Health Insurance Check

Individuals who purchase health insurance on their own have until August 15 to take advantage of the last open enrollment period this year.

Open enrollment is the only time those consumers can switch or change plans. If their current coverage expires outside of the open enrollment period, the only option for coverage will be to renew the same plan.

The commercial season for striped bass ended this past Wednesday. The closure came when fisheries managers estimated that the 1,061,898-pound quota had been taken in Massachusetts. The season ran short this year.

Last year the 1.12 million-pound quota was taken at the conclusion of the third week of August. The fishery was closed on August 22.

Recreational fishing for striped bass continues. Anglers are required to possess a state saltwater recreational fishing license. They are allowed a bag limit of two fish per day; the minimum size is 28 inches.

Insurance Upgrade

Martha’s Vineyard Insurance Agency has appointed William (Bill) Brown as president of the agency.

Mr. Brown, a graduate from Ricker College in Maine, began his career at Martha’s Vineyard Insurance Agency in 1984 as a producer and later as a manager of the Edgartown office. He has been vice president for more than 15 years. As president, he will oversee and manage the agency’s three Island offices, while maintaining his service relationships with existing accounts.

Hello, Jazaiah

Jaime Bodreau and Marvelous Brown of Edgartown announce the birth of a son, Jazaiah Marvelous Brown, born on August 8, 2011, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Jazaiah weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at birth.

Welcome Louis

Sarah Toste and Louis G. Slingerland 4th, of Oak Bluffs, announce the birth of a son, Louis G. Slingerland 5th, born on August 5, 2011, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Louis weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces at birth.

Dean’s List

Daniel R. Cuff of Oak Bluffs, son of Donna Bouchard and the late Richard V. Cuff, has been named to the dean’s list at University of Massachusetts Amherst for spring 2011. Daniel is double-majoring in psychology and theatre.