The Vine - Heart of the Vineyard 2024

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VINEYARD GAZETTE MEDIA GROUP | HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024

THE HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 Guide to Island Nonprofits

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CONTENTS

THE

VINE

Features

Departments

13 THE HEART OF THE VINEYARD

5 ON THE ROCK

2024 Island Nonprofit Directory

18 ACE-ING ADULTHOOD

4 EDITOR’S NOTE 8 Q&A

ACE MV strives to open the door to greater opportunity.

Endowing an Island: An Interview with Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation's Paul Schulz

By Louisa Hufstader

31 BY THE NUMBERS

24 A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

Shell Shock

The League of Women Voters educates and promotes engagement with local governance.

By Thomas Humphrey From the Editor

IMAGINE THIS

C

onsider for a minute what life would be like on the Island without nonprofits. No ice arena, no skate park, no Boys and Girls Club – no place for kids to go after school. No Ag Society?

No annual Fair. No Island Food Pantry or Hospice of MV? No social net.

Without places like Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Menemsha Hills, or Polly Hill Arboretum to visit, we’d have fewer ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Without the African American Heritage Trail, the Hebrew Center, or the Portuguese American Club, our diverse history would be diminished.

And where would we be without the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society, or MVYRADIO? I can’t even imagine.

It’s easy to take nonprofits for granted. But on the Vineyard, our 135 nonprofits do it all; they keep us healthy, entertained, engaged, active, and most of all connected. And when I say “they,” of course I mean you – and me. Because nonprofits are made up of people. And everyone on the Island participates in nonprofits in some way.

Here at the Vineyard Gazette, we’re proud to support nonprofits in different ways throughout the year, but especially when it comes to putting together this annual nonprofit edition of the Vine. It’s a grand way to acknowledge and cheer on all who contribute to making this a better place to live.

- Susie Middleton

Cover Photo: Island nonprofits in action. Credits, clockwise starting at top left: Tim Johnson, Ray Ewing, Tim Johnson, Ray Ewing, Ray Ewing, Ray Ewing, Maria Thibodeau, Ray Ewing, Tim Johnson EDITOR Susie Middleton ART DIRECTOR Jared Maciel CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bennett, Sissy Biggers, Chris Burrell, Ray Ewing, Louisa Hufstader, Thomas Humphrey, Tim Johnson, Jeanna Shepard PUBLISHER Jane Seagrave GENERAL MANAGER Sarah Gifford SALES MANAGER Frederica Carpenter sales@vineyardgazette.com SALES TEAM Carrie Blair, Isabela Fernandez, Serena Ward MARKETING MANAGER Alessandra Hagerty AD PRODUCTION Jane McTeigue, Jared Maciel, McKinley Sanders Copyright 2024 by the Vineyard Gazette Media Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

To subscribe to the Vineyard Gazette, visit vineyardgazettestore.com Vineyard Gazette Media Group P.O. Box 66, 34 So. Summer Street, Edgartown, MA 02539 thevine@vineyardgazette.com | 508-627-4311

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WEARABLE ART

OSCAR SEASON

ON THE ROCK

FARMERS’ MARKET CHIC

IN SHORT

Show off your local-food pride with a West Tisbury Farmers’ Market tee shirt. Each year market organizers produce a new shirt design as a way to cover market expenses. The 2023 shirt, created by Island artist Emma Young, is still available online at wtfmarket.square.site, and you can keep an eye out for the 2024 design, coming to the market this summer.

If you haven’t had time to watch all the nominees for the best Oscar-nominated short films, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society has you covered. Starting with live-action shorts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, the film society will rotate categories (including documentaries and animated films) over the weeks leading up to this year’s Academy Award ceremony on March 10. Ticketing and schedule information can be found at mvfilmsociety.com.

Don’t let your old clothes go to waste. Drop them off at the new textile recycling collection bin at the West Tisbury School, sponsored by Vineyard Conservation Society.

Off Season, On Cue

Break Bread Together Ray Ewing photos

Yes, it’s February – deep into the offseason on Martha’s Vineyard – but there’s still plenty going on to keep us from going stir-crazy. From latenight karaoke to dance classes, from art exhibits to pickleball, there’s something for everyone. Why not try something new this year? Be sure to check calendar.vineyardgazette.com for the latest postings.

A Word of Adv ice:

Feb-EWE-ary. Slough Farm’s got a full lineup of sheeply activities planned for the month of Feb-EWEary, including felting, spinning and weaving classes for the crafty as well as lambing and sheep-tanning classes for farmers. And don’t miss the annual Sheep-Shearing Shindig on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society.

Cabinet of Curiosities. Escape the cold and heads indoors to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. After checking out the permanent installations on Vineyard history, be sure to spend some time in the new exhibit: Clifford: Our Big Red Dog, highlighting the life and works of local cartoonist Norman Bridwell. The exhibit will be open until July.

Theresa Culletto, AKA The Vineyard Baker, released her first cookbook last year and is teaching a series of very popular bread-baking classes at The FARM Institute. Theresa feels strongly about the benefits of sharing bread. She points out that the word “companion” comes from the old French word compaignon, or literally “one who breaks bread with another.”

“Always bake to share,” she says. “We all have companions and people that we like to be around, and the word companion, it means to share bread…It’s all about sharing good bread with good people.”

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ON THE ROCK

BOOK IT Small Publishers, Big Heart

BY MOLLY COOGAN

While I sometimes joke that bookselling is a nonprofit endeavor, especially in February, there are some wonderful independent publishers who do operate as bona fide nonprofit organizations and publish important titles in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, providing platforms for often underrepresented voices and ideas.

The inventive, award-winning memoir In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (Graywolf Press) came out in 2019 but has a permanent place on our shelves as her story of a relationship gone wrong continues to resonate.

Soil and Spirit: Cultivation and Kinship in the Web of Life (Milkweed Editions) is a poetic collection of essays by Scott Chaskey, a pioneer of

the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) movement. It will appeal to fans of nature writing and to anyone interested in community agriculture.

And finally, Who’s Raising the Kids?: Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children (The New Press) by Susan Linn, a psychologist and worldrenowned expert on creative play, is a timely investigation into how big tech is hijacking childhood, and offers ways to change course. It’s a must read for all parents and educators, and just in time for winter break.

Enjoy these good reads that do good!

Molly Coogan is co-owner of Bunch of Grapes Bookstore.

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Q&A - VINEYARD VOICES

Endowing an Island

An Interview with Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation’s Paul Schulz

BY SISSY BIGGERS • PHOTOS BY RAY EWING Since its founding more than 40 years ago as the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard, the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation has been supporting Island causes in a variety of ways. In addition to providing more than 100 college scholarships each year, the MVCF has spread its financial resources over a wide swath of Island nonprofits, from those who serve the young – and the young at heart – to those dedicated to food security, environmental causes, the arts, housing concerns and more.

Paul Schulz, who was appointed director of MVCF in November of 2022, relocated to Martha’s Vineyard from Southern California with his family after a brief visit in July of 2020 when they all fell in love with the Island.

While Paul intended to be active in Island nonprofits in retirement, he

instead wound up setting aside fulltime retirement to commit to helping the Island in a bigger way. When Emily Bramhall, the longtime MVCF director, announced her retirement, Paul pursued the opportunity to lead the esteemed foundation, and soon enough found himself in a familiar role in his new home.

Q. After settling on the Island, did you imagine you would find such a fulfilling and impactful job?

A. It was not in my mind. I was going to stay retired and join nonprofit boards and try to make the Island a better place that way. But I am very restless and I’m too young to retire, and, more importantly, Emily Bramhall decided to retire so that was a real eye-opener for me. I

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immediately pursued the job, and I was lucky enough to get it.

Q. Emily Bramhall established a very high standard for the foundation!

A. Emily is a force of nature. She is incredibly strong, very resourceful, independent, and able to do everything herself from balancing the books to working with donors, grantees and scholarship recipients. We overlapped for two months and I came home every night exhausted, and I wasn’t doing the work. I was just watching her!

Q. How has your role here enhanced your life on the Vineyard?

A. To be right in the center of the nonprofits on this Island is an incredibly special and privileged space. I think this is the best job on the Island. It’s such an incredible way to be involved.

Q. What is the mission of the MVCF? A. The community foundation’s mission is to make this Island a better place as

grant makers and funders of students and non-profits on the Island. It’s a broad mission and a very fulfilling one.

Q. The scholarships are certainly the most high-profile of the fund’s allocations.

A. We’ve been giving out scholarships for 40 years now and we give about $300,000 each year to more than 100 recipients. And last year we went through a $400,000 grant cycle where we awarded grants to almost 40 nonprofits on the Island.

Q. How is the foundation funded?

A. We currently have about a 14 milliondollar endowment that’s been built up over the 40 years, primarily given to us through trusts and estates. So people who love the Vineyard sometimes set aside some of their estate to benefit the Island in perpetuity. With that $14 million we’re able to apply a spending policy each year so that the fund they created remains in perpetuity but gives out money every year for worthy causes.

Q. What guidance do you have for those embarking upon the grant writing process for the first time?

How can they distinguish their application?

A. In applying for any grant, the first thing is to do your homework. Make sure you understand the organization that’s making the grants. Make sure you really read the criteria for what they’re looking for. At the MVCF we also like to fund projects, so it’s really meaningful to us if the organization describes a project or program that probably wouldn’t be done if it weren’t for that funding. So we like a specific project, a specific benefit and we love to know about the recipients of the project.

The better the narrative is on that – who’s going to benefit and how they’re going to benefit – the more likely the organization is to receive a grant.

Q. Describe the process once the application has been submitted.

A. We ask for a written application to start. In this last round we received 59 applications. Based on staff judgment, we narrowed that list down, then we presented almost 40 of those applications to the board.

The full board of 11 people is reading and reviewing and sitting in on the interviews with these nonprofits.

Q. What are you looking for in the interview?

A. It’s only 10 minutes, over Zoom.

We’re looking for that special sauce, that enthusiasm and any particulars that weren’t raised in the application, and specific examples of who might benefit. That presentation to the board has a huge impact.

Q. Is it safe to say that not everyone moves forward after the interview?

A. That’s true but you have very good odds if you’re getting an interview.

Q. There has to be so much joy but also disappointment in this stewardship.

A. Without a doubt. On this last cycle we were asked for nearly $900,000 worth of program support and we were able to give $400,000, so there was definitely a lot of pruning that had to happen. It’s also a reminder for our donors that they are so appreciated, and not just for those bequests they make over time, but also for the funds that come in through our highly effective annual

Q&A - VINEYARD VOICES fundraising that also scholarships and grants.

supports

Q. Once the grant is awarded is there a follow-up?

A. We ask for a very short, simple report once the program is finished. It’s really critical that nonprofits have a way of tracking grant fulfillment in their systems and that they give it to us without prompting. That means a lot to us.

Q. In addition to college-bound students, you also support other education and career paths.

A. We’ve really reached out to those not following a traditional path, those looking to go to community college, to one of the maritime academies, to a trade program, or to get other career certifications. We want to support these students, in particular, in their career objectives. Emily really emphasized that, and we are continuing that approach.

Q. What particular initiatives do you see on the horizon for MVCF?

Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation

BY THE NUMBERS Total Endowment: $14 million Total funding over 40 years: $17 million (Half given away in the last four years) Scholarship awards: Over 2,000 to Island students since 1984.

Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.

2023 Funding: 59 organizations applied for the annual grants, seeking $900,000.

39 organizations were awarded a total of $421,000.

Average grant: $10,000 Largest: $31,000 (Martha’s Vineyard Hospital)

A. This year there is going to be a lot of focus on food security. We have been a major source of funding for food programs – Island Grown Initiative, Island Food Pantry, Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club – but some of the government funding is dramatically drying up this year, and there are going to be some really hard decisions. We received more than a million dollars in government funding for food security last year and that’s going away. The other initiative is affordable housing. It’s fair to call it a housing crisis.

Q. What do you think is the most unique aspect of nonprofits on Martha’s Vineyard?

A. The number of nonprofits on Martha’s Vineyard is much higher on a per capita basis than what you would find in the rest of Massachusetts.

There are an amazing number of people on this Island who care so deeply about this place that they want to start a nonprofit or fund a passion project to make it better. On this Island people have each other’s back and I see it every day.

For more information on the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation, visit marthasvineyardcf.org.

Sissy Biggers is a frequent contributor to Martha’s Vineyard magazine and a regular contributor to The Vine.

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Vineyard Open Land Foundation Preserving the Vineyard landscape since 1970

Eric Peters Keith Farm preserved in 1986 through Vineyard Open Land Foundation planning.

Vineyard Open Land Foundation (VOLF) continues its 53 year history of conservation success specializing in conservation land use planning that allows limited human uses, while protecting the natural beauty and rural character of Martha’s Vineyard.

VOLF has preserved 2,035 acres of the Vineyard. Created 16 conservation communities. Promotes view easements to broaden enjoyment of Vineyard vistas.

Owns and manages 354 acres, including conservation restrictions.

Harvests its organic cranberries and has restored the cranberry bog and historic barn at Lamberts Cove Road.

P.O. Box 4608, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Telephone & Fax: 508-693-3280 email: office@volfmv.org website: www.vineyardopenlandfoundation.org Contributions are welcome and tax-deductible.

SUMMER SAILING CAMP • Sailing and Windsurfing lessons • Top quality instruction and equipment • FREE beginner classes for Island residents

For the love of the Vineyard and the Sea think Sail MV! Sail Martha’s Vineyard www.sailmv.org 508-696-7644

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Tim Johnson

THE HEART OF THE VINEYARD

2024

ISLAND NONPROFIT DIRECTORY Sponsored by Martha’s Vineyard Nonprofit Collaborative

If you live on this Island, or have visited for any length of time, it won’t surprise you that Martha’s Vineyard is home to more than 130 nonprofit organizations. People here take care of each other – in times of duress or simply when an infusion of joy and hope is needed.

Nonprofits take that care a step further by providing everything from infrastructure and meals to classes and seminars to counseling and child care. There are nonprofits that provide access to arts and music, nonprofits that conserve Island land, and nonprofits that preserve Island history – and many more.

To recognize these organizations and the people

who work hard to keep them alive, The Vine presents its eighth annual edition of The Heart of the Vineyard, a directory of Island nonprofits in print and online at vineyardgazette.com/nonprofit-directory.

We also hope The Heart of the Vineyard will inspire you to participate in one or more nonprofit initiative. Whether you donate time or money doesn’t matter; it’s the collaborative effort that keeps our community thriving.

We have made an effort to be comprehensive with this directory. If you would like to add a nonprofit to the directory or amend a listing, please email thevine@vineyardgazette.com.

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HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY ARTS

FEATHERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

AFRICAN ARTISTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Featherstone Center for the Arts is a community art center offering yearround art workshops, classes, gallery shows and other events for all ages and abilities.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for the Visual Arts (MVCVA) supports Island artists through exhibits at the cooperative Galaxy Gallery in the Oak Bluffs Arts District, art strolls and other activities.

The AACDP is dedicated to empowering women in Zambia and strengthening African families.

It does so by raising money for children with disabilities, women’s economic initiatives and educational sponsorships.

P.O. Box 3000, PMB 3051 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-560-2620 info@aacdpafrica.org aacdpafrica.org

AQUINNAH CULTURAL CENTER INC. The Aquinnah Cultural Center preserves and promotes Aquinnah Wampanoag history, culture and contributions on Martha’s Vineyard.

35 Aquinnah Circle Aquinnah, MA 02535 Mailing address: 10 Black Brook Road, Aquinnah, MA 02535 508-645-7900 aquinnahcc@gmail.com wampanoagtribe.net

ARTS AND SOCIETY Arts and Society, founded in 1979, organizes and stages concerts, concert dramas and literary events, including the oldest continuous James Joyce Bloomsday celebration in the U.S. P.O. Box 4485 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-696-0539 jcrelan@yahoo.com artsandsociety.org

CIRCUIT ARTS Circuit Arts builds community through film and the arts, year-round and Islandwide. Programs include the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, Cinema Circus and the Drive-In at the YMCA. 12 Music Street West Tisbury, MA 02575 Mailing address: P.O. Box 3000, PMB 3175, West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-560-2134 info@circuitarts.org circuitarts.org

30 Featherstone Lane Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1145, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-1850 featherstone@featherstoneart.org featherstoneart.org

ISLAND COMMUNITY CHORUS Island Community Chorus fosters the singing and enjoyment of choral music through seasonal public performances.

P.O. Box 4157 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 islandchorus@gmail.com islandcommunitychorus.com

ISLAND THEATRE WORKSHOP Island Theatre Workshop performs plays — classical, modern, musical or original works ­— of high literary and theatrical quality, year-round using talent available on Martha’s Vineyard.

It is also the host of a long-running children’s theatre program.

P.O. Box 1893 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-627-2456 itwonmv@gmail.com itwmv.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD ART ASSOCIATION Martha’s Vineyard Art Association, based in the historic Old Sculpin Gallery, provides exhibition and educational opportunities for artists, as well as art scholarships and preservation of a permanent collection of Island art.

The Old Sculpin Gallery 58 Dock Street Mailing address: P.O. Box 761, Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-4881 oldsculpin@gmail.com oldsculpingallery.org

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MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMUNITY TELEVISION (MVTV) MVTV is an Island-based publicaccess television production facility with an educational studio.

99 Dukes County Avenue P.O. Box 168 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-5444 galaxygallery.org

58 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-696-9760 mvtv@mvtv.org mvtv.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

MARTHA’S VINEYARD FILM SOCIETY/FILM CENTER

Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society believes that live music should be accessible to all and produces chamber music concerts, promotes and supports classical music learning opportunities and creates awareness of the value and significance of fine music on the Island.

The Film Society offers a year-round program of independent films, movie classics, documentaries and world cinema. It produces the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, five other niche festivals, and The Met: Live simulcast from the Metropolitan Opera.

P.O. Box 4189 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-696-8055 mvcms@vineyard.net mvcms.org

79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 4423, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-696-9369 info@mvfilmsociety.com mvfilmsociety.com

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CHILDREN’S CHORUS The Martha’s Vineyard Children’s Chorus is a non-auditioning children’s chorus for students grades 1-8. The chorus helps children to develop musicianship, self-confidence and musical expression through developmentally appropriate vocal instruction.

P.O. Box 1281 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 607-590-1161 marthasvineyardchildrenschorus@ gmail.com

MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMUNITY RADIO INC. (WVVY 96.7) WVVY is a volunteer-run, low-power nonprofit FM community radio station that hosts an eclectic mix of programming.

P.O. Box 1989 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-9379 wvvy.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD MUSEUM The Martha’s Vineyard Museum preserves and curates collections to connect the community to the Island’s history, art and culture.

151 Lagoon Pond Road Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-627-4441 mvmuseum.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD PLAYHOUSE MV Playhouse is the Island’s professional theater company open year-round and offering live theater productions, music, movies, poetry, art, theater programs for adults and children, and more.

24 Church Street Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 2452, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-696-6300 info@mvplayhouse.org mvplayhouse.org

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HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY MVYRADIO (88.7)

RHYTHM OF LIFE

MVYRADIO is an independent, listener-supported alternative radio station based on Martha’s Vineyard that builds community through the power of music.

Rhythm of Life offers ensemble drumming instruction and drumming experiences rooted in West African and Caribbean culture for all ages and abilities.

489 State Road West Tisbury, MA 02575 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1420, West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-5000 info@mvyradio.org mvyradio.org

OLIVE BRANCH FAIR TRADE Olive Branch Fair Trade is dedicated to presenting Fair Trade foods and crafts from Palestine and around the world.

Woodland Center 459 State Road, Unit 21 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 774-563-3083 olivebranchfairtrade.org

PATHWAYSARTS/PATHWAYS PROJECTS INSTITUTES LTD. Pathways provides arts programming including music, poetry, dance and multimedia offerings each winter at the Chilmark Tavern.

9 State Road Chilmark, MA 02535 Mailing address: P.O. Box 437, Chilmark, MA 02535 508-645-9098 PathwaysArtsMV@gmail.com pathwaysmv.org

PHYLLIS VECCHIA CREATIVE DRAMA Phyllis Vecchia Creative Drama teaches story theatre to preschooler and elementary-aged children and seniors, and conducts classes on women in history through the lens of theatre with elementary and middle school students.

67 Deer Hill Road Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-696-8738 pvcreativedrama@yahoo.com

P.O. Box 3000, PMB 3172 West Tisbury, MA 02575 774-563-0870 rick@drumrol.org drumrol.org

STILLPOINT Still point is a community center for classes, conversation and contemplation.

P.O. Box 142 Chilmark, MA 02535 stillpointmv.org

VINEYARD ARTS PROJECT Vineyard Arts Project is a performing arts residency that fosters the incubation of new work and hosts performances.

215 Upper Main Street Edgartown, MA 02539 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1527, Edgartown, MA 02539 508-413-2104 info@vineyardartsproject.org vineyardarts.org

VINEYARD HAVEN BAND, INC. The Vineyard Haven Band, formed in 1868, is the oldest continuing performing arts group on the Island.

It carries on the American “band in the park” musical tradition with free concerts every summer at various Island parks and at special events.

P.O. Box 2187 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-645-3458 vineyardhavenband.com

THE YARD The Yard is a home for the performing arts that supports contemporary dance-makers and related artists through residencies. It presents performances by local, national and international artists, and holds dance classes and events for the community.

1 The Yard Chilmark, MA 02535 Mailing address: P.O. Box 405, Chilmark, MA 02535 508-645-9662 info@dancetheyard.org dancetheyard.org

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CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AMERICAN LEGION POST 257 & POST 186 Post 257 and Post 186 are the Island chapters of the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization.

Post 257 47 Martin Road Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-9257 Post 186 176 Katama Road Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-8673

ANGELS HELPING ANIMALS WORLDWIDE, MARTHA’S VINEYARD AHAWW rescues dogs from high-kill shelters and disaster relief areas and places them in loving local homes.

P.O. Box 120 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-560-8311 Angelshelpinganimalsmv@gmail.com Angelshelpinganimalsmv.org

ANIMAL SHELTER OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard is a no-kill shelter that houses and provides vaccinations, neutering and care for animals, as well as helping to find proper adoptive homes for them.

1 Pennywise Path Edgartown, MA 02539 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-8662 contact@animalshelterofmv.org animalshelterofmv.org

THE COTTAGERS INC. The Cottagers is a group of professional African American women on the Vineyard whose mission is to promote education, a sense of cultural pride and the value of service to the community.

57 Pequot Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 info@thecottagersincofmv.com thecottagersincofmv.org

DUKES COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE The Dukes County Veterans Service helps veterans obtain the benefits to which they are entitled and conceives programs to honor vets and promote patriotism.

P.O. Box 190 Edgartown, MA 02539 508-693-6887 vetsagent@dukescounty.org

THE EDEY FOUNDATION The Edey Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations for conservation on Martha’s Vineyard.

P.O. Box 1029 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-3791 beaphear2@gmail.com

FRIENDS OF OAK BLUFFS The Friends of Oak Bluffs organization raises funds and organizes events for the beautification of town.

P.O. Box 1281 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 friendsofoakbluffs.org

HOLY GHOST ASSOCIATION OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD The Holy Ghost Association is a charitable organization and social club located at the Portuguese American Club. It hosts community events and sponsors scholarships.

137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 02557 Mailing address: P.O. Box 2203, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-9875 holyghostassociation.com

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MV The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. The league influences public policy through education and advocacy.

It does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

P.O. Box 1107 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 info@leagueofwomenvotersmv.org leagueofwomenvotersmv.org

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY MARTHA’S VINEYARD CAMP MEETING ASSOCIATION

MARTHA’S VINEYARD MEDIATION PROGRAM

MVCMA is a religious nonprofit and 34-acre National Historic Landmark.

It offers a Gingerbread Cottage Museum and historic walking tours in season, and hosts community events at the iconic Tabernacle throughout the summer.

The Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program works to resolve conflicts through mediation, conflict coaching and facilitation services for families, small businesses, elders and other members of the community.

80 Trinity Park Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1685, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-0525 office@mvcma.org mvcma.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The MV Community Foundation (formerly the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard) offers grants and scholarships to Island-based nonprofits and Island students.

P.O. Box 1018 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-560-4181 Jackie@MVNonprofits.org mvnonprofits.org

MV SOCIAL JUSTICE LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

15 Merchant’s Way, Suite 5 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 761, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-2999 info@mvmediation.org mvmediation.org

MV Social Justice Leadership Foundation assists Island groups and individuals in transforming racial and social injustices through grant making, education and advocacy to assure equal treatment of all citizens on Martha’s Vineyard.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD NONPROFIT COLLABORATIVE

P.O. Box 1536 Edgartown, MA 02539 SocialjusticeMV@gmail.com www.socialjusticemv.org

Martha’s Vineyard Nonprofit Collaborative (MVNC) works to strengthen the Island’s nonprofits by providing advocacy, capacity-building programs and essential resources.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD VISION FELLOWSHIP

demonstrate a commitment to the Island and sustainability.

18 Helen Avenue, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: PMB #132, 455 State Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-1057 hackney@vineyardvision.org vineyardvision.org

MEDIA VOICES FOR CHILDREN Media Voices for Children is an online resource and community for activists, created to raise awareness of children’s human rights, especially child labor.

110 Daggett Avenue Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-0752 mediavoicesforchildren@gmail.com mediavoicesforchildren.org

The Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship invests in individuals who

P.O. Box 243 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-338-4665 info@marthasvineyardcf.org marthasvineyardcf.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD FISH FARM FOR HAITI PROJECT The MV Fish Farm for Haiti Project is an Islandwide humanitarian mission organized by Little Children of Mary that supports programs in Haiti through local fundraising events on-Island and private donations.

205 State Road Chilmark, MA 02535 508-645-2710 info@fishfarmhaiti.org fishfarmhaiti.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD HEBREW CENTER The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center provides year-round religious, educational, cultural and social programming.

Tim Johnson

130 Center Street Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 692, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-0745 mvhc.us

The Trinity United Methodist Church was built in 1878 as part of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association.

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 · THE VINE · Page 17

Ray Ewing

Alex Bullen Coutts, executive director of ACE MV, is helping the organization focus on training for on-Island careers.

ACE-ing Adulthood

Finding a career on the Vineyard without pursuing an off-Island college degree can be difficult.

ACE MV strives to open the door to greater opportunity.

BY LOUISA HUFSTADER Anyone who has tried to book an electrician or plumber, hire an employee, or recruit medical staff on Martha’s Vineyard knows firsthand that this Island is running low on skilled workers, with retirements outpacing replacements.

But a professional career here can seem out of reach to Vineyard high school graduates who can’t afford to pursue training on the mainland.

“They don’t want to live away from home because it’s too expensive.

College is too expensive,” said Nancy Hoffman, who chairs the board of ACE (Adult & Community Education) MV. Other high school graduates may start at college before realizing it’s not for them, said Alex Bullen Coutts, who became ACE MV’s executive director last July.

“There’s so much support in this community for getting you to a fouryear college, but it might actually not be the right thing for everyone,” Alex said.

While they may have housing on the Island, many young people often are on their own when it comes to planning their futures.

“[Once graduated] they don’t have the school guidance team,” Alex said.

As a result, Nancy said, some Islanders find themselves working odd jobs for years after high school.

“We have a prolonged transition to adulthood,” she said.

Founded as an adult enrichment nonprofit with far less emphasis on vocations, ACE MV is refocusing on Islanders who want careers, even if they’re not yet sure exactly what they want to do, Alexandra said.

“They [can] ask even just very beginning questions like ‘What’s my aptitude? What would I be interested in studying? What are some options for me and how do I pay for them? How do I enroll in them?’” she said.

Adult Islanders of all ages can earn certificates and degrees online through ACE MV and its Martha’s Vineyard Community College Consortium, founded two years ago in partnership with community colleges on Cape Cod and the South Coast.

Four-year colleges in the consortium include Fitchburg State, Alex said, and Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical

Page 18 · THE VINE · HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024

High School — which has an adult division — is another partner.

The ACE MV programs are designed for Islanders who want to explore new careers with a high likelihood of employment on the labor-hungry Vineyard — but may only want to commit to one class at a time.

“What we’ve seen is that once they see they can do it, they’re more likely to say, ‘You know what, I want to take another class next semester; maybe I want to try two classes; maybe I want to enroll in a full associate’s degree program,’” she said.

The early childhood education program is a particularly-accessible springboard, Alex said. “You can take the first required course and if you have employment — if you’re already working in a preschool setting — that’s really all you need for your licensure,” she said. Becoming a lead teacher or preschool director takes just three more courses, Alex said.

“It’s a short pathway: people can see the end of it from the beginning,” she said. “It feels manageable, and they’re working as they’re doing it, so it tends

to make sense for adult learners.”

Islanders pursuing careers in the building trades can prepare for examinations to be licensed as hoisting operators or construction supervisors, and ACE MV is also partnering with Upper Cape on a tuition-free electrical code and theory program.

“It ends in the apprentice’s ability to sit for the licensure exam [for] master electrician,” Alexandra said.

A 32-credit certificate course in small business and entrepreneurship management, through Fall River's Bristol Community College, is new for ACE MV this year — and also free of charge, after Massachusetts Congressman William Keating secured federal funding for the program.

This winter and spring, for Islanders who want to see whether a particular career is right for them, ACE MV is offering exploration programs in early childhood education, EnglishBrazilian Portuguese translation and wellness and health care.

Each program includes regular meetings with Islanders in each field, career counseling and support for tuition, child care and transportation.

The career explorations, along with courses in basic and intermediate Brazilian Portuguese, are part of ACE MV’s Off-Season Survival School, a new program in development.

Donor and community support is critical to these offerings, she said.

“The funding that we get from community partners is mostly around tuition support. It makes a huge difference in the lives of these students and participants,” Alex said.

A former editor of The Vine and the author of four young adult novels, Alex has also worked with young Islanders at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School and the nonprofit MVYouth. Now she's working to raise ACE MV’s profile at the high school.

“I’ve been doing that by physically being in the [regional] high school pretty regularly, going to visit classes,” she said.

“I have a great relationship with the high school guidance team [and] we’re working on building this relationship with the charter school as well,” Alex continued.

“Hopefully, eventually, high school students will all know what we are and what we can do, because there's this population of students who may want to go to college but can’t,” she said.

Louisa Hufstader is senior writer for the Vineyard Gazette.

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HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY MV YOUTH MV Youth provides capital funding for exceptional organizations serving children, teens and young adults, and scholarships for deserving high school students and young people.

P.O. Box 65 Chilmark, MA 02535 508 - 648-1353 lindseyscott@mvyouth.com mvyouth.com

NAACP OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD The Martha’s Vineyard chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People works to ensure equality and justice for all and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

P.O. Box 1513 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-338-4033 marthasvineyardnaacp.org

PAWS OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD PAWS is a local organization created to help pet owners with financial aid and to provide owners with spay/ neuter coupons.

P.O. Box 1636 Edgartown, MA 02539 508-221-1337 pawsofmv@gmail.com pawsofmarthasvineyard.com

ROTARY CLUB OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD The Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard spearheads fundraisers and community service efforts to support the Island community.

P.O. Box 1951 Edgartown MA 02539 mvrotary.com

VFW POST 9261 The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a nonprofit organization for American veterans with a local chapter and social club in Oak Bluffs.

14 Towanticut Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-9261

VINEYARD PRESERVATION TRUST

acquires, preserves, restores and manages endangered historic landmarks of Martha’s Vineyard, restoring living institutions to their rightful place in Island life.

P.O. Box 5277 Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-4440 info@mvpreservation.org vineyardtrust.org

CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENT BIODIVERSITYWORKS BiodiversityWorks promotes conservation of biodiversity through Islandwide wildlife research and monitoring.

455 State Road PMB #179 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 800-690-0993 info@biodiversityworksmv.org biodiversityworksmv.org

The Vineyard Preservation Trust

COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD The Community Greenhouse of Martha’s Vineyard provides an environment for Islanders to learn and teach about growing and harvesting vegetables and flowers year-round.

114 New York Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Mailing address: P.O. Box 2048, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-2019 greenhousevineyard@gmail.com marthasvineyardgreenhouse.org

FELIX NECK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY OF MASS AUDUBON Located in Edgartown, Felix Neck is dedicated to environmental education and to providing an opportunity for the public to explore the Island’s habitats and learn about its wildlife.

100 Felix Neck Drive Edgartown, MA 02539 Mailing address: P.O. Box 494, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-627-4850 felixneck@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/felixneck

THE FRIENDS OF THE CORRELLUS FOREST The Friends of the Correllus Forest is a charitable organization formed to provide both financial support and stewardship for the 5,000-acre Manuel F. Correllus Forest.

P.O Box 243 West Tisbury, MA 02575 Endowmv.org/friends-of-the-m-fcorrellus-state-forest/

FRIENDS OF SENGEKONTACKET Friends of Sengekontacket is dedicated to the preservation of Sengekontacket Pond and the barrier beach.

Tim Johnson

P.O. Box 740 Edgartown, MA 02539 FOSPresident@gmail.com sengekontacket.org

Felix Neck provides opportunities for Islanders to learn more about Vineyard wildlife such as this Painted Lady butterfly.

Page 20 · THE VINE · HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY GREAT POND FOUNDATION The Great Pond Foundation is dedicated to preserving and protecting Edgartown Great Pond through science, collaboration, and education.

P.O. Box 9000 Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-7222 info@greatpondfoundation.org greatpondfoundation.org

ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE IGI is committed to building a regenerative, equitable food system on Martha’s Vineyard that engages, informs and integrates the community.

4 Cournoyer Road, West Tisbury, MA 02575 Mailing address: P.O. Box 622, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-687-9062 office@igimv.org igimv.org

LAGOON POND ASSOCIATION The Lagoon Pond Association of Martha’s Vineyard is dedicated to improving the quality of the waters and the environment of the lands surrounding Lagoon Pond.

P.O. Box 1978 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-335-2564 info@lagoonpondassoc.org lagoonpondassoc.org

MARINE AND PALEOBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE The Marine and Paleobiological Research Institute promotes education, research and public involvement in marine and paleobiological sciences, as well as preservation of our world fossil heritage.

P.O. Box 1016 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-3122 info@MPRinstitute.org mprinstitute.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD FISHERMEN’S PRESERVATION TRUST The MV Fishermen’s Preservation Trust is committed to the conservation of Martha’s Vineyard’s fishing heritage and its future by supporting the Island’s small-boat, owner-operated fishing fleets and their sustainably harvested catch.

P.O. Box 96 Menemsha, MA 02552 508-687-0344 MVFishermen@gmail.com mvfishermenspreservationtrust.org

THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD GARDEN CLUB The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club is a community organization of residents who share a passion for gardening, conservation and maintaining the Island environment.

P.O. Box 5061 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 info@marthasvineyardgardenclub.org marthasvineyardgardenclub.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD SHELLFISH GROUP INC.

THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM Polly Hill is a public garden devoted to education, research and plant conservation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a horticultural and botanical landmark founded by legendary horticulturist Polly Hill.

795 State Road West Tisbury, MA 02575 Mailing address: P.O. Box 561, West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-9426 info@pollyhillarboretum.org pollyhillarboretum.org

SHERIFF’S MEADOW FOUNDATION Sheriff’s Meadow seeks to conserve the natural landscape and character of Martha’s Vineyard through conservation, stewardship and education programs.

P.O. Box 1088 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-5207 info@sheriffsmeadow.org sheriffsmeadow.org

TISBURY WATERWAYS INC.

The Shellfish Group preserves and expands shellfisheries through shellfish propagation and habitat restoration.

Tisbury Waterways advocates for initiatives that improve and maintain the water quality of Tisbury’s estuaries.

P.O. Box 1552 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-0391 mvshellfishgroup@gmail.com mvshellfishgroup.org

P.O. Box 4375 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 774-563-5616 info@tisburywaterways.org tisburywaterways.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD VEGAN SOCIETY

THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS

Martha’s Vineyard Vegan Society is dedicated to the promotion, education, and advocacy of plant-based eating on Martha’s Vineyard.

The Trustees is a state-wide organization dedicated to preserving land, nature and historic places in Massachusetts for public use and enjoyment. Eight properties on Martha’s Vineyard include a wide variety of terrain from coastal beaches to sandplain grasslands to woodlands.

10 Martha’s Road Edgartown, MA 02539 508-560-1562 mvvegansoc@gmail.com mvvegansoc.wixsite.com/website

P.O. Box 2106 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-7662 thetrustees.org

VINEYARD CONSERVATION SOCIETY VCS is dedicated to preserving the environment of Martha’s Vineyard through advocacy, education and the protection of the Island’s land and water.

P.O. Box 2189 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-9588 info@vineyardconservation.org vineyardconservation.org

VINEYARD OPEN LAND FOUNDATION VOLF works with landowners, neighborhoods, municipalities and other conservation groups to preserve open land on the Island.

P.O. Box 4608 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-3280 office@volfmv.org vineyardopenlandfoundation.org

VINEYARD POWER Vineyard Power Cooperative is a community-owned utility company that works to produce electricity from local, renewable resources.

151 Beach Road, Suite 1A Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1077, West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-3002 info@vineyardpower.com vineyardpower.com

EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT ADULT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD (ACE MV) ACE MV offers career training, college credit, certification and licensure in the trades, business, education, health and hospitality sectors, as well as enrichment classes for residents of all ages.

455 State Road PMB #105 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-9222 info@acemv.org acemv.org

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 · THE VINE · Page 21

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY ACT TWO SECOND HAND STORE ACT TWO creates a sustainable and perpetual source of funding to support community, theatre, arts and education on the Vineyard.

66 Main Street Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-338-2124 acttwosecondhandstore@gmail.com Acttwosecondhandstore.org

THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD The African-American Heritage Trail is dedicated to researching information and educating the community about African American history on Martha’s Vineyard. The trail includes 37 sites celebrating African-American experience and achievement.

P.O. Box 234 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-4361 lightingthetrail@gmail.com mvafricanamericanheritagetrail.org

COMMUNICATION AMBASSADOR PARTNERSHIP CAP’s mission is to provide language access to all on Martha’s Vineyard, break down the barriers of inaccessibility to resources, information, and opportunities, and build communication bridges between English-speaking and multilingual community members.

207 Turner Road East Falmouth, MA 508-524-5797 capmvy@gmail.com capmvy.com

THE CUP OF KARMA PROJECT Through public storytelling events and small group workshops, The Cup of Karma Project celebrates Islanders who inspire and change us.

P.O. Box 2148 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 203-807-1469 cupofkarma64@gmail.com acupofkarma.com

THE FARM INSTITUTE (THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATION)

MARTHA’S VINEYARD YOUTH LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

WEST TISBURY LIBRARY FOUNDATION

The FARM Institute, a property of The Trustees, is an educational farm with a teaching kitchen that offers programs for children and adults ranging from animal husbandry to cooking classes to a summer farm camp.

The MV Youth Leadership Initiative seeks to train the next generation of Island leaders through year-long programs, training and leadership development opportunities.

The West Tisbury Library Foundation expands the library’s ability to offer free public programs, including concerts, children’s programs, an after-school Learning Lab for tweens and teens, and health and environmental education for the entire Island community.

14 Aero Avenue, Edgartown, MA 02539 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1868, Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-7007 lbrown@thetrustees.org thetrustees.org/tfi

MARTHA’S VINEYARD AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY The MV Ag Society promotes the pursuit of agriculture, horticulture and land conservation and is known for its annual summer Agricultural Fair and educational programming.

P.O. Box 73 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-9549 admin@mvagsoc.org marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB The Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club is a community-based organization providing a safe and affordable place for young people after school and during the summer.

44 Robinson Road Edgartown, MA 02539 Mailing address: P.O. Box 654, Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-3303 mvbgclub.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD LANGUAGE Martha’s Vineyard Language is a resource supporting families of children struggling with speech and language, reading and writing, and social language development, as well as adult learners seeking fluency in English and difficulties with reading and writing.

55 Pilgrim Road Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-7809 nrsteinbock24@gmail.com mvlanguage.com

Page 22 · THE VINE · HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024

P.O. Box 4551 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-627-2122 mvyouthleaders@gmail.com mvyli.org

SASSAFRAS EARTH EDUCATION Sassafras offers a variety of naturebased mentoring programs, classes and events for both kids and adults with the goal of increasing a connection to nature.

5 Church Street Aquinnah, MA 02535 508-645-2008 sassafrasmvy.org

SENSE OF WONDER CREATIONS Sense of Wonder Creations teaches art classes year round and collaborates with schools and nonprofit organizations. Their global outreach helps to fund music and art programs in Haiti and an orphanage in Uganda and other third world countries.

23 Grove Avenue P.O. Box 1558 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-3142 psb@senseofwondercreations.org senseofwondercreations.org

SLOUGH FARM Slough Farm is a nonprofit educational farm and arts center committed to the integration of small-scale, sustainable farming and the creative arts through place-based educational programming. Slough Farm is also committed to supporting fellow food equity partners, Island farmers and nonprofits.

60 Slough Cove Road Edgartown, MA 02539 774-549-5400 julie@sloughfarm.org sloughfarm.org

P.O. Box 1238 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-1551 dan@indianhillpress.com wtlibraryfoundation.org

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES AMERICAN RED CROSS: THE CAPE, ISLANDS AND SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS This organization is the local chapter of the Red Cross, the disaster relief and humanitarian agency.

286 South Street Hyannis, MA 02601 508-775-1540 redcross.org/ma/hyannis

ANGEL FLIGHT NE Angel Flight NE provides free air transportation for Islanders who must travel for medical care.

492 Sutton Street North Andover, MA 01845 800-549-9980/ 978-794-6868 info@angelflightne.org angelflightne.org

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS Big Brothers Big Sisters is a youthmentoring organization for Cape and Islands youth in need of a positive adult role model.

684 Main Street, Suite 3 Hyannis, MA 02601 508-771-5150 info@capebigs.org emassBigs.org

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY BOSTON MEDFLIGHT

HEALTH IMPERATIVES

ISLAND AUTISM GROUP

Boston MedFlight is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides critical care air transportation throughout New England.

Health Imperatives provides health and family planning services, including counseling and testing conducted by professionally trained staff members. It also holds education programs for schools and community groups.

The Island Autism Group strives for the lifelong independence, confidence and happiness of autistic individuals and their families through housing, life skills, enrichment job training and therapies.

Robins Street, Hangar 1727 Hanscom Air Force Base Bedford, MA 01730 781-863-2213 bostonmedflight.org

CAMP JABBERWOCKY Camp Jabberwocky is a one-of-akind sleepaway camp for people with disabilities.

200 Greenwood Avenue Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-2339 (June-August only) 508-560-8450 (Year-Round) info@campjabberwocky.org campjabberwocky.org

CAPE WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE Cape Wellness Collaborative provides integrative wellness therapies to anyone on the Cape and Islands facing cancer.

517 State Road P.O. Box 909 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-1208 marthasvineyard@healthimperatives.org healthimperatives.org/ marthasvineyard

HOSPICE OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD Hospice is a community-supported organization dedicated to offering free, quality hospice and bereavement services to those facing advanced illness, grief and death.

P.O. Box 1748 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-0189 hello@hospiceofmv.org hospiceofmv.org

P.O. Box 2786 Edgartown, MA 02539 508-693-2568 islandautism.org

ISLAND FOOD PANTRY, A PROGRAM OF ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE The Island Food Pantry provides food for those in need from mid-October through mid-April.

Pantry location: 137 Vineyard Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Mailing address: P.O. Box 622, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-296-8384 info@islandfoodpantry.org igimv.org/about-island-food-pantry

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP INC. MV Cancer Support Group provides transportation, housing, financial and support services for Island cancer patients and their family members.

P.O. Box 2214 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-627-7958 annemariedonahue54@icloud.com mvcancersupport.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CENTER FOR LIVING MV Center for Living provides services, programs and activities for Islanders 55 and older through partnerships with the town councils on aging and other related organizations.

29 Breakdown Lane P.O. Box 1729 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-939-9440 mvcenter4living@gmail.com mvcenter4living.org

11 Potter Avenue Hyannis, MA 02601 774-408-8477 capewellness.org

ELDER SERVICES OF CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS Elder Services is a central source of information and services enabling elders to maintain independence while addressing their interests and changing needs.

Cape Office: 68 Route 134 South Dennis, MA 02660 508-394-4630 Martha’s Vineyard Office: 1 Hospital Way, P.O. Box 2337, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-4393 info@escci.org escci.org

Friends of Family Planning of Martha’s Vineyard supports the family planning clinic on the Island.

It supports compassionate, inclusive, life spectrum sexual health care for all people in the Island community.

P.O. Box 1465 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-1208 fofpmvi@gmail.com friendsoffamilyplanning.org

Work at the Island Austism Group's new campus - the first residential center for adults with autism on the Island - is almost complete.

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 · THE VINE · Page 23

Jeanna Shepard

FRIENDS OF FAMILY PLANNING OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Ray Ewing

Dr. Lorna Andrade, Judy Crawford, and Deborah Medders, all past presidents of the League of Women Voters, want to help voters engage.

A League of Their Own

Through candidate forums, voter registration efforts, nonpartisan activism and more, the Vineyard chapter of the League of Women Voters encourages engagement in local governance.

BY THOMAS HUMPHREY On August 18, 1920, The United States Congress ratified the 19th Amendment, and upwards of 20 million women gained the right to vote.

But it was six months before that monumental act when a group of forward-thinking former suffragettes came together to form the League of Women Voters, with the goal of helping to prepare millions of women to wield their nascent political power.

“The thought had been, ‘Okay, now that we’ve won the power of the vote, we need to teach women how to use that power,’ said Deborah Medders, member of the local Island League of Women Voters chapter. “From its inception, the League of Women Voters has had a focus on education,” she said.

On the Vineyard, the league has kept that focus, taking on a central role in local political engagement for its many decades of operation. It was formed on-Island in 1933, Deborah said, as the Tisbury Women’s Association, not affiliated with the national league, in order for thrifty Islanders to avoid paying national dues.

“It was diverse from the start,” Deborah said, highlighting the early participation of Portuguese immigrants with the group.

The group became enrolled in the national league in the mid 1950s.

Through candidate forums, voter registration efforts, nonpartisan activism and more, Deborah said, the Vineyard league has helped the Island become a model of engaged local governance.

“I would like to think the Vineyard represents what is possible elsewhere in the United States when we educate people,” Deborah said, her perspective informed by her previous work as a committee staff director in the Texas state senate.

“It was through those years that I really came to appreciate how people, who really do not know just how much of a voice they have, can effect change,” she said. “That influenced my getting involved here.”

One of the main ways the group helps bring out that voice is through their candidate forums, said longtime league member Judy Crawford.

During those forums, the league hosts

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candidates running for municipal and regional Island offices, highlighting races that can get less attention than national politics.

At each forum, candidates give prepared statements while also answering questions from a league moderator and the audience.

Essential to these events, Judy said, is a commitment to impartiality on the part of the league.

“We’re not the people with the opinions. We may have private opinions, but that’s on the shelf,” she said. “We’re there to make sure that others get to express their opinion.”

Discussions at the forums typically run smoothly, Deborah said, though voter passions can occasionally run high.

“If more people engage civilly, then that is what our goal is,” she said. “And if that becomes a little cantankerous, that’s going to be okay.”

Each forum, she said, tends to take on the character of the town it takes place in, and league members are not allowed to moderate forums in the town in which they reside.

The ability to build bridges between

different Island communities, said league member Dr. Lorna Andrade, is also beneficial for their mission.

“You are meeting people in the community from all our different towns, and learning about the various groups who are very, very different,” she said. “But you begin having those conversations, and you realize the commonalities that are there.”

In the past, organizing around regional issues has been a priority for the group, Deborah said. They’ve spearheaded events around affordable housing, the Steamship Authority and the creation of the Regional Refuse District.

“I’m really pleased that when people in the community have a need for something to be highlighted…they come to the league, they think of the league,” Judy said.

Getting younger people engaged in voting and elections is also a key priority, Deborah said, and for the last thirty years the group has awarded annual scholarships to Islanders pursuing college degrees in Environmental Science, Political Science or Social Justice.

And in terms of their membership, Judy said, the league has gone through something of a renaissance in recent years, prompted by a change in organizational structure.

“I guess it was about 12 or 15 years ago that that no one wanted to step up to be president,” Judy explained (she, Lorna and Deborah have all previously served in the role). Initially the members were concerned, but the group decided to reorganize with a decentralized leadership structure they call “the committee of the whole.”

“We thought the organization was going to go down the tubes, and instead it blossomed,” she said. “It has worked out beautifully.”

The change has also encouraged new, younger members to join the group. “At this point, we have a whole other generation that’s into the league,” she said.

And amidst all the changes, as the league prepares for another busy spring of local elections, Lorna is confident their work will remain as strong as ever.

“We’ve done some wonderful things here,” she said. “I know that the women can do this. And they’re doing it.”

Thomas Humphrey is a reporter for the Vineyard Gazette.

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 · THE VINE · Page 25

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMUNITY SERVICES MVCS provides comprehensive support, counseling, education, and services through several core programs that include youth support, veterans support, substance use recovery, domestic and sexual violence advocacy, disability services, employment services, childcare, family education, a Head Start program, and a Thrift Shop.

111 Edgartown Road Oak Bluffs, 02557 Mailing address: 111 Edgartown Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-7900 info@mvcommunityservices.com mvcommunityservices.com

MARTHA’S VINEYARD HOSPITAL

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-0410 mvhospital.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD YOUTH TASK FORCE

The MV Youth Task Force is a cooperative, integrated network of youth, parents and community members working to reduce substance use and other risky behaviors by promoting health and wellness.

35 Greenwood Avenue Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 163, Chilmark, MA 02535 508-696-5304 ytf.theresa@gmail.com mvyouthtaskforce.org

NATIONAL WIDOWERS’ ORGANIZATION

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is a fullservice community hospital that is a member of Mass General Brigham and an affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital.

The National Widowers’ Organization works with local support groups and is a virtual tool kit for men coping with the loss of a loved one.

1 Hospital Road Oak Bluffs, MA 0257 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1477,

1-800-309-3658 info@nationalwidowers.org nationalwidowers.org

NORTHEAST NATIVE NETWORK FOR KINSHIP AND HEALING The Northeast Native Network for Kinship and Healing utilizes the stories, values, and culture of Wampanoag and Indigenous culture to end violence against Native people.

Programs support tribal communities to heal from, respond to, and prevent domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

P.O. Box 2236 Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568 508-663-3874 / Toll free 888-439-1047 info@kinshipheals.org kinshipheals.org

THE RED HOUSE PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT CENTER The Red House provides peer-to-peer recovery support services to members of the Martha’s Vineyard Community affected by addiction.

12 Beach Road Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-2900 redhouserecovery.org

RED STOCKING FUND The Red Stocking Fund provides food, toys, gifts and assistance to Island families during the holiday season.

P.O. Box 600 Edgartown, MA 02539 508-776-6050 / 508-776-0801 theredstockingfund@gmail.com theredstockingfund.org

SEVEN HILLS FOUNDATION The Seven Hills Vineyard Supports Program provides residential and day services for people with significant life challenges.

37 State Road Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1443, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-7917 sbacon@sevenhills.org sevenhills.org

VINEYARD BIRTH COLLECTIVE The Vineyard Birth Collective provides a comprehensive online listing of local resources and practitioners offering physical, emotional, and social support to Island families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

P.O. Box 1244 West Tisbury, MA 02575 info@vineyardbirthcollective.org vineyardbirthcollective.org

VINEYARD COMMITTEE ON HUNGER Vineyard Committee on Hunger raises awareness and funds to address the issue of hunger on the Vineyard and worldwide.

P.O. Box 4685 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 info@hungercommittee.org hungercommittee.org

VINEYARD HEALTH CARE ACCESS / VINEYARD SMILES

Ray Ewing

Vineyard Health Care Access connects Island residents with affordable health care benefits and provides annual opportunities for free adult dental exams.

The Red House on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven provides peer-to-peer support services for those recovering from addiction.

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114 New York Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1298, West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-696-0020 info@mvhealthcareaccess.org mvhealthcareaccess.org

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY HOUSING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD Habitat for Humanity is the Island chapter of a national organization dedicated to building housing for families in the lowest qualifying income range.

P.O. Box 1093 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-939-4573 houses@habitatmv.org habitatmv.org

HARBOR HOMES OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD The mission of Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard is to provide safe and secure housing and life skills education to low-income residents to prevent them from being homeless and help them move toward greater self-sufficiency.

P.O. Box 4795 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 harborhomesmv@gmail.com harborhomesmv.com

Ray Ewing

HAVENSIDE

The Vineyard House campus in Vineyard Haven provides short-term housing for men and women in recovery from addiction.

VINEYARD HOUSE INC.

VINEYARD VILLAGE AT HOME

The Vineyard House campus provides short-term housing for Island men and women in early stages of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.

Vineyard Village is a part of the nationwide Village network, whose mission is to keep elders safely in their homes by providing transportation and referrals to service providers.

56 Short Hill Road Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 4599, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-8580 vineyardhouse@vineyard.net vineyardhouse.org

P.O. Box 1356 Vineyard Haven 02568 508-693-3038 vineyardvillage@gmail.com vineyardvillage.org

WINDEMERE NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER Windemere offers short-term rehabilitation for patients and a 21-bed unit for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Located on the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital campus.

1 Hospital Road P.O. Box 1747 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-696-6465 windemeremv.org

VINEYARD INDEPENDENCE PARTNERSHIP

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION OF CAPE COD

Vineyard Independence Partnership brings individuals with disabilities, their family members, and friends to work together to ensure that opportunities for a full life on Martha’s Vineyard are available to all.

The VNA of Cape Cod provides home health and hospice services to individuals in the comfort of their own homes.

You’ve Got a Friend raises and distributes funds to aid individuals and families who have undergone catastrophic events.

255 Independence Drive Hyannis, MA 02601 508-957-7400 vnacapecod.org

P.O. Box 1317 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-7733 hcallen@bfmlegal.com ygaf.org

P.O. Box 1204 West Tisbury, MA 02575 vipmv.org

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND

Havenside is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to provide affordable housing and community quality of life to Island seniors.

145 Main Street Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1418; Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-2280 Havenside145@gmail.com

ISLAND ELDERLY HOUSING Island Elderly Housing offers affordable rental housing for lowincome seniors.

60B Village Road Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-5880 x12 dyoung@iehmv.org iehmv.org

ISLAND HOUSING TRUST Island Housing Trust creates and sustains permanently affordable housing solutions, both rental and ownership.

P.O. Box 779 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-1117 info@ihtmv.org ihtmv.org

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HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY Recreation

MARTHA’S VINEYARD FIGURE SKATING CLUB

MARTHA’S VINEYARD SKATE PARK ASSOCIATION

CHAPPAQUIDDICK COMMUNITY CENTER

The MV Figure Skating Club promotes correct ice skating form and technique to aspiring skaters of all ages.

The MV Skate Park Association maintains the skate park and promotes the sport of skateboarding through yearround clinics and summer programs.

CCC is a gathering place for yearround and seasonal residents as well as all visitors. The center creates social, recreational and educational programs for adults and children, including exercise classes, sports, book groups, ice cream socials and movie nights.

180 Chappaquiddick Road Edgartown, MA 02539 Mailing address: P.O. Box 2966, Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-8222 chappyccenter@gmail.com chappycommunitycenter.org

CHILMARK COMMUNITY CENTER The Chilmark Community Center is a town social center that offers programming and events for both children and adults that cater to both year-round residents and summer visitors alike.

520 South Road Chilmark, MA 02535 Mailing address: P.O. Box 29, Chilmark, MA 02535 508-645-9484 chilmarkcommunitycenter.org

HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL MARTHA’S VINEYARD Affordable hostel offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi access and parking.

525 Edgartown-West Tisbury Road West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-2665 vineyard@hiusa.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD ICE ARENA The MV Ice Arena is a community ice rink which supports youth and adult hockey as well as figure skating programs. It is part of the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard.

91 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Mailing address: 111R EdgartownVineyard Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-5329 dsilva@ymcamv.org ymcamv.org/mv-ice-arena

P.O. Box 1542 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 774-521-9870 marthasvineyardfsc@gmail.com mvfsc.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD LITTLE LEAGUE Martha’s Vineyard Little League is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to promoting baseball on the Vineyard from tee ball to the minor and major leagues.

P.O. Box 2653 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 info@mvlittleleague.org mvlittleleague.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD OCEAN ACADEMY (formerly FUEL, Foundation

for Underway Experiential Learning)

MVOA offers sea voyages in conjunction with onboard learning for young people to find motivation in a stimulating environment.

112 Main Street Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1233, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-560-9237 office@mvoceanacademy.org mvoceanacademy.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD ROD AND GUN CLUB The MV Rod and Gun Club promotes safety in fishing, hunting, archery and firearms use and the conservation of the waters, land, fish and wildlife of the Island.

265 The Boulevard Edgartown, MA 02539 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1799, Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-3537 info@mvrodandgun.org mvrodandgun.org

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111 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road Oak Bluffs, 02557 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1297, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 info@mvskatepark.org mvskatepark.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD UNITED SOCCER Martha’s Vineyard United Soccer provides a supportive, rewarding and challenging environment for Island youth to play soccer.

P.O. Box 314 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Rvbennett123@comcast.net mvunited.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD YOUTH HOCKEY MV Youth Hockey promotes amateur hockey for Island youth.

P.O. Box 2319 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-687-2120 mvyouthhockey.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD YOUTH RUNNING CLUB, INC. The Martha’s Vineyard Youth Running Club, the “Hurricanes,” provides an endurance running program for Island kids from fifth through eighth grade. Experienced coaches lead runners on trails around Martha’s Vineyard.

508-612-7015 hurricanesmv@gmail.com

MISTY MEADOWS EQUINE LEARNING CENTER Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center provides a nurturing environment where horses and humans work together to transform lives.

55 Misty Meadows Lane West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-338-7198 info@mistymeadowsmv.org mistymeadowsmv.org

SAIL MARTHA’S VINEYARD Sail MV offers free summer sailing instruction for Island children.

The organization is dedicated to perpetuating the Island’s maritime heritage and culture.

P.O. Box 1998 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-696-7644 admin@sailmv.org sailmv.org

VINEYARD FAMILY TENNIS Vineyard Family Tennis provides low cost tennis lessons for Island youth and offers court time, lessons and clinics to players of all ages.

618 Barnes Road Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Mailing address: P.O. Box 72, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-7762 frontdesk@vineyardfamilytennis.org vineyardfamilytennis.org

YMCA OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD The YMCA is a full-service facility with gym, pool, and programming for all ages. It also includes Alex’s Place, the Island’s premiere gathering space for teens.

111R Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-696-7171 frontdesk@ymcamv.org ymcamv.org

CALL DUKES COUNTY HEALTH CARE ACCESS

508-696-0020

FOR HELP WITH MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH INSURANCE & MEDICARE www.mvhealthcareaccess.org

Health Care Access is a Certified Massachusetts Navigator Program. We can help with applications, explain insurance options, and follow up to make sure you get the coverage that you qualify for, including Health Connector plans and MassHealth.

You can also apply online at MAhealthconnector.org or call 1-877-623-6765.

Many people can apply year-round – call us to see if you qualify!

THE ACCESS PROGRAM CAN ALSO HELP WITH: • Medicare and Medicare Part D • Prescription Assistance • Dental Services

1999-2024 25 YEARS OF CONNECTING ISLANDERS WITH CARE A Service of Dukes County and the Towns of Martha’s Vineyard Funding for advertisement provided by the Massachusetts Health Insurance Connector Authority

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OPEN YEAR ROUND Dinner Wednesday - Saturday Brunch on Sundays

sweetlifemv.com 63 Circuit Ave. Oak Bluffs (508) 696-0200

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BY THE NUMBERS

SHELL SHOCK

BY THOMAS HUMPHREY • ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHRIS BURRELL

356 DOWNWARD DIVE: The North Atlantic right whale has continued its decline as a species over recent years, falling to just 356 living individuals by November, 2023, after a high of 500 recorded in the early 2010s.

STORMY WEATHER 5

wind turbines are now in waters south of the Vineyard.

412 CLAMBAKE: Last year, Island shellfishermen harvested 412 bushels of softshell clams – otherwise known as steamers – mostly from Edgartown. That count is down from the 1,080 bushels harvested the year before.

4

ponds had cyanobacteria blooms last summer.

400

2,500

terns can congregate at one time on Norton Point.

BOUNCING BACK: In 2013, federal wildlife officials released 13 endangered New England cottontail rabbits on isolated Nomans Island, part of an effort to preserve the species. In the past decade, the population has increased to 400.

24-

250 ON THE HALF SHELL: Back in the 1940s, as many as 200,000 wild oysters (or 2,000 bushels) might be harvested from the Tisbury Great Pond each year. Now, after decades of declining water quality, there are seldom more than 250 bushels taken per year.

foot waves were measured offshore during storms this winter.

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 · THE VINE · Page 31

Mind, Body and Skin Wellness Face and Body Treatments Sauna Cold Plunge Massage Cosmetic Dermatology & Skin Procedures �

�

455 State Road, Unit 13, Vineyard Haven Call: (508)627-2023 | Text: (508)627-2043 www.dermaseamv.com

JOIN US FOR OUR MEDITATION SESSIONS IN PERSON OR ONLINE. WEEKLY MEDITATION SCHEDULE Sundays 10 - 11 a.m.

Tuesdays & Thursdays 6 - 7 p.m.

All are welcome!

21 Laurand Drive, West Tisbury | www.bodhipath.org/marthasvineyard

34th er!

Summ

Karen Gear D.D.S.

ENDODONTIST Root Canal Specialist Specializing in One Visit Root Canals

Creative Arts ~ Environment ~ Ethnic Diversity Local & Global Community Service ~ Fall, Winter, Spring Art Classes Islander Discounts · Financial Aid ages 7–12 • M thru F • 508-693-3142

senseof wondercreations.org 23 Grove Avenue in Vineyard Haven

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We follow strict COVID-19 protocols for a safe, clean, state of the art environment

On Island Specialty Care Since 2013 508.687.9950 | marthasvineyardendo.com 79 Beach Rd. Tisbury Marketplace C-11 Vineyard Haven 02568

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Always here for you.

Thanks for being here for us.

To all of our employees, we thank you for your unwavering commitment to caring for our patients, our residents, our community, and each other.

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2024 · THE VINE · Page 35

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