Politics are poisoned by bitter partisanship, economic disparities between whites and minorities are widening and trust between these groups seems to be eroding, complicating efforts to bridge America’s divisions. These were among the many observations by panelists at the annual Hutchins Forum Thursday evening in Edgartown.

Walk along the edge of a meadow, the perimeter of a farm, or into a clearing in a deciduous forest on Martha’s Vineyard, and one plant you can almost count on finding is the black cherry tree. The black cherry, or Prunus serotina, is native to the Island and a vitally important source of food and shelter for a remarkable number of animals.

For years my daughter Jill lived a private, single, independent life in New Orleans, the city she fell in love with during her college years at Tulane.

Louis W. Sullivan’s morning walks have always been about two things: building connections and health.
Dr. Sullivan’s early morning walks with his wife Ginger started in the early 1970s.

President Obama and his family departed from the Vineyard under rainy skies this evening, concluding a quiet nine-day Vineyard vacation for the first family.

Marine One left Martha’s Vineyard Airport just after 9 p.m., and arrived at Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station at 9:16 p.m. The president greeted well-wishers there before boarding Air Force One.

As their Vineyard vacation draws to a close, the Obamas finally hit the beach Saturday before heading out to dinner in Edgartown. The president also squeezed in another round of golf.

The president, first lady and daughters Malia and Sasha arrived at a private beach off Pohogonot Road at around 10 a.m. Saturday morning. The rural area, accessed down long dirt roads, offers access to Edgartown Great Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. The Obamas have visited the beach during other Vineyard visits.

Even President Obama turned out Friday night for the annual Oak Bluffs fireworks display. One of the top events of the summer, it draws thousands of people to the seaside Ocean Park.

It was a year of firsts for the Martha's Vineyard Sharks. First stadium seats. First games played at night, under the lights. First time in the playoffs. And now first league title.

The annual fireworks show returns tonight with promise of a spectacular show, but also increased security.

“There are going to be some noticeable changes to events this year,” police chief Erik Blake informed the town selectmen at a recent annual summer taxpayers meeting.

The show attracts thousands to Ocean Park.

The 15th annual Ken Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund charity luncheon tees off Sunday, August 18 at the VFW in Oak Bluffs. The event will feature golf items for raffle, and food prepared by Caribbean chef Deon Thomas.

The Ken Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 1998 upon the passing of Ken Williams, an anti-Apartheid activist, humanitarian, noted photographer, jazz promoter, and avid golfer. Williams was passionate about giving a voice to those who were either unheard or unspoken.