Here’s what’s happening on Martha’s Vineyard today.
Today is National Pet Day! Although we love our pets, we also know taking care of them can be a bit pricey at times. At least we know how to budget for their chew toys. You know what other budget you should be thinking about today? Town budgets. The annual town meetings are tonight for Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and West Tisbury, so make your voices heard. We’ll
see you there.If your friend sent you this, sign up for yourself here.
Robots at the Y Students from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School gathered at the YMCA to build small, remotely operated vehicles, which they raced in the swimming pool. While building robots is fun, the event was also a way to get students interested in STEM subjects and careers. Did we mention that we have a video of the robots moseying along in the water? Read the story here.
Preserving access After last week’s decision by a federal judge in Texas to suspend FDA approval of mifepristone, a key abortion drug, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy issued an executive order aimed at protecting access to abortion care. Part of Healy’s plan calls for stockpiling the drug in case of a shortage. The Island’s first abortion provider, set to begin offering medication abortions in July, is no exception. But Health Imperatives
Martha’s Vineyard reps say they’re hopeful it won’t come down to that. Read more about that here.
Tracking coyotes A new group is forming on the Vineyard to better understand the latest inhabitants on the Island, and to better inform the public about their presence. The group is made up of members from local nonprofits, animal control officers, and even a tick specialist. Some ideas proposed include installing QR codes at trail entrances to make it easier for the public to report sightings. Find our coverage here.
MEETINGS The Tisbury select board meets at 3:30 pm Wednesday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
The Oak Bluffs Planning Board meets at 5 pm Wednesday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
The Oak Bluffs Zoning Board of Appeals meets in-person at 5 pm Wednesday. Here is the agenda.
The all-Island school committee meets at 6:30 pm Wednesday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
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Quote of the Day "If I understand the school committee side, and I understand the planning board side, they’d both love to talk to each other. So go do it. . . Leave the lawyers at home and go figure it out." — Oak Bluffs finance committee member Richard Weiss on their discussion about a lawsuit regarding a synthetic turf field at the high school.
Hot Topic Comment "Well, there certainly is tunnel vision, and that it’s coming from both sides. Let’s not lose sight of the legal issue about the Dover amendment. That is something worth spending money on to find out the correct interpretation. Years down the road that will be money well spent to know where the school actually stands on this issue." — Bob Murphy comments on our coverage of the Oak Bluffs FinCom voicing their frustrations over the synthetic turf-field lawsuit.
Hot Topic Letter Jonathan Chatinover with the Martha’s Vineyard Democrats writes to us about the Tennessee legislature: "This blatantly racist and anti-democratic act must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Tennessee’s Republican legislators claim there is nothing they can do about gun violence. They are wrong. They can start by rescinding the expulsion of Representatives Pearson and Jones, and by restoring them and Rep. Johnson to their respective committees."
It’s town meeting time, folks. Just ask our news staff and they can tell you all
about it. If you’re looking to attend the West Tisbury meeting, they can hook you up with Free Onsite Childcare at the West Tisbury School. 5:45 to 9 pm. –C.B.
Tomorrow:The Oak Bluffs library invites you to Take a Walk around East Chop. This is a swell idea on so many levels, especially for those of you who have moving parts. Meet at the library’s entrance. 8:15 am. –C.B.
Movies! Check out what's playing at Island theaters here.
Crocodile Dungaree? "MEN'S WRANGLER DUNGAREES: Good to Excellent to Mid-Condition. 1- Pair Size-46X32-Color-Blue-$14.00. 1-Pair Size-46X32-Color-Blue-$8.00. 1- Pair Size-46X32-Color-Black-$14. 3-Pair Size 44X30- Color-Blue-$14. Jackie McGillicuddy, 508-693-1098."
Click here for more finds in our Classifieds section.
Dining out?
The Barn Open Monday through Saturday 11:30 am to 11 pm for lunch, dinner & bowling. Text Barnmv to 508/696/9800 to receive deals & specials. The Sweet Life Open year-round! Serving dinner Wednesday through Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. Live music with Jeremy Berlin on Thursdays. @sweet_life_mv 508/696/0200 sweetlifemv.com. Click here for more details and specials
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?
Stir up all things sweet and spicy with the recipe for Curried Butternut Squash Soup, shared by Garden Notes columnist Abigail Higgins. You can toss in fresh herbs for a warm welcome to spring. For more stories that celebrate local food, farming, and the community, visit Edible
Vineyard, and look out for the next issue on newsstands in May.
Do you know this man? Submit your best guess to newsletters@mvtimes.comwithin 24 hours and check the next Minute for the correct answer. 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.
Monday’s contest answer: Tom McDonald, John Duryea
Not seeing signs of spring? Look closer It’s a great feeling to be moving toward warmer weather, some much-needed sunshine, and time spent outdoors. But apart from pinkletinks chirping their high-pitched melody, there are all sorts of other signs the natural world gives us that indicate spring is here. This time of year might seem slow, but our Island environment is changing dramatically right now. Read the most recent Wild Side column here, and go take a walk outside.
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