Nancy Gardella, the new executive director of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, had a lesson in Island living shortly after moving here and starting her job last month.

Eighteen years ago, when Cronig's Market and Up-Island Cronig's owner Stephen Bernier first decided to open his grocery stores on Sundays through the off-season, he was met with outrage in the community.

Nonprofit Collaborative Tracks Charitable Giving on Vineyard

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

A new study shows that philanthropic giving to many Island-based nonprofit organizations fell from 2003 to 2004.

The study, conducted by the Martha's Vineyard Donors Collaborative, is based on the filings that the organizations are required to do with the Internal Revenue Service as part of their nonprofit status.

Hospital Plan Peppered with Questions

By IAN FEIN

Neighbors last week aired concerns about plans for the new $42 million Martha's Vineyard Community Hospital, while other Island residents asked pointed questions about the wisdom of rebuilding such a critical facility on the vulnerable 13-acre property off Beach Road in the Eastville section of Oak Bluffs.

The comments came during a public information session hosted by the Martha's Vineyard Commission last Thursday at the Tisbury senior center.

Hurricane Katrina Anniversary Stirs Memories

Vineyard Residents Who Helped Vividly Recall Battered Region

By TOM DRESSER

During the eight years that former West Tisbury teaching assistant Jill Dresser (who is my daughter) lived in New Orleans, the common refrain she heard was that it was a doomed city, a bowl that had sunk below water. Potholes were frequently seen gushing up water. Rain storms quickly became momentary afternoon floods. And there always was talk of The Big One.

Police Arrest Tisbury Man in Connection with Assault

Police last night apprehended a Vineyard Haven man in connection with a violent sexual assault that took place in the early morning hours Monday at the home of a 36-year-old woman.