News Briefs
DFW provides Island with spring trout bonus
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) delivered trout and good news yesterday. Jason Zimmer, Southeast District Director, said that after receiving many requests and letters of support from the Martha's Vineyard Rod and Gun Club and the Martha's Vineyard Surfcasters Association the frequency of spring trout stocking would increase from two to three times per year.
Mr. Zimmer said the third stocking would be completed by the last week in April and provide additional trout fishing opportunities for Island residents and visitors, and benefit existing fishing programs designed to expose young people to the outdoors. Now in its 35th year, the annual Rod and Gun Club Kids Trout Derby scheduled for May 9 regularly attracts hundreds of participants to the shores of Duarte's Pond in West Tisbury.
Aaron Best, DFW fisheries worker, unloads a net full of trout into Uncle Seth's Pond under the watchful gaze of a nearby osprey and two fishermen.
Photo by Steve Myrick
Mr. Zimmer said the change would take effect this year and will continue into the future, dependent on weather, trout numbers, scheduling and other potential constraints. "Vineyard residents clearly have strong ties to our natural resources, as is demonstrated by their continued interest and involvement in wildlife-dependent outdoor recreational activities," said Mr. Zimmer. "In light of the many different things that seem to increasingly disconnect young people with nature, including TV, video and computer games, etc., it is refreshing to witness this level of interest in the outdoors, and the Division is pleased to help provide added fishing opportunities for both young and old."
The stocked ponds are Duarte's, Uncle Seth's, and Old Mill in West Tisbury, and Old Mill Pond at the head of Lagoon Pond in Oak Bluffs.
Fishermen are allowed a limit of three trout per day from ponds. Fishermen 15 years of age and older must have a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license. Licenses are available from town clerks and online at sport.state.ma.us.
SEED workshops provide business fundamentals
The South Eastern Economic Development Corporation (SEED) and Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank will hold two free basic business workshops aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.
The first workshop, "Learn the Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing For, and Financing Your Business," is geared toward helping potential entrepreneurs evaluate and understand the fundamentals of owning one's own business. The workshop will present information on how to get started, where and how to get financing, and the loan application process. Attendees will also be provided with a free guide to writing a business plan and other materials.
The workshop will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 am.
The second workshop, "Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business," is intended to help attendees understand a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The workshop also explains how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his or her business more efficiently.
The workshop will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 pm.
The workshops are being held in cooperation with the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Martha's Vineyard Commission, and SCORE (Service Corporation of Retired Executives).
The workshops will be held at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown on Wednesday, April 8. Registration begins at 8 am. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees.
Please call Tamarah Barao at SEED Corporation at 508-822-1020 by April 1 to register for either or both sessions. For more information on SEED and its programs, visit www.seedcorp.com.
MVLD gains nonprofit tax status
The Martha's Vineyard Lyme Disease Association, Inc., an organization formed to inform people about tick-borne illnesses and how to reduce the risk of infection, has received 501 (c) 3 tax deductible status from the IRS, according to a press release.
The public charity organization will work in partnership with the business community, healthcare organizations, communities, and individuals on prevention measures that can be taken at the local level, said Lyme disease association founder Dyan Redick. For more information, go to marthasvineyardlyme.org, or call 508-696-1976.
Vineyard Smiles reaches out to senior citizens
Vineyard Smiles, a grant-funded oral health service, will provide Island elderly and disabled residents of Hillside Village and Woodside Village with the convenience of dental services in their home Thursday and Friday.
"We are excited about providing services to seniors for the first time," said Vineyard Smiles director Sarah Kuh. "Until now our program has focused on providing services to children in the schools and Head Start. Now we have the opportunity to expand to another group that is underserved when it comes to affordable dental care."
Ann Wallace, executive director of Island Elderly Housing, said, "So many seniors cannot afford adequate dental care. Medicare does not cover dental services at all, so seniors have to find the money to pay out of pocket to see a dentist. When a low-income senior has to choose between paying for other expenses like food and taking care of their teeth, they will probably choose food. And poor oral health effects their overall health, so this is an important addition to our health and wellness services for residents."
The program is starting with dental hygiene services, including cleanings and education, which will be provided at no charge. Seniors who need follow up care will be seen during a treatment visit by a Vineyard Smiles dentist, or referred to another dentist.
Vineyard Smiles is a program of Island Health Inc., in partnership with the Vineyard Health Care Access Program. For more information, call Sarah Kuh at 508-696-0020 or Ann Baird at 508-693-7009.
Passport Day at Vineyard Haven Post Office
Due to new passport regulations that have greatly increased the number of applicants, the U.S. Postal Service will offer extended hours at many post offices on March 28 to help ease the process.
The Vineyard Haven Post Office is one of 13 post offices in Massachusetts participating in a nationwide passport day on Saturday, handling passport applications separately from 10 am to 3 pm. Other retail counter business will be conducted during regular hours from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
Customers can download forms required to apply for a new passport or to renew an existing passport on the Postal Service website at www.usps.com. Click on the blue box "Apply for your Passport" at right or on "Gov't Services" at the bottom of the page.
A link to a website for the U.S. Department of State, the agency that processes and issues passports, offers additional detailed information.
On Saturday, passport applicants should bring a completed passport application form, proof of U.S. citizenship, and proof of identity to complete the application process at the post office. For questions about acceptable documentation check the Postal Service and U.S. State Department websites.
All children, including newborns and infants, must have their own passport. They must be present to apply for a passport. Depending on their ages, at least one parent or guardian, with proof of legal guardianship, must accompany them.
Permanent Endowment grant aids medical bills
Established 63 years ago, the Mayhew-Nevin Memorial Fund provides financial support to members of the Vineyard community who need help with outstanding medical bills. In December, the Permanent Endowment Fund, which administers the fund, awarded $30,100 to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.
Patients experiencing financial hardship, who enter into a payment schedule agreement with the hospital are eligible to receive a grant from the Mayhew-Nevin Fund that is then applied toward the balance of the patient's bill. The names of all beneficiaries remain confidential.
The hospital identified 94 qualified individuals and families to receive some amount of assistance based on need and effort to pay.
"Martha's Vineyard Hospital has been honored through the years to work with the Permanent Endowment to improve the lives and good health of so many Vineyarders," said Tim Walsh, President and CEO of the hospital.
The Mayhew-Nevin Memorial Fund was established in 1945 to honor two distinguished and devoted Vineyard physicians, Orland S. Mayhew and Clement C. Nevin. Since 1986, it has been administered by the Permanent Endowment, Martha's Vineyard's community foundation, with annual grants from the Fund determined in collaboration with the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.
More information on the Endowment is available on their website at endowmv.org or at 508-338-4665.
Package store proposed for Outerland property
The Edgartown Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will hold a public hearing on a proposal to convert the Outerland nightclub to a general store, delicatessen, and seasonal package store.
Alexis Garcia submitted the proposal on behalf of a limited liability corporation called Island Package Store. Ms. Garcia, with her husband Paul, operates Garcia's Deli in West Tisbury. The Garcias did not return a message from The Martha's Vineyard Times seeking comment.
The change would require a special permit from the ZBA, because the nightclub was established before the current zoning bylaws that apply to use of the property.
The current owner, Barry Rosenthal, put the well-known Island music venue up for sale last fall. First known as the Hot Tin Roof, the club was founded in 1979 by a group of investors including singer Carly Simon. The current appraised value of the property is $1.2 million, according to assessors' records.
"We are interested in purchasing the old Hot Tin Roof property," wrote Ms. Garcia in her proposal to the ZBA. "We will want to change the existing liquor license to an off-premises package store. We feel this project will serve the needs of the nearby community by not only terminating the existing nightclub and ending the late-night consumption that takes place there but provide the nearby residents a location that will provide them essential items without having to drive all the way down-Island."
The public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 7:15 pm.
Red Cross blood drive aims to fill critical need
The American Red Cross turns to the Vineyard Community on Tuesday, April 28, to help fill a critical need for blood.
"A safe and sufficient blood supply must be on the shelves when patients need it most, and the only safe source of blood is a generous blood donor," said Donna M. Morrissey, Northeast division Red Cross director of public relations. "The American Red Cross is appreciative of the Martha's Vineyard community for its support of our life-saving mission."
The blood drive will take place between noon and 5:30 pm at the Portuguese American Club on Vineyard Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment to donate.
Business Briefs
East Chop Sleep Shop turns 25
East Chop Sleep Shop, the Vineyard's long-time full-service bedding specialist, will celebrate 25 years in business with an open house from 11 am to 3 pm Saturday.
All visitors will receive a free gift and a raffle chance to win one of many great door prizes including three-month memberships to the Mansion House Health Club.
East Chop Sleep Shop specializes in Sealy Posturepedic, Fashion Bed designer metal beds, Tempur-Pedic Swedish foam mattresses, and Clean Rest anti-microbial products.
Sales representatives will be on hand to answer questions about healthy sleep and bedding products.
Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served all day.
East Chop Sleep Shop is located off State Road behind Island Entertainment in Vineyard Haven.
For more information, call 508-693-5911 or go to eastchopsleepshop.com.
Island Pools & Spas, first-rate
Island Pools & Spas, Inc., a family-owned and operated pool design, construction, and servicing company, took home two awards at the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) Region 9 Design Awards Competition on March 17.
Island Pool and Spas was the first place winner in the water feature category, and took second place in the pool and spa renovation category.
The design awards competition recognizes outstanding achievement in the design, construction and installation of residential and commercial pools, spas and water features.
For more information, go to islandpoolsandspas.com.
Magazine recognizes Boston Tennis Court Co.
Racquet Sports Industry magazine awarded Boston Tennis Court Construction Co. a "Champion of Tennis" award in their January 2009 issue. The award is for the "Tennis Court Builder of the Year."
The Hanover, Mass.-based company is owned by Bruce Mahler and David Marsden . The company operates throughout Eastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, designing and building quality tennis courts for both residences and private clubs according to a press release.
For information, visit BostonTennisCourt.com.
Jonathan Laird named premier advisor
Wachovia Securities Financial Network has designated Jonathan R. Laird of Lightship Capital Management in Vineyard Haven as a member of the firm's "Premier Advisor's Program."
To qualify for the designation, advisors must demonstrate a high level of production and a commitment to professional service, according to a press release. For more information, call 508-696-5996.
Corrections
In an obituary in last week's Times ("Wampanoag medicine man Luther Madison dead at 84"), Mr. Madison's son Stephen's last name was incorrectly reported as Vanderhoop. Stephen's last name is Madison.
