Last summer the eminently credible Walter Cronkite was correct as usual when he predicted, "I'm expecting him to be right up on that platform as he's been all these years, so I'm not going to waste any tears."

Art Buchwald, succumbing to the request of Possible Dreams cochairmen Kerry Scott and Amy Eisenlohr, has rescinded the decision he made in August to step down as auctioneer of the high stakes fundraiser for Martha's Vineyard Community Services.

For Conservation Commission, a Tangled Issue in Pond Docks

By MANDY LOCKE

The West Tisbury conservation commission must now act as judge and jury for a key town leader - sorting through selectman Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter's request to permit four docks in Tisbury Great Pond that he has been using for years.

The verdict must come down within three weeks, and the conservation commission - a board appointed by selectmen - isn't quite sure how to sort through the mess.

Here's what they know:

Oak Bluffs Results Were a Surprise - Is Healing of Long Battle Under Way?

By Julia Wells

In Oak Bluffs the landscape has changed, and it's not just the daffodils and day lilies. In this seaside town of honky tonk and gingerbread and emerald parks, the landscape of local politics has also suddenly changed.

Boat Line Chief Triggers Contract Talks

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

A gnarly two-year struggle over issues of governance and lines of authority came to a new head last week when Steamship Authority chief executive officer Fred C. Raskin launched a process that may lead to his resignation - and a hefty severance deal to boot.

Mr. Raskin gave written notice to the boat line board last week that he intends to terminate what is called a readjustment period under the complicated terms of his contract.

Safe Haven: Special Camp Lets Kids Live in the Moment

By C.K. WOLFSON

A clothesline of colored towels flutters like Tibetan prayer flags. Two campers nap on the sun-warmed sand of the volleyball court. Others bundle together, all elbows and skinny legs, on a slowly swinging glider, or sprawl like soft sculptures on couches in the common room of the youth hostel.

West Tisbury Stays in District, Approves Spending Increases

By CHRIS BURRELL

In the end, it was all about distrusting the numbers. Against a backdrop of confusion over whether exiting the Up-Island Regional School District would save money or cost money, West Tisbury voters this week demanded an independent cost analysis.