Thursday's Minute: 6.13.24: Havenside residents still displaced after fire; year-round stripers raise questions at Squibnocket Pond; food pantries see record demand.

Exactly 53 years ago, the other Times — the New York one — published the first of the top-secret Pentagon Papers. Leaked by military analyst Daniel Ellsberg, the papers show hidden histories of U.S. presidential and military involvement in Vietnam preceding and during the Vietnam War. President Nixon's administration obtained a federal court injunction against the New York Times after three articles were published, leading the Supreme Court to defend the First Amendment right to freedom of the press. Some of the leaks, however, stayed classified until 2011. If your friend sent you this, sign up for yourself here.

Havenside fire still leaves residents displaced

After the May fire at Havenside senior apartments that shocked residents, rebuilding has been steadily underway. Help has stretched across the Vineyard community to get displaced residents back on their feet, although there is still a long road ahead. At this point, four of the nine displaced residents are still not able to return home. Apartment A-2, sitting to the right wing of the A building, faced the most destruction from the fire. The actual blaze didn’t spread, although smoke and chemical residue did and is still being removed. Read more here.

Researchers land a big one
Looking to confirm an unusual, non-migratory striped bass population, Vineyard and Woods Hole researchers tagged 20 fish last fall at the Squibnocket–Menemsha pond complex. Now that spring has passed, year-round stripers are confirmed, said officials from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) natural resources department. Phase two of the study will help understand a key habitat for the threatened herring population, and investigate whether bass spawn in the ponds. Read more here.

Island food pantries see unprecedented demand
One in four year-round Islanders — or 5,200 out of 20,530 — are registered with the Island Grown Initiative (IGI) free food pantry. Individuals who use the pantry increased fourfold between January 2019 and this past January. Other food pantries across the Island have seen similar demand, owing the rise in need to climbing food prices, housing costs, and other economic pressures that continue post-pandemic. For some Vineyarders, these pantries are a lifeline. Read more here.

Heart of West Tisbury Center
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A rare opportunity to own in a cherished area of West Tisbury town center. Living is easy and peaceful on Music Street! Stroll to town for your morning paper and coffee at the general store, grab the yummiest breakfast sandwiches at 7A, and enjoy the lively library, the Field Gallery, or local events happening at the Grange Hall. This home offers country living close to fun town living. The main house has three bedrooms and three and a half baths, with a swing room on the main floor, which could lend itself to additional sleeping space. The living, kitchen, and dining room are open to each other, with doors leading to a private patio and extensive lawn. There are three bedrooms and two full baths upstairs. The home has lovely, wide, pine wood floors throughout the living spaces and bedrooms. The basement is finished with a half bath, making extra space available for overflow guests or a rec-room/tv space. There is a finished, detached, 600 sq. ft. studio fully insulated and heated with a half bath. The studio is a generous, bright space – perfect for a home office or a detached bedroom for guests. There is also a significant shed for all of the extra toys, lawn mower, bikes, etc.

Quote of the Day
"He had an ability to get to the heart of a matter, and he was very, very creative. He had an amazing intellect, but he was governed by his heart."
—Jane Kaplan about her husband Ron Rappaport, on his unexpected death

Hot Topic Comment
"This is such a refreshing and beautiful plan for our waterfront. Kudos to all those involved in this magnificent approach to building community. It represents the true spirit of our wonderful, diverse island."
—Anne Luzzatto on the proposal of a renovated Vineyard Haven waterfront

Hot Topic Letter
"We have some wonderful Island healthcare professionals who respond to calls when there is a substance abuse crisis; we need similar professionals who will respond when there is a mental health crisis."
—Casey Dobel calling for improved mental health services on Island

The Barn Open daily for lunch, dinner & bowling. Text Barnmv to 508/696/9800 to receive deals & specials.

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Coop de Ville Open for the season and celebrating our 40th year! Get excited! Largest beer selection in Oak Bluffs and best wings on the rock. See you soon! 12 Circuit Ave Ext. Oak Bluffs, on the harbor. coopdevilleshuckshack.com
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The Dunes at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort Enjoy al fresco dining on the deck overlooking South Beach. Free and easy parking. Large parties welcomed. Water taxi starting June 22 from downtown Edgartown. RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED AT 508/627/3663

Farm Neck Cafe Gather with friends to watch a game in our spacious bar, or dine on the terrace overlooking our gardens and award winning golf course. Serving lunch 11am to 3pm, pub fare 3pm to 5pm, and dinner Thursday through Sunday 5pm to 9pm. located off County Road, Oak Bluffs 508/693/3560

Click here for more details and specials

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If you've picked up springtime greens and fresh herbs, check the versatile recipe for Slough Farm Salad Dressing, shared by Island Grown Initiative. It includes tips for customizing the flavor and color of salads using various leaves and flowers. You can mix in a bit of sorrel for a lemony twist, or toss in some pea leaves for a dash of sweetness. However you make it, remember to add a healthy dose of Island thyme.

Does your family have a recipe to share with the community? Send it to us, along with a photo of the dish and a brief backstory if you have one, to recipes@mvtimes.com.

Click here to browse more recipes from the Island community.

Cross-Island hike
This year's annual cross-Island hike started at the Hillman’s Point Preserve on the west side of Lake Tashmoo and ended at the beach at the Chilmark Pond Preserve. The approximately 19-mile hike occurs on National Trails Day, the first Saturday of June. Bill Veno, the group leader, spends about two weeks coming up with the route, and then takes out the hikers; this year there were over 100 people participating. They went through 17 conservation properties and five protected ancient ways. Hear more about the journey here.

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