News in Brief

Posted September 21, 2006

Woman dies after ocean swim in Chilmark

A 64-year-old woman who was reported struggling in the ocean, along with two other swimmers, off the barrier beach that is part of the Land Bank's Chilmark Pond Preserve off South Road, was pronounced dead at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital Tuesday afternoon.

As of press time yesterday, Chilmark Police Chief Timothy S. Rich said he would not release the woman's name until it became available through a public source other than the hospital, because of medical privacy restrictions. He did confirm that she was visiting the Island from her home in Pleasant, New York.

According to a press release from the Chilmark Police Department, Chilmark police officers, and fire and emergency medical personnel responded to a call at 12:19 pm. Three people were having trouble swimming. The ocean surf was reported to be moderately rough at the time.

While the emergency personnel were en route, they received an update that the swimmers were out of the water, and that one woman was unconscious and not breathing, with cardiopulmonary resuscitation being performed on her by a bystander.

Firemen and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) reached the woman by using all-terrain vehicles from the Lucy Vincent Beach parking lot and by boat across Chilmark Pond.

She was transported from the beach in an Oak Bluffs EMS 4 x 4 vehicle to the beach parking lot where she was transferred to a Tri-Town ambulance and taken to Martha's Vineyard Hospital.

New West Tisbury paths under construction

A new section of roadside path along State Road in West Tisbury should be ready for use in about two weeks, according to William Haynes, Paths Beside the Roadway chairman. The four-foot-wide paved path now under construction will extend 3,350 feet from South Indian Hill Rd. to Rogers Path near the old Vineyard Food Shop, known familiarly as Humphreys.

The path will link with an unpaved Land Bank path between South Indian Hill Road and Island Farms, making a continuous mile and half stretch from the Charter School, Mr. Haynes said. "I'm hoping the Land Bank will improve their path," he added.

White Bros.-Lynch Corp. is contractor for the $93,955 project, which is being paid for by the town of West Tisbury. County engineer Stephen Berlucchi designed and engineered the plans for the project. The new path is part of an ongoing path project.

Oak Bluffs officer competes in memorial race

To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, officer J.J. Mendez represented the Oak Bluffs Police Department at a unique motocross event held last week. The two-day 9/11 Memorial Race started on that historic date, and drew racers from all over the United States and Canada.

The competition took place at Frozen Ocean Motorsports Complex in Auburn, N.Y, and at the end of the competition all fire and police racers signed a plaque that was presented to New York City officials and will be part of the Ground Zero Memorial.

The one-time Memorial Race was part of the Fire and Police Motocross National Series, now in its 20th season. The organization is comprised of fire and police personnel representing departments all over the United States and Canada. Races are held throughout the year.

After racing motocross for five years, Mr. Mendez has reached amateur status in the New England Sports Committee racing organization. He came away with three silver metals from the Memorial Race.

Business Brief

Fitness trainer joins Mansion House health club staff

Fitness trainer Ann Richards has joined the Mansion House Health Club fitness staff. Ms. Richards is the former owner of Fitness Firm and brings considerable expertise to the job that will benefit inn guests and club members, according to a press release announcing her addition to the staff.

"Even one scheduled session can provide the template and jumpstart towards a healthier workout," said the press release.

For more information or to schedule a workout, call 508-693-2200.