Cheers for Circus Smirkus: Wild West Performances Draw Big Island Crowds

By MARCUS TONTI

The big top, a blue-and-white-striped number festooned with green and yellow stars, beckoned to passersby from Old County Road. The smell of popcorn and cotton candy filled the air as one approached the tent, the sight of children already sticky with lemonade and sno-cones lightening the heart.

But all this was prelude. It was the show inside that really soared.

Up, Up and Away

Larry Stone Flies From Schools To Retirement

By MARCUS TONTI

The things people do for love - of a spouse, of a good job. Or, in Larry Stone's case, both.

Mr. Stone retired this week after 28 years teaching in the Island school system. What distinguishes the music instructor from other teachers is that he actually lives across Vineyard Sound - and then across Buzzards Bay - in Acushnet, next to New Bedford.

Season of Annual Town Meetings Continues in Two Island Forums

In Chilmark

By MARCUS TONTI

Chilmark residents who in recent years have approved construction of both a new school and library will next consider improvements to another public building, deciding this week whether to borrow $1.5 million to expand and renovate their town hall.