Behind the white clapboard house in prime Edgartown real estate, around the back fence — high steel fencing, covered in turf and topped with razor wire — a patch of grass has been turned over to a garden. Like other gardens in the neighborhood it is dormant and frozen over now, but soon it will be carefully tended by a crew who will pull its weeds, plant and harvest its vegetables, more than willingly and for no pay. Indeed, each man must earn his time there.

Martha’s Vineyard will have 16 additional certified American Red Cross lifeguards this season, if all 16 students pass the course offered by Jennifer Fragosa, aquatics director at the Mansion House pool.

Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School sophomore Tova Katzman of Vineyard Haven was nominated this week by the Boston Globe for the prestigious American Visions art award for her black-and-white digital photograph, With the Sheep, which was designated best of show by the judges. She is the first Island student artist ever to be nominated for this important national award. She was one of only five nominees from New England, and the only photographer. One winner from the New England region will be chosen at the national competition in March.

Learn a New Language

The Oak Bluffs Public Library is now carrying online language learning software by Mango Languages. Free of charge to library patrons, Mango Languages is a welcome addition to the library for those wanting to study a foreign language easily and at their own pace.

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women reports that an act establishing the Cape Cod and Islands Commission on the Status of Women was signed by Governor Patrick on Jan. 10. The legislation was sponsored by Senator O’Leary of the Cape and Islands district and supported by Representative Peake of the Fourth Barnstable district. The commission was established to advance women toward full equality and to promote rights and opportunities for all women living in the Cape and Islands districts.

Consumer Price Watch

By SUSAN CATLING

Gas

Prices for regular unleaded gas as of Feb. 4:

Edgartown

Airport Mobil 2.599

Depot Corner 2.599

Edgartown Mobil 2.659

Oak Bluffs

deBettencourt’s 2.579

Jim’s 2.759

Vineyard Haven

Citgo 2.599

Tisbury Shell 2.599

West Tisbury

Up-Island Automotive 2.459

High School Einsteins

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School science fair will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the high school cafeteria. Organized by science teacher Natalie Munn, over 100 students will be presenting projects. Judging takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. The fair opens to the public at 11 a.m. The awards ceremony begins at noon. All are welcome.

Art Classes on Vacation

Lani Carney will take a short break from her classes at Featherstone beginning Feb. 7, after Hoola Coola Day at the arts center. She will return on March 2 for her usual Saturday Arts Adventure.

Grant Writing 101

Christ United, Edgartown United and Trinity United Methodist Churches will join together for Sunday morning worship at the Whaling Church on Main street in Edgartown) at 10 a.m. for the month of February. Worship will be followed by coffee hour and adult bible study. If you would like more information, please call 508-693-4424.