MV Times September 10, 2026

Remembering 9/11 through service A4

Thursday, September 10, 2026

THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD TIMES

Volume 43, Issue No. 36

2 Sections

Trying to stay afloat

Price $1.00

SSA embarks on a new revenue formula. BY EUNKI SEONWOO

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NICHOLAS VUKOTA

he Steamship Authority (SSA) says it is attempting to make ends meet amid a decline in revenue caused by a slight decrease in passengers, surging diesel fuel costs, and a new call by local officials to potentially quadruple fees that help recoup municipal expenses. The compounding factors are raising questions of whether the costs will be passed onto passengers in the form of higher fares, and a call for state legislation that would allow the SSA to raise what are known as “embarkation fees.” Oak Bluffs sent state legislators representing the Island a letter on August 28 calling for a quadrupling of embarkation fees, which are paid by ferry services that depart with passengers from the town. Oak Bluffs is joined in its frustration by Tisbury, which is considering a similar call for increases to the fees, with both towns, which host ferry terminals, insisting that they are unfairly called upon to subsidize SSA operations and that they can no longer afford to do so. The letter, unanimously approved by the Oak Bluffs Select Board on August 25, calls for an increase to the fees from 50 cents to $2. It also asks for the implementation of an annual adjustment based on the local consumer price index (CPI) to keep up with inflation. Embarkation fees, passed in 2003 and overseen by the state Department of Revenue, allow communities in Dukes, Nantucket, Barnstable, and Bristol counties to charge the fee on all ferry trips that depart from municipalities in these areas, excluding boat services that are licensed to carry only up to 100 passengers. These municipalities include all of the places with Steamship Authority facilities: Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, Falmouth, Barnstable, Nantucket, New Bedford, and Fairhaven. The fees are used to Continued on A8

New faces on first day of school Three new administrators take the reins this school year. BY SARA CREATO Jonathan Searle greeted the incoming families. As children happily reunited with their friends and teachers in the background, Light emphasized that the first day of school is about teachers forming connections with their new students.

Nonprofit unveils plan for former Aquinnah Shop I Wampanoag women-led organization presents mission to restore tribal relationship to land.

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BY HAYLEY DUFFY

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t was standing-room-only at Stillpoint in West Tisbury last Wednesday night when a group of Aquinnah Wampanoag women publicly unveiled a mission years in the making: to restore the relationship between tribal people and the land throughout Martha’s Vineyard, or Noepe. The event was also an introduction to the Aquinnah Land Initiative (ALI), a nonprofit land conservation organization formed in 2023 and led by five women of the Continued on A9

Lydia Heath, whose daughter, Nikita, is entering the first grade, said that this year will be marked by new friendships, growth, and learning. “She’ll be able to tell the time by the end of the school year,” Heath Continued on A6

The forensics of a shark bite Q and A with marine biologist Greg Skomal who confirms Island’s first unprovoked shark bite.

t’s now confirmed that a woman in her late 20s who was pulled from the water off Norton Point last Monday with wounds to her lower leg suffered the first unprovoked shark bite on the Island in recent memory. Greg Skomal, a marine biologist with the state Division of Marine Fisheries and a top shark expert, told The Times Wednesday that the wounds were undoubtedly caused by a shark bite, most likely from a sandbar shark, also known as a brown shark. Skomal worked closely with hospital staff on Martha’s Vineyard over the past week to examine medical photographs to get a sense of the nature of the wounds, uncover any other details that were relative to the incident from first responders and others on the scene, and confirm whether this was indeed the first unprovoked shark bite on the Island in recent memory. Though Skomal’s conclusion is based on conversations with first responders, hospital staff, and some others on the scene, there was no evidence at the time of the bite that there

BY HAYLEY DUFFY was a shark, like commotion at the surface, birds feeding, or bait fish in the area. Still, he confirmed this was a shark bite. He theorized that the shark was moving through the edge of the beach at Norton Point, on the South Shore in Edgartown, and the victim was moving in a way that triggered the shark to think she was a “potential prey item,” but based on the extent of the wound, “it was not to the extent that the shark was trying to feed.” The Times’ environmental reporter and managing editor Hayley Duffy spoke to Skomal in a brief interview Wednesday afternoon. Here is an abbreviated transcript.

Hayley Duffy: What is your conclusion? Do you think it was a shark bite?

HAYLEY DUFFY

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arents and their children — from preschool to high school students — across the Island kicked off a new school year on a sunny Tuesday morning this week. Outside the Oak Bluffs School, Principal Jeremy Light and Oak Bluffs Police Chief

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The Aquinnah Wampanoag Powwow B8

Greg Skomal: I have no doubt that it is definitely

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news

September 10, 2026

news in brief Shark sightings at Lucy Vincent Shark sightings at Lucy Vincent Beach led beach staff to prohibit swimming for a portion of Friday. Martina Mastromonaco, Chilmark beach superintendent, told The Times that a drone deployed by the town’s fire department confirmed roughly four sharks, suspected to be makos, under the feeder fish they were eating. The sharks seemed to eventually head in the direction of Squibnocket, though Mastromonaco didn’t get an update from the drone operator, Chilmark Firefighter John Mayhew. Mastromonaco said the first of the sharks was seen at 8:30 am, and beach staff even “witnessed them jumping out of the water.” Swimming was allowed again at noon. Mastromonaco said this was the third shark sighting this summer for Chilmark, a first in her 30 years working for the town, and recommended people remain vigilant when in the ocean. “It is the ocean,” she said. “They’re out there.” The sighting follows what was confirmed to be a shark bite at Norton Point last week.

Tentative agreement reached in VTA negotiations A contract agreement has been reached for local bus drivers. Now the drivers will need to vote on whether the contract passes muster. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1548, the union that represents Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) drivers, announced Sept. 3, “The union and the company have reached a tentative agreement to avoid a strike pending ratification in mid-September.” Charles Ryan, union president, declined to comment until the vote on Sept. 17. There have been tense negotiations between the union and Transit Connection, the company contracted to hire, train, and schedule vehicle operators and staff for the Island’s public bus line. The most recent contract expired on July 31, and the union threatened to go on strike if its demands, such as higher pay for drivers, allowance for vacations during the summer, and making Memorial Day and Independence Day holidays for unionized drivers, were not met. The threat of a strike was a concern for local riders who highlighted that disruption to service would impact their daily lives. And after letters were issued by both sides making their cases to the Island’s select boards, with the union even calling for the resignation of VTA Administrator Angie Gompert, the bus line’s side seems to have won out. Gompert told The Times that the agreement that was signed was based on the wage raises proposed by the VTA. Drivers’ hourly pay would increase by $1 per hour, starting retroactive to August 1, with another $1-anhour increase in December. The $1-an-hour increase would be applied annually each year until 2028. While additional holidays weren’t added, Gompert said Labor Day was proposed as a day drivers get paid “double time.” “It’s a good increase,” Gompert said, adding she was glad an agreement was reached that works for the organization financially and for the community, as well as increases drivers’ pay. Gompert noted that the VTA also experienced record ridership this fiscal year, July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. During this time, the VTA transported 1.39 million passengers, which Gompert said beat the previous record in fiscal year 2016 by almost 10,000.

Home of ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ creator sold Another home that belonged to a creator of childhood memories has been sold to new owners. The Edgartown home of Norman Bridwell, the creator of the beloved children’s book series “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” was sold to an Ohio-based limited liability company last week.

Eastern Bank, the trustee of the Norma Bridwell Trust, which shares the name of Norman Bridwell’s wife, sold 49 High St. to Big Red Dog MV LLC on Sept. 1 for $3.65 million. The LLC manager is listed as Dulaney Anning of Cincinnati, Ohio, according to the business entity database run by the secretary of the commonwealth of Massachusetts’ office. The company’s resident agent is listed as CT Corporation System, a business compliance management service run by Wolters Kluwer, a Dutch multinational corporation that offers various services and software for professionals in various industries. Norman Bridwell died in 2014, and Norma Bridwell entered the property into the trust in 2016. She died last year in October. Alyssa Halisky of Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty was the listing agent, and she noted Norman Bridwell’s support of local libraries and schools. “He did a lot for the community,” Halisky said. Halisky said the Bridwells lived in the house for 40 years, and it was the place where the “Clifford” series was written and sketched on the Island. Later on, the family also let staff from the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, which had a “Clifford” exhibit in 2024, look through the house for items to preserve. Earlier this summer, on August 11, 180 Pilot Hill Farm Road, the Tisbury home of Marc Brown, creator of the book series “Arthur,” and his wife, artist Laurene Brown, was sold to DRS Pilot Hill LLC for $6.4 million. DRS Pilot Hill is a Pittsfield-based LLC with the manager listed as Rosanne Ziering, who’s also from the city in the Berkshires. Both “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and “Arthur” were adapted into television programs for PBS.

SSA announces reservation system open houses amid possible project delay The Steamship Authority announced another set of open houses regarding proposed policy changes about the implementation of the ferry line’s new reservation system. According to a press release on Tuesday, the sessions will focus on items “affected by the move to the new system, including coupon books and excursion trips; account updates for customers; updates to Head Start for Preferred and Excursion program customers; and e-bikes and e-scooters.” SSA personnel and team members of the project, named the True North Initiative, will be available to review the proposed changes and answer questions about the “overall functionality of the reservation system.” The first session will be held virtually on Tuesday, Sept. 15, on Zoom at 5 pm. Interested individuals can join the session by visiting bit.ly/TrueNorthinfosession. This session will also be recorded and posted to the SSA’s YouTube channel. The second session will be held on the Island at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Tisbury on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 pm. A session is also scheduled on Nantucket on Monday, Sept. 21, from 5 to 7 pm at the town’s public safety building. The SSA entered into a contract last year with E-Dea, an Italian software company that specializes in vessel and port operations, to replace its outdated reservation system. The announcement of the open houses follows the Port Council meeting on Sept. 1, in which delays to the new reservation system’s development were publicly shared. While tests have been ongoing, SSA COO Mark Amundsen said the project was behind by 30 days — the first phase of the reservation system’s rollout was planned for this fall — which means less time to train staff and prepare for a public launch. “We’re not where we want to be; we’re not far off,” Amundsen said at the meeting. He noted while “we are concerned,” the SSA has “workarounds.” The main contingency plan is delaying the public launch by a few weeks, to Jan. 5.

Other alternatives discussed include compressing the Head Start bookings to two weeks in February, which are reserved for account holders who are Islanders or seasonal residents, or splitting the general opening of summer reservations so the current system is used for a portion of it. The SSA is also eyeing the possibility of needing to postpone the new reservation system until October 2027. Alex Kryska, SSA general manager, said that more resources were deployed last week for the project, and staff were familiarized with the system, so the process will “thrive and [be] resilient.” While the councillors felt the project was headed in the right direction, Peter Jeffrey, Falmouth SSA board representative and IT Executive Steering Committee chair, expressed frustration over the delayed process in a subsequent committee meeting on Sept. 1. Jeffrey said the split-opening option was “unacceptable,” and a need to push the project to next October would be a “failure.” “We have to have accountability if that happens,” Jeffrey said. So far, 55 percent of the $2.48 million project implementation budget is spent. Similarly, 52 percent of the $247,856 contingency budget is spent. The SSA also budgeted $3.3 million in annual licenses and hosting of the system between 2026 and 2030, of which 4 percent is spent. This combines to a total budget of $6.03 million, of which $1.62 million, or 28 percent, is spent, including testing and project-related travel expenses. Development of the SSA’s new reservation system followed the tumult of a botched website project, which was halted in 2024 after it ballooned in cost to nearly $3 million. Months after the E-Dea contract was signed, the state Inspector General released a report in December laying out how the website was “doomed from the start,” from a need for a new reservation system to the board not holding accountable the website project’s finances. The report also resulted in the state auditor, Diana DiZoglio, launching an audit on the SSA. More information about the project is available at steamshipauthority.com/TrueNorth.

Agatep arrested for cocaine distribution; bail for assault case revoked

Kevin Agatep, 33, who was previously arrested following an incident outside the Ritz Cafe in Oak Bluffs where he allegedly assaulted a man in July and paralyzed the victim from the waist down, was arrested for separate charges, involving the distribution of cocaine, late last month. Agatep was released on personal recognizance for his charges from the alleged assault that left Daniel Serusa with serious injuries. As a result of his most recent arrest in August, involving cocaine distribution, he will be held for up to 90 days at the Dukes County Correctional Facility, without the possibility of bail. “Bail can be reargued at the end of the 90day revocation,” Casey Dobel, Agatep’s defense attorney, told The Times. According to a police report, Oak Bluffs officers saw Agatep on August 31 at roughly 4 am “rapidly mumbling incoherently and making strange, erratic movements with his hands, head, and body” near Nancy’s Restaurant on Oak Bluffs Harbor. The report states he was shoeless and wearing an ankle monitor. After the officers questioned Agatep, they believed he might be high on cocaine, according to the report. Police reported Agatep claimed he was not on any drugs, and was not harmful to himself. “Agatep was not slurring his speech, and no odor of alcoholic beverages was present,” the police report said. “Although his behavior was strange, officers did not believe he was a danger to himself, and believed he was only high on cocaine or another stimulant. After some time trying to convince him to go to the hospital, Agatep was allowed to go on his way.”

At 5:44 am, according to the report, officers were dispatched to public restrooms on Kennebec Avenue after receiving a call of a male harassing women. When officers arrived on the scene moments later, Agatep was in front of the restroom. Agatep admitted he was on cocaine, according to the report. Agatep eventually was taken in an ambulance, and officers searched the bathroom and found a “white, powdery substance consistent with cocaine on the counter,” the report said. Officers tested the substance and found it to be cocaine. Officers searched Agatep at the hospital, and found $424 and a large glassine baggie with 8.8 grams of a white, powdery substance consistent with cocaine, according to the report. Agatep was charged with distribution of a class B drug, resulting in the revocation of his $1,300 bail from the incident outside the Ritz Cafe in July and a 90-day holding at the Dukes County Correctional Facility.

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September 10, 2026

Edgartown property sale breaks state record at $43 million The trend reflects a rise in expensive property sales on the Island. BY EUNKI SEONWOO

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ith $43 million, a person can buy a coastal compound in Edgartown with sweeping views facing the Atlantic and also set a real estate record for the state and Island. This scenario isn’t hypothetical, though; it happened. The property is called Great Point, and is located off 15 Forever Wild Way, facing the south coast of the Island in Edgartown. The 8,994-square-foot property has 12 bedrooms on a 31.59acre lot near Edgartown Great Pond, and was listed for $49 million in June. According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the sale, the seller is Michael Bronner, a Boston tech entrepreneur and investor who spent more than $19 million from 2019 to 2023 to assemble the property. Bronner could not be immediately

reached for comment, and the buyers remain unnamed. The listing agents, Brian Dougherty, partner and CEO of Corcoran Property Advisors, and Maggie Gold Seelig, founder of MGS Group Real Estate, declined to comment on the sale. Mark Jenkins and Bonnie Pierce of Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty, who represented the buyers, also declined to comment. The property is within the Herring Creek Farm area, where neighboring homes are owned by high-profile individuals like David Letterman. Great Point breaks the previous residential property record sale on the Island of a $37.5 million Katama mansion. That property, said to be inspired by “The Great Gatsby,” was sold last year to Witchwood Lane Trust, and was a part of Vineyard

The forensics of a shark bite Continued from A1 a shark bite, and just building on what I told you last week, I said in my mind at the time, if it wasn’t a shark bite, there were three potential candidates in terms of species, and that would be the sandbar, or just locally known as the brown shark, the white shark, as well as the dusky shark. In conferring with other scientists, and again information from the doctors themselves, I think the strongest conclusion for us is that it was a brown shark, a sandbar shark, that did this. [Sandbar sharks] are incredibly abundant around the Island, and have been

this summer. They definitely patrol very close to shore, and this event happened very close to shore, and the nature of the wounds would be consistent with those from a bite from the sandbar shark. Having said that, I can’t 100 percent be sure because I wasn’t there; I didn’t see the fish, and I can’t 100 percent rule out that it wasn’t a dusky or a white shark. But if I was a betting man, I would put it on the sandbar shark.

HD: What was your process when investigating the wounds?

architect Patrick Ahearn’s portfolio. Great Point also upends the Massachusetts record set in 2023, when a Nantucket waterfront property called Beam Ends sold for $38.1 million. On the Vineyard, the highest overall sale remains the $64 million sale of Herring Creek Farm in Edgartown to the Nature Conservancy in 2001. The conservancy uses it for conservation purposes. Residential properties on the Island regularly sell for millions of dollars, but several sales over the years exceeding $30 million have attracted attention. A property at 18 Point Inner Way in Chilmark is now listed for $45 million, and is the site of the infamous house featured in the “One Big Home” documentary, considered a driving force behind Chilmark’s controversial “big

house” bylaw, which limits a house’s size depending on the parcel’s size. Properties at the highest end of the market on Martha’s Vineyard continue to draw global interest, according to real estate experts. According to a 2026 midyear market report released by Tea Lane Associates, property sales show a continued trend of lower transaction numbers but “higher dollar volume.” Compared with the first half of 2025, there has been a 5 percent decrease in property transactions so far this year (155 to 148), but the dollar volume increased by 23 percent ($304 million to $375 million). During the same period, the average price of property sales increased by 29 percent ($1.96 million to $2.53 million). “This is the highest average price for the first half of the year ever, blowing past the last

GS: For me, it involved conversations with medical staff, and we’re looking for patterns and shapes that would be indicative of the characteristics of the jaws of the potential species in the area, and you’re looking for diameter and depth, shape and tooth pattern, and the extent of tissue damage. So those kinds of things are really important to look at and take into consideration, and then you compare it to what potential animals live there. In this case, I know what kind of tooth pattern I would expect from a sand tiger versus a sandbar. And so it comes from that kind of experience, and in most cases, you can never be 100 percent sure because there’s

differences between individuals within a species too, and there’s sometimes tooth loss and those kinds of things. So, it’s investigative, and you try to take in as much empirical evidence and CSI style as you can, but you can never be 100 percent sure.

Sandbar “brown” shark.

HD: Do you know how big the shark was based on the nature of the wounds? GS: The size of the wound is very telling. And I would place this shark anywhere between six and seven feet in length. Maybe five and a half to seven feet in length. It’s tough because you don’t know the exact angle of the bite itself. I mean, you can piece it together, but it wasn’t a really small shark. It was about probably the average size that they’ve been catching around the Vineyard the past few weeks, but on the larger side, probably between six and seven feet. HD: How prevalent are brown

sharks on the Island this time of year? Have you heard reports of more this year than other years?

COURTESY STELLA FISHING CO

GS: We know sandbar sharks will migrate, and this is wellestablished. There’s been a lot of fishing activity targeting this species over the past several decades. It’s a common practice on the east end of the Island, including the place where this event happened, at Norton Point, and so they migrate here, typically in late June into July, and will stay through September, leaving as waters cool off in October. They get large;

peak of first-half average price, which occurred in the first half of 2023, where the average transaction price was $2.061 million,” the report reads. A driving force of the increased prices come from the high end of the market. Tea Lane Associates noted the rise of properties that sold for millions of dollars in the first half of 2026 compared with the first half of 2025: • More than $5 million: 12 sales in 2026 so far, versus seven in the first half of 2025 • More than $10 million: Six sales in 2026 so far, versus one in the first half of 2025

of Tea Lane’s report were raised to U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren during her visit to the Island last month to talk about the “21st Century Road to Housing Act,” and she told The Times that the increase of wealth flowing to billionaires means communities will need to be creative in finding ways to tackle the housing shortage — adapting abandoned buildings into livable homes, for example, rather than focusing solely on creating more units. “I understand why they’d want to come here, but preserving an economy that works under those circumstances has gotten about 10 “Looking at the high end times harder,” Warren said more broadly, sales over $3 of the wealthy coming to million made up 21 percent of the transaction in the first the Island. Tom Wallace, the prinhalf of 2026, and 55 percent of dollar volume, compared cipal broker of Wallace & with 17 percent of transacCo. Sotheby’s International Realty, previously told The tions and 44 percent of dolTimes the market indicates lar volumes in the first half a solid trend in the billionof 2025,” the report reads. The most real estate activ- aire class. “This property reflects a movement toward ity in 2025 occurred in Eda desire for not just a home gartown, with 32 percent of transactions and 45 percent but a family compound. of the dollar volume, accord- And it is an appetite for this kind of property that ing to Tea Lane. is ever-increasing, and very Housing affordability is appealing,” Wallace told a critical issue for Martha’s The Times in June. Vineyard. The findings

they’ll get in excess of eight feet long and [more than] 250 pounds. Typically, we tend to see sandbar sharks close to shore on the smaller side — anywhere between five and seven feet, as is the case with this particular shark. And there are a number of land-based fishermen that target them from the south side of the Cape, from the south side of the Vineyard, [and] other parts of the Vineyard too, in addition to the south side of the Nantucket Islands, kind of a traditional fishery. It’s a species that cannot be kept, has to be released, because the population is thought to be overfished, and there’s no retention on sandbar sharks. Having said that, on a relative scale, we’ve been getting numerous reports of sandbars around Massachusetts this year. The species typically doesn’t go north of the Cape, although we’ve had a couple of scattered accounts of that in recent years. But there are lots of sandbar sharks taken by land-based shore fishermen in those three areas — the Vineyard, Nantucket, south side of the Cape — as well as in offshore waters. I talked to somebody earlier today who just told me that he caught several sandbar sharks fishing south of the Island. So it’s a big year for them. I don’t know if that’s an upward trend that we can anticipate seeing for years to come. But definitely on a relative scale, hearing lots of reports of sandbar sharks. HD: Should people at Island

beaches be scared of going in the water?

GS: No, I mean, I think in terms of probability, this is a really low-probability event. This is the first, to my knowledge, unprovoked shark bite on the Vineyard, and I don’t anticipate this is going to continue. There are areas where these sharks appear to be more prevalent, perhaps along the south side of the Island, and just be mindful that they could be there. But I don’t think just in terms of the pure chance that this is likely to happen very frequently.

HD: When I spoke to Wendy Benchley last week, she said that a higher prevalence of sharks points to a healthier ocean. Do you feel the same way? GS: Yes, a well-balanced ocean has all its major components, and that includes the top predators, which are the sharks. And so it is typically a sign of a healthy ocean when we have robust shark populations. Now, I think what’s important is that many of the shark species that we’re seeing more of these days were heavily impacted by the dramatic growth in commercial and recreational fishing for sharks that occurred in the late ’70s, ’80s, into ’90s, so we kind of became accustomed to not having sharks around because they had been largely been overfished. As we have taken steps in the U.S. to protect shark species and allow them to rebound; they’re now coming back, and that is the sign of a healthy ocean.

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EDITORIAL he served families for 33 months Twenty-five years ago, on pro bono. It was mid-November, the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, when Congress voted 2001, I was unpacking a unanimously to establish the moving truck in London. I had just finished a five-year A reflection on 9/11 and how America has changed over the past 25 years. fund to compensate the thousands of people who lost a loved posting as the Middle East BY CHARLES M. SENNOTT one or suffered a physical injury. bureau chief for the Boston Feinberg distributed more than Globe amid the violence of $7 billion to victims’ families. the intifada and, particularly, the bus Here on Martha’s Vineyard, Ken, bombings, which were hitting closer 80, lives in Lambert’s Cove and is acand closer to home. I had just arrived tive at the M.V. Hebrew Center where in London with my wife and our three he and his wife, Diane, celebrate their young sons to take on a new position as faith with family and friends. This London bureau chief for the Globe. week, Ken has a new edition of his On that fateful morning, we had book, “What Is Life Worth?” originally not had time to set up the television, a published in 2005, coming out, which cable package, or any internet connecincludes a commemoration of the 25th tion, but I had my trusted Sony World anniversary and a reflection on how Band shortwave radio crackling in America understands the tragedy tothe background as I was unpacking. day. As Feinberg points out, fully oneI was listening to the BBC, and it was third of Americans were not alive 25 just after 1:46 pm Greenwich Mean years ago, so there are millions who do Time when regular programming on not know what happened.“I want to reRadio 4 was interrupted for breaking mind our country, and keep reminding news. The first plane had just struck them, so we never forget the outpourthe North Tower of the World Trade ing of support for the victims and the Center. Seventeen minutes later, the sincere bipartisan spirit that brought second hijacked plane hit the South everyone together. We all knew it reTower. And in that moment, the world quired all Americans to circle the wagchanged. America was under attack, ons and protect each other and help and would soon be at war. each other. Back then was a divided Eight years earlier, I was a street time too, but there was at least civility reporter at the New York Daily News and dialogue,” Ken said Wednesday and was covering the first attack on the morning. “Today, it can feel like we live World Trade Center, a failed attempt to in an altogether different place. I doubt topple the towers with a truck bomb, very much in this world today that is so but which offered a crude blueprint for polarized that we could forge that uni9/11. My reporting at the Daily News ty, and on this anniversary, I hope we was how I landed the job covering the will all reflect on that and think about Middle East for the Globe. how we find our way back to working As the news broke on 9/11, together as a country,” he added. I worked my cell Feinberg said he finds solace on the phone and started porch at Conroy’s, and through his reaching contacts connection to the Island, where he is across the Middle proud of the spirit of service and the East, confirming what sense of community that thrives here was growing increasdespite the national trends toward ingly apparent: The polarization. The list of the many Isoutrageous and apocaAbove, cover of the Boston Globe’s extra landers who offer public service is long lyptic vision set out by edition Sept. 11, 2001. Left, new edition and deep, but Feinberg mentioned a Osama bin Laden’s 1998 cover image of “What Is Life Worth?” few initiatives that stand out, including declaration of holy war by Kenneth R. Feinberg. Martha’s Vineyard Community Seragainst America was unvices and the new Island Autism Center. in its aftermath. And I am thinkdeniably underway. ”The truth is every individual can make a ing broadly about how much the I started writing evdifference, and service is the way to honor state of journalism has declined erything I knew through those who died on 9/11. The Vineyard has an in the past 25 years. eight years of reporting extraordinary record of pulling together to But most of all, I am thinkthat preceded this moment, serve the community, but there are communiing of the New York first reas the local story of the 1993 sponders I knew who died trying to ties like this all over America who are quietly bombing became the global working together, and there are lots of differsave others and the friends and colleagues who story of the attack on Amerent forms of service.” were either on those hijacked planes or at work ica. I realized that of the four hijacked planes, A form of service close to my heart is the in the towers that day. I am reflecting on the two of them had left from my hometown of public service of journalism, the kind that is service of so many at that time, when America Boston. So for the Globe, 9/11 was also very was a different country and was still able to pull community-based and community-supported. clearly a local story. I knew quite a few of the There are many friends and colleagues who together to confront a horrific tragedy, and to passengers on those planes. gave their lives in the public service of coverlock arms to protect and care for our country By Sept. 19, I landed in Tajikistan, and within ing the post–9/11 conflicts in the world, and and the families who lost loved ones. a day was on my way into Afghanistan, where there are many colleagues who every day An American hero who was at the center of the Taliban was still in power and al-Qaeda quietly provide the service of informing and that effort to take care of the families and loved was operating openly. The White House and enlightening their communities. I’m very ones of the 2,977 victims who died on 9/11 lives the Pentagon were still formulating a military proud of our amazing team here at The Times among us here on the Island in the summer response, but a war was soon to start. We flew who serve the Island day in and day out. And and shoulder seasons. His name is Kenneth into the middle of Afghanistan on an old U.N. in these times with so much cynicism about Feinberg, and you can find him most summer cargo plane owned by the Northern Alliance, “the media,” a term that is so broad and vague mornings on the porch of Conroy’s Pharmacy the faction of fighters who were aligned with makes no sense to me, it is worth rememberthe U.S. in its plan to topple the Taliban and de- in West Tisbury with a small group of longtime ing that there are lots of dedicated and decent friends, reading the papers, having coffee, and stroy al-Qaeda. I would cover the story for the souls who work at local news organizations talking about the world. My friend Bob Mone, Globe for the next five years. During those five years, my wife and our four of Mone Insurance, grew up with Ken in Brock- and who have offered the service of telling the stories of their community. ton, and they have stayed close friends. Ken is boys (we had one more born in London) would Today and tomorrow, I will be in Boston as very much woven into the fabric of this Island. travel home to Martha’s Vineyard, where my part of the 9/11 National Day of Service and And Ken may just be the most perfect person wife’s family was from, and where we owned a Remembrance, where I will join a team packI know to understand where we are as a country small home in Edgartown. It was the place we today. Ken was the special master of the U.S. gov- ing up meals for families facing food insecurity. called home during those years abroad. The idea is to transform that day of terror and ernment’s Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund A quarter-century on from 9/11, I am reflecttragedy into a day of service and action. There (VCF). He is a globally respected attorney who ing on the attack on the World Trade Center are many ways to volunteer here on the Island has long been called upon by U.S. presidents, and my long connection to that story, from New and be part of this day of service, and we hope families, and survivors to navigate payouts folYork Police reporting to international coverage you might be inspired to join in and be part of a lowing mass tragedies. He started his career as of militant Islam, as well as the many colleagues movement to inspire the kind of unity and coma settlement specialist for Agent Orange after who covered the story with me, quite a few of passion we saw in America in the immediate Vietnam, but he is renowned for his leadership whom were killed covering the war and the turin overseeing the 9/11 compensation fund, where aftermath of that terrible day 25 years ago. moil and conflict in the Middle East that came

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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.

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VINEYARD GALLERY

NICOLE JACKSON

ESSAY additional modules could have provided, at a minimum, a larger ticketing/waiting area and space for operations at a fraction of the cost BY BOB ZELTZER of the Bob Davis Taj Mahal and additional Woods Hole building, both Recent reporting underscored my great concern for the welfare of the overdesigned and disruptive to orIsland and for those who live here. derly operations. How many dollars could have been saved? The best Our fragile supply chain and the information I can find indicates the financial condition of the Steamcost for those buildings so far is $50 ship Authority (SSA) are two facets of the same very concerning million, with an additional $10 milproblem. The lack of foresight and lion to complete! About $5 million was wasted the financial mismanagement of past leadership of the SSA and the on a misguided attempt to replace the reservation system. There were board of governors have created obvious early signs that this was this situation. Much of this was not going to work, but the general identified in the Massachusetts manager and his board persisted in Inspector General’s report. pursuing this misguided project. The 2025 financial report shows The “new” freighters were clearly $99,492,976 in bonds payable. a mistake. Shortening of the vesThis results in the requirement for $10,855,000 in principal payments sels apparently created a totally and $4,206,126 interest for a total ob- transformed hull shape, which afligation of $15,061,136 in 2026. That fected the efficiency of the boats. They burn more fuel, are slow, and is to say, the SSA started the year as single-enders, use up time and more than $15,000,000 in the hole. fuel. Did anyone plan for the large There was a modular functioning terminal building in place. It is cost overruns in the alterations? Did anyone hire a consultant who reasonable to assume that adding

An eye on the SSA’s funds

could have, using computer modeling, predicted the inefficiency of the altered boats? The question is, In the years of use, how much money will be saved over building new vessels? Could the system function with one new, efficient vessel now, and another in the future to spread the cost? Why did the retired general manager receive a raise and an 18-month contract from the board? Will they also extend this contract while the SSA faces financial struggles? The board has approved hundreds of thousands of dollars for a needless contract! What is the effect of this past mismanagement? Fares have gone up, particularly for freightcarrying trucks, which are being charged about 20 percent more. The great majority of everything sold on the Island comes on the SSA boats. Food, clothing, fuel, medical supplies, building materials, and all sundry items are more expensive as carriers raise their prices. The negligence of the management has increased the cost of

living for all Islanders. In addition, the SSA treasurer wants to raise excursion costs to Islanders! Past management has spent whatever they wanted to, and raised fares and parking fees to cover it all. Even a freshman in an economics course learns that if you raise prices beyond a certain point, the quantity of purchases for your product will go down, and despite the increase, you bring in less money. The past cannot be changed, but it can be learned from. Every effort should be made to lower costs and spending at the SSA. There should be a person on staff whose primary job is to find grants and other funding from state and federal agencies. Most companies plan for worstcase scenarios, try to accumulate funds for such emergencies, and plan spending to operate in a financially sound manner. The SSA has not done that. I wish Alex Kryska good luck and fair winds. He has inherited a mess.

Wow! How does anyone get through that? We knew that Bill had earned the Purple Heart; however, Bill never said that he had earned the Bronze Star. From what I understand, the Bronze Star is awarded for courage, heroism, and meritorious service in a combat theater. Like my nephew said, “Real hero’s don’t boast about it.” I guess we don’t really know what our brave men and women go through when they have been in battle. These people will take a bullet for us,

and too many come home minus one, two, or three of their limbs, along with mental injuries that make them different people. And the hidden injuries they will not talk about. Thank you, Bill Faria Jr., for my walk down memory lane, and letting us all know what a hero your father was. It was a pleasure knowing your parents. God bless you, and thank you for your service. Diane Leonard Tisbury

Bob Zeltzer is a Chilmark resident.

LETTER Memories of a veteran’s story To the Editor: I want to thank Bert Combra for sharing Bill Faria Jr.’s letter with us (“A son honors his father,” August 31). What a trip down memory lane it took me. I worked for a long time with Bill Faria Sr. when I was bookkeeper at Our Market. When Bill had x-rays for free at the hospital, they called the store look-

ing for him because the x-rays showed something. When he came back from lunch, we asked him what happened. “Oh yeah, I know what they found, I have shrapnel in my chest.” We urged him to tell us what happened. He said that on Pork Chop Hill in Korea, the Chinese had overrun the hill. To save his life after he was wounded, he crawled into a bunker with a lot of dead soldiers and played dead even when he got kicked around by the Chinese.

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New faces on first day of school Continued from A1 said. “New steps every year.” When asked about what part of the school year she was most excited about, Nikita said “everything.” And as the school year begins, not only is there a new Chilmark Preschool building and the impending renovation of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS), Island public schools have three new leaders, all moving in from off-Island. Jaime Curley is replacing Richard (“Richie”) Smith as the new MVYPS superintendent. Bryan Lombardi is the incoming principal of MVRHS, succeeding Interim Principal Sean Mulvey. At the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School (MVPCS), Chris Nace is the new director, replacing Pete Steedman. The Times sat down with each of these incoming educators to get a sense of who they are, their goals, and what’s in store for students in the 2026–27 school year. While none of the educators have experience on the Island, many have ties to the community here. All of them started their positions in midsummer, and have a few thoughts about the teaching styles they’re bringing to the table.

Jaime Curley on asking ‘the why’ The new superintendent for Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools (MVYPS), Dr. Jaime Curley, grew up in an area not far from the Vineyard. While she’s new to the Island’s school system, she told The Times she’s familiar with the uniqueness of the place and the people who live here, and she expressed excitement about learning more. “I want to make sure that people know that I’m aware of uniqueness, and I know that’s really important to people in each of the towns,” Curley said. “That’s something that … I want to continue to honor.” Curley, 50, was raised in Melrose, but moved to Sandwich at the age of 10. Her father, who was sick with a rare liver disease, dreamed of living on the Cape, and her family relocated to honor him. Following her father’s death a couple of years after the move, she said, the Cape community was “very peaceful” during a tough time in her life. As Curley adjusts to the Vineyard school system, as the new leader of seven public schools and roughly 2,100 students, the supportive nature of the people on the Island has reminded her of that community she was raised in. “From the moment I was appointed, I felt like it was like a second home to me. It’s been a very warm welcome,” Curley said. While she has never held

a superintendent position before, Curley’s experience in Massachusetts schools has included a mix of special education, psychology, and administrative work. She’ll be the first woman to hold the role. Curley plans to live here through the workweek, and will commute on weekends to her home in Sandwich, where her husband, John, and daughter, Addyson, 17, still live. Curley also has two other daughters, Ella, 22, and Hope, 20. Curley received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Initially wanting to pursue a career in child psychology in order to help children who went through experiences similar to her own surrounding her father’s death, Curley first worked at the May Center, a nonprofit residential school for children with autism, at that time located in Chatham. She then went on to work as a public school paraprofessional, a person who assists teachers in the classroom with special needs students, which motivated her to get her teaching certificate in special education from Bridgewater State University. Curley also has master’s and doctorate degrees in education. After working as a special education teacher in the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District, she became a school psychologist. “I can work with kids. I’m doing some testing for learning disabilities, but I can also work on social skills or some counseling skills with kids,” Curley said. “It was the perfect job for me.” Curley went on to be the director of student services for Dennis-Yarmouth before becoming the director of special education for the Mashpee Public School District. She then served as the assistant superintendent of student services in the Old Rochester Regional School District, which consists of students from the towns of Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. Early on in her educational career, Curley said, she made a mistake during a parent meeting that would teach her the importance of asking questions, and inform her professional style for years to come. “A parent called me out for not asking their child, ‘Why?’ and it was a major learning experience for me,” Curley said. “Ever since then … I always try to just figure out ‘the why,’ so that I know how to solve the problem. Without knowing the full why, it’s hard to always solve that problem.” Curley explained how this lesson applies to being a superintendent: “When you are the superintendent, you oversee a lot of different schools and a lot of different situations. When you go

in thinking that you know, sometimes you can really make some big mistakes that way. I want to know [the why] so that I don’t make those mistakes. I try to be very thoughtful when I make any changes. For me, it is really important to really dig down and understand the why.” Surprisingly, Curley said that she didn’t initially want to be a superintendent. She said, however, that she’s gained more confidence in the past year, and that holding her position would allow her to help the district’s principals. Although she said that she still has a lot to learn, some of Curley’s long-term goals in-

experience, but what came through for her really more than anybody else was her commitment to the students and the way that she cared about them,” Salop said. “I thought she was a long shot initially, but after I talked to her, my opinion of her changed completely.”

Bryan Lombardi on breaking the bell curve Bryan Lombardi’s journey to his position as principal of MVRHS started when he was a history major at Bridgewater State University, where he learned about the bell curve model. He felt improvements could be made to the long-held grading system, and he’s brought

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1. Bryan Lombardi, principal of MVRHS. 2. Dr. Jaime Curley, superintendant of MVYPS. 3. Chris Nace, director of Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School.

clude pooling more resources from the separate schools so teachers have access to the same professional development opportunities, as well as creating more academic coherency among the elementary schools so children from different schools have similar experiences. Still, Curley said, she wants each school to keep its own character. Alex Salop, chair of the search committee that selected the finalists for the All-Island School Committee to vet and interview, said that although Curley lacked experience as a superintendent compared with the other candidates, her dedication to students was apparent. “She was on paper probably not the most qualified in terms of her germane

that mentality with him to different schools and roles, and this year, to MVRHS. The grading model places each student’s academic performance into a bell curve, also called normal distribution; the majority of students fall into a middle or average zone, and smaller groups perform above and below average. Lombardi felt that the controversial system neglected the students who underperformed, and this is a touchpoint he said he’s referred back to throughout his career as an educator. After graduating, Lombardi’s first job was at the Pike School, a private, therapeutic, residential school in New Hampshire that served adolescents referred through the state’s Department of Chil-

dren and Family Services. Lombardi said the experience ultimately led him to pursue counseling and receive his M.S. in clinical social work at Boston College. Lombardi then worked in court-managed programs with individuals dealing with issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, and anger management. After realizing that many in his program had had negative experiences while in school, Lombardi decided that he wanted to work with high schoolers. “The constant thread between all these individuals of different backgrounds and ages was broken education and bad experiences in school. Many of them had dropped out and had been asked to leave,” Lombardi said. “That made me want to get back into schools by being proactive in supporting people to have success at a high school graduate level.” Lombardi started as an adjustment counselor at West Springfield High School before moving to Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham. While there, one of his administrators suggested that he assume the role of assistant principal. Lombardi said that his time as an adjustment counselor improved his communication and listening skills in his everyday life. “Being a counselor, it’s all about having the ability to communicate effectively with people and to understand that they’re coming from their perspective,” Lombardi said. “It’s really helped me be a better listener and communicator, and I use that every day.” Raised in Westford, Lombardi, 57, credited his parents’ open-mindedness and prioritization of education to his development as a person. “My dad defined success for me by happiness and love in your life. It wasn’t about certain positions, it wasn’t about money, it was really about being a good human,” Lombardi said. “That really set the foundation.” Lombardi reflected on how, at the beginning of his career, some people advised him against helping struggling students in public schools. “When I first was in education, you would hear things like, ‘Those students don’t belong here,’ or, ‘Bryan, we’re not a human service agency.’ Public schools are the last remaining truly available human service agency to people. We educate; we give health; we provide food; we provide social, emotional, and mental health. We really provide a gamut for people in a really true human way,” Lombardi said. “Saying they shouldn’t be here is not a solution.” After working as a principal at Northampton High School, Lombardi became the principal of Stoneham High School in 2019. While there, he oversaw the com-

pletion of the school’s $217 million building project. In June, Island residents approved a $333.5 million building and renovation project for MVRHS. Lombardi said that he applied for the MVRHS principal position because of his previous experience with these projects. “The biggest takeaway I would say is to make sure [we are] ready to receive the new building, and think about the processes and the way we want to dump ourselves into that new building,” Lombardi said. “This is a significant investment, so we want to maintain it.” Sean Mulvey, MVRHS guidance counselor and last year’s interim principal, described Lombardi as taking a “listen-first approach.” “He knows that we’ve been doing what we’ve been doing for many years, and he’s not here to make drastic changes,” Mulvey said. “He wants to listen to what’s happening.” Justine DeOliveira, MVRHS assistant principal, said Lombardi is team-oriented and energetic. “He has spent so much time really getting to know every aspect of the school, and has done it all with a positive energy and a smile and a collaborative approach,” DeOliveira said.

Chris Nace on belonging to the Charter School and beyond The educational philosophy of Chris Nace, the new director at MVPCS, prioritizes persistence and gradual improvement over instant results. “Learning is in draft form always. You’re rarely getting to a final product right out of the gate,” Nace said. To teach students this, Nace pointed to the existing International Baccalaureate (IB) program at the Charter School, and his own background walking students through IB classes in Washington, D.C. The IB program is an internationally implemented curriculum that emphasizes student-driven education, global understanding, and critical thinking. The academically rigorous classes were first adopted by MVPCS in 2021 for high school juniors and seniors. “Through project-based learning and the IB model, we’re able to teach students about progress over perfection,” Nace said. Raised in Virginia, Nace, 36, who has cerebral palsy, reflected on the challenges that he faced as a student with a disability, and the ways those challenges inform his teaching style now. “I didn’t always have the same experiences and opportunities that other students have,” Nace said. “I definitely was limited in a lot of ways, which made school challenging, and I didn’t always have the support I Continued on A7

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Continued from A6 needed in school.” For Nace, the turning point came when one of his sixth-grade teachers took him to attend a meeting for his individualized educational plan — a specialized learning plan with accommodations made for a public school student with disabilities and learning challenges. “It was the first time I ever heard that I had cerebral palsy. I had no clue what that was, but it was an eye-opening experience,” Nace said. “It really was the first time that I understood what it meant to have my needs met, and what it meant to be able to have an open, honest conversation about having a disability, without it being negative or creating fear. That teacher really candidly changed my whole life and trajectory.” Now, Nace said that his cerebral palsy is “his favorite thing about himself.” “Showing up as someone with a disability, I’m aware of both the burden and the opportunity,” Nace said. He added that cerebral palsy “allows me to see the world as someone who’s experienced challenges, but also through the lens of success in spite of those challenges.” After graduating from George Mason University with a B.A. in government and international politics and an M.S. in conflict analysis and resolution, Nace also received his M.A. in secondary special education and transition services, with a concentration in autism spectrum disorder, from George Washington University.

Currently, Nace is finishing a Ph.D. in education policy and leadership at George Mason University. Nace worked for the D.C. Department on Disability Services and the D.C.

School (DCI), a Tier 1 IB charter high school, as the special education coordinator, before becoming principal in 2021. He said that a lack of representation of individuals with cerebral palsy in leadership positions can make others doubt his qualifications as an administrator. “When people meet me,

“We’re teaching students how to be good global citizens,” Nace said. “I want you to be able to do math and science and history and write and read. But I also want you to be able to go out in the world and treat people with dignity and respect.” Prior to applying for the MVPCS director position,

even though they see what my title is and what my job is, they’re not always sure about me, simply because there’s a lot of historical mindset … that’s hard to overcome,” Nace said. “In any job that I’ve had, I also have a duty to other people with disabilities and cerebral palsy to show that we are capable.” Although DCI has an enrollment of roughly 900 students — more than five times MVPCS’ 175 students in kindergarten through 12th grade — Nace said that the schools share similarities, such as having an IB program and an emphasis on democracy and global citizenship as virtues.

Nace, who now lives in Oak Bluffs, visited the Island a few times during the summer. Now that he’s a yearround resident, he emphasized the warm reception that he’s received from the MVPCS community. “Everybody that I’ve met is just so willing to go out of the way. If for some reason I need somewhere to stay, I have 17 people I can call that I’m not even sure they have room in their house, but they’re very clear they’ll make room for me,” Nace said. “It feels like I’m walking into a community, as opposed to just a job.” Also joining MVPCS this year is Dani Charbonneau,

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

New faces on first day of school

Students get off the bus at Oak Bluffs School.

Public Schools as a secondary transition program manager, helping students with disabilities prepare for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. “A lot of my work in the D.C. Department on Disability Services was combating ableism and narratives that people have developed through their lives about people with disabilities, not only through my work and through the things I would do for the department, but also through who I am as a human being,” Nace said. In 2019, Nace started working at the D.C. International

High school building timeline unfolds

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s students and teachers begin a new school year, new details have emerged about the timeline for the renovation and addition project to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS). The renovation and addition, which was approved by taxpayers at a total cost of $333.5 million, will start next June and conclude at the end of the summer of 2030, according to plans and mockups of the project presented by construction management firm W.T. Rich Co. during a High School Building Committee meeting on Sept. 1. W.T. Rich is the co-construction manager at risk (the contractor who assists with design and construction at a guaranteed maximum price, and takes over risk from the property owner) for the project with Shawmut Design and Con-

struction; both companies won the bid last October. The MVRHS building project, along with the hundreds of millions of dollars it will cost, was approved by Island voters in June, catapulting the school committee, administrators, and those involved in construction into next steps. The cost of the project will be paid for by taxpayers in each respective town over 30 years, based on a funding formula and individual property values. A renovation was initially sought by Island officials because of the state of the school, where mold, asbestos, leaking pipes, flooding, and below-standard classroom sizes and facilities are common, according to past reporting by The Times and interviews with students, faculty, and school committee members. MVRHS School Commit-

tee member Amy Houghton told The Times about her enthusiasm after seeing the building plans in early September. “As it’s exciting to see a painting come into full focus, it’s exciting to see what they’re doing, and different creative ways that they’re maximizing space and looking to bring in new ideas,” Houghton said. “We’re really fortunate to have such an amazing, experienced team working with us.” The high school will be built in three phases to avoid relocation. Students will be moved from one side of the building to the other during each phase of construction so that studies can continue through those three years. The first phase will span from July 2027 to January 2029, and entail renovations to the gym building and its surrounding classrooms, along with renovations to

MVRHS’ Performing Arts Center (PAC). Phase 2 consists of additional renovations to the building, including roof replacements, and possible interior work, such as on the locker rooms, during the summers of 2027 and 2028. The project executive for W.T. Rich, Evan Moore, said that he hopes to reopen the PAC and relocate students and faculty in preparation for the building demolition by the start of 2029. The final phase will begin with a building demolition from July to October 2029, and a completion of the school’s exterior, including a new grass playing field at the western corner of Sanderson and Edgartown– Vineyard Haven roads, and a renovated track and field, by June 2030. The three-year building project will make several upgrades to the school. The new design, by architect firm Tappé Architects, features higher ceilings, hallways that are easier to navigate, and the addition

the school’s new assistant director. She described Nace as “international-minded” and unafraid of new ideas. “It’s really easy to let the fear of what could go wrong guide things, and he really does not do that,” Charbonneau said. Sheila McHugh Hazell, chair of the MVPCS board of directors, praised Nace for having a balance between bringing new ideas and respecting the school’s pre-existing culture. “I have been blown away by the insight and the new perspective that he brings, but also the way that he values the origin story of the Charter School and the roots of the school,” McHugh said. Heading into the school year, Nace said that he has several long-term goals, such as expanding the school building next summer, expanding the school’s IB program and Portuguese language courses to all grades, and creating more travel opportunities for students through community service trips and an exchange program.

The first day of school This year at the Chilmark Preschool, parents and guardians picked up their children in the afternoon at a new school building. The private, nonprofit preschool, which operated in a leased classroom at the Chilmark School for 21 years, was forced to relocate due to increasing enrollment at the elementary school. The new preschool has the capacity to serve 38 toddlers and preschoolers in two new classrooms, one serving toddlers ages 15 months to 2.9 years old

of a second story. While final renderings are not complete, the project will also address long-standing structural, mechanical, and technical issues. The new building will be allelectric, with central air and an additional 34,000 square feet, mainly due to necessary upgrades to the Career Technical Education programs like horticulture, culinary arts, and early childhood education. Planned renovations to the school’s PAC will impact operations at the Island’s largest indoor auditorium. During the summer months, the PAC is frequently used for large events, such as the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in August and the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series, which featured former First Lady Michelle Obama this summer. The MVRHS School Committee plans to discuss the festival’s feasibility at the PAC at its next meeting on Sept. 14, according to Houghton. As soon as the school

and another room for preschoolers ages 2.9 to 5 years old. There are also five new staff members this year, and an adjusted schedule to accommodate new students. Preschool teacher Nettie Kent said that some of the children were initially sad about separating from their parents, but she and the other teachers were able to cheer them up with games and activities. “There’s tears in the beginning … but they quickly get excited by games and other kids,” Kent said. “We have so many fun things for them to play with inside, and different tables with puzzles and crayons and all these things that distract them pretty quickly.” Casey Esposito, Chilmark Preschool program director, described the first day as “very successful.” “[The] first day was absolutely a joy to watch everyone come through the doors, parents, returners, new students. Some tears, lots of smiles, and then everyone had a great morning,” Esposito said. As Betsy Larsen was picking up her niece, Maya, who’s 3½ years old, to go to work at their family business, Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha, Larsen expressed her excitement about the new building. “What a beautiful new school … I’m picking Maya up because Daddy is out getting oysters on the oyster pond,” Larsen said. To which Maya added, “And Mommy is working so hard.” Larsen continued to marvel at the school. “What a great place to learn — I’m surprised any of the kids wanted to go home,” she said.

year ends, contractors will begin setting aside materials for the first phase of construction on the school’s track and field, Moore said. During construction, track is the only sport expected to be impacted significantly by the building project, as of now. Moore also highlighted the need to adjust the pickup and drop-off locations for the school buses. Although W.T. Rich has devised “preliminary ideas,” Moore said that he needs to discuss the new route plans with school officials. W.T. Rich Co. previously worked on the Tisbury School and Edgartown library, as well as on multiple large school-building projects across the state Shawmut Design and Construction hasn’t yet undertaken a Vineyard building project, but has completed dozens of K–12 school building projects countrywide. The MVRHS Building Committee will meet again on Sept. 29. –Sara Creato

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September 10, 2026

Trying to stay afloat Continued from A1 mitigate the impact of ferry services in town, which can include paying police at the terminals and funding road maintenance. These fees are built into tickets purchased by travelers, but Oak Bluffs officials say that their community is burdened by the expenses at the terminal, such as for police details, and that the surge of seasonal visitors over the years has stressed town resources. “Our small permanent community can no longer shoulder the tax burden required to subsidize public infrastructure that scales for hundreds of thousands of seasonal travelers,” the letter states, noting that the town’s infrastructure must be designed to serve summer peaks of “well over 50,000 people,” 10 times Oak Bluffs’ year-round population of around 5,341 residents. The issue is compounded by major “capital liabilities that cannot be indefinitely deferred,” such as the town’s share of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School renovations, and coastal resiliency projects for harbor infrastructure. The board argues that its community has not been able to reap the benefits of the embarkation fees because of diversions, often due to weather, to Vineyard Haven. The diversion of SSA ferries from Oak Bluffs has been a longtime complaint; town officials have highlighted the loss of revenue, and business owners have complained about a drop in foot traffic to downtown shops due to diversions. At the Port Council meeting on Sept. 1, Oak Bluffs councillor Joe Sollitto questioned why the diversions are so much more frequent in his town, only about three miles away from Vineyard Haven. The number of trips diverted from Oak Bluffs saw a sharp increase this year, 160 as of July compared with the 81 diversions in all of 2025. Steamship COO Mark Amundsen said diversions are made at the captain’s discretion for safety reasons, usually due to weather conditions like high wind and sea swells from certain directions that can make unloading conditions dangerous at the transfer bridge in Oak Bluffs. Nat Lowell, the Nantucket councillor, called it “an open-ocean issue.” The last time an embarka-

tion fee hike was suggested was in 2023, when Oak Bluffs and Tisbury jointly called for a tripling of the fees, which was unsuccessful. At the time, it was the first such request in nearly 20 years. Debra Alley, the Oak Bluffs Select Board executive assistant, said copies of the August letter were also shared with Oak Bluffs finance and advisory committee chair Robert Malecki, as well as town administrators James Hagerty of Edgartown and Joe LaCivita of Tisbury, whose municipalities’ ports also host ferries.

the Tisbury Select Board chair, was more forceful in his words. Cutrer underscored that roughly 90 percent of the freight traffic and general vehicles that come to the Island come through Tisbury. He said Oak Bluffs’ letter “downplays our role,” particularly the traffic management provided by the Tisbury Police Department. “We do our job every day,” Cutrer said. He also noted the town does not get embarkation fee revenue from freight or passenger vehicles carried by the SSA. “That’s why this has to change,” Cutrer said. “The two dollars, in my opinion, is minuscule to what we

spokesperson, said the ferry line is aware of the town’s request, but noted that any changes will need to be made through the Massachusetts legislature. “If a legislative bill proposing the changes is filed, the authority will closely monitor the process,” Spillane said in a statement. “Any increase in the fee would be a pass-through transaction for the authority, but could impact its capacity for future fare increases, if necessary.” One such bill, filed by State Sen. Julian Cyr, is currently under review in a Senate committee. Another, introduced by State Rep. Kip Diggs of Barnstable, was rejected, but is being reworked.

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“So, we’re making less money on revenue because the tickets that are increasing in quantity are the ones where we lose money on every one." —Ted Gavin, Vineyard SSA board representative “As the only year-round entry port to the Island, Tisbury does receive a greater impact on our roadways,” LaCivita said in an email to The Times. The Tisbury Select Board also expressed an interest in sending a letter to state legislators about the embarkation fee during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8, but did not want to follow Oak Bluffs’ letter. Tisbury officials wanted to write a letter that pertained to their own circumstances with the ferry, so the select board is considering submitting a letter in conjunction with the finance and advisory committee. Connie Alexander, Tisbury Select Board member, said she was in favor of raising embarkation fees, but also called for ways to protect the town’s revenue. Roy Cutrer,

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deserve for carrying the baggage for the entire Island year-round.” Tisbury officials plan to return to the matter at the next select board meeting. Meanwhile, fuel is another cost Rozum noted the SSA is wary of; it’s one expense that’s risen sharply since the Trump administration launched a war against Iran in February. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, diesel retailed on March 2, days after the war started, for $3.86 per gallon. That’s risen to $5.97 per gallon as of Sept. 7, a more than 54 percent cost increase per gallon the war began. For comparison, a fuel report from April 2025 showed that the Island Home used 14.7 gallons of fuel per mile, at a cost of $36.54 per mile. That’s about $2.49 per gallon (different vessels have slightly different costs per mile.) An embarkation fee discussion isn’t planned to be held by Edgartown, which Hagerty said takes an annual fee from the Falmouth Edgartown Ferry to use Memorial Wharf. Geoff Spillane, SSA

Cyr said the hope is to have both versions approved by the end of the year. Cyr’s version calls for an embarkation fee increase from 50 cents to $1. Whether the state legislators would back Oak Bluffs’ request to quadruple the fee remains unknown. “What’s most critical from a Steamship Authority perspective is that the fees are uniform across all communities,” Cyr said, noting varying fees would be an “accounting nightmare.” Cyr noted that the embarkation fees are separate from the SSA operational budget, but his concern was making sure changes wouldn’t be passed on to the consumer. Thomas Moakley, who was out holding a campaign sign during the primary election at the entrance of Town Hall Square in Falmouth, told The Times a “reasonable, moderate increase that will actually help the port communities” is a conversation worth having. Moakley said he hopes to hear from other towns beyond Oak Bluffs on the matter. “My concern is making sure that the tickets don’t get too expensive for Islanders

that are commuting on or off, or going off-Island regularly,” he said. The SSA is navigating to formulate its budget for next year, which is making the ferry line’s leaders consider whether Islanders’ discounted vehicle rates should have limits. During the August 18 SSA board meeting, ferry leadership stated a financial analysis would be done to determine how to meet a leaner budget. “That’s something we really need to get to,” Alex Kryska, SSA general manager, said at the August meeting. “Getting at the root cause, making sure we have the right staff working at the right spot, and minimizing our expenses as much as we can and … not overgrowing just to overgrow.” Mark Rozum, SSA treasurer and comptroller, noted at the time that while he doesn’t anticipate a deficit, factors that need to be analyzed include lower revenue from passengers, parking, and freight. While Rozum noted the August numbers that still need to be finalized look better, the latest numbers shared at the Port Council meeting on Sept. 1 showed a downward trend in 2026 through July, compared with the previous year on the Vineyard route. This equates to a 4.7 percent decrease in passengers (62,779 this year), 2.7 percent decrease in passenger vehicles (7,407), 3.4 percent decrease in freight trucks (1,244), and a 10.9 percent decrease in parked cars (8,299). The Nantucket route overall fared better, with only parked cars seeing a decrease as of July compared with the previous year. This contrasts with Martha’s Vineyard Airport. While there were drops in the number of commercial flights that traveled through the airport in the first three months of the year and July, there has been an overall increase by 188,229 passengers since the same time last year. The traffic count from the air traffic control tower, owned by the Federal Aviation Administration, also saw overall counts increase each month except February, this year through August, at a total of 33,557 flights, or an increase of 2,285 from last year. Meanwhile, the Vineyard Transit Authority saw a banner year for travel. The public bus line currently offers free rides, and saw a record number of riders in its most recent fiscal year, July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026: 1.39 million passengers, beating the previous record in fiscal year 2016 by just under 10,000. In the face of dwindling revenue, Rozum suggested in August placing a cap on the number of times the excursion rate, which gives

discounts to Islanders, can be used per month. According to a SSA report, excursion fares covered 27.3 percent of the ferry line’s costs to carry passengers and vehicles, which was subsidized by the 155.5 percent covered by the standard fares. “So, we’re making less money on revenue because the tickets that are increasing in quantity are the ones where we lose money on every one,” Ted Gavin, the Vineyard board representative, said. Gavin asked what an increase to the excursion rate would do, and Rozum said a “$5 increase per leg” would save the ferry line $1 million. In 2025, Rozum said, there were 210,000 trips on the Vineyard route using excursion rates. Rozum also said the SSA is looking at what changes are possible, based on the reservation system that is still under development and has experienced delays. Robert Jones, the Barnstable board representative, noted in August that the budget always has its ups and downs. “I don’t see anything different from what’s happened the last 20 years,” he said. The excursion fare increased last year for the first time since 2021; there were other fare increases across the board. The SSA is also looking at other economic pressures as it considers its budget for next year, which is usually completed in the late fall. The ferry line had to pay an additional $81,076.15 due to tariffs in repairs to the freight ferry Barnstable, a cost contractors are passing onto customers, according to Amundsen. Spillane said there are “negligible impacts” from tariffs, “but it is difficult to plan accordingly due to frequently shifting policies,” and the ferry line is watching the U.S.-Canada trade war that is expected to increase the cost of goods. Several other boats, like the freight ferry Woods Hole, are also entering maintenance. Zachary Lawrence, engineering and maintenance director, said a contingency cost associated with tariffs could be budgeted. Mark Rozum, Steamship treasurer and comptroller, noted that fuel is another cost the SSA is wary of; it’s an expense that’s risen sharply. But the SSA is experimenting with the renewable diesel fuel R99 on its largest ferry, Island Home. The SSA received its first shipment on August 29; Amundsen said this was delayed because of a freight train derailment in Worcester earlier in the month. He said last month that the ferry line was scheduled to restart the pilot program on Sept. 21. The SSA purchased 200,000 gallons of the fuel for $165,000, and the test period will continue through Dec. 31.

news A9

September 10, 2026

Nonprofit unveils plan for former Aquinnah Shop Continued from A1

property from NLC and begin caring for the property, which they’ve already started to do with the permission of the conservancy. Concrete plans are in the distance at the moment, but Wenonah said that in terms of using the restaurant building, she hopes to “have someone who’s willing to run it and take care of it, and we believe in our members, and believe that there’s someone out there that can do that,” though conversation did eventually lead to the difficulty of securing affordable housing, for both native and non-native people, on the Island. The question of state grants was also brought up. While

funds are available, Wenonah came to realize that only a municipality, such as the town of Aquinnah, can hold a conservation restriction over the land, a requirement when a nonprofit makes a property purchase with a state grant. And the board wasn’t comfortable with that partnership in the long term. It felt like another version of colonization to Wenonah, who said, “It’s not that I don’t trust the people who are there now. It’s just, you don’t know. I’m not going to be here forever. The people who are working in the town aren’t going to be there forever.” Tribes, even those federally recognized, on the other hand, aren’t allowed to

The Aquinnah Shop Restaurant property sits right on the edge of the Cliffs.

Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and was a way to educate residents of Martha’s Vineyard about tribal connection to the land and the concept of the Land Back movement. It lastly revealed a plan for 27 Aquinnah Circle, a property that includes the former Aquinnah Shop Restaurant location at the Cliffs, where $8 million is needed for purchase, restoration, and future care. Though the board of ALI is made up of members of the tribe, it is not the tribal government, a distinction that was made several times during the discussion. ALI was “formed out of a need to return land to Wampanoag people, to not just return the land, but to restore our relationship with our land,” Wenonah Madison, board president of ALI, member of the Aquinnah tribe, and owner of 7a Foods, said in a video about the organization played at the start of the event. “We are the land, and the land is a part of us, and we both need each other to be here. We have been realizing the squeezing out for some time; none of it really leaves space for indigenous people.” “Our language tells us that we cannot exist without the land, and I always think of myself in this way: I grow from the land; I wouldn’t exist without the land, and land has memory,” Amira Madison, board clerk of ALI, councilwoman for the tribe, and manager for tribal nations strategic initiatives at Harvard University, also said in the video. “So all that knowledge that’s passed down generations — that is also embedded in the land, and I can’t exist without that.” For Wampanoag people, land isn’t about acreage, and isn’t viewed as an asset, Amira said. A return of land to “long-term care” by Wampanoag people, she said, strengthens the Island for everyone through eco-

logical care, local food, and protected views and habitats. This can happen, she said, through purchase, donation, partnership, conservation arrangement, or a cultural access agreement. (“We’re not going to just kick people out,” Amira said.) The hope for ALI is to not only return land to tribal people but also to protect, restore, and steward that land. And to exemplify that, they’ve turned their eyes back to 27 Aquinnah Circle, a property that was purchased by and is temporarily stewarded by the Mashpeebased Native Land Conservancy (NLC) for ALI. The property, which was initially opened as a commercial building in the 1940s by Napoleon and Nanette Madison, and was part of the land allotted to the tribe when Aquinnah was incorporated in the late 1800s under its former name Gay Head, was placed on the market in June 2023 for $3.5 million. The concern was that the land would pass out of Wampanoag hands. “In August 2023, the NLC stepped in to purchase this special place with the intent to be the temporary caretaker until the newly formed [ALI] is able to fundraise the purchase price,” NLC’s website states. The owner sold the property to NLC for $2 million. The “27 Aquinnah Circle [property] is the first opportunity, not the entire mission,” said Berta Welch, board director of ALI, member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag, and a leader on several other boards within the tribe and Island community. It is, however, a “powerful first test,” Amira said, of ALI’s vision. It was actually the property that inspired the group of five women, which also includes Tiffany Smalley as board treasurer and Camille Madison as board director, to start ALI, but they’ve since been approached by owners who want to hand over other

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parcels of land. The board presented a working vision of what could become 27 Aquinnah Circle, which included first restoring the land itself, with engineers and other specialists on drainage, settling, and vegetation, and who also understand that the area faces severe erosion. They want to remove invasive plants, restore native ones, create an upper path within the threeacre property, and make room for outdoor gatherings. The vision also includes ideas for what to do with the existing restaurant building; a restored eatery with the potential for communal dining and traditional foods is part of the discussion, as are rotating art exhibitions and cultural programming. “A restaurant is a meaningful possibility, but it is not the whole purpose of this land, and it is not yet a final operating decision,” Amira said. She added that for a non-native visitor to the property, “welcome should lead to understanding and respect,” but “for a Wampanoag person, welcome should also mean belonging, and not feeling like a guest on ancestral lands.” ALI is currently developing a model for funding that can include individual giving, leadership gifts, foundations and grants, partnerships, missionaligned earned revenue, and dedicated resources for stewardship. Their next steps include raising the funds to take over ownership of the

hold a conservation restriction, according to state law. Nevin Sayre, a hall-of-fame windsurfer who recently was the recipient of the Art Buchwald Award, spoke emotionally about one collaboration already in the works between ALI and Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, in which the foundation is holding a conservation restriction over a property of an anonymous family so the land can’t ever be developed. Though they said they aren’t a replacement for the NLC, Land Bank, or other conservation organizations, the board members said they’ve started to have discussions with other groups, such as the Vineyard Conservation Society. “In a time with very few win-win situations in this world, to me, this sounds like a win-win,” Sayre said through tears. The conversation ended with a door open to future discussion with the audience and broader Island community, but one of ALI’s guiding principles is that Wampanoag voices lead. “We are willing to come to the table to feel and move forward together, because we have to. There is no other option,” Amira said. “We’re all here, and realistically, the land is going to be out there, and we’re going to have to still manage with other people.”

RESERVATION SYSTEM PROJECT INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSES The Steamship Authority is holding its next set of information sessions on the True North Initiative to replace the company’s reservation system. Topics to be discussed include: • Items affected by the move to the new system, including coupon books and excursion trips • Account updates for customers • Updates to Head Start for Preferred and Excursion program customers • E-bikes and e-scooters Virtual session • 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 15 Link to join: https://bit.ly/TrueNorthinfosession In-person session • 5 p.m. Thursday, September 17 • Martha’s Vineyard Film Center 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven Questions? Visit www.steamshipauthority.com/TrueNorth

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CASHIERS NEEDED RELIABLE MARKET is seeking associates in all departments beginning as soon as possible, for the FALL or WINTER season. FULL or PARTTIME. Please see Donna in person for an application. LANDSCAPER / GROUNDSKEEP ER Bilingual candidates preferred but not a must. Year round position for the right candidate. Competitive pay, based on experience. A great opportunity. Please email landscapeadmv@gmail.com MARTHA’S VINEYARD CONSTRUCTION CO. IS HIRING AN EXPERIENCED SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER/PROJECT MAN AG ER 10+ years of construction project management experience preferred; high-end residential experience a plus. Strong candidates with slightly less experience considered. Cometiti e a , benefits, bonuses, retirement, PTO, and premier Vineyard projects. Send resume to anne@ marthasvineyardconstruction.com MARTHA’S VINEYARD SHIPYARD IS SEEKING AN ORGANIZED AND DEPENDABLE TEMPORARY OFFICE ASSISTANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM IMMEDIATELY. 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 & hel the o ce tea with other basic admin tasks as needed, If you have great attention to detail & love keeping things organized, have proven experience in data entry, o ce ad in strong ti e- anagement skills, we can teach you how to do the rest. Please send your resume & a brief note about your availability to jhale@mvshipyard.com , with the subject line O ce Ad in

management. Year round position in Newport Rhode Island. Email resume newportagm@gmail.com SERVICE WRITER / CUSTOMER LIAISON MARTHA’S VINEYARD SHIPYARD This is a full-time, year-round position with benefits. We are a growing, family-owned shipyard built on quality craftsmanship, strong customer relationships and a passion for the water. We pride ourselves on creating a workplace where team members are supported, challenged and appreciated. We are currently looking for a Service Writer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is ready to be the face of our service operations. WHAT YOU’LL DO First Contact: Act as the main point of contact for our customers, offering top-tier communication and welcoming service. Estimates & Planning: Prepare detailed, accurate written estimates for labor, parts & repairs. Project tracking: follow work closely through every stage to ensure deadlines & high-quality standards are met. Customer Follow-up: Maintain proactive, timely communication with boat owners regarding updates, approvals & completion timelines. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR Boat Knowledge: Solid understanding of boats, marine systems & terminology required. Tech-Savvy: Comfortable navigating digital management software, inven-

tory systems & modern communication tools. Detail-Oriented & organized, adaptable & driven to take on new challenges & adjust as daily shipyard priorities evolve. High level of patience, exceptional customer service skills & a good sense of humor! What we offer is year-round stability, competitive compensation & benefits ac age and a supportive, team-oriented, family friendly working environment. Ready to take on the challenge? Send resume to jhale@mvshipyard. com with subject line “Service Writer A lication WEST TISBURY POLICE DEPARTMENT FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER IMMEDIATE OPENING The West Tisbury Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Full Time olice O cer. ull ti e M. .T. . Academy trained preferred (not reuired , and the abilit to be certified as a Massachusetts olice o cer as defined b the eace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, able to obtain a valid MA driver’s license, and able to obtain a license to carr firear s. A licants ust be free of any physical disability that would prevent them from performing all the essential job functions of a olice o cer. The West Tisbur Police Department is also accepting lateral transfers, education and experience will be considered in determin-

ing the starting step on the current wage scale. Present salary range is , . , . with a full benefit ac age including education incentive and shift differential. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Associates degree or higher is preferred. Essential Functions: Enforce all Massachusetts laws, local laws and bylaws within the police area of responsibility. Applications and full job description can be obtained by mail, picked up in person, town website, or by email at wtpd@westtisbury-ma.gov , during business hours M- a . f ou have any questions regarding the application please contact Lieutenant Gebo, - . The application submission process will remain open until the position is filled. olice O cer ecruit ent West Tisbury Police Department O Box tate oad West Tisbur , MA wtpd@westtisbury-ma.gov MVYTF IS HIRING A PART-TIME YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR Our Youth Program Coordinator will play a major role in the development of a novel outreach program based on our tagline: “powered by youth, bac ed b co unit . The will interact with the school staff and students at MVRHS, the Charter School, and our 4 combined schools.

Required • High school diploma or GED, Bachelor’s degree preferred. • Experience working with youth and coordinating programs. • Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and ability to travel locally. alar Benefits • Salary is based on experience. • - an hour for hours a week September through June with potential for year-round. Learn more and apply on our website mvytf.org or indeed ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Year round, 40 hours/week, in busy co unit health ser ice o ce, must enjoy working with the public and multitasking. Bilingual Portuguese/Spanish helpful. Manages front desk, phones, appointment scheduling, data entry, and provides general clerical assistance. Excellent communication, organizational and co uter s ills and o ce e ui ment knowledge required. Hourly rate . . ull benefits offered. Dukes County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full job descriptions and job application available at www. dukescounty.gov/employment-opportunities- Send letter of interest and application to director.hhs@ dukescounty.gov

NOW HIRING MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM! We are seeking a driven, community-minded Account Executive to support our ad sales and marketing efforts. Help local businesses grow while supporting exceptional local journalism. Part-time (20 hrs/ wk) with potential for full-time advancement. Primarily in-person with re ote flexibilit . hr r plus bonus and commission potential. 1-2 years of sales or marketing experience preferred. To apply, email your resume to sean@mvtimes.com. SEEKING A GENERAL MANAGER FOR A BUSY RESTAURANT IN NEWPORT RI. Strong knowledge of food and beverage P&L, deep understanding of back of house. Ideal for someone who has a solid and proven experience in restaurant business

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HELP WANTED DIRECT SUPPORT CAREGIVER MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE FULL-TIME WEEKEND & LIVE-IN DO YOU HAVE A CALLING TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF OTHERS WITH DISABILITIES? IF YOU ARE ABLE TO MAKE A LONG TERM COMMITMENT AND JOIN OUR TEAM, WE HAVE SEVERAL OPENINGS FOR ENERGETIC DIRECT CARE GIVERS! APPLICANTS MUST POSESS A STRONG DESIRE FOR LOVING KINDNESS & JOY, BE A POSITIVE TEAM PLAYER & HAVE A VALID MASS DRIVERS LIC. POSITIONS OFFER PAID TRAINING, HOURLY RATE OF PAY, BENEFITS, PAID VACATION TIME AND MORE. IN THIS PEACEFUL,LOVING SETTING FOR THE RIGHT TEAM PLAYER, THERE IS POSSIBLE PRIVATE STAFF HOUSING AVAILABLE. IF THIS IS YOUR CALLING GIVE US A ALL ALL - O MO INFORMATION

WILLING TO TRAIN THE RIGHT CANDIDATE $2,500 SIGN ON BONUS • Positions are full-time, year-round. • Monday thru Friday hours with immediate start. • Competitive pay. Plus, E.C. Cottle offers full benefits including, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, matched 401k, paid time off and paid holidays. All benefits earned after completion of probationary period.

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DUKES COUNTY SHERIFFS' OFFICE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS $1,000 Monthly Housing Stipend for Full Time Island Residents Looking to kick-start a rewarding career while serving the Island community? Correctional O cers at the Dukes County Jail & House of Correction are responsible for the care, custody, control of inmates, as well as other assigned duties. Must be at least 19 years of age with a valid MA Driver’s License, have effective oral and written communications skills, flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing environment and priorities; positive attitude, integrity, and excellent judgment. Work schedule includes assignments to the day, evening and night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Paid Correction Academy training (may be hosted on or off-island) with a strong commitment to supporting employees’ ongoing professional growth. Full-time position with a generous benefit package, including paid leave, insurance, state pe nsion and deferred compensation matching. Full time pay range is $65,516.88- $70,933.46 annually, plus $1,000 monthly housing stipend. Candidates must pass interview, background check, and post-conditional-offer medical evaluations and meet the physical fitness testing requirements. Apply today! Download applications and job descriptions at dukescountysheriff.com/careers

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VINEYARD DECORATORS IS HIRING FRONT DESK MANAGER Vineyard Decorators is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Front Desk Manager to oversee incoming calls, calendars, replenishment, and general front desk operations. This position will also support our Bookkeeper with daily administrative tasks including scanning, filing, copying, and organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Googl e Workspace required. Must be availbel to work Saturdays. Opportunity to grow into a full-time Operations Assistant role for the right candidate. 401(k), paid vacation, health insurance, and housing available if needed. Email resume to sophia@vineyarddecorators.com DESIGN CONSULTANT | HOUSING AVAILABLE Start building a career in Interior Design from the ground up. This fulltime, year-round position combines furniture showroom sales with interior design and is ideal for someone with a strong eye for color and design and an eagerness to learn. No previous design experience required. After the 27 season, employees have the opportunity to take online Interior Design courses to further develop their skills and career. Competitive compensation package, 401(k), paid vacation, health insurance, and housing available. Email resume to sophia@vineyarddecorators.com SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER | HOUSING AVAILABLE Vineyard Decorators is seeking an experienced Senior Interior Designer to join our growing Interior Design Studio. Qualified candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture and a minimum of 8 years of experience in construction-based interior design. Strong proje ct, time, and client management skills, with the ability to independently lead projects, are required. Must be proficient in AutoCAD. Full-time, year-round position with competitive compensation, benefits, and housing available. Learn more about our company and design team at our website. Email resume to sophia@vineyarddecorators.com

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

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

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JOB POSTING: CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY ASSISTANT The Edgartown Library is excited to launch a brand-new role in our Youth Services Department! If you love working with kids and teens, enjoy creative program support, and want to help shape a welcoming, vibrant library space for young people and their families, this job is for you. What You’ll Do: Welcome kids, teens, and caregivers into the library with warmth, enthusiasm, and helpful guidance. Provide friendly, knowledgeable, hands-on assistance to children, teens, and caregivers. Support story times, crafts and workshops, and summer reading. Accurately maintain youth programming data for internal and state reporting. Create engaging displays and help maintain the children’s and teen collections. esign fl ers, signage, social edia content and other creative marketing materials for youth programs. Staff public service points—including the children’s room, circulation desk, and reference desk—with friendliness, professionalism, and top-notch service. Help with shelving, catalog navigation, troubleshooting public tech needs, answering questions, and much more. The details: This full-time (37.5 hours/week) year-round position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of experience working with children, teens, or families—or relevant experience in public service or education. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Hourly wage range is $31.22-$44.44 in 10 ste s, lus full benefits ac age. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter, Town of Edgartown employment application, and resume to Library Director Lisa Sherman at director@edgartownlibrary.org, or mail to Edgartown Public Library, 26 West Tisbury Rd, Edgartown, MA, 02539. Full job description and application are available at edgartownlibrary.org. Applications accepted until position is filled. TO is O .

**WEST TISBURY WINTER RENTAL** Two-bedroom, one-bath garage apartment. Furnished. September 15–May 15. $3,300/month plus utilities. First and last month required. No smoking. No pets. Email wtwinterrental@gmail.com for inquiries. OAK BLUFFS WINTER RENTAL Walk to town! Sweet cottage style home good for 1-3 people. Quiet area. Newer kitchen/ sunporch. $2600/mo + utilities. References/ no smoking/no pets. TEXT Austin RE Properties of MV 508-314-5833. WINTER RENTAL OB Bright and spacious furnished one-bedroom apartment with kitchenette. Laundry & parking. 1,150. per month. October-May 2027. Call or text 508-280-6650 SHORT-TERM 3 BR HOUSE FOR RENT SEPTEMBER 2026MAY 2027 ONLY. Large lot private Oak Bluffs neighborhood. Excellent references - application, background check, security deposit. Vacate May 30. Professional Single or Couple. No pets, or extra guests. $3000/month plus utilities. 508-696-6296 leave message.

HOUSE RENTAL - EDGARTOWN (KATAMA) - WINTER (10/1 - 5/1) - 3 BED/2 BATH. Rent $3,000, plus utilities. If interested, call Peter at (401) 789-3127.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

THE DUKES COUNTY REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (DCRHA) SEEKS QUALIFIED APPLICANTS FOR THE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR POSITION. The position is responsible for coordinating the front o ce at the HA o ce, anaging and o erseeing apartments and tenants. The applicant should have experience in public interaction, strong verbal and written communication s ills, o ce ad inistration ex erience, and roficienc with Microsoft O ce roducts. ort hours wee l , a starting pay rate range of $37.64/ hr. to $38.58/hr. with a full-time benefits ac age. ob descri tion available upon request. Submit cover letter and resume to dcrha@housingauthoritymv.org by 5 pm September 25, 2026.

GREENHOUSE ASSISTANT PHA seeks a Greenhouse Assistant to propagate and care for plants, trees and shrubs in our greenhouse and nursery. This is a part-time, seasonal position from March thru No e ber flexible and a s hour. Job description and application instructions found at www. pollyhillarboretum.org/get-involved/ employmentopportunities/. DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT | VINEYARD CONSERVATION SOCIETY VCS seeks an entrepreneurial fundraising leader to build a dynamic development program on Martha’s Vineyard. Major gifts, annual giving, grants, events & campaigns. 10+ years’ experience required. Full description & application: vineyardconservation.org/career-opportunities

HOUSES FOR RENT

OAK BLUFFS. COZY AND CLEAN 3-BEDROOM HOME. Laundry, deck & fenced-yard. Walk to town. 2,600mo (plus electric) includes internet. References. 508-280-6650

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/ GA AG L AN , ertified Mold Inspector & Remediator, TENNIS COURT CLEANING, French Drain Installation. 508-684-0242., RENATO myhandymaninmv@gmail.com

BOAT SALES

APARTMENTS/ROOMS

OFF SEASON RENTAL IN AQUINNAH 3 bed, 2.5 bath. $2500/month 845-750-4665 YEAR-ROUND W. TISBURY Studio apartment, one person, day-worker. No smokers, no pets. Avail. early Sept. Mostly furnished, or not. $1,700 mo. all utilities incl. First, last, security. Application & references. 508 693 9199. APARTMENTS/ROOMS WEST TISBURY LAMBERT’S COVE AREA Beautiful, one bedroo with o ce. Utilities included. Washer/dryer. Patio. Full kitchen. $3500/month. Possibly year round. 508-939-1414

DERBY TIME IS ALMOST HERE! 20ft 2004 Century center console w/150 hp Yamaha is in the water ready to go! Includes trailer, 8ft dinghy, Raymarine GPS, VHF radio, many extras. Nothing beats a well maintained Yamaha - under 750 hours. $19,500 404-550-9715

YARD SALE

LARGE COMBINATION HOME AND CLOSET SALE. Tons of home decor, furniture and useful home items. High-end women’s clothing in excellent condition - mostly size M. Sat Sept 12. 53 Nip N Tuck La WT. 9am-12pm

BargainBox 2000-2006 NEW TUNDRA/SEQUOIA PARTS Moog ball joints, left/right $50 each, Driver side Brake caliper $50, Rear Brake shoes (one wheel) $20. 203984-3995 FREE Entertainment cabinet. Vineyard Decorators. Come pick up. Photos available. 860-751-9342 508-645-2636 ANCHOR LINE. 6 strand Braided 3/4 inch, with heavy brass mooring attachment on one end. Finished wrapped loose end. 100 feet. $80.00. 774-563-8473 JIGSAW PUZZLES SCRABBLE, PARCHEESI, ETC. Good/Excellent condition. $3-$12. 508-693-7472 -Call anytime, 7:30am-12:30pm is best.

MAKITA CIRCULAR SAW. Works, but desperately needs a new cord $30. cmarcmail@gmail.com NEW 2/bags 1.5”sheet-metal screws, 250/bag-$20 bag. White replacement storm-door handle/kit, button lock-$15. Men’s size large hi-vis rain jac et w reflecti e bands- , rain pants-$10. csepp@comcast. netpictures/to see. 2 SOFAS 78”; red convertible sofa - $50. 58”; green sofa - $25. Very comfortable. CALL or TEXT 203-434-3509 NICE, WOOD, GLASS-TOP JEWELRY RETAIL DISPLAY CASE 25.5”; L X 25.5”; W X 45”; H. Two available. $100 each. hctsun603@gmail.com

TWO AIR CONDITIONERS $60. Moving, all must go. 774-343-6327 TWO MATCHING TWIN BEDS WITH WHITE WOODEN HEADBOARDS $10 each both for $15. Call or text 561-281-6554 VINTAGE DESK 860-391-1893 STATELY VINTAGE DESK Leather top, nice condition, 48 x 24; 30H; $95. Vintage Pottery:$18-$35. Fair posters: outof-print $40-95 MV Art/Artifacts $15-95 860-391-1893 WHITE, GLACIER BAY Vanity Combo, 18”w, x16” d, x 32” h. Sink, 19”x17”. $40. Contact DM Allen, davidmiltonallen@gmail.com. TWO PRINTERS HP desk jet 1000, 110 series. Free.

Espon XP 8800, almost new. $25 508-696-7980. WASHER/DRYER ree. Wor s fine, no longer needed. Call Bill: 774-521-4352 FREE Hard, small, pears -still on the treeperhaps use them in baking or canning? If interested, please call 774 521 8173 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 86 JEEP COMMANCHE $100.00. call or text 508-693-5702 CHRISTMAS STUFF PLUS A TREE $15. Moving, all must go. 774-343-6327.

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

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

Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.

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A12 classifieds

September 10, 2026

Real Estate

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

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.

$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.

$2,250,000 MARILYN MOSES OCEAN PARK REALTY 617-462-0381 NEW CONSTRUCTION Welcome to Lagoon Ridge, Oak Bluffs’ newest and most soughtafter neighborhood. Build your 3bedroom dream home in this elevated enclave, set 95 feet above Lagoon Pond and capturing sweeping sky views, colorful sunsets, and refreshing sea breezes. This exceptional home site represents one of the final opportunities in this thriving new community.To be built — The Naushon — features 3 bedrooms, 3 .5 bathrooms, and over 2,400 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. A grand wrap-around covered porch provides a welcoming entry and the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or cool evening breezes. Inside, the open-concept floor plan connects the chef’s kitchen with spacious living and dining areas, ideal for entertaining family and friends. Each bedroom suite includes a tiled en-suite bath with customizable fixtures and finishes, and the second-floor suit es may offer private balconies for added relaxation. Classic Oak Bluffs cottage architecture meets modern comfort and energy e ciency, making The Naushon an ideal yearround or seasonal retreat. Lagoon Ridge offers direct access to conservation lands with walking and biking trails, and nearby Lagoon Pond invites kayaking, sailing, and shell fishing. All utilities—electric, town water, and a private, state-ofthe-art Amphidrome wastewater system—are located at t he street. This innovative system serves the entire neighborhood, providing convenience and peace of mind. Lagoon Ridge is a covenantprotected community with architectural review and professional management by First Property Management Co. This beautiful home site is ready for the construction of your Vineyard dream home. Eleven lots have sold—only two remain available. Call for details!

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

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

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

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 $1,599,000 first and second floors would benefit Alan Schweikert from a little TLC and personal 508-221-1708 touches to brighten and refresh the space, providing a great opportunity OAK BLUFFS Beach Road: VINEYARD HAVEN OUTER HARBOR for the next owner to make the WATERFRONT WITH DOCK… 1860’s home their own. Outside, the property offers a small, manageable Beach House with substantial 60’ dock built in 2004, is situated on yard with off-street parking, along OUTER HARBOR in private with a classic Vineyard outdoor waterfront setting. Enjoy all variety shower—a favorite feature after a of watersports, dramatic sunsets day at the be ach and something every evening, refreshing swims, or many consider a must-have for Island living. Set on a 5,000-square- just relax on your back porch and foot lot, the property offers the best watch the colorful boating activity of both worlds—a quieter location at unfold. Property features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, attached the Eastville side of Winemack garage, open kitchen/dining/living Street while still being just minutes area with stone fireplace, hardwood from downtown Oak Bluffs. flooring throughout and plenty of Prequalification letter from your space to work with for your own lending source or proof of funds design. Location is convenient to required. Owner and tenants shopping, restaurants, and ferry. currently occupy the home; 24-hour Requires restoration and renovation. notice for show ings is preferred.

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Real Estate Transactions August 31 – Sept. 4, 2026 Chilmark Sept. 3, Robert Mandel, also known as Robert A. Mandel, trustees of 190 Riverside Penthouse Trust, sold 21 Eliot Ave. and 0 Stonewall Beach Lot to 24 Frames Real Estate LLC for $5,250,000.

sold 69 School St. to Three Sisters Properties LLC for $3,600,000. Sept. 2, Nicole Cretacci Nathanson, formerly known as Nicole A. Cretacci, sold 0 Harborside Inn Condo Unit 212 Week 27 to Joyce A. Martin and Jeffrey K. Martin for $20,000.

Edgartown

Oak Bluffs

August 31, Evelyn F. Macomber, trustee of Macomber Investment Realty Trust, sold 61 Third St. North to Ocean Heights Properties LLC for $699,000. Sept. 1, Eastern Bank and Cambridge Trust Co., trustees of Norma Bridwell Trust, sold 49 High St. to Big Red Dog MV LLC for $3,650,000. Sept. 2, MTK 69 School Street LLC

LAND BANK

WEEKLY INCOME FY 2027, Year to Date:

$3,712,664.24

$900,000 $850,000 $800,000 $750,000 $700,000

Sept. 2, Annie M. Parsons and Jeremy Jones sold 22 Firehouse Lane to Joy Younan and Kelly Sciandra for $905,000.

Tisbury August 31, Ardis S. Fitzpatrick sold 119 North William St. to Spring M. Sheldon for $917,500.

$650,000 $600,000 $550,000 $500,000 $450,000

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

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Weekly Registrar’s Report: Sept 4, 2026

OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 21 ISLAND INN RD, UNIT 38G $527,500.00 Call or text Rene Ben David 508-847-4864 Ocean Park Realty Inc. Welcome to Unit 38G at the Island Inn, offering resort-style living in an exceptional Oak Bluffs location just steps from the beach. This desirable ground-floor end unit features a large glass slider opening to the patio, with stairs leading to the heated outdoor pool just a few feet away. Accommodating up to six guests, the unit features one bedroom with a queen bed, a separate sleeping area partially divided by a 4' wall with two single beds, a sofa bed, 1.5 baths, and a small kitchen with a two-burner cooktop. The Island Inn is a seasonal resort community, open April–October, with beautifully maintained grounds, heated pool, three association clay tennis courts, 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 br ing your luggage and enjoy your piece of paradise! Ideal as a Vineyard getaway, investment, or combination of personal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only, 10AM–3PM. Proof of funds required.

$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 fire lace, creating a war and spacious gathering space. The thoughtfully designed layout offers a ri ate first-floor ri ar 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.

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 personal use and rental income. Showings during turnovers only, 10AM–3PM. Proof of funds required.

classifieds A13

September 10, 2026

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

OAK BLUFFS CONDO FOR SALE 27 ISLAND INN UNIT 10C $310,000.00 CALL OR TEXT RENE BEN DAVID,508-847-4864 OCEAN PARK REALTY INC. Welcome to 27 Island Inn, Unit 10C, a comfortable one-bedroom, 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, pet-friendly setting with a heated outdoor pool, 3 association cla 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.

Real Estate

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-OAK BLUFFS

LAND-OAK BLUFFS

LAND-OAK BLUFFS

HOUSES-WEST TISBURY

PRIVACY MEETS CONVENIENCE IN OAK BLUFFS JAYNE ISFORD | 203-962-4317 $1,795,000 Nestled at the end of a quiet street, this roomy and spacious Cape-style home offers privacy and convenience just a short distance to the Oak Bluffs School, town center, and within walking distance to the Lagoon. Sun-filled main level with open floor plan, large windows, and a generous kitchen with ample counter space, openin g to the dining area. Sliders lead to a back deck, yard, and bluestone patio ..perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Radiant heated floors in the primary suite and lower-level playroom. Twocar garage with bonus space above. Beautiful stonework driveway. Updated furnace (2020) and water heater (2024).

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.

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

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

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 plum bing and electrical systems, a new well pressure tank, new Culligan Water Filtration and Conditioning system, and a Generac whole-house generator installed in 2022.

HOUSES-TISBURY

74 CHASE ROAD TISBURY $945,000.00. 3 bedroom 1.1 bath. Additional basement 768SF with walk out egress. 10,842SF lot. New roof windows basement insulation mini splits. Quiet dead end road close to Tashmoo landing, tennis and pickle ball kayak storage. Janna O’Loughlin Portfolio Properties MV 31 N. Summer Street Edgartown, MA 0253

COMMERCIAL-VINEYARD HAVEN

PRIME VINEYARD HAVEN COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY AWAITS This 2,614± sq. ft. corner condominium at Woodland Center Marketplace offers excellent visibility and flexibility. Unit 8 includes a showroom, o ce area, workroom/warehouse storage, kitchenette, and half bath. Ample parking and a high-tra c location enhance investment appeal. Business available separately. $1,500,000 Sandpiper Realty, Inc. 508.627.3737

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Up Island Regional School District Request for Services On-Call Designer/Architect Services #27-03 The Up Island Regional School District is seeking Proposals to provide On-Call Designer/Architect Services for smaller projects for the fiscal ear beginning ul , until June 30, 2027. The contract may be extended through FY29 at the discretion of the District. etails regarding s ecifications, pre-bid conference, as well as required forms, are available in the Central O ce b e ailing ocel n Broadle jbroadley@mvyps.org. Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to Mark Friedman, Chief rocure ent O cer, labeled On-Call Designer/Architect Services #27-03 Proposal”, and be received at 4 Pine Street, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 by Thursday, October 1, 2026 by 4:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time). If Bids are being delivered in person, Bids must be placed in secure drop box at front door at 4 Pine Street, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. The Up Island Regional School District reserve the right to reject any or all Proposals. CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF CONSERVATOR’S ACCOUNT Docket No. DU13P0010PM Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court In the matter of: Sumner M.Grover Of: Vineyard Haven, MA Protected Person/Disabled Person/ Respondent To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, you are hereb notified ursuant to ule of the Supplemental Rules of the Probate & Family Court, that the CONSERVATOR’S TWELFTH (12TH) ANNUAL account(s) of

Jeanne M. Francisco of Vineyard Haven, MA as Conservator of the property of said Respondent has or have been presented to the Court for allowance.. Dukes Probate and Family Court PO Box 237 81 Main Street Edgartown MA, 02539 You have the right to object to the account(s). If you wish to do so, you or our attorne ust file a written appearance and objection at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 09/22/2026. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to object to the account s . f ou fail to file the written appearance and objection by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you, including the allowance of the account(s). Additionally, within thirty days after said return day (or within such other time as the Court upon motion a order , ou ust file a written affida it of objections stating the s ecific facts and grounds upon which each objection is based and a copy shall be served upon the Conservator pursuant to Rule 3 of the Supplemental Rules of the Probate & Family Court. You have the right to send to the onser ator, b registered or certified mail, a written request to receive a copy of the Petition and account(s) at no cost to you. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or finan ia a ai s o both he abo e named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. WITNESS, Hon. Susan L Jacobs, First Justice of this Court.

LEGAL NOTICES Date: August 26, 2026 Daphne DeVries Register of Dukes County Probate and Family Court

LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS

OAK BLUFFS CONSERVATION COMMISSION Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 40, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and the Oak Bluffs Wetlands Bylaw, the Oak Bluffs Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing for a Request for Determination of A licabilit filed b dward esce of Pesce Engineering & Associates, Inc. on behalf of Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Inc. for the partial demolition of the existing 1929 Building at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, the relocation of utilities, and removal of 2 old underground tanks. This is located within the ear flood one, and its buffer zone and the buffer to a wetland at 1 Hospital Road, Oak Bluffs, Map 7 Parcel 1. The hearing will take place at 3:30PM on Thursday September 17, 2026. The hearing will take place at Oak Bluffs Town Hall, 56 School Street, Oak Bluffs. TOWN OF OAK BLUFFS, MA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF OAK BLUFFS ZONING BYLAWS Pursuant to the provisions of MGL ch. 40A §5, the Oak Bluffs Planning Board will open a virtual public hearing at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, for the purpose of accepting public comments on the following proposed additions and amendments to the Town of Oak Bluffs Zoning By-laws: Proposed Amendments to Town of Oak Bluffs Zoning By-laws Pursuant to the provisions of MGL ch. 40A §5, the Oak Bluffs Planning Board will open a virtual public

LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS

LEGAL NOTICES OAK BLUFFS

LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

hearing at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, for the purpose of accepting public comments on the following proposed additions and amendments to the Town of Oak Bluffs Zoning By-laws: Item 1: To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 11 of the Zoning By-laws go erning efinitions concerning the word tructure . Item 2: To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 11 of the Zoning By-laws go erning efinitions b adding the word ui ent . Item 3: To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 11 of the Zoning By-laws go erning efinitions b adding the word oot rint . Item 4: To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 11 of the Zoning By-laws go erning efinitions concerning the ter Building Height . Item 5: To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.0 GENERAL REGULATIONS of the Zoning By-laws governing noise fro echanical e ui ent in residential zones”. Item 6: To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 3.2.3.6 of the Zoning By-laws governing overnight commercial vehicle parking regulations to include regulations for high-density, multi-unit housing. Item 7: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-laws by: a.) adding Section 3.2.3.5 governing boat storage, repair, maintenance and/or construction; b.) adopting a revised definition of boat ard or boat service”; and c.) changing the table of uses for boats and boat service. Item 8: To see if the Town will vote to amend

Appendix A of the Zoning By-Laws to provide for by-right short term rental. Relevant documents are available online. See: https://www.oakbluffsma. gov/594/Proposed-Zoning-By-LawChanges---STM-202 Please forward written comments to Planning Board Administrator, PO Box 1327, Oak Bluffs MA 02557 or via email: planningboard@oakbluffsma. gov . Join Zoom Meeting https://oakbluffs.zoom.us/ j/84788876176?pwd=4pPHJTi0pDKCDTUf2ebv7SiXnlCfXf.1 Meeting ID: 847 8887 6176 Passcode: 306964 One tap mobile +13092053325,,84788876176# US +13126266799,,84788876176# US (Chicago)

The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society to install a Deer Processing Facility consisting of a 40 foot Cooler Trailer, Two Mobile Meat Processing Units and a Mobile O ce Building that will house three Residential Freezers, on the property located on Assessors Map 25, Lot 3.1 (3.1E), 5 Janes Way, RU District. A copy of the application and plan is a ailable on the nd floor of the Town Hall Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm or email your request to planningboard@ westtisbury-ma.gov. Interested parties are invited to send comments and/or attend the meeting. Please address any comments to: Leah Smith Planning Board P.O. Box 278 West Tisbury, MA 02575 Phone: 508-696-0149 Time: Sep 21, 2026 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/86739953509?pwd=g1bXpDLmwOiXbI6jqxbbwWxGWV4gIp.1 Meeting ID: 867 3995 3509 Passcode: 896245 +1 646 931 3860 US +1 301 715 8592 US WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:15pm the ZBA will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall - nd floor eeting roo on an A AL filed b Wesley Nagy of the July 31, 2026 determination made by the Building Inspector that the property located at 72 Rogers Path, Map 15, Lot 29.2, in the RU District, is in violation of Conditions 1, 4, and 5 of the Planning Board’s Special Permit dated December 26, 2024, and applicable provisions of the West Tisbury Zoning Bylaw concerning alterations

LEGAL NOTICES TISBURY

THE TISBURY COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:00 PM ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026, TO ADDRESS QUESTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY REGARDING COMMUNITY Preservation Act funding and this year’s funding cycle. Questions regarding project eligibility will be addressed. All are welcome to attend and take part in the discussion. The meeting will be held at the Tisbury Senior Center, located at 34 Pine Tree Road, Tisbury, MA 02568. This is an in-person meeting. For information or questions, please contact the Committee at tisburycpc@gmail.com

LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The West Tisbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom to consider an application from

A14 A14 classifi news eds

September 10, 10, 2026 2026 September

obituaries Barbara Dutton

David learned the forestry business. Barbara met and made some long-term friendships, a theme throughout her life. Back East they lived in the 1950s in Danielson, Conn., where David was based selling lumber, and where three sons were born, David, Allan, and John. Barbara had her hands full! By 1959 the young family transferred over to Poughkeepsie, and another son, Robert, was born. Along with raising the four boys, Barbara found time to manage the Junior League thrift store, befriend a blind and mentally challenged woman, raise money for the MidHudson Regional Hospital, and assist at the Children’s Home. In 1976, the family moved year-round to the Vineyard, to their house in Harthaven. Dave started Dutton’s Home Center, now Vineyard Home Center, and Barbara really opened up. She did elder care for many women, including Katharine Cornell, drove senior citizens around, and helped serve lunches at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging. Very happily she got involved with riding her Arabian horse Muffy at Tashmoo Pond Farm. This included trail riding and some seat-of-the-pants cart riding! She encouraged her young friend Gigi Chagnon to ride and show Muffy in competition. Never too old for animals, she found herself later

volunteering at the Island Alpaca Farm. Tennis, paddle tennis, singing in choirs, and having a responsible good time with all sorts of people were some of her other joys. Barbara was fortunate to go traveling in the 1980s to Europe, Africa, and Australia with her friends Nan Rheault and Joyce Goldfield. On one trip she caught up with German friends the Kuerschners, and invited them to come visit the Vineyard. They did, and ended up owning a home on Sengekontacket for 20 years! Barbara also made friends with and welcomed a Mongolian student, Handaa Rea, to stay for several summers. As she aged gracefully, Barbara spent more time visiting her best friend Phrons Conlin, also in Harthaven. After her husband Dave died, her senior years were spent largely at home, under the constant care of her sons and family. Her last year was at the Henrietta Brewer House, where she cheered up the staff as much as they cheered her. Barbara was also known to her family as Baba. Her descendants include sons David with wife Renee, Allan with wife Bianca, John, and Bob (deceased) with wife Molly. Grandchildren are Stanley, Allan Jr., Chloe, Amelia, and Simon. A greatgranddaughter, Haven, was

born two months ago. Her halfbrother is Lanny McDowell, Island ornithologist and artist. Family and many friends all will remember Barbara’s spirit of generosity and caring, sweetness and humor. A celebration of her life will be private.

love, Richard Warren Everett, now 95, in 1957. She is survived by her loving family, daughters Jennifer Lee Everett Benefit, Rebecca Swift Everett, and Katrina Everett Ballek (George F. Ballek); granddaughters Allison Ballek Scully (Daniel Raymond Scully), Hillary Anne Ballek, and Michaela Wacome Benefit; great-granddaughters Elouise Anita Scully and Maeve Lynn Scully. She was predeceased by her parents, and siblings Virginia Peck Gifford (Icke), Walter Sheldon Gifford II, and Folger Peck Gifford; she was the baby of her loving family. Mary was kind, generous, and had a tremendous sense of humor right to the end. The depth of her love for her husband, children, and entire extended family was boundless. She was an enthusiastic trooper for the quirky, Mary Augusta Gifford Everett, offbeat, unconventional, 93, from East Haddam, Conn., strange, charming, creative, and Harthaven in Oak Bluffs, and interesting life her husdied on August 12, 2026, at band and she set out to lead, the family cottage on beginning by purchasing an Martha’s Vineyard. old house that soon was down She was born on May 23, to three walls. She and her 1933, in Schenectady, N.Y., to husband spent their married Katherine Davis Peck Gifford life restoring this National and Walter Sheldon Gifford. Register of Historic Houses She graduated from the Albany circa 1704 home in East HadAcademy for Girls in Albany, dam. Her husband became a N.Y., and with a bachelor’s in blacksmith, creating muearly childhood education from seum-quality reproduction Wheelock College in 1956. Colonial American hardware, She married her lifelong kitchen, and lighting devices

Mary Augusta Gifford Everett

to refit it and similar structures in the Eastern Corridor. She ran the business end, and he became the master craftsman in a brick shop he built in their backyard. She was the home financier and homemaker. She was a beloved kindergarten teacher. Early on in her career, her students would excitedly await her arrival in “the popcorn car,” a Model-T Ford with gravity-fed fuel that had to go up the steep Connecticut Valley Hills in reverse. Later she studied how to research the family genealogy, and traced its lineage back through extensive libraries, filling volumes of notebooks. She took up early American– style crewelwork and wool rug braiding. She loved to sail, swim, ski, bicycle, sing, and play softball, and was a Red Sox fan. Interment in the Old Burying Ground in Warren, Conn., and the date of celebrations of life in East Haddam and Harthaven in Oak Bluffs will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Middlesex Health Hospice, online at middlesexhealth. org/donate, or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard, online at hospiceofmv.org/donations.

STORY SPACE

Barbara McDowell Dutton

passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 25, 2026, at the age of 98½. She led a full, happy, and long life. Barbara was born on Jan. 16, 1928, to Allan and Ruth McDowell of Kent, Conn. Allan was a teacher at the Kent School. Barbara was the youngest of three sisters, and enjoyed the small-town world, playing sports and enjoying horses and 4-H activities. She attended the Northfield School, followed by college at Endicott. Soon after her studies, she met and fell in love with David Garland Dutton from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Cornwall, Conn. They married in Kent on July 1, 1950. David started working for the AC Dutton Lumber Corp., his family’s wholesale business in Poughkeepsie. For a while, the young couple lived in Idaho as

MARTHA’S VINEYARD

DISTRICT COURT REPORT August 27 Alisson F. Santos, 48, Edgartown; municipal bylaw or ordinance violation, arraigned and held, bail set at $100, case closed. Maria T. Rodriguez, 49, Boston; assault and battery on family/ household member, arraigned and held, bail set at $500 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing. Jaimeson Rushlow, 28, Pawtucket, R.I.; operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, operating motor vehicle with license suspended, rate of speed exceeding posted limit, arraigned and held, bail set at $500 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing.

August 28 Chesley A. Wisemen, 37, Oak Bluffs; assault and battery on family/household member, criminal harassment, breaking and entering for misdemeanor, arraigned and held, bail set at $400 with potential for bail revocation, condition to stay away and not contact alleged victim, continued to pretrial hearing. Chesley A. Wisemen, 37, Oak Bluffs; unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, continued to pretrial hearing. Chesley A. Wisemen, 37, Oak Bluffs; unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, possession of

open container of alcohol in motor vehicle, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, continued to pretrial hearing. Jordan Phillips, 28, Canton; assault and battery on family/ household member, assault and battery with dangerous weapon, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, continued to pretrial hearing.

August 31 Diana M. Lozano, 43, Edgartown; breaking and entering for misdemeanor, trespass, arraigned and held, bail set at $1,000 with potential for bail revocation, condition to stay away from location of alleged incident, continued to pretrial hearing. Arthur M. Decastro, 31, Edgartown; operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, operating under the influence of drugs, marked lanes violation, motor vehicle lights violation, arraigned and held, bail set at $500 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing. Jhonatan D. Alves, 33, Oak Bluffs; operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, arraigned and held, bail set at $100 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing. Richard R. Doucette Jr., 39, Edgartown; second offense operating under the influence

of liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, failure to stop/ yield, marked lanes violation, arraigned and held, bail set at $500 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing. Abdullah H. Banihani, 35, Miami, Fla.; unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, no inspection sticker, number plate violation, arraigned and held, bail set at $200, case closed. Herik H. Defreitas, 21, Edgartown; unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle, operating motor vehicle with registration suspended, arraigned and released, case closed. Jolberty M. Daconceicao, 31, Tisbury; unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, no inspection sticker, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, case closed.

Sept. 1 Kevin J. Agatep, 33, Edgartown; distribute class B drug, arraigned and held, bail set at $650 with potential for bail revocation, continued to pretrial hearing. Diana M. Lozano, 43, Edgartown; disorderly conduct, continued to pretrial hearing.

Sept. 2 Diana M. Lozano, 43, Edgartown; disorderly conduct, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, continued to pretrial hearing.

Continued on A15

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

LEGAL NOTICES W. TISBURY

PUBLIC NOTICES

to the Rogers Path Special Way and storage containers in the RU District. The appeal also challenges the corrective orders issued by the Building Inspector. The appeal is made pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40A, §§ 8 and 14. 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 508-6960107 for information on the application. WEST TISBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:45pm the ZBA will hold a public hearing at the TOWN HALL- nd floor meeting room on an application for a Special Permit from Sourati Engineering Group, LLC on behalf of Alyssa M. Halisky to allow the construction of a 12’x25’ inground swimming pool requiring 26 ft. of side yard setback relief and to allow a 6’x8’ pool shed to be located 5’ from the south property line instead of 10’ under Sections

8.5-4C and 4.2-2D4 of the West Tisbury Zoning Bylaw at 152 Vineyard Meadow Farms Rd., Map 37 Lot 33, 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.

APPLY NOW! SUBMIT AN ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDING FOR INFORMATION ON ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATIONS: https://www.tisburyma.gov/271/Community-Preservation-Committee Categories include: Community Housing, Historic Preservation, Recreation, Open Space ~~~~~~~~~~~ Applications for Determination of Eligibility due: September 25, 2026, 12:00 Noon Tisbury Town Hall (10 hard copies) AND a PDF of the Eligibility Application to: tisburycpc@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If your project is eligible, you will be notified by the Committee and asked to submit a Final Application. Final Applications for Funding due: October 16, 2026, 12:00 Noon Tisbury Town Hall Questions? tisburycpc@gmail.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

ADVERTISEMENT TO BID MGL C.149 OVER $150K Dukes County Regional Housing Authority seeks sealed electronic bids for building and site improvements in Oak Bluffs, MA. Work includes siding, insulation, windows, kitchens, baths, flooring, a new hot water heater, fixing a structural crack, and site upgrades. Estimated cost: $445,075. Bidders must be DCAMM certified. Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive. View documents and submit bids via biddocs.com by 9/23/2026,3:00PM EST. No hard copies accepted.

THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD LAND BANK

will conduct a public input session in order to solicit comment on future land acquisition priorities and any other matters which the public may wish to discuss. The session will take place at 4:00PM on Monday, October 19th in the second-floor meeting room of the Vineyard Transit Authority office, located at 11 A Street in Edgartown (in the airport business park).

news A15

September 10, 2026

Gearing up

fishing report 1

2

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LISA BELCASTRO

F

our days, 15 hours, 43 minutes. I can’t believe how much there is to do in the next four-plus days (as of time of writing this) before the 81st Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby begins at 12:01 am on Sunday. Harvest most of the basil, make batches of pesto, and freeze them. Harvest tomatoes for salsa and also to slow-roast and freeze to have tastes of summer throughout the winter. Harvest some of the apples, make applesauce, and put into a dozen or so travel containers for Derby snacks. And very important, harvest a bunch of eggplant to make lots of eggplant parmesan to freeze for easy Derby dinners whatever time one gets home from fishing. I should have “clean the house” on the list, but I don’t. I did, however, wash my truck and put some elbow grease into her shine on Monday afternoon. Priorities! How are you doing on your Derby preparation? Have you stocked the fridge and purchased all your Derby snacks? I’ve got to have protein bars, nuts, and dried fruit stashed in the truck for long days in remote locations. Do you have all your gear? I bought a few more things over the holiday weekend. I have two lure bags loaded and ready to go when the Derby officially starts. I’ll greet Sunday morning with a pink and a green Deadly Dick, a Lime Time Exo, a white Exo, a green Charlie Cinto from my friend Janet Messineo, and a couple of new lures in my bag. I will also have my Chappy surf bag ready to go with some heavier topwater plugs and jigs. When I picked up my number at Larry’s, I asked owner Peter Sliwkowski if he had any new lures I should buy. He immediately showed me a Fish Inc. pink Flanker and their Sprata 100. I bought the pink Flanker and the Sprata in both pearl and Mayhem. Larry’s also has the Island’s largest selection of Monomoy Tackle peanut jigs, which cast great and catch fish. I left Larry’s with my new lures and headed to Coop’s to pick up Dave Balon’s number and to register our shore and boat teams. I always ask Coop for advice, and I do mean always. When I wanted a new shark rod that was lighter and stronger, Coop not only showed me the best rod, but he also took me outside, watched me cast, and then imContinued from A14

Louise F. Clough

Louise Fontaine Clough, 78, of Vineyard Haven, died in hospice care at home of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Boston, Louise was a healthcare professional all her working life. After retiring to the Vineyard, she was active in Island Health Council, Vineyard Village at Home, Healthy Aging M.V., and the Island Community Chorus, as well as the Tisbury finance committee and other committees. She is survived by her husband Marston, her sister and brother, and many beloved nephews and nieces and grandnephews and -nieces. Friends may choose to honor her life by volunteering or making a contribution to a Vineyard nonprofit.

3

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5

obituaries Beverly J. Espuga

dearly. Attendees are invited to bring their fave photo of Ted, and to participate by writing a note to place inside Ted’s Captain’s Logbook. Everyone is welcome to stay as long as or as little as they want.

ety, online at bit.ly/MVAS_ Donate, or to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, online at hospiceofmv.org/donations.

Services for Frances Bradley

Haven, the beloved wife of Francois Delphin, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family and friends on Sept. 2, 2026, at the age of 65. A full obituary and service announcement will follow in another edition of this paper.

A graveside service will be held for Beverly J. Espuga on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven, at 10 am. A memorial service will follow at 11 am at Trinity United Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs.

Celebration of life for Ted Box A gathering of the community of Ted Box will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 3:50 pm at the Oak Bluffs Public Library at 56R School St., Oak Bluffs. Everyone is welcome to attend. Th is will be a time to share stories, view photos, visit with friends, and enjoy the community that Ted loved so

Denise Delphin Denise Delphin of Vineyard

Robert L. Burnham

A celebration of life will be held for Frances Bradley on Friday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 7 pm at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury. Sandwiches and refreshments will be served, and if you’d like to bring a dish to share, please do, but it is not a requirement. We so look forward to seeing you all there. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fran’s memory to the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Soci-

A celebration of life for Robert L. Burnham will be held on

Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs, beginning at 1 and ending at 5 pm.

1. Isla Katz was all smiles at the MV Surfcasters usedtackle sale on Saturday. She is ready for the Derby. 2. Peter Sliwkowski of Larry’s Tackle Shop got a special delivery of Fish Inc. Flankers and Sprata. I bought a few. Who knows, they might be the winning Derby lure. 3. Cooper Gilkes of Coop’s Bait and Tackle Shop recommends the pink, Electric Chicken, and white Hogy epoxy jigs for surfcasters. 4. Doug Asselin of Dick’s Bait and Tackle recommends everyone have a pair of pliers, as two of our three Derby fish have sharp teeth. 5. For boaters, Coop suggested the Rapala X-Rap 20 in pink for trolling for blues, as well as the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep Diver in bone. For hardtails, he selected the Yo-Zuri 3.5-inch mackerel Deep Diver.

proved my stance and my cast, relieving the stress on my shoulder and giving me more distance to boot. Coop is generous with everyone, so I asked him what was selling and catching the best. He pointed out the Hogy jigs in pink, Electric Chicken, and Bone White for surfcasting, and then picked out the Rapala X-Rap 20 in pink for trolling for blues, as well as the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep Diver in bone. For hardtails from the boat, he selected the Yo-Zuri 3.5-inch mackerel Deep Diver. I own the three epoxy jigs Coop recommended. Dave and I will be going back for the boat lures next week. On Monday, I made a trip to Dick’s Bait and Tackle Shop to purchase the NLBN measuring board that Doug Asselin has raved about this year. I promised myself one of those portable, 12-inch wide and 55-inch long measuring tapes for Derby. They are easier than a standard thin tape measure since you lay the fish on top and get an exact measurement from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. Doug pointed out four things that everyone should get organized this week and have throughout the 35 days of the Derby: a cooler bag or cooler with ice or frozen water bottles to keep your catch cold, snacks, a phone charger and charged phone, and pliers. “You gotta have a pair of pliers with these bonito and their little teeth and the blues and their teeth,” said Doug. Dick’s, Coop’s, and Larry’s all have a variety of pliers, from the bare-bones pair that will cost less than $25 to the Danco Premio that sell for hundreds of dollars. My pliers attach to my belt in their sheath and have a lanyard so I won’t drop them into the water off a jetty or boat. I doubt I’ll put a line in the water this week. I’ll drive by the beach and watch the water, and I’ll walk the beach and watch the water at different tides, but who wants to catch a Derby winner before the Derby? Not me! I hope to see you on the beach or at Derby Headquarters at 8 am on Sunday morning when Cooper Gilkes rings the opening Derby bell.

A16

sports

news

September 10, 2026

sports@mvtimes.com

Sayre completes fastest wingfoil around Island He set a record and raised more than $60,000 for MVCS. BY NICHOLAS VUKOTA

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evin Sayre wasn’t sure if this year’s annual ride around the Island on his wing foil to support Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) would happen when expected. There seemed to be less wind at the start than he anticipated this past Saturday. He was at Inkwell Beach by 10:15 am anyway, and just after he put on his navy blue and orange wetsuit, goggles, and sharkdeterrent band, and clipped his helmet on, he shouted back to his trailing supporters that the wind had “gone down even more” as he walked toward the water for a test run. Nobody said a word back, but a quiet hope — for a smooth ride along the South Shore, favorable current up the sound, no sharks, and strong and steady winds — hung over the small crew of friends and family who gathered at the beach Saturday morning. And while it was nearly impossible that there would be none, they all hoped that when the seaweed did come, it came scarcely, and Sayre would be able to wiggle it off the board with little interruption. Sayre competes in a new form of windsurfing called wingfoiling, which uses an underwater hydrofoil and a handheld wing. After his test run at around 10:30 am, circling around and up and down in the bay off Inkwell Beach, and with a steady 12 to 15 mph wind pushing from the northnortheast, he came back to

the shore with a renewed smile on his face and said to the crowd: “10:45 start.” “I’m so elated it all worked out today, because when I left I wasn’t sure,” Sayre, Vineyard Haven resident and hallof-fame windsurfer, said in an interview with The Times after completing the circumnavigation. “I was expecting I would get around Wasque and there wouldn’t be enough wind, and the boat would have to pick me up. Wasque wasn’t that bad, though; it can be super-gnarly there.” Sayre began walking into the water to start his run at 10:45 am. He walked until the majority of his body slipped beneath the surface, then hoisted himself onto his board on his knees, held his wing high in his right hand, pumped it in the wind to pick up speed, then jumped onto his feet and sailed off. “He makes it look so beautiful,” Denise Halpert, a friend of Sayre’s, said as he foiled around in the water. “Yes, he does,” Stina Sayre, his wife, said. As he departed, everyone cheered — not just his small crew of supporters, but many others who watched out of pure amazement or enjoyment. By takeoff, Sayre had already raised nearly $50,000 for MVCS, just short of the $55,000 goal — $1,000 for each mile around the Island. By the time he returned from his ride, at roughly 3:03 pm, he had just cleared $50,000, and by Tuesday at 11 am, donations reached more than $60,000, surpassing the goal.

Sayre said his love for MVCS and drive to support them comes from his mother, Harriet Hart Sayre, who had served on the organization’s board. She died in 2003. “Community services is the organization on the Island that really services Islanders. One in every four Islanders receives services from MVCS,” Sayre said. “There’s a lot of great organizations and charities on this Island, but Community Services directly affects Islanders, and that’s why it was dear to my mom and dear to me.” Despite concerns surrounding the strength and consistency of the wind on Saturday, this circumnavigation of the Island — which was his third “Round the Vineyard Challenge” to raise money for MVCS — was Sayre’s fastest one yet, by more than 30 minutes. His final time was four hours and 18 minutes. He beat last year’s time, when he clocked in at four hours and 55 minutes. In previous years, Sayre found himself waiting for the winds to pick up a lot, like during his first year in 2024, when he sat on his foil board for more than an hour off Moshup, and in 2025, when he sat in the same spot for nearly 17 minutes. But this time around, Sayre said, on the South Shore, near Squibnocket, he sat for only about 15 minutes before the wind picked back up and he continued his journey. “The forecast was all over the place coming into this. I was expecting light wind and for it to fill in, and it did. The

NICHOLAS VUKOTA

Nevin Sayre after completing a circumnavigation of the Island on a wingfoil.

question was will it be windy enough to take on the South Shore, and it was marginal, but it was windy enough. I made it,” Sayre said. He said that along the South Shore, the wind would pulse. “It would drop, and I would have to pump the foil with my legs, which is tiring. The pulses were close enough together that in between I could pump for a minute or so, and that was doable.” Sayre’s fastest speed, according to the Waterspeed app that tracked him, was 22.2 knots, roughly 25 miles per hour. Sayre said that likely occurred at Tashmoo, when the currents were with him and the water smoothed. “Even though I was going upwind, I was booking,” Sayre said. “The wind and currents were good.” One detriment, as Sayre has always said, was the seaweed, but it was better than previous years. The sun was shining just right, so he could see and avoid surface-level clumps. “When I got to Cape Pogue, I hit a patch and went over the handlebars. There

was only one other time I hit a patch and had to stop to pull the seaweed off. I also think I’ve gotten better riding with a little bit of seaweed. There’s a lot of turbulence, but sometimes it comes off.” Sayre also hit a fish. “Off Makonikey, I hit a fish and went over the handlebars and saw a tail,” Sayre said. “I looked, and the fish was trying to get out of there. I have no idea how big it was, but it was big enough to stop me — dead stop. I have no idea what kind of fish. The tail was not small, and I climbed up on my board as fast as I could.” Despite a few bumps in the road, Sayre made it in record time, and surpassed his fundraising goal. “Every penny goes to services, and I request it doesn’t go to buildings or anything like that, and that it goes to services,” Sayre said. Patrick Ramage, chief advancement officer for MVCS, said the money will go toward mental health and substance abuse programs, early childhood education, and general programmatic support.

Holmes Hole crowns a season champion ahead of the Moffett

duce the amount of sail area exposed to the wind, making the boats easier to control in heavier wind. Those nine crews who weren’t daunted by the sporty conditions were rewarded with a beautiful day on the water and a fun chalBY RAWSON CLOUGH lenge. Après, whose crew decided not to put a reef in, was first across the line, as is typiNun 4 off the tip of West olmes Hole sailors tion was tight that evening: Chop, and Can 23A off the wrapped up their David McDonough’s Trinity cally the case whenever Besse decides he wants to race. On tip of East Chop). The dreary, IX won the race by just 35 summer season this corrected time, it was Artful rainy morning eventually past week with two races seconds over Gloria, with Dodger who won the day — a that presented the fleet with yielded to sun and gentle Après, owned and raced by Tartan 3500 that commutes breeze, which made for a a little bit of everything. Steve Besse, just 13 seconds across from Falmouth twice comfortable sail. As is so Thursday brought sun and behind her in third. mild winds, while Sunday’s often the case, the wind died Sunday was the final day of a week to join in on the acnortherly was a fitting final slowly as the sun dropped racing for the summer seation. With that, the 2026 lower in the evening sky, giv- son, and conditions did not test for everyone. summer season was in the Eight boats cast off from books, the crews eagerly ing the larger, faster boats in disappoint for the occasion. their moorings on Thursday the fleet a slight edge. “Clear- The northerly breeze was on awaiting the final results. evening and convened in the ly the September tides were The overall winner was throughout the morning and outer harbor of Vineyard Ha- on the march,” remarked Maitland, the Herreshoff into the afternoon; by midBuzzards Bay 25 owned and day, white-capping waves ven for the race. The routine Roger Becker, the skipper of and strong puffs rolled down raced by the Hammarlund on Thursdays is Course 0 — a bright red C&C 24 called family. The rest of the top five one lap around “the triangle” Gloria, of the ebbing current the harbor. The fleet was was rounded out with Artful that fought hard against the met with gusts well above (a triangular route between Dodger in second, followed fleet on its leg from West to 20 knots, encouraging most the navigation buoys Nun 6 East Chop. The competicrews to reef their sails, or re- by Trinity IX, Gloria, and in the middle of the harbor,

“I get to work with some of the most committed public servants that are working in fields of mental health, sexual and domestic violence, veterans affairs, and early childhood education, and Nevin’s commitment mirrors the commitments of my colleagues and inspires all of us,” Ramage said. “In the end, community services depend on community support, and Nevin is at the vanguard of that.” Through the past three years of Sayre’s circumnavigations, he’s raised more than $150,000 for MVCS. Sayre made a point of recognizing that he was just “one more volunteer” who supports and believes in MVCS. “There’s a lot of people who volunteer for Community Services. I recognize them, and that gives me inspiration to do this,” he said. “It’s so personally generous of [Sayre] to expend himself the way he does for us,” Ramage said. “The quiet satisfaction and gratification from serving a community in need is unique.”

The Maitland.

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CHACE LEWIS

Penelope. The group will get together on dry land for a potluck dinner this week to celebrate the season’s award winners and overall success. The 49th Annual Moffett Race will be held this Saturday, Sept. 12. The Moffett, named for an early Holmes Hole legend by the name of George Moffett, is a celebratory end-of-season race around a 10- to 20-mile course, depending on what

Mother Nature has in store for the fleet. It’s not too late to sign up! Any and all sailors are encouraged to join with their sailing vessel of choice, or as crew — more information on registration, schedule, and the Moffett’s rich history can be found at https:// holmeshole.org/moffett-race. Rawson Clough is fleet captain for Holmes Hole.

THE PEOPLE, TOWNS, AND STORIES OF ISLAND LIFE + RESTAURANTS, GALLERIES & ENTERTAINMENT

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 0 , 2026

The 2026 Aquinnah Wampanoag Powwow.

Rayne Reels (Mashantucket Pequot)

DOUG ALLEN

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September 10, 2026

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’ve been thinking about two very funny writers, both gone now. Marty Nadler, who carved out a widely-appreciated spot for himself as the Vineyard’s standup comic in residence — in a 2010 article in this newspaper, he was referred to as the Island’s Comic Laureate — died on August 26. Before moving to the Vineyard in 1992, Marty was a writer for the sitcoms my generation was raised on: “Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and “The Odd Couple.” I met Marty almost 30 years ago. We’d get together for coffee at Mocha Mott’s to talk about his writing projects, my writing projects, and maybe working on a project together. Marty told hilarious stories. He certainly knew how to get a laugh, but he was also generous with his laughter. Almost everyone who walked into Mott’s knew Marty, and most of them stopped by the table to schmooze before moving on with their day. Marty generally did at least one night of standup every summer. He’d riff on the local headlines, the peculiarities of year-round life, and the day-trippers. One of his jokes was about a confused tourist looking for “Upis Land.” (Yes, that’s up-Island.) I’ve also been thinking about Arnie Reisman, who was a playwright, documentary filmmaker, activist, radio personality, poet, and raconteur. Arnie was a literary adventurer whose explorations traversed genres. His career took him from local Boston TV to the bright lights of Broadway, which isn’t a direct path on anyone’s GPS. It was after moving to the Vineyard year-round with his wife Paula Lyons, in 2011, that Arnie started writing poetry. While living on the Vineyard, he also wrote a play, and made a documentary that got adapted into a musical that ran on Broadway and starred Patti Lupone. As he said in a 2015 interview, “This Island is the home of reinvention. You’re either from here or you’re reinvented.” Arnie passed away in 2021,

Thursday Morning Pages group at the West Tisbury library. KATE FEIFFER

Saying goodbye to a comic laureate And honoring a poet laureate. BY KATE FEIFFER but he’s been on my mind because the M.V. Playhouse is relaunching the Arnie Reisman Poetry Café on Sept. 30, thanks to the efforts of poet Michael West. Michael encouraged Brooke Hardman, who is currently winding down her first summer as artistic director of the Playhouse, to bring back the monthly poetry salon. At this year’s inaugural café, poems will be read by Steven Ewing, a former Edgartown poet laureate; Adriana Stimola, West Tisbury poet laureate; and Claudia Taylor, the Vineyard’s current poet laureate. During a recent phone conversation, Michael recalled that Arnie parachuted

down into the poetry scene on the Island almost unseen. In 2014, he was named M.V. poet laureate. “Nobody had the slightest idea he wrote poetry,” Michael said. But Arnie made things happen. “After the building was renovated, we put our heads together, and Arnie came up with a format,” MJ Bruder Munafo recalled. MJ was the artistic and executive director of the Playhouse, and was eager for more programming in the off-season. After Arnie died, the event was renamed Arnie’s poetry café. Fast-forward to 2026. Michael wanted to make sure poets on the Island continued to have a down-Island venue

to be heard. “There’s a huge community of poets on the Vineyard — I mean huge,” he said, adding that having the opportunity to read your poems in public helps “validate that what you’re doing isn't completely crazy.” Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Arnie Reisman Poetry Café will gather monthly for an hourlong featured reading followed by a 30-minute open mic. Each evening will run from 7 to 8:30 pm. I think it’s fair to say that literary life on the Vineyard is having a moment. This summer was brimming with book festivals, book launches, writing workshops, and author

talks. The M.V. Institute for Creative Writing hosted writing conferences in May and June. The MV Times writers’ festival, Islanders Write, was held in July. The M.V. Black Book Festival returned for the third year in August. The M.V. Author Series brought in heavy hitters, including Michelle Obama, whose book talks sold out in under two minutes. There were also library talks, bookstore events, and private parties celebrating authors. At The MV Times, almost every week we find out about a new book by a Vineyard author, and barely a month goes by where we don’t receive word about a novel that takes place on the Island.

Before I sign off on this column, I want to mention a group close to my heart that has been gathering on Thursday mornings from 8 to 9 am at the West Tisbury library for the past three summers. In 2024, after my novel “Morning Pages” was published and I was promoting the book, I facilitated a morning pages–inspired workshop at the library for a week. It then evolved into a weekly Thursday morning gathering that is open to all. Three years later, I’m no longer promoting the book, but we still gather. Generally, 15 to 25 people show up. No one is required to read what they write. Each week we do 10 minutes of stream-of-consciousness writing, followed by a prompt. I generally give the group 12 minutes to write from a prompt. That’s right, 12 minutes. Less than a third of the time it takes to get to Woods Hole, or the time it takes to get through the Triangle near the Stop & Shop in Edgartown on a summer day. In the life cycle of a writer’s life, 12 minutes can be spent perseverating over a single word, or even the placement of a comma. But during these mornings at the West Tisbury library, 12 minutes has inspired a magnificent bounty of powerful prose and poetry. Like magic, rabbits are pulled out of the hat every Thursday morning. The stories that came out of these 12 minutes pack punches, generate laughter, bring us to tears, and connect us in meaningful ways. Twelve minutes. Sometimes that’s all it takes to tell a story. Give it a try. Sit down with pen and paper or at your computer. Set a timer, and write about one notable event that happened to you while on the Vineyard this summer. If you like what you wrote, send it in. We’ll collect a few of these stories to publish in October’s Islanders Write newsletter. To send us your story, go to islanderswrite.com, or email it to Kate Feiffer, director of Islanders Write, at kate@ mvtimes.com.

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Arnie Reisman Poetry Café will gather monthly for an hourlong featured reading followed by a 30-minute open mic. Each evening will run from 7 to 8:30 pm.

BECOME AN MV TIMES MEMBER TO SIGN UP SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT MVTIMES.COM/MEMBERSHIP/ Join the MV Times as a member today and make the pledge to support independent, local journalism. Choose any of our three tiers of membership and become a valued part of our community-supported news organization.

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September 10, 2026

Writing From The Heart BY NANCY SLONIM ARONIE

Making peace with mortality.

The life-or-death decision

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y grandmother used to read the obituaries in the paper out loud. Her lips moving, her eyes scanning, her worried head shaking. I was 15 when both my grandparents left their cozy apartment and moved in with us to help my mother (presumably with me, and to help support her financially) after my father died.

So I was living with two old Eastern European Jews with their broken English and their old-country values. Turn off the lights, was my grandfather’s mantra. What do you need with a lamp in the middle of the day? Electricity costs money. Even though I resented it, now I know he was so ahead of his time. (He would roll over if he saw our most recent electric bill.) And my grandmother was adamant about waste. No

‘Neurocognitive Disorders and Alzheimer’s Disease’

pm at the Vineyard Haven library, 200 Main St., Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public, no registration required. For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet. org or 508-696-4211.

The Vineyard Haven library welcomes back Dr. Nicole Absar, a specialist in neurocognitive disorders at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, for an update on neurocognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Absar will focus on the updated differential diagnosis of various forms of major neurocognitive disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy body, and other types of non-Alzheimer’s dementia. She will also cover recent updates on Alzheimer’s disease, including molecular biomarker-focused early diagnosis and treatment. Absar is certified in cognitive/behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry with a subspecialty in neurocognitive disorders. She has treated cognitive neurological disorders in Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York, and currently provides neurocognitive and Alzheimer’s disease services to patients at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She has served as teaching faculty at Harvard Medical School, the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Tufts Medical School, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and SUNY Stonybrook University Medical School. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6

Potters Bowl at Featherstone On Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4 pm, be sure to catch the 15th annual Potters Bowl. Local potters work throughout the year to create beautiful bowls that they donate to Featherstone for this special fundraiser. Patrons are able to select handcrafted bowls for $40 each, and are then served a casual late summer meal of locally made soup from Island restaurants and caterers (along with Island-made bread).

food was ever to be thrown out. Shriveled carrots? Throw them in soup. Cut off the green from the cheese. Put stale crackers in the oven. Pour water over hard bread and heat. Curdled milk? Make rice pudding. In those young days of mine, I must have thought my grandmother was crazy to spend any time reading dead people’s names, names of people she didn’t even know. But somehow, probably the one that stands out clearly in my mind, the one that must have seared itself into my psyche, the one where I stood in the living room listening to her reading to herself but loud enough so I could hear it — As she scrolled down the column, this is what I heard (try to hear the Yiddish accent): “Adimz” (Adams) “Baykerrrr” (Baker) “Donahue” “Fitzhugh” “Garrrrity” (Garrity) “Harrrison” (Harrison) All the way down to “Xavier.” And then she closed the paper, closed her eyes, and whispered, “Tank God nobody died.” I said, “Gram, what do you mean nobody died? You just read a list of 25

people who are dead.” She said, “You know what I mean.” And it took a bit (remember I was 15) for me to get it. She meant nobody Jewish died. I was horrified. Probably due to that experience, obituaries became some sort of an interesting art form for me. When I taught literature for social reflection for Robert Coles at Harvard (yes, I’m sorry, I know I’m supposed to say “a school in Cambridge,” but it’s my mother’s most proud accomplishment of mine), one of the assignments I gave the kids was to write their own obituary. I remember being blown away and saddened by the pieces that they wrote. All of them leaders. All of them top athletes in the schools they came from, all of them the

smartest. With all their confidence and achievements and the fact that they had everything going for them, more than a quarter of the class wrote about how they

ming up a whole lifetime in a few Bodoni Bold captions. But now that I’m taking the time to read, I’m so gratified to know that under the cryptic one-liner are the stories.

healer, and Kristos, who is an intuitive and medical clairvoyant, are also offering two-hour private healing sessions on Sept. 16, 17, 19, and 20.

2027. Free and open to all. Contact co-organizer Jeff Nason at 617-285-3160 or jnasonmd@gmail.com if you are interested in joining. 1042 State Road, West Tisbury, westtisburylibrary. org/publiclibrary.

40 years. After receiving his master’s degree from New York University, he trained extensively with some of the world’s foremost mentors and institutes, including a decade with Byron Katie, who asked him to write about her work’s relationship to Zen Buddhism. He has practiced and led workshops on the psychology of self in Westport, Park Slope, San Francisco, and now on Martha’s Vineyard.

All events are held at 129 Indian Hill Road, West Tisbury. To register or for more information, please text or call Elaine at 774-563-0002.

Modern novel study group The West Tisbury library’s “Modern Novel Study Group” returns for its ninth year on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 10:30 am to noon on Zoom, with a discussion of the first half of Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.” This group meets monthly on the third Thursday of each month, through June

died penniless and alone. My friend Bob Drogin, a journalist who encountered atrocities in many countries he covered, now back stateside, writes advance obituaries (or as he calls them, the final nod) of famous people, so the story is ready to post as soon as they pass. So I guess the whole topic, which at some point in my life I might have called a bit morbid, is part of life, and why now I see it as important closure. “Susan Brainard had a generous spirit. She was 76.” “John Lacoste had a deep sense of loyalty. He was 81.” “Steven Manning was a great gardener. He fought his battle with cancer valiantly. He was 56.” I have to say, when I skimmed the headlines, I always thought they were sum-

Now that I’m taking the time to read, I’m so gratified to know that under the cryptic one-liner are the stories.

‘The Light of Awareness 2’: Zen meditation and Byron Katie The Vineyard Haven library welcomes Jonathan Herrick, LCSW, for a second twohour meditation workshop combining two powerful, pragmatic approaches that can reduce personal suffering and increase the capacity for happiness and love. Jonathan Herrick has been in private psychotherapy practice for more than

Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Vineyard Haven library, 200 Main St., Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public. Register on the library’s event calendar. For more information, contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet. org or 508-696-4211.

I love knowing how they got to the Vineyard. What led them to the Island. What they studied in school, the journey of their illness. What took them down. I guess it’s because of my age. Maybe it’s because we live in such a tight, loving community that I don’t want to miss anyone in case I need to write a note, send a card, bring soup. Which maybe explains why, when the paper comes now, it’s me turning to the obituary page first. It’s taken a while, but I now understand how my grandmother thought “nobody died” was an OK way of seeing the world. That was her community, her tribe. We all of us here on the Vineyard may not know each other personally, but we have passed each other at Stop & Shop in Aisle 3, we have pulled into the same gas station, pumped our gas, maybe our eyes met and we smiled, maybe we have eaten near each other at the Black Dog. We are connected. Because everyone, everyone (and I know you know what I’m talking about) here is our community. P.S.: Of course I’d rather see you in Cronig’s than on the obits page of the paper.

Open mic night The Vineyard Haven ibrary announces its monthly Open Mic Night, in collaboration with the Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District. Each attendee may perform one to two songs or pieces in a genre of their choice, be it music, dance, drama, or the spoken word. This event is free and open to the public, held in the library’s new Community Room at 6 pm on the third Thursday of the month, beginning Sept. 17. No registration required — sign up on arrival. 200 Main St., Vineyard Haven. For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet. org or 508-696-4211.

Golden Hummingbird Foster Perry and Kristos T. Perry of Golden Hummingbird are returning to the Island for their 29th year, offering several healing events from Sept. 15 to 20. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 pm, Foster will give a talk, “Spiritual Awareness and the Shadow.” Foster will answer questions and provide mini-readings concerning a person’s own development, changes in the world, and the awakening of the New Earth. $40. Space is limited, so please preregister. Foster, who is a shaman and

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Tisbury By Taylor Stone tisburycolumnist@gmail.com

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eard during First Friday: “The September one is always my favorite — right before school starts back up again!” As Labor Day weekend comes to a close, the next phase on-Island begins: “locals’ summer.” When the water is warm and the cars are slowly disappearing, it feels like our favorite spots are once again available to us who stay on this rock year-round. Thanks to a beautiful sunny Friday last week, our September First Friday V.H.

featured nine hours of live music across downtown Vineyard Haven, a rainbow at sunset, face painting and live painting demonstrations right on the beach, and so much food and fun and dancing. I heard afterward that the boats moored in Owen Park overnight had quite the surprise when they pulled up to a frontrow seat of this local endof-summer celebration. On a more personal note, as an artist vendor at summer M.V. markets: You just never know who you might see show up. And no, I’m

Edgartown By Marnely Murray marnely@gmail.com

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ack to school. Labor Day weekend. Two weeks of summer left. This past week was a busy one, as always, and I’m reminiscing about a few memorable moments of the week, to share some ideas, thank some people, and then look at what’s coming up this week. First up, I ran into Christina of the Christina Gallery on 5 Winter St., and we chatted about art and life. The gallery has been in business for 49 years — an absolutely incredible achievement! One

of my favorite things about her gallery is that it prides itself on having a varied price range to allow all who visit the gallery to feel welcome and return to it often. It’s a great place to pick up a gift for oneself, or start considering holiday gifting. Stop by, check out the art, and say hi to Christina while you’re there. On a similar topic surrounding the community, I was invited to attend the Labor Day Kick-Off Party, hosted by the O’Hanlon Group at Bad Martha’s

Oak Bluffs By Joanne Lambert joannelamber@gmail.com “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” –Dolly Parton

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olly Parton made a life that touched people all over the world. She was a true American legend. The date of September 11 is etched into every American’s heart. We always remember the pain and loss of that day, and hold those lives in our hearts. This year, Sept. 11 brings

the start of the Jewish High Holidays, with Rosh Hashanah welcoming the Jewish New Year. You can learn more at mvhebrewcenter.org/highholidays. The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) celebrates culture, identity, and community with the 2026 Powwow this weekend, Sept. 12 and 13, at the Aquinnah Circle. The community is invited to share the experience with music, dance, song, storytelling, food, and shared traditions. Gates open at 11

September 10, 2026

C not talking about a so-andso celebrity sighting. Last week at the Chilmark Flea, I was greeted by none other than the Charlie Brown to my Snoopy, way back in our 2009 MVRHS rendition of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Staying on the Island into adulthood, you get used to seeing familiar faces throughout the years. Many old classmates still visit, even if they no longer live onisland. But this was a firsttime sighting since probably high school (almost 20 years ago) so Jerome Pikor, it was great seeing you, and hearing that your mom reads

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these columns brought me right back to tapping and singing “Suppertime” all those years ago. A new show is now on display through Sept. 26 in the Art Space of the M.V. Playhouse. I was able to attend the opening reception last week, with live music by Jess Rawlings and food by new ceviche truck NAMI outside. Titled “Texture: Created and Found,” this exhibition features two artists, Isaac Hurwitz and Andrew Rice, who despite using different mediums and subjects, mesh perfectly through color and texture throughout the

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lobby. Viewable Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. On Sept. 15 at 6 pm, the Vineyard Haven library plays host to Dr. Nicole Absar for a talk on neurocognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. Last year this event was filled to the brim with attendees, so arrive early to be sure to grab your seat in the newly built library meeting room. In other local news, I would be remiss not to mention the passing of Clarence A. (“Trip”) Barnes III on Sept. 1. You “moved” so many, and in so many ways: Thank you for all your con-

S tributions to our Martha’s Vineyard community. A service and celebration of life is planned for October. Happy upcoming birthday to Jordan Peterson, my partner in life (who I’m sure would prefer I didn’t make any big deal over this) on Sept. 14, who deserves all the bunches of birthday balloons. 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.

I would be remiss not to mention the passing of Clarence A. (“Trip”) Barnes III on Sept. 1. You “moved” so many, and in so many ways: Thank you for all your contributions to our Martha’s Vineyard community. Brewery. As you obviously know, I’m not in the business of real estate, but I am in the business of connecting people, so this invite is always such a fun one to accept. Jen, Melanie, Susie, and Jared are a team who excel at what they do: building community being at the core of that! Plus, who can say no to free pizza and beer?! Since I’ve mentioned food, I do have to note three delicious moments I had this past week: dinner at Behind the Bookstore was luscious, and it has only one weekend left of dinner service, so I

recommend stopping in and ordering the halibut. Another dinner, this time at Atria while sitting outdoors on the front lawn, was truly what a summer evening should be; order the ginger-braised pork belly — delightful. And for dessert, Leah Fraumeni has been reminding me on a weekly basis that I had not tried the black sesame and Chilmark Coffee swirl softserve at Vineyard Scoops, so I finally made it happen, and here’s my public acknowledgement to her: Leah, you were right. It’s the perfect combination, and I will be

having it at least four more times before summer ends! Last thing I do have to mention about last week is that I attended the “Ginger Snaps” photography exhibition at the Edgartown library, showcasing the work of Island photographer Alex Wright. The show will be hanging on the walls for the entire month of September, and is free and open to the public during normal operating hours. I urge you to stop in and check it out; it’s truly fantastic work! Somehow I’ve gotten to the end of my word count,

and need to at least remind you of one event coming up: Morning Glory Farm’s Corn Shuck & Shimmy, taking place on Friday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 8 pm. There will be a corn-shucking competition, live music, delicious food, corn baked goods, and more, so make sure to stop by the farmstand! Hating to end on a somber but necessary note, this year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Twenty-five years later, we still remember. Sending love to all those affected by September 11.

Last thing I do have to mention about last week is that I attended the “Ginger Snaps” photography exhibition at the Edgartown library, showcasing the work of Island photographer Alex Wright.

am each day; there is a fee for non–tribal members. Featherstone presents the 15th annual Potter’s Bowl on Sunday, Sept. 13. Fill a handcrafted bowl with delicious soup made by local chefs, with accompanying Island bread, and enjoy a late-summer community meal from 4 to 6 pm with neighbors and friends — and take the bowl home afterward. This affordable, community-focused event raises funds for our cultural treasure, Featherstone Center for the Arts. Sunday in the Park Concerts are continuing into October. This Sunday, the

13th, it will be Serendipity. Bring your picnic and chairs to Ocean Park to enjoy the music from 5 to 7 pm. Get your tackle ready! The 81st Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby begins on Sunday, Sept. 13, bringing anglers from all corners of the Island and all over the country to compete for prizes and bragging rights. The Derby contributes a lot to the community, with free fresh fish distributed to senior centers and the Food Pantry, and scholarships awarded to local high school seniors. Find the rules and registration link at mvderby. com. Good luck!

Save the date for the 24th annual George V. Tankard Jr. Memorial 5K Road Race on Saturday, Sept. 19. This fun and beautiful race around East Chop benefits the scholarship programs of the NAACP in honor of Tankard, who was an active member of the NAACP and the Oak Bluffs community. You can run or walk to participate, and either way you will get a cool T shirt and lots of applause at the finish line! You can register in advance or on the day before the race at Summercamp Hotel. For more info, go to naacpmv.org.

Happy birthday to Scott Anglin and Heather Goff on Sept. 10! Heavenly birthday wishes to Linda Ben David on the 11th. Happy anniversary to Teri Mello and Sean Conley on Sept. 12! Mark Crossland celebrates his birthday on the 14th. Happy birthday to Nancy Nevin on the 15th — and also sending balloons down to D.C. for Richard Bayne! Jenna and Zach Sylvia will celebrate three years of marital happiness on the 16th! Birthdays on the 16th include Ewell Hopkins, Clarissa Stead, Katrina Araujo, Anna Walton, and Henry Louis Gates. Send me your news!

Save the date for the 24th annual George V. Tankard Jr. Memorial 5K Road Race on Saturday, Sept. 19.

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September 10, 2026

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Aquinnah By Kathie Olsen aquinnahcolumn@gmail.com

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hile it is surely true that we have mucked up our planet's weather, I am comforted that this beginning of September has its customary ancient feel. Suddenly the morning air carries a definite trace of chill, so warm sweaters are getting dug out of storage, and we find ourselves looking at tree leaves that are losing their gleam and beginning to show signs of shrivel. We are still mostly graced with warm, sometimes hot, days, so we shed the sweaters and socks of early morning, put on san-

dals and shorts, and go out to play. In the evenings, Charley goes out onto our porch to listen to the crickets and pinkletinks, who seem to be celebrating with a chorus to this magic time of early fall. The Aquinnah Wampanoag Powwow is this weekend, Sept. 12 and 13, at the Aquinnah Circle. The gates open at 11 am, with the Grand Entry at noon on both days. All are welcome to come and honor Wampanoag culture, history, and the bright future being created. Ticket prices are $10 for adults,

Chilmark By Claire Ganz cganz@live.com

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e had this time.” September is a gift that comes with the exquisite tension of gratitude, for moments when the phone rang and friends announced they were here, for when events and invitations competed with all the demands of life, and for the desire for time to pause. Now the chances of oneon-one connection increase. The water is warm, the sunlight no longer searing, the

daytime temperature warm and the evenings cool enough for a sweater. Heather Goff has more of her cheerful mugs for sale in the Island Folk Potter store, 16 Marion’s Way, Chilmark. It’s open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, and from 2 to 5 pm on Sundays. School started this week, and last weekend, sharks were spotted off Lucy Vincent Beach; shark-shaped signs warned swimmers “Shark in area.” Yes, here in the water. It

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

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t’s like a switch went off last week. Even with the late Labor Day weekend, it felt lighter in town. There were fewer cars and people, no long lines everywhere. Everyone I spoke with said the same thing, that life felt easier. Cooler temperatures helped, too, and a few rainy days. It was good to be inside doing some projects I had been happy to put off while it was hot, when keeping the garden watered

seemed like an endless task. I cleaned my refrigerator and kitchen cabinets, a big improvement, and it’s actually possible to find things. Harriet Bernstein has installed a 4- by 10-foot painting at the Chilmark library, her exhibition for the month of September. It was begun at an artist’s retreat Harriet took several years ago. She wanted to loosen up, as most of us do, and the experience of working on a large for-

C $5 for children, seniors, and veterans, and free for children under 5. If you want to learn more about the Wampanoag history here on Noepe, the Aquinnah Cultural Center is open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 11 am to 4 pm every day through Sunday, Oct. 11, except for powwow days. Now that it is possible to go down-Island without too many traffic nightmares, there are a few events down there that I want to mention. On Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1 pm, families will gather at the Edgartown Lighthouse for the annual Children’s Memorial, a time to gather,

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reflect, and honor their children who have died. Then, on Monday, Sept. 14, at 5 pm, the M.V. Museum is hosting a panel, “Embrace the Impossible: Housing Solutions Re:Imagined.” It promises to be an examination of what becomes possible when we stop treating the Island’s housing challenges as unsolvable. I’m all for that. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, Sept. 11, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, Sept. 15, marking the start of the Jewish year 5787. This launches a 10day period which is seen by believers as a time when

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God opens the Book of Life to evaluate people’s actions from the past year. It is a time for self-reflection, asking for forgiveness from, and apologizing to, others for any harms done, while seeking self-awareness and setting goals to be a better person in the new year. Every year, I anxiously hope that this time will help to bring about peace and restitution in Gaza. The 13th Gay Head Run for the Light 10K is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, and the time to sign up is right now. Registration costs $43.40, but the fee helps to support continued restoration and

The 13th Gay Head Run for the Light 10K is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, and the time to sign up is right now. could be dangerous. Sept. 15, the beaches will reopen for beach walks and romps with the dog. Friday is Rosh Hoshanah. Wishing my Jewish family and friends a good and sweet New Year. May we all appreciate the gifts and responsibilities that come with being human so that in the end our memory is a blessing. We have lost two more men who blessed us with opinions and talents. They stood tall, enjoyed the Island landscape and com-

munity, didn’t mince words when they had something to say, and honed their skills. Thank you, Steve Mack, for perfecting the audio at so many live and recorded events, and for the times you spoke up. Thank you, Colin Ruel, for painting Steve. Trip Barnes also spoke up and showed up. Among other things, he was a master auctioneer. Condolences to his family. It is gratifying to volunteer, work hard in the sum-

mer, and earn. Thank you to all who bought lobster rolls on Tuesdays from the Chilmark Community Church. Thank you, Emily Broderick, for leading the exceptional team of volunteers. Thank you to all who bought treasures from the vendors at the Chilmark Flea Market, and thanks to Annette Anthony for the many hours of thought and work that go into preparing for and managing the market for the vendors. Thank you, Marie Wise,

Thank you to all who bought lobster rolls on Tuesdays from the Chilmark Community Church. Thank you, Emily Broderick, for leading the exceptional team of volunteers.

mat was freeing. I saw her working in her studio, reexamining this large work, adding to and subtracting from, bringing fresh eyes to that earlier start. I can’t wait to head to Chilmark to see it hanging, with room to step back, step up close, to examine in all detail. I was sad and surprised to learn that Trippy Barnes had died. Trip seemed eternal, and I never questioned that he would be here forever. He did look a little

older, and a little tired the last time I saw him, but his voice was strong, his laugh was hearty, and his eyes sparkled as they always did. Barnes Trucking was recommended to me when I moved to the Vineyard in 1982. In his sometimes casual way, appointed times could be loose. A small chest of drawers he was supposed to pick up from a friend’s barn in Ridgefield was left so long that the drawers swelled shut. They are still that way.

I did go on to use Trip to move lots of paintings for me over the years. They were carefully handled and delivered, so he redeemed himself to me many times over. My eventual friendship with Ann Leggett cemented my relationship with Trip. They adored one another with the exasperation of longtime companions. I saw and sold many of Ann’s depictions of Trip. He turned up in paintings ranging from his

My eventual friendship with Ann Leggett cemented my relationship with Trip. They adored one another with the exasperation of longtime companions.

A Monthly Newsletter from your local Councils on Aging and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Find helpful information on Veterans Services, Travel News, Activities, Individual Town Councils on Aging and more! To place your ad email, adsales@mvtimes.com or call 508-693-6100

S maintenance of our beautiful lighthouse. Register at runsignup.com. The Aquinnah library signage is surely brightening up our town these days. Thank you to the staff for keeping that little building humming. It’s like a heartbeat for us all. A brief note about editors. The relationship between columnists and their editor is a delicate one, and I have been lucky to have found almost all I’ve worked with as helpful, honest, communicative, and encouraging. I want to give a shout-out to Nicole Galland, my editor at this paper, as she is one of the best. Thanks, Nicki. There are two special birthdays to celebrate this week. On Sept. 9, we cheer for Cully Vanderhoop, and on Sept. 15, we give another cheer, this time for Chip Vanderhoop.

for doing all of the work to have a Chilmark Church booth offering donated treasures. It is not easy organizing, pricing, setting up and taking down, and reconciling funds. Thank you on behalf of the Chilmark Community Church. Come to the Chilmark library Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 3 pm, and help the generous and wise trio of Laurisa Rich, Layne Wheeler, and Cathy Walthers set the agenda for fall and winter foraging and fermenting classes, and make a simple fermented soda using local honey and fruit. Thank you, Peter Cook, for leading the September Chilmark Library Book Club meeting on Sept. 22 at noon. The book is “This America,” by Jill Lepore.

actual self carrying a mattress on his shoulders to his face appearing in crowded souks, around campfires, just a glimpse of a profile in a window; you had to look carefully, and it was always a surprise. Trip supported Ann’s work, singing her praises to anyone who would listen. She supported him and his workers with beds and a hot meal when they needed a stop in New York City. Ann died in 2014. In 2019, Trippy organized a show of her paintings at MVTV. It was a rich combination of figurative, still life, and landscapes. Now Trip himself is gone, one more proponent of the old ways. The Island feels a lot less colorful.

Dahlia Joy Stajbl

Velemira Stajbl and Robert Stajbl of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Dahlia Joy Stajbl, on August 31. 2026, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

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community & calendar

September 10, 2026

Training and serving locally ACE MV offers access to healthcare professions. BY ABBY REMER

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he shortage of healthcare professionals is a major concern on the Island. ACE MV offers several programs to address this pressing need, all of which underscore the organization’s central desire. Executive Director Alexandra Bullen Coutts says, “ACE’s role is to provide the entry-level approach to career pathways for anyone who has the interest and aptitude to be successful without needing to have done four years getting a college degree.” The Island’s health-employment landscape offers opportunities for entrylevel positions in a variety of fields — from lab techs to nursing assistants, RNs, mental health professionals, and more. ACE MV partners with the M.V. Hospital, Island Health Care, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, and other wellness providers to help Island learners build the relationships to develop meaningful careers in allied health. To get the lay of the land, a first point of entry could be “Intro to Health Professions,” which is offered in collaboration with M.V. Hospital. The communitybased career exploration program includes employer panels, site visits, and jobreadiness skills. It combines in-person learning, community networking, and professional development with tuition-supported, healthcare-related coursework and training in a

CNA students and Mass Bay reps at the graduation party at Nomans in June.

Island Health staff are participants in different cohorts of the "Intro to Health Professions" seminar over the past few years. Students in classroom (white screen) in scrubs are CNA students in class with Mass Bay instructor/MVH employee Tiffany McCarty last fall.

We can help them forge a path if they want to go on to get an LPN or RN while still being able to provide for their families. It’s hard, as an adult, to go to school and try to make ends meet.” –TIFFANY MCCARTY variety of thriving Island industries. In addition, the program includes an ACE MV facilitator/advisor, professional development 2.opportunities, networking, and job placement support. There is a certification program for home healthcare aides. Bullen Coutts says, “There is a critical need from families and individuals who are looking for caregivers who will come into their homes and care for an aging relative or family member with disabilities. We are working with both Navigator Homes and the hospital to build more robust pipelines. It’s coming at

a time when they are hoping to move from having a traveling-staffed facility to a more local workforce.” The certified nursing assistant (cna) training offered through MassBay Community College is a certification program that prepares students to sit for the state licensure exam. CNAs are required to pass state exams to be certified and, in turn, to be hired by skilled nursing facilities. The program includes virtual instructional hours two nights a week, inperson labs at MVRHS, and clinical hours at Navigator Homes and the hospital. Tiffany McCarty, an RN

and nursing educator at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, teaches the skills portion. Examples include safely ambulating a patient, taking vital signs, emptying Foley catheters, transferring patients from a bed to a wheelchair, and assisting with daily living tasks. McCarty says, “The biggest thing students come away with is a sense of a new start. Some people have been doing a job that doesn’t lead to further advancement in their careers. This certificate is a starting point for determining whether they want to enter the healthcare field. Then we can help them forge

Students outside IHC bus. PHOTOS COURTESY ACE MV

a path if they want to go on to get an LPN or RN while still being able to provide for their families. It’s hard, as an adult, to go to school and try to make ends meet. I want to show them that this can be a steppingstone if there’s something else they’re interested in. For some people, that might be radiology rather than nursing in particular. We’ve had some people show interest in phlebotomy, so this is to open their eyes to other things that are available here on Island.” Cherise Neil, who graduated from the program last year, and is currently working as a CNA, says, “Starting from here can lead to different health fields. Doing the course has taught me a lot about different types of illnesses like dementia and Parkinson's."

COM M U N I T Y NO T E BY MARY ALICE RUSSELL The Vineyard Cribbage began its eighth season with 21 players showing up, ready to throw down the cards! The results are as follows: First, David Pothier with an impressive GRAND SLAM 14/6 +110 card Second, Frank Fenner had the second GRAND SLAM of the night with a 12/6 +70 card Third, Bill Russell (sigh) with a 9/4 +71 card Fourth, Jack Silvia with a 9/4 +33 card Fifth, Sammi Burns with an 8/4 -17 card

We had one 24-point hand, played by Bill Russell. David Pothier and Ray Lincoln had the rare flush cribs. Seven people rang the bell as they got skunked (a loss greater than 30 points). If you are interested in cribbage, give us a try! We meet at the American Legion in Katama at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays; feel free to check us out! For more info, call or text me at 508-524-1220, or email me at maonmv@mac.com.

‘Memento Morrie’ with Heather Pillar Vineyard Haven library welcomes photographer and teacher Heather Pillar for a presentation about her photographic collaboration with Morrie Schwartz, subject of the best-selling memoir “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. Pillar’s book “Memento Morrie: Images of Love and Loss,” published by Daylight Books in 2024, will be available for purchase before and after the talk. The book includes 44 duotones and four outstanding essays from professionals in their own fields,

plus short stories from interviews with Morrie’s friends and family. Some images are paired with Morrie’s now famous aphorisms, giving imagery to the bittersweet themes of end of life: building a caring community; friends; family; caregiving; self-care; spirituality; death, and beyond. Heather Pillar, photographer and teacher, has lived, taught, and photographed in seven countries in four continents during the past 25 years. Her personal and collaborative photographic projects reveal her ongoing interest in women, girls’ education, and aging. Pillar’s photographs have been exhibited

internationally as well as published in the Boston Globe and People magazine, and in the books “The Wisdom of Morrie,” “Tuesdays with Morrie,” and “Morrie: In His Own Words.” Her work has also appeared on television (“CBS Sunday Morning,” “The Today Show”) and online (NPR’s “Next Avenue” [AARP], PBS’ “Inside E Street”). Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11 am. Vineyard Haven Library, 200 Main St., Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public, no registration required. For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_ programs@clamsnet.org.

ACE is launching a new program, “Introduction to Case Management.” It’s a certificate program given through Boston University’s School of Social Work. Bullen Coutts says, “This is a partnership with Community Services that has come about to strengthen the pipeline of people who are interested in either behavioral health direct care or case management work with disability and older adult populations.” With a growing need for healthcare professionals on Island, ACE MV’s array of offerings is a good place to start exploring various career paths that are available. If you are interested in exploring careers in healthcare, email izadora@acemv.org, or visit acemv.org/health.

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September 10, 2026

Steering through mental illness with dark humor “Driver’s Seat” at the M.V. Playhouse. BY ABBY REMER

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he description of Ellie Brelis’ play “Driver’s Seat: Obsessive Compulsive Disaster” immediately grabs our attention. Buckle up for a twisted ride through OCD, an epic breakup, a major breakdown, coming out, and, just possibly, learning how to drive. Ellie Brelis may be afraid of crashing a car, but she has no fear of crashing out. I interviewed Brelis, who wrote and performs the oneperson show, and director Leif Moore, to learn more about this intriguing endeavor.

ABBY REMER: Ellie, tell me how the show came about. ELLIE BRELIS: It started in 2020 with COVID. A global pandemic is not good for anyone, but for someone with severe OCD, I was terrified all the time. Then there was that I had been in a relationship with a man, and we lived together. He went on a business trip on March 1, 2020, and never came home. We broke up over the phone in the middle of May. On top of that, I was smoking a lot of cannabis, which I hadn’t done before. I was like, ‘It’s COVID, why not? I’m stuck inside being artsy and painting; let me really lean into that persona.” Then my paternal grandfather got COVID and died. All this was happening when I decided it

Ellie Brelis performs her solo show, "Driver's Seat: Obsessive Compulsive Disaster," during its 2022 run in Los Angeles. PHOTOS: JENNY GRAHAM

was the perfect time to come out as queer … and let me get the world’s ugliest haircut.

AR: You asked to be hospitalized. What was it like?

EB: I felt so alone, vulner-

able, and confused, and nobody in my personal life understood what I was going through. I didn’t have anybody who could relate and say, “Oh, I remember when I was institutionalized.”

alized care, but I also don’t weaponize it. It’s a fine line to walk, because I can only speak to my experience.

AR: What is the gist of the show?

EB: The play provides insight into what OCD is, and the way it can show up, disturb your life, and impact your family. It’s a dark disorder, but I find a lot of humor in it. “Driver’s Seat” is about how

audience to see themselves represented onstage. Something cool about “Driver’s Seat” is that it addresses mental illness, which is both deeply isolating and extremely universal. You don’t have to have OCD to see yourself in the self-doubt and the struggle. The humor is also very important to me, as someone who likes to laugh but also deals with a lot of very intense things. I think we forget that it’s OK

ous for people to misrepresent OCD because it affects when and how people get a diagnosis. Many people don’t get a diagnosis until much later in life. Accessing OCD treatment, which is exposure, response, and prevention therapy, is also very challenging. Humanizing the illness through humor is also very important — to be able to laugh with friends and say, “Oh, I just had the most messed-

“I thought, I have to create a one-person show because it’s literally me, myself, and I and my grippy socks…who else am I going to collaborate with? ” - ELLIE BRELLIS When you’re in that setting, it’s a really disorienting experience. You’re heavily medicated, and every day feels like the same, so I would write things down that I wanted to remember. I asked, “What can I do to feel connected to theater?” I thought, I have to create a one-person show, because it’s literally me, myself, and I and my grippy socks … who else am I going to collaborate with? I started writing monologues about my experiences, and that’s what carried me through the rest of my treatment. I returned to treatment in 2023, and the play is informed by all my experiences and childhood with OCD. I want to be a reliable narrator, so I don’t glorify institution-

to have agency over my life and my brain, and how to live the life I want while having these things I must deal with. OCD wants to make your world really, really small, but if I want to truly live life, I have to be willing to be uncomfortable and scared.

AR: Leif, you and Ellie met three summers ago doing “Twelfth Night” together at the Tisbury Amphitheater with the Playhouse. You say you connected as queer people and mentally ill people. So what has it been like directing “Driver’s Seat”? LEIF MOORE: Ellie has done

it many times, but I was honored to be asked to direct it. My favorite part of live theater is the potential for an

to laugh while going through a hard time, and this show gives permission to do so.

AR: Ellie, what would you like audiences to take away from “Driver’s Seat”? EB: One is that they come

away with a better understanding of OCD. I hear so many times: “Oh, I’m really OCD about that!” That’s really dangerous. When people say, “We’re all a little OCD,” it makes people with OCD feel even more isolated and alone. My friend liking to have her pencils color-coded is very different from me having intrusive thoughts about stabbing my roommate when I’m cutting a cucumber. It’s also danger-

up, intrusive thought ever,” and then be able to laugh at it. It helps take away the power of OCD. The thing I am most proud of is when people come up to me or message me after the show and say, “I understand my kid so much more now,” or “I’m never going to say, ‘I’m so OCD’ after seeing your show.” Then some people tell me that after seeing my show they talked to their therapist, and were finally able to get an OCD diagnosis.

AR: Both of you have done theater on the Island. And Leif, you live here yearround. Ellie, when did your connection begin?

EB: I spent every summer here in my childhood. It was

always a happy and safe place, and one where my OCD could get a little quieter at times. And I started working with the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse in 2016, and that’s when I felt I found my home on the Island, with the brilliant creative people at the Playhouse and Circuit Arts. I live in Cambridge, and a lot of people have asked why I’m not doing it in Boston or Cambridge. I did the show three times in New York, two times in L.A., and once at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, all with long runs. I felt it couldn’t go to Massachusetts without coming to the Vineyard first. It’s my artistic home, and I’d feel like I was having an affair if I brought it anywhere else in Massachusetts before here. The Island community of theater artists are the people who made me realize I can do theater for my whole life and believe in myself in ways I didn’t think were possible. Please note that this play addresses mental illness, suicidal ideation, and substance use. It may not be suitable for all viewers. Helpful resources about OCD will be available at the theater for the Island population. “Driver’s Seat: Obsessive Compulsive Disaster” is playing on Sept. 18 and 19 at the M.V. Playhouse. For pay-what-you-can tickets and more information, visit circuitarts.thundertix.com/ events/269967.

calendar & community

September 10, 2026

Powwow participants in the swing. LISA VANDERHOOP

DANCES OF CELEB The general public is welcome to attend and witness this annual celebration of Wampanoag culture and arts. The heart of the powwow is the traditional dances and music performed in ceremonial dress; the grounds are also brimming with native food, artisans, artists, and other tradition-bearers. Both days, the gates will open at 11 am, and the Grand Entry starts at noon. Entry is $10 for adults; $5 for children, seniors, and veterans; children under 5 are free. Juli Vanderhoop graciously accepted an invitation from The Times to share her personal experiences of the event. Juli is a tribal elder, an Aquinnah select board member, and the owner of the Orange Peel Bakery.

Robbie DeGaetano (Mashpee) DOUG ALLEN

BY JULI VA NDERHOOP

"Blanket dance"

LISA VANDERHOOP

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I was not raised within powwow culture. When I was younger, in the 1970s, the only reference to “powwow” that I ever heard was language signifying that some people would meet up and talk. My elders within the Wampanoag community focused on having Socials with other indigenous peoples, both from nearby communities, like the Mashpee

Wampanoag, and others from or Argentina. Sometimes these speak English, but we shared a who, like us, understood the ho munity as we gave thanks to ou The Aquinnah Powwow was of the Aquinnah Tribal Youth G 14 and 24, working with adviso wood Vanderhoop, and Bonnie human resource department. It that had not been practiced in A Today, there are more than 1,00 in the U.S. Powwows are a great become educated about indigen In the Wôpanâak language, are tired in a way that your ha I think this signifies the respo I love that my family wakes ea day, whether it is painting, bri film and photography, or fora food for our community, and it, we are fulfilling the respon wow is another expression of t I have often wondered why, in a matriarchal tribe, we don't have more women taking the mike to speak about our culture. The stories that run through generations of families are interwoven, and it is interesting when you get to sit down with elders as they talk together about the stories of their youth. I believe that these moments offer a glimpse of the ancestral voices spoken by those who ar ries forward. When our elders our gatherings, I have been pr meaningful beyond measure. voices will be heard as comme so the public can hear the voic of our people, past and presen At the powwow, there will b our oldest community elder, E

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Vibrant regalia at the powwow.

Akuahah Wheaton with the Hassanamisco Tribe of Nipmucs, who gifted a microphone during the powwow. DOUG ALLEN

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BRATION

distant lands, such as Chile e involved people who didn't a common interest with those onor of celebrating our comur motherlands. created in 2005 by members Group, all between the ages of ors Kristina Hook and Dure Chalifeaux from the tribe’s t revived an ancient tradition Aquinnah for at least 75 years. 00 powwows of varying sizes at way for the general public to nous cultures. there is a word for when you ands will not work anymore. onsibility to work and create. ach morning to create. Every inging a vision to life through aging and harvesting to create making a living doing all of nsibility to create. The powthat responsibility

in Aquinnah and now resides in Dartmouth. I have watched the excitement grow as dancers and tribal drummers have been practicing both song and dance. Blanket dance is my favorite — watching the expressions on the dancers’ faces as they focus on the steps and movements. The blanket is such a treasured article for our people, offering shelter from winds, giving us a vessel into which to harvest, keeping our family warm through cold seasons.Today, with modern conveniences, we may not often think of our ancestors’ plight, but I think that when we dance the blanket dance, it brings us closer to our ancestors and the times when they were living a quiet life here in Aquinnah. There are lead dancers, proud dancers who may have been practicing moves, hopeful to win competitions across the country. They work on the traditional regalia for months leading up to the season, staying within the lines of traditional beadwork and design. Their hard work is seen this week, as the displays worn on each participant are often works of art. Our Wampanoag community will host native tribes, from Narragansett to Mi’kmaq, Anishinaabe, Mashpee, and Shinnecock, and more dancers, singers, and artists of all ages. There will be a feast together, and an opportunity to share our local harvest with our visitors. Meeting one another — some for the first time, others having longtime friendships — all participants will be welcome, and the excitement of celebrating together is palpable. This is an opportunity for our people to gather and see who our communities are, and celebrate that we will rise together through the times ahead. Many artists, young and old, will be on the grounds selling native-made items such as wampum jewelry, books, and clothing. Native food vendoring will be provided by Sly Fox Kitchen, Juli Vanderhoop Black Brook Catering Co. (formerly Orange Peel Bakery), and Aquila. The action begins at 11 am, and the Grand Entry, a parade of all the participants into the arena, just after noon on both Saturday and Sunday. I hope to see many of the faces that I am used to from around the Island, coming to visit and watch as the dances unfold, as the songs are heard and carried on the south winds blowing over Aquinnah.

"Blanket dance" LISA VANDERHOOP

re left behind to carry the stos speak to one another during resent for moments that are I hope that one day, these entary during our powwows, ces that carry the knowledge nt, in public. be an honors ceremony for Edith Andrews, who grew up

LISA VANDERHOOP

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR PEOPLE TO GATHER AND SEE WHO OUR COMMUNITIES ARE, AND CELEBRATE THAT WE WILL RISE TOGETHER THROUGH THE TIMES AHEAD.

Native children proudly wearing their regalia.

B10

calendar & community

September 10, 2026

Event spotlight for the week of 9•11 — 9•17

FRI 9/11

SAT 9/12

SUN 9/13

J

E

F

Vineyard football home game oin the Island community and cheer on your Vineyard football team. There are two Friday night lights games: Sept. 11 at 6 pm versus Mashpee, honoring first responders, and Oct. 16

at 6 pm, versus Monomoy, honoring senior fans and seniors. Free popcorn and hot dogs. MVRHS football field, 100 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs, mvtouchdownclub.org.

Haunted Edgartown

njoy a walking tour while listening to ghost stories, legends, and unusual truths from one of the most historic and haunted corners of Martha’s Vineyard. Explore the dark side of this charming town in this 90-minute, guided storytelling experiMV TIMES ence. Along the way, shoes and prepare for you’ll hear stories about uneven paths. $30, 7:30 to shipwrecks and curses, spirits, and buried secrets. 9 pm. 58 North Water St., Edgartown, hauntededThis is a PG-13 experience. Please wear walking gartown.com.

Potter's Bowl

eatherstone Center for the Arts welcomes pottery and soup lovers to the annual Potters Bowl. Patrons select a handcrafted bowl of their choice that was created throughout the year

by Island artists, and are served locally made soup from Island restaurants and caterers. 4 pm. Featherstone Center for the Arts, 30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-1850, featherstoneart.org/pottersbowl.

MV TIMES

MV TIMES

MON 9/14

TUES 9/15

C

a script-in-hand Revolutionary radio play

Island Community Chorus new member information session

I

T

Writers Read

alling all prose writers: Join in for an evening of original prose work. Fiction and nonfiction writers are welcome. Each reader has eight minutes to read. Critique optional. Free and open to the pub-

lic. Live and in-person. 7 to 8 pm. West Tisbury library, 1042 State Road, West Tisbury. Email Niki to sign up and to learn if they are meeting in-person or via Zoom this month. gaia1muse@ gmail.com.

‘Muskets & Mischief’:

magine the 1770s and the British are coming to Martha's Vineyard. “Muskets & Mischief” is a live, audienceparticipation radio play performed by library staff,

based on the surprisingly dramatic true history of Martha's Vineyard during the Revolutionary War. 5 to 6 pm, Oak Bluffs library, 56R School St., Oak Bluffs, oakbluffslibrary.org/event.

WED 9/16 he Island Community Chorus invites the community to attend a new member information session where participants will meet several singers in the chorus and listen to a brief sample rehearsal. Chorus members pay

a membership fee ($40 suggested) for each concert season. The chorus rehearses from 7 to 9 pm on Monday evenings. 7 to 8 pm. Edgartown library, 26 Edgartown Road, Edgartown. For more information, go to islandcommunitychorus.com.

MV TIMES

Events THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Balletics

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

Docent-Led Arboretum Tours

9:30-10:30 am, The Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury. Learn about the incredible history, people, and plants that make the Polly Hill Arboretum a 7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. A local and global landmark. Free with admission! creative blend of rhythmic resistance, cardio 508-693-9426, info@pollyhillarboretum.org. Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Quest conditioning, manageable mobility and core strength exercises all set to crazy-FUN music. 9 am-3:30 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Goat Yoga MV Edgartown. Enjoy Sengekontacket on this 10-11 am, Native Earth Teaching Farm, 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com. self-guided kayak tour. Clues lead you Chilmark. Slow Flow Yoga with baby Master potter Juliet Ehrlich Art through the pond. Call to reserve for up pygmy goats. goatyogamv@gmail.com. Island sculptor, master potter, and published to 3 hours; returning the boats by 3:30. Artists’s Premiere: Michael Stimola, arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich's diversely 508-627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org. Jennifer Brown & Judy Bramhall themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be seen by Tennis Morning Clinic Level 3.5+ 10 am-5 pm, Field Gallery, West Tisbury. Artists’s appointment by calling 502-936-3599. 9-10:30 am, Airport Fitness, West Premiere: Michael Stimola, Jennifer Brown & Judy Early Birders Walk Tisbury. 1.5 hours of group instrucBramhall 508-693-5595, info@fieldgallery.com. 8-10 am, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, tion with a focus on strokes, volleying, Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator Edgartown. The early bird gets the worm, strategy and drills. Advance registration 10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE HERITAGE CENTER, and early birders, the binoculars. Walk required, please call to reserve spot Edgartown. This exhibition highlights the with our birders to listen to and observe 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com. creative process of muralist Margot Datz, whose the sanctuary’s avian residents. 508-627Free Fairy Sculpture Trail work transformed the Old Whaling Church 4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org. and Flying Horses Carousel. 774-549-9107, at Island Folk Pottery Kaiut Yoga 9 am-6 pm, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark. THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org. 8:30-9:30 am, Peaked Hill Studio, Chilmark. Kaiut The enchanting Island Folk Pottery Fairy Art Exhibition: Kirkpatrick, London, Yoga works through chronic pain and injuries, Beams, Pisini, and Marriott general aches and stiffness, and is good for the Sculpture Trail meanders 1/4 mile through a magical wooded landscape populated 10 am-5 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art inflexible, hyper flexible and the aging body. with whimsical sculptures. 508-955-9944, Exhibition: Kirkpatrick, London, Beams, Pisini, and 774-563-8282, valerie@peakedhillstudio.com. islandfolkpottery@gmail.com. Marriott 508-939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Dance Fitness and Strength Training with Kris Martin

Carnegie Heritage Center

10 am-4 pm, the carnegie heritage center, Edgartown. Admission: $5 (ages 12+). vineyardtrust.org/events/ 774-549-9107, thecarnegie@mvpreservation.org.

Leo Convery: A Lifetime of Carvings

Texture: Created & Found

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Art Exhibit: Texture: Created & Found boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show

10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE, Edgartown. Inspired by the Island around him, Leo transforms wood into striped bass, tuna, shorebirds, and other familiar creatures of the Vineyard. 774-5499107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org.

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Paul Beebe, Fellow ASMA, and view his new selection of Vineyard realist oil paintings along with award winning bronze sculptures by Gwen Marcus 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

10:15 am-12:15 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Learn to play American Mah Jongg with Rosemary Chalk. Please bring your Mah Jongg card. Register on VH library event calendar. 508-696-4211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition - Lois Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence 917-9609344, info@knowhereart.com.

Mah Jongg for Beginners

Modern Novel Study Group

10:30 am-12 pm, West Tisbury Library. Join us for Year Nine of the Modern Novel Group. This free, public program meets monthly on Zoom. Email Jeff Nason to sign up: jnasonmd@gmail. com. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.

Tech help

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

Loïs Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence

Fault Lines

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

Can You Shuck It: Shellfish Shucking with Chris Look

1-2:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Registration is required. 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. 508-693-3366, gwilbur@clamsnet.org.

Blackout Poetry Party

3-4:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Choose a poem and transform it into something new at this weekly poetry station! 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! 508-645-3360, chil.programs@gmail.com.

Ukulele Jam

3:30-5 pm, West Tisbury Library. All ages and abilities. The library has ukuleles to borrow, or bring a guitar or banjo, or come to sing. wt_mail@ clamsnet.org, 508-693-3366. Continued on B11

community & calendar B11

September 10, 2026

An Italian documentary that hits close to home:

‘The Siege of Paradise’ BY ABBY REMER

T

he title of Irish director Gar O’Rourke’s thoughtful film, “The Siege of Paradise,” about the impact of tourism in Cinque Terre, could apply to our idyllic Island during the insane summer season. Screening at the M.V. Film Center on Sept. 13, the documentary will resonate with those of us who have just come through the past few months. Cinque Terre, made up of five small towns on the Italian Riviera, is renowned for its stunning vistas, leisure activities, and rich cultural heritage. There are no cars, and everyone arrives by boat. But since the 1990s, tourism has had a dramatic impact. The numbers are staggering. Each year, some 3.5 million tourists overwhelm the 4,000 to 4,500 locals, crowding every inch of the narrow streets, restaurants, and beaches. The film opens on the first day of summer, with residents busying themselves in preparation for the onslaught. We hear an announcer’s voice on the radio urging folks to stay in bed for 5 more minutes, because he knows what’s coming: “Just for this moment, paradise is still silent, so this morning, go slowly … Let’s start summer as it should be, because nothing lasts forever.” True to his word, soon the ships start coming, and coming … and coming. People pour off them in droves. Over the course of the 85-minute film, we follow several townspeople and two visitors, of-

fering a kaleidoscopic perspective on what happens to this beautiful region, with its vineyards built into steep terraces that face out onto gorgeous sea vistas. Carmelo is a beleaguered restaurant owner, running on fumes during the trying summer season. He serves authentic Northern Italian fare, as his mother had before him. With the hordes shuffling in and out for meals, and unreliable employees, he is ready to call it quits, hoping his daughter, Giorgia, will take up the reins. But she, at only 21, is hesitant to be shackled to the exhausting family business rather than exploring the larger world. Guido, an older fisherman, plies his trade alone, telling us wearily that only seven or eight of his kind remain in the region. He is the most downcast of the group. “We’re all sold out to the devil. And the devil makes you lose … any kind of reason to live. So it destroys, it flattens. We have to find ourselves,” he says desolately. Fabrizia, a mayor, juggles the oftenconflicting realities of overwhelming tourism and its negative impact on residents, whose numbers are dwindling as they die off and their homes are rented to visitors rather than to remaining locals. Her words sound all too familiar: “The biggest challenge is to balance tourism and livability for residents. The risk today is devaluing our cultural identity and giving in to economic temptation.”

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

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. 508693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

There is Bartolo, an elderly vintner and winemaker, whose family-owned cliffside vineyard in Vernazza dates back hundreds of years. He says that the great achievement of generations before was building the terraces where there was no soil. Bartolo’s deep connection to the land and love of his grapes seems to ground him, even though his wife is ailing. He is kind and philosophical with visitors, sharing the history of his vineyard and offering wise counsel. O’Rourke includes the tourist perspective, too. Social influencer 25-year-old Grace tells us she’s a lifestyle content creator specializing in travel, food, and fashion for women ages 24 to 30. Traveling with her “bestie” Izabel, she is constantly “on” from one moment to the next, recording every second of her all-too-glamorous vacation for unseen adoring followers. Their conversations are cringeworthy at times, including when Grace considers which out-of-the-way location she can travel to before it becomes overrun, ignoring the irony that her plying

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.

The Offseason: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Claymation 5-6 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Mu-

seum, Vineyard Haven. Screening and behind-the-scenes look at Martha’s Vineyard-made claymation series. 508-627-4441, events@mvmuseum.org.

Nomans Tiki Party

5-9 pm, Nomans, Oak Bluffs. Nomans TIKI PARTY | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 5 PM | #InTheYard 508-3382474, events@nomansmv.com.

Meditation

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

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

MV INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RUNS SEPT 8 - 13TH

MVIFF: OPENING NIGHT PARTY 5:30 PM & FILM: CALLE MALAGA SOLD OUT MVIFF: COMPLAINT NO. 713317 1:00 PM 4:00 PM Fri MVIFF: HANGING BY A WIRE 9/11 MVIFF: SHORT FILM JURIED 7:30 PM COMPETITION SOLD OUT 1:00 PM MVIFF: LIFE IS LIFE Sat 9/12 MVIFF: MY FATHER’S SHADOW 4:00 PM MVIFF: SHEEP IN THE BOX 7:30 PM MVIFF: COLORS OF TIME SOLD OUT 12:00 PM Sun MVIFF: UNIDENTIFIED 2:30 PM 9/13 MVIFF: THE SIEGE OF PARADISE 4:30 PM & CLOSING NIGHT PARTY

Thurs 9/10

MON. - THURS., SEPT 14, 15, 16 & 17 · FILM CENTER IS CLOSED

7:30 PM

TONY

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

Continued on B12

508.69 6.9369

to Support

A RT SHOW & SALE Habitat for Humanity

and All Island Artists

SEPTEMBER 18 and I9

FRIDAY - SATURDAY | I0 AM - 6 PM GRANGE HALL | WEST TISBURY

Maria McFarland

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

THE GOLDEN HUMMINGBIRD

SPIRITUAL AWARENESS & THE SHADOW TALK Tues. Sept 15. 6:30pm • $40

Limit 20 people; preregistration only

scan code for complete schedule

mvfilmsociety.com

6-8 pm, Eisenhauer Gallery, Edgartown. Eisenhauer Gallery presents “Music in the Square” with Mike Benjamin and the Keepers 508-627-7003, eisenhauergallery@gmail.com.

Free Fairy Sculpture Trail at Island Folk Pottery

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

West Tisbury Library. Afterschool

5:30-7:30 pm, The Farm Institute, Edgartown. ance and weights incorporating disks, Learn how to make your own pasta! 508loop bands and Bender balls. Come 627-7007, thefarminstitute@thetrustees.org. with sneakers, barre sox, or bare feet. Sunset Kayak Tour 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com. 5:30-7:30 pm, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Master potter Juliet Ehrlich Art Edgartown. Paddle into the golden hour as Island sculptor, master potter, and published the sun sets over Sengekontacket Pond. arts columnist Juliet Ehrlich's diversely Naturalists will highlight wildlife activity themed Clay Wall Reliefs can be seen by for a memorable way to end the day 508- appointment by calling 502-936-3599. 627-4850, felixneck@massaudubon.org. Pumped Up Intervals with

Music in the Square - Mike Benjamin & The Keepers

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.

improve your composition. 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org.

693-3366, lhearn@clamsnet.org.

Afterschool Aerial Yoga program for teens/tweens

Marthas Vineyard International Film aerial yoga for teens/tweens Thursday Festival: OPENING NIGHT PARTY & September 10th at 3:30pm - space limited-registration required 508FILM: CALLE MALAGA (Morocco) 5:30 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven. MVIFF: OPENING NIGHT PARTY & FILM: CALLE MALAGA (Morocco) 774-392-2972, rich@mvfilmsociety.com.

Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Quest

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 Acrylic Painting with John Holladay with whimsical sculptures. 508-955-9944, 9 am-12 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, islandfolkpottery@gmail.com. Oak Bluffs. Perfect your painting techniques Artists’s Premiere: Michael Stimola, during this intermediate/advanced class. Jennifer Brown & Judy Bramhall Bring an image for inspiration and learn to 10 am-5 pm, Field Gallery, West Tisbury.

Barre Fusion with Kris Martin Pasta Making and Dinner with Katie 7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Leaird of Martha’s Vineyard Pasta Ballet styled flows, barre work, bal-

Thurs 9/18

her trade will draw unwanted attention to any hideaway. She adds, though, after having done everything possible to draw attention to her “fabulous” vacation in Cinque Terre, “I do think social influencers can be a bit disproportionately blamed.” Bartolo is the one who seems to have a plan: “Tourism is an opportunity, and as such it must be considered. If we manage to have high-quality wine and if we collectively connect it with our centuries-old history of wine and of our area, we manage to attract tourists … The horror is those who get thrown … here [in Cinque Terre] for half an hour … They don’t even know where they are. We need to make tourists perceive our joy, our commitment — the satisfaction of doing these things because we are proud to be able to share our wine, our history with the world.” If we take his words to heart, the question arises: Can we Vineyarders impact the behavior of those who visit our shores by having them perceive our joy and commitment to the Island we adore?

Events

Continued from B10

At Stillpoint // Naptime with David Stanwood

“The Siege of Paradise” screens on Sunday, Sept.13, at the M.V. Film Center. For more information and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com.

PRIVATE HEALING SESSIONS Sept 16-20 SESSIONS HELD AT 129 INDIAN HILL RD., WEST TISBURY

Contact • Elaine Allen • 774-563-0002

Second Hand Art Fundraiser Plus a Silent Art Auction!

Presented by

GALAXX ARTSMV

NONPROFIT SUPPORTING ISLAND ARTISTS

GALAXYGALLERYMV.ORG

For More Information: 508-364-5061 HollyAlaimo

www.GalaxyArtsMV.org HOLLY ALAIMO, Director | 508.693.5444 | hollyalaimo@gmail.com @gmail.com PO Box 168, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

B12

calendar & community

September 10, 2026

Events

Continued from B11

Artists’s Premiere: Michael Stimola, Jennifer Brown & Judy Bramhall 508693-5595, info@fieldgallery.com.

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

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

Art Exhibition: Kirkpatrick, London, Beams, Pisini, and Marriott 10 am-5 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: Kirkpatrick, London, Beams, Pisini, and Marriott 508-939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Carnegie Heritage Center

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

Leo Convery: A Lifetime of Carvings

10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE, Edgartown. Inspired by the Island around him, Leo transforms wood into striped bass, tuna, shorebirds, and other familiar creatures of the Vineyard. 774-549-9107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org.

Kid’s Music Class

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

Friday Crafting

10:30 am-4 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Craft projects for kids ages 3+. New craft each week! Drop in. 508-693-9433, mlynch@clamsnet.org.

Bubbles & Beyond: Outdoor Sensory Play

Drop-in Tech Help at the Anchors

12-1 pm, Edgartown Council on Aging (The Anchors), Edgartown. To help with your laptop, smartphone, iPad, or other devices. Tech help is also available at the library. programs@ edgartownlibrary.org, 508-627-4221.

Dungeons & Dragons: New Year, New Imaginary You

3-6 pm, Edgartown Library. School year long Dungeons and Dragons and Tabletop RPG campaign 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org.

Ghosts, Gossip and Downright Scandal 5-6:15 pm, Downtown Edgartown, MA, Edgartown. A walking tour of Edgartown with four ghosts, four scandals and lots of gossip. Tuesdays and Fridays at 7 pm. For questions, text 508-627-2529.

Vineyard Football Home Game

6 pm, MVRHS: Football Field , Oak Bluffs. 9/11 @ 6pm vs Mashpee. First Responder Fight!!! 10/16 @ 6pm vs Monomoy. Senior & Seniors Night!!! Honored Group: VIP Status, FREE POPCORN & HOT DOG 774-563-1805, touchdownmv@gmail.com.

Meredith Sheldon “Once We Were Dust” Record Release Show 7 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Live Music: Meredith Sheldon boxoffice@circuitarts.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Dance Fitness with Kris Martin

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

Master potter Juliet Ehrlich Art

Texture: Created & Found

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.

Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show

9 am-2 pm, Flea Market Field, Chilmark. Chilmark Flea Market 508-645-3100, chilmarkflea@gmail.com.

10:30 am-12:30 pm, Edgartown Library. Bubble stations, water tables, kinetic sand, and more! 508-627-4221, programs@edgartownlibrary.org. 11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Art Exhibit: Texture: Created & Found boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Chilmark Flea Market

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Paul Beebe, Fellow ASMA, and view his new selection of Vineyard realist oil paintings along with award winning bronze sculptures by Gwen Marcus 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

Greenhouse Soil Therapy!

11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition - Lois Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com

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

Loïs Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence

Fault Lines

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

9-11 am, Community Greenhouse of MV, Oak Bluffs. Get your hands in the soil and help the community greenhouse. Seeding, transplanting, and harvesting; gardening chats and advice are a bonus! 774-563-8417, smiller8690@gmail.com.

Beginner Pickleball Clinic

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.

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.

11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library, West Tisbury. To strengthen our connection to Earth and maintain balance. To sign up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366. 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org

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

Toddler Time

Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky

Kaiut Yoga

MV Dems Monthly Meeting

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

Barnyard Buddies

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

Exhibit: Margot Datz: Recreator

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

Art Exhibition: MVAA All Members Show

10 am-5 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: MVAA All Members Show 508-939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Leo Convery: A Lifetime of Carvings 10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE, Edgartown. Inspired by the Island around him, Leo transforms wood into striped bass, tuna, shorebirds, and other familiar creatures of the Vineyard. 774-549-9107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org.

Family Kayak Adventure

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

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.

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.

Story Journeys

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.

The Light of Awareness Meditation Workshop

10:30 am-12:30 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library. Join Jonathan Herrick, LCSW, for another two-hour meditation workshop combining two powerful, pragmatic approaches to meditation. 508-6964211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Goat Yoga MV

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

Texture: Created & Found

11 am-4 pm, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven. Art Exhibit: Texture: Created & Found boxoffice@circuitarts.org.

Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Paul Beebe, Fellow ASMA, and view his new selection of Vineyard realist oil paintings along with award winning bronze sculptures by Gwen Marcus 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

29th Annual Vineyard Artisans Summer Festival

Potter’s Bowl

Carnegie Heritage Center

The Swimming Pig Sunday BBQ at The Beach Plum

Loïs Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence

10 am-2 pm, The Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Meet island artisans and browse a multitude of mediums, all handmade on Marthas Vineyard. For more information visit our website- vineyardartisans.com artisan02557@yahoo.com.

4 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Featherstone welcomes pottery (and soup) lovers to the annual Potters Bowl on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4 pm. Choose a bowl and enjoy some soup! 508-693-1850, featherstone@featherstoneart.org.

Fault Lines

10 am-4 pm, Admission: $5 (ages 12+). vineyardtrust.org/events/ 774-549-9107, thecarnegie@mvpreservation.org.

5:30-8:30 pm, Beach Plum Inn & Restauraunt, Chilmark. eventbrite.com.

11 am-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition - Lois Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com. 11 am-5 pm, Knowhere Art Gallery, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition: Fault Lines 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.

SIMON GALLERY

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

Storytime

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

Vineyard Vanguards with Tom Dresser

11:30 am-12:30 pm, Oak Bluffs Library. Vineyard Vanguards is a collection of biographies of some 45 Vineyarders who have left their mark on the Island. 508-693-9433, cphelan@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.

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

Jazz Film Screening & Discussion with Dave Kish

3-4:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. Join MVY Radio’s Dave Kish for a monthly film screening and discussion. In September, the film is Buddy Rich: Jazz Legend. Free & open to the publi 508-693-3366, wt_mail@clamsnet.org.

Haunted Edgartown

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

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 The Rev. Christopher Fike

9-10 am, Trinity Episcopal Church on Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs. The Rev. Christopher Fike is the Rector of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Wilmington, MA 508-566-9756, trinityoceanpark@yahoo.com..

Master potter Juliet Ehrlich Art

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.

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.

Leo Convery: A Lifetime of Carvings

10 am-3 pm, THE CARNEGIE, Edgartown. Inspired by the Island around him, Leo transforms wood into striped bass, tuna, shorebirds, and other familiar creatures of the Vineyard. 774-549-9107, THECARNEGIE@mvpreservation.org.

Meditation

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

Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Paul Beebe, Fellow ASMA, and view his new selection of Vineyard realist oil paintings along with award winning bronze sculptures by Gwen Marcus 508-693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

SIMON GALLERY

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

Loïs Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence

12-5 pm, Center of Knowhere, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition - Lois Mailou Jones: Sphere of Influence 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.

Fault Lines

12-5 pm, Knowhere Art Gallery, Oak Bluffs. Group Exhibition: Fault Lines 917-960-9344, info@knowhereart.com.

Art Exhibition: MVAA All Members Show

12-5 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: MVAA All Members Show 508-939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Understanding Guitar with Shelly Jones

1-3 pm, West Tisbury Library. Join guitar teacher Shelly Jones for a four-part series of lessons at the West Tisbury Library! To register, please email gwilbur@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366, wtprograms@clamsnet.org.

Garden Tour with Jess Miller

1-2:15 pm, Location provided after registration, West Tisbury. Private garden tour in West Tisbury with Jess Miller 508-693-9549, programs@mvagsoc.org.

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.

September Artist Reception

4-7 pm, Turpentine Gallery, West Tisbury. September Artist Reception Monumental coastal studies and stone constructions by Mitch Gordon. Wire and Steel linear sculptures by Steve Lohman. 508-6935963, mitch@turpentinegallery.art.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 SoulStrength with Kris Martin

7-8 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. A creative blend of rhythmic resistance, cardio conditioning, manageable mobility and core strength exercises all set to crazy-FUN music. 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com.

Master potter Juliet Ehrlich Art

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.

Core Stability, Strength and Balance with Alyson Parker

8:30-9:30 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Core stabilization, strength and balance, targeting all the major muscle groups with some intermittent cardio. Have fun and go at your own pace! 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com.

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

Beginner Tennis Clinic: Levels 3.0 - 3.5 9-10 am, Airport Fitness, West Tisbury. Tennis clinic for 3.0-level players focusing on footwork, shot placement, and point construction. Advanced registration is required, call to reserve. 508-696-8000, workout568@aol.com

Beginner Pickleball Clinic

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

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

Virtual: Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Reading Group

10 am, Vineyard Haven Public Library, Vineyard Haven. Send an email to vhpl_programs@ clamsnet.org to be added to the list. A Zoom link and other materials will be provided. Everyone is welcome! 508-6964211, vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Art Exhibition: MVAA All Members Show 10 am-5 pm, Old Sculpin Gallery, Edgartown. Art Exhibition: MVAA All Members Show 508-939-4092, art@oldsculpingallery.org.

Moving Stories

11-11:45 am, West Tisbury Library. Creative Movement dance for kids ages 2-6. Mondays 11-11:45 at WT Library 508-6933366, hburbidge@clamsnet.org.

Paul Beebe & Gwen Marcus Show

11 am-5 pm, Louisa Gould Gallery, Vineyard Haven. Paul Beebe, Fellow ASMA, and view his new selection of Vineyard realist oil paintings along with award winning bronze sculptures by Gwen Marcus 508693-7373, louisa.gould@gmail.com.

Interested in singing with us?

Come to a New Member Information Session Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 pm Edgartown Public Library 26 Edgartown-West Tisbury Rd, Edgartown

www.islandcommunitychorus.com islandcommunitychorusmv@gmail.com

Online Balance with Kanta Lipsky

MVAA MVAA MVAA ALL MEMBER SHOW SHOW SHOW ALL MEMBER ALL MEMBER

11:30 am-12:30 pm, West Tisbury Library. To strengthen our connection to Earth and maintain balance. To sign up, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org. 508-693-3366.

ExhibitionExhibition Dates: September June Dates: 20 - 12 26 June - /October Open 20 - 26 Daily 12 / Open Daily

58 Dock Street, 58 Dock Edgartown Street, 58 Dock Edgartown 508.939.4092 Street, Edgartown 508.939.4092 art@oldsculpingallery.org 508.939.4092 art@oldsculpingallery.org art@oldsculpingallery.org OLDSCULPINGALLERY.org OLDSCULPINGALLERY.org OLDSCULPINGALLERY.org

Across from Across the from Chappy Across thefrom Ferry Chappy the Ferry Chappy Ferry

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

community & calendar B13

September 10, 2026

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Island news daily Three Generations of Roofers

OVER 25,000 REFERENCES ACROSS THE SOUTH SHORE AND MARTHA’S VINEYARD. LOCAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE

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B14

community & calendar

September 10, 2026

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he fields of biodiversity, conservation, and climate crisis require diverse voices, experiences, and solutions. Yet in an article published in the journal “Nature” listing “100 articles that every ecologist should read,” 97 were written by men, and three were written by women. “I actually think women are tremendously effective and important leaders in conservation, though it’s often hard to get heard,” Amy Salzman, president of Chilmark Pond Association and ex officio of the Chilmark Pond Foundation, said. It is not only women in conservation who sometimes feel unheard. For many women across the world, conservation is a natural part of their daily activities — collecting firewood, gathering fodder for livestock, harvesting plants, tending crops, raising children — but their knowledge of local ecosystems is not sought out during land planning meetings, nor is it viewed as science. The Vineyard is different. Magical in an ineffable way, yes, but also in the conservation world. We have 20 prominent conservation, land trust, and wildlifemonitoring organizations. We also have a historical stewardship of women tied to the land, water, and wildlife. Generations of Island women have driven land and water protection, garden clubs, and civic ecology groups, creating an established mentorship path for incoming female scientists and conservationists. Some of the women currently leading the charge include Suzan Bellincampi, director of Mass Audubon's Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Edgartown, and Islands director; Samantha Look, executive director of Vineyard Conservation Society; Melinda Loberg, president of the board of directors of Tisbury Waterways; Emma Green-Beach, director and shellfish biologist of Vineyard Shellfish Group; Katie Theoharides, CEO of Trustees of Reservations; Luanne Johnson, assistant director and wildlife biologist of BiodiversityWorks; Wenonah Madison, president of Aquinnah Land Initiative; Salzman, president of Chilmark Pond Association; and Emily Reddington, executive director of Great Pond Foundation. “There are many effective female leaders on this Island, and we are very lucky to have them,” said Reddington. “Despite their effectiveness as leaders, women in conservation are often still paid less than their male counterparts. Through education and ex-

COURTESY GREAT POND FOUNDATION

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1. Emily Reddington, far right, and GPF team on Sengekontacket Pond for the annual beach seine event. 2. Amy Salzman, right, sampling groundwater on Chilmark Pond, April 2025. 3. Samantha Look at Eastville Beach during the VCS annual Earth Day Beach Cleanup.

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perience, women may have the most informed perspective, but if their voices are too loud or too quiet, they may not be heard. There has been a lot of progress for women in science and conservation, but we as a society still have work to do.” When asked why she thinks women make good leaders, Salzman said, “I think it’s because we care, and are steadfast nurturers.” The executive director of Vineyard Conservation Society Sam Look, said she isn’t sure why the Island is home to so many female conservation leaders. “Maybe because we are amazing! I think women are natural coalition builders, and we need that now, more than ever, as we race against climate change and the extinction of species, places, and natural processes.” Look and Salzman may be on to something. Studies, including one from rewild. org, show that women’s in-

COURTESY CHILMARK POND FOUNDATION

Roots and resilence Women on the Island play an important role in conservation. BY ALLISON ROBERTS

volvement in conservation and other professions leads to more collaborative decisionmaking, greater transparency, and long-lasting solutions. Women leaders also bring perspectives based in equity and community well-being, ensuring that biodiversity goals align with human needs. “Women often see things differently, and are motivated by nontraditional priorities,” Reddington

“I think women are natural coalition builders, and we need that now, more than ever, as we race against climate change and the extinction of species, places, and natural processes.” –SAMANTHA LOOK

very special place.” Johnson noted, “Some of the women leaders on the Island were born here or spent a lifetime of summers here, but those of us who came to know the Island later were also already grounded in nature. For me, walking out onto East Beach on Chappy at sunrise on a morning in early April felt like I had finally come home. I never feel trapped here, or that I need to leave. The Island has always felt like a home to me, and once you find a home and connect to your plant and animal neighbors, you want to protect them. All of us do this, in one way or another, and we all believe in the power of collaboration for the greater good. You will find us working together on many fronts.” Caring for the Island requires all hands on deck — no matter the gender. “It

added. “Diversity in leadership of all kinds makes for a stronger and more resilient community. Women in conservation are nurturing the Island and protecting what is precious.” “In conservation/wildlife biology, we have made good progress in equal opportunity employment and childcare at scientific meetings, but there are still pay inequities,” Luanne Johnson said. “Many states have paid family leave laws, but I think we need to do better about creating on-ramps for those women transitioning back to fulltime work to support them more. Increasing safe and affordable childcare here on the Island is a real need. STEM camps for girls are important too — like the Penikese Science and Nature Camp that teaches girls to support one another while they learn in nature from scientists.” So what can be done to help advance women in

conservation? “We have the will, the talent, and the ideas; what we are often short on are the resources,” Reddington said. “Thinking outside the box and looking for new and innovative solutions will help support and sustain local conservation efforts. When the community comes together, we can move mountains quickly. This is an incredible place to solve difficult problems and serve as a model for innovative solutions in the broader conservation world.” “This is probably going to sound selfish, but I think we need more support and time to turn the impetus for caring towards ourselves and each other,” Look said. “Many of us have been drawn to this work because of a deep love of nature and concern, as we watch it disappear and degrade. It is hard to hold and expand that knowledge of loss every day; it can be akin to remaining in a prolonged state of mourning.” Aside from a strong commitment to nature, love for the Island plays a big role in why men and women in conservation remain here. “The women in conservation on this Island are talented, and could likely make more money or advance further in their careers elsewhere,” Reddington said. “Those who choose to be here are rolling up their sleeves and devoting their time and talents to preserving and protecting this

is critical that everyone who feels connected, concerned, and cares about the environment throws their weight into this cause,” Look said. “The Island needs leaders who are ready to look hard and understand the limits we need to establish to protect this fragile, unique place that we get to live. We need leaders who have the passion to hold the line when it is repeatedly challenged, which it will be. Our M.V. Commission is under incredible fire by all of the interests that want to lean on it and challenge it until it falls down. Our community is stronger than that. We know these fights. We have accomplished so much, and fended off many other threats. But we need leadership, and we need to believe in the ability we have, as an Island community, to do things differently and be a model for others to strike a similar balance. If that comes from women, so be it!” Learn more about conservation organizations on the Island: Felix Neck: massaudubon.org, Vineyard Conservation Society: vineyardconservation.org, Tisbury Waterways: tisburywaterways.org, M.V. Shellfish Group: mvshellfishgroup.org, the Trustees: thetrustees.org, BiodiversityWorks: biodiversityworksmv.org, Aquinnah Land Initiative: aquinnahland.org, Chilmark Pond Association: chilmarkpond. org, Great Pond Foundation: greatpondfoundation.org.

community & calendar B15

September 10, 2026

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rt has always been a defining force on Martha’s Vineyard — a reflection of our landscapes, our history, and our shared community. With this in mind, the volunteer art committee at Navigator Homes — the communitybased senior care campus in Edgartown that opened in February 2026 — issued a call for Vineyard artists to donate pieces that evoke memories of our Island and bring joy, ensuring the facility feels like home. Spearheaded by Paddy Moore, Navigator Homes was developed as a “small house” model. All five buildings have 14 private rooms apiece, and handsome, shared spaces that just cry out for artwork. It was this fact that led several people to join together and recruit artists to submit framed, Island-themed works for display. Artist Sandy Pimentel was part of the initiative’s formation: “After touring the beautiful facility, I thought that I would like to have a couple of my pieces there.” Following this experience, she and several other individuals involved in art on the Island gathered. Pimentel says, “We talked about what this state-ofthe-art facility, which was so exquisite and designed as a national model, needed to be the best it could be.” The result was an allvolunteer art committee to work with Vineyard artists to fill the walls with memory-evoking art of the Island. Committee member Polly Brown says, “The idea is to have Navigator Homes be a place where people can look at a picture and say, ‘I remember when we did this,’ or, “Didn’t

1. Navigator Homes' art committee members Melinda Lobert and Polly Brown with contributing artists Steve Mills, Paul F. Doherty and Sandy Pimental. 2. Painter Sandy Pimentel in front of a painting she donated to Navigator Homes. 3. Photographer Paul F. Doherty donated a number of his images to Navigator Homes. 4. Artist Lanny McDowell with one of his donated paintings at the Navigator Homes. 5. As people pass through the hallways of the Navigator Homes, they'll see a wonderful array of local artists' work there.

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Calling all Vineyard artists Navigator Homes offers art as memory. BY ABBY REMER

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“The idea is to have Navigator Homes be a place where people can look at a picture and say, ‘I remember when we did this,’ or, ‘Didn’t we have a wonderful time doing that?’” –POLLY BROWN we have a wonderful time doing that?’ The idea is to bring back life.” With the help of individuals such as Featherstone Center for the Arts CEO and executive director Ann Smith and Monina von Opel, who, along with her husband Edward Miller,

5 PHOTOS: DENA PORTER

started the art collection at the hospital, the committee organized an open house on July 21. Phyllis Segal, head of the art committee, says, “There was a stunning turnout, including some artists who brought paintings with them, which we didn’t expect. I’ve been

overwhelmed by the generosity of the art community. I was also surprised by how many artists didn’t know about Navigator Homes. So, in addition to being an organizing effort to bring art here, it was an outreach endeavor to let more of the community know about

Navigator Homes.” To date, 30 artists have donated more than 120 pieces of art, which have so far been installed in four of the five homes. Photographer Paul Doherty was among the first to donate, contributing 69 pieces. Initially, the art commit-

tee came to view his work with the intention of buying some of it. However, things changed when Doherty asked to tour the facility: “I’d heard it was gorgeous, and wanted to get a sense of what it would look like and how my photographs might work there. I was so blown

away by the interior. My mother had been in a nursing home for eight years, and it was just a horrible space. So as I was looking at the beautiful kitchen and open spaces, I said, ‘I just want to donate all these. I really have to.’” After his pieces were hung, Doherty noted, the nicest compliment he received came from the husband of the wife who had spent the last week of her life in the early winter of this year at Navigator Homes: “He said, ‘The one thing that gave us comfort was going up and down the halls and seeing your photographs.’ It doesn’t get better than that. I’m really glad I did it.” He adds, “There are five buildings, so that’s a lot of walls to fill, but I think it’s really going to make a difference.” Since then, many wonderful artworks have been contributed. One is by seasonal visitor Jim Murrin, who painted a work specifically for donation. “Sea Wall” captures the iconic curved concrete structure visible when driving toward or away from the beach in Oak Bluffs. Murrin says about his desire to contribute a work, “I think Navigator Homes is really needed on the Vineyard. Both of my parents were in assisted living, and it was obvious the Island needed a modern facility.” In addition to donated artwork, Navigator Homes is seeking visiting artists to speak with residents about their pieces, volunteers to teach art classes or lead creative workshops, and artists interested in ongoing engagement with elders, who benefit deeply from handson, expressive, and social activities. These interactions foster connection, stimulation, and joy, and help elders continue to see themselves as creators, storytellers, and valued members of the Island community. If you are a full-time or seasonal Island artist and are interested in submitting your work for consideration, please send a .JPG of a framed artwork that evokes memories of the Vineyard to navigatorhomesmv.art@gmail.com.

B16

community & calendar

Garden Notes BY ABIGAIL HIGGINS

An end-of-season miscellany.

Late summer

O

wls call and bats flit at dusk. Symbolic of the season are cool nights, the trilling of meadow song, and dew-drenched mornings heading for the school bus. Falling acorns “ping.” Pinkletinks resume their chorus, responding to cool, damp nights. Leopard and green frogs, their larger cousins, are cavorting on grassy lawns. In the evenings, we may come face to startling face with large green katydids clinging to screen doors. In daytime, it is running into spider webs, plastering our faces with “spidey” silk. Signs that the year is turning.

September 10, 2026

Wikipedia has lots more on this phenomenon, or fact of nature, at bit.ly/W_Masts, but the takeaway for the Island person on the street is masting’s influence on whitefooted mice and ticks: “When a mast seeding event occurs, the population of whitefooted mice also increases, which has been shown in turn to increase instances of Lyme disease, since these mice are hosts for ticks.” Island gardens are holding more vitex (Vitex agnuscastus), long appreciated in Southern ones. Some of

compact vitex for smaller spaces. Midsize vitex cultivars require about eight feet by 10 feet: ‘Galactic Pink,’ ‘Queen Bee,’ ‘Delta Blues,’ and ‘Flipside.’ About taste there is no disputing, but compared with the “wonderful blazes” of blue-violet forms, pink and white vitex cultivars seem almost counterintuitive, and hardly worth the trouble to plant. Yet, in some gardens and sitings, they will be good fits. Plant vitex in full sun in ordinary, well-drained soil. In sunny locations, vitex are butterfly magnets; keep

Acorn-laden, but no mast year.

Dwarf vitex are available to fit smaller spaces.

Echinacea also looking tatty.

Tatty mayapple looking for a cutdown.

Dwarf vitex

Florida Everglades or Louisiana bayous. In fact, Taxodium distichum, bald cypress, is actually found growing naturally as far north as Delaware and Indiana. I decided to try to dry a swale, a location that wants to become, inconveniently, a flooded vernal pool or wetland, using bald cypress. Chief River Nursery supplied the liners. Four saplings grew well in pots, and went into the ground last fall. They survived the winter, several floodings, and deer, and appear to be growing well. The stately deciduous

R.I.P., Trip Barnes Many are remembering Trip — no surname needed — and trying to count up the numbers of lives and hilarious stories in which he was a character. Having had a famously rowdy youth and many capers, Trip, once reformed, was an authentic and concerned elder — albeit still susceptible to the temptations of pushing the envelope. Perhaps one of the most enduring parts of Trip’s Island saga is reflected in his supporting others’ way to sobriety.

Acorn lore The pinging sound of acorns as they fall, mentioned above, caused me to check whether this might be a mast year. No, it is not a mast year; however, 2025 was. What is mast, and what is a mast year? And what is

PHOTOS: ABIGAIL HIGGINS

Whether you clean out your beds or let them stand as is, the cooler weather makes a good juncture for adding compost and leaf mold to gaps. hard mast, or soft mast? Masting is the irregular production of bumper crops of seed that are consumed by wildlife, leading to population fluctuations. Hard mast is seed of trees and shrubs we might call nuts, such as acorns, beechnuts, and hazelnuts. Soft mast is seed of brambles, blueberries, and greenbriar.

these plants, in ideal locations, grow to be quite large, say 12 feet in height by about 15 feet wide, and add wonderful blazes of color where growing happily. And if you do not have that kind of space? Luckily, more compact vitex varieties are available. Look for ‘Violet Mist,’ ‘Blue Diddley,’ and ‘Blue Puffball,’ more

your eyes open for spectacular specimens. While vitex tolerate some shade, flowering will be sparser. They reliably sprout from the crown if winterkilled.

Bald cypress As with vitex’s long association with the South, the mere mention of “bald cypress” brings to mind images of the

conifers are associated with swamps and lands that are damp or wet, but are actually also found growing on dry land, such as at Polly Hill Arboretum. The wood is durable, stable, rot-resistant, and prized for many purposes. While being conifers technically makes bald cypress softwoods, the lumber’s characteristics align

more with hardwoods. Look for the several bald cypress at Polly Hill Arboretum. When fall approaches, bald cypress shed their needles, but not before they have become a beautiful pinkish cinnamon color. I look forward to this eventually with our four plants!

In the garden Take a hard look at your yew and boxwood. Right now is a good time to perform pruning that is more severe than “minor.” Keep a sharp eye out for bird- and mammal-sown perennial invasives, such as Virginia creeper, porcelain berry, and English ivy. These all grow fast and strangle their hosts, and are looking to use any plant as a means of support. Selective cutting back of perennials continues. We note that deer have already arrived to perform these tasks in numerous gardens. Perennial foxglove, Coreopsis verticillata, early asters, echinacea, mayapple (Podophyllum), Siberian iris — anything tatty whose looks would be improved by fresh new basal growth may be cut back now. Annuals, too: Deadhead to keep flowers coming. As daylight hours shorten, it may be a challenge to keep them looking good. In that case, cut off at the base, avoiding soil disruption, and chuck onto the compost. Some annuals here are actually perennials in their places of origin, and may be classed as tender perennials. Verbena bonariensis is an example, and will persist or self-sow. Did you propagate any mums? Plug them in gaps now, or check garden centers for filler pots of the same, or ornamental kales. Whether you clean out your beds or let them stand as is, the cooler weather makes a good juncture for adding compost and leaf mold to gaps. By summer’s end, many lilacs look bad. The foliage is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and septoria, which cause discoloration and leaf drop. It is unsightly but largely cosmetic. Now is a good time to cut out older, larger lilac stems that may have been affected by lilac borer. Tick check every night.

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