THE VINE - The Heart of the Vineyard 2025

VINE THE

Angels Helping Animals

The happy tale of matching rescue dogs with Vineyard families 12 chocolate chip cookies

Q&A with Noli Taylor, Island food champion Island Health Care looks to the future

2025 Guide to Island Nonprofits

Run a local nonprofit? Give it a lift.

Supporting Local Nonprofits

Island and Falmouth based nonprofit organizations can raise up to $20,000 free of payment processing fees on the ‘Lift’ platform.

Inquire at any Martha’s Vineyard Bank location to learn more.

Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund

VINE THE

Departments

4 EDITOR’S NOTE

16 THE HEART OF THE VINEYARD

2025 Island Nonprofit Directory

14 WHERE EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Island Health Care looks to the future.

By Louisa Hufstader

24 THE VIEW: MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER

It’s love – when dogs rescued by Angels Helping Animals Worldwide meet their new Vineyard owners.

By Mindy Dutka

From

the Editor

FINDING THE HEART

Nine years ago, the Vineyard Gazette’s (then) sales director, Skip Finley, coined a phrase – as he was in the habit of doing – to describe a new special edition of The Vine that would be devoted to Island nonprofits. He called it The Heart of the Vineyard. It was supposed to be a sales tool. It was effective! So effective that the name became attached to both the issue and the actual nonprofit directory (page 16) which is printed in this issue every year.

When I began editing The Vine, I thought this was a bit confusing. What exactly was The Heart of the Vineyard?

Well, I am a little slow to catch on. (Skip would agree!) Now, after all these years of editing The Heart of the Vineyard – both the nonprofit directory and the editorial that wraps around it – I get it. You only have to look at the whole package in your hands – the ads from so many Island nonprofits, the directory of more than 100 nonprofits and the interviews with hardworking nonprofit leaders like Noli Taylor of Island Grown Initiative (page 10) and Cynthia Mitchell and Dr. James Wolff of Island Health Care (page 14) – to see where the true heart of the Vineyard lies: in Islanders helping Islanders. We are all part of this circle.

This year – now more than ever –it feels urgent to lean into that circle, to support both each other and our nonprofits in any way we can. –

Susie Middleton

5 BOOKS Dare to Love

8 VINE AND DINE

The Classic: A Chocolate Chip Cookie for Everyone

10 Q&A

Growing an Island: An Interview with Island Grown Initiative’s Noli Taylor

Cover Photo: Coco, rescued by Angels Helping Animals Worldwide, finds true happiness with her new Vineyard family. Photo by Mindy Dutka.

EDITOR

Susie Middleton

ART DIRECTOR

Jared Maciel

CONTRIBUTORS

Sissy Biggers, Chris Burrell, Molly Coogan, Mindy Dutka, Ray Ewing, Laura Holmes Haddad, Louisa Hufstader

PUBLISHER

Monica Brady-Myerov

GENERAL MANAGER

Sarah Gifford

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Frederica Carpenter ads@vineyardgazette.com

AD SALES TEAM

Carrie Blair, Isabela Fernandez, Serena Ward

MARKETING & SPONSORSHIPS

Tresa Lovio-Slattery

MARKETING CONSULTANT

Kharma Finley-Wallace

AD PRODUCTION

Jane McTeigue, McKinley Sanders

CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER

Kathy Agin

Copyright 2025 by the Vineyard Gazette Media Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

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BOOK IT Dare to Love

BY MOLLY COOGAN

The commodification of love is unavoidable this month, but if you’d just as soon avoid the commercial crush of candy and long-stemmed roses, you can escape into these literary recommendations that offer glimpses into the deepest kinds of love.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Love (Harper One, $18.99) collects Dr. King’s reflections on love and its transformative power. And The Love That Dares: An Anthology of Queer Love Letters (Ilex Press, $14.99), by Rachel Smith and Barbara Vesey, includes letters from the likes of Audre Lorde and Walt Whitman. Together they present an historical narrative of love — from the most intimate affections to the most hopeful visions for all of humankind.

Also this month we celebrate new

releases from two Island authors. Nicole Galland’s latest novel Boy (William Morrow & Company, $30) is a rich historical tale set in the theater world of Elizabethan London that explores themes of political intrigue, gender-swapping and, of course, love.

And finally, the highly anticipated Memorial Days: A Memoir (Viking, $28) by Pulitzer Prize-winner Geraldine Brooks is a beautiful and heart-wrenching journey of the author’s exploration of her grief after the loss of her husband, author Tony Horwitz, and a moving reflection on the love they shared.

And with that, here’s wishing you a month filled with peace, wisdom and love.

Molly Coogan is co-owner of Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven.

Enhancing and preserving the quality of life on our Island since 1982

Our donors have endowed scholarships, grants and initiatives resulting in over $17 million in Island support while simultaneously reaching $15 million in endowment.

Come join generations of individuals who have contributed to make this meaningful work possible.

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The Classic: A Chocolate Chip Cookie for Everyone

BY LAURA HOLMES HADDAD • PHOTOS BY SUSIE MIDDLETON

Here in Massachusetts, we get to claim the chocolate chip cookie as our own: restaurateur Ruth Wakefield invented the recipe at the Toll House restaurant in the early 1930s in Whitman, Mass., and then published it in her 1936 cookbook, Ruth Wakefield’s Tried and True Toll House Recipes. (The cookbook was so popular that it eventually had 39 printings!)

The original recipe name was the Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookie, because chocolate chips had yet to be invented. Ruth eventually made a deal with Nestlé, who wanted to print the recipe on the back of its chocolate baking bars: she would have as much chocolate as the Toll House restaurant needed for life in exchange for the

recipe. Eventually Nestlé was able to streamline the recipe instruction that called for chopping up the chocolate –by creating chocolate morsels, or what we now call chips.

Of course, we all know what’s happened to the chocolate chip cookie since then – endless interpretations, endless variations. And controversy! Thin or thick? Crispy or chewy? Nuts or no nuts? Dark chocolate or semisweet? While the base ingredients of the recipe remain constant – butter, sugar, flour, eggs, baking soda, vanilla, chocolate – just the smallest ingredient swap or addition can change the cookie. Modern tweaks include swapping in whole-grain flour for white flour, using brown butter

and using chocolate chunks and/or different types of chocolate instead of the traditional semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each of these things can affect the texture, appearance and flavor of this beloved cookie.

It seems there are as many versions of chocolate chip cookies as there are stars in the sky. As proof, we tracked down a wide variety of chocolate chip cookies that are made in bakeries across the Island (and available in winter) and had a look – and a taste. Yup, every single one of the 12 we tasted was different from the next, and with a personality all its own. We can’t say which was “the best,” because everyone has a different pre-conceived notion of the ideal chocolate chip

cookie. (Note that our cookies are arranged in alphabetical order in three categories.) But we can encourage you to do a side-by-side taste test. It’s a lot of fun. And a good way to perk up February – or please a Valentine.

Editor’s note: We recommend reheating your bakery cookies when (if) you get them home. Just a few minutes in the toaster oven or a few seconds in the microwave will bring them back to life. If you have multiple cookies, wrap well and freeze and defrost as necessary.

Laura Holmes Haddad is a former cookbook editor and a regular contributor to the Vine.

CHEWY CRISPY

Black Dog Bakery Café

A soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie awaits you at The Black Dog on State Road in Vineyard Haven. It has a light golden color and a very sweet flavor with a strong hint of vanilla. The edges are crispier than the middle. It’s just the right size for one person. ($3.50)

Mo’s Lunch

The name of this cookie says it all: Mo’s Big Choco Chip Cookie is the size of a small plate and is densely packed with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips. This thick, chewy cookie is the perfect size to share – with one or even two friends. ($3.50)

Morning Glory Farm

Morning Glory’s standard chocolate chip cookie (they make two kinds) is a nod to the classic — a vanilla-forward cookie speckled with chocolate chips. It’s a thick cookie (somewhat domed) and leans more towards a cakey-chewy texture, but with crisp edges. Dough is available for purchase too. ($3.76)

Rosewater Market

Rosewater makes a wonderfully chewy chocolate chip cookie with a deep flavor that hints of toffee and cuts down on sweetness. The edges retain some crispness while the center is quite soft. It has a high dough-to-chip ratio and is a good size for one person. ($3.50)

The Scottish Bakehouse

The Bakehouse’s traditional chocolate chip cookie (they make vegan and gluten-free versions too) is only a few degrees removed from the Toll House original – it tastes just like what your mom or grandmother made (only it’s somewhat bigger!) and has a wellbalanced, classic texture. ($4)

7a FOODS

7a Foods’ chocolate chip cookie is also close to the Toll House classic, with a slightly chewy yet crispy texture, a sweet flavor and a generous amount of chocolate chips to satisfy the chip lover. Perfect size for dessert after a 7A sandwich. ($3)

Pie Chicks

Sweet Bites

Sweet Bites is known for its cakes and brigadeiros, so it might not surprise you to learn that their chocolate chip cookie is cakey – dome shaped and butterysweet, with a very pale color that belies any dark edge of brown sugar or toffee. Can be shared. ($4)

Pie Chicks’ chocolate chip cookies are for those who like a crunch in every bite. Baked to a dark golden brown, these cookies are thin, sweet, very crispy and scattered with semi-sweet chocolate chips. ($3 each; $12 for a bag of 6)

Unusual

Flours

Beetlebung Farm

Beetlebung’s dark and perfectly round chocolate chip cookie has a deep, lightly nutty flavor – not from nuts, but from two grain flours – rye and einkorn (a high-protein, low-gluten ancient grain). Generous swirls of dark chocolate. ($3.75; also available as frozen pre-portioned dough; $18 for 6)

The Grey Barn & Farm

Grey Barn’s spelt chocolate chip cookie is soft and chewy with a flavor that is almost toffee-like. Made with brown butter and plenty of Callebaut Belgian chocolate, the cookie has a Goldilocksthickness too – not too thick, not too thin. Flecks of sea salt to boot. ($4)

Morning

Glory Farm

Morning Glory’s buckwheat chocolate chip cookie is large, crunchy, sweet and gluten-free. (Buckwheat flour replaces the white flour.) It also features dark chocolate and walnuts. ($4)

Orange Peel Bakery

Whether you’re passing by Orange Peel on the way back from a winter hike in Aquinnah or you head up there on any old Tuesday, Juli Vanderhoop’s generously sized, crispy, sweet chocolate chip cookie will fully satisfy your sweet tooth. ($5)

Growing an Island

An interview with Noli Taylor

BY SISSY BIGGERS • PHOTOS BY RAY EWING

Noli Taylor has been a major contributor to food sustainability, food equity and food education on Martha’s Vineyard for almost 20 years. She began working with Island Grown Initiative (IGI) when it was first coalescing in 2006. Through the years, she has been instrumental in helping the nonprofit organization to develop into a well-respected model of community-focused programming in the Northeast. By integrating agriculture, education and food access, IGI has set an example of how food systems can benefit an entire community and inspire a new generation to understand and engage with where their food comes from. Now, as executive director of IGI, Noli continues to work to make Martha’s Vineyard a healthier, more connected and vibrant community, while overseeing a diverse collection of initiatives to improve food security and sustainable farming on the Island.

Q. What was your journey to the Island? What brought you here?

A. I was living on the north shore of Kauai, Hi. Incredible place. I was doing community organizing work around agriculture and food systems, but also guiding hikes and working at a coffee shop, like people in their early twenties do. Isaac Taylor was out there on a surf trip and came into the coffee shop. And that’s how we first met.

Q. How serendipitous – a surfer walks into the coffee shop!

A. I didn’t know much about Martha’s Vineyard, but Isaac, born and raised here, was part of 17 generations on his mom’s side. (Isaac’s parents are Hugh and Jeanne Taylor, owners of the Outermost Inn.) Eventually I ended up coming out here to be with Isaac. We got married and we had our two kids. And since then, my parents sold their house in Oregon and Isaac built them an apartment, and they live with us

now in Aquinnah. Multi-generational living! And I never thought I would settle on the East Coast. It was a real surprise. But now I’ve lived on islands since I was 21.

Q. How did your experience in Hawaii lead to what you have worked on here?

A. There is a lot of pressure in Hawaii around corporate control of land. I was working with incredible farmers and native Hawaiians who were creating a more sustainable local food system. I was part of this movement of resistance to some of that genetic engineering and chemical agriculture. And we were trying to support local seed systems and protect important native crops like taro. I loved the work I was doing in Hawaii.

Q. What first struck you about the Vineyard and the opportunities to continue that work?

A. When I came here in 2005 to visit Isaac, it just blew my top off because there is no corporate presence on this Island. There was so much valuing of local farms and farmers, and there was also this real sense of historic

preservation around the agricultural heritage. It was so exciting to think about what was possible to do in a place like this.

Q. What was the state of IGI when you first got involved?

A. We were an excited group of volunteers, led by Ali Berlow, starting to coalesce around important ideas –especially working with children. We began working with the support of a Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship.

Q. What are the fruits of the 18-year-old Island Grown School curriculum today?

A. Now from the time you are two years old, you go to school in the fall, and there’s your school garden that has beautiful food growing in it, and you have a garden teacher who teaches you how to grow plants, how to protect soil, how to save seeds, and in the winter, how to prepare nutritious food with what’s available seasonally. We take kids on field trips to get to know farmers and to understand farming as a profession, and that continues through high school. Astrid Tilton, our gleaning manager, started

as part of Island Grown Schools as a young child!

Q. How have your own children benefited from the programs?

A. My son, Emmett, 15, has done our summer internship working on farms and in the pantry. My daughter, Tilly, in sixth grade, has been part of Island Grown Schools since she was two. Both were with me when the governor signed the farm-to-school bill that local kids helped push through to support farm-to-school education across the state.

Q. IGI also serves Island seniors. I stopped in on Senior Day last Friday at the new location of the Island Food Pantry in Oak Bluffs. It’s so welcoming, organized and copious.

A. If you’re a senior on a fixed income, it’s getting more and more challenging to live on the Island. While most of our clients do online ordering and pickup, seniors can shop in person on Fridays. It’s an incredible array of foods. Most of what we’re growing now at the Island Grown Farm, we donate through the pantry, to pantry clients. So there’s beautiful, fresh local produce and we get about 10,000 pounds of [other] food every week, most of it from the Greater Boston Food Bank. And that’s an array of dry goods, shelf-stable goods, dairy and proteins.

Q. Prepared meals are also a big part of the IGI mission.

A. Yes, at [our commercial kitchen at] the Airport Business Park, we make about 75,000 prepared meals a year for donation. The need for prepared foods was actually something that emerged out of a regular meeting of the Vineyard Food Equity Network – a group of 25 different Island organizations that work on food access programs in one way or another. Schools, churches, the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club, the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and councils on aging come together to support each other.

Q. Tell me about IGI’s productive gleaning program and its work in sustainable farming.

A. The concept of gleaning first emerged from a biblical practice in which farmers opened their fields to the poor to collect what was left after the main harvest. There’s always

some level of waste that is baked into farming. If you’ve planted one row of zucchini and then a few weeks later planted another row, that second row starts producing zucchini when the first row still has some. So, you switch over to harvest zucchini from the newer plants, but the first row of plants still has some left that you leave behind to be gleaned. Gleaning is a fantastic way to volunteer with us. It’s so fun and it’s so rewarding.

Q. Do you know how much you harvest per year?

A. I think they harvested 63,000 pounds of food last year. And that has been a real game-changer in terms of food access in our community. In 15 years, we’ve harvested over 500,000 pounds of food, most of which would not have otherwise been harvested.

Q. How has the face of food insecurity changed on the Island?

A. Well, the need has grown dramatically in the past five years. More than twice as many people are coming to the food pantry for support now than were coming in 2019, and those numbers are not going down. The cost of living on the Island has made it so that more and more people in our community just can’t afford to make ends meet. And the face of that is just a huge diversity of people. And the lack of affordable housing is a huge driver for food support.

Q. How are you addressing climate change in your work?

A. We led the creation of the food security component of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s Climate Action Plan. We defined specific objectives and actions; one is to increase local and regional food consumption on the Island so that by 2040 50 percent of the food that we consume on the Vineyard would come from local and regional sources. We define the region as New England plus New York and include food from the waters — from the ponds and from the ocean. We have incredible partners in the shellfishing world and in the fishing community.

Noli Taylor joined other volunteers to start Island Grown Initiative almost 20 years ago. Now, as executive director, she oversees a diverse collection of initiatives to improve food security and sustainable farming on the Island.

provide CSA shares — our communitysupported agriculture program through the farm — to patients who are referred to us because they’re facing food insecurity or diet-related disease.

Q. What other initiatives are on your plate?

A. The other piece I’m really excited about is the idea that food is medicine. That’s an orientation the health care sector is moving toward. The hospital gave us a grant, so we’ll be able to

Q. How does IGI make these many initiatives a reality?

A. We’re just coming out of such a huge time of growth for our organization. We recently completed the building of employee housing at our farm, and we just bought and remodeled a permanent location for the Island Food

Pantry. So, then we began thinking, “Okay, now where are we going next?”

Q. IGI is connected to the Island in so many ways!

A. That’s the thing about food. It’s at the heart of all of our lives. Every day we’re interacting with food, over and over. It really ties everything together and it’s how we connect to each other.

Sissy Biggers lives in Oak Bluffs and is the Q&A columnist for The Vine.

A Martha’s Vineyard Public Garden

A Martha’s Vineyard Public Garden

Explore the 72-acre horticultural and historical Island landmark. Be inspired by the globally recognized plant collections. Learn from the classes, programs and tours.

Grounds open sunrise to sunset year-round. Visitor Center & Plant Sales open seasonally. 795 State Road, West Tisbury | pollyhillarboretum.org | 508-693-9426

A WAY HOME

At Vineyard House, we offer more than just a safe, sober, and supportive living environment, we provide residents with the opportunity to develop the life-skills necessary to rebuild their lives. Our campus provides access to onsite 12-step meetings and is also a place where families can heal together and restore trust as they move forward in recovery.

To learn more about Vineyard House, contact us at (508) 693-8580 www.vineyardhouse.org

Where Everyone is Welcome

From its humble beginnings 23 years ago as Massachusetts’s first rural health clinic, Island Health Care has grown to treating 2,200 Islanders a year.

BY LOUISA HUFSTADER • PHOTOS BY RAY EWING

There are 37 federally qualified health centers in Massachusetts and about 1,400 across the country, but only one on Martha’s Vineyard: Island Health Care, which treats patients regardless of their insurance status and ability to pay.

“Our mission is to make sure that everyone has access to equitable, high-quality care,” chief operating officer Lucy Hackney said.

With a waiting list for new patients, Island Health Care now is raising money to expand its clinic and serve more Vineyarders. Founded in 2002, the Edgartown center (currently located at The Triangle in Edgartown next to the Stop & Shop Pharmacy) sees about 2,200 Islanders – more than 10 per cent of the Vineyard’s year-round population – for services ranging from basic medical care to mental health therapy, chronic illness management and nutritional counseling.

“It’s all in the name of access,”

said chief executive officer and founder Cynthia Mitchell, a longtime West Tisbury select board member who established Island Health Care after chairing the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital board of directors and the Dukes County Health Council.

Last December, Island Health Care opened a four-chair dental office at Mariner’s Landing on EdgartownVineyard Haven Road for patients aged three through adulthood, closing a years-long gap in local services that forced Vineyard parents to bring their kids off-Island for oral care.

“We try to meet the needs of the community, and that’s primarily why we invested in the dental center and we built our behavioral health [counseling], because those are two services that were really difficult to access on the Island,” said chief medical officer James Wolff, M.D.

Continuing care after hospital-

izations is another important part of the center’s work, James explained.

“We do a lot of complicated follow-up with patients who have serious medical conditions that are treated elsewhere, but come back and need continued care for their chronic conditions,” he said.

Other services include a wellness program offering yoga and fitness classes, “prescriptions” for free produce from Stop & Shop and walks led by a public health nurse.

“Patients tend to love [the walking group]; there’s a community aspect to it. They can ask the nurse questions, too, and she’s really great,” Lucy said.

Along with its medical staff, Island Health Care has a team of community health workers who help patients connect with services they can’t get under the center’s roof, often with transportation included.

“Let’s say at the YMCA, where sometimes people just need someone

to go with them the first couple times because it’s kind of daunting – community health workers are actually able to do that,” Lucy said. They also help guide patients through the bureaucratic complexities of insurance and medical care, Cynthia added. “Navigating the health care system is difficult. Most people need help with that, and community health workers can do that,” she said.

Island Health Care is now halfway through a $6 million fund-raising campaign for a 7,500-squarefoot medical center to be located at Mariners Landing, adjacent to the new dental office. Cynthia estimated that it will take another two years to raise the rest of the money for the expansion.

“Now that the dental clinic is finished, we can really turn our attention to that,” she said.

James said the center’s current home has barely 1,000 square feet for

patient care. Even with the increasing use of telehealth, he said, the center has run out of room for new patients and additional services.

“For anything that we do moving forward, we need more space. We’re maxed out,” he said.

Island Health Care opened its doors as Massachusetts’s first rural health clinic – there are seven now – under a national program for outpatient centers in areas with limited primary care.

“We were completely nursepractitioner based then, and there were eight employees,” Cynthia said.

a federally qualified health center, part of a nationwide network serving some 30 million people under the auspices of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“It’s the largest primary care system in the country,” Cynthia said.

After the Vineyard Nursing Association closed down in 2014, Island Health Care took over the job of providing public health nurses for the town boards of health. James, a retired emergency physician and an associate professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, became chief

Two years later, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Island Health Care joined forces with Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and Martha’s Vineyard Bank to create the drive-through TestMV program, which performed about 50,000 free coronavirus tests in 22 months.

Over the years, Island Health Care has grown to 60 employees: not only doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and community workers, but therapists, medical assistants, care managers and support staff as well.

“We have more capacity with our providers than we have space, [though] we try to close that gap a bit with telehealth,” said James, who is looking forward to offering more services once the new center is completed.

A walk-in clinic, for patients who may not need the hospital emergency room, is high on his list. Right now, only established patients can make a same-day appointment.

“If we had more space, we could do it for seasonal people and visitors where your option is to either go off-Island or go to the emergency department,” James said. “I’m pretty sure the emergency department doesn’t want to take care of the sevenyear-old’s sore throat or earache …

which would be extremely expensive and you’d have to wait a long time, or take the child off-Island,” he said. “Both of those options are terrible.”

The larger clinic will allow Island Health Care to offer multiple appointments at the same location so that parents can bring their children for both dental and medical check-ups on the same day, for instance. And it will accommodate other services as well.

“I can’t really overstate how cool it would be to be able to have truly integrated care – having the primary care space for kids and adults, the dental center, space for behavioral health, space for people to come in and work with their community health worker or their peer recovery coach,” Lucy said.

“I think that would increase access, make things more coordinated, and ultimately make the community healthier, because the easier it is to access services and to do the things that you need to do to improve your health and well-being, the more likely people are to do it,” she said.

For more information visit Island Health Care at ihimv.org

Louisa Hufstader is senior writer for the Vineyard Gazette.

Vineyard Open Land Foundation

Preserving the Vineyard landscape since 1970

Vineyard Open Land Foundation (VOLF) continues its 54 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.

Eric Peters

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

LEFT: Island Health Care founder and executive director Cynthia Mitchell with chief medical officer, Dr. James Wolff. ABOVE: At the new dental clinic, left to right: dental assistant Stephania Cray; Aldino Maggiulli, DDS; and Sidrah Rehman, DDS.

THE HEART OF THE VINEYARD

2025 ISLAND NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

Sponsored by Martha’s Vineyard Nonprofit Collaborative

Martha’s Vineyard is home to more than 100 nonprofit organizations; together they form the backbone of our community. Nonprofits provide childcare, counseling, food, shelter and transportation for those in need. They preserve our history, conserve our open land and protect our unique habitat. They offer us opportunities to participate in the arts, in sports, in career training, in fellowship and in social initiatives.

Whether we take a class at the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard, listen to our favorite DJ on MVYRadio or explore a Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation property, we are all touched by the conscientious and creative work of our Island nonprofits.

To recognize these organizations and the people who make them run, The Vine presents its ninth annual edition of The Heart of the Vineyard, a directory of Island nonprofits in print and online at vineyardgazette.com/island-nonprofit-directory.

Now more than ever, our Island nonprofit organizations need our support in whatever way we can give it. Whether we 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.

Ray Ewing

ARTS

AFRICAN ARTISTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

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, Circuit Films 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

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2025 NONPROFIT

FEATHERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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.

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. P.O. Box 1893

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-627-2456 itwonmv@gmail.com itwmvy.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.

Old Sculpin Gallery 58 Dock Street

Edgartown, MA 02539

Mailing address: P.O. Box 761 Edgartown, MA 02539

508-627-4881 oldsculpin@gmail.com oldsculpingallery.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for the

$530,000

IN GRANTS

INSTANT IMPACT. The Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $530,000 to 46 local nonprofits in 2024 — a 23 percent increase over 2023 — through the Community Impact Grants program. Grants were awarded to a wide range of organizations – from Camp Jabberwocky to ACE MV to BiodiversityWorks – that address issues of accessibility, cultural enrichment, health services, food security, environmental initiatives, educational opportunities, language access and housing. One recipient was the Aquinnah Cultural Center, which plans to put the money towards school programming to educate Vineyard students about Wampanoag history and culture.

Visual Arts (MVCVA) supports Island artists through exhibits in the Oak Bluffs Arts District, art strolls and other activities.

99 Dukes County Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

Mailing address: P.O. Box 168 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

508-684-8551 galaxygallerymv.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

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.

P.O. Box 4189

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-426-9825

mvcms@vineyard.net mvcms.org

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 COMMUNITY TELEVISION (MVTV)

MVTV is an Island-based publicaccess television production facility with an educational studio.

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

Chris Burrell

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2025 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

MARTHA’S VINEYARD FILM SOCIETY/FILM CENTER

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

The Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creating Writing provides support and guidance to writers through an annual summer writing conference, visiting writer programs and fellowships.

7 East Pasture Road, Aquinnah, MA 02535 954-242-2903

registration@mvicw.com mvicw.com

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 info@mvmuseum.org mvmuseum.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD PLAYHOUSE

Martha's Vineyard 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

MVYRADIO (88.7)

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

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@gmail.com 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 preschooland 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

RHYTHM OF LIFE

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

P.O. Box 2071 Edgartown, MA 02539 774-563-0870 rick@drumrol.org drumrol.org

5,700 ISLANDERS

PERMANENT PANTRY. After operating out of rented space at the Portuguese American Club since 2021, the Island Food Pantry moved to a permanent location at 114 Dukes County Avenue in Oak Bluffs in 2024. Island Grown Initiative, which oversees the pantry, purchased the property, a double lot with multiple parking areas, for $1.72 million in May 2023. The Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation donated $1 million to the project later that year. The number of Islanders using the pantry has more than doubled in the past five years, from 2,200 in 2019 to 5,700 in 2024.

STILLPOINT

Stillpoint is an educational space for people from all walks of life.

20 Stillpoint Meadows Road West Tisbury, MA 02575

Mailing address: P.O. Box 142 Chilmark, MA 02535 thomas@stillpointmv.org 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

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.

Chris Burrell

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 African American women who own homes on Martha’s Vineyard with a mission to support the Island community through volunteerism, fundraising and programming.

57 Pequot Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

Mailing address: P.O. Box 2595 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. 9 Airport Road

Edgartown, MA 02539

Mailing address: P.O. Box 190 Edgartown, MA 02539 508-696-3840 vetsagent@dukescounty.org

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2025 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

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 holyghostmv@comcast.net 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

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CAMP MEETING ASSOCIATION

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.

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 Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (formerly the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard) ensures that our diverse community thrives by awarding grants and scholarships to Island-based nonprofits and Island students. P.O. Box 243 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-338-4665 info@marthasvineyardcf.org marthasvineyardcf.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD HEBREW CENTER

The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center provides year-round religious, educational, cultural and social programming.

130 Center Street Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Mailing address: P.O. Box 692 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-693-0745 office@mvhc.us mvhc.us

MARTHA’S VINEYARD MEDIATION PROGRAM

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.

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

MARTHA’S VINEYARD NONPROFIT COLLABORATIVE

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

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

MV SOCIAL JUSTICE LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

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.

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

MARTHA’S VINEYARD VISION FELLOWSHIP

The Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship invests in individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the Island and sustainability.

455 State Road, PMB 132 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.

455 State Road, PMB 389 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-0752 mediavoicesforchildren@gmail.com mediavoicesforchildren.org

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 508-538-1509 naacpmv.org

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2025 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

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

The 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.

99 Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539

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

CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENT

BIODIVERSITYWORKS

BiodiversityWorks promotes biodiversity conservation through wildlife research and monitoring while providing opportunities for people to engage in hands-on stewardship and nature study. 18 Helen Avenue Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Mailing address: 455 State Road, PMB 179

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

800-690-0993

info@biodiversityworksmv.org biodiversityworksmv.org

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

FRIENDS OF THE

M.F.

CORRELLUS STATE FOREST

The Friends of the M. F. Correllus State Forest is a charitable organization formed to provide both financial support and stewardship for the 5,000-acre Manuel F. Correllus State Forest.

P.O Box 243 West Tisbury, MA 02575 friendsofcorrellusstateforest@gmail.com friendsofcorrellusstateforest.org

FRIENDS OF

SENGEKONTACKET

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

P.O. Box 740

Edgartown, MA 02539 friendsofsenge@gmail.com sengekontacket.org

GREAT POND FOUNDATION

The Great Pond Foundation is dedicated to cultivating the resilience of our coastal pond ecosystems 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 building a regenerative and equitable food system with the Martha’s Vineyard community.

Island Food Pantry: 114 Dukes County Avenue, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

Island Grown Farm: 80 Stoney Hill Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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 info@mvfpt.org 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 MV Shellfish Group preserves and expands shellfisheries through shellfish propagation and habitat restoration.

P.O. Box 1552

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 508-693-0391 mvshellfishgroup@gmail.com mvshellfishgroup.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD VEGAN SOCIETY

Martha’s Vineyard Vegan Society is dedicated to the promotion, education and advocacy of plant-based eating on Martha’s Vineyard. 10 Martha’s Road Edgartown, MA 02539 508-560-1562 mvvegansoc@gmail.com mvvegansoc.wixsite.com/website

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.

809 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.

78 Campbell Road West Tisbury, MA 02575

Mailing address: P.O. Box 3000, PMB 3162, West Tisbury, MA 02575

508-693-5207 info@sheriffsmeadow.org sheriffsmeadow.org

TISBURY WATERWAYS INC.

Tisbury Waterways advocates for initiatives that improve and maintain the water quality of Tisbury’s estuaries. P.O. Box 4375

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 774-563-5616 info@tisburywaterways.org tisburywaterways.org

THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS

The Trustees is a state-wide organization dedicated to preserving land, nature and historic places in Massachusetts for public use and

HEART OF THE VINEYARD

enjoyment. Seven properties on Martha’s Vineyard include a wide variety of terrain from coastal beaches to sandplain grasslands to woodlands.

860 State Road

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-693-7662 islands@thetrustees.org 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

54 GUESTS

SHELTER FROM THE STORM. Last winter, the overnight shelter operated by nonprofit Harbor Homes saw a record total of 54 individual guests, 32 of whom had not previously been guests. The winter shelter is currently located on the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services campus in a former pre-school building. In past years, the shelter was limited to 20 guests and two staff members, but due to increased need, the organization sought and received from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, which owns the property, an increase to 25 guests and three staff members for the 2024-2025 winter. This will be the final year for the current location, though, as the building is slated for demolition in the Community Services campus overhaul. Harbor Homes is currently searching for a permanent home for the shelter.

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 is a communityowned 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

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 40 sites celebrating African-American experience and achievement.

P.O. Box 596

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 02536

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 RESERVATIONS)

The FARM Institute, a property of The Trustees of Reservations, 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.

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

Chris Burrell

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2025 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

MARTHA’S VINEYARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

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

4M Daniels Lane

Edgartown, MA 02539

Mailing address: P.O. Box 654 Edgartown, MA 02539 508-627-3303 info@mvbgclub.org 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 nrsteinbock@gmail.com mvlanguage.com

MARTHA’S VINEYARD YOUTH LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

The MV Youth Leadership Initiative seeks to train the next generation of Island leaders through yearlong programs and leadership development opportunities.

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, as well as classes and events for both kids and adults with the goal of increasing a connection to nature.

5 Church Street

39,000 SQUARE FEET

GAME ON. Thanks to Island nonprofits, the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard is closing in on its goal of raising $30 million for its 39,000-square-foot field house addition. The addition will include a recreational gymnasium with a basketball court, a three-lane running track, room for the high school wrestling program, indoor pickleball and other games. In October of 2024, the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation awarded $500,000 to the YMCA. In December of 2024, MV Youth pledged $1 million to the YMCA. In November, the YMCA was also awarded a Community Impact Grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation.

Aquinnah, MA 02535

508-645-2008 sassafrasearthedu@icloud.com sassafraseartheducation.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 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Mailing address: 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.

15 Butler’s Cove Edgartown, MA 02539 774-549-5400 julie@sloughfarm.org sloughfarm.org

WEST TISBURY LIBRARY FOUNDATION

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. P.O. Box 1238 West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-560-2011 dan@danielwaterscreative.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/cape-cod

BOSTON MEDFLIGHT

Boston MedFlight is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides critical care air transportation throughout New England. Hanscom Air Force Base Robins Street, Hangar 1727 Bedford, MA 01730 781-863-2213 bostonmedflight.org

CAMP JABBERWOCKY

Camp Jabberwocky is a one-of-a-kind 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) info@campjabberwocky.org campjabberwocky.org

CAPE WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE

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

436B Station Avenue South Yarmouth, MA 02601 774-408-8477 info@capewellness.org capewellness.org

Chris Burrell

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

Friends of Family Planning supports individuals and organizations that foster inclusive sexual and reproductive health care, education and access for all people in our Island community.

P.O. Box 1465

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 fofpmvi@gmail.com friendsoffamilyplanning.org

HEALTH IMPERATIVES

Health Imperatives provides confidential sexual and reproductive health services for all genders; Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition; and home visiting education and coaching for first-time parents under 26.

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.

459 State Road, Unit 18

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Mailing address: 455 State Road PMB 244

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-693-0189 hello@hospiceofmv.org hospiceofmv.org

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2025

ISLAND AUTISM GROUP

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.

515 Lambert’s Cove Road

West Tisbury, MA 02575

Mailing address: P.O. Box 216 West Tisbury, MA 02575

508-338-7509 islandautism.org

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

mvcancersgroup@gmail.com mvcancersupport.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD CENTER FOR LIVING

MV Center for Living provides dementia and caregiver support services and programs on Martha’s Vineyard.

29 Breakdown Lane

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1729

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-939-9440

maryh@mvcenter4living.org mvcenter4living.org

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-Vineyard Haven Road Oak Bluffs, 02557

Mailing address: 111 EdgartownVineyard Haven Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-693-7900

info@mvcommunityservices.com mvcommunityservices.com

$18.8 MILLION GRANT

FUTURE INVESTMENT. MV Youth, the nonprofit aimed at helping Island youth, turned 10 years old this year. Thus far, the organization has given away over $18.8 million, thanks to 100 founders, each donating $100,000 or more. In the last decade, the money has gone to more than 100 Island high school students to help pay for two- and four-year educational programs, as well as dozens of local nonprofits that benefit Island youth. Local grant recipients have included homebased daycare centers, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Camp Jabberwocky, Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club and MV Youth Baseball and Softball League, to name a few.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD HOSPITAL

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

1 Hospital Road Oak Bluffs, MA 0257

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1477, 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

The National Widowers’ Organization (NWO) is an online virtual tool kit for men coping with the loss of a loved one. Through its Men’s Grief Network® (MGN) men grieving the loss of other loved ones are supported. 774-361-4474 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

Chris Burrell

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2025 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

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

Mailing address:

111 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-693-2900

rcropper@mvcommunityservices.org 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 HEALTH CARE ACCESS / VINEYARD SMILES

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

114 New York Avenue

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1298, West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-696-0020

hca@dukescounty.org mvhealthcareaccess.org

VINEYARD HOUSE INC.

Vineyard House provides safe, sober and structured housing for Island men and women in the early stages of recovery from substance use disorder.

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

VINEYARD INDEPENDENCE PARTNERSHIP

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.

P.O. Box 1204

West Tisbury, MA 02575 vipmv.org

VINEYARD VILLAGE AT HOME

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.

P.O. Box 1356

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-693-3038 vineyardvillage@gmail.com vineyardvillage.org

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION OF CAPE COD

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

255 Independence Drive Hyannis, MA 02601

508-957-7400 vnacapecod.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 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1747

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

508-696-6465 mvhospital.org

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND

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

P.O. Box 1317

West Tisbury, MA 02575

508-693-7733

gocallaghan@bfmlegal.com ygaf.org

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 unhoused and help them move toward greater self-sufficiency.

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

HAVENSIDE

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 and disabled seniors.

60B Village Road

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-693-5880 x12 dyoung@iehmv.org iehmv.org

ISLAND HOUSING TRUST

Island Housing Trust creates permanently affordable rental and ownership homes for year-round Island residents.

459 State Road, #20 Vineyard Haven MA 02568

Mailing address: P.O. Box 779 West Tisbury, MA 02575

508-693-1117 info@ihtmv.org ihtmv.org

RECREATION

CHAPPAQUIDDICK COMMUNITY CENTER

CCC is a gathering place for year-round 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

508-560-2622

chilmarkcommunitycenter@gmail.com 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

HEART OF THE VINEYARD 2025 NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

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

MARTHA’S VINEYARD FIGURE SKATING CLUB

The MV Figure Skating Club promotes correct ice skating form and technique to aspiring skaters of all ages. P.O. Box 1542 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 774-521-9870 marthasvineyardfsc@gmail.com mvfsc.org

MV YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL LEAGUE

MV Youth Baseball & Softball League (formerly MV Little League) is a nonprofit baseball and softball league. Serving youth ages four to 19 on Martha’s Vineyard, the league focuses on fun and skill development.

P.O. Box 2653

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 info@mvlittleleague.org mvlittleleague.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD OCEAN ACADEMY

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

$500,000 AWARD

BREAKING GROUND. In October of 2024, the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation awarded $500,000 to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS), which has been working to revamp its campus for the past five years. MVCS, which offers a plethora of services including mental health care and domestic violence support, is currently operating out of a collection of cramped, outmoded buildings that frequently leak and have thin walls, making private counseling difficult. The charitable foundation grant brought MVCS’ fundraising to $12 million, helping to ensure that the organization could move forward with breaking ground this spring. The total project is estimated to be $17.5 million.

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

MARTHA’S VINEYARD SKATE PARK ASSOCIATION

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

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 secretary@mvyouthhockey.com 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 Martha’s Vineyard is dedicated to protecting and perpetuating our Island’s maritime heritage. They provide maritime training to Islanders of all ages and abilities, both in the classroom and on the water.

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

Chris Burrell

Open 7 days week Winter Hours 9-5:30pm

FEATURING

Our own Beef, Pork, Chicken, Eggs, Greenhouse Grown Greens, Squash, Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips and more. Daily offerings from our scratch Kitchen and Bakery.

Homemade soup and salad bar open daily

Celebrating our first 50 years

1975-2025

Bringthisadintoreceive 15% off a kitchen entree selection

Validthrough3/30/2025

120 Meshacket Rd. Edgartown. 508-627-9003

We honor Snap and HIP- The Athearn Family

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

It’s love – when dogs rescued by Angels Helping Animals Worldwide meet their new Vineyard owners.

STORY AND

PHOTOS BY MINDY DUTKA

Every dog has a tale, and for many, the stories are tragic and don’t have a happy ending. But their lives take a hopeful turn when they are rescued by Angels Helping Animals Worldwide (AHAWW) on Martha’s Vineyard. They get a second chance to love and be loved and to find the home and family they deserve.

Founded in 2014 by Vineyarder Leslie Hurd, AHAWW rescues over 500 dogs annually from the Caribbean, the Amish country in Pennsylvania and rural areas in the south, where their days are literally numbered. Leslie and her team coordinate rescue efforts by identifying dogs in dire situations — such as those abandoned in the aftermath of natural disasters, those trapped in inhumane puppy mills or

those at risk in overpopulated shelters — and transport them to safety. Using a combination of air and ground transportation, they ensure these vulnerable animals reach Martha’s Vineyard, where they receive the care and love needed to transform their lives and the lives of the families fortunate enough to welcome them.

Photographing Olly, Sunrise and Coco — three remarkable dogs adopted from AHAWW — offered me a heartening glimpse into the transformative power of rescue. Each family shared how their dog brought joy, healing and boundless love into their lives. They also praised AHAWW for its personal, thoughtful approach, ensuring the perfect match for every home.

Take Olly, a Lab mix’s story. Rescued from an Amish farm where unwanted dogs often face harrowing fates, Olly’s life took a dramatic turn thanks to AHAWW. His new family, initially unsure about adopting a puppy, quickly fell in love with his playful energy and gentle heart. Olly also breathed new life into their 12-year-old dog, Bella, who found her youthful spark again, according to family member Kelly O’Meara. While their bond took time to develop, Olly’s dog-savvy nature and patience eventually won Bella over.

Now they’re inseparable.

Sunrise, a Heinz 57 mixed breed, is a second-generation success story.

After saying goodbye to their beloved dog adopted 12 years earlier from AHAWW, Sunrise’s family-to-be, Vasha

and Frank Brunelle, turned to AHAWW once more. For a second time, Leslie’s expertise and care made a perfect match, and Sunrise quickly filled the void in her new family’s hearts.

Coco’s adoption story is equally serendipitous. Shannon Hatt, also a previous AHAWW adopter, already had two family dogs. They were really her children’s dogs, so when the kids were grown, Shannon felt she needed a dog that was just hers. As luck would have it, Shannon shared her thoughts with Lynn Shepardson, a dedicated AHAWW volunteer, during a chance encounter. Before long, Leslie had matched Shannon with Coco, a soulful dachshund who immediately claimed her heart. Watching Coco’s personality blossom has brought Shannon

SUNRISE COCO

OLLY

immeasurable joy, and she describes herself as “over the moon in love with her.”

Leslie’s lifelong passion for rescuing dogs has grown into a mission to save animals from heartbreaking circumstances and connect them with loving homes. “Every time I see a dog settle into their new family, I’m reminded why we do this work,” she shared. Her dedication, combined with AHAWW’s incredible network of volunteers and foster families, has changed countless lives — both canine and human.

But the work is far from done. AHAWW dreams of securing a brickand-mortar space, even a small space for storage and supplies, which would

give them more room to expand their operations, create a visible presence in the community and save even more lives. This dream could become a reality with the help of someone who knows of an underutilized barn, studio, outbuilding or storefront that could be offered for AHAWW to use.

With such a space, AHAWW could amplify its efforts, bringing hope and love to more dogs and the families who adopt them.

For information about volunteering, fostering, adoption or donating, visit angelshelpinganimalsmv.org.

Mindy Dutka is a photographer, dog advocate and founder of dogsimeet.com.

Shannon Hatt (opposite page) adopted Coco when her kids — and their dogs — got older.

Olly, rescued from an Amish farm as a puppy, joined a Vineyard family with an older dog.

Sunrise, a mixed breed, was a second AHAWW adoption by his new Vineyard family.

Photo by Gil Jacobs Interior Design by Rentschler & Co. Interiors, Photos by Lara Fort’e

GARDEN ANGELS

STORE | BEST PICNIC FOOD | BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT | BEST VEGETARIAN MEAL | BEST WINGS | BEST YEAR-ROUND RESTAURANT | BEST CHARIBEST FAMILY ACTIVITY | BEST LIVE BAND OR MUSICIAN | BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE | BEST MOVFESTIVAL, OR SERIES | BEST OFF-SEASON EVENT | BEST RADIO STATION | BEST PERFORMING ORGANIZATION | BEST SUMMER EVENT | BEST BIKE RENTAL/SHOP | BEST FISHING CHARTER | BEST BEST SAILING CHARTER | BEST SUMMER CAMP | BEST ART GALLERY | BEST BAIT & TACKLE

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING | BEST FLOWERS | BEST FURNITURE/HOME GOODS STORE | BEST GARBEST LANDSCAPE COMPANY | BEST GIFT SHOP | BEST HARDWARE STORE | BEST JEWELER | CLOTHING | BEST SHOES | BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING | BEST NEW BUSINESS | BEST PHARMACY | BEST DOCTOR | BEST FITNESS CENTER | BEST HAIR SALON | BEST MANI/PEDI | BEST MASTHERAPIST | BEST YOGA STUDIO | BEST ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPANY | BEST AUTO DETAILING BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP | BEST BANK | BEST CLEANING COMPANY | BEST CONTRACTOR OR PAINTING CONTRACTOR | BEST ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR | BEST FLOORING CONTRACTOR COMPANY | BEST INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY | BEST IRRIGATION SYSTEMS | BEST KITCHEN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT | BEST PLUMBING CONTRACTOR | BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY | CONTRACTOR | BEST SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR | BEST TREE CARE/ARBORIST | BEST SERVICE | BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY LODGING | BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY LODGING | BEST HOTEL EXCELLENCE | BEST ROMANTIC GETAWAY | BEST IT COMPANY

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 – make an appointment online today at mvhealthcareaccess.org for fastest service.

Service of Dukes County and the Towns of Martha’s Vineyard

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.