Academy Open House

A Falmouth Academy spring open house for families interested in learning more about the school is on Saturday, May 15, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Falmouth Academy students, teachers and parents will be on hand to discuss their experiences at the school. Prospective families may also view the school’s spring art show, which showcases student work in painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture and woodworking.

Bank Awards Grants

The Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank Charitable Fund has this spring awarded grants totaling $9,500 to six Island nonprofits: Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Friends of the Homeless, Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, Polly Hill Arboretum, Sail Martha’s Vineyard and the Yard.

A Boston man was arrested on Franklin avenue in Oak Bluffs last Friday on suspicion of dealing drugs after police caught him with a large amount of cocaine not far from the Oak Bluffs School.

Eugene Casey, 27, was arrested around 7 p.m. after Oak Bluffs police observed him acting suspiciously. When officers approached Mr. Casey, he became belligerent and was arrested for disorderly conduct. A search later conducted at the Edgartown house of correction revealed that Mr. Casey had 12 grams of cocaine hidden on his person, police said.

First Aid Training

The American Red Cross will hold an Adult CPR/AED and First Aid class on May 8 at the YMCA on Martha’s Vineyard at 57 Pequot avenue in Oaks Bluffs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $50 for CPR only, or $60 to add first aid training and certification. To enroll, see online cciredcross.org or call toll-free 508-775-1540.

Thanks to a newspaper delivery driver who made the call and quick response by firefighters, disaster was avoided in the heart of downtown Edgartown in the wee hours Sunday morning, when fire shot through the historic Desire Osborn House on Main street.

No one was injured in the fire, and firefighters were able to quell the blaze before it did major damage. Fire chief Peter Shemeth said he believes the fire was started by a discarded cigarette in a trash container next to the building.

Oak Bluffs voters will consider several new bylaws, including one to ban smoking on town beaches, another to establish new regulations for street performers, and another to create new rules for wind turbines, when the annual town meeting resumes on Tuesday after a three-week break

Moderator David Richardson bangs the gavel at 7 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs School. Voters must still decide 10 remaining articles on the warrant.

West Tisbury selectmen this week approved warrant articles for a special town meeting in June, set last week when the board learned of the need for voter approval to sell lots in the Bailey Park affordable housing project off Old County Road.

Town counsel Ronald H. Rappaport advised the selectmen that a town meeting vote is needed before the lots can be sold. There are three lots at Bailey Park that have been taken by the town in tax foreclosure proceedings.

The special town meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 7 p.m. at the West Tisbury School.

BRAD WOODGER

508-627-4216

Like two steamships passing in the night, I returned to the Island as Margaret was leaving (fleeing?) So I will be the new resident at the columnist’s commune for the next two weeks. The food is fantastic!

Kim and I slipped in, under the cover of night, this past Tuesday. I do not wear travel well, and am vain enough that I prefer not to be spotted until I’ve slept away the road miles’ psychic and physical grime. Hence our hermitage till we reflower. Almost there.

JOHN S. ALLEY

alleys@vineyard.net

508-693-2950

We had a mixed bag of weather over the weekend. Saturday was great but it went downhill after that with rain and lower than average temperatures. It will be, we understand, improving this weekend. Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican Independence Day, is celebrated on Wednesday.

The Chilmark Community Center hosted Camp Safe Haven with a talent show and dinner provided by Marc Hanover of Linda Jean’s served by Vineyard Harley Riders members last Friday.

Temperature: Precip.

Day Max. Min. Inches.

Fº Fº

April 23 67 45

April 24 64 40

April 25 64 49

April 26 53 47 0.38

April 27 56 47 0.09

April 28 55 35 0.02

April 29 53 43 T

Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 55º F.