After years of going without a conference affiliation, all but a handful of the athletic teams of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High school finally found a home this week when the Eastern Athletic Conference voted unanimously to accept the Vineyard into its ranks.

The principals and athletic directors of the Eastern Athletic Conference voted without dissent on Wednesday to accept the Vineyard as the newest member of the four-school athletic conference. The vote took place at the conference’s regular meeting held at Somerset High School.

Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School girls’ and boys’ cross-country teams capped off another strong season last weekend at the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association division III finals.

The girls finished 14th overall at the division meet held at Franklin Park in Boston, while the boys finished 15th. Only the top five teams advance to the all-state meet held tomorrow, also at Franklin Park.

This from the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street: “Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to.”

World War II veteran Fred B. Morgan Jr. of Edgartown told a gathering of veterans, along with their families and friends on Tuesday that he hopes by next year’s Veterans Day, those serving in the military in Iraq will be home. Standing beneath windblown flags at the World War II veterans memorial at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, Mr. Morgan spoke about the significance of the day.

Oak Bluffs selectmen Tuesday agreed to schedule a special town meeting next month to decide several key issues, including hiring a firm to investigate the source of treated effluent seeping to the surface at Ocean Park and whether to rescind $400,000 in Community Preservation Act funds previously approved for the Bradley Square project.

Montessori Yard Sale

Vineyard Montessori Yard Sale Fund-raiser will take place on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the corner of Tashmoo avenue and Main street, Vineyard Haven. Forty-five families will be donating items for the yard sale. There will also be children’s activities, baked goods and warm drinks. The proceeds will go toward extracurricular activities for the students. Rain or shine. For details, call 508-693-4090.

Cars for a Good Cause

Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs in the commonwealth are seeking donations of used cars; money from the sale of the cars supports the programs. Donations are tax-deductible for those who itemize. To donate a car call 1-800-246-0493.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard announced this week that Melinda Loberg of Vineyard Haven has been chosen to receive the annual Spirit of the Vineyard award.

“Melinda Loberg is a woman who can’t say no. As a result, she is very busy. And her work makes a difference to many people in diverse ways,” declared a press statement from hospice about the award.

Studies Abroad

Alison Carr of West Tisbury, a junior at Farleigh Dickinson University’s College at Florham in Madison, N.J. is spending the fall semester studying overseas at Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, England. She is a theatre arts major.

This November, many Vineyard families are thankful for something special: the gift of friendship with a New York city child. Through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Town program, Island families open their hearts and homes to host inner-city children for up to two weeks during the summer.

One child enthused that during her visit, “I went horseback riding for the first time even though I was scared. Now I love it, like swimming in a lake!”