Mark Alan Lovewell
Two years away from its centennial celebration and Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club is already preparing. The club is in the process of rebuilding their clubhouse and they’d like it to be done by spring. The construction of the $150,000 to $200,000 project is getting the support of members and their friends. President Robert De Lisle said they are not sure of the final cost because people keep stepping up to help, often offering services for free or at cost. “They are donating their time and saving us a lot of money,” Mr. De Lisle said.
By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL
The Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Association will hold their annual banquet tomorrow at noon at the Edgartown Whaling Church. More than 100 recreational fishermen are expected to attend the luncheon in the Baylies Room. The event is open to club members and prospective members during this celebration of the club’s 20th year.
A fisheries petition that began on the Vineyard last summer to throttle back the commercial season for black sea bass and scup is gaining favor among state fisheries managers.
The petition from Island recreational and commercial fishermen asks the state to end the spring commercial season for black sea bass and scup and postpone the opening until later in the summer and early fall. The action would not affect recreational fishing for both species.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States in an inaugural celebration in the nation’s capital, in front of the United States Capitol. The Vineyard Gazette went to the Island’s streets and shops Tuesday, a week before the national event, to ask Vineyarders what they would say to the new President, if they had a moment with him.
Snow frosted the Boston Common on Monday and the gold dome of the state house glowed beneath a bright January sun on temporary release from cloud cover. Inside, the newly sworn-in freshman Cape and Islands Rep. Tim Madden began his first full week representing his district.
Mr. Madden of Nantucket is the first islander to represent the Cape and Islands in 30 years.
Last year Martha’s Vineyard experienced more thunderstorms than anyone can remember. They came not only in the heat of summer but the coolness of spring and fall. The year 2008 was close to perfect when it came to weather here. Winter was warm and summer was mild. There were no storms above the normal and the rainfall amount when it was finally tabulated was average.
Total precipitation for the year, as recorded at the National Weather Service Cooperative Station in Edgartown was 45.57 inches, slightly less than the average of 45.82.