News
Still reeling from the revelation last week that the West Tisbury School will need over $1.5 million in repairs, on Wednesday the selectmen discussed the town’s next steps.
Selectman Cynthia Mitchell, who also serves on the capital improvements planning committee, said that the group had met on Monday to discuss the news in light of the town’s other major capital projects, including a $5 million library renovation, half of which may be covered by a state grant, and new police station that could cost the town up to $2 million.
A new affordable home buyer program is about to get under way in Edgartown, which if successful may put another dozen Islanders — who have been doing the seasonal shuffle or finding ownership just out of reach — in homes of their own. Administered by the town affordable housing committee and the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority, the so-called buy-down program will provide mortgage subsidies of up to $200,000 for income-qualified applicants, who in turn will be able to buy existing homes on the open market.
What inspires the eye behind the camera? A friend climbing in and out of tree limbs, a close-up portrait of a fellow classmate, or perhaps it is the reflection of teenaged friends playing dress-up in an attic. For Chris Baer’s photography students at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, it doesn’t matter if they take a picture digitally or with film, it’s about having a good eye and good ideas.
What Hangs in Vegas
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School junior Shelby Ferry and freshman Sarah Ortlip-Sommers recently became the first high school students to win honorable mentions from the Photo Imaging Education Association. Shelby’s photograph, titled Misconception, was one of 14 chosen from a field of more than 1,400.
Sarah and Shelby’s work will be exhibited at a photography convention in Las Vegas next fall, and then will tour internationally in schools and museums.
It looks like the way the world should look all the time: It’s noontime on a shivery cold Thursday in February, but inside the community center of Woodside Village in Oak Bluffs, the immense room is awash in light. A tall Christmas tree still holds its full regalia of ornaments, and at the piano accomplished musician Michael Haydn plays a robust Mozart sonata.
Vineyarders are set to stake their claim for a site for future wind energy generation, as the bidding process begins for wind power leases across a vast swath of federal waters south of the Island.
At a meeting last night of Vineyard Power, the cooperative set up with the aim of securing stable, renewable electricity for the Island, members were briefed on the attributes of various potential sites. They now will have about a week to vote on their preferred site.