Martha's Vineyard

So, I’ve been noticing that many people out there like to talk about the lives of the rich and famous on Martha’s Vineyard - bloggers and journalists alike. And, while we do have the rich and the famous here on our shores…the island just, well, isn’t really like that. It can be, don’t get me wrong, with glamorous parties, five star dinners in elegant dining rooms and palatial estates. Still, there’s something about the Atlantic Ocean air, the sand, the smallness of the island, that somehow brings us all back down to earth. But not in a bad way…

On Martha’s Vineyard, you get your vegetables right from the farm, your fish from the ocean, your flowers from your backyard. It’s easier to read a book than watch the TV - it’s just so quiet here. Dinners take longer, everyone is ready to linger at the table after a day at the beach. There are no malls, your kids are on the beach, climbing trees, running around with their friends - involved in the heartbeat of the island.

Somehow, we’re all closer to the land here, closer to our neighbors, our families, ourselves. We can slow down and be part of it all…even in our multi-million dollar homes, the beauty of the island surpasses everything else.

The land of Martha’s Vineyard is precious. And the fact that so many people know this is both a curse and a blessing. The curse is simple: the more people that love this island and want to live here, the more homes that are built and the more land that is taken from its natural state. The blessing is also simple: good people come to this island, they love & support this island and they become part of the larger community.

Many of these people, over the years, have been forward thinking about how to pull these two sides together - one solution is the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission. “The land bank is a rare breed. Neither a sanctuary program nor a park system, it is a middle ground where the highest virtues of conservation can be realized: public enjoyment of nature, where limits and restraint secure the natural world’s future and prosperity.” (from the Land Bank’s website)

In essence, the Land Bank works like this. For every real estate transaction on the island, land or home, the buyer pays an additional 2% of the total price to the Land Bank. In turn, the Land Bank uses that capital to purchase and preserve undeveloped land on the island. The land bank, with the help of private conservation entities on the island, has a diverse mission and is able to reserve properties for wildlife, agriculture, hunting and/or many other types of conservation use. Of course, environmental protection tops the list of land bank goals and public use is encouraged wherever and whenever it’s possible.

I work closely with the Land Bank and have a thorough knowledge of the processes and procedures involved in purchasing property on the island. Walking you through these steps and sharing the importance of the Land Bank to our Vineyard community is integral to the process of working with Suzanne Lanzone & Daughters and essential to the conservation of our island home.

When you’re preparing your home to sell, you’ll want to do the usual things:

• Have it professionally cleaned.
• De-clutter to the extreme.
• Paint.
• Fix any and everything that’s broken
• New light fixtures.
• Update the decor.
• New blinds.
• New furniture (if necessary).

But, when you live on the Vineyard, there are a few other things to think about. We live on an island destination which means that many people are looking for a second home, a home with rental possibilities and/or a beach home. So, I recommend that the home be staged to compliment those buyer desires.

These might include:

• Gadgets and upgrades that might not exist in the regularly lived in home - think pool tables, extra entertainment systems, carriage houses.
• Showcased space for holding events like weddings and parties or even big dinners.
• Extra rooms outfitted for guest bedrooms or owner hideaways.
• Vineyard touches, ‘At the beach’ signs, lobster motifs, beach and summer toys and necessities.
• Lockable areas for owner belongings.
• A guest book full of information on the property and the island.
• Beautiful windows because everyone comes to the Vineyard to be outside - clean, clear and well-treatmented windows bring the island right into the home giving the impression that your home has everything the buyer came here for.

When people walk into a home and their questions are answered, their senses are tickled and their dreams are visible, the chances of them wanting to make an offer (and move in right away!) increases dramatically.

You all know that I feel very strongly about giving back. I have and will continue to donate a huge part of my time to non-profits on Martha’s Vineyard.

During the winter, though, when the glitter of our fundraising efforts lives only in our summer memories, I’m careful to remember those islanders around us who need housing, heat, food and gifts…

Whether you live on the Vineyard or somewhere else, how do you give back? Do you concentrate your efforts on the local community or the world community? Let’s all inspire each other with our ideas…please comment below!

As you all know, Martha’s Vineyard has been the longtime host to President Bill Clinton and his family, Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton and her family and now, we’ll be host to Madame Secretary of State Clinton and her family.

Makes us wonder what might come next. Justice Clinton? Congresswoman Chelsea? The options are endless.

But I’m delighted - having met the 42nd first family and the 44th first family, the Obamas - that all of these smart, personable and influential people choose to spend time with us. It raises the bar on our island and our island population which is already teeming with intellectuals, artists and social changers.

I know that I for one am thrilled to have these extraordinary people as visiting ‘wash ashores’!

It’s true: you can prevent Lyme’s Disease.

That’s the good news. It’s no secret that Martha’s Vineyard is known for its abundance of ticks and the disease - brought on by wide open spaces and forests that make deer, mice and ticks plentiful and the fact that island temps rarely dip below freezing which renders the ticks actionless.

A new group, the Martha’s Vineyard Lyme Disease Association (MLVDA), has recently formed and includes business people, health officials and residents - all interested in protecting islanders and the wonderful tourists that fill our island all summer.

So, how is Lyme’s preventable? It takes 24-72 hours for a tick carrying Lyme’s to transfer the disease to a person - so if people do regular tick checks everyday, they’ll be able to avoid the disease.

This is certainly a rule in our household. It’s so easy to check yourself or have someone else check you - and so worth it.

The MVLDA will be spreading this word around the island - so expect to see reminders and more safety tips appear before your eyes…even at local restaurants, hotels and shops.

As previously mentioned, I’m going to be giving a run-down of all the island schools…

Even after all of these years living on the island, when I hear the words, ‘Oak Bluffs’ images of Circuit Ave with its lights, music and Flying horses jump to mind. But, like every town on the Vineyard - families and schools are the cornerstones…behind the scenes but mainstays for all year round activity.

The Oak Bluffs School (OBS) was built in 1761 and originally attended by children from the whole island. Today, OBS houses students in grades K-8 and is open to only OB residents. The school has a population of over 460 and operates from a new $12.9 million, state-of-the-art facility. Encouraging community-involvement at every level, OBS garners support from townspeople and parents, and it’s governed by a three-member, elected school committee.

For curriculum, all classrooms teach math, science, social studies, reading, writing and the arts. The school encourages researched-based and publishing-intended writing for all students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Additionally, teachers work closely with parents to support individual student needs.

The school believes social behavior should be taught in a caring and supportive environment and does everything in its power to create that. And, true to the Island, the Oak Bluffs community supports the learning of locally grown, and the OBS student body is very involved in the Island’s Farm to School program.

The school’s weekly newsletter is called Carousel and presents the weekly happenings and news for every student and parent.

The Vineyard, it seems, is one of the last great secrets and not just during the summer when our population spirals up towards 75,000. Everyone knows this is the place to go for the warm season. But, our year round population of 15,000 is pretty special.

Contrary to popular belief (and sometimes I think these rumors are fueled by us islanders), the Island does not go to sleep in the winter. It’s just not true and I’ll tell you why: kids, families, schools. The Vineyard features seven incredible and diverse schools that serve as a focal point for each town and the community at large.

Case in point?

• The 4th grade plays that the renowned Vineyard Playhouse creates entire performances (writing, directing, set and costume design, lighting, sound, acting) in collaboration with every 4th grade class on the island each spring.
• The Elves Faire full of crafts, activities, a huge silent auction and great food organized by the Plum Hill Preschool during the winter holidays.
• The wildest, themed scarecrow contest held by the Charter School each fall.

I could go on and on…but I won’t!

What I will do is tell you that each of these amazing schools offers a very unique Vineyard experience - just like each town does. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be giving you my perspective on each school. A primer of sorts for those of you thinking about relocating…and wondering what it will be like for the whole family. Enjoy!

With the island’s beautiful pastures, old barns and farmhouses, Martha’s Vineyard is truly a horse-lovers heaven. My girls, Aly and Rosie, grew up on island horses and in island stables - and I was the consummate ‘barn mom.’

One well-known island barn is Arrowhead Head Farm, which is owned and operated by the Douglas family, the family behind the famous Black Dog brand.  Located in West Tisbury, Arrowhead Farm is equipped with 36 acres of grass fields, a lighted indoor arena, lessons for all ages and levels, summer camps, regular trips to Ireland and more.

Other barns on the island that provide lessons and activities include Red Pony Farm (508.693.3788) and Pondview Farm (508.693.2949). Without fail, each island stable is surrounded by the island’s beauty. Breathtaking trailrides on the beach are common fare.

Of course, many private properties, both for sale and available for exclusive rentals, include stables and bountiful acres for roaming privately.