Martha's Vineyard News

Keep politics out of community events »

To the Editor: The West Tisbury Farmers Market is one of those special places where neighbors, visitors, and friends come together to share in good food, conversation, and community spirit. That’s why it’s disappointing when conflict intrudes — especially in a space meant to be warm and welcoming. We live in a time when politics can feel especially divisive, and it’s not always easy to talk about strong differences of opinion. The Vineyard is home to people with many backgrounds and beliefs,…

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Support more tick research and tracking »

The New York Times had it mostly right last week when they reported that it was the summer of the tick on Martha’s Vineyard, rather than the summer of “Jaws,” as the classic film turned 50 years old this summer with much fanfare.  If you read the New York Times piece, you would be left believing that the two single notes in rapid sequence, “dun, dun,” that struck fear in so many ocean swimmers after the blockbuster was filmed here on the Island have been replaced by the ominous silence…

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Wear tick protection »

To the Editor: I attended the tick-talk meeting last week with Patrick Roden-Reynolds and learned the following: He recommend focusing on personal protection (DEET, treated clothes, socks in pants, etc.) as the foundation of safety. He also stressed getting rid of leaf litter, and discouraging animals that will bring ticks into your yard, such as mice, deer, and turkeys. Apparently, the lone stars like turkeys; the deer ticks attach to mice more; and everybody attaches to deer.  There are two families…

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State auditor necessary for SSA oversight? »

To the Editor: Poor decision making on the part of the Steamship Authority management and board for its three converted offshore supply vessels (OSVs) has given new meaning to “learning curve.” Vineyard and Falmouth residents and visitors are experiencing this firsthand.  Problems began when the original price for the ferries was based on erroneous estimates. The SSA board–approved purchase price was $5.6 million per ferry. With conversion costs, that cost has ballooned to $82 million for…

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End the barriers to public beach access in Massachusetts »

To the Editor: I will support any legislation that starts to open up beach access for the public. I have watched, over the past 50-plus years, beachfront property owners become more proprietary about letting anyone from the public enjoy what should be everyone’s God-given right. Unlike 48 other states, Massachusetts extends private property ownership to the low-tide watermark. This archaic ordinance was not enacted for the public benefit, but to encourage private pier construction in the early…

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Thank you for support  »

To the Editor: We, the family of Sandra L. Healy, would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended her funeral, sent flowers and cards, or offered words of comfort during this difficult time. Your presence and support have meant so much to us, and have been a great source of strength as we mourn her loss. We are truly touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown by friends, relatives, neighbors, and the community. Knowing that our mum was cared for and remembered by so…

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Vineyard beaches close, erosion expected from Erin »

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Guardians for truth »

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J-1 student finds a home on the Island  »

Editor’s note: Over the coming weeks, The MV Times will be sharing the stories of a handful of the hundreds of students who received permission to work in the country under the exchange visitor visa, commonly known as the J-1. Last week, we started with Tinatini Dvali, who came to us with the idea for this series and the hope that Islanders and visitors understand that J-1 students are more than workers, and are an important thread in the fabric of Island life and culture. Now, we’re talking…