News
Efforts by the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to advance its bid for a casino license in southeastern Massachusetts were hampered this week by state and local officials who say they want more information about the tribe’s plans before taking steps that could keep the tribe in the running.
With prescription drug abuse increasing on Martha’s Vineyard, some Islanders are calling for a new course of action: awareness about the problem.
“One of the things we have to address is the use of prescription drugs,” said Tom Bennett, senior clinical advisor with the Island Counseling Center at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. “It will take a whole community effort to address this issue.”
In a few weeks, Sundays won’t be the same for Tisbury volunteer firefighters. The fire department plans to move into the new $5.5 million emergency services facility next to the Tisbury School on April 1.
While the new, spacious facility contains state-of-the-art technology and public safety equipment, there will be a bit of sentimental sadness among the firemen moving out of the old fire station. That feeling will be felt especially for those who have enjoyed many breakfasts on Sunday at the station, even though the Sunday morning breakfasts will continue.
Airport Drill
The Martha’s Vineyard Airport will conduct a mass casualty incident drill on Sunday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Multiple emergency response vehicles, flashing lights, sirens, smoke and simulated fires may be visible in the airport area during that time, and may result in traffic delays. Emergency responders from all Island towns will participate in the training.
The drill is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
In the event of severe weather the drill will be rescheduled for March 25.
While the proposed Oak Bluffs roundabout has received most of the press, Tisbury is quietly moving forward with another long-planned major traffic management infrastructure project: a proposed system of connector roads that would link Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road to State Road and bypass the summer crush in Vineyard Haven. But unlike the roundabout, the state hasn’t been forthcoming with money for the proposed $3 million project. Now it’s up to voters to decide whether to build the connector system.
Daffodil Days
Thousands of daffodils are coming to the Vineyard on Tuesday, as part of an annual fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society.
Boxes containing 11,000 flowers will arrive Tuesday morning at 10:15 a.m. on the ferry. A team of core volunteers will meet at the Steamship Authority in Vineyard Haven to collect and then distribute the budding flowers.