In an effort to bring relief to some Cape and Islands residents who already pay some of the highest home insurance premiums in the nation, state Rep. Eric T. Turkington earlier this week filed a bill that would institute a cap on future increases to the so-called FAIR plan, the state-backed insurer of last resort for many Vineyarders.

Edward (Big Ed) Johnson is not physically large. In fact Mr. Johnson, who is serving a life sentence for gang-related homicide, looks wispy standing next to some of his fellow inmates. The origin of his nickname is likely wrapped up in the fact, as a convict at Donaldson Correctional Facility, Alabama’s highest security prison, he was a gang-leader in a prison populated by violent criminals.

That is, until taking part in the Vipassana Buddhist meditation program that forms the centerpiece of the documentary The Dhamma Brothers.

Calling All Artists

Preparations have begun for this year’s Annual Friends of Family Planning Art Show Benefit, which is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend from May 23 to 25. The event gala on May 22 is known to be a great showcase for new work of all kinds.

Show organizers are inviting new artists to participate. Paintings, all media and furniture, pottery, three-dimensional art, jewelry and weaving are encouraged.

Cook Moroccan

Dinner goes global this week when Jan Buhrman of Kitchen Porch Catering in Chilmark demystifies Moroccan cooking on Wednesday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Chilmark library. The title of her free cooking demonstration is Moroccan Staples and Spices: Preserved Lemons and Tagines.