Land Bank Authorizes Beach Management Plan Despite Neighbors' Doubt

By IAN FEIN

Longtime Tisbury Great Pond beach owners told the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank this week that its plans for the barrier beach will drastically alter the traditional use of that stretch of the south shore.

Island residents have long enjoyed casual use of the Great Pond beach, but the land bank plan will create the first formal public access.

Robert Gatchell doesn't mind the large utility bill he'll have to pay for the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, when his otherwise normal house at the corner of County Road and Carole Lane is transformed into a magical kingdom of caroling penguins and dancing Santas.

May Season's Peace Start in Our Hearts and Spread Into Our World

By REV. Dr. JOHN SCHULE
Special to the Gazette

Once again, it is that time of the year when the darkness is shattered with the light of the angelic chorus: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." And yet, as the sophomore class at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School recently reminded us in the Vineyard Gazette: "Peace on Earth Remains Elusive."

It took just 13 minutes for the state of Massachusetts to end more than 80 years of independence for the Martha's Vineyard hospital, and transfer ownership to the state's biggest health care provider.

Some unpack prolific menorah collections, many make latkes, others make doughnuts and most buy presents - but whatever a family's traditions to prepare for Hanukkah, hundreds of Islanders will light the first menorah candles at sundown this evening, the beginning of the eight-night Festival of Lights.

Momentum Builds For Energy District

by IAN FEIN

Island voters this spring will be asked whether they wish to take the Vineyard's energy future into their own hands.

Aquinnah selectman James Newman this week authored a nonbinding referendum for the coming town meeting season aimed at creating an overlay district to promote and regulate energy efficiency and renewable energy across the Island.