News Briefs
Tisbury selectmen consider new stop sign on Main St.
The Tisbury selectmen bowed out of the Katharine Cornell Theatre for their meeting Tuesday night and met at the Tisbury Senior Center instead.
Due to safety concerns raised by community members, the selectmen scheduled a public hearing at 6:30 pm at their next meeting on June 30 to discuss the possibility of adding a stop sign at the intersection of Owen Little Way and Main Street.
In departmental reports, building and zoning inspector Ken Barwick presented plans for a new addition to the Tisbury Animal Control Facility, located at 66 High Point Lane. Voters already approved the funding.
Finance director Tim McLean announced that preliminary tax bills will be mailed out on June 24, and for the first time will include sewer betterment fees for property owners hooked up to the system. Selectman chairman Tristan Israel reminded that failure to pay the betterment fees, as well as the tax bill, could result in a lien on a taxpayer's home.
In other business, the selectmen set up a negotiations committee in preparation for upcoming contract negotiations for department of public works (DPW) union employees. They also approved establishing a committee to study funding of Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) for town employees.
Mr. Israel said that emergency management director Richard Townes resigned his position, which has been advertised. The selectmen approved setting up a committee to screen applicants.
In the selectmen's discussion session, Mr. Israel informed selectmen Geoghan Coogan and Jeff Kristal said that he and representatives from Oak Bluffs, Tisbury and Dukes County are working with the state's Public Access Board on draft plans for a possible access road at Eastville Beach.
The selectmen also gave approval to Elaine Weintraub and Carrie Tankard to pursue a second site in Tisbury for inclusion on the African-American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard.
Oak Bluffs celebration is a day and night affair
There will be plenty to do in Oak Bluffs on Saturday (Sunday if there is rain). The 18th Annual Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival begins at noon and ends at 5 pm.
But wait, there is more. The 4th Annual Summer Solstice celebration starts at 5 pm and ends at 11 pm.
Last year's Harbor Festival attracted a record 7,000 people and more than 40 vendors, according to the Oak Bluffs Association, sponsors of the event.
Daytime activities include pony rides, a climbing wall, and live music on the deck at Nancy's.
The lineup includes The Beetlebung Steel Band, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, and Chad Burtch and Rocky.
In the evening Saturday, Circuit Avenue will be closed from 5 pm until 11 pm to all traffic and parking for the Summer Solstice event. The street will be transformed into a pedestrian mall with outside dining and entertainment. The nighttime lineup includes music from Ballywho, a dance performance by The Yard troupe, and a Midsummer fairy blessing in Ocean Park at 9 pm. All parked cars must be moved by 5 pm. Traffic and parking will resume at 11 pm.
Admission is free. Rain updates will be available on mvtimes.com and WMVY 92.7FM.
Oak Bluffs gets MVC nod for harbor fuel sales
The Martha's Vineyard Commission unanimously approved a plan for Oak Bluffs to sell marine fuel at the town's harbor marina. The town took action on a plan to sell fuel from portable tanks located near the harbormaster's shack after complaints about the availability of fuel on the harbor last summer. Town officials fear a significant loss of revenue if boaters avoid Oak Bluffs Harbor because they can't get fuel.
Oak Bluffs businessman Mark Wallace is the only fuel retailer left on the harbor, selling diesel and gasoline from Church's Pier. There has been no fuel available so far this season. The Wallace facility awaits inspection by the state fire marshal, after safety repairs made this spring.
Under conditions of the commission's approval, the town will not operate its own fuel facility if a commercial vendor offers reliable fuel service. That is defined as having fuel available seven days a week from April to October, with expanded hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The dock must be fully staffed on weekends.
Other conditions require that tanks be installed partly below grade, with fencing around the portion above ground. Fuel cannot be sold in heavy weather, to avoid the increased chance of spills. The operation is to be a temporary solution for this summer and next. If the town wants to continue selling fuel after next summer, it must return to the MVC for approval.
Tactical Response Team called to make arrest
West Tisbury Police and members of the Martha's Vineyard Tactical Response Team arrested William F. Campbell Saturday night at a residence on Great Plains Road in West Tisbury.
Mr. Campbell was wanted on a probation warrant issued by Barnstable Superior Court for failing to wear a tracking unit that allowed court officials to know his movements.
West Tisbury Police asked for assistance in making what was described as "a high risk warrant arrest," due to Mr. Campbell's extensive criminal past, including violence and the potential for a violent reaction when confronted by police, according to West Tisbury Police Chief Beth Toomey, in a press release.
Chief Toomey told The Times that Mr. Campbell was living at the Great Plains Road house.
In March, in Dukes County Superior Court, Mr. Campbell was charged with violation of conditions of his probation, including failure to pay his probation supervision fee and failure to abstain from alcohol. At that time Mr. Campbell had recently finished a 10-year state prison sentence. He pleaded guilty to six charges, including assault with intent to murder, home invasion, and armed robbery, stemming from a 1999 incident in Barnstable County.
The Saturday night arrest was the first time the newly formed tactical response unit was called on for assistance.
The unit trained last summer and became operational in January of this year. It includes 12 officers from Martha's Vineyard's six police departments and the sheriff's department.
SSA hosts security drill
What were Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel doing at the Steamship Authority's Vineyard Haven terminal Wednesday morning?
SSA general manager Wayne Lamson told The Times in an email, "The Steamship Authority is hosting a security exercise involving multiple state and federal agencies. The drill is expected to last several hours."
Tisbury affordable housing project ready for bids
The Island Housing Trust has issued a request for proposals to build four affordable housing units on a 2.6-acre site off Lambert's Cove Road. The land was acquired by Tisbury in a tax case and was designated for affordable housing by a 2002 town meeting.
Three of the houses will have three bedrooms, and the fourth will have two. The smallest house will be reserved for a family earning no more than 80 percent of the median area income. The other three will be reserved for families earning no more than 140 percent of the median area income.
Buyers for the homes will be selected by lottery, following an extensive qualification process.
Ritz to stay open, pay fine, not lose license
The Ritz Café will not close its doors July 15 through July 24, but will instead pay a fine for serving alcohol to an underage patron.
The state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) suspended the Circuit Avenue bar's license for those 10 days after investigators observed a bartender serve beer to a 17-year old with no request for age verification. The teenager was an operative working with the ABCC, as part of pre-announced compliance checks at Oak Bluffs establishments on April 4.
After a hearing, the ABCC issued a 10-day suspension of the license. In its decision, the commission said this is the eighth violation at the Ritz since 2000.
State law allows the licensee to avoid the suspension by paying a fine while remaining open for business. The fine is equal to half the average daily profit of the establishment, multiplied by 10, the number of days the license was to be suspended.
State Representative Tim Madden (center) congratulates Jim Miller (left) as Bret Stearns holds up a plaque presented to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) for its efforts to reduce lead in the environment.
Tribe recognized for environmental efforts
State Rep. Tim Madden was on hand to congratulate the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) when the Toxic Use Reduction Institute presented the Tribe with an award at the Annual Champions of Toxics Use Reduction Event at the State House on June 10.
The Wampanoag Tribe in Martha's Vineyard used a $15,000 grant to promote and distribute non-lead fishing weights during the 2008 Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby last fall. Natural Resources Program director Bret Steams and Program Coordinator Jim Miller developed the program to educate the community on the dangers of lead.
"I am pleased to see the efforts made by the Wampanoag Tribe are paying off and the community is being educated about the ways in which damaging toxins can be removed from the natural environment that we all enjoy," Rep. Timothy Madden said.
Pine Tree Street repaving on Monday
Pine Tree Street in Vineyard Haven will be closed from 8 am to noon on Monday, June 22, for repaving.
Department of Public Works director Fred LaPiana said in a phone call yesterday that Pine Tree Street is the first street to be addressed in a five-year program to resurface and repair Tisbury roads and sidewalks approved by voters at April's town meeting.
Nesting shorebirds prompt TTOR beach closures
The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) have restricted vehicle access to portions of Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Wasque Reservation, and Norton Point Beach to protect nesting shorebirds.
Yesterday, TTOR Chappaquiddick property manager David Babson said that as of yesterday chicks had hatched in two piping plover nests on Leland Beach, so vehicle access to Wasque Point is restricted. The elbow portion of Cape Poge is also inaccessible for foot and vehicle traffic, because three nests have chicks.
Norton Point Beach on the Edgartown side is open for approximately a half mile, TTOR reported in a press release. The remainder of the beach is inhabited by a large and raucous colony of least, common, and roseate terns, and an ever-increasing number of chicks.
"As is the case every year, our staff at the Trustees of Reservations patiently monitors the young chicks, following their every move, reopening access as the chicks move, trying to offer as much of our properties as we can for the public to enjoy," Mr. Babson said. "As always, we appreciate your patience and would be more than willing to help answer any of your questions or concerns. Please try our shorebird access hotline at 508-627-8390."
Teachers selected for special programs
Martha's Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) teachers Chris Baer and Scott Campbell have been offered the opportunity to attend special programs related to professional development this summer. Both are members of the high school's art, design, and technology department. Mr. Baer's classes include photography, graphics, digital drafting, and computer-aided design. He also works with the school's yearbook staff. Mr. Campbell teaches ceramics, sculpture, and crafts.
Mr. Baer was one of two teachers selected to represent the U.S. at a workshop and conference sponsored by the Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program in Ifrane, Morocco, from July 16-25.
The GCE program is a partnership program between the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) and the U.S. State Department to encourage dialogue between students and teachers in the U.S. and predominantly Muslim countries.
Throughout the past school year, Mr. Baer's students corresponded and shared photos with students in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, Russia, Taiwan, Mexico, and other countries through the school's iEARN membership.
ABCC plans alcohol compliance checks
Officials from the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission will conduct a compliance check of businesses that sell or serve alcohol within the next 90 days.
Theresa Manning, Dukes County Health Council Youth Task Force coordinator, said that twice-yearly compliance checks are in keeping with the requirements of a grant from the Department of Public Health aimed at stopping underage drinking.
Curves of MV celebrates five years
Mary Lu Hough (left) and Jean Tatelbaum were among the Curves of Martha's Vineyard members honored when the women's franchise fitness program celebrated its five-year mark with an open house on May 30. Current members who joined in May 2004 received special gifts and recognition for their commitment to health and fitness.
"It's exciting to have been a part of the Martha's Vineyard community for so long, providing women with weight loss guidance and a fun, doable program," owner Bethany Seidman said.
For more information, call 508-696-3030 or refer to www.mvcurves.com.
Real estate instructor participates in exam review
Robert M. Sawyer of Vineyard Haven, real estate instructor and author, recently participated in a meeting of real estate experts to update the state-licensing exam for real estate salespersons and brokers in Massachusetts. The primary focus of the meeting was to review content, structure, and performance statistics of the Massachusetts real estate item bank questions based upon accuracy, level of difficulty and relevance to laws and regulations, according to a press release. The two-day forum was held at the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven.
Women Empowered seeks grant applicants
Women Empowered is offering up to $3,000 in grant money to Island community organizations whose missions align with that of Women Empowered, which is "to empower women (and men) of Martha's Vineyard to make positive choices by developing and fostering life skills to facilitate change in their lives," according to a press release.
Mal Jones of West Tisbury provided the grant. Mr. Jones's mission is to enable women's organizations to collaborate to foster their growth, said a press release.
The deadline for applications is July 1. Grants will be awarded July 15. For further information, contact Sheila Bracy at 508-696-8880. Applications are available at the WE office or online at www.women-empowered.org.
Cronig's and Eco MV team up on packaging
In a move to reduce its environmental impact, Cronig's Market has teamed up with Eco MV to replace all Styrofoam packaging used in the meat, deli, and produce departments with compostable packaging made from unbleached bulrush fiber.
Cronig's Market owner Steve Bernier estimates the entire conversion process will be completed in the next three months, with the support of Eco MV.
Styrofoam is a petroleum byproduct and has a landfill life of more than 3,000 years. Bulrush fiber packaging, however, is made from a wild grass and can be composted.
"Working with Eco MV on this project doesn't reduce our costs, but we have to take this step forward for our Island and our planet," Mr. Bernier said in the press release.
Mr. Martin said his company is proud to help Cronig's Market and other retailers discover why the new packaging is worth the extra cost and how they can make a difference.
"We can't compete with Styrofoam on price, but we simply can't afford to live with it," Mr. Martin said.
Cronig's Market operates full-service grocery stores in West Tisbury and Vineyard Haven, as well as Healthy Additions in Vineyard Haven, which carries natural supplements and home and personal care products.
Eco MV, located at 151 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, researches, tests, and sells biodegradable, non-toxic, animal-friendly products for personal care, home, and office.
Italian restaurant opens at The Charlotte Inn
Il Tesoro at the Terrace, a new restaurant specializing in fine Italian cuisine, will open in The Charlotte Inn, on Summer Street in Edgartown. Chef and owner is AJ Black.
Il Tesoro (The Treasure) - is a lifelong dream of Mr. Black, who has an extensive culinary background that includes ownership of several restaurants in Rome and on Sanibel Island on Florida, according to a press release. For information, call 508-939-3840.
Jean Kelleher is a "green" broker
The National Association of Realtors has awarded Jean Kelleher of Kelleher Real Estate its new "Green" designation, according to a press release.
To earn the designation, she completed an 18-hour course designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability in relation to real estate and overall home and office management.
Kelleher Real Estate is offering a valuable Energy Savers Booklet created by the U.S. Dept. of Energy that features valuable tips for saving energy and money at home, including home electronics, gas mileage tips and renewable energy options at home. For more information, call 508-693-8000.
Martha's Vineyard Glassworks revamps business
Martha's Vineyard Glassworks is now open year-round. Several changes have been made in the studio to satisfy the demand for artists' glasswork and to promote energy efficiency in its production, according to a press statement.
The studio's website (mvglassworks.com) will now have a blog, which will give artists and art-lovers a venue to discuss the evolution of work from idea to execution, as well as share thoughts on energy efficiency and new products and techniques for glass blowing.
MV Glassworks has also been working with engineers and glassblowers across the country to create an innovative, more environmentally friendly, glass furnace system that will help reduce costly propane usage.
For more information, contact Martha's Vineyard Glassworks at 508-693-6026.
Magazines spotlight Island fashion designer
The summer issues of Yankee and Cape Cod Life, two regional magazines, have singled out Stina Sayre of Vineyard Haven for her European-style clothing.
Yankee gave Stina Sayre Design its Editor's Choice Award for "best couture for aspirational shoppers."
Cape Cod Life named Stina Sayre Design a Martha's Vineyard Gold Winner for "best women's clothing."
Ms. Sayre's shop and design studio are located across from The Black Dog Tavern on Beach Street Extension. For more information, visit www.stinasayre.com.
Corrections
The story about the Vineyard Artisans Festival, published on June 11, "Artisans Festival bigger than ever," incorrectly reported that Slice of Life Café provided food at the festival. In fact, Café, by Sweet Life, is catering the event.
