Here’s what’s happening on Martha’s Vineyard today.
On this day in 1993 the Brady Bill was signed into law, a gun law named for a Secret Service agent who was shot protecting President Ronald Reagan. Today is National Personal Space Day. Take note you close talkers out there.If your friend sent you this, sign up for yourself here.
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Haley strikes back Just when you thought it was over (maybe because his attorney said as much), Aquinnah select board member Gary Haley has decided to appeal a ruling that he violated the state’s conflict of interest laws. Haley’s appeal was filed earlier this month in Suffolk County Superior Court in the county where the state Ethics Commission does its business. Haley’s attorney now says the commission got the case wrong and Haley wants the whole thing overturned. Reporter Eunki Seonwoo has this story. Meanwhile, Aquinnah’s select board discussed forming a committee to discuss what to do about Cliff leases. A busy Eunki Seonwoo has this story as well.
Where’s Paul? The family of Paul Whelan, who has been held captive in Russia for nearly four years, is growing increasingly concerned about not hearing from him in recent days. His family includes well-known Vineyard artist Elizabeth Whelan who spoke to us about the latest update on her brother and why it’s uncommon for him not to be in touch. Editor George Brennan has this update.
FBI probe continues It appears the FBI investigation into overbilling for the Oak Bluffs ambulance transfers from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital off-Island is ongoing. While an attorney for the town predicted the case would end in 2021 with no charges, the town administrator has since told The Times that the investigation is continuing and that’s why certain minutes and documents on the case cannot be released. Reporter Rich Saltzberg has this story.
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 "The answer to that question is we actually think it works. It’s a good spot. It was managed effectively. We have an exceptional relationship with Harbor Homes with great communication." –Beth Folcarelli, CEO of MV Community Services, on the use of a building on their campus as a homeless shelter
Hot Topic Comment Bob Murphy responded
to another commenter about the Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s latest lawsuit. "Richard, that is the problem as there is no one character of the island and it’s all interpreted differently by everyone. The current group of commissioners believe that the character of the island is no more building when they do not like the applicant."
Hot Topic Letter Kevin Loughlin has looked into the future and doesn’t like what he sees. "When the Trustees report came out in 2021 about the impact of global warming on the Cape and the Islands, not enough people reacted; too many were skeptical. Ten years later, when the next Trustees report documented the increasing consequences of climate change, it was still met with complacency. As erosion, coastal flooding, and damage to our salt marshes continued to progress in the 2030s and ’40s, too many people continued to remain in denial. By 2050, it was too late. The ravages of global warming could not be reversed."
Today:There is an Information Session for Grades 1 to 8 at the Vineyard Montessori School tonight. Meet the teachers, visit the classrooms, and talk to students. There are limited openings for next year, so check it out. 5 to 7 pm. –Connie Berry
I love this idea: Monthly Potluck at the Oak Bluffs library. The theme tonight is anything made with cranberries — main, side, or dessert. They want to keep this sustainable, so bring your own place setting. Bring the recipe you used for your dish. 5:30 to 7:30 pm. –C.B.
Tomorrow:If I wasn’t glued to my desk, I’d take a lunch break and head to Featherstone for the Holiday Gift Show. I love grabbing a few gifts there, and you have to go a couple of times because there’s so much to take in. Noon to 4 pm. –C.B.
Movies! Check out what’s playing at Island theaters here.
Open and shut "Free two white, vinyl, insulated, garage doors. All hardware included. 508-693-0674."
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Apparently Connie Berry has a thing for Jacques Pépin, who knew? You’ll read all about it in this story with a recipe for Asparagus with Black Olives and Mustard Dressing. Very French and very tasty.
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.
Tuesday’s contest answer: Zach Weisner
Holidays are here at last It’s that time of year once again — time to gather around a warm fire with friends and family, watch some sports or holiday movies, give thanks, and maybe exchange a few gifts. Whatever your faith, the holiday season is filled with joyous merrimaking, and there are a whole host of Island events that fill the cold and dark months with light and ebullience. Check out some photos taken by Dena Porter that illustrate all the Vineyard has to offer during this festive time.
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