News
Farm Pond, the 42-acre great salt pond that hugs the edge of the Harthaven section of Oak Bluffs along Beach Road, is ailing and at risk due to too much nitrogen, a draft study for the ongoing Massachusetts Estuaries Project concludes.
The draft report, which is now circulating among town leaders and water quality planners, also finds that rehabilitation of the pond is easily within reach and could be largely accomplished by significantly widening the culvert that allows tidal exchange between the pond and Nantucket Sound.
Even before she stepped on the Vineyard as the new minister of the Unitarian-Universalist Society of Martha’s Vineyard, Rev. Jill Cowie believed a deep spiritual power lies within those who live in an island community.
“Islands? Because there are distinct boundaries, I think it helps people create identities that are deeper. It makes people feel special about themselves. I think it also brings a level of commitment to life,” she said.
“When you live in a suburb or in Boston, you can start to feel diluted.”
Serving Hands (formerly called Surplus Food) will begin its 2010-2011 food distribution this week, on Wednesday, Oct. 20.
All distributions will take place at the First Baptist Church Parish House in Vineyard Haven. The parish house is the small building on William street right next to the church. The doors will open promptly at 1:30 (please do not arrive before 1:15, as another group uses the church) and close at 3 p.m. Food will be distributed until we run out. If you have a pantry card, please bring it.
Edgartown selectmen are exploring possible sites for an ambitious solar panel project that if built could provide power to all the town’s municipal buildings.
Class CDL Driving Test
The Registry of Motor Vehicles will now offer Class CDL driving tests on the Vineyard. Anyone needing a Class CDL license or wishing to renew a license should contact the registry on Island to get their name on the list.
“This is a great thing for Island companies and their drivers, as it will save a great deal of time and money necessitated by traveling off-Island” said state representative Timothy Madden. He cited Dukes County manager Russell Smith for his efforts to address the issue.
In recognition of National Protect Your Identity week, Oct. 17 to 22, Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank is urging customers to pay particular attention to identity theft prevention. Bank president Christopher Wells encourages customers to follow some simple steps to avoid becoming a victim:
Shred or tear up statements and other personal information. Criminals may be able to get access to your accounts and personal information by “dumpster diving” (retrieving canceled checks, deposit receipts or bank statements from dumpsters or trash bins).