Mahon About Town Nantucket Blog

Calling All Local Artists
The Nantucket Memorial Airport is requesting artwork (no photography) representative of Nantucket island life for a one year display. Artists should provide conveniently sized samples or photos for review - no original artwork or slides. Include in your submission the media type and size of piece. Only originals will be installed. Deadline is 6/11/07. 508-325-5307. Send or deliver to Leisa Heintz, Nantucket Memorial Airport, 14 Airport Rd, Unit 1, Nantucket.

Hurricane Forecast
Due to the rapid dissipation of El Nino conditions, the Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science is calling for a very active hurricane season, with landfall probabilities for the 2007 hurricane season well above their long-period averages.

The forecast for the Atlantic basin. (Average in parentheses)
Named Storms: 17 (9.6)
Named Storm Days: 85 (49.1)
Hurricanes: 9 (5.9)
Hurricane Days: 40 (24.5)
Intense Hurricanes: 5 (2.3)
Intense Hurricane Days: 11 (5.0)
Probabilty of at least one major category 3 or more hurricane landfall on East Coast: 50% (31%)

New One Way Streets
Look for new “one way street” signs on Broad Street and Chestnut Street on May 14th. Here’s a map:

In related news, the Board of Selectmen have changed all the 90 minute parking spaces downtown back to 1 hour spots.

Jet Blue is now selling round trip tickets to and from JFK for flights that begin on May 24. The special $79 one way fare requires a 14 day advance purchase; travel from Nantucket must take place Tuesday through Friday; travel from New York must take place Sunday through Wednesday; special fare not available for travel before June 3rd.

The Visitor’s Services Advisory Committee needs additional committee members, especially from retail and restaurant businesses. This committee was established to provide a quality experience for island visitors and residents, and meets once per month. On the committee with me are Charles Balas, Toby Greenberg, and Michelle Langlois, and among other things, the committee makes sure there are fireworks every Fourth of July.

There are more than 30 seats open on town appointed committees. Find the complete list here, along with the necessary forms.. The deadline to apply is noon on Monday, May 14, and the public hearing is later that day, 4:00 PM in the Cyrus Peirce Middle School Cafeteria.

The Maria Mitchell Association sent over these photos taken by Cheryl Beaton of the installation of the new 24″ research grade telescope.The telescope and operating systems, weighing over 1,500 pounds, began to be hoisted into place by crane through the observatory dome’s 42″ wide slit opening at 2 p.m. on April 11th. MMA’s open night program series at Loines Observatory will resume May 11 when a public opening event for the community will be held to view the research telescope and the restored 8″ Clark telescope, which is being re-installed at the observatory.

We have a new fast ferry. The christening of the Iyanough took place here last Saturday. Rev. Georgia Snell harked back to christening ceremonies of times past, ceremonies involving sacrificial virgins, urine, and other arcane rituals. Attempting to prevent a round of negative nicknames for the Iyanough, Nantucket SSA rep Flint Ranney said what the boat should NOT be called: “I don’t know, I don’t want to go, I won’t go”. Someone will no doubt come up with something Flint hadn’t thought of. The boat was officially christened by Libby Gison, Town Administrator, and Susan O’Brien, wife of the Barnstable rep. Former Nantucket Selectman Arthur Desrocher was there, as was State Representative Eric Turkington.

The 154 foot, $9 million dollar Iyanough has four engines, compared to the two-engine Flying Cloud. It has 347 seats on 2 decks, with 46 exterior seats, with free wireless internet. Those who came over on the ferrry said it was faster, quieter, and with less vibration.

For many more photos, go to Mahon About Town.

“Kerry Hallam in Orlando”. Sounds like an unlikely headline.

How about “Kerry Hallam Kisses a Giraffe in Orlando”?

Harpo (The Fragrance Bar) is gathering the photographs of the late Les Saunders to be shown at the Atlantic Cafe at a future date. Contact Harpo at: info@nantucketnaturaloils.com, or 325-4740, ex.4.

Vanessa Noel is described as “shoe maven and hotelier” in the April issue of Town & Country. The article features her new Vanessa Noel Hotel Green that opened last year, describing it as ” outfitted with sustainable accoutrements gathered on Noel’s world travels, including bamboo shades and handmade Senegalese furniture.”

A service has been announced for Phil Murray for Friday, August 17th at St. Paul’s Church at 4 p.m.

Sheriff Richard Bretschneider has been fined $1500 by the State Ethics Commission for violating the Massachusetts conflict of interest law. The full story is in the I&M.

Cape Cod Life is out with its “Top 400” of the Cape and Islands. Here are the Nantucket winners in all categories. Pick up the magazine for all the details.

Community Leaders, Winners:

Kate Hamilton Pardee, for her work for Nantucket Vistor Services, the Friends of the Nantucket Film Festival, and the Nantucket Cottage Hospital.

Dr. Tim Lepore, medical director, chief surgeon, and expert on tick diseases at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital.

Phil Stambaugh, VP of the Nantucket Bank, treasurer of the Nantucket Arts Council, and work with the Community Foundation of Nantucket, Habitat for Humanity, St. Mary’s Church, and the NCMC chorus.

Mindy Todd, host of “The Point” on WNAN radio. Though not a Nantucketer, Mindy’s over here as often as she can be, which is not often enough.

Community Leaders, Honorable Mention: Molly Anderson (Nantucket Atheneum), Margaretta Andrews and Chuck Gifford (Nantucket Cottage Hospital). Fifi Greenberg (Nantucket Arts Council), Michael May (Nantucket Preservation Trust), and Bill Tramposch (Nantucket Historical Association).

Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders, Winner
Annye Camara, Annye’s Whole Foods.

Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders, Honorable Mention: Michael Boylan (UPS Store), Andrew and Matt Bridier (Murray’s Toggery), Christian del Rosario (www.nesurfari.com), Donna Elle (Interior Design), Angela and Seth Raynor (Boarding House and Pearl), and Tom Scott (Plum).

The Arts World, Winners:
Michael Vienneau, scrimshander
Elin Hilderbrand, author, Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, Nantucket preservation Trust, Friends of the Nantucket Public Schools.

The Arts World, Honorable Mention: Barbara Capizzo (Gallery), Amy England (singer-songwriter), Nancy Thayer (author), and Greg Hill (painter).

Scientists and Thinkers, Winner:
Jim Lentowski, executive director of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation.

Unsung Hero, Winner
Vito Capizzo, coach - one of the most successful in New England

Unsung Hero, Honorable Mention: Jean Egan and Nick Norton (Senior Citizens of the Year), Bob and Suzanne Wright (Autism Speaks), and Andy Quinn (lifesaver).

Up and Coming, Honorable Mention: Andrew Chuplis (runner), Geddes Paulsen (football and art), Ben Simons (NHA curator)

Intriguing, Winner:
Edith Andrews, the Bird Lady.

Intriguing, Honorable Mention: Vanessa Noel (shoe designer), Emma Rusch (96 years old), Thatcher Spring (ties)

Congratulations to all.

The retrospective exhibit of works by Nantucket women artists from 1910 to 1960, First Ladies of Nantucket, will close on Sunday, March 25th. There will be a closing reception for the show on Friday (23rd) from 5 to 7, at the Artists Association of Nantucket Gallery, 19 Washington Street. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of a closing party for an art exhibition on Nantucket before this one. It may start a new thing - twice as many parties. I’ll need an assistant.

We won’t have the Flying Cloud to kick around anymore. Get a look at a fast ferry that was built to work. The commisioning ceremony for the MV Iyanough begins at 11 am on Saturday (24th) down there at the SSA dock, followed by an open house until 2. Scheduled service begins on March 28.

Godspell opens this Friday night at the High School, the 70’s rock musical about the life of Christ. A collaboration of the Nantucket High School Music Department and the Theatre Workshop, the performance is directed by Gordon McGregor, with musical direction by Robert Behrman. Showtimes at the High School auditorium are Friday and Saturday night at 7:30, and Sunday afternoon at 2.

Over the past few years, a new rite of spring has established itself here on Nantucket, one in which grown men don women’s heels, dresses and plumage to strut through a hooting and hollering, though more appropriately dressed, crowd of imbibers at the A.C. What for? To fund a 2 week humanitarian trip to Guatamala for Nantucket students. Here’s the lineup: Paul Bixby, Chris Carnivale, Richard Diamond, Don Pronk, Patrick Moran, James Lydon, Michael DeHeart, Greg Bourbeau, Micket Beamish, Chris Morris, and Bruce Yancy. Oh yeah, and Dan Sabuda. It’s hardly a contest with Dan in it -he’s been rehearsing for this part for a decade or more. Ms. Mantucket rocks the house (Atlantic Cafe) on Monday the 26th, 6 to 10. $75 gets you in and gets someone to Central America.

Senate Ways and Means Chairman Therese Murray, the state’s first female legislator, has assumed the position of President of the Massachusetts State Senate, after the resignation of Senator Robert Travaglini. The Senator is a frequent visitor to Nantucket. She is now the first woman ever to head a Massachusetts legislative body, and the third most powerful politician in the state.

The Boston Globe reports that the Senator said “she would be inspired by those who struggle to get by in a sometimes hostile world, with a focus on affordable housing, healthcare, and education.” She pledged also to help fisherman and farmers.

The Senator is pictured below, with Lynn Walsh and Senator Rob O’Leary at last year’s Dana Farber fundraiser at the home of George Cloutier.

Overheard: “I sold my condo in Montreal, which allowed me to break into the rental market on Nantucket.” (Elisabeth)

March 19th marks the 4th anniversary of the war in Iraq. There will be a March Against the War on Saturday, March 17, beginning at 11 am at the monument at the top of Main Street.

If you’re still not convinced of the value of and need for a Public Access television station on Nantucket, effectively doing what Channel 18 should be doing, check out the following: first, an 8 minute video produced by Tom McGlinn about the public access station in Cambridge; then take a look at what they’re doing just across the Sound in Barnstable.

WNAN (Cape and Islands Public Radio) is looking for a sound studio with an ISDN connection on Nantucket. I asked Mindy Todd of “The Point” why she had so few Nantucket guests, and the lack of a studio on island is the reason - guests now have to travel to Woods Hole to be on the show. Any studios available on island? Let me know. Meet Mindy and other members of the WNAN team at pub night at the Brotherhood on April 5th, from 5 to 7.

My interview for Michael Kopko’s POV will be on Plum TV Channel 22 at 10:30 am Thursday the 15th.

The Cape & Islands (free 2-day) Wellness Expo will take place on March 24th and 25th from 10 to 6:30, at Willy’s Gym and World Wellness Center, Eastham. Organic recipes, Reiki, acupuncture, Pilates, massage, stress biofeedback, reflexology, ergonomic footwear, nutritional consultations, defibrillator demos, health and skin-care screenings and samples, spinal alignment evaluations, structural evaluations, quantum biofeedback, chair massage, bed massage, blood pressure check-ups and more. Over 80 exhibitors, including leading health professionals on the Cape & Islands. Over 30 educational workshops, classes and demonstrations. Space is limited. Information and registration at www.CapeExpo.com or call 508-896-7117 to reserve your space and receive almost 40% off the workshop price. Presented by Cape Healing Arts Magazine and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

If you let me know when your business or restaurant will open for the season, I’ll post it here.

Jeff & Cary Turner have purchased McAdoo Rugs and the Red Mill from Preston and Cynthia McAdoo, and plan to carry on the 34 year old tradition of McAdoo Rugs in the same manner as it has always been, keeping all employees and suppliers. Jeff is the nephew of Liz Williams, who has been dyeing wool at McAdoo Rugs for over 10 years. When he heard that the business was closing, he grabbed his family, headed to Vermont, and liked it so much, he bought the business. www.mcadoorugs.com.

Islander Romaine Gordon is co-founder the Hampton’s based business, The Tuffet Company, and her childhood on Nantucket clearly influences her designs. She offers a selection of over 150 outdoor acrylic fabrics and trims for outdoor seating, childrens bedrooms, playrooms and childrens spaces. Also outdoor blankets, outdoor pillows and bags.

http://www.thetuffetcompany.com/

Cellist Molly Glazer will be joined at times by three of her student chamber ensemble players - River Bennett, Zeb Bennett and Grace MacLellan, which will included pieces by Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi in concert this Sunday. $15, free for NHA members or with museum admission. 508-228-1894, ext. 0. Sunday, March 11, 1 pm at the Whaling Museum.

A reminder that tickets are on sale for the Wine Festival, and selling fast. Some events are already sold out. Why should anyone go? Well, if you come up with one of the top 10 reasons to go, you’ll win access to the exclusive, invite-only Festival kick-off party held every April in Boston. Plus bragging rights. The competition is sponsored by Marlo Monthly. Send any number of your reasons to: mfogelman@marlomc.com, and be sure to include your mailing address. If you’re one of the lucky 10, you’ll receive an invite in the mail for the April festivities.

Jamie Ranney is back on GenoTv with his interview show, Friday nights at 8 pm, Channel 17.

The news that none of us wanted to hear: Fahey and Fromagerie is for sale. It’s highly unlikely, though not impossible, that it will ever be a market again. From the day I came in 1969 when it was Rabimbas’s (spelling may be incorrect), that portion of Pleasant Street always felt the most “New England-like” and green of all places on the island, with large deciduous trees embracing the roadside market. Michael and Jose and his wife did the best they could to keep it open. Jordan Real Estate has the listing at $1,579,000. Hey, Nantucket Land Bank. Can you buy this thing, and lease it back to someone like Jose, just to retain the historic character of the neighborhood?

Roger Seitz likes to fly under the radar. He wrote a novel that I don’t believe he ever tried to get published, but printed me out a copy on his computer when I asked to see it. Then he decided he wanted to be an auctioneer, so off he went to take a course and get his license. Now he’s started up a weekly live auction with one classified ad. It’s called Barnaby’s Auction - Saturdays in March at the Loft at Bartlett’s Farm. Preview from 10 to 2, and the auction begins at 3. Roger told me he has only committed through March 24th, but if enough people show up … For information and consigning, call Roger at 325-0077.

Coming up this weekend is the 8th Annual Kathi Ring Memorial Casino Night, with table gambling, raffles and a silent auction. The $15 admission includes a free raffle ticket, free buffet tables, DJ Bobby Lamb and the Bob Lehman Trio, and benefits the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. 508-825-8250 for information. Faregrounds Restaurant, Saturday, March 10, 7 to midnight.

Nantucket Historical Association Executive Director Bill Tramposch introduces ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ at the Nantucket Atheneum, presented as a part of the Nantucket Arts Council and the Atheneum ‘Books To Film’ series. Released in 1962, ‘To Kill A Mockingbird‘ is based on a Harper Lee novel of the same name. Through the eyes of ‘Scout,’ a feisty six-year-old tomboy the film carries us on an odyssey through the fires of prejudice and injustice in 1932 Alabama. Free Admission. Saturday, March 10, 7 pm.

For this upsoming edition of Armchair Theatre, Laura Byrne directs Kent Ludwig’s comedy “Moon Over Buffalo”, hosted by Bob & Nina Hellman at 4 Gay Street. Bring a dish to share (main dish, salad, or dessert) and a beverage (coffee provided). Potluck at 6; reading 7 approx. Presentation of the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Contact: Grace Noyes at 508-228-5485. Sunday, March 11, 6 pm.

The political season is upon us. First up, the Nantucket Civic League presents “Meet the Articles“, with presentations about town meeting articles sponsored by citizens. Refreshments served. Nantucket Atheneum Great Hall. www.nantucketcivicleague.org. Friday (9th), 4:30 to 6:30.