “they collect dust.” outfall system at Beach Road watershed to address issues at was able to soak up water, Architects; research conUnlike the MassDOT Extension, near the Black Dog Five Corners and Beach Road. such as runoff from higher sultants are Urban Harbor project, the town-awarded Pier, is a short-term fix. The ground at Causeway Road A flooded Five Corners Institute and UMass Boston; grant, Young said, is for pipes there are supposed to and Skiff Avenue. isn’t a new development; it’s town-related efforts for a re- community engagement is drain the water empty, but Van Riper said historical plagued the Island for genled by Sea Change Consultbecause they sit near sea level, silient harbor, and isn’t tied erations. Water Street, which records show Five Corners ing, based on the Island. flooded from infamous hur- are clogged with sand and de- to a specific project yet. hosts Stop & Shop now, and Debbie Packer of R.M. As for the MVC grant and bris from the tide, and allow ricanes and storms in 1938, leads to the ferry, and LaPacker Co. brought up fears seawater to be pushed back up frustrations of just another goon Pond Road, which goes 1944, and 1954. But those of eminent domain, as well as into the system. A redesigned study, Isomichi said there were big storms, and today, from Five Corners past the clogged drain problems. Ted remains a problem, and Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Five Corners becomes inun- outfall system is based on a Gavin, the Island’s Steamship it’s probably a reason why dated from seemingly regular layout by the University of used to be a six- to sevenAuthority board representaprevious studies never went New Hampshire Stormwater foot-deep channel called Bass rainfall, not only by storms anywhere. While she said the tive, said that utilization of Center, and John Goggin, Creek, according to Bowdoin that make the news. As frustration is valid, there isn’t the area, i.e. how many more global temperature rises, and spokesperson for MassDOT, Van Riper, research libraran active group to propose de- people there will be on-Island because warmer air can hold said that the department has ian at the museum. In 1835, in 2050, needs to be considsigns and make shovel-ready a contractor, and alongside more water vapor, there’s the road was blocked, he ered. Questions about the projects. She said that part said, by “sinking a worn-out more potential precipitation, the town, plans to develop a economic impact, especially “proposed scope of work and of the grant, which lasts two which can take the form of schooner loaded with stone years, is to “build capacity,” or due to projected sea levels, in what’s now Five Corners.” rain, ice, hail, or snow, in the fee.” Once that is finalized, get a group of people together were also mentioned, as well the project can advance to a Tons of sand and gravel were atmosphere. as how this should be an design public hearing, he said. to make a project happen. Kirk Metell, a born-anddumped on Water Street and Island-wide project, not just The MVC, she said, “Is it going to fix the probFive Corners in the remnants raised Islander and director lem 100 percent? No, it’s not,” plans, isn’t government, and a Tisbury project, a referof public works for Tisbury, of the creek to create “made ence to a trend in discusspoke at a panel called “Flood- Metell said to the library’s au- doesn’t have the bandwidth land,” Van Riper explained, ing and Island Infrastructure” dience. “However, it’s going to to solely take on this region- sions about regionalization. comparable to the fill that And many audience members at the Vineyard Haven library allow that water to drain a lot ally critical area. But she was used to establish the referenced other entities that said the plan is to do three faster, and that’s really what on Oct. 14. He said he used Back Bay in Boston. should be involved in the sets of engagement sessions we need to be pushing for.” to get excited when there Beach Road used to be a to include the public, as well larger discussion. Some residents at the diswas a “good storm.” (Maybe barrier beach only a foot or Though there isn’t a plan as disseminate a survey to cussion were frustrated and two above sea level, historical he’d have a hurricane party.) written in stone for any tansee what people want to see wondered why there hasn’t But now he dreads when he records show, which means been movement on ways to fix at Five Corners. She also said gible projects yet, and ground the land between Beach Road watches the Weather Chanwon’t be broken soon, discusnel. His department oversees the area, despite several stud- that previous studies didn’t and Lagoon Pond Road was sions across the Island made just water. The former area of about 22 miles of paved roads ies done over the past decade, look far enough into the future, and this study, which clear that Five Corners needs especially in the long term. the creek where Chicken Al- in Tisbury, and a handful of would look at 2050 as well as to be fixed. Joe LaCivita, Tisbury ley and the marina stand to- outfall pipes, as well as 1,200 “I’ve watched that area. implementable short-term town administrator, stood day, which were shallow tidal catch, or stormwater, basins, options for the next decade, I’m 56 years old now. It’s which are supposed to collect up and said he sensed the wetlands, wasn’t filled until would be geared in that way. flooded my whole life. rainwater and runoff and pre- frustration: “I get it on all the 1930s and early 1940s, Flooded my mother’s whole She echoed other leaders vent floods. But a lot of those these studies that we’ve done which Van Riper said only on the Island who don’t know life. We need to do somebasins are between 50 and 100 in the past, and Tisbury, made “flooding at Five Corexactly what Islanders want to thing sooner than later, and ners worse, because rain and years old, and are a challenge amongst other communifix it for us,” Metell said at the ties, was well-known to kick see. In terms of Five Corners to maintain, he said. The bastorm-surge water couldn’t library. and Beach Road, that could the can down the road. We sins at Five Corners, he said, be soaked up as quickly.”
Nearly $1 million awarded for Five Corners plans
news A7
October 29, 2026
A tempest in Tisbury Town Hall Continued from A1 conflicts caused by the [town administrator’s] actions.” “We still need to accept any applications for the [planning board administrator] position,” Robinson said. “It is currently being advertised. We will interview candidates at our Nov. 4 meeting.” LaCivita told The Times the statement requires no action by the select board, and is “internal for [the] planning board.” When asked how the town could avoid a similar situation that cost Tisbury officials time and money, he said, “The town does not comment on pending litigation matters.” Since March, the planning board has been without a full-time administrator, and its members had to perform tasks usually handled by an administrator before Shawna Lima was hired on a temporary basis in the summer. Lima is the current acting planning board administrator, and has been answering to the planning board chair.
LaCivita’s letter said the change was meant to “strengthen the organizational structure” in Tisbury. “As we move to improve communication and operations among departments, it is important to have those with similar purposes or objectives working collaboratively with one another and between departments,” LaCivita wrote. But the decision was met by pushback, and the planning board voiced concern that the restructuring would override its jurisdiction. The power of the planning board, an elected body, comes by way of state law. Meanwhile, Upton filed grievances with her union, and sued the town in July, including LaCivita and Monka, with allegations of workplace retaliation after she raised issues against the developer of the controversial 97 Spring St. project, as well as for wrongful termination and disability discrimination. Some of the
The issue sparked last year after LaCivita sent a letter on Oct. 21, 2025, to Upton, the planning board administrator at the time, that directed her to report directly to Greg Monka, the building commissioner and zoning enforcement officer, rather than the planning board chair. Monka as a department head reports to LaCivita, who reports to the select board.
allegations trace back to 2024, before LaCivita was hired as town administrator in 2025. Even before the suit was filed, the planning board’s March 18 minutes, which don’t list Upton as present at this meeting, include an “appearance of retaliation” among the board’s concerns. Upton was placed on administrative leave on March 11, which the minutes state was
a week after the planning board voted to file an open meeting law complaint with the state. The complaint was never filed, but they also voted to send the select board a letter requesting Upton be restored to her position or that the two boards meet together over the action. The minutes also contain a “gag order” that prohibited Upton from “communicating with the board or town residents, impeding her defense and the board’s statutory func-
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tion.” A joint meeting that included discussion of temporary staffing needs was scheduled on April 23. Upton left the town’s payroll on May 1, according to her complaint, and the two boards scheduled an executive session about her resignation on May 19. The civil suit remains open in Dukes County Superior Court, and the defendants have until
were disagreements about what language should be in the memo describing employment conditions and jurisdiction over the planning board administrator. Robinson said he wouldn’t endorse a memo that didn’t affirmatively state the planning board’s authority over the planning board administrator. LaCivita and Roy Cutrer, select board chair, noted that the proposed document essentially accomplished this by stating the town administrator and human resources department wouldn’t interfere with the planning board, and referred to statements from town counsel Brian Mazer, who they said wanted to avoid redundancy in the document. Robinson accused the town counsel of late changes, and had a back-and-forth with Cutrer during the meeting in a disagreement over the memo’s language. Alexander was in favor of adding the clarification Robinson pursued, although it was voted down in a 2-1 vote by the select board. John Cahill, select board member, underscored that everyone involved in creating the memo “worked really hard,” and said they could “nitpick this to death for another hour” without meaningful progress. He also said PHOTOS: EUNKI SEONWOO that the town spent well over 2 1. Tisbury Town Hall on $10,000 over the issue in atSpring Street. torney fees. “Everybody’s going to 2. From left, Joseph LaCivita, have something in there that Roy Cutrer, and John Cahill they don’t like,” Cahill said, reviewing an opening meeting calling for the town to move law complaint in October 2025. forward. “This has dragged on way too much.” Cahill expressed hope that ing an elected or appointed the planning board would board without that body’s accept the memo, and comwritten approval, and cremitted to continue workates a dispute-resolution ing with them in an “open, process for disagreements,” transparent way and improve and argued in an informaour relationships.” tion sheet that the change The planning board was was needed to allow the split over the language durboard independent authoring the joint meeting, and ity to hire its own staff. But the measure was tabled decided to review the select board–approved version. “taking bribes,” referring to indefinitely after the two And the desire to move on the house he lives in, which boards agreed to work towon out at last week’s planwas included in his employ- gether to resolve the matter. ning board meeting. Months later, in October, ment contract. This followed “I’d like to be done with a year after the initial letter longtime disagreements between the two boards over was sent out, the two boards it and move on,” Mary Bernadette Budinger-Cormie, came together to discuss communication, and each planning board member, said, a memorandum of underside accused the other of noting that she wanted the standing, which the select disrespect at a select board board to be able to focus on its board voted 2-1 to approve, meeting later that October. regular duties. “I don’t want with Connie Alexander as The two boards each reto spend any more time than I the sole dissenter. tained separate counsels to absolutely have to.” At the joint meeting, there review the matter. Nov. 23 to respond. Authority over the planning administrator was just one of several instances of inter-board disagreements that spilled out to the public. During her planning board chairship, Casey Hayward hit the select board with an open meeting law complaint in October 2025, and shortly after, made social media posts that called for the “out of touch” select board members to be voted out. She also accused LaCivita of
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After LaCivita’s letter and several meetings, the extent of the town administrator’s authority over independent boards and committees was almost taken up by voters during the annual town meeting in April. The planning board had introduced a warrant article with aims to amend bylaws that the town administrator “may not unilaterally alter the job description, title, compensation grade, or reporting structure of a position serv-
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news
October 29, 2026
Heading for a clash over new housing proposal Continued from A1 behind proposals like Edgartown Gardens and Green Villa, is gearing up to begin the Edgartown zoning board of appeals (ZBA) review process for a new development called Edgartown Cove. The proposal was scheduled for an initial hearing on Oct. 28 and consists of 40 apartment units proposed at 501 West Tisbury Road in Edgartown, a lot on two acres of wooded land near the State Forest. The Edgartown Cove acreage is currently listed on Zillow for $1.6 million and is zoned for six bedrooms. The listing site states it is under contract. According to town records, the property belongs to Arthur Luongo of Tewksbury. Ahead of the ZBA discussion, which occurred after our print deadline, abutters and Edgartown officials already raised concerns about limited septic capacity and environmental impact on the small area as well as the zoning bylaws, especially because the project falls under Chapter 40B. Chapter 40B is a state law that was created in 1969 to ensure affordable units would be built within large developments by incentivizing developers; if a quarter of a project is affordable and the town the development is planned in doesn’t meet the affordable unit threshold, developers can curb local zoning bylaws. The Island’s limited land, character, and seasonality, however, have all complicated Chapter 40B developments that have been proposed so far. And the lingering worry for some Islanders is the timing of the Edgartown Cove proposal. The authority of the MVC, a board that is tasked with reviewing developments in Dukes County and has had authority over Chapter 40B projects since 1974, is currently at a crossroads, and the Island is at a “tipping point,” as described by commissioners. “[Cumming] is proposing a 40B to go around the rules, the rules that have been in place long before the Falmouth-based developer and 40B were around,” Daniel, Sarah, and Matthew Strem, whose property abuts the project site, stated in one letter to the zoning board. Year-round Islanders are nearly as concerned about potential overdevelopment as they are about housing affordability, even though more than half of Island homes are occupied only seasonally and year-rounders still struggle to afford accommodation. In April, the Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) ruled that the MVC is a “local board,” essentially stripping it of its ability to review Chapter 40B projects. The ruling was spurred by Cumming after the MVC unanimously denied another Chapter 40B project he proposed, Edgartown
Gardens. The HAC ruling was contrary to previous court rulings that classified the MVC as a regional board with authority over any projects designated as potentially
of Edgartown Cove, since the MVC and Cumming have polar opposite ideas of what the HAC decision means for the new proposal. “There will not be a sepa-
that the commission will likely review Edgartown Cove and that he is confident the appeal will be successful. “Unless or until the appellate courts of the commonwealth rule that our authority under the MVC Act does not extend to the review of 40B [develop-
reviews the project in support of the town.” If it’s not, he stated, the MVC is “limited to recommendations to the [zoning board].” Brae Eddleston, the Edgartown planning and zoning board administrator, told The Times Wednesday, prior to the hearing, that “no one can
local luxury and marketrate housing market is booming despite a national decline in real estate sales, and there has been a stark rise in proposals in the last two years for the largest projects the Island has ever seen. Housing costs continue to rise, while wages
COURTESY EDGARTOWN ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AND EDGARTOWN COVE
Design plans for Edgartown Cove, a two-story apartment building proposed under Chapter 40B.
regionally impactful. The MVC appealed the HAC ruling in Dukes County Superior Court, and the case remains open, consolidated with other related court cases. Commissioners have been vocal in recent weeks about how consequential it could be for the future of local development if the ruling holds. After the ZBA hearing, the state ruling and ongoing appeal could complicate review
rate review process for the MVC,” Cumming wrote in an email to The Times. “As the regulations clearly state, the [zoning board of appeals] assumes all permitting authority for all boards and permitting functions, including ‘regional’ ... The HAC decision is binding.” MVC Executive Director Adam Turner told The Times that he disagrees with Cumming. He maintained
ments], we will continue to review all such projects as we have for the last 50 years, including Edgartown Cove,” Turner wrote in an email to The Times. “We anticipate that the Edgartown ZBA will vote to refer the project to the MVC in due course. We will review as we always have.” If the project is referred to the MVC by the ZBA, Cumming said, “I hope the MVC
predict” what will happen in the review. However, she said the MVC Act, which requires that projects of a certain size be referred to the commission by towns, and the Chapter 40B statute are both guiding laws for Edgartown. “The town is following both statutes simultaneously,” she said. With a housing market as desirable as it is on Martha’s Vineyard, developers aren’t slowing down. The
for local workers are not substantially increasing. These realities prompted Edgartown officials to voice ardent worries about the proposal prior to the first hearing on Edgartown Cove. “This disparity is a sobering trend” Alex Schaeffer, chief of the Edgartown Fire Department, wrote in a letter to the zoning board about Continued on A9
news A9
October 29, 2026
Heading for a clash over new housing proposal
Island state troopers suspended Continued from A1
Edgartown Cove. “While our department recognizes the critical need for year-round housing on Martha’s Vineyard, the current proposal raises concerns regarding public safety infrastructure, emergency access, and ongoing vegetation maintenance and access.” Alternatively, Cumming highlighted the Island’s need for year-round housing as the reason to allow Chapter 40B developments. “Today, Governor Healey’s $243,000 salary is inadequate to purchase the median-priced home on Martha’s Vineyard, even when her additional $65,000 housing allowance is included,” he wrote in the proposal for Edgartown Cove. The Edgartown Cove proposal includes 10 units (eight one-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units) that will be available at state-designated affordable rates, which are 80 percent of the area median income. Cumming stated the sale price for the onebedroom units would likely be $157,700 each, and the three-bedrooms would each cost $186,359. The remaining 30 units (24 one-bedroom units and six three-bedroom units) will be available at market rates. Cumming estimated in his plans that the onebedrooms would cost around $700,000 and the three-bedrooms, approximately $1.1 million each. The proposed project’s density and costs were a concern for neighbors. The Edgartown Meadows Road Association, a group of 67 property owners near Edgartown Cove, voiced their collective opposition to the proposal in a letter. They wrote that the high cost of the market-rate units weighed against the affordable units didn’t really meet the needs of the average Island worker. Above all, though, “wastewater is the strongest concern,” they wrote. The group stated the density allowed for the residential district (R-60) that the project is proposed in is about a third of what’s planned on the parcel. The group also pointed to the applicant’s plan to widen and pave Dr. Fisher Road, which is a “special way” under the Island Road District of the MVC’s Districts of Critical Planning Concern. Island roads are protected through this plan for several reasons, including character, stonewall integrity, and historic significance. “We understand that Edgartown is below the 10 percent threshold and that the board’s room to deny is limited,” the association wrote. But they urged the zoning board to consider the health, safety, environment, and open-
space concerns that could outweigh the housing need, as according to the group, the board has the authority to deny or condition a project on these grounds. Municipalities that have 10 percent of their total housing stocks designated as affordable units reach what state officials call “safe harbor.” Once safe harbor is reached, Chapter 40B projects are evaluated like any other development. No Island town besides Aquinnah has reached safe harbor. Edgartown Cove would add 0.4 percent to Edgartown’s affordable housing stock, bringing its total from 4.47 percent to 4.87 percent of the needed 10 percent of affordable units. Edgartown has outlined a goal of developing 12 affordable units a year in its pursuit of safe harbor. In the 2026 Housing Production Plan, reaching safe harbor is regarded as of paramount importance to the town. “If less than 10 percent of the municipality’s total housing units are subsidized low- and moderate-income housing units, there is a legal presumption thawt there is a substantial regional housing need for affordable housing that outweighs ‘local concerns,’” Cumming stated in the Edgartown Cove proposal regarding Chapter 40B developments. He added that by his calculations, Dukes County has the lowest amount of affordable housing in the state. Island officials say the reality of the local variables with development and affordable housing is more complicated. Due to limited land, environmental pressure, and the number of homes that already exist, each development is seen as hugely impactful. Edgartown Cove is the third project Cumming has proposed under this statute on the Vineyard, with significant pushback from the community and the MVC each time. One proposal in Oak Bluffs, Green Villa, is in a state of limbo after being approved by the MVC with a long list of conditions. The set of conditions put forth by the MVC “makes the project unfeasible,” Cumming stated in a text to The Times. He said it is a “denial, in substance.” But he maintained that “the MVC approval is no longer legally relevant,” referencing the state ruling. Green Villa, he wrote in a text, “will be vacated and the town draft permit is reasonable. We are working out one last issue, timing of wastewater.” Edgartown Cove began the public hearing process in front of the Edgartown Zoning Board of Appeals on Oct. 28. The hearing will be open until April 26, 2027.
barracks commander for visitors to enter non-public areas of the property, and requires visitors to remain accompanied at all times. “These allegations are deeply troubling,” Noble said in a statement shared with The Times on Friday. “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.”
NICHOLAS VUKOTA
Continued from A8
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.” After Oak Bluffs Police initially announced their investigation in September, The Times asked State Police whether or not there was a guest policy at the temporary units provided to troopers on seasonal assignments on-Island, where the alleged incident took place, and never received an answer. It wasn’t until last week that the agency provided a statement. State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble prohibited overnight guests at the temporary housing units after the incident. He also ordered a policy that requires prior written approval from the
Massachusetts State Police Barracks in Oak Bluffs.
by Oak Bluffs Police and the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office after a reported sexual assault at the State Police barracks in Oak Bluffs. Oak Bluffs Police responded to 911 calls at 12:57 am on August 15 about a distressed, naked woman on the side of the road near the barracks. She was taken to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, where a nurse examiner administered a sexual assault kit. Brown, an assistant security administrator at Boston Latin Academy who’s since been placed on administrative leave, was arraigned for the incident on Oct. 13 in Edgartown District Court. He was released after he posted $10,000 bail, and was ordered to stay away and have no contact with the alleged victim or any potential witnesses. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Dec. 11. At the arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Courtney Scalice said Costello, who was assigned to Martha’s Vineyard barracks for the summer, confirmed he knew Brown from college and said Brown visited the weekend of August 15 and stayed at the barracks. Costello, who spoke to Oak Bluffs Police officers on August 29, said that they went to the Ritz the night of August 14, but there was a period of time when he didn’t know where Brown was. Around Sept. 11, Costello’s attorney provided the commonwealth with screenshots of text messages between Costello and Brown from that weekend. Via text, Brown had told Costello that he was with a woman and said he went to Costello’s roommate’s room for condoms. Costello was interviewed on Sept. 25 by the Cape and Island’s District Attorney’s
Office, with his attorney, a Massachusetts State Police Union representative, and other members of law enforcement in the room. Scalice revealed in the October arraignment that Costello said he left the Ritz before Brown and returned to the barracks between 1:30 and 2 am; an Uber ride on Brown’s account, found by search warrant, started on Circuit Avenue and ended at the barracks at 12:27 am. Costello said he found Brown alone but unusually quiet when he arrived, and said that between text messages and in-person conversations, Brown provided differing accounts of what happened. Despite a search warrant at the State Police barracks for the alleged victim’s clothing and cell phone, as of Oct. 13 neither had been located, Scalice said at the court session. The alleged incident took place in temporary units provided to a small number of troopers on seasonal assignments on-Island. The units are located in a separate structure from the State Police barracks on Temahigan Avenue and are currently vacant, according to a statement from State Police Media Relations Director Greg Turner. Branca wasn’t mentioned at the arraignment but, according to his LinkedIn profile, has been a trooper since 2004. Costello received the George L. Hanna medal for valor, one of the highest honors for a Massachusetts police officer, in 2024 in an awards ceremony presented by Gov. Maura Healey at the State House. Healey was recently asked about the alleged incident in the final gubernatorial debate ahead of the Nov. 3 election. “Col. [Geoffrey] Noble has come in and with his management team done a wonderful thing in
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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.
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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.
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 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 ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE HIRING FULL-TIME FIELD MANAGER FOR REGENERATIVE VEGETABLE FARM. 70 7 plus benefits. years farming, tractor experience. Send resume, cover letter: tim@igimv.org ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE HIRING FULL-TIME, YEAR-ROUND FOOD PANTRY ASSISTANT MANAGER, OAK BLUFFS $28–$30/hour. English/Portuguese preferred. Send cover letter and resume: merrick@igimv.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 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 provene perience 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 .
DENTAL ASSISTANT Full/Part time year round, 2-4 days @week. Salary commensurate with experience, willing to train the right applicant. 508-693-9682
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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SEEKING THERAPEUTIC COMPANION $25.00 - $35.00 per hour. Daily pay SEEKING A FULL-TIME, approximately $600 - $1000 per YEAR-ROUND RENTAL AGENT. day. Love supporting others through The ideal candidate holds a Massachusetts real estate license life’s toughest moments? We’re looking for compassionate, calm, and has experience in vacation and discreet companions to provide rentals or real estate sales on the live-in mental health support to aging Island. This is a commission-based clients in their homes. Apply at: position. To apply, please send your intentclinical.com/careers or hiring@ interest to intentclinical.com. info@sandpiperrental.com. 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 SUN ISLAND DELIVERY to safety. Call today! (508) 685-4628 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
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MV Family Resource (MVFRC) MV FamilyCenter Resource Center (MVFRC) MV Family y Resource Center (MVFRC) MV Family Resource Center (MVFRC) MV Family Resource Center (MVFRC) MV Family Resource Center (MVFRC) is looking foris alooking Familyfor Support Worker a Family Support Worker isis looking for Support r afor Family ort Worker is looking a Family Support Worker looking forfo aoFamily SupportSuppo Worker
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Sign-OntoBonus available to employees in good standing! ($23.00Sign-On --$28.50 per hour) Bonus available employees in good standing! ($23.00 $28.50 per hour) Sign-On Bonus to employees in good standing! Sign-On Bonus available toavailable employees in good standing! Family Support Worker provides information and MVThe Family Resource Center (MVFRC) The Family Support Worker provides information and Sign-On Bonus available to employees in good standing! ($23.00 - $28.50 per hour) The Family Support Worker provides information and
referrals toinformation resources for families individuals and families The Family Support Worker provides and is looking for acommunity Family Support Worker referrals to community resources for individuals and
to community resources for individuals and families seeking support from the Responsibilities include referrals toreferrals community for individuals and families Sign-On Bonus available totheemployees inMVFRC. good standing! The Family Support Worker provides information and seeking supportresources from MVFRC. Responsibilities include ($23.00 - $28.50 per hour)parent seeking support from the MVFRC. Responsibilities include assisting with andinclude youth programming, facilitating seeking support from the MVFRC. Responsibilities
assisting with Sign-On parent and youth programming, Bonus available to employees in good facilitating standing! referrals to community resources forfacilitating individuals and familiesprogram assisting parent and youth programming, facilitating support groups and community events, maintaining assistingSupport with parentwith and youth programming, The Family Worker provides information and Evening support groups and community events, maintaining program The Family Support Worker provides information and volunteers. support and community events, program data, and recruiting andmaintaining supporting and seeking support from the MVFRC. Responsibilities include support groups andgroups community events, maintaining program referrals to community resourcesvolunteers. for individuals and families and data, andand recruiting and supporting Evening data, recruiting and supporting volunteers. Evening and families weekend hours are required. referrals to community resources for individuals and data, and recruiting and supporting volunteers. Evening and seeking support from the MVFRC. Responsibilities include assisting with parent and youth programming, facilitating weekend hours are required. weekend hours are required. assisting with parent and youth programming, facilitating weekend hours are required. Qualifications: Background in social services or a mental seeking support from the MVFRC. Responsibilities include support groups and community events, maintaining program support groups and community events, maintaining program Qualifications: Background social services orEvening mental Qualifications: Background ininsocial aa mental data, and and supporting volunteers. and health setting. Strong organizational and Qualifications: Background inrecruiting social services orservices acommunication, mentalor data, and recruiting and supporting volunteers. Evening and assisting with parent and youth programming, facilitating weekend hours are required. health setting. Strong communication, organizational and teamwork skills, with the ability health setting. Strong communication, organizational and confidentiality and health setting. Strong communication, organizational and to maintain Qualifications: Background in social services or a mental teamwork skills, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and weekend hours are required. adapt to change. Valid Massachusetts driver's license and teamwork skills, with the ability to ability maintain and support groups and community events, maintaining program teamwork skills, with the toconfidentiality maintain confidentiality and health setting. communication, organizational and and adapt to change. ValidStrong Massachusetts driver's license
and off-island travel required. reliable transportation for onadapt toadapt change. Validteamwork Massachusetts driver's license and to change. Valid Massachusetts driver's license and skills, with the ability volunteers. to maintain confidentiality and data,Qualifications: and recruiting and supporting and reliableBackground transportation for onandtravel off-island travel required. in social services or and aEvening mental and required. reliablereliable transportation for onadapt to change. Valid driver's license on-Massachusetts and off-island travel required. transportation foroff-island reliable transportation for on- and off-island travel required. weekend areStrong required. healthhours setting. communication, organizational and For full job responsibilities and to apply please full job responsibilities and to apply please our website orapply scan the QR code: For full job For responsibilities and to apply please teamwork skills, with the ability to confidentiality and For fullcheck job responsibilities andmaintain to please
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October 29, 2026
Jobs JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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and application to Human Resources at pbennett@tisburyma.gov. Pay $34.75-36.86 commensurate with experience. Application found on the Town website www.tisburyma.gov Tisbury is an EOE. Open until filled. TOWN OF EDGARTOWN | COUNCIL ON AGING THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD PART-TIME OUTREACH DUKES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DUKES COUNTY AIRPORT HAS AN EMPLOYMENT WORKER | $37.05/HOUR TELECOMMUNICATOR-INSHERIFF’S OFFICE The Town of Edgartown see s to fill OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TRAINING TELECOMMUNICATOR-INthe temporary position of Part-Time FOLLOWING FULL-TIME, $500 Monthly Housing Stipend for TRAINING Outreach Worker. YEAR-ROUND DUKES COUNTY Full Time Island Residents $500 Monthly Housing Stipend for With weekly schedule to be deterBENEFITED POSITION: Looking to kick-start a rewarding Full Time Island Residents mined, the position requires 12-18 BUSINESS MANAGER career serving the Island Lookingwhile to kick-start a rewarding hours/week. Position is non-benDuties include: Coordinating community? career while serving the Island efitted and limited-term based on administrative operations, Duties include, but not limited to community? grant funding. procurement/ purchasing activities receiving, processing, and Duties include, but not limited Responsibilities include meeting including contracts, asset inventory, dispatching to receiving,emergency processing,and and with Edgartown older adults in airport insurance coordination and non-emergency calls for police, dispatching emergency and fire, their homes and in our building, emergency medical, public claims, employee onboarding and non-emergency callsand forother police, and facilitating access to services, offboarding, and airport and federal transportation coordination, and safety services. medical, and fire, emergency compliance requirements, Title VI, other public safetyoral services. Requires effective and written other support and administrative Requires effective oral high and written ACDBE. Reports to the Airport functions. Minimum of two years’ communications skills, communications Director and Assistant Airport experience in gerontology, social integrity, positive skills, high integrity,sound positive attitude, and sound wor , a related field re uired; or any Director. attitude, judgement, the judgement, and confidential the ability to equivalent combination of education Strong internal candidate. ability to handle handle confidential Starting wage is $52.08/hour based and experience. Familiarity with Micmaterial and adapt tomaterial and adapt to changing environments changing environments and on experience. Application and job rosoft and Google suites necessary. and priorities. Essential functions Bachelor’s degree preferred. priorities. Essential functions description available online at include rotating rotatingassignment assignmenttoto the www.mvyairport.com/employment- Application and full job description include day,day, evening andand night, weekend, available at www.edgartown-ma.us the evening night, weekend, opportunities, or at Airport and holiday shifts. Paid on-site or contact and holiday shifts. Paid on-site Administration O ce/ General training, plus offisland Academy lfamariss@edgartown-ma.us. training, plus offAviation , 71 Airport Road, West training. Please return completed applicaFull-time position with a generous Tisbury, MA 02575, (508) 693-7022 tions to the Human Resource island Academy training. or gfreeman@mvyairport.com. benefit package including paid Office in Town Hall, O Bo 1 0, E xperience preferred. The Martha’s Edgartown, MA 02539, or to HR@ leave, insurance, state pension Full-time position with a generous Vineyard Airport is an Equal and deferred compensation edgartown-ma.us. benefit package including paid leave, Opportunity Employer. Applications osition will be open until filled. matching. Full time Telecommuinsurance, state nicator-In-Training pay range is Town of Edgartown is EOE. must be received by Monday, pension and deferred compensation $73,986.64$81,687.06 annually, November 9th at 12:00 PM. VINEYARD CONSERVATION matching. time stipend. plus $500 Full monthly SOCIETY SEEKS PART-TIME THE TOWN OF TISBURY IS Telecommunicator-In-Traini ng Candidates must pass skillsADVOCACY & PROGRAMMING LOOKING FOR TEMPORARY based aptitude testing, interview, is $73,986.64$81,687.06 pay range COORDINATOR HELP TO ASSIST THE FINANCE background check, and postcondiannually, plus $500 monthly stipend. Environmental advocacy, comDEPARTMENT tional-offer medical and audiology Candidates munity organizing, events and Some duties will include answering evaluations. must pass skills-based aptitude communications. 20 hrs/week, $35/ phones, assistant residents, looking Apply today Download appli- check, testing, interview, background hr. Deatils & how to apply: https:// up tax information, and processing cations and post-and job descriptions at vineyardconservation.org/career-oppayments. Please submit a resume dukescountysheriff.com/careers portunities conditional-offer medical and audiology evaluations. Apply today! Download applications and job descriptions at
Join the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Team! dukescountysheriff.com/careers Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
COMMERCIAL RENTALS
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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.
STORAGE SPACE AVAILABLE 27’ x 32’ garage storage space on State Road in Vineyard Haven available for rent. 2 parking spaces. Shared handicapped bath. $3,000 per month. First month, last month and security deposit required. Available for Nov. 1 move-in. Call 508-627-2895 for appointment.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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
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/.
Join the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Team!
"LA STRADA" ESTABLISHED LOCAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND DELI FOR SALE A Turnkey Business Opportunity An exciting opportunity to own a well-established Italian restaurant with a strong reputation among both local residents and tourists. This beloved local establishment offers the perfect foundation for a new owner looking to step into a thriving restaurant business without starting from scratch. Business Highlights: Established Reputation: Well-known and recognized by locals and visitors alike. Turnkey Operation: Fully equipped, furnished, and ready for immediate operation. Fully Staffed: An existing team in place to help ensure a smooth transition. Secure Lease: Current lease with two years remaining. Year-Round Liquor License: A valuable asset offering additional business potential. Established Customer Base: A recognized destination with an existing presence in the local community. Whether you’re an experienced rest aurateur or an entrepreneur ready to enter the hospitality industry, this is a rare opportunity to take over an established business with its essential operations already in place. Step in, take the reins, and make it your own. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY italplat.inc@gmail.com
Financial Advisor
Martha’s Vineyard Bank has an exciting career opportunity for a seasoned and talented professional to join our team as the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. The primary function of this position is to ensure consistent and effective management of daily operations of the office of the President & CEO as well as provide Board level support to the Board of Trustees and various Board committees. Please visit www.mvbank.com for detailed information and how to apply. We offer an exceptional benefits package and a competitive compensation package. This package includes an initial base salary ranging from $117,000 to $129,000. Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled
Martha’s Vineyard Bank and Martha’s Vineyard Investment Advisors (MVIA) are excited to welcome a Financial Advisor to our investment team. In this role, you will build and nurture meaningful client relationships with tangible support and guidance from the entire MVIA team. You will help families and institutions find investment solutions that solve their unique financial goals. While investment licenses and designations are preferred, MVIA is willing to support individuals who have the desire to obtain them and a proven passion to help others. Please visit www.mvbank.com for detailed information and how to apply. We offer an exceptional benefits package, a clear path for advancement, and a competitive compensation package. This package includes an initial base salary ranging from $70,000 to $85,000 plus substantial potential incentive compensation. Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled
A Monthly Newsletter from your local Councils on Aging and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Find helpful information on Veterans Services, Travel News, Activities, Individual Town Councils on Aging and more! Published the last Thursday of every month in the Community section of The MV Times!
To advertise, email adsales@mvtimes.com or call 508-693-6100.
SALVATORE’S RESTAURANT ESTABLISHED LOCAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT FOR SALE A Turnkey Business Opportunity An exciting opportunity to own a well-established Italian restaurant with a strong reputation among both local residents and tourists. This beloved local establishment offers the perfect foundation for a new owner looking to step into a thriving restaurant business without starting from scratch. Business Highlights: • Established Reputation: Well-known and recognized by locals and visitors alike. • Turnkey Operation: Fully equipped, furnished, and ready for immediate operation. • Fully Staffed: An existing team in place to help ensure a smooth transition. •Secure Lease: Current lease with three years remaining. •Year-Round Liquor License: A valuable asset offering additional business potential. •Establ ished Customer Base: A recognized destination with an existing presence in the local community. Whether you’re an experienced restaurateur or an entrepreneur ready to enter the hospitality industry, this is a rare opportunity to take over an established business with its essential operations already in place. Step in, take the reins, and make it your own. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY Serious inquiries only. italplat.inc@gmail.com
WINTER RENTALS
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.1May 1. $2,500 + utilities. Contact Rich 916-215-1915
APARTMENTS/ROOMS
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT IN OB No pets, no smoking. $3k/ month. First/last. Move in November 1st. 508-939-0087. 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)9391414. YEAR ROUND RENTALS Simple accommodations. $800/ month. Text 310-213-5472
HOUSES FOR RENT
SECLUDED CHILMARK HOUSE FOR RENT. $1600/month plus ulities. High speed internet. 2 bedroom/1 bath. Heated by wood. First, last & security. References. 617-868-3018.
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 arenaText Lisa 310-213-5472.
YARD SALES
INDOOR YARD SALE 105 Spring Street, Tisbury Corner of Look Street Saturday, November 7th 10am to 2pm One day Only Rain or shine. Cash or Venmo China, furniture, toys and tools. Something for everyone
AUTO SALES
2016 Land Rover LR4 125k miles, dark green, tan interior. Goes anywhere. Never wrecked; scratches, needs work to pass inspection. $3,000 OBO. sellingthebeast@yahoo.com
AUTO PARTS/ACCESSORIES
FIBERGLASS TRUCK CAP FOR GMC/CHEV 6 1/2’ BED. Missing front window glass $300.00 OBO. 508-326-7954.
SERVICES
FROM FLOORS TO FINISHES – WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED! • Floor Installation • Hardwood Sanding • Painting • Kitchen Remodeling Multflooring.com 508 982 9675 MY HANDYMAN SERVICES/PROPERTY PAINT, DUMP RUN, TILE/STONE WORK, CARPENTRY, WINDOWS/ DOORS, SHINGLES, GUTTER CLEANUP, DECK REJUVENATE, POWER WASHER, ROOFS, BASEMENT/ A A E CLEAN , Certified Mold Inspector & Remediator, TENNIS COURT CLEANING, French Drain Installation. 508-684-0242., RENATO myhandymaninmv@gmail.com
A12 classifieds
October 29, 2026
Real Estate REAL ESTATE WANTED
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
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.
SALE PENDING 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 a lso 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.
$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.
$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 exceptional property offers a wonderful opportunity to embrace the Vineyard coastal lifestyle.
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.
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
$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 thoughtf ully 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.
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
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.
Real Estate Transactions Oct. 12 – 16, 2026
Chilmark Oct. 20, Niall Ferguson and Elizabeth Ferguson sold 7 Black Point Road and 0 Beach Lot Black Point to JFAB5 LLC for $3,625,000. Oct. 21, Raymond A. Rubin and Jeffrey L. Shelton sold 63 Putnam Road to Lindsey Parkes and Brendan Mance, trustees of Lindsey Parkes Revocable Trust and Brendan Mance Revocable Trust, for $4,850,000.
Edgartown Oct. 22, Geoffrey Tragemann sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 505 Week 21 to Linsay Farina for $5,000. Oct. 23, Melvin B. Weisblatt and Andrea T. Weisblatt, sold 9 Thaxter Lane to Robert McCarron, trustee of Nine Thaxter Lane Trust, for $3,315,000. Oct. 23, Tyrone E. Smith and Bebe R. Mursalin-Smith sold 105 Whalers Walk
to Benjamin Harris Kaplan and Orietta Patrizia Barletta for $2,350,000. Oct. 23, Alan Schaffel and Marsha Schaffel sold 58 Road to the Plains to Howard Suh and Jennifer Ahn for $1,600,000.
LAND BANK
WEEKLY INCOME FY 2027, Year to Date:
$8,991,547.94
$900,000 $1,349,385
$915,111.32
$970,610
$850,000 $800,000 $750,000
Oak Bluffs
$700,000
Oct. 23, Kayle Neyer and Mark Bateman sold 33 Tia Anna Lane to Emeka Igwilo for $1,780,000. Oct. 23, Charles S. Graham sold an undivided half-interest in 26R Windemere Road to Jean M. Thurston for $750,000.
$650,000 $600,000 $550,000 $500,000
Ocean Park Realty, Inc.
$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
$925,000 Marilyn Moses 617-462-0381 67 Hudson Avenue Oak Bluffs ALL OFFERS REQUIRE COURT APPROVAL in multiple jurisdictions and may be somewhat lengthy. A straightforward offer is encouraged and may help expedite the required court approvals in multiple jurisdictions. Located in a convenient Oak Bluffs setting, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,000 square feet of living space on a generous .69-acre lot. Built in 2014, the property presents an excellent opportunity for a year-round residence, vacation getaway, or investment. The property is being sold as is. Buyers and their agents are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and verify any potential for expansion or additional improvements with the Town of Oak Bluffs. All buyer’s agents must submit proof of funds with any offer. The Court approval in multiple jurisdictions is required and may result in a longer than usual acceptance process.
$450,000
West Tisbury Oct. 19, Kevin P. Wojcik and Lynn E. Dolan, trustees of Kevin P. Wojcik Revocable Trust and Lynn E. Dolan Revocable Trust, sold 130 Vineyard Meadow Farms Road to Damaris Hanson and Matthew C. Hanson for $1,100,000.
$400,000
VINEYARD PROPERTY VALUES
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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 29, 2026
Real Estate HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS
LAND-OAK BLUFFS
HOUSES-WEST TISBURY
OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 27 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 9C $310,000.00 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 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.
SOLD $1,375,000 ALAN SCHWEIKERT 13 BEACH ROAD OAK BLUFFS 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.
SOLD BY MARILYN MOSES $380,000 AT 124 SKIFF AVE B12 THINKING ABOUT SELLING I HAVE CASH BUYERS LOOKING TO PURCHASE AT THE CAUSEWAY $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 s wimming pool with an expansive sun deck and lounge seating the perfect place to relax after a day at the beach or exploring Martha’s Vineyard. The affordable monthly HOA fee of just $221 includes water, on-site dumpster service, grounds maintenance, snow removal, pool maintenance, and master insurance, providing exceptional value and worry-free ownership. Ideally located within walking distance of the Steamship Authority ferry, Vineyard Haven Harbor, Main Street’s shops and restaurants, beaches, and the bike path, this move-in-ready studio offers an exceptional opportunity as a yearround residence, island getaway, or investment property. Enjoy all the convenience and charm of Vineyard Haven with easy access to everything that makes Martha’s Vineyard such a special place to call home. With onsite parking available immediately and strong rental income potential, this property presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking both lifestyle and return an affordable gem in a highly desirable location.
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 embraces 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 preapproval or proof of funds with offer. Seller is offering a buyers broker consideration.
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.
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.
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BargainBox 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 FREE DECK Built in two pieces 10’x10’ Total size 20’x10’ In good condition. A trailer would be best to take it away. 508-404-5776.
JIGSAW PUZZLES SCRABBLE, PARCHEESI, ETC. Good/Excellent condition. $3-$12. 508-693-7472 -Call anytime, 7:30am-12:30pm is best. MAPLE BUNK BEDS AND MATTRESSES. IN PERFECT SHAPE. Lightly used. Edgartown. $100.00 or best offer. Call Donna 617240-4560
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 CLAWFOOT BATHTUB White, original, $100. 508-369-5023.
BARGAIN BOX ADS ARE FREE; CALL OR EMAIL TO RENEW AFTER 2 WEEKS
LAND-OAK BLUFFS
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.
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A14 news A14 classifieds
October 29, 2026 October 29, 2026
A new Menemsha–New Bedford ferry service?
the meeting. He said his lease lot, at the end of North Road, was grandfathered into a 1995 agreement between Aquinnah and Chilmark that allows for activities beyond commercial fishing. “It’s within the parameters of my lease.” Taylor’s idea, which he estiHugh Taylor is proposing a water taxi to mates would cost $2 million, and has been brewing in his ferry up-Island residents. BY EUNKI SEONWOO mind for three decades, would bring a ferry service between hassle of traveling to VineMenemsha and New Bedford Taylor, who leases a lot in ith a vision to elimiMememsha, presented his nate transportation yard Haven or Oak Bluffs for twice a day — one at 6 am hurdles for up-Island proposal to the Aquinnah a Steamship Authority (SSA) and another in the afternoon — for passengers and “dolly Select Board on Oct. 20, and trip to the mainland. residents, Hugh Taylor is freight” for up-Island businoted that this maritime pitching a water taxi be“Really, there’s only one nesses. The ride would take tween Menemsha and New connection would allow up- place, and that is on our Island residents to avoid the lease lots,” Taylor said at less than an hour each way, Bedford.
W
S T O R Y
of running deliveries through the town’s West Basin. “I admire your courage and persistence,” Tom Murphy, Aquinnah Select Board member, said, who commended the proposal. Taylor proposes only small changes to his lot to safely load passengers with minimal impact in Menemsha and avoid congestion. While Chilmark would be the primary permit grantor, the Aquinnah board decided to share the proposal with town counsel. Taylor told The Times that whether the boat is available year-round will depend on demand, since the water taxi isn’t a lifeline service like the Cuttyhunk Ferry to Gosnold. Taylor said he still needs to find a way to fund the project, but if it launches, he wouldn’t need to pay embarkation fees to either town under his proposed passenger count. “I hope to make it a collaborative effort,” Taylor told The Times, noting the Vineyard Transit Authority, Seastreak, and Chilmark. The only ferry service in Menemsha is the bike ferry, which Taylor operates to carry passengers between Chilmark and Aquinnah within a couple of minutes. There are some vessel services that sail between New Bedford and the Island, including ondemand freight services and the seasonal Seastreak, but they all unload at Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs.
S PA C E ?
MARC FAIRSTEIN
Menemsha Harbor.
and Taylor said it could help alleviate some of the traffic through Woods Hole. Redirecting freight out of Woods Hole, which residents have long called for, to New Bedford is a long-term goal of the SSA, which carries the majority of freight to the Island. “It’s a great connection,” Taylor said, who expects the main customers to be tradespeople and Islanders with mainland offices, who can be connected to Boston through the MBTA’s South Coast Rail station in New Bedford. And Islanders coming home may be able to avoid using the bridges in Bourne, the only land routes over Cape Cod Canal to reach the SSA’s Woods Hole terminal. Sagamore Bridge is scheduled to undergo construction in the winter of 2027, which is expected to cause delays, though representatives of the megaproject said it wouldn’t cause major traffic disruptions. Taylor said Chilmark officials were amenable to an early morning trip from the fishing village, and he told the Aquinnah board that a license from the SSA, the licensing body for vessel services between the Island and the mainland, would not be needed if the water taxi carries fewer than 40 passengers. He thinks the appropriate vessel can be found around Seattle, where some small ferry services sail to Puget Sound islands. While financial benefits for Aquinah are less certain, Taylor floated the possibility
Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICES AQUINNAH Wampanoag Tribe (Aquinnah) request for bids to install an HVAC Air conditioning system in the Wampanoag Tribe Community Center gymnasium Submit bid by hand or email to #MAI2027-01, WTGHA Maintenance Director, 20 Black Brook Road, Aquinnah MA 02535. Due 11/5/2026 by 4:00 PM. For more information jday@wampanoagtribe-nsn.gov Wampanoag Tribe (Aquinnah) Request for Sealed Bids to replace a 14 Foot tall Elevator Lift and replacement of surrounding staircase and elevator shaft Replacing electrical and mechanical controls of the existing lift. Replace paint, drywall and staircase support structures. Submit a sealed bid; Bid #MAI2027-02 WTGHA Maintenance Director, 20 Black Brook Road, Aquinnah MA 02535 by 4:00 PM on Thursday November 5, 2026. For More info jday@wampanoagtribe-nsn.gov
LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY
WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 5:15pm the ZBA will hold a public
LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY 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 508-696-0107 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’ precast concrete Soake Pool under section 8.5-4C of the West Tisbury
LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY
LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS
LEGAL NOTICES EDGARTOWN
LEGAL NOTICES EDGARTOWN
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 508-696-0107 for information on the application. WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 5:45pm the ZBA will hold a public hearing at the TOWN HALL-2nd floor meeting room on an application for a Special Permit from Wesley Nagy to install a ground-mounted solar array requiring 30 feet of side yard setback relief at 72 Rogers Path, Map 15 Lot 29.2 under Section 4.2-2D4 of the West Tisbury Zoning Bylaw in the RU district. Interested parties are invited to send comments via email to: zba@westtisbury-ma.gov or mail comments to: Zoning Board of Appeals, PO Box 278, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Please call 508-696-0107 for information on the application.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING RE: Ashe Appeal Gena and Mason Ashe 12 Isaac Ave Map 22 Parcel 77 The Oak Bluffs Zoning Board of Appeals will hold an In-Person Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 6:00PM in the Oak Bluffs Town Hall Downstairs Meeting Room, 56 School Street, on the application of the referenced petitioner seeking: A reduced setback to the property line for a proposed 14’x30’ pool in the R1 District under Oak Bluffs Zoning By-Law 4.4.5 Relevant documents and/or proposed plans will be available on the Town of Oak Bluffs’ web site: https://www.oakbluffsma.gov/443/ ZBA-Regular-Meetings Written correspondence can be addressed to the Board of Appeals via email: zbaadmin@oakbluffsma.gov or mailed to: PO Box 1327, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
setts Wetlands Protection Act. The applicant is proposing reconstruction of an existing shed/bunkhouse, with a portion of the work within the local buffer zone to the flood zone. The property is located at 27 Planting Field Way (Assessor’s Map 20B Lot 20) For a copy of the application or for questions related to observing the meeting via Zoom, please contact: conservation@edgartown-ma.us On Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 4:35 p.m. The Edgartown Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on the second floor of Edgartown Town Hall (70 Main St, Edgartown) on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by the Town of Edgartown under the Edgartown Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The town is proposing mowing, brush cutting, and invasive species removal within approx. 26,000 sf of historically open upland buffer zone. The property is located at 127 North Water St. (Assessor’s Map 19B Lot 22) For a copy of the application or for questions related to observing the meeting via Zoom, please contact: conservation@edgartown-ma.us On Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 4:40 p.m.the Edgartown Conservation Commission Will hold a public hearing on the second floor of Edgartown Town Hall (70 Main St, Edgartown) on aNotice of Intentfiled by Schofield Barbini & Hoehn, Inc on behalf of the Boulevard Realty Trust under the Edgartown Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The applicant is proposing construction of a 10 ft long elevated walkway and creation of 2 view channels over salt marsh and Land subject to coastal storm flowage. The property is located at 189 the Boulevard (Assessor’s Map 11A Lot 399.2) For a copy of the application or for questions related to observing
the meeting via Zoom, please contact: conservation@edgartown-ma.us On Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 4:50 p.m. The Edgartown Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on the second floor of Edgartown Town Hall (70 Main St, Edgartown) on a Request for an amended Order of Conditionsfiled by LEC Environmental Consultants Inc. under the Edgartown Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The applicant is proposing management of invasive aquatic vegetation (Eurasian water milfoil) in the northern cove of Job’s Neck Pond using benthic barrier mats within BWV and land under the waterbody. The property is located at 60 Pohogonot Road. (Assessor’s Map 42 Lot 1.103) For a copy of the application or for questions related to observing the meeting via Zoom, please contact: conservation@edgartown-ma.us
MARTHA’S VINEYARD
DISTRICT COURT REPORT 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.
Oct. 16 Elivelton D. Gomes, 32, Vineyard Haven; unregistered motor vehicle, operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operating of motor vehicle,
unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, arraigned and held, bail set at $200 with potential for bail revocation, continued to arraignment. Kaique Benevides, 33, Vineyard Haven; operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, motor vehicle lights violation, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, continued to pretrial hearing.
Oct. 19 Kasem Jones, 36, Oak Bluffs; three counts of assault and battery on family/household member, assault and battery with dangerous weapon, strangulation or suffocation, arraigned and held, bail set at $1,200, conditions to provide proof of employment, seek employment if unemployed, stay away and have not contact with alleged victim, curfew 1 am to 6 am, continued to pretrial hearing.
LEGAL NOTICES EDGARTOWN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EDGARTOWN CONSERVATION COMMISSION On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., the Edgartown Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing at Edgartown Town Hall, Second Floor, 70 Main Street, Edgartown, to review proposed changes to the Edgartown Wetlands Protection Bylaw. For a copy of the proposed changes or for questions, please contact: conservation@edgartown-ma.us On Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 4:30 p.m. The Edgartown Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on the second floor of Edgartown Town Hall (70 Main St, Edgartown) on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Vineyard Land Surveying and Engineering on behalf of Beltz Realty Trust under the Edgartown Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Massachu-
PUBLIC NOTICES
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 - 1 st 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.
news A15
October 29, 2026
fishing report
I
’m over the wind. Seriously, for five days straight after the Derby we had gusting wind, small craft advisories, and frigid fall cold. I’ll admit this to you: I struggled. Derby withdrawal is real. You might think the crappy weather made it easier not to be out there fishing, but it made it worse. Bad weather and no fishing and the possibility that the bad weather would move all the fish away as the late September nor’easter pushed nearly every albie south earlier than normal is downright painful. But, there is hope. There is still a leaderboard to check every night. Octoberfish is in full swing. Larry’s Tackle Shop posts daily updates of its fall competition on social media and has live results on its website. Octoberfish, which began Oct. 1, is hosted by Larry’s. The final weigh-in for Octoberfish is Friday, Oct. 30, at 4 pm, and there is an award ceremony with lunch that starts at noon on Saturday. I confess that I’m checking the board multiple times a day, because my teammate Dave Balon is currently in third place with his shore bluefish (16.33 pounds), behind Ben Ciciora (19.69 pounds) and Bob Bottary (16.67 pounds). Dave caught his blue on the last day of the Derby. We booked the early Chappy Ferry at 6 am and began fishing for bonito on Chappy point. It was about 30 degrees, windy, and miserable. At one point, Oliver Valdes said, “I’m going to Dock Street for breakfast.” We ate breakfast and strategized how to fish the remaining hours of the last day of the Derby. Oliver left. Dave and I headed to the
Gut, one of my favorite places anywhere in the world, but fishless on Saturday. We debated heading to the Chappy Ferry, but decided to take one last drive on the beach. Man oh man, what a drive! We drove all the way down to the breach, watching the water and all the slack lines in the water. We turned around and parked the truck on the right side of the Rip. Within minutes, we saw a decent blue pulled onto the beach. We cast. Dave got whacked. We cast again. A blue chased my lure almost to the beach. We cast again. Bam! Dave was on. He got the fish almost to the beach before it jumped, shook its head, and earned its freedom. Another fish followed me in, hitting the lure but not taking it. It was frustrating, exciting, and downright fun. Dave hooked up and lost another one. I hooked up for a split second and dropped it. Then Dave sailed one out there, and the second the plug hit the water, a blue crushed it. The fish was big.
One more tug LISA BELCASTRO schoolie bass every morning and a few blues at night before sunset,” said Kevin, who caught a 13-pounder last Tuesday. On Thursday, I received a text from Kevin’s wife Leigh with a picture of Kevin holding a big blue. “Leigh and I were out for a drive on a very windy afternoon right before sunset. I saw Cam [Maciel] hooked up, so I jumped out to cast in the same area. I didn’t have my waders on, so I got a little wet, but it was worth it,” said Kevin. How worth it? “It bounced between 16¼ and 16½ on my Boga [scale],” said Kevin, who is not entered in Octoberfish. Sadly for Kevin and fortunately for Dave, “I
Dave got it to the beach; I grabbed the plug and dragged the fish up the sand. It was a beauty! It was Dave’s biggest bluefish ever. He took third daily on the last day of the Derby, and is holding onto third overall for Octoberfish, as of Tuesday, with only a few days to go. I landed a nice one too, but not as big as Dave’s. It was a great end to the Derby, and a perfect first entry into Octoberfish. “That one fish right at the end was the perfect way to end the Derby,” said Dave. “You said, ‘Remember what Janet always said: Don’t give up until the miracle happens.’ And it did.” My friend Kevin Lord has been texting me updates from Chappy since the Derby ended. “I’m catching
it was burning my line, and I thought it was an albie. I’m thinking I get it on the beach and I’ll have the only albie in Octoberfish,” said Lenny. With the wind howling, his dog tucking into the grass to get out of the sandstorm, and a four-foot piece of seaweed on his rod tip, Lenny reeled in a gorgeous bonito. “I knew it was good. He looked similar to the one I took third with in the Derby [7.61 pounds].” Lenny didn’t have a cooler, didn’t have ice, and was late to work. His friend had a cooler, had ice, and had the time to drive Lenny’s fish to Larry’s for weigh-in. The bonito was 7.90 pounds. “That’s my secondbiggest shore bone,” said Lenny, who had finished third overall in the 2020 Derby with a 9.30-pound shore bonito. “Any time I’ve cracked a big fish it was when I wasn’t expecting it or wasn’t prepared for it, like not having my rod.” Lenny now leads the After Derby Bonito division and is in third place for shore bonitos. Lenny’s hoping to hang onto his positions or better them. Many of us will be chasing the leaderboard too. This week, the weather should be perfect for the final days of Octoberfish. The sun will be shining, and temps will be in the 60s. Dave and Oliver and I have a plan. It includes many hours fishing and a drive to Larry’s to weigh in our big fish. It’s a plan. God may be laughing, but we’ll be fishing. I hope to see you on the beach, casting for one more tug, and at Larry’s on Saturday at noon for the Octoberfish awards.
always forget to join Octoberfish until I get a big fish after the Derby, and then it’s too late.” I’d had plans to fish all weekend, but Lenny Beford’s catch on Wednesday shifted my focus from bluefish to bonito. “The first two days after the Derby I still had my rods with me. On Wednesday, I left the rods home. I’m at work, getting ready to go into a house, and a friend calls, saying, ‘Where are you? The birds are going AWOL.’” I’m laughing as Lenny is sharing this story. It’s every angler’s nightmare. His friend generously offered him a rod. “I grabbed a rod, walked out, didn’t see any birds, and I’m getting sandblasted. The water was surprisingly clear [with the winds]. I said to myself, ‘I’m taking a handful of casts and getting out of here and going to work.’” Lenny took two casts. Nothing. He cast a third time. “I got cracked. I thought it was a blue. Then
LISA BELCASTRO
Dave Balon caught his biggest bluefish (16.33 pounds) ever on the last day of the Derby. He is currently in third place for shore bluefish in Octoberfish.
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Gay Head
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Data sourced from tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov and compiled by The MV Times.
H H
A16
news
sports
October 29, 2026
sports@mvtimes.com
T
he Martha’s Vineyard varsity boys’ soccer team controlled the field against Cape Cod Regional Technical High School Monday and earned a dominant 6–0 win at home. Junior Victor Da Silva (No. 10) scored four of the six goals during the lopsided Vineyard victory. Da Silva opened the scoring with 32:28 left in the first half. He collected a loose ball in front of Cape Cod’s goal and battled through traffic to make a bouncing shot that found its way to the back of the net. He added another tally for the Vineyarders just 10 minutes later, shooting from the top of the box with Cape Cod pressure on his back. Then, he scored two penalty kicks, one with 15:11 left in the half, and another with 12:48 left. Both shots went low to the left of Cape Cod’s goalie and pushed the Vineyard lead to 4–0 before halftime. In the second half, senior Miguel Mantesso (No. 11) converted a penalty kick with 26:47 left; then, sophomore captain Moses Thomson (No. 19), who anchors the midfield for the Vineyarders, faked a free kick from the top of Cape Cod’s penalty box. Thomson stepped over the ball to freeze the defense before senior captain Chris DaSilva (No. 4) took a shot with a lot of forward spin that rolled up the Cape Cod keeper’s arms and into the top of the net. The Vineyarders improved their overall record to 7–2–4 with Monday’s win and are now ranked 16th in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division 3 power rankings. Head Coach Rodrigo Honorato said the team’s performance was strong against Cape Cod Regional Technical High School on Monday, but noted the season has had its “ups and downs.” Looking ahead, the boys’ soccer team is zeroing in on a busy week. The Vineyarders host Falmouth on Wednesday at 5 pm at home (after our print deadline), travel to Nantucket on Saturday for the Battle of the Atlantic at 1:30 pm, and face Sandwich next Monday at
Vineyard soccer beats Cape Cod 6–0 MVRHS boys’ soccer faces Nantucket in Battle of the Atlantic Saturday. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA
NICHOLAS VUKOTA
Moses Thomson (No. 19) takes a long free kick.
MVRHS golfer earns strong state placement The MVRHS boys’ golf team are Cape and Islands champions for the first time in 13 years. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA
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acoby Light, the senior captain of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) varsity boys’ golf team, closed out his high school career during the state championship at the Franklin Country Club Monday. He represented MVRHS with a 17thplace finish out of 104 golfers in the Massachusetts Division 2 tournament. Light said he was predicted to finish middle of the pack amid other top golfers from around the state, but after shooting a 78 in Franklin, just seven over par, he secured his placement. It was an improvement from last season, when he finished 25th with an 81 at the Foxborough Country Club. “I never checked the leaderboard or anything, but I thought, ‘I’m going to break 80,’ and I knew not many people are going to do that today,” Light said in an interview on Tuesday afternoon. “I was expected to finish probably in the middle of the pack, nothing special, so it was great to shoot the 78.” Light’s performance on Monday capped off a strong season for a senior-heavy Vineyard golf team. The Vineyarders went 10–3 this season and won the Cape and Islands League title for the first time in 13 years. “No one expected us to be any good,” Light said of the league title. “It was cool to come out firing and just show everyone.” MVRHS golf Head Coach Henry Smith said the Island golfers have been “kind of clicking a little bit more and more” over the past four years “as a team and individuals.”
“Jacoby’s just kind of been at the head of it all the past four years, and I couldn’t be more proud of him. He was just so aggressive, and had a really good finish in his last tournament ever,” Smith said. After four years of being a key member of the program, the last round was bittersweet for Light. The eight-person team will also say goodbye to four other vital seniors: Ben Kokoszka, Chandler Blau, Peter Williamson, and Macallan Moran. “This was my last round of high school. But, I mean, it was a great four years,” Light said. Smith said Light has grown into a leader and top player in the program. “It was a little emotional yesterday, because he’s kind of been my guy for the past couple of years and grew into a great leader, an important part of the team,” Smith said. “The future is bright, but it’s been a really good past couple years.” Smith said he hopes to see Light take his talents to college courses. “Fortunately, he’s put himself in a position where he should have plenty of options next year, but I’d love to see him keep playing golf … I think he can do it.” Light said he hasn’t decided on his next step but has spoken with coaches at Williams College in Williamstown. A standout moment for Light on the course came at the seventh hole of the Monday tournament: a par five. Light was sitting three over par after two consecutive bogeys, but after a strong drive, he hit a seven-iron from 190 yards that landed the ball 20 feet from the pin. Light said he played a conservative putt, but the
greens were fast, and there was a slight downhill that trickled the long putt in for an eagle, which got him back to one over par. He said the long putt for eagle gave him the confidence he needed early in the match to finish strong. In the days before states, Light played in the Cape and Islands Invitational at Willowbend
Jacoby Light plays out of the sand.
home at 3 pm and Nauset on Tuesday in an away game at 4 pm. All four are league contests and will contribute to the Vineyarders’ overall league standings and MIAA state standings. “The boys are taking it one game at a time,” Honorato said. “The Battle of the Atlantic is always chippy. It’s going to be interesting.” In an interview after Monday’s match, Thomson said that with the busy schedule ahead, the goal is to keep the team healthy and keep their heads down. “We are in the running with Nantucket to win the league,” Thomson said. “We need to stay healthy and keep our pedal to the metal.” Thomson noted that the Vineyarders lost to the Nantucket Whalers earlier in the season, but said the loss only makes them hungrier for a win in the rivalry game this Saturday. The Vineyarders took the trophy last year in a shootout and beat Nantucket 4–2, reversing the fate of the prior year’s match when Nantucket won 4–2 and took the trophy, also in a shootout. “We’re [going to] go and fight as hard as we can, like always,” Thomson said. Junior captain Kenny Martinez (No. 2), who plays forward and left back, said the team needs to stay close on and off the field in order to keep the chemistry high. “We’ve gotten closer — team dinners, and staying connected on and off the field,” Martinez said. “Today we kept the game under control, shot more, and committed fewer fouls.” Looking back at the four ties on their record, Honorato said that the two-referee system is a persistent issue, and multiple goals have been called back this season for offsides by referees too far away to see the action up close. “I hate blaming the refs, but the two-man system doesn’t work,” Honorato said. “It should be three. Overall, I’m happy with the performance.”
and the Cape Cod Amateur at Hyannisport. He said he logged about 54 total holes the week before the state tournament on challenging courses, which helped him prepare for the competition. “I was a little nervous,” Light said. “But I wasn’t the favorite, so I was just playing.” Smith highlighted the team’s depth and promising future, including sophomores Gusto Martone and Shane Harding, who stepped into key roles as consistent low-40s or better scorers on nine-hole rounds. Though the program will lose five seniors next year, Smith expects those underclassmen to lead in the 2027 fall season, alongside junior Jake Gatchell.
COURTESY JACOBY LIGHT
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 29, 2026
bySharisse
DAY OF THE DEAD IS FOR THE LIVING TRADITIONAL ANNUAL MEXICAN CELEBRATION RETURNS TO AQUINNAH.
PERRY GARFINKEL
GOREY'S MEMENTO SEE B14
SEE B2
WILD SIDE SEE B16
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community & calendar
October 29, 2026
C E L E B R A T I N G
I S L A N D
D I V E R S I T Y
Through Día de los Muertos, José Sanabria invites the Island to remember that those we lose can remain part of the lives we continue to build.
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he monarch has been my favorite butterfly for as long as I can remember. Over the years I have come to see something of myself in its journey — the transformation, the fragility, the distance traveled on wings that look far too delicate to carry something so far. As a cancer survivor, I have returned to that image again and again. For me, the monarch became a reminder that transformation does not always mean becoming someone entirely new. Sometimes it means surviving long enough to discover what was inside of you all along. But recently, José Sanabria gave the monarch another meaning. I met Sanabria at the recent HERitage event, curated by Sarah Shaw Dawson — a gathering rooted in honoring the historic women of Martha’s Vineyard and the legacies they left behind. Perhaps it was fitting that our conversation eventually turned toward another tradition centered on remembering those who came before us.
José Sanabria PERRY GARFINKEL
I thought of my grandmother. I know how grief can live beside gratitude, how someone can be absent from the room and still present in the way you move through it. Sanabria helps lead an annual Día de los Muertos gathering at the Aquinnah Cultural Center. The gathering carries forward a Mexican tradition with roots in indigenous practices of honoring the dead that predate Spanish colonization. Over generations, those practices became intertwined with Catholic observances, shaping the Day of the Dead celebrated today. Then Sanabria told me something I could not stop thinking about: In parts of Mexico, the arrival of monarch butterflies is associated with the return of ancestors, their visit announced on delicate wings. I went home wanting to understand more. Each fall millions of monarch butterflies make their way to the mountains of central Mexico, arriving around Día de los Muertos. For some Mexican indigenous communities, that timing carries a deeper meaning: The butterflies are connected to the belief that the souls of loved ones have returned to visit. I had known the monarch as a symbol of survival. Now I was beginning to see it as a symbol of return. I found myself thinking about what we carry with us: the people who
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DENA PORTER
bySharisse
Monarchs, remembrance, and the lives we carry Día de los Muertos celebrates life, not death. BY SHARISSE SCOTT-RAWLINS
shaped us, the stories we inherited, the names we continue to speak, and the lives that made our own possible. None of us arrives here alone. Each year Día de los Muertos creates space to remember that and to welcome loved ones home. Sanabria grew up in Mexico City, built on the site of the great pre-Hispanic city of Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Mexican people. He has lived on Martha’s Vineyard for more than three decades. Though raised in the
city, he spent time around his family’s farms and ranches in the countryside. The Vineyard’s landscape reminded him of that part of home. He came to try Island life, and stayed. In the early years of Sanabria living on the Island, he remembers people from across Latin America gathering weekly for Spanish nights.They brought foods from their countries and welcomed anyone who spoke Spanish or wanted to practice. On an Island where, he says, the Hispanic
community was relatively small, the gatherings offered a way to find one another and keep familiar sounds and tastes close to the heart. Years later, three women he calls his sisters — Adriana Giles Ignacio, Berta Giles Welch, and Carla Giles Cuch — asked whether they could join together to create a Día de los Muertos celebration on the Island. Sanabria describes them as Wampanoag women with Mexican heritage who had spent time in Mexico when
they were young. They missed that part of their family’s culture. He understood, as he was “missing also that part of my culture,” he told me. What began with a shared longing has become an annual gathering. This November will mark its fifth year at the Aquinnah Cultural Center; it will be held on Nov. 2. Everyone is invited to bring a photograph of someone they love who has died — a relative, a friend, anyone they wish to honor. The photographs are placed around an altar. Outside, Sanabria leads a ceremony welcoming loved ones back for a visit. The gathering is open to the public, including families and children. Asked whether the gathering was intended to raise money, Sanabria returned to its spiritual purpose. He and the women who began it have kept the focus on remembrance. There is no need to arrive knowing the rituals or having the right words for grief. People can simply bring a photograph and be present. “When people ask me why we celebrate death, I say, No, we don’t celebrate that. We celebrate life,” Sanabria told me. “We were born, and we know that we’re gonna go to another part of the cycle … It’s sad when somebody dies, but this celebration that we have is not like mourning them. It’s celebrating them.” Sanabria explained that visiting the graves of loved ones is one way families in Mexico observe Día de los Muertos. They bring flowers, candles, food, and music, gathering at the cemetery to honor those who have died, and spend time with them. “It’s like a party right there on the graveyard,” he said. As he described the candlelight and the scent of copal, I could hear how joyful and deeply spiritual the tradition is for him. Listening to him, I thought of my grandmother. I know how grief can live beside gratitude, how someone can be absent from the room and still present in the way 1. Guests were welcomed to envelop themselves in the fragrant incense as they remembered their loved ones. 2. Jose held up an offering of copal, a tree resin that is burned as an incense.
you move through it. Our conversation turned from remembering those who came before us to considering what we might leave behind. Sanabria spoke of an ancestral understanding of legacy measured not in money or property, but in what a person gives to others. “Because everything in our culture is about the community,” Sanabria said. “What is your purpose? Real purpose?” He asks us to think beyond ourselves and consider what we will give “to your family, to your community, to your country, to the world, to the universe.” Those questions stayed with me. We build a legacy while we are living: in the neighbor we check on, the story we make sure is told, and the door we hold open long enough for someone else to walk through. That spirit of community is part of the invitation on Día de los Muertos. Someone who has never celebrated can bring a photograph, learn about a tradition that matters to their neighbors, and join in remembering a person they love. The celebration begins Nov. 2 at 5 pm at the Aquinnah Cultural Center. aquinnah.org/events.
community & calendar B3
October 29, 2026
CelebratingOur MVRHSGrads
Jesse Nicholson The art classes paid off. BY MARGE HARRIS
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esse Nicholson, class of 2003 and voted the class clown, is the youngest child of Pegi and Bill Nicholson. He found a connection in art classes with Paul Brissette and Chris Baer, an architectural drafting class with Mr. Lobdell, as well as Island natural history with Mr. Schwabe. What he did not know then is that these courses laid the foundation for his passions in art and nature,
and served as building blocks for his future profession. As a relative of the Island McCarthys, teaching came naturally, and after high school, Jesse enrolled at Castleton State College, majoring in elementary education. After one year at CSC, he did not know what he wanted to do — as he told me, “I was trying to figure out who I was.” He moved to San Diego to live with his brother
Jared, and worked as a mason’s tender. Returning to the Island after a year, he enrolled at Bridgewater State to complete his general education requirements. After some time, he left BSU, and worked for his brother Caleb, co-owner of Contemporary Landscapes. Caleb, who had attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, saw Jesse’s potential and passion for landscapes, mentored him, and guided him toward applying and receiving an associate’s degree in landscape construction from Stockbridge. He then applied to UMass Amherst to study environmental design. Aha, now things began to click from those early art, drafting, and science classes at MVRHS. During this time, Caleb introduced him to Michael Van Valkenburgh for an internship at his landscape architecture firm. This internship and his mentors encouraged Jesse to enroll in a masters’ program in landscape architecture at
Cornell University. After graduation, Jesse was offered a full-time position at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) in Cambridge. He has been there since 2010, and is now an associate principal. Jesse gives credit to growing up in a family of educators, a caring stepmother and siblings, a fabulous wife and two kids, and living on Martha’s Vineyard. His passion for the land and sea began on Martha’s Vineyard. It evolved and influenced him to collaborate and create resilient landscapes across North America. Jesse is passionate about making public places that connect people to nature What a story of a young man connecting his family and our Island with his profession and giving back to all of us. Thanks, Jesse — you make us so very proud! Marge Harris was a teacher at MVRHS for 27 years. You can contact her at margeharris@comcast.net. This column appears twice a month.
POET’S CORNER Floorboards of the Sea View Hotel by Leroy Hazelton
The Sea View rests in the corner Of my old shed under a tarp. It lives in the shape of a hutch I built for my daughter years ago, The salvage of Johnnie and Loretta’s Flooring in the bar. How could I ignore those planks I spilt beers and danced on With friends and strangers? I had to take them home. They rested for years Before I heard the music and laughter Rise from each board As I rubbed it down with fingers Waiting for another song.. Leroy Hazelton has been an English teacher for many years, a DNA researcher, a painter of old wooden game boards, and a volunteer at Chicken Alley. Poets with a connection to Martha’s Vineyard are encouraged to submit poems of 120 words or fewer to Michael West at m@mwest.com. Please also include a two- to three-sentence bio at the end of your poem.
COMMUNITY NOTE Falmouth Academy to host open house Falmouth Academy will host an open house on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 3 pm., welcoming prospective students and their families to explore the school's academic programs, meet faculty and students, and experience the close-knit community that defines an FA education. Serving students in grades 7–12, Falmouth Academy is an independent, collegepreparatory day school known for its small classes, challenging academics, and emphasis on curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections between students and teachers. During the open house, families will have the op-
portunity to tour campus, visit classrooms, learn about the school's academic, arts, and athletics programs, and hear firsthand from students and faculty about life at Falmouth Academy. Located on Cape Cod, Falmouth Academy wel-
comes students from across the Cape, South Coast, South Shore, and Martha’s Vineyard. The school of-
fers transportation options, including bus service from Hyannis, Marion, and Duxbury, and a connection for students commuting by ferry from Martha’s Vineyard. A new five-day boarding program at Mariner House also provides an option for students who live farther from campus. Falmouth Academy is committed to making its education accessible to families from a wide range of financial backgrounds. More than half of its students receive financial assistance, and families attending the open house can learn more about the admission and financial aid processes. The open house is open to families considering Falmouth Academy for middle school or high school.
BY MARY ALICE RUSSELL We had four of our members attend the Grand National Cribbage Tournament in Niagara Falls this past week — Jack Silvia, Collin Evanson, and Bill and Mary Alice Russell. We represented well, with Bill and Mary Alice taking the Canadian Doubles Championship! There were 120 teams from around the country — we represented the Vineyard proudly. Roy and Tricia would be pretty darn proud of us! Back to the Grass Roots
weekly tournament — 19 members of the Vineyard Cribbage Club met to play our favorite game at the American Legion in Edgartown. The results are as follows: First, Ed Montesion with a 9/4 + 31 card Second, Merrily Fenner with an 8/4 +25 card Third, Doug Werther with 8/4 +21 card Fourth, Judy LoRusso with a 8/4 +19 card Fifth, Dave Christensen with an 8/4 +4 card
We had only six 24-point hands this week, played by Mary Alice Russell, Frank Fenner, Byram Devine, Sam Cron, and Jack Silvia, who managed two! One flush crib was played by Kathy Kinsman, and six people got skunked (a loss of greater than 30). If you are interested in cribbage, give us a try! We meet at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays — call or text me at 508-524-1220, or email me at maonmv@mac.com.
Island news daily. Sign up for The MV Times newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox at mvtimes.com/newsletter.
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Tisbury By Taylor Stone tisburycolumnist@gmail.com
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appy Halloween weekend! I wish all you ghosts, ghouls, and goblins a fun, festive weekend of tricks and treats all around. Thank you to the Charter School for another incredible offering of scarecrows — I always make a point of walking downtown to see how many I can recognize and to admire the creativity and details that go into each and every one. Last weekend my partner and I drove up to Maine to peep some leaves and meet some trolls. The highlight of
the trip was seeing Thomas Dambo’s larger-than-life trolls up close and in-person. For the uninitiated: This artist creates huge troll sculptures that wrap around trees, meditate on hills, and watch over our natural spaces all over the world. While there aren’t any (yet) that call Massachusetts their home, heading up to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden will have you meet five such trolls, all in one place. Also last week, I drove up to Harwich to speak at a conference organized
Edgartown By Marnely Murray marnely@gmail.com
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hether you’re thinking about them or not, the holidays are slowly approaching, and I know it more so because the Edgartown Board of Trade has been hard at work meeting with its planning committees in preparation for the 45th annual Christmas in Edgartown. The website is now live (christmasinedgartown. com), and will be updated throughout the month as the holiday weekend approaches, this year on Dec.10
through 13. Truly one of the most spectacular weekends of the year; I am so looking forward to it. But first, we have to get through a few other holidays before we open those holiday
By Joanne Lambert joannelamber@gmail.com
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alloween does bring magic, doesn’t it? Kids out after dark, neighborhoods lively with houses decorated, grown-ups wearing costumes. I loved it as a kid; I love it still. In fact, I got married on Halloween. So happy anniversary to Jeff Lambert, who was lucky
C by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, connecting cultural districts, local cultural councils, tribal cultural councils, and municipalities across the Cape and the Islands. Despite an extremely windy several days, we were able to have four representatives from Martha’s Vineyard attend, and we all made it back as planned before boats were canceled for the rest of the evening. In more local news, Healthy Aging Martha’s
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Vineyard is currently seeking nominations for their annual Healthy Agers Champion award. It honors anyone who helps make a meaningful difference in our older population’s lives — fill out a form at hamv. org/healthyagerschampionaward, or email laurenbagnall@hamv.org to submit your nomination now through November. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6 pm, join Jeremy Berlin and Eric Johnson at the Vineyard Haven library for an evening
enough to marry me on Oct. 31, 1984! It was a costume wedding at the Menemsha Inn, with music by the Taylor Made Band. Seems like yesterday (not really). This year, Halloween in Oak Bluffs will be especially spooky, starting on Friday night with Trunk or Treat at the O.B. School from 5 to 7 pm, and a showing of “Beetlejuice” at the Strand Theater at 7:30 pm. Grown-up ghouls can join the Zombie Bar Crawl by meeting at 6 pm at Black Joy Kitchen to groan your way through town.
SCAN HERE TO SIGN UP OR LEARN MORE
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of music in our library’s new community space. Expect to hear a mix of original songs, classics, and plenty of jazz from this piano/guitar duo. Roadwork downtown continues in Tisbury through Nov. 24, with possible road closures continuing on Look Street, from Spring Street to State Road, during the hours of 7 am to 5 pm. If you didn’t place your vote early, be sure not to miss your final chance to vote this Tuesday on Nov.
Despite an extremely windy several days, we were able to have four representatives from Martha’s Vineyard attend the conference, and we all made it back as planned before boats were canceled for the rest of the evening. gifts, so I’ve got my eye on Halloween and Thanksgiving before even thinking of making my list and checking it twice. This past weekend, both adults and kids dressed up for Edgartown’s Happy Haunting in the downtown area, and it was a fantastic scene all around! After Halloween passes this weekend, as citizens we have the duty to vote on Nov. 3, so make sure to get your votes in at Town Hall. You can review a sample
ballot online at edgartownma.us, which is a fantastic way to prepare yourself for this civic duty. Right after Election Day, on Nov. 5 starting at 5:30 pm, you’ll have one more chance to see “Margot Datz: Recreator” in the Carnegie Gallery. Join the artist to celebrate the exhibition and its new permanent presence at the Carnegie, and hear what’s next for Margot, including new public art projects across the Island.
After Halloween passes this weekend, as citizens we have the duty to vote on Nov. 3, so make sure to get your votes in at Town Hall. You can review a sample ballot online at edgartown-ma.us.
Oak Bluffs
“She’s always loved Halloween. A magic night. A night when anything could happen. Monsters could be real. Magic could whisper in the air.” – Cynthia Eden
October 29, 2026
On Saturday, Oct. 31, there will be trick-or-treating throughout town from noon to 3 pm, including a special Haunted House at Mocha Mott’s. The costume contest is at 2 pm at the Flying Horses, and good luck! The P.A. Halloween costume party is Saturday night, with music by Serendipity. The bad news is that daylight saving time ends this weekend. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Megan Alley. Megan was a true Islander, born in the original Cottage Hospital in Oak Bluffs. She raised her family here with her beloved husband of 61 years, Denny. Among the many ways she served the community, Megan wrote the Oak Bluffs town column for many years, always adding her own words of wisdom. She passed along her notes and birthday dates to me, and she had stories about every sin-
S 3. There are a lot of local elections and questions that impact our community directly, so be sure not to miss this last chance to participate in the vote, from 7 am to 8 pm, at the Tisbury Emergency Services Facility (215 Spring St., directly across the playground from the Tisbury School). Biggest bunches of birthday balloons to my mom, Lori Stone, on Monday, Nov. 2, and to local scrimshaw artist at Vineyard Time, Darrel Morris, on Wednesday, Nov. 4. 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.
It’s safe to say that if you know me, you know one of my favorite things to do is talk about food, and before I start researching the Thanksgiving offerings in town, let’s talk about what I’ve been eating lately. First up, I recently worked with the team at Town Bar & Grill to develop their new fall/ winter menu, and let me tell you, it was delicious but hard work — work that was fueled by coffee runs to Dip 02539 and Edgartown Meat & Fish for caffeine that helped us get through the long days. And on days when I’m not in a kitchen and writing at my desk, at the end of a long day, I’ve started getting a craving for burgers, and Wicked Burger has
been hitting the spot because they have combos of a burger, side, and a drink for anything between $18 and $24, and it’s truly a satisfying meal. Don’t think they sent me to tell you this; I’ve spent plenty of $21s myself, because my order is the Wicked Bacon Combo with onion rings and lemon-lime seltzer. Do I wish they carried CocaCola products? Yes, but I can’t always get my way. You know who I hope gets their way? Everyone celebrating a birthday this week: Meg Burke on Oct. 29, Mary Marshall Highet, Meaghan Nydam, and Jenna Petersen Shepard on Oct. 30, Will Bryan on Nov. 2, and Carlos Guzman on Nov. 5. Cheers to you all, and happiest of birthdays.
gle one. She was a treasure to this town and this Island, and I send my deepest condolences to her family. This is not a trick: the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs are holding a Book Drive on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 11 am to 1 pm in the library meeting room. Before you go out to get spooky, drop off your books, hardcover or paperback, as long as they are in good condition. Recent books, bestsellers, seasonal themes, and craft books are in demand. Jigsaw
puzzles in the original box also accepted. Danroy (“D.J.”) Henry was born on Oct. 29 — sending him heavenly birthday wishes and hugs to his family. My favorite witches were born on Oct. 31: Happy Halloween birthday to Renee Nolan, Kathy Laskowski, Mary Beth Meehan, and Tawana Queen — hope you are casting good spells into our world this year! Nov. 1 birthdays include Anne Davey, Annemarie Donahue, and Adam Rebello. Hermine Hull celebrates on Nov. 2, along with Ryan Gonsalves and Leah Brown. Michael Branden celebrates on the 3rd. Nov. 4 brought two amazing men into the world — happy birthday to Bijan Bayne and Junior Mendes. Send me your news!
Megan Alley wrote the Oak Bluffs town column for many years, always adding her own words of wisdom. She passed along her notes and birthday dates to me, and she had stories about every single one.
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community & calendar B5
October 29, 2026
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Chilmark By Claire Ganz cganz@live.com
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ishing Katie Carroll a Happy Birthday week. There is nothing quite as glorious as a warm, flat calm, fall day where the sky is brilliant sapphire with a splash of indigo, the tide is extralow, the colors of fall are almost at their peak, and the sun seems to sprinkle glitter over everything. May the weather hold at least through Halloween. Even though there won’t be a party in the Community Center, Julie Flanders
will be set up at the end of her driveway, and we will be handing out candy, compliments, and good cheer across from the Chilmark Community Church from 5 to 6 pm. At 6 pm we will join the fun in Menemsha, and settle by the Texaco with Katie and Marshall Carroll.
By Hermine Hull hermine.hull@gmail.com
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Chilmark Chief Sean Slavin assured us, “The police department is planning on setting up the usual ‘haunted pirate ship’ in the beach lot, with candy and treats for all the kids.” Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Our polls are cast in the Chilmark Community Center, 520 South Road, and will be open 7 am to 8 pm. Only Aquinnah and Chilmark still use handcranked ballot boxes that ding when the paper ballot drops and a counter flips. Our votes are carefully tallied by hand. Some of us still have and
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appreciate our landline telephones because they clearly carry voices, and work without electricity, where cell phone signals are weak or unreliable, and where connections to satellites are obstructed by hills, boulders, or trees. Verizon wants to end copper landline service, and it will be devastating for those who have no reliable alternative. The Chilmark library has a new website, and we are encouraged to call with any questions or confusing or broken links. The same is true for the town website. Thank you, Irene Wong, for ending your six months
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as lead cook — a title that doesn’t capture the breadth of the work you did while at North Tabor Farm — by hosting a cookie swap fundraiser for the M.V. Ag Society and making a feast of kale salad and enormous pans of lasagne. One was layered with her simmeredfor-four-hours meaty Bolognese sauce, and the other was a vegetarian version with butternut squash and pesto. The sheets of pasta were from M.V. Pasta. May we carry on this tradition. Maybe we will have more community cookie swaps. I think there was one at the West Tisbury library in 2016.
Chilmark Chief Sean Slavin assured us, “The police department is planning on setting up the usual ‘haunted pirate ship’ in the beach lot, with candy and treats for all the kids.”
West Tisbury
lowing and still green. I remember crunchy leaves underfoot as I trick-or-treated on Halloween night when I was a kid; there was always a crispy chill by the end of October. Global warming? Or just an unseasonably mild fall? Mike noticed the first frost on our greenhouse roof only last week. My big pots of impatiens are still blooming. Is everyone busy sewing their Halloween costumes?
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There are two parties in town planned for Saturday, and seeing the costumes is always part of the fun. The first party is at the library from 2 to 4 pm. Parks and rec is hosting the second one from 6 to 8 pm at the Ag Hall. Both will feature hayrides, games, delicious treats, all the traditional components of the holiday. Kathy Logue and I picked up sandwiches at 7A and headed out to Chilmark to sit in the sun on her fam-
ily’s deck. Much of our conversation dealt with the upcoming election, trying to make sense of all those ballot questions. We need to be informed by Nov. 3, and we are conscientious voters. By the time I got home, Kathy had sent the following web addresses: myballot.tufts.edu/# and apps.bostonglobe.com/elections/massachusetts/voterguide/ballot-questions Also, GBH News has a series, “Unbox Your Ballot,” that comes to your inbox. Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Public Safety Building. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. Our cat, Nelson, hasn’t been himself lately. That’s what I told our vet and techs when I made an appointment for him to be checked
over. Because he becomes a hissing, biting demon, he has to be anesthetized for them to work on him, and that involves several preparatory steps before the dreaded morning. First, I made an appointment with our animal communicator, Sandy Lagno, for the day before his appointment. She has worked with generations of our animals to great success, although Nelson remains one of her tougher cases. She prepared him for being fasted and kept inside the night before, explained that he would get a shot that would make him sleepy, and I would bring him home when he woke up. His appointment was for 8:15 in the morning. All proceeded along until
I made an appointment with our animal communicator, Sandy Lagno, for the day before his appointment. She has worked with generations of our animals to great success, although Nelson remains one of her tougher cases.
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Halloween Fest at White Stone Equestrian
HAMV seeks nominations for 2026 Healthy Agers Champion
White Stone Equestrian in West Tisbury is hosting its first annual Halloween Fest, featuring haunted hayrides from 7 to 9:30, pm Oct. 28–30. On Friday, Oct. 30, families can also gather for a lit-up Pumpkin Walk in the derby field. Participants can bring their own carved pumpkins that day between 9 am and 3 pm. Hayride tickets cost $20, and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Be prepared for a genuinely scary ride!
Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard (HAMV) is inviting the community to nominate individuals for its annual Healthy Agers Champion Award, which recognizes those making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults across Martha’s Vineyard. The award honors individuals who help older adults thrive through leadership, advocacy, service, collaboration, or innovation. Nominees may include volunteers, caregivers, neighbors, community leaders, professionals, or anyone whose efforts help older adults maintain their independence, dignity, and connection to the community. “Older adults are an essential part of what makes Martha’s Vineyard such a special place to live,” said Leslie Clapp, former
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Abby woke up around 5 o’clock. Nelson wanted to go out when I took Abby out, so he began to complain, which he kept up nonstop till I got him into the doctor’s exam room. A tip for the future: The techs draped a big towel sprayed with Feliway over his carrier, and that made him settle right down. I was told to go home, and they would call me to pick him up late in the morning. Nelson is 13. When he started throwing up, acting standoffish and sluggish, I worried about diabetes, maybe a tick infection, maybe something terrible that I needed to know. He isn’t diabetic. His bloodwork was all normal. He
S Tuesday Pizza Nights at the Chilmark Community Church start at 6 pm. And soon we will have Pathways events, hosted and often produced by Keren Tonnenson and Scott Crawford. They start moving into the Chilmark Tavern on Nov. 1. For those who are grieving, the powerfully supportive and healing Community Grief Ritual led by Marcia Conlon is returning to Native Earth Teaching Farm on Nov. 14, from noon to 5:30 pm. “Energetic Exchange” is $111, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds; simply reach out to facilitators. Email rebeccanetf@hotmail.com to register, and check out the event listing on Facebook at facebook.com/ share/1C6cBnP2bD.
lost a little weight, but nothing concerning. He had been exposed to anaplasmosis, which is pretty common for most animals on the Island, and it’s unusually asymptomatic. He has a little arthritis. He is home now, resting less than comfortably. He won’t eat the I/D diet he was sent home with. He has spent the afternoon yowling at the door, where his cat flap is blocked off, or tottering back and forth between the dining room door and the kitchen door. He wants to resume his normal life, surveying his kingdom for mice. I forgot to mention his diagnosis so far: Nelson has a bad case of feline overprotectivemotheritis.
Aquinnah By Kathie Olsen aquinnahcolumn@gmail.com Kathie's column will return next week.
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director of Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living. “This award is an opportunity to recognize the people who go above and beyond to support our older neighbors and help make our Island a stronger, healthier and more connected community.” Nominations are open through November, and the 2026 Healthy Agers Champion will be honored in December. Community members can submit a nomination by emailing laurenbagnall@ hamv.org or completing the online nomination form at hamv.org. To find the form, visit the “What We Do” section, and select the “Healthy Agers Champion Award” page. HAMV encourages anyone who knows an individual making a positive impact on the lives of older adults to participate and help celebrate the people who make a difference in our community.
S Barn Raisers Day Celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Ag Hall’s community barn raising. The event will include snacks and warm drinks, and an opportunity to construct a model of the Ag Hall built from cardboard, craft supplies, Legos, and more. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Entries of the model Ag Halls will be displayed at the Ball, where people will vote for their favorite entry. Winners will receive a free 2027 Ag Society membership. This event is co-hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society and the West Tisbury library. This event is for all ages. Free, Nov. 7, from 1 to 2:30 pm. Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, 25 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury, marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org.
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community & calendar
October 29, 2026
BEHIND THE BAND
Rose Coloured Glasses The joy of consistency. BY SARAH SHAW DAWSON
“And follow through when in the wedding band the something goes a little dicey. Dukes. Rothberg co-owns I think we both had to build and operates the Dukes that muscle together.” with Maria Stukey. He also “It didn't feel like a lot of founded Lime Entertainwork to play together, or to ment, a talent agency that talk to each other,” Rothberg books entertainment on added. “I think onstage that cruise ships. Rothberg all came pretty naturally.” said he books everyone At their Bad Martha resifrom jugglers and circus performers to dancers and dency, which is on Sunday musicians, and travels freafternoons through the summer, Rothberg and Patquently because of his job. terson get to relax into that “It's allowed me to connect rhythm they’ve built with with lots of performers each other. For the busiest around the world,” he said. Patterson is mainly a mu- Island season, each of them are filling each of their sician, and also works as a days with the demands of flower farmer at Fire Cat a community driven by an Farm. She’s always cookinflux of tourism. “Classic ing up a new project. Right Island,” Patterson noted. now, that’s a residency in By Sunday, they said, the American Repertory they’re exhausted. Playing Theater in Boston in the together, however, kicks them musical “1972.” into a differShe also recently ent gear: playperformed fulness and with Steve joy. PerformWinwood, ing innovative a Rock & covers, interRoll Hall acting with of Fame the crowd, musician and joking and former around with member of each other on the band the patio is a Traffic. perfect “bookWinwood end,” Patterwas named –SAM ROTHBERG son said. as one of “We love the musicians Patterson ending with that gig,” said grew up listening to in a Rothberg. 2020 article about her music Now that the wheels of career in The Times. Six work are turning more slowly years later, she shared a stage in the off-season, Rose Cowith him. loured Glasses said they’re Both Patterson and Roth- looking forward to the holiberg described their lives as day season. Both of them love a constant wheel of motion. Christmas music and holiday themes, and said that they’re Their performances as hoping to do a tour around Rose Coloured Glasses are the Island come December. a way for them to do the Their expectations of the music they love the most; a coming performances are lot of the time their preferbuilt on years of experience. ences overlap. Although No matter what happens, they had to find their they’ll see the bright side. groove as a duo, just like “One aspect of our duo every other band or pair of partnership that I think is musicians, they’ve harmonized with each other since really remarkable is there's just, I would say, [we have] the first note they played. “When it comes to being a complete trust in the other person. Like it's either duo, that really strips everygoing to be funny, or it's thing bare, and you have to be able to support each other going to be good, or some combination of the two,” and be confident and take Rothberg said. chances,” Patterson said.
“We try to see
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COURTESY ROSE COLOURED GLASSES
t’s a path paved with consistency that leads to a sweeter way of seeing the world, at least for one local performing pair. For Rose Coloured Glasses, made up of Darby Patterson and Sam Rothberg, the bright side is inevitable, as long as you put in the work. Their band name came from that driving force through both of their lives. As Rothberg explained, “We try to see the sweet and the rosy in every situation. And I think we bring that energy to each gig we play.” With Rothberg on keyboard and Patterson on vocals, the duo said their greatest strengths are their song repertoire and the pure joy they find in music. “I feel like I'm the helium that keeps us floating, [and] Sam is the engine that keeps us moving forward,” Patterson said. Rose Coloured Glasses
primarily plays cover songs, and they don’t have genre discernment. Patterson described their style as “kitchen sink.” At their residencies at Bad Martha’s Brewery in Edgartown and Noman’s in Oak Bluffs, they’re known for asking for song requests from the audience. If a song exists, the pair might already know it. But they go into gigs knowing one thing for sure: They can learn. “We love knowing tunes. We love trying tunes out,” Patterson said. Rothberg said “the request portion” is a “big part” of their identity as a duo. The pair met in 2017, when Rothberg was playing the keyboard with Patterson’s father, Geoff Patterson, who is also a local musician. According to Patterson, her father invited her to sing with them that night with the pretense, “You’re going to meet this
Darby Patterson, right, and Sam Rothberg of the duo Rose Coloured Glasses. SHENY LEON
keyboardist. He plays the way that we like.” “We had a great time from gig one,” Rothberg recalled. It was around five years
later when the duo made their debut as Rose Coloured Glasses. Besides their duo, Patterson and Rothberg perform together
the sweet and the rosy in every situation. And I think we bring that energy to each gig we play.”
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community & calendar B7
October 29, 2026
Event spotlight for the week of 10•29 — 11•5
THU 10/29 FRI 10/30
SAT 10/31
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‘How to Be a Witch’
oin author Shana Gozansky at the West Tisbury library for a familyfriendly reading of “How to Be a Witch,” a playful, empowering story about everyday healers and
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shellfish department. The workshop runs from 1 to 2:30 pm, and registration is required.
Halloween on the Hill
elebrate Halloween with the whole family at Halloween on the Hill at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven. This free event features costumes,
helpers. The free event includes a potion-making craft, with all materials provided while supplies last. The program runs from 3:30 to 4:30 pm, and is recommended for ages 4 and up.
‘Can You Shuck It’
earn to shuck local oysters at the Edgartown library with Chris Look during this hands-on shellfish workshop. Participants will explore Island shellfish preparation, how to process their own harvest, and the ecological importance of buying local. Shellfish are provided by the Edgartown
Zombie Bar Crawl
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et into the Halloween spirit at the 2026 Zombie Bar Crawl in Oak
Bluffs. The free, opento-all event kicks off at Black Joy Kitchen before winding down Circuit Avenue, with stops at familiar bars and new haunts along the way. Costumes are encouraged, newcomers are welcome, and no tickets are required. The crawl begins at 6 pm, with a full schedule to be announced.
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candy, games, and familyfriendly fun, with a quiet sensory space available for visitors who need a break from the festivities. The celebration runs from 4:30 to 6 pm. Parking is limited.
Halloween Ghostly Gala
ed Cat Kitchen in Oak Bluffs hosts its Halloween Ghostly Gala, from 9 pm to 12:30 am. The “Murder on the Dance Floor” party
features drag performances, creepy cabaret, a costume contest, and a DJ. Tickets include bar snacks, two drink tickets, and contest entry, with VIP tables available.
MV TIMES
EVENTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
Little Naturalists
9:30-11:30 am, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaiut Yoga 8:30-9:30 am, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. Kaiut Edgartown. Let curiosity lead the way in this playful program for young children. Yoga works through chronic pain and injuries, general aches and stiffness, and is good for the Explore nature through free play, sensory activities and time outdoors. 508-627-4850, inflexible, hyper flexible and the aging body. felixneck@massaudubon.org 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@westtisburyma.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. 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org
Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery
9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. The enchanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Sculpture Trail meanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded landscape populated with whimsical sculptures. 508-955-9944, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com
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! 508-6931850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org
Drop-in Mah Jongg
10:15 am-12:15 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. 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. 508696-4211, 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. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org
Tech help
Kids Movement Class
Stravaiger: Wanderer
Dragon Eggs
11 am-1 pm, Up Island Council on Aging, West Tisbury. Free tach help 508-6932896, coa-staff@westtisbury-ma.gov 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
Can You Shuck It: Shellfish Shucking with Chris Look
1-2:30 pm, Edgartown Library. we will be learning how to shuck some of our Island’s finest bounty: local oysters. 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org
Chair Caning Workshop Series with Fred Thornbrugh
2:30-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. Email gwilbur@clamsnet.org for more information or to register. 508-6933366, gwilbur@clamsnet.org
Creator Club
3-4:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Each week we’ll have a different hands-on craft to try 508-627-4221, 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
3-4 pm, Chilmark Library. Creative Movement Class for Kids 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com 3:30-5 pm, Aquinnah Library. Come to the library to design and create your own dragon egg using a foam egg, air dry clay, dragon eye gems, and more! 508-645-2314, cbrust@clamsnet.org
How To Be A Witch
3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Join Author, Shana Gozansky for reading of How To Be A Witch, followed by potion making 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org
Kids Crafts & Crunch Canvas Bag Decorating
3:30 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library, . Decorate a canvas bag while enjoying snacks provided by MV Community Services. 508696-4211, 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 cards, play the game and draw! For ages 5-12. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org
HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY — at the MV Film Center
4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. Haru and Luis love competing in Tokyo’s ballroom dance scene, but after tragedy strikes, Haru withdraws into isolation. 774-3922972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com
WICKER — at the MV Film Center
4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. WICKER is a 2026 romantic fantasy comedy-drama. On the outskirts of a village by the sea lives a Fisherwoman: smelly single and perpetually ridiculed. 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com
Edgartown Old Westside Graveyard Walking Tour
4-5:15 pm, Old Westside Graveyard, Edgartown. Gravestones are a window into the past. Walk through Old Westside graveyard with historian Elizabeth Villard. Fee $20. Information. Text 508 627 2529 508-627-2529, evillardmv@gmail.com
Table Tennis
5 pm, Tisbury Senior Center, Vineyard Haven. Table tennis for all ages and skill levels. 508-728-5898, raeobmv@gmail.com
SketchUp: 3D Modeling
5:30-7 pm, Haven, Vineyard Haven. Learn the basics of this modeling tool used in architecture and construction. 508-693-9222, info@acemv.org
Meditation
6-7 pm, Bodhi Path Buddhist Center, West Tisbury. Group meditation available both in person at Bodhi Path in West Tisbury, and online via Zoom. marthasvineyard@bodhipath.org
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
Halloween Fest at White Stone Equestrian!
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
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
COLORS OF TIME — at the MV Film Center
7:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. A group of strangers, all descendants of a woman named Adèle Meunier, are gathered in Normandy. 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.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 502-936-3599. 502-9363599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com Continued on B8
calendar & community
B8
October 29, 2026
SUN 11/1
SUN 11/1
MON 11/2
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Land Bank guided nature walk so carpooling is encouraged. Meet at the trailhead off State Road.
he Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank will lead a free, guided natural history walk at Squibnocket Pond Reservation North in Aquinnah, from 10 am to 1 pm. Participants will explore the reservation with Land Bank staff. The walk will take place rain or shine. Parking is limited,
Free community concert
eatherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs hosts a free community chamber concert at 4 pm. Clarinetist Maryse Legault joins musicians
he Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Reading Group meets virtually via Zoom at 10 am. The free monthly gathering welcomes anyone who enjoys poetry to
share and discuss works by favorite poets from around the world. To join, email vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org to receive the Zoom link and meeting materials.
EVENTS
Continued from B7
Alida O’Loughlin Photography Show “WATER”
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
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
Alternative Firing with Lois Hirshberg and Frank Creney
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
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. 508627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org
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
Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery
11-11:30 am, Chilmark Library. We’ll read classic and current children’s literature, and sing, move, and play together. Ideal for preschool ages. chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com 508645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com
Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky
11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury. To sign up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org or call 508-6933366. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org
Self Care Club (ages 8+)
10:30-11 am, West Tisbury Library, West Tisbury. Sing fun songs and play instruments with friends! Ages 0-5 508-693-3366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org
3:30-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Join Rosie and Buck for a free concert at the West Tisbury Library! 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org
Kid’s Music Class
10:30 am-4 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Craft projects for kids ages 3+. New craft each week! Drop in. 508-6939433, mlynch@clamsnet.org
Drop-in Play-Doh Group
10:30 am-12:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Create and play using our collection of Play-Doh and sculpting toys 508-6274221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org
Stravaiger: Wanderer
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
Toddler Time
10 am-4 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Join Lois and Frank for this fun and exciting workshop to explore a variety of alternative firing techniques! 508693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org
Friday Crafting
Acrylic Painting with John Holladay
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
Rose Guerin & Buck Shank Live at the West Tisbury Library
Hot Glass, Hot Cider
4-7 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks, West Tisbury. Come Celebrate the fall season with Glassblowing Demonstrations, refreshments and a special exhibition of Large Glass 508-693-6026, info@mvglassworks.com
WICKER — at the MV Film Center
4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. WICKER is a 2026 romantic fantasy comedy-drama. On the outskirts of a village by the sea lives a Fisherwoman: smelly single and perpetually ridiculed. 774392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com
11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. “Stravaiger: Wanderer” is Trunk or Treat Halloween Party an art exhibit that revolves around Scot5-7 pm, Oak Bluffs School. Community Halland, open throughout the month of Octo- loween party features Trunk or Treat, Haunted ber. 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org
The MV Film Society • Now celebrating 28 years • 1999-2026
HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY 4:00 PM 7:30 PM COLORS OF TIME WICKER 4:00 PM Fri 10/30 GOREY: A WORK IN PROGRESS 7:00 PM Thurs 10/29
Screening, Discussion, and Book Signing with filmmaker and author Christopher Seufert.
HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY 4:00 PM WICKER 7:30 PM 1:00 PM COLORS OF TIME 4:00 PM Sun EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: 11/1 JAMES MCNEILL WHISTLER WICKER 7:30 PM
Sat 10/31
MONDAY & TUESDAY NOV. 3 & 4 · FILM CENTER IS CLOSED
WICKER COLORS OF TIME Thurs 11/5 WICKER Wed 11/5
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
from the Handel and Haydn Society to perform Mozart and Weber quintets on period instruments. Seating is limited, and reservations are encouraged.
Poetry Reading Group
7:30 PM 4:00 PM 7:30 PM
scan code for complete schedule
mvfilmsociety.com
508.69 6.9369
Hallway, food from The Food Truck, games. Free. 508-693-0951, eleni.collins@gmail.com
2026 Zombie Bar Crawl
6 pm, Black Joy Kitchen, Oak Bluffs. Join us Oct. 30th for the annual Zombie Bar Crawl! 202-415-6264, events@hoverflymedia.com
Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club October Bash
6:30-8:30 pm, 44 Robinson Rd, Edgartown. Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club’s October Bash 617-455-7481, lara@mvbgclub.org
At Stillpoint // Breathing with Bach
7-8 pm, Stillpoint, West Tisbury. Violinist Michael Jamanis blends a live music performance of Bach with intentional breathing, spoken word, mindfulness, and community meditation. info@stillpointmv.org
Halloween Fest at White Stone Equestrian!
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
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
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 508-560-2648, alidamv@comcast.net
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 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
Kaiut Yoga
9-10 am, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. Kaiut Yoga is works through chronic pain and injuries, general aches and stiffness, and is good for the inflexible, hyper flexible and the aging body. 774-5638282, vsonnenthal@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
Alternative Firing with Lois Hirshberg and Frank Creney
10 am-4 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Join Lois and Frank for this fun and exciting workshop to explore a variety of alternative firing techniques! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org
Seasonal Still Life in Colored Pencil with M Colleen Harrigan
10 am-1 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Join us for a three-hour drawing session exploring the beauty of the fall season through colored pencil! 508-6931850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org
Saturday Storytime
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
Community Dance Class
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
Harlem Renaissance comes alive in ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem'
“O
nce Upon a Time in Harlem,” playing at the M.V. Film Center starting on Friday, Nov. 6, invites us into the heart of the Harlem Renaissance. The documentary offers reminiscences and opinions from those still alive in August 1972, when filmmaker William Greaves called a large group of the remaining luminaries to Duke Ellington’s home. Greaves’ son, David Greaves, completed the
documentary 50 years later, using his father’s footage and archival photographs that bring the earlier era to life. The Harlem Renaissance, named after the New York City neighborhood, was a major Black cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that flourished from roughly 1918 through the mid1930s. Fueled by the Great Migration, which brought hundreds of thousands of Black Southerners to Northern urban centers, the movement brought a massive surge of creativity in literature, theater, visual
arts, and music — especially jazz and blues. In one of many poignant moments in the film, poet Arna Bontemps recites his famous poem, “The Day Breakers,” which he tells us talks about his contemporaries in Harlem at the time: We are not come to wage a strife With swords upon this hill. It is not wise to waste the life Against a stubborn will. Yet would we die as some have done: Beating a way for the rising sun.
BY ABBY REMER
Although key figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Augusta Savage, and Marcus Garvey were no longer alive, at the film’s start we watch Ellington’s home fill with the likes of composer and pianist Eubie Blake, painter and muralist Aaron Douglas, artist and author Romare Bearden, painter and writer Richard Bruce Nugent, and photographer James Van Der Zee, to name just a few. At first, polite conversation dominates: old friends catching up. Eventually, the guests gather as one, and different allegiances
calendar & community B9
October 29, 2026
TUES 11/3
WED 11/4
THU 11/5
T
T
T
Community mending night
he Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury hosts a free Community Mending Night from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Participants can learn to repair worn clothing
through hand-sewn visible mending and needle felting for wool items. Materials are provided; bring clothes in need of repair. Registration is helpful but not required.
Beekeeping Club
he Martha’s Vineyard Beekeeping Club meets from 5 to 6 pm at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. The free monthly gathering welcomes Island
10:30 am, Vineyard Haven Public Library,. Movement, stories, and music threaded together in an improvisational and participatory journey 508-696-4211, 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
Library Friends of Oak Bluffs Book Drive
11 am-1 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Donate gently used books and jigsaw puzzles to the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs at the Halloween Book Drive on Sat. Oct 31 from 11am-1pm. 508-693-9433, libraryfriendsob@gmail.com
West Tisbury Library’s Annual Halloween Party!
2-4 pm, West Tisbury Library. Halloween Party at the WT Library! Hayrides, facepainting, games, snacks and more! 10/31 2-4pm 508-693-3366, hburbidge@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
Book Signing: ‘Memento Gorey’ by Christopher Seufert
Storytime
2-4 pm, Edgartown Books. In his new book ‘Mememto Gorey: The Last Interviews with Edward Gorey’ Christopher Seufert offers a new window on the often-mysterious Edward Gorey. 508-627-8463, info@edgartownbooks.com
Drop-In Crafts: DIY Reading Scratchers and Paint by Sticker
4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. Haru and Luis love competing in Tokyo’s ballroom dance scene, but after tragedy strikes, Haru withdraws into isolation. 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com
11-11:30 am, Chilmark Library. We’ll read classic and current children’s literature, and sing, move, and play together. Ideal for ages 3-6. adubno@clamsnet.org, 508-645-3360. 508-645-3360, chilmarklibrarykids@gmail.com 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. 508645-2314, 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. 508-693-3366, gwilbur@clamsnet.org
and points of view emerge, offering us nuanced insight into the disparate experiences of those involved. Islanders will recall Vera Shorter, the Oak Bluffs activist for civil rights, who though not specifically a member of the Harlem Renaissance, held up the principles and goals of these same prominent figures. She was the IRS’s first African American equal employment opportunity officer while living in New York. Moving to the Island did not slow down her activism. She joined the local NAACP chapter, and served at Island organizations such as the affirmative action advisory committee to the Vineyard schools. Another Island family, the Tankards, who first
he Vineyard Haven library hosts a free “Kids Crafts and Crunch” event from 3:30 to 5 pm. Children can celebrate National Dough-
nut Day by painting plaster or ceramic doughnuts while enjoying snacks provided by Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
EVENTS
Continued from B8
Story Journeys
beekeepers and anyone curious about bees to discuss hive maintenance, disease prevention, and other beekeeping topics. No registration is required, and all are welcome.
‘Kids Crafts’
HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY — at the MV Film Center
A Gallery Art Pop Up
4:30-6:30 pm, Log Cabin building, West Tisbury. Art and Art Gifts : Local Contemporary Artists in all mediums and price ranges for the holidays. Thurs - Sun through December 30th. 508939-0518, Agallerymv@hotmail.com
Halloween on the Hill
4:30-6 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven. facebook.com moved to the Island in 1961, were also active civil rights proponents. Carrie Camillo Tankard served 38 years as vice president of the Martha’s Vineyard NAACP branch, and co-founded the Martha’s Vineyard African American Heritage Trail.
Spirits & Spirits: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue
6 pm, Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Spirts & Spirts: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org
Halloween Party
6-8 pm, Ag Hall, West Tisbury. Annual Halloween Party. Refreshments, games, tricks, treats, and the spooky hayride! 508-6960147, parkrec@westtisbury-ma.gov
WICKER — at the MV Film Center
7:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. WICKER is a 2026 romantic fantasy comedy-drama. On the outskirts of a village by the sea lives a Fisherwoman: smelly single and perpetually ridiculed. 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com
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
Spirits & Spirits: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue
8:30 pm, Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Spirts & Spirts: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue 508-696-6300, boxoffice@circuitarts.org
Halloween Ghostly Gala at Red Cat Kitchen
9 pm-12:30 am, Red Cat Kitchen, Oak Bluffs. Red Cat Kitchen presents: “Murder on the Dance Floor,” a ghostly gala featuring Drag Performances, Creepy Cabaret, Costume Contests, a DJ and more. 508-5607314, timothy@redcatkitchen.com Guests drink, laugh, share memories, and argue, but they are united in recognizing the Harlem Renaissance’s importance. “Art comes out of community, and it comes out of audaciousness,” Bearden says. Perhaps the remark by Regina Andrews, a librarian who hosted many social gatherings of the key artists and intellectuals at the time, sums it up best: “There was no way not to be caught up [in it]. In fact, you were pulled along in such a way, you couldn’t stop yourself.” “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” screens at the M.V. Film Center starting on Friday, Nov. 6. For tickets and information, visit mvfilmsociety.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 502-936-3599. 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1
The Night has a Thousand Eyes: A Music Street Concert
Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery
FREE Community Concert
Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Reading Group
4-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. This concert will feature lush duets and solo songs by acclaimed soprano Hannah Meloy and mezzo soprano SarahAnn Duffy. Free and open to all. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org
4 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. FREE Community Concert: Clarinetist Free Fairy Sculpture Trail Maryse Legault and all-stars from the acclaimed at Island Folk Pottery Handel and Haydn Society perform two 9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. The enchanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Sculpture Trail quintets 508-426-9825, mvcms@vineyard.net WICKER — at the MV Film Center meanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded 7:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard landscape populated with whimsical sculptures. Haven. WICKER is a 2026 romantic fantasy come508-955-9944, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com dy-drama. On the outskirts of a village by the sea “Honoring the Ancestors: What lives a Fisherwoman: smelly single and perpetualIs Remembered Lives” ly ridiculed. 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com 10 am, Unitarian Universalist Society of Master potter Juliet Ehrich’s Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Haven. Join us work by appointment on Sunday! uu.society.mv@gmail.com Oak Bluffs. Island sculptor, master potter, Celebrating Peter Boak’s and published arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich’s 30-years at TFCMV diversely themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be 10 am-1 pm, The Federated Church Of Marthas seen by appointment by calling 502-936-3599. Vineyard Meetinghouse, Edgartown. Celebrate 502-936-3599, juliet.ehrlich@gmail.com Peter Boak’s 30-years at TFCMV. All are invited. Sunday Service at 10AM Nov. 1st and reception. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Contact Pam B. for info: antispung@aol. Pilates Mixed Apparatus Class com 508-627-4421, antispung@aol.com 9-9:55 am, Vineyard Pilates & Bodywork, Meditation Vineyard Haven. This group equipment 10-11 am, Bodhi Path Buddhist Center, West class using Reformer and/or Tower and/ Tisbury. Group meditation, both in person at or Chair is designed for those with some Bodhi Path in West Tisbury and online via experience on the Pilates Apparatus. Zoom. marthasvineyard@bodhipath.org 508-696-6452, pilates@vineyardpilates.com Land Bank Guided Nature Walk -
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, Vineyard Haven Public Library. No qualifications, except a love of poetry. Send an email to vhpl_programs@ clamsnet.org to be added to the list. 508696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org
Mosaic Workshop Series with Courtney McCloskey
10:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Free and open to the public! For more information or to register, please email wt_mail@clamsnet.org 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org
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
For events for the full week scan code or visit mvtimes.com/things-to-do.
Squibnocket Pond Reservation, North 10 am-1 pm, Squibnocket Pond Reservation - North, Aquinnah. Join Land Bank staff on a guided walk of Squibnocket Pond Reservation North on Nov 1 at 10am. Meet at trailhead off State Road. Parking is limited. 508-294-6653, julie.russell@vineyardlandbank.com
A Gallery Art Pop Up
11 am-6:30 pm, Log Cabin building, West Tisbury. Art and Art Gifts : Local Contemporary Artists in all mediums and price ranges for the holidays. Thurs - Sun through December 30th. 508-939-0518, Agallerymv@hotmail.com
COLORS OF TIME — at the MV Film Center 1 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. A group of strangers, all descendants of a woman named Adèle Meunier, are gathered in Normandy. 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.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
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
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B10
community & calendar
October 29, 2026
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Maintenance Spring & Fall Clean-ups Native Planting • Renovations Mulching • Fertilizing Brushcutting Vegetable & Herb Gardens
METAL WORK
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Custom railings, gates, fireplace screens and hardware in wrought iron, bronze and stainless steel
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Build Stonework • Walls • Paths Patios • Trenching • Drainage Road & Parking • Bobcat Services • Water Features Light Excavation
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community & calendar B11
October 29, 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.
SWEAR retreat empowers fight against sexual assault
Senior SWEAR member Illana Bastista shared one of her main takeaways from this year’s retreat: “I think a lot of people are afraid to talk about certain issues that are uncomfortable or taboo, but that’s exactly why we need to have those conversations. To see boys’ perspectives shift and seeing how much we can learn from each other — at the end of the day, we’re all there because we want to change the patriarchal system we live in.”
Female students in the SWEAR program organized the walkout that took place on Oct. 8. Senior Emily DaSilva said, “During the protest I got chills, because it's a little unusual for people to collectively take action that soon. My guess is they did because of how Cornell responded to the incident, with an essay and suspension.” Senior River Maxner shared similar concerns about how the punish-
ments were dealt with by Cornell. “It made me really upset about how it was handled, because it just teaches offenders that they won't get in [serious] trouble, and that this kind of thing will continue happening,” she said. Emily also shared newfound worries about going to college next fall. “After Cornell, I’ve become more cautious with my surroundings,” she said. “I feel as if there should be more to help protect women or victims of sexual assault.” Matt stressed that he hopes SWEAR students carry on the work. “It would be amazing if these kids start SWEAR chapters at their college and work environments,” he said. “Of course, if they ever do want to do that and need help, that is what we are here for. They don't have to reinvent the wheel.” “We can’t expect things to change if we’re not willing to speak up when something is wrong,” Illana said. “It only takes one person to make other people realize the harm being done.” HSV
just my performance but everybody's performance, because they feel that the vibes are bad, and that can spread to everyone.” An additional data point showed that 38 percent of responders cited entertainment, including phone usage, TV, and video games, as a driving cause of later bedtimes.
Students often treat sleep as something they can catch up on later, without realizing the extent to which sleep is an essential part of being healthy and prepared to learn on a daily basis. Recognizing the problem is an important first step toward helping students focus more, and
feeling energized and ready to take on the school day. “I feel like students can learn time management by figuring out their priorities,” said Violet. “Allowing students not to attend extracurriculars or sports when failing a class could be helpful. Students should learn what's important to them.” HSV
BY MARIA BARROS AND GIOVANNA MESSINA
L
ast Sunday, members of the group Stand With Everyone Against Rape (SWEAR) embarked on their annual two-day retreat off-Island to Camp Burgess in Sandwich, where students and faculty engaged in conversation and learning around gender-based violence and rape culture. Arriving on Sunday, students participated in bonding activities that included a ropes course, and discussed topics like gender, the socialization of boys and manhood, pornography, rape culture, and what it is to be an active bystander. Their time together also served as an opportunity to plan this year’s schoolwide assembly, which will take place in the spring.
The retreat comes at a time of heightened national attention on sexual violence, as the Cornell Seven case has reignited outrage about accountability, and even prompted a student-led walkout at MVRHS two weeks ago. School adjustment counselors Matt Malowski and Amy Lilavois are co-advisors of the program. Matt said, “[What happened at Cornell] is exactly what we are trying to prevent through our SWEAR programming. Our mission is to end all forms of gender-based violence. The sad thing, among so many sad things that ended with a woman being assaulted, was that there were so many others who could have intervened and did not.”
SWEAR has been a vital program at MVRHS for the past 11 years. The initiative is predominantly led by male students, operating on a core belief that sexual violence isn’t solely a woman’s issue. The program runs in partnership with Connect to End Violence, the Martha’s Vineyard local rape-crisis center. “We try to teach the students how to be active bystanders and stop or prevent any harm being caused,” said Mr. Malowski. “We teach them how to do it in safe ways, but ways that are also effective and well researched, things like the 3 D's: be direct, delegate to someone else to help, or cause a distraction that will end the bad behavior.”
Running on empty: Students fall short on sleep BY ALICE SMITH, DIVYA RANDOLPH, AND ROMAN HADDAD
F
or many students at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS), getting enough sleep can be difficult. Between homework, sports, extracurricular activities, jobs, and time spent on phones, students often find themselves staying up later than they should, and as a result they struggle with schoolwork. The High School View recently administered a survey to gather information about sleep trends. The survey collected feedback from 137 students (out of the 703 currently enrolled). The data showed that 70 percent of students get less than eight hours of sleep a night, which is significant because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends teens get eight to
10 hours of sleep daily. Academic workload was another contributing factor to later sleep schedules, with data showing that 54 percent of participants referred to homework as an influence on their sleep habits. How students manage the workload naturally varies. Senior Jaydon Fuller tends to put off work until it builds up for him on the weekends. “When I start to think about all the assignments I have piled up after school, I definitely feel stressed about it, and sometimes I try to push it off even more,” he said. Junior Bernardo Mariano said, “Being tired during class makes me fall behind, and then it's hard for me to understand the subject and do well on assignments.” For student athletes, participating in school sports
can mean that you have to stay up later completing school work. Junior Zoe Higgins said a lack of sleep can influence her performance as a goalie on the soccer team. “When I’m more tired, I am not as aware as I should be, so I'm not putting 100 percent into practice. Usually my mood will shift, and I will get more agitated, which can prohibit me from learning during training,” she said. Sophomore Violet Meyers was recently cast in the school musical “The Sound of Music,” and anticipates a demanding rehearsal schedule on the way. Reflecting on her previous experience being involved in a play, she said, “When I don't get enough sleep and we get into the longer rehearsals, it badly affects not
JENNIFER RUSSELL
A group of SWEAR students work on planning the annual school assembly at last weekend’s retreat.
Students were given five responses under the questions “How many hours of sleep do you get per night?” “When do you get to bed every night?” “Why do you get to bed at the time that you do?” “When do you wake up every night?” and “Why do you wake up at the time that you do?" Forms were sent to every MVRHS student.
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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B12
community & calendar
October 29, 2026
M.V. CENTER FOR LIVING
DEMENTIA AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT Mary Holmes, Executive Director • 508-939-9440 maryh@mcventer4living.org • mvcenter4living.org A monthly newsletter from your local Councils on Aging and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living
Thank you to everyone who made our first Mah Jongg fundraising event a great success!
PO Box 1729, Vineyard Haven, MA Tel: 508-939-9440. By Mary Holmes
Announcements
November 2026 - Vol. 30, Issue 11
SHINE NEWS
Are you ready for Medicare Open Enrollment? SHINE can help! Medicare Open Enrollment runs from until Dec. 7 — and it’s the perfect time to review your current coverage, explore new options, and potentially save money. Certified SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselors are available by appointment at your local Council on Aging to guide you through the process.
needs, schedule your SHINE appointment early. Appointments are available in person, by phone, or virtually.
What should you do now? 1. Call your local Council on Aging or senior center to book a SHINE appointment. 2. Gather the following items to bring to your appointment: • Your Medicare A/B card By Sept. 30, all Medicare beneficiaries re• Your Medigap or Medicare Advantage ceived an Annual Notice of Coverage. This card document outlines any changes to your plan’s • Your Part D Prescription Drug Plan costs, benefits, or rules for the upcoming card (if applicable) year. It’s important to review this informa• A current list of medications and tion carefully. dosages (your pharmacy can help with this) Meeting with a SHINE counselor • Your Medicare.gov username and can help you: password (if you have an account • Understand your current Medicare — this saves time!) coverage • Compare health and prescription Prefer to explore plans online? drug plans Visit www.medicare.gov and click on • Identify cost-saving opportunities • Learn about public programs that may help “Find Health & Drug Plans” to compare options on your own. with premiums, copayments, and other expenses based on your income and assets Helpful contacts • Medicare: medicare.gov, 800-633-4227 Don’t wait — appointments fill up fast! • Social Security: ssa.gov, 800-772-1213 There is no cost to meet with a SHINE • Prescription Advantage: prescriptionadcounselor, and the potential savings can be significant. To avoid last-minute decisions or vantagema.org, 800-243-4636 • Cape Cod & Islands Regional staying in a plan that no longer meets your SHINE Program: 508-375-6762
• MVCL will be closed Wed, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day. We will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thu. and Fri,. Nov. 27-28. Wishing everyone peaceful holidays! • Van driver wanted $28.10/hr up to 15 hours/week. Enjoy beautiful M.V. by providing essential morning and afternoon transportation services for the Supportive Day Program at M.V. Center for Living. Applicants must submit to a CORI. Training is provided. Please contact Mary Holmes, 508939-9440 or maryh@mvcenter4living.org, for more information or to apply. • The center is welcoming volunteers for all interests! Call or email today.
Regular programs
Mon.-Fri.: 9 am – 3 pm, Supportive Day Program Wed.: Memory Support Group, 10 am-11:30 am Thu.: Music and Memory Cafe, Nov. 19, 10:30 am-noon Fri.: 10 – 11:15 am, Dementia Caregiver Support Group on Zoom. Call for a link! 11am – noon, Open House *Special Halloween Dance Party on Oct. 30, 11am to noon!*
Services
Fees may apply. Call for more information. Supportive Day Program, Activity and social program Respite Innovations, Home visits Dementia coaching, To make home life easier Support groups, Professionally led for caregivers and those experiencing memory changes Resources and education, Removing stigma and learning strategies
The Supportive Day Program (SDP) is a daily program for older adults who may experience memory challenges or disability. Enriching activities and a family-style lunch create a day of community engagement, purpose, and meaning. Equally important is the respite provided for caregivers. When a caregiver has time for rest and self-care, the quality of life for all improves. Call Stacey Northrop (ext. 102) to learn about registration. Respite Innovations brings person-centered engagement into the home, and affords caregivers time to take care of themselves. Call Ann Baird at MVCL if you are a caregiver who would benefit from a break! 508-939-9440, ext. 105.
Resources and education
The Family Caregiver Support Program advocates for caregivers, providing memory screenings, family meeting facilitation, ongoing Alzheimer’s and dementia education, and referrals to programs that can support your caregiving efforts. Our services at MVCL provide meaningful tools and tips for a better caregiving experience. We support any caregiver living on Martha’s Vineyard, or who is caring from afar for someone living here. Caregiver counseling can help you navigate the system of public and private care for the best plan to meet your needs. Consultation can be provided in the home, at our office, or over the phone. We can meet with caregivers individually or as a family. Dementia Friends USA is part of a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. By providing a free, one-hour Dementia Friends information session for your staff, you are helping the community better serve our neighbors. Contact Mary Holmes, Dementia Friends champion, at maryh@mvcenter4living.org or 508-9399440 to arrange a free session today!
CORE Ann Baird • 508-693-7900, ext. 210 • mvcommunityservices.org Counseling, Outreach, and Referral for the Elderly (CORE) at M.V. Community Services works with at-risk and mostly homebound seniors in the community,
addressing significant physical, behavioral health, social, and casemanagement needs of seniors age 60-plus, at no cost to the client.
NOVEMBER 2026 PUBLISHED THE LAST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH IN THE
To advertise email
adsales@mvtimes.com
Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Supportive Day Program Mary Holmes, Executive Director Program hours: Monday through Friday 9 am - 3 pm.
Call 508-939-9440 for information and referrals.
· Increase your energy and feel great · Navigate Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) and other food allergies · Prevent diabetes, heart disease & chronic inflammation Prudence Athearn Levy, MS, RDN, LDN Josh Levy, MS, RDN, LDN
To learn more call 508-627-3235 or visit vineyardnutrition.com
Thanksgiving Dinner
If you are alone or unable to go out on Thanksgiving, please call your local Council on Aging by Monday, Nov. 16, to order your meal. Meals will be delivered on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Island Elderly Housing residents, please call Mary Gosselin at 508-693-7009 to order.
MVRHS Senior Luncheon
LET US HELP YOU: · With a non-diet approach to weight loss · Lower your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
Veterans’ Day March
From Nancy’s to the Soldiers’ Memorial Monument, Oak Bluffs. Whether marching or supporting from the sidelines, please join us for the Veterans’ March on Wed., Nov. 11, at 10:45. Anyone marching should line up in front of Nancy’s Restaurant in Oak Bluffs no later than 10:30 am. The parade steps off at 10:45 sharp.
Chronic Low Back Pain or Sciatica?
Get your FREE screening today
Did you know Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain? All services covered by Medicare Your comprehensive program for pain free movement Medicare covers acupuncture when ordered by a physician. Contact your doctor today. 238 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Rd, Edgartown, MA • vcmpt.com
Enjoy a three-course dining experience prepared by the Culinary Arts Department at M.V. Regional High School in their Culinary Dining Room with live music. 11 am seating, lunch is served at 11:15 am. Reservations required, call 508-939-9440. Reservations may be made for no more than four people at a time. $15 (cash/check). Nov. 12 menu coming soon to mvcenter4living.org. Luncheon calendar: Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 18, April 15, May 13.
MV Mediation
SCAN TO BO O K or call
(508) 693 3800 Fax (508) 693 7473
Serving our community by providing education, outreach, mediation, conflict coaching, facilitation, and related services to help prevent and resolve conflicts. mvmediation.org, 508-693-2999.
Emergency Food Program
For emergency food, please contact your local Council on Aging.
community & calendar B13
October 29, 2026
HEALTHY AGING MARTHA’S VINEYARD
EDGARTOWN COUNCIL ON AGING
Cindy Trish, Executive director • 508-618-5134, ctrish@hamv.org
Lyndsay Famariss, Director • 508-627-4368
Who is your Healthy Agers champion?
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to support older adults on Martha’s Vineyard? Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard (HAMV) is seeking nominations for our annual Healthy Agers Champion Award! This award recognizes an individual who helps older adults thrive through leadership, advocacy, service, collaboration, or innovation. Whether they are a volunteer, caregiver, neighbor, community leader, professional, or simply someone who makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we want to hear about them. Help us celebrate the people who make Martha’s Vineyard a stronger, healthier, and more connected community for older adults. Nominations are open through November, with the 2026 Healthy Agers Champion honored in December. To nominate, email laurenbagnall@hamv.org. For the online form, visit hamv.org, navigate to “What We Do,” then click on the “Healthy Agers Champion Award” page.
Your voice matters: Take the Community Health Equity Survey
Your experience should help shape the future of your community.
Across Massachusetts, decisions are made every day about community needs, priorities, programs, and resources. The Community Health Equity Survey (CHEI) gives you an opportunity to share your experiences, needs, and hopes for the future. Your responses help local organizations better understand the needs of their communities, advocate for equitable policies, apply for funding, and develop programs and services that make a difference. At the state level, survey data helps identify health and social needs, address inequities, and ensure resources reach the communities that need them most. The survey is: • Voluntary and completely anonymous • Does not ask for identifying information such as your name, phone number, or email • Allows you to skip any question • Combines responses with others so individual answers remain anonymous To take the survey, visit mass.gov/communityhealth-equity-survey, or for a printed version, contact Cindy Trish at HAMV, 508-618-5134.
UP-ISLAND COUNCIL ON AGING Bethany Hammond, Director • 508-693-2896 Mondays • Balletics, 9 am • Strength and Fitness, virtual, 9 and 9:35 am • Yoga, virtual, 9:15 am • Parkinson’s Support Group, second and fourth Mondays at 1 pm Tuesdays • Strength and Fitness, virtual, 9 and 9:35 am • Keeping the Balance, 10 am • Duplicate bridge, 1 to 4 pm • Bowling at the Barn, Bowl and Bistro, 11:30 to 1 pm. Lunch and bowling for $10! Let them know you are with the Up-Island COA. Wednesdays • Attorney Conni Baker, second Wednesday by appointment: 508-477-4502 • Yoga, virtual, 9:15 am • Aging GREATfully, first and third Wednesdays, 10 am • Mah Jong, 1 to 3 pm • Cribbage, 1 to 3 pm Thursdays • Strength and Fitness, virtual 9 and 9:35 am • Balletics, 9 am • Tech Pro help, 11 am
• Weekly Luncheon, 12:30 pm(sign up by the Monday before) • Wellness Clinic with VNA nurse, third Thursday, 12:15 to 1:15 pm Fridays • Food distribution, fourth Friday • Strength and Fitness, virtual, 9 and 9:35 am • Yoga, virtual, 9:15 am • Keeping the Balance, 10 am • Watercolor Painting, 1 pm *SPECIAL EVENTS • Tuesday, Nov. 10, Lunch and games at the Chilmark Community Center at noon. Call to sign up: 508-693-2896 • Friday, Nov. 6, Lunch and Learn at the Chilmark library, 11:30-1 pm. Topic: “AlphaGal and the Holidays.” • Thursday, Nov. 19t Friendsgiving at the Chilmark Community Center, noon. Call to sign up: 508-693-2896. We will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day, and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27, for Thanksgiving.
TISBURY COUNCIL ON AGING Catie Blake, Director • 508-696-4205 WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Mondays 8:15 am, Tai Chi with Shaka 9:30 - 10:30 am, Line Dancing with Catie 1 - 3 pm, Silver Quilters 1 - 3 pm, Mah Jong 11:30 am, Bowling at the Barn Call on Monday to make a lunch reservation for Thursday: 508-693-4393, ext. 466 Tuesdays 8:30 - 9:30 am, Earlybird Fitness 10 - 11am, Fitness with Catie 11:05 - noon, Chair Volleyball Wednesdays 9 am, Playreaders with discussion 1 pm, Shredding with Cynthia (Living Room) 1 pm, Ukulele Players 1 pm, Pick-Up Ping Pong (lower level) noon, Knitting Studio 1:30 pm, Canasta Thursdays 8:30 - 9:30 am, Earlybird Fitness 10 -11 am, Fitness with Catie 11:05 - noon am, Cornhole Lunch at noon. Reservations are to be made
on the prior Monday. Call Nicole at 508-6934393, ext. 466. $4 suggested donation. Fridays 11:15 - 12:15 pm, Chair Volleyball 1 pm, Tai Chi with Shaka Announcements Visit our website, tisburycoa.com • Sound Bath, Tue., Nov. 10, 1 pm, with Trisha Grinter. No sign-up is necessary! Bring a mat, blanket, and pillow. • Observing Veteran’s Day, Wed., Nov, 11 • Thanksgiving Break: Half-Day, Nov. 25, closed Nov. 26. • Free Legal Advice with Atty. Bergeron, Thursday, Nov. 12. Please call 508-696-4205 for an appointment. • Blood Pressure Check, Friday, Nov. 20, at noon (third Friday of each month) • Food Rescue every M-F, 9:45 am • Please call 508-696-4205 to borrow or donate medical equipment. We have a large supply. Before you buy, check with us. • Call for info on legal help, the home modification program, shopping assistance, more!
Weekly events Monday 12:30 pm: Bridge 11:30 am: Edgartown Bowlers Tuesday Edgartown Shopping Shuttle; call the Anchors to register. 9 am: Yoga with Carol Vega 10 am: Knitting noon: Tuesday lunch 1:15 pm: Mah Jongg Wednesday 9:30 am: Tai Chi 12:30 pm: Bridge Thursday Morning SHINE Appointments with Silvia Vogt; call to schedule 9:30 am: Intro to Tai Chi noon-1 pm: Souper Thursday. Free! Friday 9-11 am: Men’s Group noon: Friday Cafe 1:15 pm: Mah Jongg November calendar Please visit edgartowncoa.com for more information on programs and services. All are welcome! Register for programs in advance by calling 508-627-4368. • Tues. & Fri. lunches: Meals served at noon. Call by noon the day before to register. Visit edgartowncoa.com for our menu. • VTA/ECOA Shuttle on Tuesdays. The bus will pick up residents at their homes, take them to Stop & Shop, pharmacy, Post Office, and/or the ECOA, and home. Please sign up by Friday at noon for Tuesday. • Nov. 2, 16, and 30: Cuts for Seniors by Dee Dee. By appointment only. Call the Anchors. Cuts for $20, or Cut and Blow-Dry for $30.
• Nov. 3: Wellness Clinic and blood pressure checks during lunch. Drop-in noon-1 pm • Nov. 4: Hearing checks with Shawn Woodbrey of At Home Hearing. Call for an appointment. Also available on the second Wednesday of the month. • Nov. 10: 11 am, Coffee with a Cop. Come learn what’s new at the EPD. • Nov. 12: noon-1 pm, Free Balance Screenings during Souper Thursday. Carley Smith, physical therapist from Vineyard Complementary Medicine will join us for screenings and tips to improve your balance and safety. • Nov. 13: Drop-in Tech Help with Rizwan Malik. • Nov. 13: The ECOA annual Veterans Lunch in honor of our Island service members. Free for all veterans. Space is limited, call and register in advance. Priority will be given to veterans. • Nov. 16: Last day to order a home-delivered Thanksgiving meal from MVH. Call Victoria to register. • Nov. 16: 1-3 pm. Sight Loss Support Group. If this will be your first time attending, please register by calling 508-394-3904. • Nov. 18: SHINE virtual consultations with Bill Redmond at the Anchors. • Nov. 19: 12:30 pm, Adele Dreyer’s Lyrical Piano Lounge. Sit back and enjoy listening in a relaxed environment with good company and a free bowl of soup. • Nov. 20: noon, Birthday Cafe to celebrate November birthdays. The Anchors will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to honor Veterans Day, and on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
OAK BLUFFS COUNCIL ON AGING Rose Cogliano, Director • 508-693-4509 Weekly activities Daily: Beverages and Snacks All Day, 9 am-3 pm Mondays • Exercise with Patience Campell and Marilyn Miller. In person or on Zoom, 9 am. • Chair Volleyball, 1-2 pm • Blood Pressure Clinic with Nurse Faith Laskaris, noon-1 pm, Nov. 9 and 23 Tuesdays • Cornhole, 1-2 pm • Crochet and Knitting, 1-3 pm • Peticare with Debbie., biweekly at 10 am. Dates: Nov. 3 and 17. Call for a reservation. All pets must be leashed or crated. • Wellness Clinic, Nov. 10 at 12:30 pm. This wonderful program has returned to OBCOA in collaboration with the Oak Bluffs board of health and the VNA! • BOWLING IS BACK! The OBOCA Senior Bowling Program for the 2026–27 season is running on Tuesdays. Please contact Rose at rcogliano@oakbluffsma. gov or 508-693-4509, ext. 3, for additional info. • OBCOA and OBPD Luncheon Nov. 10 at noon. Call to make your reservations. • Matter of Balance, 2-3:30 pm. A collaboration between HAMV and Island Councils on Aging, this program is now at the OBCOA. Lauren Bagnall will share her knowledge and expertise regarding balance, exercise, and health. We are presently full, but plan on offering the program in January 2027. Wednesdays • Coffee with a Cop, Nov. 4 at 10:30 am. Come join Chief Searle for informative and interesting conversation! • Let’s Talk, Stroke and Memory Support Group, biweekly, 9:30 am Nov. 4, 10 am Nov. 18 • Bingo, 1-3 pm, Nov. 4, Nov. 18. Thursdays • Exercise with Bill White, 9 am in person or on Zoom. • Chair Volleyball, 1-3 pm
• Crochet and Knitting, 1-3 pm • Pizza Party! Please call Rose at 508693-4509, ext. 3, to reserve your spot. No reservation, no pizza! Nov. 5 and 19 at 1 pm. Fridays • Tai Chi with Floyd Lifton, 9 am in person or on Zoom. • Back to OBCOA! Cell Phone Mastery, 11 am-1 pm, Nov. 6, 13, 20. • Game Day, noon-3 pm, Nov. 6. 13, 20. Monthly programs • Nov. 4, Coffee, Tea, and Conversations with a Cop. Meet Chief Searle and his great team! Refreshments served. 10:30 am • Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, 10:30 am in person on Thursday, Nov. 19, live on Zoom. • Social Security video display program, Nov. 30 at 9:30 am. Call for an appointment. • Open Enrollment/SHINE. Please contact us to schedule an appointment if you have any insurance needs, questions, updates. Call 508-693-4509, ext. 3. • Outreach with Susan von Steiger, 508-693-4509, ext. 4. Applications and forms preparation Durable medical equipment Fuel assistance, by appointment with Susan Insurance assistance Lifeline Social Security video display program SNAP Reassurance phone calls Rose’s wish list We need adjustable metal canes with four prongs. Please consider donating them to us to provide for our seniors’ use! Thank you for the donations of durable medical equipment we have received! HAPPY NOVEMBER 2026! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, HAPPY BEGINNING OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
B14
community & calendar
October 29, 2026
SCREENING
A
compilation of scenes from a work-in-progress documentary about the artist Edward Gorey will screen on Oct. 30 at the M.V. Film Center. As a longtime Gorey fan, I jumped on the opportunity to write about this project. But when I reached out to Christopher Seufert, the director and producer of the film, and asked him to send me a link to what he’d be showing, he said it was still too much inprogress. Instead he sent me a digital copy of his new book, “Memento Gorey: The Last Interviews with Edward Gorey,” and a trailer he made for the book. After a week of checking in with him — Anything yet? What about now? My deadline for this article is approaching — Seufert sent me a scene that will be included in Friday night’s work-in-progress screening, as well as a second trailer. While it wasn’t much to go on, I have to say it was worth the wait. Edward Gorey was known for being wildly inventive, darkly humorous, and mockingly macabre. His meticulously detailed drawings and prints were often done in black and white, with some splashes of color. He published more than 100 books for children and adults, with titles such as “Amphigorey,” “The Hapless Child,” and “The Headless Bust: A Melancholy Meditation on the False Millennium.” Many of his books were alphabet books, unlike any others I know of (“N is for Neville who died of ennui”). MV Times readers of a certain age will recall the opening animation for the PBS show “Mystery.” That was Gorey. Vanity Fair called his work “dark masterpieces of surreal morality.” A reporter for the Washington Post once wrote, “Through his genius and industry, he created a whole climate of the imagination.” Radio host Christopher Lydon described Gorey as an “American genius eccentric.” Gorey was also a playwright. In 1977, “Edward Gorey’s Dracula” opened on Broadway and won two Tony awards. He also created experimental theatrical pieces, often using puppets, on Cape Cod, where he lived from 1983 until his death in April 2000. Seufert grew up on the Cape, left, and returned home with a degree in filmmaking in 1996. He wasn’t familiar with Gorey’s work, but people kept telling him, “You should check out this guy.” So he went to the bookstore, and was immediately intrigued. He explained, “I didn't really understand his artwork or what he was trying to do. It was all fairly surreal and also nonsensical. I thought he probably would make a great documentary subject; you know, who turns out this stuff and what kind of life must this person have.” Gorey wasn’t as reclusive as novelists J.D. Salinger or Thomas Pynchon, but he was a private man, and gave very few interviews.
Edward Gorey,right, and director Christopher Seufert. KIMBERLY ROBBINS
Edward Gorey documentary to screen The life of a private artist. BY KATE FEIFFER Seufert wrote him a letter introducing himself. Gorey agreed to talk to him if Seufert would videotape his new play “Heads Will Roll,” which was scheduled for a two-night
run in Woods Hole. Seufert suggested that instead of getting paid, they ”consider it test footage for a possible documentary.” Seufert continued interviewing Gorey for the
next few years. His final interview with him was six months before he died at the age of 75. Seufert will be on hand after the screening Friday for a live talk to discuss the making of the film, his time spent with Gorey, and to talk about his book — which will be for sale at the event. The book contains some of the unedited transcripts of the interviews Seufert conducted with Gorey. These are not traditional interviews. They are conversational, and often about rather random things. It also has transcripts from interviews with Gorey’s friends, and artists, like Daniel Handler of “Lemony Snicket,” whose work was influenced by Gorey. While the book doesn’t have Gorey’s artwork in it, Seufert meticulously photographed his house, which was filled with books and artifacts. But the photographs go beyond capturing Gorey’s various collections, his studio, and what he chose to hang on his walls. Some are intimately revealing; there is a photo of his unmade bed and the inside of his fridge. Edited versions of the interviews will be in the film. But Seufert said he felt a responsibility “to put the interviews out in a raw form so that people could have them …. They were Edward’s last interviews, and so they can be a primary source material for people.” And you can find those in the book. Seufert explained that neither the book nor the film will focus on Gorey’s artwork, noting that there are already numerous excellent books and articles examining Gorey the artist. Rather, “it's about the person behind the work,” he said. He described his approach to making the film as a cinéma vérité approach. “There’s no narrator. It's more of a fly-on-the-wall thing,” he explained. That said, the few clips I saw were largely animated sequences, with voices from an interview Seufert conducted. For a Gorey fan, and I suspect anyone who is new to the magnificent world of Edward Gorey, these clips are wonderful to watch. So as not to disqualify the film from festivals after it is completed, Seufert wanted to make absolutely sure that this event was promoted as a work-in-progress screening (yes, that’s in italics). In fact he said, “The hour that I show that night may end up being cut in the end.” I assured him that I would write about the showing as a workin-progress, and I can assure MVTimes readers that seeing the sausage being made, especially a sausage about someone as iconoclastic and interesting as Edward Gorey, should be a worthwhile night out. The work-in-progress film about Edward Gorey with a Q and A with filmmaker Christopher Seufert will screen at the M.V. Film Center on Oct. 30 at 7pm. Seufert will also be signing books at Edgartown Books on Oct. 31, from 2 to 4 pm.
Gorey agreed to talk to him if Seufert would videotape his new play “Heads Will Roll.” Seufert suggested that instead of getting paid, they ”consider it test footage for a possible documentary.”
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community & calendar B15
October 29, 2026
D I N E 1
2
PHOTOS: ELLA MUNNELLY
W
aterside Market is a yearround, locally owned family business right at the top of Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Waterside offers allday breakfast and lunch options. The restaurant is part of the Just One Bite Restaurant Group complex, along with Fish and the Attic. It’s also an Island institution — a quick stop for those getting off the ferry to grab some coffee, and for locals, it has been an integral part of the Island fabric. My co-worker Nicki Galland and I went to Waterside for lunch recently. Aside from diverse lunch and breakfast menus, they have a large cooler filled with a variety of beverages to go, a long table of delectable treats, like cookies and muffins, and even some merchandise that included beautiful woven baskets. Folks can eat inside, or outside on the deck, or order takeout. Waterside has been around awhile, and serves as a wonderful gathering place for the community. “For years, when we were rehearsing things at the Playhouse, Waterside would be our go-to place during a lunch break, so my perception is that it is the workhorse of Vineyard Haven,” Galland said.
4
Waterside Market and Cafe A neighborhood hub with delicious eats. BY ALLISON ROBERTS Waterside’s breakfast menu has several options, including breakfast sandwiches with a fried egg, Cabot Cheddar and choice of meat or avocado on toast or an English muffin. There are Eggs Benedict, and Lobster Benedict with two poached eggs over English muffins and home fries. For those who crave a sweet breakfast, you can order Cinnamon French Toast, with thick sliced cinnamon bread that’s grilled and served with pow-
dered sugar and maple syrup, and more. The lunch menu has a nice variety of choices, like the Farmhouse sandwich, with sliced roasted chicken, baby spinach, balsamic onion jam, uncured nitrate-free bacon, and maple-pecan goat cheese on toasted ciabatta; the John Alden, with house-roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, greens, and mayo on toasted ciabatta; and the Lucy Vincent, with harissa-
The lunch menu has a nice variety of choices, like the Farmhouse sandwich, with sliced roasted chicken, baby spinach, balsamic onion jam, uncured nitrate-free bacon, and maplepecan goat cheese on toasted ciabatta. 1. The farmhouse sandwich at the Waterside Market and Cafe: sliced roast chicken, baby spinach, balsamic onion jam, uncured nitratefree bacon, and maple-pecan goat cheese on toasted ciabatta. 2. The Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2016. 3. The market cafe is nestled between its sister resta urants, the Attic, upstairs, and Fish next door. 4. The lunch spread included a couple of sandwiches, the Cobb Salad, and an offering of signature drinks packaged via the new canning machine. 5. The (vegan) Lucy Vincent sandwich: harissa-roasted cauliflower, vegan garlic aioli, spinach, pickled red onions, and smashed garbanzo beans.
5
3
roasted cauliflower, vegan garlic aioli, spinach, pickled red onions, and smashed garbanzo beans. Galland and I both got the Lucy Vincent. “This is proof that cauliflower is not boring,” Galland declared. “It was rich and flavorful and textured without being tough, and the ciabatta was incredibly light and fluffy, which is necessary given the fullness of the cauliflower. The red onions were a perfectly satisfying sassy tang to brighten the overall effect.” I concur. Delicious. We ended our meal with our usual treat — a chocolate chip cookie, which was a definite winner. “This chocolate chip cookie was fantastic — the dough is pretty much just a chocolate delivery system,” Galland said. Check out Waterside Market and Cafe, 82 Main St., Vineyard Haven, watersidemarket.com.
B16
community & calendar
October 29, 2026
Wild Side BY MATT PELIKAN
The wonders of reproduction.
Seeds of change in the air
A
s October ages, Nature changes gears. In the plant world, the final flowers senesce, their colors replaced by objects that are much more drab, but even more remarkable. We’ve entered seed season. The primary purpose of seeds, of course, is reproduction. From the plant’s perspective, a seed represents a substantial investment of resources by an individual plant, made so that the species as a whole will survive. Depending on your perspective, this process is either remarkably effective or a woeful exercise in inefficiency. On the positive side, seeds generally get the job done. Plant species persist, spread, move, and over the very long term, evolve by means of their seeds. The sheer abundance and diversity of plant life argues that this process works well. Each seed contains the beginning of a new plant, a few cells formed from the union of male genes, carried on pollen grains, with ovaries, or the female parts of flowers. Almost invariably, seeds also contain stored energy in the form of carbohydrates or oils, a little reserve of energy and nutrition to help a new sprout get started. Also universal are structures to protect the nascent plant and its stash of energy: To one degree or another, seeds are generally enclosed in hard and weather-resistant shells that guard against foraging
insects, too much or too little moisture, or abrasion. Moreover, many types of seeds are equipped with features aimed at dispersal. Plants, of course, are literally rooted in place, and it is generally through their seeds that they explore and colonize new locations. The strategies are many and varied. Some species of violets, for example, produce seeds coated in sugar, encouraging ants to collect them as food and thereby drag the seeds across the landscape. Jewelweed, sometimes known as touch-me-not, produces spring-loaded seed pods that burst upon the lightest touch when fully mature, launching seeds on trajectories that may take them several feet from their source. It doesn’t sound like much, but over generations, this dispersal method lets a stand of jewelweed move to remain in salubrious conditions. Many other plants, most famously the milkweeds, take to the air on ethereal tufts of fiber. On a warm and calm autumn day, you can toss a milkweed seed into the air and watch it rise out of sight on a column of ascending heated air. Who knows where it will end up? Packaged in their resistant coating, seeds can persist for an amazingly long time, waiting for the right conditions to sprout. Clear a Vineyard woodlot, and meadow flowers often pop up, taking advantage of an ecological change that they have waited patiently for across decades. For some plants, a long latent period seems to be the
Aster seeds poised to disperse.
Mature milkweed seeds await a favorable wind.
Ripe seeds of little bluestem grass.
PHOTOS: MATTHEW PELIKAN
Packaged in their resistant coating, seeds can persist for an amazingly long time, waiting for the right conditions to sprout. rule, not the exception. Perhaps it’s a strategy to prevent an enemy, such as a specialized seed predator, from growing too common.
I recall, some years back, a one-season burst of a little wildflower called coastal jointweed in my neighborhood. The species was ab-
sent, then briefly abundant along roadsides and in vacant lots, and then absent again. But I’m confident that myriad seeds persist in the
soil, awaiting some inscrutable set of conditions to launch another generation. On the less positive side, the process of reproducing by seeds is fraught with failure. It’s helpful to remember that in a stable population, adult individuals only produce enough offspring to replace themselves. If a plant cranks out hundreds or thousands of seeds over its lifetime, only one or two may survive to adulthood. Most of the rest simply die, eaten by something or decaying after winding up in a place that doesn’t offer suitable conditions for either persistence or germination. But if this circumstance equals inefficiency for the plant, it represents vast bounty from the point of view of the broader ecosystem. Those resources stored in a seed can easily be diverted to serve the needs of other organisms. Most of the Vineyard’s songbird species, for instance, feed primarily on insects during the warmer months — an abundant, protein-rich, energy-laden diet that is especially important for growing nestlings. But in winter, with arthropods much harder to find, the birds that remain here shift largely to a diet of seeds, deploying a wide range of foraging methods to find and devour the surplus product of countless plants. Seeds are easy to take for granted. And humans, with our fondness for conspicuous color and interesting structure, tend to value flowers more highly than we do the seeds that follow. But in the plant’s view, the flower is just a means to an end, and it is the seed, the final product, that really matters. The boundless creativity of evolution has worked for tens of millions of years to invent seeds that are rugged, well-provisioned, and capable of moving. And individual plants invest a substantial portion of available resources into seed production. The result is twofold. The plants themselves persist and, if necessary, even relocate. And the surplus production, all those seeds that don’t successfully germinate, represent a critical source of energy and nutrition for countless other organisms. The natural world, it’s fair to say, runs on seeds.
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