When the Martha’s Vineyard Commission created a district of critical planning concern for the waters of the County of Dukes County, it offered a rare opportunity for the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Cuttyhunk to work together to preserve the unique attributes of their environment — I say “their” because this environment is truly theirs — shorelines and waters which are the most pristine and undeveloped of any for hundreds of miles in either direction.

This week the sophomore class had the opportunity to walk the entire African American Heritage Trail, which is also a nonprofit organization. The trail provided students with much more knowledge about African American history here on the Vineyard. In our history II course we are taught a lot about African American history nationwide, but are not necessarily taught about it here at home. Students felt that the trail was inspirational; you will read some of their comments below.

OUT OF BOUNDS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

As I sit at my kitchen table, working late, surrounded by quiet, darkened homes with sleeping residents, I am hearing popping sounds that are carrying on the wind from the not-so-distant distance for the second night in a row. If I didn’t know better, I would think that someone was shooting off fireworks. These are not the sounds of fireworks, but of firearms. It is hunting season on Martha’s Vineyard, and it is 12:39 a.m.

Christmas, as much as I love it, has in the last few years become shrouded in the dark, heavy, woolen garments of my childhood.

December Days

The Fifty-Year Plan

Islanders, we have a plan.

Of course, even the planners — in this case the Martha’s Vineyard Commission — took pains to call the Island Plan, adopted last Thursday, “a dynamic living document . . . for guidance and inspiration.”

A thin crescent moon appears low in the southwestern sky tonight, after sunset. The moon will be low in twilight. More Vineyarders will see the moon tomorrow and thereafter as the moon appears a good deal higher in the sky.

Please Adopt Us

Temperature: Precip.

Day Max. Min. Inches.

Fº Fº

Dec. 11 45 25 .00

Dec. 12 30 24 .00

Dec. 13 43 32 .00

Dec. 14 53 34 .92

Dec. 15 49 38 .02

Dec. 16 52 31 .01

Dec. 17 34 22 .00

Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 42º F.

MARGARET KNIGHT

508-627-8894

(margaret02539@yahoo.com)

The grass may still be green but it’s starting to feel more like winter on Chappaquiddick. Brine’s Pond had a skim coat of ice earlier in the week, and we’ve had some nights below freezing. The winter solstice is on Monday, which will be the shortest day of the year. It’s nice to think that after that the days will be getting longer until next June.