An unprecedented set of flight restrictions for the Vineyard announced yesterday will effectively shut down Katama Airfield for the duration of the Presidential visit from August 23 to August 30, and strictly regulate air travel to and from the Martha’s Vineyard airport, according to aviation experts.

A notice to airmen of a temporary flight restriction (TRF) released online yesterday morning by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed far stricter regulations than those enforced under President Clinton.

Clunker cars are all the rage for people wishing to get a good deal in buying a new car. People wishing to get rid of their clunker who don’t want to buy a car can donate to the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. Donators can not only use the vehichle’s value as a deduction for income tax, but will be pleased to know it will help their local Boys’ and Girls’ club. If you decide to get rid of your clunker, call 1-800-246-0493.

An aerial drug sweep of the Island this month by the Massachusetts State Police and federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) task force found 169 illegal marijuana plants. Authorities are still investigating who planted the crops and have yet to make any arrests or issue summonses.

“There will be charges, maybe this week,” said state police Sergeant Jeff Stone, also head of the Martha’s Vineyard Drug Task Force. “But as of right now the investigation is ongoing.”

Blood Needed

The American Red Cross has started to see a decline in blood donations and needs your help. In recent weeks, the community blood supply has dropped below sufficient levels.

The Red Cross asks you to please consider making time to donate blood today, Tuesday, August 18, between the hours of noon and 5 p.m. at the Portuguese American Club at 137 Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs.

For an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or 1-800-4483-5433.

The Edgartown affordable housing trust has received a second of three required payments from the Edgartown Field Club, bringing the trust treasury to $1.3 million. The town affordable housing committee will hold two meetings in September to begin plans for allocating money to affordable housing projects.

Dog Training Methods

Janine Lazarus, the principal trainer for the Monks of New Skete, will be giving a training demonstration and talk at Good Dog Goods in Oak Bluffs on Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Ms. Lazarus is a renowned dog trainer with the Monks of New Skete, whose training books are considered among the best for obedience training. The event is free and all are welcome, including dogs, trained and untrained. For information call 508-696-7100.