Commencement 2009

On Sunday afternoon two hundred graduating seniors will march down the aisle of the historic Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs as the strains of Pomp and Circumstance float out into the warm June seaside air.

Shelter Open for Business

Trent the gentle giant is a two-year-old neutered Great Dane who needs a home. He’s friendly and loves kids. A large yard (and dog bed) are required. Make that very large.

The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, formerly the MSPCA, has been steam cleaned, repainted and is open for business again at the same location in Edgartown. In addition to Trent, the shelter currently has Felix, a tuxedo cat.

Editor’s Note: The following letter was sent to Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and Montana Sen. Max Baucus by President Barack Obama on June 2 following a meeting between the President and a group of key senators about health care reform. In remarks beforehand the President said: “So we can’t afford to put this off, and the dedicated public servants who are gathered here today understand that and they are ready to get going, and this window between now and the August recess I think is going to be the make-or-break period.

Day’s End on Eel Pond

Sunlight falls through holes in the clouds

spotlighting the marsh grass here and not there,

whitening a sail out on the water, leaving

others in shadow, shining the transom

of the moored cat boat, its bow disappearing.

The bobwhite calls its name without knowing it.

Sparrows and swallows, fussing and twittering.

line up like deacons on the deck railing,

The following was sent to the Edgartown selectmen:

As your appointed representative to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, it is my duty to respond to the statements made by Mr. Smadbeck as reported by the Vineyard Gazette on Friday, June 5. My experience with the commission over the last eight and a half years has given me a perspective that I feel is important to share with you now.

PAY THE COMMISSION

Editors, Vineyard Gazette: