News
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for critical fire conditions in a broad area of New England that includes the southeastern region and Dukes County. The warning will remain in effect through Monday night, the weather service said in an advisory. Low humidity levels and high wind conditions have combined to create hazardous conditions. “State fire weather managers have informed us that any fires that develop Monday will have the potential to spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” the advisory said.
CBS newsman Mike Wallace, a longtime resident of the Vineyard who had been coming to the Island since childhood, died late Saturday at the age of 93. The television anchorman was a familiar figure here in the summer months, where he had owned a home on Hatch Road in Vineyard Haven until late last year. The neighborhood where Mr. Wallace lived was famously dubbed Writers’ Row because the late Art Buchwald, John Hersey and William Styron lived there along with Mr. Wallace; all were friends.
Catch the brass ring! By long tradition, the Flying Horses Carousel in the heart of Oak Bluffs opened its doors for the season on Easter weekend. This marks the 137th year of operation for the carousel, the oldest in the nation. Built in 1876 by Charles T. Dare, an amusement park manufacturer and hobby horse carver, it is one of only two Dare carousels left in existence. The other is in Watch Hill, R.I. The Flying Horses will be open on Easter Sunday and daily during school vacation week from April 16 to 22. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Bunch of Grapes, the landmark Vineyard Haven bookstore that has been the go-to place for Islanders and summer visitors alike — including sitting U.S. presidents — to buy their books for more than 40 years, will relocate, owner Dawn Braasch said.
Ms. Braasch has signed a lease with the Hall family to take over the Bowl and Board building across the street from the bookstore. The move will be complete by Memorial Day or at the latest mid-June, she said.
The former longtime chief probation officer for Suffolk superior court was sentenced to three to five years in prison on Friday on drug charges that occurred on the Vineyard.
Milton Britton Sr., 66, pleaded guilty in Dukes county superior court to possessing class B drugs (cocaine) with intent to distribute.
Beatles Play Vineyard
Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. the Beatles are playing the Vineyard. Look closely and the Fab Four may resemble some local favorite musicians playing under the auspices of the Daytrippers, but close your eyes and be transported.
The concert takes place at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the regional high school and is, in fact, a benefit concert for the PAC. The funds will be used to maintain and upgrade existing sound equipment and musical instruments in need of repair.