Free Computer Classes

A series of free classes for beginner and intermediate computer users will be offered at the Oak Bluffs Public Library this winter. Sign up now to improve your computer knowledge and skills, learn how to use Microsoft Word and Excel, and discover new Internet search tools and techniques. Space is limited for the classes; please call 508-693-9433 and speak to a library staff member to reserve your seat. The computer classes have been made possible in part by a donation from the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank.

The Oak Bluffs School completed the 2010 National Geography Bee on Jan. 26. The 10 students with the best scores in a preliminary round participated in the school bee.

Participants were eighth graders Ben Wadleigh and Sam Burke; seventh graders Mac Sashin, Russell Shapiro, Cheyenne Tilton and Noah Kleinhenz; and sixth graders Oliver Carson, Ben Clark, Kirsten S. Van Aken and Caio Proti.

Despite some student resistance and new costs, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School is making progress with a new program to help lagging students show test improvements — which now is mandatory before they can get a diploma, guidance director Michael McCarthy told the high school committee Monday night.

American Tower Company, the company that wants to build a distributed antenna system (DAS) to improve cell phone coverage in the three up-Island towns, must apply for 23 individual special permits, one for each antenna to be installed on utility poles around town.

This is the opinion of Mark Bobrowski, a Concord attorney who is special counsel to the town zoning board of appeals. In a Jan. 15 opinion Mr. Bobrowski said the permits are required by the town zoning bylaw.

An Island woman died in a single-car accident Monday afternoon on Eastville avenue across from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

Rachel Dow, 37, of Pennywise Path in Edgartown, was driving out of the hospital parking lot around 5:45 p.m. when her 1988 Acura Legend shot into the woods across the street and burst into flames, state police trooper David Parent said.

A plan to build a two-story commercial building on a wetland at the edge of the Lagoon Pond in the Tisbury Marketplace is still in the early stages, but so far it has not found much favor from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.

Sam Dunn, the developer of the marketplace some 20 years ago, wants to build a 7,050-square-foot building with three retail units, two offices, one apartment, and one marine-related unit on the grassy area that abuts Lagoon Pond.

Farm Offer Aids Haiti

Islanders can support Haiti relief efforts by buying locally-grown produce today: Whippoorwill Farm will offer the public produce from its fields and greenhouse, with 25 per cent of the proceeds donated to the earthquake relief effort in Haiti. Pickup is today only, Friday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The share will include a large bag of salad greens, cabbage, onions, potatoes, carrots, turnips, rutabaga and leeks. Cost is $20, paid at the farm; preregistration is not required, and it is open to all.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Parish invite all denominations to a Centering Prayer workshop on Feb. 20 from 10 am to 2:30 p.m. at the Good Shepherd parish center at 55 School street in Oak Bluffs.

Slow Food and Film

Tonight, up-Islanders can enjoy dinner and a movie without crossing the West Tisbury town line, as Slow Food Martha’s Vineyard is hosting a special event at the Chilmark Community Center at 6 p.m. Chefs Robert Lionette and Jan Burhman will prepare the meal; and after diners are sated, they can relax and watch a film about food. FRESH is a new documentary that uses personal stories of change to examine sustainable agriculture, and the individuals working toward reinventing the food system.

Mature Workers

For Islanders aged 55 years or older on limited incomes who want to get back to work, the Mature Workers Program of Elder Services and the Islands, Inc. is introducing a new program: Bridge Back to Work. The program offers paid work experience and training opportunities within the community for income-eligible seniors. For details on the program, call 508-394-4630, or 1-888-394-4630, to speak with Mary at extension 543, Gloria at extension 542, or Evie at extension 544.