WEST TISBURY, MA - The 2nd Annual Housing on the Tube telethon and Premiere Party raised over one million dollars this weekend, far surpassing the original goal of $550,000. As early as Saturday, it became clear that the support was there and the goal was raised to over 600,000 live on the air during the telethon. At 8 pm Sunday when the telethon ended, donations of $5,000 and $10,000 were still coming in and pushed the total amount raised to an amazing $1,450,250. The Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury was the headquarters for the live broadcast of the telethon and the South Beach themed party featuring Jim Belushi. All of the money raised goes directly to Island Affordable Housing projects that provide affordable year-round housing for Islanders in an effort to preserve the Vineyard community.
MV Commission Seeks Town Reps
OAK BLUFFS, MA – Nominating papers for nine posts on the Martha's Vineyard Commission are due tomorrow by 5 pm. Candidates for the nine positions, which would join eight appointees, will serve a two year term on the powerful land use regulating body. According to its enacting legislation, there must be at least one candidate elected from each town with no more than two candidates from any one town. Elected officials will have the power to vote on projects that go before the commission such as Developments of Regional Impact and unique zoning regulations for areas deemed Districts of Critical Planning Concern. A minimum of ten signatures is required for nomination. Papers are due to the town clerk's office by 5 pm tomorrow before being sent on to the Secretary of State on August 26th.
Taxi Owners, Town Grapple with Extended Bar Hours
OAK BLUFFS, MA – Taxi owners and selectmen in Oak Bluffs are trying to find some middle ground. In a meeting with town administrator Michael Dutton last week, taxi owners tried to paint a picture of their late night operations. It is not a pretty portrait: argumentative drunks, physically aggressive patrons, violence, vomiting and babysitting. According to the owners and operators of the taxi fleet the late night shifts are difficult to staff and hardly worth the money. And it is a lot of money, most taxi fares double after 2 am. That is what the Oak Bluffs selectmen are taking issue with. A recent change in the closing times for Oak Bluffs' bars puts many in need of a ride out on the street at the hour when fares are increased. Selectmen are concerned that the higher fares discourage intoxicated persons from using a cab and forces them behind the wheel. Taxi owners for their part do not believe that they should be providing a low-cost public service, "that's what the VTA is for" said one driver, talking to WMVY and referring to the public bus system. The town administrator will be bringing the taxi owner's concerns back to the selectmen in the coming days and public hearing on the matter is expected to be scheduled sometime in the next few weeks.
HEADLINES FOR FRIDAY, JULY 25
Island Anticipates 30th Possible Dreams Auction
OAK BLUFFS, MA – Thirty years and more than $7 million later, the Possible Dreams auction returns to the Vineyard on August 4th. The charity auction, sponsored this year by Comcast, will be held on the grounds of the Outerland nightclub instead of in the manicured gardens of the Harborside Inn. While the venue may be different, many of the auction items will sound familiar. Up for bid this year will be a private golf clinic with PGA champion Ernie Els as well as movie, television and travel opportunities. Seating begins at 3:30 pm. Bidding begins at 4:30 pm. There will be free parking at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School with continuous door-to-door free trolley service provided by M.V. Tours. Limited paid parking is available at the auction site. Food and beverages are available at the event. Admission is $25 at the gate or in advance.
HEADLINES FOR THURSDAY, JULY 24
OB Merchants Press Shoplifting Charges
OAK BLUFFS, MA –Summer time means keeping an eye on the merchandise for local shopkeepers. A rash of shoplifting incidents resulted in three arrests in Oak Bluffs last week. Lieutenant Williamson of the Oak Bluffs police says that his department receives a lot of shoplifting calls in the summer, particularly from stores that cater to younger people. Mr. Williamson maintains that vigilance is the greatest deterrent. Priya Datta , who owns retail outlets on Circuit Avenue with her family says that she will call the police a dozen times a summer for shoplifters. Mrs. Datta says that while some of the accused can be apologetic, she always presses charges. While shoplifting is a misdemeanor, it is an arrestable offense. Mrs. Datta adds that for many of the kids it is good lesson to learn that they can't pretend to be sorry and think they will get away with it.
Jellyfish Reported on Some Island Beaches
MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA – Jellyfish is Vineyard waters can be a painful deterrent to summer swimming. While real and imagined sharks may keep more people out of the water on certain days, the jellyfish that have been floating on the waves are also keeping swimmers away. Reports of stings from South Beach to the North Shore have everyone offering their best advice on how to deal with what can be a painful episode. Dave Grunden, the shellfish constable for Oak Bluffs says that the venom from the so-called Lion's Mane jellyfish can be quite painful depending on the sensitivity of the area or the victim's sensitivity to the toxin. Mr. Grunden suggests meat tenderizer combined with water and then worked into the affected area. Some Edgartown beach officials say that shaving cream is the lifeguard's first choice. The small, brownish jellyfish are residents of Cape and Islands' waters along with several other specie including the deadly Portuguese Man of War. While officials are unable to reason how or why the stinging creatures make an appearance, the only thing that can be done is to wait for the wind and water to carry them away.
HEADLINES FOR TUESDAY, JULY 22
Vineyard Hosts Cape Cod Baseball League Today
OAK BLUFFS, MA – Cape Cod League baseball comes to the Vineyard today as the first place Falmouth Commodores take on the Wareham Gatemen at 1 pm this afternoon at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. Last year's Western Division champs, the Falmouth Commodores, are perched in 1st place despite having only three returning players from last season, while the Gatemen are seated in last place. The league is a proving ground for many aspiring pro-players and has seen many Major Leaguers pass-through including several Red Sox players like Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek and Kevin Youkilis. Proceeds from the game will benefit Vineyard Baseball and help to maintain the ball park at the high school. The suggested donation is just $5.
Energy, Alcohol Bylaws Revisited
AQUINNAH, MA – A summer town meeting in Aquinnah will address renewable energy and alcohol sales. Having failed to approve the creation of a town-wide Energy District of Critical Planning Concern, or DCPC, at their annual town meeting, Aquinnah selectmen are bringing the bylaw proposal back to voters with new language. According to chairwoman, Camille Rose, the board wishes to present a simplified explanation of the bylaw believing that the town did not have a chance to read the entire article when it was last proposed. Voters will also be looking at a formal vote on the creation of a town wide wind energy project and, finally, Gay Headers will have the opportunity to support the issuance of beer and wine licenses for special events. The special town meeting is scheduled for August 7th at the Old Town Hall.
Rob Douglas: Go Fly a Kite!
FUERTEVENTURA, SPAIN – A Martha's Vineyard man has sailed his way into the record books. Anyone who has driven along Sengekontacket pond during a windy day has likely seen Rob Douglas cruising along on a kite surfer with the Black Dog kite flying high over head. Mr. Douglas, the CEO of the Black Dog, has set an American kite-sailing speed record during competition in Fuerteventura,Spain. The new record of 39.5 knots was set during the fourth day of competition in the windsurfing and kite-boarding grand slam tournament. Today will be the final day of racing with Mr. Douglas currently in second place overall. Rob's record high speed of approximately 45 miles per hour still needs to be verified by the sport's governing body.
HEADLINES FOR MONDAY, JULY 21
Cape League Contenders Play Here Tuesday
OAK BLUFFS, MA – The boys of summer will be on Martha's Vineyard tomorrow afternoon. A Cape Cod League regular season game between the Wareham Gatemen and the Falmouth Commodores commences at 1pm at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. Last year's Western Division champs, the Falmouth Commodores, are perched in 1st place despite having only three returning players, while the Gatemen are seated in last. The league is a proving ground for many aspiring pro-players and has seen many Major Leaguers pass-through including several Red Sox players like Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek and Kevin Youkilis. Proceeds from the game will benefit Vineyard Baseball and help to maintain the ball park at the high school.
Local Officials Release Moxie Findings
TISBURY, MA – Fire officials conclude the investigation into the Café Moxie blaze. Based on physical evidence and eyewitness accounts, Tisbury's lead investigator James Rogers reports that a water heater was likely the source of the Independence Day fire that destroyed Café Moxie and caused tens-of-thousands of dollars in damage to the Bunch of Grapes Bookstore. Fire officials say that while they consider their portion of the investigation to be complete the insurance companies may not necessarily agree with their finding. However, Mr. Rogers adds that it is likely the insurance companies will come to a similar conclusion. The devastating blaze closed Tisbury's Main Street for nearly 12 hours on one of the busiest holidays of the year. Local business leaders are looking at the possibility of state and federal aid in an effort to recover some of those losses.
Boating Fatality Investigated
MENEMSHA, MA – Friday's fatal boat collision in Buzzard's Bay remains under investigation. At approximately 1:45 pm the three person crew aboard the 60 foot power boat Reason contacted the Coast Guard's Menemsha station to report that they had struck another boat, the 30 foot sailing vessel Padanaram with two people on board. The man at the helm of the sailboat, 64 year old David J. Walsh was thrown into the water. The crew from Menemsha was able to locate and retrieve Mr. Walsh from the water and deliver him to an ambulance. Mr. Walsh was later pronounced dead at St. Luke's hospital. The other passenger aboard the sailboat was also transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The Massachusetts Environmental police are investigating the accident.
HEADLINES FOR FRIDAY, JULY 18
Shark Tournie Interest High Despite Diminished Numbers
OAK BLUFFS, MA – Not since the movie Jaws was filmed on Martha's Vineyard in 1974 has there been so much talk of sharks in Vineyard waters. The conversation continues this weekend with the Monster Shark tournament in Oak Bluffs. The two day event draws hundreds of sport fishermen from all over the east coast to the waters surrounding the Vineyard to try for thousands of dollars in prizes as well as one of the world records that have been set during the tournament. While the tournament has lost the support of a majority of the town's board of selectmen and continues to draw the ire of the Humane Society, it remains one of the most popular summer events in Oak Bluffs. Event organizer Steven James of the Boston Big Game Fish Club says that despite the tournament's popularity, registration for this year's event is down by about 20%. Weigh-in is open to the public and runs from 3:30 until 7 pm tonight and 3:30 until 6:30 pm Saturday.
Fire Inquiry Nears Completion
TISBURY, MA – Tisbury fire officials are expected to announce the results of the investigation into the devastating Independence Day fire on Main Street. An early morning blaze on Friday, July 4th destroyed the popular Café Moxie restaurant and severely damaged the Bunch of Grapes Bookstore. While the results of the fire have been a devastating blow to both businesses as well as others along Main Street, the blaze seems to have galvanized the business community. Business leaders will be meeting with government representatives in the next week or so to try to determine how much the fire has cost businesses and what can be done to recover. Meanwhile, investigators have concluded a preliminary investigation of the physical evidence from the scene and expected to announce their findings later today.
HEADLINES FOR THURSDAY, JULY 17
Island Mourns Maynard
MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA – Martha's Vineyard and the blues music community mourn the loss of Maynard Silva. Mr. Silva passed away yesterday morning after a long battle with cancer in which he won many bouts. The Island musician's gutsy slide guitar was inspired by the likes of Bukka White and J.B. Hutto, who would eventually become his friends. Maynard's page on the social networking website myspace.com is becoming a makeshift digital memorial where you can read goodbye notes from friends while listening to the blues man's trademark growl and solitary slide. The date for a memorial service has yet to be announced. In the mean time, donations in Maynard's name can be made to Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support Group, PO BOX 2214, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
Shark Death Stymies Experts
NANTUCKET, MA – A great white shark death remains a mystery. The approximately 6 foot long shark that washed ashore on Monday on Nantucket was dissected yesterday by state marine fisheries experts. The young fish, believed to be only a few years old, had no obvious signs of trauma or other injuries which may have resulted in death. According to spokeswoman Lisa Capone, scientists were unable to find any clue as to what may have killed the healthy looking animal. In order to determine the actual age of the fish, a section of backbone will be sent away to a lab for the growth rings to be measured. The results of the test will not be known for at least a month. Ms. Capone adds that this was the first white shark to wash ashore in Massachusetts in more than 20 years.
HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Boat Operator Charged
OAK BLUFFS, MA – A Needham, Massachusetts captain is going to court for boating under the influence. Around 11 pm on July 11th, Oak Bluffs police received a call that a boat had run aground on the beach off of Seaview Ave. near Sengekontacket. There they found the boat's operator, 47 year old Andrew Tappe of Needham, beside his 27 foot long Scout motor boat parked half way up the beach. According to police, it appeared that the boat had run aground with the 225 horsepower motor at full throttle. Mr Tappe, who reported the beaching, was placed under arrest at the scene and charged with operating under the influence, negligent operation and operating an unregistered boat. The accident is still under investigation. Mr. Tappe was arraigned on Monday and is scheduled for a pretrial conference on August 29th.
Seal Predator Attack Discounted
EDGARTOWN, MA – The seal carcass that washed up on South Beach showed no obvious evidence of predatory wounds. Despite rumors to the contrary the carcass that washed up Monday morning was not the result of a shark attack. According to Chris Kennedy of the Trustees of Reservations the seal had obviously been dead and floating for some time. A young seal pup came up on Norton beach last week with injuries that were also reported to be from a shark but were quickly determined to be the result of contact with a boat's propeller. In response to all rumors shark related, Mr. Kennedy offered that sharks do indeed live in the ocean and that many species are common in Vineyard waters but pose no threat to swimmers. A state shark expert is expected to examine the carcass later today.
HEADLINES FOR TUESDAY, JULY 15
Gas Prices Subdue Tournie Turnout
OAK BLUFFS, MA – High fuel prices may be to blame for lower numbers at this week's Monster Shark Tournament. According to Boston Big Game Fish Club president Steven James, registration is off by about 20% this year, a fact that he attributes directly to the higher cost of fuel. Mr. James tells WMVY that because the cost of running a boat has nearly doubled in the last year, a lot of fishermen are not leaving the dock. The event, which begins on Friday, has drawn national media attention as well as protests from animal rights groups, a fact that Mr. James insists has nothing to do with the decrease in participants or that lack of national media sponsorship this year. Friday's weigh-in begins at 3:30 pm.
HEADLINES FOR MONDAY, JULY 14
Fire Findings Expected Soon
TISBURY, MA – Tisbury fire investigators are expected to announce preliminary results in the next few days as to what caused the devastating July 4th fire that destroyed the Café Moxie and severely damaged the Bunch of Grapes bookstore. Fire department investigators, working alongside insurance representatives, sifted though the charred debris in the basement of one of the town's longest standing restaurants last week trying to find out how this quick moving blaze began. Austin Racine, chef and owner of the café, was working in the kitchen at the time that the fire started. Mr. Racine reported that he tried to extinguish the blaze himself before firefighters arrived. Meanwhile, the town's board of selectmen has issued a statement pledging to help bring two of Main Streets iconic business back to life.
Turns Out We Don't Need a Bigger Boat
EDGARTOWN, MA – Charges will result from shark sighting hoax on Martha's Vineyard. Edgartown police have filed disorderly conduct charges against a Mike Lopenzo for his role in last Thursday's media feeding frenzy. Mr. Lopenzo, believed to be from Boston, reported seeing two great white sharks while working from a fishing boat. Despite the efforts of dozens of state and local officials, no further visual evidence of the sharks could be found. Safety officials believe that the sighting was a hoax. However, because of the confirmation of the shark swimming off of South Beach, and the reliability of the lifeguards, officials did close State Beach to swimming as a precaution.
HEADLINES FOR FRIDAY, JULY 11
Back in the Swim: Island Beaches Reopen
EDGARTOWN, MA – Beaches along Martha's Vineyard's south and north shores are open again for swimming. Edgartown park officials closed some of the busiest town beaches yesterday in response to two separate shark sightings. The report of a shark swimming just 75 yards from the shore on South beach was confirmed by another visual sighting made by an airline pilot and passenger. Police and other safety officials believe that the sighting along the north shore, close to the Joseph Sylvia State Beach was made in error. However, as a precaution, beaches were closed to swimming from the so called bend-in-the-road beach to Tashmoo. According to South Beach director Kursten Mehan this is the first time in her nine years on the beach that swimming has been closed due to a shark sighting. Since record keeping began in the state, there have only been three reported shark attacks in Massachusetts' waters.
MV Commission Posts Open
OAK BLUFFS, MA - Nomination papers for nine Martha's Vineyard Commission posts are due on July 29th. Elections for the two year appointments require a minimum of one and maximum of two Commissioners from each town based on island-wide voting. Interested candidates can stop by the Commission's offices in Oak Bluffs as well as any town clerk's office. Papers must be filed with the Board of Registrar's office no later than 5 pm on the Tuesday the 29th before being filed with the Commonwealth at the end of August.
HEADLINES FOR THURSDAY, JULY 10
Shark Sightings Temporarily Close Beaches
EDGARTOWN, MA – Shark sightings close several Martha's Vineyard beaches to swimming. Edgartown's Park officials closed all of South Beach and the town's portion of State Beach after receiving two separate reports of sharks swimming close to shore. Just after 10 am this morning 19 year old South Beach lifeguard Ben Josephs spotted what he believed to be a shark fin approximately 75 yards from shore. His sighting was later confirmed by a pilot flying over South Beach. George Smith flies recreational and sightseeing tours in a biplane out of Katama airfield. According to Mr. Smith the animal was about 17 feet in length and resembled other great white sharks he has seen. Mr. Smith adds that this is the first great white he has ever seen in Vineyard waters. Oak Bluffs beaches as well as Tahmoo beach in Tisbury were also closed to swimming for several hours as a precaution. All beaches are expected to be reopened to swimming tomorrow.
Moped Rider Hospitalized
OAK BLUFFS, MA – A pre-holiday crash sends one Martha's Vineyard resident to the hospital. Douglas Reid of West Tisbury was seriously injured when the moped he was riding on crashed into a tree early on the morning of July 3rd. Mr. Reid was taken to Martha's Vineyard hospital in serious condition and later transported by med flight to an off island hospital. There is no word yet on Mr. Reid's condition. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
State Confirms Federal Jurisdiction for Cape Wind
BOSTON, MA – A final decision keeps Cape Wind on the right track. The director of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife confirmed federal jurisdiction for the offshore wind farm last week. The decision upholds an earlier finding that the state's jurisdiction did not extend into federal waters. The final judgment also states that the cables running through state waters would not constitute a – quote- take of Massachusetts' protected species as a result of the proposed project. The massive project to construct 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound has survived more than a dozen hearings and rulings going back to 2003. A final decision by the Minerals Management Agency is expected this fall.
HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 9
Community Supports Fire Victims
TISBURY, MA – Martha's Vineyard and the town of Tisbury rally around two lost businesses. At last night's street fair, the town erected a donation booth to help the families of Café Moxie and The Bunch of Grapes Bookstore begin to recoup some of their loses. A Friday morning fire destroyed the popular restaurant and caused extensive damage to the neighboring bookstore. Tisbury's board of selectmen have issued a statement praising the hard work of all of the responding fire, police and emergency personnel for helping to prevent a terrible fire from becoming much worse. The board also said that it will be searching for ways to help these businesses get back on their feet. Meanwhile, investigators are expected to begin working this morning to try to determine the cause of the blaze.
Gas Prices Boost VTA Ridership
EDGARTOWN, MA – With gas prices at an all time high, the Vineyard Transit Authority is also breaking records. In little more than 10 years since its inception the public transit provider has grown from serving around 70,000 to more than one million riders a year. While the statistics for fiscal year 2008 will not be finalized until the end of the month, VTA director Angela Grant says that the preliminary numbers are very good with substantial increases in ridership helping to offset the higher cost of fuel. The Transit Authority relies on federal, state and local subsidies to provide more than 70% of its operating budget, however the bus line recoups nearly 30% of its costs from fares, making it the most lucrative rural service provider in the state. Ms. Grant adds that with the increase in business and a labor shortage the authority will be working hard to try to maintain a higher standard of customer service. The bus line is on track to provide more than 250,000 rides in August alone.
OB Police Assume Coast Guard Duties
OAK BLUFFS, MA – A new safety agreement puts Coast Guard authority in the hands of Oak Bluffs police. The two law enforcement agencies, one local and the other federal, signed an agreement yesterday to grant the O.B.P.D. authority to enforce Coast Guard safety and security zones in and around Oak Bluffs harbor. Previously, whenever the police suspected a there was a security risk they had to contact the Coast Guard first. The new arrangement allows Oak Bluff's police officers the power to enforce harbor and coastal security immediately with the full authority of the federal government. According to a statement by the Guard, the signing represents a more effective measure of security with these two agencies working together. The agreement goes into effect immediately.
HEADLINES FOR TUESDAY, JULY 8
Fire Fails to Stop Street Fair
TISBURY, MA – The Tisbury Street Fair begins this afternoon with two of Tisbury's longest standing businesses behind plywood. Café Moxie was destroyed by fire last week and the Bunch of Grapes bookstore was severely damaged. In a special Selectmen's meeting, the Board authorized the department of Public Works to erect a plywood construction barrier around the site for safety reasons. Friday's fire took nearly 8 hours to completely extinguish, causing Main Street to lose one of the busiest retail days of the year and also knocking out power to dozens of homes and businesses for the afternoon. Insurance representatives, working with fire investigators will begin piecing the cause of the blaze together on Wednesday. Meanwhile the town will try to go back to business as usual this evening. The Street Fair begins at 6:30 pm.
MV Commission Sponsors Transportation Forum
OAK BLUFFS, MA – Anyone attempting to drive around Martha's Vineyard over the holiday weekend may have received some insight into why a regional transportation plan is in the works. The island's road system, designed to support much smaller populations of winter and summer traffic, is outdated and insufficient. The Island Plan Transportation Work Group will hold a public forum on July 14th to present its proposals for reductions in dependence on private automobiles. The public is invited to come and listen as well as share feedback on ideas ranging from better promotion of services to helping those services deal with the enormous increase in ridership. The Island's main bus service, The Vineyard Transportation Authority, has already served nearly one million riders this year alone. The group, sponsored by the Martha's Vineyards Commission, meets on July 14th at 7:30 pm at the Katherine Cornell Theater in Vineyard Haven.
HEADLINES FOR MONDAY, JULY 7
Bunch of Grapes Saved from Fire
TISBURY, MA – Investigators on Martha's Vineyard work to determine the
cause of a fire that destroyed one restaurant and severely damaged a
bookstore. Friday's devastating fire in Tisbury closed Main Street for
nearly 12 hours on one of the busiest weekends of the year as
emergency crews battled a blaze that began in the basement of a
popular café. While firefighters were not able to prevent Café Moxie
from being gutted they were able to save the Bunch of Grapes
Bookstore. The interior of the iconic retailer was heavily damaged by
smoke and water but the exterior only suffered minor fire damage. Cafe
Moxie's new owner was in the restaurant when the blaze broke out and
tried extinguishing the fire himself. Debris will have to be cleared
from the corner lot before investigators can gain access to the
basement of the restaurant. Next door, the bookshop's owners face the
high cost of cleaning up extensive damage to all three floors and
replacing tens of thousands of dollars of inventory.
MVCS Camera Targets Illegal Dumpers
TISBURY, MA – The town of Tisbury will be losing an illegal garbage
dump. The Martha's Vineyard Community Services Thrift Store is set to
install surveillance cameras over its parking lot to prevent people
from leaving trash in front of the store after hours. According to
MVCS director Jan Hatchard, the money and time that staff spend on
removing these unwanted donations takes away from an already limited
budget. Last week it cost the store more than 120-dollars to remove
the broken television sets, chairs other rubbish left behind. Staff
would like to remind everyone that a guide to making donations may be
found online at mvcommunityservices.com.
Lock your Car to Prevent Theft
WEST TISBURY, MA – Police in West Tisbury are reminding residents and
visitors to always lock their cars. While it may be common practice on
the island to leave your car unlocked and even your keys inside of the
vehicle, it is not a safe practice. A recent spate of robberies along
Otis Basset and Skiff's Lane has resulted in the theft of hundreds of
dollars worth of electronics as well as cash and personal checks.
Thieves are rummaging through cars parked along the road and in
driveways looking for valuables. Chief Beth Toomey reminds drivers to
not only lock their cars to prevent theft but also to check the
interior of the vehicle before getting into a car that has been
unlocked to make sure no one is inside. West Tisbury police are also
asking for more information on a report of someone firing a BB gun
into traffic on State Road near Nip and Tuck farm. The shooting
damaged one windshield that police know of. Authorities are asking
anyone with more information to please come forward.
Taxi Crashes in a Phone Poll
TISBURY, MA –One person is taken to the hospital in last week's taxi
cab versus utility pole incident. Just before 7-am on Thursday morning
a taxi from Adam Cab company traveling down Lagoon Pond Road in
Tisbury swerved off of the road and struck a telephone pole across the
street from the Post Office damaging the pole and blocking traffic for
hours. 52-year old Cindy Maciel, who was riding in the van at the time
of the crash, was taken to the hospital complaining of severe knee
pain. According to police, the driver, 56-year-old Bradford Andrews,
reported that another car exiting the parking lot of the post office
forced him to hit the brakes causing the van to swerve into the pole.
Police were unable to verify whether another vehicle was involved. A
speeding ticket was issued at the scene.
HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
Roll-over Results in Charges, No Injuries
EDGARTOWN, MA – An early morning roll-over in Edgartown will result in charges. Emergency personnel responded to a report of an overturned vehicle at the intersection of Barnes and West Tisbury Roads early yesterday morning. According to witnesses a car traveling south on Barnes road ran through a stop sign, nearly striking another vehicle before heading into the woods and rolling over. By the time the car arrived at the vehicle, just moments later, the driver had already fled. Police were able to track the vehicle's driver, 17 year-old Daniel Kaeka to West Tisbury where he was later questioned. Though no one appears to have been hurt, police say that charges will be forthcoming.
MVCS Awarded Quality of Life Accolades
OAK BLUFFS, MA – Martha's Vineyard Community Services receives prestigious commendation. The acknowledgment, by the non-profit Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, recognizes outstanding service provided to the community. Four representatives spent two days reviewing the community service programs and operations and concluded, among other things, that the facilities and staff are committed to improving the "overall quality of life for the island community." The award makes special note of what it calls not only a pattern of excellence but also, in recognizing the growing needs of islanders, a significant effort to maintain financial stability. A statement by Community Services' Executive Director Julia Burgess congratulates the staff as well as the board of directors for their hard work and responsiveness to the needs of island residents. The accreditation will be reviewed again in three years.
Katie Mayhew Tops the Pops, Wins Boston Orchestra Sing-Off
BOSTON, MA – Martha's Vineyard's own Katie Mayhew has won the first ever Boston Pops High School Sing-Off. Katie performed last night with two other finalists for a chance to sing at the Pop's annual Fourth of July Concert. According to a spokesperson, the judges were unanimously in favor of the young Islander. Katie was one of more than 200 soloists who applied to the competition back in May. As the winner, Ms. Mayhew will now perform along with Keith Lockhart and the Pops at their annual concert at the Charles River Esplanade on July 3rd and 4th.
Murdoch Opts to Retain Local Newspapers
CAPE COD, MA – Local papers are no longer for sale. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has taken Ottaway Newspapers, owners of the Cape Cod Times and the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror, off of the market. According to a source on the Cape, Marianne Stanton,the Inquirer and Mirror's publisher, announced to her staff yesterday that the good news will allow the weekly newspaper to get back to the business of serving its readers and advertisers. Ottaway owns the Barnstable Patriot along with 21 other daily and weekly papers including the New York Post and the Wall Street Journal.
HEADLINES FOR TUESDAY, JULY 1
PTO Submits Farmer's Market Proposal
EDGARTOWN, MA – Edgartown could soon have its own farmer's market. An effort by the Edgartown Elementary School PTO is seeking to establish a market place on Saturday mornings on school grounds. According to principal John Stevens the idea came up during fundraising discussions over the last year. The group hopes to go before the zoning board of appeals in the next couple of weeks to see if a permit may be obtained. The school is located in a residential neighborhood. While the process could take several weeks to complete, barring any lengthy appeals, Mr. Stevens hopes that the farmer's market will be up and running by the end of the summer.
Bike Path Improvements Considered
OAK BLUFFS, MA – A new study could mean a smoother ride for bicyclists on the Vineyard. The study, initiated by the Martha's Vineyard Commission, will look into closing several gaps in a network of off-road paths that link the towns of Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven and Edgartown. According to the Commission there are 6 gaps in the system that force cyclists into the roadway. A contract with an engineering firm will look into ways to close those gaps and allow the paths to accommodate the highest density of bicycle traffic. The project began last week with a site visit and will continue through the summer with a report due in September. The study is part of the Commission's Island Plan initiative which is attempting to answer questions about the Island's present and future growth and development.
Emergency Personnel Execute Bridge Rescue
EDGARTOWN, MA – Edgartown fire personnel bring a grateful family back to shore. Police and fire crews from Oak Bluffs and Edgartown responded to the so-called Big Bridge on Beach Road Sunday night for a report of a parent and child trapped in the framework of the bridge. Several calls to 911 alerted authorities to an unidentified parent and child clinging on the underside of the bridge. The two had been jumping off of the bridge when a strong incoming tide swept them underneath the roadway that covers the inlet to Sengekontacket pond. Using an inflatable raft, a rescue team was able to pull the two people aboard and bring them to shore where an ambulance was waiting. Both of the parties were examined on scene and released.
