Visitors to the Cedar Tree Neck sanctuary might see a brilliant blue starflower, a state-listed box turtle, or a chestnut-sided warbler.

Plans for a YMCA Go to Commission for Formal Review

By IAN FEIN

Proponents of the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard go before the Martha's Vineyard Commission this week with their plans for a 35,000-square-foot recreational facility behind the skate park in Oak Bluffs.

YMCA officials are hoping to break ground this fall on the community-funded project, which originated roughly five years ago with an effort to build an indoor pool.

Caterpillars Munch Away on Island

By IAN FEIN

Armies of caterpillars made their annual spring emergence on the Vineyard this week, munching away on Island foliage and swinging down on silken threads to stick to unsuspecting passersby.

From his perch in Poole's Fish Market, which he ran for half a century, Captain Everett H. Poole watched Menemsha harbor fade from being one of the busiest fishing ports on the East Coast.

Commission Begins Its Review of Middle Line Housing Plan

By IAN FEIN

Chilmark selectmen told members of the Martha's Vineyard Commission last week about their desire to provide town residents with affordable homes in the Middle Line Road housing project.

"This has been a dream of ours for quite a few years," said selectman and board chairman Warren Doty. "And it is starting to look like a dream that is about to come true."

High School Budget in Limbo as Special Meeting Plans Stall

By IAN FEIN

In a political maneuver intended to draw the attention of the state, selectmen in three Island towns this week indicated they may intentionally leave the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School without a budget for the coming fiscal year.

The unusual tactic comes as part of an ongoing controversy over how towns divide their regional school district costs.