The Island Alpaca Company participated in the 2009 Symposium and Fleece Event in Syracuse, New York in early February, with the submission of two of alpaca fleece blankets. Made from the super-soft prime fleece that is shorn from the backs of two different alpacas, Estrada and Angelina; these blankets were each awarded blue ribbons. In competition, fleece is judged for fineness and handle, brightness, crimp and density, lack of modulation and, finally, cleanliness. This is the third blue ribbon Estrada has taken home for his fleece alone.

Announcing Evren

Terrence and Simone McCarthy of Oak Bluffs, William and Gayle Manley and Johnny and Sandra Smith, of Tallahassee, Florida announce the birth of Evren Patrick McCarthy. Evren was born to Jeremiah and Catherine McCarthy of Oak Bluffs on February 19, 2009, weighing 8 pounds, 8.2 ounces at birth.

Water Talk

William E. Marks of Edgartown presented a 90-minute workshop titled Awakening To Water at the Conscious Life Expo in Los Angeles recently. After his presentation, Mr. Marks performed a flute meditation on stage with actor David Carradine and his Cosmic Rescue Team in the grand ballroom before a live audience with filmmakers in attendance.

The Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank board of trustees awarded $40,000 in donations at their fiscal year-end to 22 local nonprofit organizations and community groups. The donations will help fund programs in support of the arts, education, the elderly, the environment, health care and youth.

The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce has announced that applications for the 2009-2010 Jim Lambert Memorial Scholarship are available now at the Chamber office on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven. The office is directly across the street from the Tisbury fire station. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications may also be downloaded from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Web site, mvrhs.org.

Gas

You’ll be tacking on another 19 cents per gallon soon if Governor Deval Patrick has his way. But that’s okay because that tax will preclude the need to raise tolls on roads you don’t use. Wait, what? The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority just approved a set of toll hikes before the vote on the gas tax increase. Is this part of the stimulus package?

Prices for regular unleaded gas as of Feb. 25:

Edgartown

Airport Mobil2.699

Depot Corner2.599