After nearly six months without an executive director, the Martha's Vineyard Commission took the first step Sunday toward securing a seasoned Montreal planner for its top administrative post.

Eight commission members voted unanimously to recommend to the full commission that Canadian planner Mark London be hired as executive director.

A divided Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission quietly postponed any action last night on a controversial deal that is aimed at converting 273 acres of Oak Bluffs woodlands to a private luxury golf course and an array of private homes, the Gazette has learned.

The land bank is now under pressure to approve a proposed conservation component of the development deal for the southern woodlands, the last unbroken stretch of oak and pine forest in the town of Oak Bluffs.

Vineyard Ice Arena Launches Final Step in Expansion Drive

By JOSHUA SABATINI

After more than 20 years of undergoing structural improvement in stages, the Martha's Vineyard Arena is just one step away from becoming a first-rate facility.

That final step is the addition of locker rooms with showers and bathrooms. With just a little bit of financial help, arena patrons will see the facility's final piece put into place.

Hottest Fair in History Wins Cheers from Public

Sweltering Weather Drops Attendance to 25,000 Visitors

By ALEXIS TONTI

Two days after the close of the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair, the blue reentry stamp still won't quite wash off. The ink's durability through sweat and swim and shower is pretty amazing - and a bit frustrating - but ultimately a good thing. Most everyone left and returned, and that stamp was their ticket back in.

The activity filling the roadways in West Tisbury yesterday morning could only mean one thing: The 141st annual Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Soci

President Clinton Returns for Short Visit

Former President William Clinton will arrive on Martha's Vineyard today for a long weekend with his wife, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), and daughter Chelsea.

The family will stay at the Chilmark home of Kenneth H. Iscol, a cellular-telephone industry executive. Mr. Clinton will celebrate his 56th birthday here on Monday.

The Clintons first visited the Island in 1993 and except for 1996 have returned to its shores every year since.