Transportation Forum Grapples with Growth; Vineyard Future Requires Thoughtful Planning

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The subject was transportation planning, but in the end it was a night for thinking out loud about growth and all of its attendant contradictions on an Island seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts.

Chief of Police Is Nominated in Oak Bluffs

By JONATHAN BURKE

Erik Blake was appointed acting police chief in Oak Bluffs by a unanimous vote of the board of selectmen Tuesday night.

Who needs Broadway when you live year-round on Martha's Vineyard?

Dukes County Manager Quits

Carol Borer Suddenly Leaves Post After Retirement Pay Package Dispute and Commitment to Serve in Transition

By JONATHAN BURKE

Staff arriving at work yesterday at the airport county administration office yesterday got a surprise - the office of Dukes County manager Carol Borer was empty and she was gone.

Mrs. Borer had announced plans to retire at year's end two months ago, but at that time she agreed to stay on as temporary manager and to assist in the transition to a successor.

Vineyard Haven Hosts New Year Festival

By C.K. WOLFSON

Perhaps nature was conspiring against Island holiday celebrations by subjecting First Day activities in Vineyard Haven Wednesday to the same chilly rain that dampened the Christmas weekend in Edgartown. Town streets were almost deserted, stores darkened and colors faded to gray.

But nature was no match for the laughing, energetic children who were entertained at the town's churches and gathering places. It was a day that owed its brightness to the smiles of Island children and their parents.

Now that heavy rain and snow have arrived, last year's dry summer is a distant memory. In fact, the Island ended up with more rainfall than usual in 2002.