Here’s what’s happening on Martha’s Vineyard today.
On this day in 1802, the U.S. Military Academy was established at West Point. Today is National Freedom of Information Day. This is Sunshine Week in the world of journalism, where newspapers across the country share stories shining the light on open government and
transparency. See below for Rich Saltzberg’s push for Tisbury to release decades of executive session minutes. If your friend sent you this, sign up for yourself here.
A concrete base and 30-foot tower that went up in Menemsha Harbor quickly attracted attention from residents of Chilmark concerned about the aesthetics of the fishing village known for its signature sunsets. At a meeting on Tuesday, Chilmark select board confronted the issue head-on after receiving a petition asking them to reconsider the installation of the tower, which is part of a security camera system proposed by the
harbormaster. Editor George Brennan has this story.
Students in the civics class at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School recently explored what things would be like in the year 2030. The idea came from senior Sam Fetters and was discussed at a class on Monday. Reporter Abigail Rosen was there for the look ahead and has this story. Meanwhile, some murals have been painted over again at MVRHS. Reporter Lucas Thors has that update.
As we mentioned in today’s introduction, this week is Sunshine Week and today is National Freedom of Information Day. Town boards are allowed to go into executive session for specific exemptions. But that information isn’t intended to be secret forever. Reporter Rich Saltzberg requested and was granted more than 50 sets of executive session minutes from the Tisbury select board that provide a window into all types of decisions. You can read about them here.
MEETINGS The Martha’s Vineyard Commission meets at 7 pm Thursday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
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Quote of the Day "It seems to me it would make it moot, but I don’t want to have something in the enabling act that mandates this position when, you know, maybe at some point we don’t need it anymore and then we have to change the enabling act again."–Robert Ranney, Nantucket’s representative to the Steamship
Authority board, on adding a chief operating officer ahead of a bill proposed by state legislators
Hot Topic Comment Paul Adler commented on the housing situation for Martha’s Vineyard Hospital employees. "Anyone that does not support hospital housing has never been sick or knows of anyone needing care. Right now just try and get almost any test at the hospital. Appointments take several weeks due to lack of staff. That’s not safe."
Hot Topic Letter Erik Albert, once again, takes issue with an editorial stance taken by The Times. "Since you only see the negative in Oak Bluffs, here is an editorial I would write about Oak Bluffs. After decades of being looked down on, Oak Bluffs is on the way up. The new private investment in the town is inspiring."
Today:Arnie’s Poetry Cafe is open and ready for you at the M.V. Playhouse. Chilmark columnist (and poet) Valerie Sonnenthal hosts. And it’s free. 6 pm. –Connie Berry
Want to learn more about the proposed M.V. Housing Bank Warrant Article? The League of Women Voters M.V. presents a Zoom info session about it at 6:30 pm. –C.B.
Tomorrow:Celebrate my favorite day of the year — St. Patrick’s Day — with an Irish dinner from Mo’s, then enjoy acoustic Irish music with Rose Guerin, Adam Petkus, Taurus Biskis, Buck Shank, and more. All at the P.A. Club. Music starts at 4:30 pm, dinner from 4 to 7 pm. –C.B.
Movies! Check out what’s playing at Island theaters here.
Cold realities "Ugly but dependable fridge. Perfect for garage or basement backup unit. Free. 508-693-4027; 508 627-0374."
Click here for more finds in our Classifieds section.
Dining out?
The Barn Open for lunch & dinner Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 am to 9:30 pm. Bowling available Tuesday through Saturday at 5 pm. Text Barnmv to 508/696/9800 to receive deals & specials.
The Sweet LifeOpen year round! Serving dinner Wednesday through Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. Featuring a pre-fixe 3 course dinner for $50 on Wednesdays!
Live music by Jeremy Berlin and Shelagh Hackett on Thursday 3/17.
Restaurant owners: Are you open? Let our readers know, and support local journalism while doing so!
Contact jenna@mvtimes.com to discuss promoting your dining specials with the MV Times.
Staying in? We’re whipping up this St. Paddy’s Day Cocktail. (This is not unusual
after a Wednesday at The Times, in fact we might find the ingredients right here if we all dig through our desks.) Cheers!
Do you know this law enforcement officer? Submit your best guess to newsletters@mvtimes.comwithin 24 hours and check the next Minute for the correct answer. That’s right, you asked and we listened. You won’t have to wait until the end of the month to find the answers. We’ll throw all winning guesses into a pot at the end of the month and someone will win their choice of a $100 Lift certificate to an Island business or $100 to go toward an Island charity of their choice. For previous Do You Knows, see our archive.
Tuesday’s correct answer: Miriam Gerson
Opposite styles attract Walker Roman and Kristin Texeira are two artists with very different styles. Texeira creates bold images featuring solid-colored geometric figures and linear elements, while Roman takes a much more subtle, less distinct approach in his work. Their opposing styles complement each other in a unique and interesting way that illustrates the myriad forms of expression artists have in their toolbox. Gwyn McAllister has the story of these
beautifully contrasting painters, and Pathways will be displaying their work in-person through April (and online at their website).
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