As soon as you meet Jim Cornwell, the adoration he has for his border collies is readily apparent. The baseball cap he wears is decorated by a lively looking border collie, while his denim shirt bears the insignia of Tash and Tama, the names of his two dogs.

Wearing flower garlands instead of caps and gowns, two girls and three boys were graduated from the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School on Saturday under a tent sheltering friends, family, teachers, administrators and alumni from the overcast sky and smell of rain that threatened a downpour - but held off for the length of the ceremony.

Aquinnah Reconvenes Town Meeting

By IAN FEIN

Aquinnah voters this week will pick up where they left off one month ago and reconvene their annual town meeting to try to adopt a balanced town budget.

The original town meeting adjourned early on May 9 when it became clear that a large contingent of voters were unhappy with the budget as presented. This week's meeting, a continuation of the chaotic first installment, will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the old town hall.

Students who have attended the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School since it first opened its doors ten years ago have a nickname - they are called charter starters. The last two members of the charter starter club - Elliot Morris and Matthew McCurdy - will graduate tomorrow. The graduating class this year numbers five, and among the two girls and three boys, there are few interests in common. Future plans do not overlap and they do not hang out together outside of school.

Hospital Ends Year Flush with Cash

By JULIA WELLS

The Martha's Vineyard Community Hospital ended its fiscal year on a high note drenched in black ink, posting a net operating gain of just over $1.5 million, more than double the gain posted last year before gifts and other income. Cash reserves are also at an all-time high at the Island's only hospital, thanks in part to a surge in volume.