Tax Free Weekend

The Tisbury Business Association invites all to shop in Vineyard Haven during the tax-free holiday weekend. For every purchase of $25 or more made at any Vineyard Haven business on August 15, 16 and 17, you will receive a free movie ticket good for any show at the Main street Capawock Theatre on Sunday August 17. There is a maximum of four tickets per receipt; 200 tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

West Tisbury selectmen on Wednesday approved a plan to start removing a number of dead trees around town, some of which are hanging over well-traveled roads and pathways and raising concerns about public safety.

Tree warden Jeremiah Brown told selectmen that an estimated 300 trees directly abutting public roads are threatening to drop their branches or fall over. He said approximately 30 of the trees need immediate removal. “Some of these need to be dealt with now . . . we cannot wait,” Mr. Brown said.

In keeping with a theme of innovation, the Island Affordable Housing Fund and Island Elderly Housing this week announced they will raffle off the last remaining unit in the Jenney Way affordable housing subdivision to raise money for affordable housing and programs benefitting seniors on the Vineyard.

Selectmen in Oak Bluffs are spearheading an effort to create more uniform taxi regulations and fares, which among other things could end the practice of some companies doubling their rates after closing time for Island bars and nightclubs.

Selectmen have discussed the issue at two recent meetings, and chairman Ronald DiOrio has stated publicly that stopping double taxi fares after hours should be a priority. He said the practice discourages people from taking a cab after a night of drinking.

Tripp Arrives

Hope Tripp and David Murphy of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Tripp Mason Murphy, on August 6 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Tripp weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces at birth.

Welcome Emma

Mollie Doyle and Thomas Bena of Chilmark announce the birth of a daughter, Emma Elizabeth Bena, on August 3, at Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Emma weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces at birth.