Class CDL Driving Test

The Registry of Motor Vehicles will now offer Class CDL driving tests on the Vineyard. Anyone needing a Class CDL license or wishing to renew a license should contact the registry on Island to get their name on the list.

“This is a great thing for Island companies and their drivers, as it will save a great deal of time and money necessitated by traveling off-Island” said state representative Timothy Madden. He cited Dukes County manager Russell Smith for his efforts to address the issue.

Derby Awards Ceremony

The sea is almost safe again, for fish that is. That’s right, the end of the derby is nigh. At 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16 the rods go back in the garage. Then let the fish tales begin.

On Sunday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m. the doors open at Nectar’s for the final awards ceremony and grand raffle. Come out to root on the winners and console the also-rans. Let’s face it, there really are no losers in this event - except for those who didn’t participate.

Anglers and armchair fishing fans alike will have the chance to hang a piece of the Martha’s Vineyard Bluefish and Striped Bass Derby on their wall by entering the derby awards ceremony raffle on Sunday at Nectar’s. Five artists, working in a variety of media, have donated pieces from their collections to the raffle in an effort representative of the overall camaraderie of the fishing community.

In recognition of National Protect Your Identity week, Oct. 17 to 22, Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank is urging customers to pay particular attention to identity theft prevention. Bank president Christopher Wells encourages customers to follow some simple steps to avoid becoming a victim:

Shred or tear up statements and other personal information. Criminals may be able to get access to your accounts and personal information by “dumpster diving” (retrieving canceled checks, deposit receipts or bank statements from dumpsters or trash bins).

Super Librarian

Sandra J, Mott, librarian at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, has been awarded the Massachusetts Super-Librarian accolade from the Massachusetts School Library Association.

Representing the Southeast Region, she is one of four librarians statewide to be honored for leadership and innovation in school libraries at all grade levels. The award was presented at the association’s annual conference at Sturbridge on Oct. 3.

Lyme Discussion

Lyme and tick-borne diseases discussion and support group meets on Monday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Howes House (across from Alley’s) in the West Tisbury Library. Dr. Enid Haller, ACSW, PhD, a year-round resident of West Tisbury will lead the talk including a question and answer session.

For more information, call the West Tisbury Library at 508-693-3366.

Get Your Sap Flowing

Ayurveda describes a sacred juice or sap within us that defines our youthfulness and healthy longevity. Otherwise known as ojas, or rasa, the fluid body is an often overlooked aspect of yogic physiology. On Oct. 23 and 24, James Bailey, a third generation physician, health educator and founder of Sevanti Wellness in Santa Monica, Calif., will be holding private Ayurvedic consultations on the Island.

For more information and to register, visit flyyogamv.com.

A First-Time Homebuyer’s Seminar, hosted by Habitat for Humanity Martha’s Vineyard, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at Nectar’s by the airport. All are welcome to learn about Bailey Park Road Community Housing, Habitat and the application process for the house the group will begin building this fall.

Straw Men to Appear

The Island Scarecrow Festival will feature characters from literature this year. Each year Island businesses make a contribution to the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School in exchange for a handsome scarecrow custom-made by a school family. Scarecrows will be on display from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1.

Stars in the Stacks

For the second year in a row, the West Tisbury Free Public Library has won a five-star rating from the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. The Oak Bluffs Public Library also is a star library, with three stars.