Here’s what’s happening on Martha’s Vineyard today.
On this day in 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot in an assassination attempt. His press secretary James Brady was shot in the head and critically injured. His experience would lead to him pushing for stricter gun control laws. It’s National Take a Walk in the Park Day and National Little Red Wagon Day. Those things seem to go together. And celebrate your doctor as it’s also National Doctors Day. If your friend sent you this, sign up for yourself here.
Get the lead out After two schools had sinks test positive for lead in the water, Vineyard Montessori — one of the
schools — decided to do more testing. Those independent tests have raised new concerns that there is contamination in the water as it enters the school building. Vineyard Montessori is asking for the town’s help and, in the meantime, is only serving bottled water to its students. Reporter Rich Saltzberg has this story.
There is a three-way race for the Oak Bluffs select board on the April 12 ballot. Incumbent Gail Barmakian, who is seeking her fifth term on the board, faces challenges from Dion Alley and James Bishop. Both Barmakian and Alley answered our requests for comment on their reasons for running and on several key issues. Reporter Abigail Rosen has this update.
There’s a new intervention program on the Island for individuals dealing with substance use disorder (SUD). Every Wednesday, recovery coach Brian Morris gathers a team for the HUB Table, a program geared toward getting at-risk individuals into a treatment program. The team includes members from all facets of the community, including SUD and mental health counselors, clinicians, housing agencies, Island Food Pantry representatives, Vineyard House employees, spiritual leaders, and typically one or two law enforcement officials. Reporter Abigail Rosen has this story.
MEETINGS The Oak Bluffs planning board meets at 5 pm Thursday. Remote access. Here is the agenda.
The MVTimes: Our reporting makes a difference
Journalism that matters, where you need it, when you need it. Want more?
Quote of the Day "I have a lot of fond memories from Wareham. In a lot of ways it’s a lot like the Island — great families, terrific staff, hard working. I’ve never entertained being a superintendent anywhere else, except for the possibility that if Wareham opened, my wife and I discussed I would quite possibly apply."–Martha’s Vineyard superintendent Matt D’Andrea explaining why he’s a finalist for the Wareham superintendent’s job
Hot Topic Comment John Zarba commented on a planned power outage on the Island Tuesday. "Eversource never seems to have a problem reaching me if my bill is overdue. Seems they could try a little harder to reach customers when they are planning to shut the power off."
Hot Topic Letter Sara Crafts wrote
to throw her support behind being a proud wash-ashore. "I generally think the term "wash-ashore" differentiates those of us who came here from elsewhere from those of us who were born here, but not necessarily in a pejorative way. Frankly, most everything I've experienced here beats most everything I experienced "in America," which is how we've all mostly come to refer to the rest of the U.S."
At the M.V. Film Center, "Drive My Car" is playing — and just coming off of its Best International Film win. 7:30 pm. –C.B.
Tomorrow:The Charter School continues its 25th Anniversary Speaker Series with James Jette, a native Islander who is current superintendent of Milton Public Schools. Check out this passionate educator’s presentation. 5:30 pm. –C.B. Movies! Check out what’s playing this weekend at Island theaters here.
Get the wet out Console humidifier, 2900 square feet capacity, 3 speed, humidity control, (20/80%), instruction manual, extra wicks, 6 gallon. $100. 508-627-5950."
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? Let us point out the obvious: Yes, this Sangria is dressed up for the holidays. What we’re wondering though, is why Jenna Lambert didn’t whip up a batch for her co-workers, especially on a Wednesday after work. It’s never too late Jenna.
Do you know this author? 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.
Tuesday’s answer: Laura Silber
Shining bright The Winter Stars afterschool program at the M.V. Playhouse invites kids in grades 3 to 8 to exercise their creativity and have fun with peers, all while developing performance skills. The program
represents one of the core tenants of the Playhouse — to introduce children to drama and build a basis of experience so that they can explore their interests and find their passion. Read Connie Berry’s story on the fun and enriching opportunity here.
We sent you The Minute because you gave us your email
address at an Islanders Write or Islanders Read the Classics event (or at the Ag Fair), or you responded to an ad for The Minute and signed up on our website. The Minute will arrive Monday through Friday by the end of the workday, and features the day's news, important meetings and events, and even what to make for supper, along with some newsletter-only coupons and insider tips. We may produce special weekend editions and occasionally send you special offers from select advertisers. Got this forwarded from a friend? Sign up for yourself here.See past newsletters here.