News
Chief medicine man Luther T. Madison blessed the latest ambulance of the tri-town fleet in a ceremony held on the lawn of the tribal administration building on Sept. 17. Present were tribal members, members of tribal council, tribal staff, tri-town emergency medical technicians, Aquinnah selectmen, Aquinnah fire chief Walter Delaney and Aquinnah police chief Randhi Belain.
Growth is on the horizon for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, the largest human service provider on the Island. A new strategic plan released this week announced plans for increased funding, larger facilities and expanded programs.
“The strategic plan is something we’ve put a lot of time and thought into,” community services executive director Julia Burgess said yesterday. “I think we’re going to be strong in the future. We will be able to meet the needs of the Island community on firm footing.”
It was a day for schooners at the annual Pat West gaff-rigged and schooner race on Saturday. Twelve boats competed, and when it was all over, three big schooners took the top prizes.
Jim Lobdell of the well-known 42-foot Alden schooner Malabar II was the winner overall.
Second place went to the 65-foot Island-built Juno, captained by Scott DiBasio, and third place went to the 50-foot Perception, captained by Jamie Weisman.
The Soul Doctors are hosting the Second Vineyard Triathlon for Kids and Teams on Saturday, Sept. 27. There will be categories for different age groups and for teams, with very small courses beginning in Lagoon Pond and looping around Hines Point.
Those wishing to have a parent or peer go with them, or those who may need some support, are encouraged to enter the team category. Teams are permitted to get themselves through the course any way they see fit — so be creative. Adults who feel compelled may do the course at the end.
Larger striped bass moved closer to shore in the past weekend, as the 63rd annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby entered its second week. The month-long fishing contest continues through Saturday, Oct. 18.
This morning, you could have seen the smallest wavelet left by a fish at the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority wharf. The water was a flat calm, and mirrored the overhead deep blue sky. The sun cast long shadows across the wharf and more than 200 youngsters stood along the rails trying to catch fish.