SSA Bill Issued by Committee

Joint Committee on Transportation Releases Revised Version of Bill with Changes to Makeup of Boatline Board

By JULIA WELLS

A legislative bill to reorganize the Steamship Authority board of governors emerged from the Joint Committee on Transportation this week, markedly changed and reshaped to put more distance between New Bedford and the public boat line that is the lifeline to the two Islands.

Getting out was hard.

Martha's Vineyard Commission Responds to Technical Problems

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Amid a ripple of allegations about possible open meeting law violations on two separate fronts, leaders at the Martha's Vineyard Commission this week turned to their attorney for help.

Eric Wodlinger, a partner at Choate Hall & Stewart in Boston, recommended that the commission follow the advice of the Cape and Islands district attorney and take a second vote on the written decision for the Down Island Golf club plan.

SSA Board Finds New Harmony; Cancels New Bedford Freight Run

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

After months of divisive board relations and bruising politics, the Steamship Authority governors cemented a new harmony yesterday, tackling the business of the boat line on a variety of fronts from New Bedford to Nantucket with virtually no discord.

"The tone of this meeting is fantastic. What a change," declared Nat Lowell, a Nantucket trucker who regularly attends boat line meetings.

$1.8 Million Gift from Graham Estate Supports Work of Island Hospice Agency

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, the singular program that quietly provides free care to terminally ill patients and their families on the Island, is now set to receive a stunning gift of $1.8 million from the estate of the late Katharine Graham.

Named as one of several beneficiaries of a charitable remainder trust, Hospice is the sole Martha's Vineyard charity to receive a gift from Mrs. Graham's estate.

The Martha's Vineyard Commission last night affirmed its decision to reject the Down Island Golf Club plan, but not before a minor fracas around an