The Steamship Authority is a public organization created by the Massachusetts legislature that provides transportation for residents and commuters in Martha's Vineyard. The department maintains a fleet of boats and offers transportation to ports in Woods Hole, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Boats include the Iyanough, an aluminum catamaran, the Island Home, the Martha’s Vineyard, a passenger/vehicle ferry, the Eagle, which has an upper deck satellite TV lounge and the Sankaty, which has free Internet access.
The Martha's Vineyard Hospital Chapel is located in the old Martha's Vineyard Hospital, which is adjacent to the new hospital. The Chapel is available to patients and visitors of any faith. It is staffed by an on-call rotating group of pastors from throughout the island. A silent meditation is held Monday through Friday from 12pm to 12:15pm.
The Real Estate Guide for Martha's Vineyard is a monthly compendium of local properties for sale. It is available for free at newstands throughout the island, including at real estate offices, ferry terminals, inn, grocery stores and the airport. Its offices are located off of Beach Road in Vineyard Haven.
Martha's Vineyard Community Services oversees a network of programs that provide necessary services to the island community, including access to health, education and human services. Those programs include Connect to end Violence, Early Childhood Programs, Disability Services and the Island Counseling Center. It also manages the Thrift Shop in Vineyard Haven, the proceeds of which go toward funding Community Services programs. Wiet Bacheller serves as president of the board of directors.
Vineyard Assembly of God, located on State Road in Vineyard Haven, boasts a thriving year-round congregation. The church offers youth groups, childrens' programs and women's study groups throughout the week. Joseph Dockter serves as pastor. Sunday services are held at 10:30am.
Habitat for Humanity of Martha's Vineyard provides simple, affordable housing for island residents earning less than 80 percent of the median income for Dukes County. The organization relies on assistance from volunteers, financial donations and recycled or donated materials. Its headquarters share space with the Vineyard Housing Office, located off State Road in Vineyard Haven.
WVVY, also known as Martha's Vineyard Community Radio, provides commercial-free, free-form radio to Martha's Vineyard. The low-power station, which features a diverse program schedule, can be heard at 93.7 FM. The station is supported entirely by paid memberships and donations. It is located at the end of Peacegate Way, off of State Road.
The non-creedal Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha's Vineyard dates its island origins to 1860, when a group of men seeking religious freedom formed the Unity Church of Holmes Hole, Mass. The society is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which emphasizes principles over doctrines. Weekly services are held Sunday at 11 am; adult education courses are offered periodically. Rev. Jill Cowie serves as the part-time minister.
The First Congregational Church is located in West Tisbury center, between Alley's General Store and the Tisbury Town Hall. The church was founded in 1673; this is the third meetinghouse that has served the congregation. It was moved to its present location in 1866. Cathlin Baker serves as minister.
Hurd Publishing, founded by Leslie Hurd Tully, releases the biannual magazine "Martha's Vineyard Wedding," the annual hard-cover book "Experience Martha's Vineyard," the restaurant guide "Dining Out on Martha's Vineyard" and the pictorial history book "Martha's Vineyard Island Reflections." The publishing company also releases titles on weddings in Bermuda and the Virgin Islands.
Plum TV, located on the lower level of the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven, is a lifestyle network that produces original content highlighting the best places to eat, drink, shop and relax on the island. The network maintains markets in a number of other luxury destination spots throughout the United States.
The Growing Church serves the large Brazilian community of the island. Paul Tenorio serves as Reverend and president of the congregation. On Thursdays and Sundays the church hosts a program on MVTV. All masses and programs are in Portuguese.
Established in 1859, the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society has more than 1,000 seasonal and winter members. Dedicated to agriculture, horticulture, land conservation, youth activities, and mechanic and domestic arts, the society is best known for its Agricultural Fair, held every summer at the end of August. Agricultural Hall may be rented for weddings and local events
The island's only synogogue, the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center also serves as a meeting room and school house. The Hebrew Center hosts year-round activities, social programs and services, including a popular Summer Institute series that features promient speakers and Jewish films. Religious school classes take place on Wednesday afternoon; services are held on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. Caryn Broitman serves as rabbi; Ron Tolin serves as administrator.
The East Chop Lighthouse is located on East Chop in Oak Bluffs. It dates back to 1869, and was errected by Silas Daggett. That lighthouse burned down soon after. In 1878, a new lighthouse was erected. It stands 40 feet tall with a focal plane 79 feet above mean high water. It is maintained by the Martha's Vineyard Museum. The East Chop Lighthouse is open seasonally on Sunday evenings around sunset. Admission is $5 for adults. It is also available for guests to host private parties. Call the number listed or visit the website for more information.