Super Tuesday Notes

On Tuesday night voters will gather in four of the six Vineyard towns to conduct their annual town meetings. Town meetings are one of the oldest — and some say purest — forms of democracy. The origins of town meeting as an early spring affair date to a time when such meetings were scheduled around the agrarian life and calendar: this was a convenient time for farmers.

The Most Valuable Things

World and national affairs have moved a little closer to the Island these days. The state of the country is affecting everyone, rich and poor, young and old. And all hopes are now pinned on President Obama as he navigates a minefield of global and domestic problems so enormous, so beyond the grasp of everyday life that ordinary citizens can only sit back and read and watch in awe and wonder — and more than a little trepidation.

But happily the news is not all bad.

Seasonal Shuffle Again

Now begins a yearly ritual: the search for affordable summer rentals. College students from around the world are already searching for arrangements. Those attempting to work the Island tourist season for the first time are often unaware of how daunting this can be, and they leave it for after the spring semester, or, worse for them, until they arrive on Island.

Thoughtful Disposal

Moore’s Law states that “the number of transistors and resistors on a microchip doubles every 18 months.” It’s technobabble to most of us, but its effect is real enough: our gizmos go obsolete every one and one-half years.

With the rise in popularity of gadgets like iPods and high-definition televisions, even the most frugal Island residents may find a growing cache of old technology collecting dust in the basement.

Beach Renourishment Stimulus

Vineyarders got their own shovels ready and recently delivered their own stimulus package to the area’s most critical infrastructure: the beach. Over a hundred volunteers planted beach grass on Joseph Sylvia State Beach, and crews followed them with dibbles at Bend in the Road beach in the days following. The community turnout showed a devotion to these sandy places that so enhance our lives, livelihoods and pursuit of happiness.

Luther Madison: 1924-2009

Luther Madison was Medicine Man to his people, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), for decades until his death last Thursday. This role he inherited from his father Luther took to heart, not only in traditional and ceremonial ways but also in everyday acts of gentle healing that reached beyond the bounds of tribe and town.