A New Hampshire man drowned in strong ocean surf Saturday afternoon at Quansoo Beach in Chilmark near the manmade cut in the barrier beach between Tisbury Great Pond and the ocean.

Lawrence Shedd, 49, was pronounced dead at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital just after 3:30 p.m.

An eyewitness called 911 around 2 p.m. to report a swimmer in trouble, although there was some initial confusion about the location and rescue workers went first to the West Tisbury side of the pond opening, Chilmark police said. When it was discovered that Mr.

Announcing Eben

Rebecca and Eamonn Solway of West Tisbury announce the birth of a son, Eben Davis Solway, born on July 21, 2009, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Eben weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces at birth. Big sister Lyla welcomed him home.

Announcing Audrey

Courtney and Neil Atkins of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Audrey Page Atkins, born on July 23rd, 2009 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Audrey weighed 8 pounds, 14.4 ounces at birth.

David Stanwood, an Island piano tuner and inventor who lives at Lambert’s Cove in West Tisbury, recently attended and lectured at the Annual Institute of the Piano Technicians Guild, held this year in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Cong. Bill Delahunt has announced the award of $3.2 million in federal funding for a variety of affordable housing projects and programs on the Cape and Islands.

Endicott Dean’s List

David L. Bouck of West Tisbury and Allison L. Silva of Vineyard Haven were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2009 semester at Endicott College.