The Martha s Vineyard Times
O.B. settles unauthorized tree removal
Thomas Hjerpe paid the town to replace a tree he removed in Ocean Park. Brian Dowd
Oak Bluffs parks commissioner Amy Billings reached a $2,025 settlement with Thomas Hjerpe, 54, of Northborough after Hjerpe’s unauthorized removal of a catalpa tree in Ocean Park.
Billings told The Times in an email the $2,025 settlement was determined by a quote from Crossland Landscape and Hagerty Tree. The money will cover the cost of replacing the catalpa tree, stump grinding, plus two years’ maintenance.
Select board members gave Billings permission to explore legal action against Hjerpe, but Billings said the matter never reached court. “I felt it wasn’t worth wasting town money on lawyers,” Billings wrote. “However, if anything like this ever happens in the parks again, we will just have the police press charges.”
The Martha s Vineyard Times
Oak Bluffs takes tree removal to small claims court
Following an unauthorized removal of an Ocean Park tree, town will seek compensation.
Oak Bluffs is seeking restitution from Thomas Hjerpe, 54, of Northborough for removing a tree in Ocean Park.
Oak Bluffs selectmen gave parks commissioner Amy Billings the greenlight to discuss legal action against a seasonal resident over the unauthorized removal of a tree in Ocean Park.
In an email to The Times, Oak Bluffs Police Sgt. Daniel Cassidy said Thomas Hjerpe, 54, of Northborough contacted him and Billings after a Facebook post from Mark Crossland asked anyone with information to contact local authorities about the disappearance of the tree. Crossland, of Crossland Landscape, maintains Ocean Park for the town.
The Martha s Vineyard Times
All day, various Edgartown locations
The festivities take place with modifications to keep the community safe, but the favorite traditions are being reimagined. The events and sales help raise more than $50,000 for Islandwide nonprofits.
Dec. 10 – 16
12 – 4 pm, 30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs
A one-stop holiday destination with handmade gifts from Island artists, including paintings, photographs, pottery, crafts, jewelry, clothing and stocking stuffers. By appointment for up to six people every half hour. For details, visit featherstoneart.org.
Dec. 10 – 31
124 William St., Vineyard Haven
Visitors are welcome all day and at night as long as the lights are on. The Wishing Tree offers a non-denominational activity to tie ribbons and to write wishes, intentions, and prayers to put on the tree. Bring your own messages, ribbons, and tags, or use the wishing materials available onsite. For details, contact Polly Simpkins at 203-807-14