News Briefs
Published: July 29, 2010
White House confirms Obama family Vineyard vacation
The White House has confirmed that President Obama and his family will vacation on Martha's Vineyard in August following a trip to the Gulf.
The White House press office issued the following statement, Friday evening, July 23:
On Saturday, August 14, the First Family will travel to Florida's Gulf Coast, where they will spend the weekend. Both the President and Mrs. Obama have travelled to Florida's gulf coast in recent weeks and they look forward to returning for the weekend.
On the 19th, the Obama family will travel to Martha's Vineyard. After a busy and productive July, they are looking forward to returning to Martha's Vineyard to spend time together as a family before heading back to Washington on August 29.
Lightning damage at com center, airport
Lightning strikes last Friday evening near Martha's Vineyard Airport knocked out the Dukes County Communications Center's (DCCC) emergency response dispatching system and damaged one of the airport's critical computer systems.
Lightning that hit an electric pole next to the Com Center surged through the electric lines and damaged the telephone, radio, and computer system, according to sheriff Michael McCormack, who oversees the DCCC.
An emergency backup system was put in place immediately, with dispatchers sent to the West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs fire departments. Dispatchers at the Com Center continued to receive 911 calls, and relayed them by walkie-talkie or phone to the dispatchers in Oak Bluffs and West Tisbury, who in turn called out emergency responders.
Sheriff McCormack said he had to increase the number of dispatchers per shift to man the three locations. He expressed appreciation for the Com Center's nine dispatchers, who have been working 12-hour shifts.
On Saturday morning an emergency command vehicle shared by the Island's law enforcement community was connected to the tallest antenna at the airport to aid in dispatching calls.
Yesterday, repair crews were continuing to assess the damage and work on the radios and computers, Sheriff McCormack said. The paging system for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians is back online.
In a phone call Tuesday, Martha's Vineyard Airport manager Sean Flynn said there were three lightning strikes around the airport last Friday night, with damage estimated at $105,000. One damaged a generator at the general aviation building. Although another knocked out a critical computer system, the airport's surge protection system prevented damage to two other computer systems and the phones. Lightning also caused damage to an alarm and pump at the airport's wastewater treatment plant.
Damage is estimated at $105,000. No flights were canceled because of the outage.
"We're having to do some alternate procedures, because we don't have that third computer system, but we already had a backup plan in place, so it's been implemented and we're going on with life," Mr. Flynn said. "I should have that whole other system replaced by Friday."
The nuts and bolts of it: no room for hardware store to grow
Edgartown Hardware, a retail anchor of the downtown Edgartown business district for more than six decades, won a special permit from the zoning board of appeals (ZBA) last week to move to the former Old Colony car dealership building on Edgartown-West Tisbury Road.
"That's something we've looked at for a while now," store owner John Montes said in a phone conversation with The Times. "It was not an easy decision. We've been here for 64 years. Moving out of town was not anything we took lightly."
Mr. Montes, who has owned the store for the past 10 years, said the move was prompted because the store needs room to expand, and needs more parking for customers and employees.
"We got to a point where we are locked in, we can't grow," Mr. Montes said. "We've rearranged as much as we can rearrange, we've got nowhere else to go."
He said he plans to completely rehab the dilapidated car dealership building. The exterior will be painted gray. Mr. Montes expects to move the store in December or January.
Conditions of the special permit include low intensity lighting, one-way traffic for the entrance and exit to the parking lot, hours of operation no later than 6 pm, and no outside storage or display of merchandise.
Six neighbors to the new location spoke in favor of the move, at the public hearing. Attorney Sean Murphy, representing the hardware store, presented a petition with more than 300 signatures in support, according to records of the public hearing on July 21. No one at the hearing spoke in opposition. Several board members expressed regret at the loss of the familiar business from downtown, but the ZBA voted unanimously to grant the special permit with the conditions.
Vineyard Photo closes in Edgartown
Sheila Franklin, who owns the store with her husband David, said dwindling business was to blame.
"In the last two years we just haven't been able to realize any kind of a profit," she said in a phone call yesterday. "In fact, we were really starting to lose money and decided it wasn't going to work. We tried everything, including cutting the store in half with our kind landlord's permission, which cut the rent in half, but it didn't do the trick."
Digital cameras put a real dent in their business, she said. Although Vineyard Photo did a lot of digital photo work, Ms. Franklin said it never equaled the volume they did in film.
"People have a totally different mindset with digital," she pointed out. "They either don't print the photos or keep them on their computer."
Although the store had a lot of commercial accounts, most of those were lost over the last five years, Ms. Franklin said. "We did a fairly large Christmas business but it didn't sustain us or take the place of doing film," she added.
The Franklins bought the already established photo business shortly before Mr. Franklin retired. Before they moved from Lexington to the Vineyard, their son Ethan started up the store, which opened in November 1988, and ran it for the first five years.
His older brother Gavin has run the photo lab for 17 years, after moving to the Island from Michigan with his wife Penny and two daughters, Emily and Lauren.
"We have had such nice customers; that's the hard part of this," Ms. Franklin concluded.
Sightseeing tour proposal sparks strong opposition in Edgartown
Residents opposed to sightseeing tours operating in Edgartown packed a public hearing, convened during the selectmen's regular meeting Monday, to voice their objections.
Bailey Norton, who lives on North Water Street, cited the recently completed renovation of the picturesque shoreline route.
"We've worked seven years to complete this job, at a cost of nearly $3 million, most of this contributed by the residents of the street," Mr. Norton said. "We've made some progress. Now these buses want to get involved. It's just crazy to even think of this. This is all for the bus company, for their profit, to make a profit out of our street."
"We walk where we go," said Robert Hughes of Edgartown. "Send a message, we're proud of this village, we're welcoming. But we do that by walking."
In December of last year, Ron Minkin of Martha's Vineyard Transport applied for a street license to operate five 15-passenger tour vehicles. He appeared again before selectmen in June. At that time, the board took no action. Tour operators are regulated and licensed under state law, but a street license from individual towns is usually required.
Mr. Minkin did not appear at Monday's public hearing. In a phone conversation with The Times Wednesday, he said after the required 60-day waiting period, he appealed to the Department of Public Utilities for a tour operator's license. Mr. Minkin, selectman Michael Donaroma, and former police Chief Paul Condlin attended a hearing before state regulators on July 20. Mr. Minkin expects a decision in early August.
Mr. Minkin said if the state grants him a license, it would be too late to operate this summer.
"They threw me for the season," Mr. Minkin said. "I had a license from five towns, I was ready to be a tour operator in April." Mr. Minkin stressed he intends to operate tours in vans, the same size as many taxi vans now operating in Edgartown, not buses.
Mr. Donaroma said at Monday's hearing before selectmen that objections to sightseeing tours must focus on safety and traffic issues, not a distaste for tourists peering over fences.
"This company or another company will be back," Mr. Donaroma said. "They have the right, there are laws that guide us, we can't just say no. We'll do the best we can, but I have a feeling they'll be back, and they have laws to protect them."
Lola's back, alcohol license disputed
A judge is set to rule today on a dispute over a liquor license for Lola's Southern Seafood, the Oak Bluffs restaurant that reopened Friday following several weeks of swirling rumors and court action against the owners of the Mediterranean restaurant.
Lola's owner, Kathy Domitrovich, would not elaborate on the reasons why she is back in business at the Beach Road restaurant where she operated Lola's until 2008. The restaurant is serving its familiar southern seafood dishes, but is not serving alcohol.
Chefs Douglas and Leslie Hewson operated the Mediterranean restaurant there, under a lease agreement with Ms. Domitrovich, beginning in the spring of 2009, according to Ms. Domitrovich. The Mediterranean moved to Oak Bluffs, after operating a smaller restaurant on the Vineyard Haven waterfront for five years. The Mediterranean in Oak Bluffs had recently been operating with reduced hours and staff. Ms. Hewson did not respond to a request for comment.
On Tuesday, the two restaurateurs were in Edgartown Superior Court, where Ms. Domitrovich asked the court to force the Mediterranean to transfer its liquor license to Lola's. In a phone conversation with The Times Tuesday, Ms. Domitrovich said a provision of the lease requires the transfer. The court took the matter under advisement and ordered the two restaurateurs to file further affidavits by 4 pm Wednesday, July 28. Ms. Domitrovich said the two sides were still negotiating the transfer of the alcohol license. She said a deal to transfer the license fell through last Friday, just before the restaurant opened.
Ms. Domitrovich said she has been overwhelmed at the response to the return of Lola's, from many former patrons and the Island's food industry community. She said 15 minutes before the scheduled opening on Friday, just as she was discussing whether to delay the opening for an hour because the staff wasn't quite ready, she was surprised. Three Island chefs, Christian Thornton, head chef at Atria in Edgartown, Celeste Elser, chef at Biscuits restaurant in Oak Bluffs, and Marvin Jones, a local chef and caterer, arrived dressed in kitchen whites and aprons.
"They got right on my line, and they started cooking," Ms. Domitrovich said, the emotion evident in her voice.
She also said about 20 members of the Polar Bear Club, an informal group of Oak Bluffs residents who swim each morning throughout the year at the Inkwell, were among the first patrons at the reopened restaurant, all of them dressed in their bathing suits.
Oak Bluffs man pleads guilty to assault on exotic dancer
William J. Bernard, 39, of Oak Bluffs pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery Monday in Edgartown District Court, as part of an agreement that spared him prosecution on more serious charges stemming from an attack on an exotic dancer at a nightlong party he hosted.
The charge was reduced from the original charge of indecent assault and battery. The district attorney declined to prosecute a rape charge, as part of the plea agreement.
Mr. Bernard was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to have no contact with the victim of the assault.
Oak Bluffs police sought charges after an exotic dancer from Maine claimed she was attacked repeatedly, during a nightlong, alcohol- and drug-fueled party in April. Mr. Bernard organized the party at his home on Franklin Avenue in Oak Bluffs, to celebrate the release of Anthony D. Somoano from prison on drug and weapons charges.
Mr. Somoano, 29, and another man, both charged in connection with assault at the same party, appeared in court Monday.
Mr. Somoano of Oak Bluffs pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery. The district attorney declined to prosecute a rape charge. Mr. Somoano was sentenced to one year of probation.
A third defendant, Christopher I. McNally, 19, of Bourne, agreed that the district attorney presented sufficient facts to prove a charge of assault and battery. A rape charge was not prosecuted. His case was continued without a finding for one year.
Fuel company and manager indicted for failing to report an oil spill
A Dukes County grand jury returned indictments today against a Falmouth-based fuel company and its manager, charging that they failed to report an oil spill in Oak Bluffs, on June 19, 2009. Loud Fuel Co., and its manager Kabraul Tasha face one count each of failure to report an oil spill and environmental endangerment.
The defendants are scheduled for arraignment in Dukes County superior court on September 28. State attorney general Martha Coakley announced the true bills on Tuesday, July 27.
Tasha was allegedly delivering gasoline to Jim's Package Store at 27 Lake Street, Oak Bluffs. The indictment charges that he failed to properly connect the gas line from his truck to one of the fill ports at the gas station. While filling that port, approximately 50 gallons of gasoline spilled onto the ground in the alley where the ports are located, between Jim's Packaging store and a neighboring restaurant. Authorities further allege that once Tasha became aware of the spill, he made some efforts to clean up the gasoline with absorbent pads in his truck, but he did not notify the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that the spill had occurred, despite the law that requires that the appropriate authorities be notified in the event of a gas spill of 20 or more gallons. By statute, failure to report allows for a fine for up to $100,000, or up to 20 years in prison. Environmental endangerment can get fined $50,000, or up to one year.
"It is vitally important that oil spills are reported in a timely manner to minimize any damage to surrounding natural resources and local communities," General Coakley said.
DEP officials inspected the property in the days following the spill, after a neighboring business reported smelling gasoline. At the request of the DEP, Loud Fuel, the company responsible, hired a licensed site professional to clean up the property and submitted a report outlining the immediate response actions it took to counteract the damage, according to a press release.
Tuesday's indictments stem from an investigation by the Massachusetts environmental crimes strike force (ECSF), an interagency unit that includes prosecutors from the attorney general's office, environmental police officers assigned to the attorney general's office, and investigators and engineers from the Massachusetts department. The case was investigated by the ECSF, which is overseen by General Coakley, DEP commissioner Laurie Burt and Energy and Environmental Affairs secretary Ian A. Bowles. The ECSF investigates and prosecutes crimes that harm or threaten the state's water, air, or land and that pose a significant threat to human health.
Y offers Station Menemsha crew a place to workout
When the Coast Guard Station Menemsha boathouse was destroyed in a massive fire July 12, the 22 crewmembers lost their weight room and workout equipment.
In the aftermath, commander of Station Menemsha chief Jason Olsen said he hoped to find another facility to help boost crew morale. But that requires a government search process and time.
This week, the recently completed YMCA cut through the red tape and offered crewmembers free access through the month of August in its spacious strength and cardio facility.
"It is a great strength of the Island that when an unfortunate event occurs, the community comes out in full force to offer support," Nina Lombardi, Y membership director said. "The Y is an Island-wide community center and we are eager to open our doors to the Menemsha Coast Guard Station while they get their feet back on the ground. I look forward to seeing members of the Menemsha Coast Guard and their families here at the Y this summer."
Day of shark fishing was off the mark for wayward vessel
The second day of the Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament was done before it got started for the crew of a 35-foot Cabo Yachts sports fishing boat.
The vessel ran aground Saturday on Skiff's Island, a sandy shoal southeast of Wasque Point and to the east of the green can that marks Muskeget Channel.
Captain Chris Godino of Sea Tow, responding to another stranded vessel anchored off East Beach, got the call alerting him to a boat that was well up onto the small island at low tide, with a strong current and rough sea conditions.
The occupants of the vessel, who were not identified, told the towboat captain that no one was hurt. They said they wanted to wait for high tide to try and free their boat.
Later that day, Tow Boat US responded. "It took a half hour of good strong pulling to get it off the beach," Capt. R.W. Henson said. The towboat operator said damage to the boat appeared slight.
NSTAR improves system for West Tisbury and Tisbury
NSTAR crews are upgrading the company's electrical system in parts of West Tisbury and Tisbury. The goal is to improve service reliability, the utility announced Monday. Earlier this summer NSTAR workers began installing new poles, wires, and remote-controlled switches along Lambert's Cove Road to accommodate new high voltage electrical circuits.
The high voltage circuits will allow an increase in electrical capacity in the area, according to a press release. The radio-controlled switches will help NSTAR reduce the duration of power outages by allowing workers to restore power to customers before NSTAR repair crews arrive. NSTAR said the project should be completed by the fall.
Dennis Galvam, NSTAR manager of community relations, said, "When complete, the upgrade projects in West Tisbury and Tisbury will ensure we will be able to provide local residents and businesses with the electricity they need now and into the future."
Menemsha Pond remains closed to shellfishing
Menemsha Pond remains closed to all shellfishing. The Division of Marine Fisheries closed the pond because of concern that debris from the Coast Guard Station boathouse fire July 12 may have damaged water quality.
Chilmark executive secretary Tim Carroll said yesterday in a phone conversation that he hopes the pond will reopen for fishing soon.
"Menemsha Pond flushes 96 percent in 48 hours. If there's something in the water column, it's gone in two days," Mr. Carroll said. "But the departments are being very careful. They're just trying to be cautious and protect the public health."
Correction
A story published July 22, "Vineyard Cup triumphs over tides, temperatures" included the incorrect names of the winners of Class 3. The winner of class 3 was David Nesbitt, the skipper of Epic, a Hinterholler 25. At the time of publication, the race committee named Top Cat first in Class 2. Amended results now list Apres as the overall winner, with Top Cat second, and Facet third.
Correction
A story "Discovering the M.V. Museum," published in the July 22 edition of The Times, failed to credit Linsey Lee as a creator of the museum's continuing World War II exhibit.
Correction
A news brief in the July 22 issue, "Tisbury selectmen approve new bike route," should have referred to Lagoon Pond Road and Skiff Avenue.
Corrections
An ad for Singular Spaces, custom-painted floors by Amy Upton, included an incorrect telephone number. The correct number is 508-246-9494.
Business Briefs
Bank of Martha's Vineyard announces hire
William "Bill" Gruetzmacher, a longtime Vineyard homeowner and a Vineyard summer resident since 1983, has joined the Bank of Martha's Vineyard, a division of Sovereign Bank, as vice president and business banking relationship manager. He will be responsible for coverage of businesses on Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod and will have offices in both Vineyard Haven and Hyannis, according to a press release.
Mr. Gruetzmacher has more than 20 years of commercial banking and investment banking experience as a managing director of Merrill Lynch in their Capital Markets Division in New York City, as a vice president of Kidder Peabody in capital markets in New York City, and as a commercial banking officer with Continental Illinois National Bank in Chicago.
"I am excited to bring to Vineyard and Cape Cod businesses all the unparalleled products and services offered by Sovereign Bank, backed by the financial strength of the global banking powerhouse Banco Santander," Mr. Gruetzmacher said.
Mr. Gruetzmacher and his wife Denise Morando Gruetzmacher are moving from their primary residence in Summit, New Jersey to their Katama summer home where they will now live year-round.
Shear Inspiration Salon will relocate to Mariners Way
Shear Inspiration Salon in Edgartown will move lock, stock and barrel from its current 14th Street location to 12 Mariners Way in Edgartown by the Triangle. The new location will provide ample parking and easy access with the same personal service customers have come to expect, according to stylist and owner Kristen Tidmarsh Araujo.
For more information or an appointment call 508-627-8333.
Importers show rare tribal Persian rugs at Mansion House
Tuesday evening, at the Mansion House on Main Street in Tisbury, the Key West-based Archeo Gallery, which specializes in tribal Persian rugs made by the Quashqai nomads, will host an opening reception for its summer rug show that features a selection of the world's finest Gabbeh rugs.
Women from the nomadic Quashqai tribe work collectively, weaving the Gabbeh rugs from pure Persian wool that has been handspun and dyed with sustainably harvested organic pigments, according to a press release. Hand-knotted in open-air tents, Gabbeh rugs are distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship and a strikingly modern sensibility.
The 2010 summer rug show is open every day through August 15th from 9 am to 6 pm. Rug merchants Jenny Zeller and Ashley Kamen will discuss the rugs and share their experiences among the weavers.
For more information go to archeogallery.com or call 305-766-6825.
