Here’s what’s happening on Martha’s Vineyard today.
On this day in 2020, our office dog Frankie was born and the world instantly became a little sweeter. Today is National Goof Off Day. Shouldn’t that be a national holiday? It’s also National Ag Day, so if you see someone from the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural
Society, wish them a happy Ag Day. If your friend sent you this, sign up for yourself here.
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has agreed to take on emergency behavioral services that had been under the purview of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. The services are for those dealing with suicidal ideations or mental health issues that need immediate attention. The services had been a drain on MVCS, and the hospital already acts in the role of safety net for individuals in need of emergency services. Editor George Brennan
has the details on this transition.
Freedom of choice Parents will still be able to choose which elementary school to send their children to in the coming school year. The Up-Island school committee agreed to continue the school choice program in a 4-1 vote with board member Skipper Manter being the lone dissenter. Reporter Eunki Seonwoo has this story.
Meet the new health agent, same as the conservation agent. With apologies to The Who, Garret Albiston has been appointed to the dual role of health and conservation agent in Oak Bluffs. The move comes in an effort to replace Meegan Lancaster, who recently resigned as health agent. The town will see how the combination works for a couple of months. Reporter Rich Saltzberg has the story.
MEETINGS The Dukes County Commissioners meet at 4:30 pm on Wednesday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
The West Tisbury select board meets at 4:30 pm on Wednesday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
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Quote of the Day "I think the message needs to be that, although mask mandates have been lifted, COVID is not gone and people need to continue taking precautions like testing and staying home when sick. Home test kits and high quality masks continue to be available at Board of Health offices for residents needing them." –Maura Valley, Tisbury health agent and boards of health spokeswoman, on the recent increase in COVID-19 cases on Martha’s Vineyard.
Hot Topic Comment Narmin Shahid commented on a story about the lack of housing on the Island for hospital workers. "My husband and I are both educators with higher ed degrees. We are in the process of attaining even more teaching licenses to continue to serve the island children. We love our jobs but we are also searching for housing. We have colleagues that are already applying to jobs off-island because they can’t find housing. Unfortunately, it looks like we will be in the same boat."
Hot Topic Letter Jason Drinkwater wrote about a crisis looming for Island educators. "The fact is that 40 percent of the current teacher staff will be retiring in 10 years. Another 20 percent will be retiring in five years. Most first- and second-year teachers are struggling with housing insecurity. While this occurs, the population on the Island continues to grow. There is currently a teacher shortage in the nation, and it is even more difficult to entice teachers to move to the Island, especially with the lack of housing. A disaster is on the horizon if action is not taken now."
Today: I like to watch the Academy Awards. I like to look at clothes and hairstyles and to catch a glimpse of Chris Evans or Keanu Reeves. Film historian Frank Mandosa leads a trip through the history of the awards on this Zoom program: The Oscars: The Good, the Bad, and the Outrageous. 7 pm. –Connie Berry Cool thing happening at Pathways’ Tuesday open floor Writing & Poetry series. Guest poet Liz Dengenis accompanied by musician Ben Hughes. Happens in-person and on Zoom. 7 pm.–C.B.
Movies! Check out what’s playing at Island theaters here.
Top this "Mattress toppers, 2 single bed 3-inch thick foam toppers. Combine two for king’s size. $25 each. 508-693-1777."
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! @sweet_life_mv 508/696/0200 sweetlifemv.com.
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 aren’t vegetarians, but sometimes we cook like them. Try JoJo Brennan’s Creamy Lemon Pasta and you might agree that there are some good reasons to make the switch.
Do you know this dog lover? 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.
Monday’s contest answer: Keidy Toomey
Les Misérables The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School theater and music department are gearing up to put on their annual performance (that was halted the last few years due to COVID). What better way to bring student artists — both actors and singers — back onto the stage than with a production of Les Misérables? The show features an incredible musical score, and this year’s cast highlights the immense talent of performers, and the dedication of the Island community. Reporter Lucas Thors got a chance to speak with the director of the high school production, as well as a number of enthusiastic student actors. Read the story here.
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