Here’s what’s happening on Martha’s Vineyard today.
Today is the Winter Solstice, also known as the "shortest day of the year." What that actually means is that there are fewer hours of sunlight than any other day of the year. The good news? That means as of tomorrow, we’ll be adding daylight every day. Today is also
National Crossword Puzzle Day.If your friend sent you this, sign up for yourself here.
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Day’s end Public records, including emails between the district attorney’s office and the Tisbury Police Department, shine new light on how the tenure of Sgt. Jeff Day came to an end with the Tisbury Police Department. Day’s record of transgressions that led to discipline ultimately made him a liability in any case where he was involved in the arrest, the emails between the DA’s office and Tisbury indicate. Reporter Rich Saltzberg, our public records guru, uncovered these details. Here’s his story.
Money talks The Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s finance committee met this week to discuss the regional planning agency’s budget projects for fiscal year 2024. Earlier this fall, the MVC informed the Island’s select boards that they may need to seek more money for legal fees. During the budget meeting, commissioners were concerned with the lack of information on budget numbers. Reporter Abigail Rosen has this update. Meanwhile, the MVC and one of the applicants that is suing them have put the case on hold while they try to work on a resolution. Here’s that update.
Unhappy campers The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission has decided that its properties will mostly be off-limits to camping. Reacting to a proposal to use one of the Land Bank’s Oak Bluffs properties as a campground, the commission instead looked to set a policy on whether camping would be allowed. This week, they voted to allow camping only on a limited basis for groups such as Scouts. Reporter Eunki Seonwoo has this story. Meanwhile, the Land Bank Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday about a management plan. Here’s that story.
MEETINGS The Edgartown Parks Commission meets at 1 pm Thursday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
The Up-Island Regional School District will hold a public hearing at 5 pm Thursday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
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Quote of the Day "I think the prior group did a terrific job. I expect the experience they gained from going over the different applicants and learning about the police department and operations would be helpful as they review the various candidates we receive." –Chilmark select board member Jim Malkin commenting on a committee that will help the town review applicants for police chief
Hot Topic Comment Gayle Stiller reacts to a proposed Mexican restaurant in Vineyard Haven. "Why do this in that location when there’s a large building in the middle of Main Street looking for someone to open up a restaurant in there? I know it would require an extensive rebuild to put a restaurant in the building (the previous Bunch of Grapes location) but no more than in the old bank location."
Hot Topic Letter Michael and Sandy Benjamin wrote about the roadblocks created by Eversource to their plans to install solar panels. "While we understand Eversource’s need to have its equipment ready to handle alternative energy systems on its grid, it’s ridiculous that they are trying to pass these prohibitive costs on to individual consumers. Clearly there needs to be a better plan in place to make alternative energy a reality. Global warming is not waiting, the world is on fire, storms are raging; the time is NOW to get moving toward a
solution!"
Today:Quilts remind me of when I was a kid and all the women in my family went to an annual quilt bingo. Two of my favorite things combined into one fantastic event. Learn how to make your own at the M.V. Modern Quilt Guild Meeting. West Tisbury library. 6 pm.
Join our Wild Side columnist Matt Pelikan, director of M.V. Atlas of Life, as he gives a special presentation on Island birds before the screening of "A Birder’s Guide to Everything" at the Film Center. 7:30 pm.
Tomorrow:Night Heron Gallery hosts a Holiday Open House where they’ll announce the winner of the gift basket raffle. Meet the artists, have some refreshments, and finish up your shopping. 4 to 7 pm.
Movies! Check out what’s playing at Island theaters here.
Sleep like a king "King Size mattress topper Clean and free. Text 508-326-2500."
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Here’s a little something called a White Christmas Margarita, brought to us by ad sales ace Sharisse Scott-Rawlins. We’re pretty sure you can whip one of these up any time of year if you’d like.
Do you know this woman? 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: Nathan Gould
Welcome winter It might not look like it, but there’s a lot going on underneath all your dormant garden plants as the frost moves in. During the dead of winter, when the frigid earth seems drab and dormant, plants and trees are readying themselves for the spring thaw. You might even see the tiny shoots of the coming season popping up from beneath the soil. Read Abigail Higgins’ Garden Notes on waving hello to winter here.
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