Donations Lagging, Sizzle of Fireworks May End This Year

By JAMES KINSELLA

For more than three decades, the Oak Bluffs Firemen's Civic Association fireworks have served as the unofficial notice that the Vineyard summer is drawing to a close.

This year, the fireworks, a 45-minute spectacular scheduled to get under way around 9 tonight, may be serving notice that they themselves are coming to an end.

Citizen Kennedy: Proudly American

General Contractor Arnold F. Kennedy Hails from Brazil

By JAMES KINSELLA

You know when Arnold F. Kennedy is coming down the road. He's driving a blue Ford Econoline 250, with yellow letters hand-painted on the van's side that say, "Arnold F. Kennedy, General Contractor." Then there's the phone number and the fax number, and a big four-petal flower that looks like a lotus but more likely is meant to be a clover. An American flag on paper is taped inside the back window.

Two Freight Boats Fail on Busy Weekend

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

The nearly simultaneous failure Saturday evening of the two Steamship Authority freight vessels on the Vineyard route stranded about 200 people Saturday evening and Sunday morning - 100 people each in Vineyard Haven and Woods Hole.

Library Curators Puzzle Over Many Rare Maps Still Missing

By JAMES KINSELLA

Officials from libraries whose rare maps were targeted for theft by Chilmark resident E. Forbes Smiley 3rd plan met yesterday in New Haven, Conn., to discuss concerns with federal officials that he may know something about a number of maps that remain missing.

Library representatives participated in closed-door meetings yesterday with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's office.

Private Ferry Companies Draw Increasing Share of Passengers

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

The popularity of Steamship Authority ferries with trucks continues to grow.

But the number of people riding the Authority ferries compared with last year is essentially flat. The number of automobiles, which the boat line defines as including sport utility vehicles, has dipped a bit.

Middle East Queries for Jody Powell Are Few

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

Joseph (Jody) Powell Jr., who served as press secretary to President Jimmy Carter, can understand that some restrictions on gun ownership are reasonable.

And Mr. Powell can see why some Americans, especially Americans of African descent, would not necessarily be fond of the Confederate flag.