In their first chance to provide input on the design for a replacement for the aging Lagoon Pond drawbridge, Vineyard residents last week sounded off on subjects ranging from aesthetics to mechanics at a public planning session held at the Tisbury Senior Center.

Tisbury Selectmen End Chief's Tenure

By MAX HART

Citing an irreconcilable dispute over compensation, the Tisbury selectmen quietly moved to not renew their contract with police chief Theodore (Ted) A. Saulnier nearly two months ago.

The board informed Chief Saulnier of the decision in a letter dated June 29, one day before his three-year contract expired.

It may be only a few minutes shy of 10:30 in the morning, but as Rocky Magnuson reminds the stream of people walking by, it's never too early to enjoy a little kettle corn.

Tashmoo Boaters Bump Up Against Rule Enforcement

By MAX HART

Stricter enforcement of town waterways regulations has caused some ripples in the boating community in Vineyard Haven in recent weeks.

Among other things, the Tisbury board of selectmen has heard a litany of complaints over stepped-up boating regulations in Lake Tashmoo. A new mooring grid system coupled with a more aggressive enforcement campaign has longtime boaters and residents of this quiet inland harbor voicing their displeasure.

It is the crescendoing sound of summer, the shouts and giggles of children outmatched only by a chorus of tractors and generators humming and chugging in the distance.

It is the sweet smells of August, of cotton candy, fried dough, greasy hamburgers and sticky sno-cones mixing in the thick afternoon air.

It is the centrifugal force of the Sizzler, the lofty arch of the ferris wheel and the rush of air on the face as bodies move higher and faster toward the sky.