The Dukes County Commission this week unveiled a financial plan for the takeover of the Island’s only animal shelter, the Katharine M. Foote memorial shelter in Edgartown, after the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pulls up stakes and leaves the Island at the end of this week.

The plan would use a mix of contributions from the towns and fund-raisers to keep the facility, already renamed the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, in business.

Isadora Arrives

Alexsandra Andrade Silva and Silas Cordeiro of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Isadora Andrade Cordeiro, born on April 20, 2009, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Isadora weighed 6 pounds, 10.2 ounces at birth.

Apparently the latest victim of the Wall Street meltdown, the Inn at Blueberry Hill in Chilmark will not open this summer, the Gazette has learned.

Tisbury voters face a relatively straightforward task at their annual town election on Tuesday, with no particularly controversial ballot questions, and few election contests.

Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall.

What would have been the major contest of the election — that of selectman — was decided some six weeks ago.

Tisbury attorney Geoghan Coogan had planned to run against the incumbent, Denys Wortman, but when Mr. Wortman heard of it, he promptly decided not to re-contest the seat.

Blood Drive Tuesday

The next Martha’s Vineyard Community Blood Drive will be Tuesday, April 28, at the Portuguese American Club on Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Valid identification is required. Free pizza and a chance to win Red Sox tickets are available to all donors. To make an appointment, call 1-800-448-3543.

Anne Mayhew of Sandpiper Rentals Inc. has successfully completed the Realtor e-Pro course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of Realtors.

The course is designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the rental, purchase or sale of a home.

More than 70 per cent of consumers begin their real estate research on the Internet.