Alex Elvin
West Tisbury opened its town meeting with a tribute to Patrick Gregory. Getting down to business, voters approved a $16.9 million budget, with all but one of the 42 articles passing. Short of a quorum on the second night, the meeting was reconvened for next week.
At 10:33 a.m. Thursday, the automated double-cannon beacon installed in the Gay Head Light in 1989 stopped spinning and the iconic red-and-white signal went out. A temporary beacon has been installed nearby while the lighthouse is moved.
Following a period of financial confusion, the Aquinnah selectmen this week accepted the resignations of the town accountant and treasurer. Kimberly Brown, who was hired last year, submitted her letter of resignation in March. Peter Graczykowski, the town treasurer and human resources director, announced a short time later that he would resign to take another job. Both were part-time positions.
A steady stream of visitors on Saturday made one last visit to the Gay Head Light, which will soon be moved 190 feet from the eroding cliffs looking out toward Cuttyhunk and Rhode Island in the distance.
The Healthy Aging Task Force, a coalition of more than 70 volunteers and 37 organizations, has spent the last two years working to identify areas of need. Voters will be asked to approve funding for information and referral services at town meetings Tuesday.
In preparing for his first appearance as West Tisbury town moderator, Dan Waters has been doing his homework.