Lately I’ve been watching a lot of All Creatures Great and Small. The PBS series is in its fourth season and ranks high on my list of not-so-guilty pleasures.
Lately I’ve been watching a lot of All Creatures Great and Small. The PBS series, based on the beloved books by Dr. James Herriot, is in its fourth season and ranks high on my list of not-so-guilty pleasures. I tend to watch it horizontally, dog snoring on my chest, surrendering with a kind of idiotic gratitude to the spectacular landscapes, the kindly veterinarians, the furry friends and the good people with whom they abide. Herriot’s rural community is a place where no human is lonely for long, and no animal suffers from lack of thoughtful care. After the cold rain of the day’s news, All Creatures is a weighted blanket, a hot toddy and an Ambien all in one.
Now, in our own rural community, comes word that Animal Health Care Associates, one of the Vineyard’s primary veterinary practices, is in danger of losing its lease. Animal Health Care Associates’ founding doctor, Steven Atwood, has been operating his facility on property owned by the Martha’s Vineyard Airport for 40 years. In April, when his lease expires, the airport commission will conduct an open bidding process for the space, as mandated by law.
Over at the virtual pub that is Facebook’s Islanders Talk, news of the situation blew up fast:
“Dr. Atwood came to my house to put down my last dog… and the next day he sent a rose in her memory.”
“Best vet on the planet.”
“Are you so stupid to do this horrible thing to our Island?”
“…this just CANNOT HAPPEN!!!!”
My family, lucky to have Animal Health Care Associates in its corner, would agree. Dr. Atwood and his colleagues have, for decades, treated our pets for everything from coughs to cancer. And let’s not discount another crucial Dr. Atwood service: bestowing honorable mention ribbons on every weird mutt tethered to a child at the Ag Fair dog show. These are Herriot-style acts, and the doctors at Animal Health Care Associates perform them every day.
Recently, they’ve done so under tremendous stress. The shortage of vets is a nationwide crisis, caused by a variety of factors: a surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic, low wages, the lure of remote work, general burnout. Add to this stew the Vineyard’s unique housing woes, and you’ve got a particularly dire problem.
Dr. Kristen Sauter, owner of My Pet’s Vet, closed her doors last year. But she spent the previous eight looking, in vain, for another vet to take over her business. Last week, Dr. Constance Breese also announced her retirement. The Vineyard’s four remaining providers are now beyond overwhelmed; only two of them treat large livestock. Misty Meadows recently hosted a workshop on equine emergency first aid, so horse owners could take matters into their own hands. There is not a single Island veterinarian accepting new clients.
I think every animal owner will agree: the Vineyard cannot afford to lose another veterinary practice. But surely that’s stating the obvious. We also can’t afford to ignore a more systemic problem: the shifting ecosystem, and vanishing character, putting ever-increasing stress on the quality of all Islander’s lives. The agents of change are many. And, depending on your point of view, there’s plenty of blame to sling around. It’s too many cars, too much social media, too many wind turbines.
It’s not enough affordable housing, not enough septic regulations, not enough oversight of the short-term rental market. The Steamship Authority is a clown car. Obama sold us out with his 60th birthday party. And Beach Road Weekend was either the greatest gift to community since the Greeks invented the agora, or a four-year dumpster fire.
Still, beyond all this finger pointing lie some plain truths. The once proudly funky, fiercely low key, care-about-it-put-it-on-a-bumper-sticker Island is pretty much gone, extinct as the quirky heath hen. In its place is an internationally-famous tourist mecca boasting its own reality TV shows, luxe hotels and pondside mansions renting for as much as a million dollars a month.
Over the last couple decades, a staggering amount of wealth has washed up on our shores and, increasingly, it dictates to, as well as displaces, those who are not in possession of it. If I sound like an old lady shaking her cane from the porch, so be it. The Vineyard isn’t the Hamptons yet, but I’ll holler at anyone who passes that we might be heading that way.
Last summer, I sat down for a conversation with Geoff Freeman, the director of the Martha’s Vineyard Airport. I was on a kind of listening tour, trying to better understand some of the big picture issues facing the Island, to root out the causes and mull possible solutions. Polls by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, and plenty of anecdotal evidence, indicate that most Island residents do not want more development or higher density. So, what to do about it? The global warming metaphor — frogs in boiling water — looped in my mind.
During my visit to his office, Mr. Freeman showed me some maps of the airport runways, explaining how their history and configuration limit air traffic. We discussed environmental impact, noise pollution and cars on the airport road. As for ridership — a historic 78,000 passengers in 2023 — Mr. Freeman avowed that the airport was “at capacity.” There was simply “no more desk space,” so no more flights. I didn’t circle back with him when, in October, American Airlines announced that it would soon be launching service to the Island.
But, for me, the most striking takeaway from our discussion was a mission-related one. In the portrait drawn by Mr. Freeman, the Martha’s Vineyard Airport is not run as a service for, or even particularly in the interest of, Island residents. It’s a public use airport, regulated by the FAA. And it’s a money-driven venture. Revenue is accrued through airline contracts, fuel sales and, most of all, business park leases. The seven airport commissioners who oversee the operation are appointed, not elected. And together with Mr. Freeman, they have broad authority over the 688-acre facility with a primary aim of making it not only solvent, but lucrative.
This is not an anti-corporate polemic. The airport plays a vital role in the Island’s economy, and that serves us all. But in the long shadow cast by mega-mansions, and freight trucks, and jet wings, I’m given to questions. What does the future of a community look like when the enterprises so intrinsic to its well-being are bent instead on the bottom line? How, in the absence of meaningful support, does the community compensate? And in the end, is there any amount of will, or reason, that can pull back the thrusters on an engine bound for change? I don’t know, but I think it’s worth a try.
In a recent episode of All Creatures Great and Small, one of the vets brings in a bookkeeper, hoping to tame the shop’s helter-skelter accounting practices. But when she banishes their pet rat, starts charging the locals a pre-treatment deposit and forbids James from performing free surgery on a poor man’s ferret, the clerk is sent packing.
“We put animals before profit,” James says, in his polite but firm farewell.
So, who wants to make the bumper sticker?
Alexandra Styron lives in Brooklyn and Vineyard Haven.
Comments
Let’s hope this can be worked
Fred Bellows VHLet’s hope this can be worked out. It would be devastating for the pet owning community to lose yet another Island based vet practice.
I'll buy that bumper sticker,
Katie Dawson Vineyard HavenI'll buy that bumper sticker, Thank You Alexandra!
There should be an effort to
Bruce West TisThere should be an effort to assure that there is only one single bidder for the vets space and that bidder should be a vet.
I’m a senior on a fixed
Mary McManama Elderly Housing, Oak BluffsI’m a senior on a fixed income, with one small dog. She is my entire family, and Animal Health Care has been my primary care provider for her. If they go I don’t know what I will do.
To clarify some miss
Geoffrey Freeman EdgartownTo clarify some miss statements the discussion was for expansion of the runways and American Airlines has been operating out of MVY for many years and was in fact US Airways prior to its merger.
Is the commission obligated
Cecily Stibitz, EdgartownIs the commission obligated to accept the highest bid?
As has been stated many times
Bob Rosenbaum MVY AirportAs has been stated many times in many articles and has been demonstrated in multiple bid awards, the highest bid is not the determining factor.
The airport is owned by the County of Dukes County and is NOT a “for profit entity” as the article implies. The income generated from the business park as well as aviation sources has meant that no local funds from the County or the towns are needed. The airport commissioners are appointed by the County Commission. All of us live on the island and are very aware of the island issues. Many boards on the island, in the state, and at the federal level are appointed positions. It is curious as to why the author chose to make that point.
The Airport Commissioner are sworn to uphold the laws of the Commonwealth and the Constitution of the United States. Massachusetts law requires municipal property to be put out to bid when a lease expires. It should be obvious as to why this law exists.
No, the Airport Commission is
Richard Knabel West TisburyNo, the Airport Commission is not obligated to take the highest bid. (I am an Airport Commissioner.)
Thank you for this heartfelt
Suzanne Boyer AquinnahThank you for this heartfelt & thoughtful article on the island’s need for Dr. Atwood and Animal Healthcare Associates.
Thank you, Al.
Lili Dyer Washington,CTThank you, Al.
Fantastically written about
An important topic.
Just Great.
Julian Wise ChilmarkJust Great.
(The writing, not the subject
Julian Wise Chilmark(The writing, not the subject!)
Have you ever noticed the MV
Geraldine Brooks West TisburyHave you ever noticed the MV airport's logo? It isn't a prop plane. It's a private jet. Sort of says it all.
Congratulations Al. You nailed it. Alas.
So well put! My email went
Cathy Minkiewicz West TisburySo well put! My email went out as soon as Steve asked! He’s treated five of our dogs, two cats and the kids animals as well. We’d be lost or pet less without him!
Look behind the curtain, as
Marit Bezahler Boston, formerly MVLook behind the curtain, as this is one of a laundry list of ways that island living has become untenable, isn’t delivering to those who live there full time and to those who don’t have deep pockets. It has been a conversation amongst many of us who have left or are leaving. It’s a heartache.
We were so lucky to get into
Kristina Kinsman Maynard West TisburyWe were so lucky to get into Atwood’s practice after Kirsten retired and are already quite grateful for the thoughtful care our cats are receiving. One wonders why public resources like the airport are not mandated to serve the public in the unique ways suitable for unique communities. The airport should operate for our benefit, not for someone else’s profit.
Been watching the tide change
Karen Milano ConnecticutBeen watching the tide change under the weight of money on MV for over 40 years, it’s heartbreaking and I keep reading your news sources hoping it’s not too late and enough people give a damn enough to bring balance back to such a unique and wonderful island, for its people, not just us visitors.
We will be in very deep
Julie Anne McNary VHWe will be in very deep distress if AHC has to close. Honestly, it makes a three-dog home like my own feel far too tenuous and worrisome to imagine living here without proper veterinary care. We are already super compromised not having proper ER car, nor weekend care, and this loss would be devastating.
You had me at James Herriott
Molly Martone West TisburyYou had me at James Herriott - I sink into his books every couple of years because they heal my soul. As I read on, I found I couldn't possibly agree with you more.
So well said. So insightful.
Virginia AquinnahSo well said. So insightful. I went to a few community visionings and was shocked to find development, bigger and more was where respect was given. As one who’s been blessed to be part of those funky ol days, we see everyday how what was important to us , is not the vision today. How we loved the Milky Way , how they love their lights.
Remember, the Dukes County
Angela Cywinski Vineyard HavenRemember, the Dukes County Commissioners appointed these board members! They should vetted them!
Hi Al-great article. The
Phil D Washington CTHi Al-great article. The bottom line, no pun intended, is the bottom line:money. No entity-human, municipality, NGO..can seem to ever make a decision that disregards money. Our family sold their Nantucket property in 2015 for a variety of reasons-the $ offered was good but part of it, for us, was the degradation of the island in every way-physically with traffic, NJ plates on jeeps driving on the beaches with awful music blaring, no affordable housing for locals and those providing essential services (ie vets!) on and on. Ironically-or not, really- as we boarded the ferry on one of our last trips off-we picked up the local paper, The Inquirer and Mirror-to see on the front page a letter to the editor titled "Island Spiraling out of Control." The letter detailed the usual compendium of ills.Someone asked me what I'd do if I were on the Board of Selectman and I said " stop pandering to every possible $. Enact local regulations to benefit locals. Use some of the real estate transaction fee money for affordable housing. Don't allow so many out of state vehicles on-island. Make people rent a car from a local...on and on." There are no easy answers but MV locals can do better for the locals and you've brought up a great possibility for the island. Well done and well-written!
I'm glad people are finally
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburyI'm glad people are finally catching on -- the loss of Animal Health Care would be catastrophic for pet welfare on MV -- but seriously: Is this really news to you? At least 30 years ago there was a popular bumper sticker: THE HOUSING CRISIS HURTS US ALL. Did you notice? Did you know the truth of it? Over the years it's gotten worse and worse and worse. The younger generations have been leaving for lack of housing, and the lack of jobs that could pay for that housing. Older generations are clinging to what we've got and hoping it'll last as long as we do. I live with a dog, so you know animals are important to me, but so are the people -- including the people who have left.
Wonderfully written... Thank
Sam Low Oak BluffsWonderfully written... Thank you
We now take our new rescue
Cathy Walthers West TisburyWe now take our new rescue Feta to Maine for her appointments, and plan our trips up there around this. We had to put our old beloved dog Jackson down in Maine, and they looked at us askance when we said we'd be taking her body back to MV to bury her here. That was a bit weird to have the pet in our back seat driving home.
Thank you! for a very good article about the changing face of the island.
The old vineyard has been
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownThe old vineyard has been gone since I've been here,40 years. Few of these rich newbies could care less about animals or even people, Sometimes u have to wonder where a lot of them got their money.The island is run by drugs ,alcohol and greed and it's only gonna get worse. Those vets we had were great ,but we won't be seeing anymore. I had a little dog years ago and they treated it like it was a little kid. I wouldn't count on that again
I agree wholeheartedly that
Sarah Jane Hughes Edgartown and Bloomington, INI agree wholeheartedly that the island needs all four of its veterinary practices. I wrote the Airport’s manager urging that the vet should get a new lease at a reasonable price!
Amen.
Steve Vineyard HavenAmen.
I had been contemplating
Shawn B ObI had been contemplating adopting another pup, needing a home. But with Dr.Breeze, entering a well deserved retirement. Along with possible closure of another vet...and who knows if any others are taking new clients. The plan to adopt is now on old. Sadly if its not housing driving out small business owners, it's high cost of leasing land or building. Poor Martha as the old bumper sticker reads.
James Taylor and friends
Casey NYJames Taylor and friends helped to keep big jets off of MV many years ago. In the same vein, the airport shouldn’t fiddle with anything that might deep six such a necessary veterinary service. The Island has to decide what it wants: the McMansion crowd and its obscene money or the lower key lifestyle of the place I once knew more than sixty years ago. Thanks, Alexandra.
Nicely said ... and concise,
Annie CookNicely said ... and concise, too!
Such a heartfelt, wistful
Annie CookSuch a heartfelt, wistful piece, Alexandra. So many of us - who knew that island you speak of that has been, I guess "compromised" is the most accurate term for it - feel your pain. I was born on the Vineyard, in the summer, back in the days when South Road was not the mini-highway it has become - the large construction trucks that continually speed on that rural route, endangering animals, kids, and slower elder drivers being my particular concern.
Communities give away their character over time, as they "accommodate" not only crowds of visitors who boost the economy but also the super-rich with their apparent addiction to hugeness in their seasonal spreads. Unaffordable housing and business leases are a predictable outcome of the groovy "Rock of Yore" selling itself out over decades, to the point where it sometimes seems money and status matter more to people than valuing the unpretentious vibe that I still miss.
Generating more and more demand for a piece of this place, including over-promotion, has put crazy pressure on environmental as well as human resources. The island is a microcosm of the world. The lurch toward a quasi-feudalist economy is predictable, with the disappearance of familiar and comfortable goods and services that have been part of the island's cherished "community" a symptom of misplaced collective priorities. It's a useful conversation to have; but sometimes you have to lose what matters for more people to unify to preserve what's left. I haven't seen enough evidence yet that the island has a critical mass of residents and "associates" (as I call those of us who don't currently live there year round) willing to work on a collective strategy in this regard. Provincialism and self-serving mindsets can get in the way of seeing the bigger picture. The vulgarity of a $1 million-per-month rental points to a crazy disconnect. The island is being used by profiteers to an extreme extent, who seem to have no apparent interest in being part of the community as a whole. But that is the philosophy this "nation" was founded on: the accumulation of wealth. In the new millennium, it's an outdated philosophy that still holds inordinate sway over society's value system. The Vineyard is a canary warning us of an unsustainable imbalance.
Well said!!
Philip Moses Dutton Washington CTWell said!!
Brings to mind the "No Jets"
John VHBrings to mind the "No Jets" bumper sticker we had on our car in the '70s.
Maybe it is time for another
Ginny Jones WTMaybe it is time for another round of NO JETS stickers! One point that a lot of folks miss is that much if not most of the income from rental properties (at least in the summer) gets banked off-island.
We desperately need the information from the carrying capacity study that the MVC has underway. There will be critically important information about all sorts of challenges from transportation to aquifer and potable water problems and septic processing issues to education options and what to do with all the traffic and how to find health professionals to treat both two and four legged patients. Don't forget ocean rise, erosion and a myriad of issues caused by climate change (will we be able to get insurance to satisfy our mortgage providers?).
No matter what happens our once lovely island is struggling.
I have long thought the
Dan Cooper BostonI have long thought the airport, through no real fault of its own, is a big part of the problem. The military built this big place for bombers and gave it to the island, unintentionally making the Island accessible to airlines and celebrity jets. They probably should have taken a bulldozer to the tarmac and knocked down the tower 70 years ago.
Al Styron raises so many
Sam Fleming ChilmarkAl Styron raises so many important issues including the need for extensive ongoing conversations island wide to assert better controls and governance in coordinated fashion targeting the island's future. Important conversations will continue in each of the six island towns but at the same time and crucial are much needed ongoing discussions addressing issues related to the Vineyard as one entity. Hopefully Al's piece can help launch this much needed island wide effort.
Sad to see the Hamptonization
George. Curme RoanokeSad to see the Hamptonization of the Vineyard. Seems like the entire Northeastern US is guilty of the.demise of the community vibe of all.of the offshore islands know in the 40s,50s?.and pre Kemndy mishaps in the late 60s. Blame the Secret Service for guiding the Clinton's and the Obamas to vacation on the bucolic island for security reasons.
So there are many other forces leading to the public overrunning the cherished island.
The Gazette has well documented these forces which have slowly changed the character of island living.
Heck, I can remember when MVI.had dairy cattle and a Hood creamery. My grandmother routinely subscribed to home milk delivery in glass bottles.
Sad. The Agricultural Fair was a real ag fair. Now it's a living museum.
As my grandfather was fond of saying, "Nothing is constant save change."
Eloquent!
Annie CookEloquent!
Veterinary care should be
Larry N margate, NJVeterinary care should be treated as the essential service that it is.....not something that can be curtailed over $$ considerations.....the effects of this type of thinking would be long-lasting and detrimental to the people and the animals that call this Island home. Hopefully wisdom will prevail!
All public airports that
Ed CAll public airports that receive FAA and MA DOT grant funding are obligated by the FAA to lease space at fair market value.
Add new comment