Fall’s Last Call

The final days of autumn bring a hard clarity to the Vineyard. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees, whose branches trace black lace against the sky. When the sun shines cold and bright and the wind blows hard out of the northwest the water between the chops turns a deep green jade, topped by foaming whitecaps. Intrepid sea ducks surf the waves like so many boys of summer. Above the soft brown of the Island shoreline, a light blue sky rests like a theatrical backdrop.

Open Door Policy

Last month the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) chose Cheryl Andrews-Maltais to lead its sovereign nation.

In her campaign, Ms. Andrews-Maltais stressed openness, an approach that comes at a good time for the tribe and the Vineyard community beyond.

Brazilian Retreat

Immigration is a main topic for discussion in the presidential debates these days, and with the Vineyard’s own substantial population of Brazilian immigrants, it is a topic that hits very close to home.

Homemade From the Heart

Retailers expect Americans to plunk down nearly five hundred billion dollars this holiday season. Some economists argue this holiday splurge is inefficient and full of wasteful white elephant gifts.

One study tried to put a value on the sentiment of gifts.

Economists created an auction offering college students money for their Christmas presents, asking them to split their price into material and sentimental value. On average, sentimental value accounted for about half the total.

Death by Committee

The idea of forming a special commission on agriculture for the Vineyard is on the table for discussion, and while the concept of an advocacy group to promote the interests of farms and farmers is sound and timely and should be a top priority — the last thing the Island needs is another committee.

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission hosted a recent Saturday morning workshop to discuss the idea. Spokesmen from other agricultural commissions around the state spoke about their experiences.

Wise Use at the High School

Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School principal Margaret (Peg) Regan is a stand-up person who was forced to make hard choices this year about the high school budget.