Award-winning stories recognized by the New England Newspaper & Press Association.

Never Say Never; Heath Hen May Get Its Boom Back
Sara Brown

The heath hen is currently being proposed as a possibility for de-extinction by an organization that aims to coordinate projects that use genetics to rescue endangered and extinct species.

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Ahead of the Curve: English Language Learner Program Thrives
Olivia Hull

There are 140 nonnative English speakers in the public schools across the Island, the highest count in recent memory. Most are second generation U.S. residents. Educators are responding by setting a standard for excellence in learning.

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John Varkonda Was Faithful Steward of State Forest
Olivia Hull

John J. Varkonda, who served as superintendent of the state forest for 26 years, died suddenly at age 55. The cause was abdominal aortic aneurysm. Mr. Varkonda was 29 when he assumed the superintendency of the state forest, only the second person to oversee the property.

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Job Requirement: Ability to Juggle Large Vehicles With a Smile
Mollie Doyle

On the job at the Steamship Authority for nearly 40 years, terminal manager Bridget Tobin brightens every day for boat line travelers.

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Hard Boiled and Over Easy, Don Patrick Eased Appetites
Bill Eville

His customers visited as much for the eggs over easy as to watch Don Patrick perfect the art of poetry in motion, herding homefries, eggs, toast and bacon around the grill without ever appearing to break a sweat, even on a hot August weekend.

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Although Short-Lived, Postwar Vessel Bridged Gap Between Eras
Tom Dunlop

They doubted her before she arrived, scorned her while she served and forgot about her after she left.

But the ancient Hudson River ferry Hackensack — which adopted the name Islander and sailed bravely if not always reliably between Woods Hole and Vineyard Haven for three years right after World War II — turns out to have been one of the most consequential vessels ever to steam between Martha’s Vineyard and the mainland.

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Remembering Lou Reed in Calm of a Vineyard Moment
Barbara Dacey

When Lou Reed arrived at WMVY in the early morning of Oct. 12, 1997 for an interview, there was a rooster in the tree next to the front door.

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Artist Ray Ellis Leaves Behind Vision of Vineyard Beauty
Remy Tumin

Ray Ellis began every painting as though it would be the best painting he ever did.

It was with this spirit and enthusiasm that Mr. Ellis approached his life and his more than 80-year career as a painter on the Vineyard and beyond. Mr. Ellis died on Friday at the age of 92 from complications due to a recent stroke. He was painting two weeks before his death.

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Double X Factor, This Lady Can Fish
Remy Tumin

The waves were screaming one fall morning south of the Vineyard when Capt. Jennifer Clarke landed a big one. Alone on her Boston Whaler, the 40-pounder had broken her rod.

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Walking in Grace’s Footsteps, Family Finds Measure of Peace

Chris and Lynn McDonnell spent their vacation on the Vineyard this year the way they always do. End-to-end walks on Lighthouse Beach, filling Solo cups with shells, beach glass and wampum. Out to eat in Menemsha for fish and lobster. Down to the harborfront in Edgartown for ice cream. Up to Oak Bluffs to say hello to Johnny Cupcakes.

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