Democracy doesn’t work without competitive elections in which different points of view can be heard.

On Saturday evening, the Minnesinger parent group hosted its first annual mid-winter ball and gala at the Harbor View Hotel. The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Minnesingers and their director Janis Wightman wish to thank the parents and all the volunteers for their many hours of time and tireless efforts.

The Island has lost the original dog whisperer with the death of George (Sonny) Jackson.

Last year there were no contested offices in any of our six towns on the Vineyard during the spring elections. Now is the time for people to start thinking about serving on a local board or committee for the coming year.

Wow! Gratitude and thanks to the fabulous response from the Tisbury police, the Tisbury fire department and NStar when a large plume of smoke appeared at the electrical wiring junction outside our house.

At this point it’s silly to offer an opening date. That said, if it isn’t in February, we will donate $1,000 to the Martha’s Vineyard Boys’ and Girls’ Club. If it isn’t March, we will donate $10,000. April? They can have the restaurant.