It was the eve of an election in which most Americans were preparing
to pass judgment on the war in which Bertha Blake's two sons are
soldiers, but she politely declined to talk about that election.

Except to say this: "I respect the right of people not to
support the war. We all are entitled to our own beliefs, and my sons
hold up that freedom for us."

While widespread disapproval with the direction of the country
threatens to unseat the Republican-controlled Congress in the nationwide
election next week, growing unhappiness with Dukes County government on
the Island has created an opportunity for Vineyard voters to bring about
change on the regional level.

It was a sight unseen for the last two years on Main street,
Vineyard Haven: the easy conversation amongst friends standing outside
the Capawock theatre after a movie, bathed in the yellow light of the
old-fashioned building with green and red trim.

The Harbor View Hotel, a shingle-style turn-of-the-century hotel that graces the entrance to the Edgartown harbor at Starbuck's Neck, is set for sale to a Nantucket-based investment group, along with the Kelley House, an 18th century tavern that is now a pub and inn complex spanning Water and Dock streets.

The properties represent a significant piece of downtown real estate in Edgartown, as well as two of the best known resorts on the Vineyard.

Dr. Sheldon Hackney can't remember a time when he wasn't
on the liberal side of America's culture wars. He still struggles
to explain how it came to be that way.

He was born 72 years ago and raised in Birmingham, Ala., in a
"completely conventional, conservative" Southern family.

William Styron, the acclaimed novelist and leading literary figure of his generation whose summer home on the Vineyard Haven harbor has long been the hub of the area known colloquially as writer's row, died Wednesday at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital. He was 81.

The cause of death was pneumonia. Mr. Styron had been in failing
health for a number of years.

The current Martha's Vineyard Hospital building no longer offers adequate capacity and is in its final stages of usefulness, hospital officials told members of the Martha's Vineyard Commission last night.

The remarks came during a marathon five-hour session that kicked off the formal public hearing process for the proposed $42 million hospital renovation and expansion project, which the commission is reviewing as a development of regional impact (DRI).

When the Steamship Authority board of governors convenes next
Thursday morning at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, Vineyard governor
Marc Hanover anticipates voting for across-the-board rate increases to
fund next year\'s $78.3 million budget.

But he said it will be the last time.

\"We really have to get a handle on this,\" Mr. Hanover
said earlier this week about the budget, slated to rise $4 million next
year. \"We can\'t keep absorbing these additional
costs.\"

SSA Set to Vote on Fare Hikes Thursday at Cornell Theatre

By JAMES KINSELLA

When the Steamship Authority board of governors convenes next
Thursday morning at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, Vineyard governor
Marc Hanover anticipates voting for across-the-board rate increases to
fund next year\\\'s $78.3 million budget.

But he said it will be the last time.

Jim Powell Stresses Island Roots in Campaign for Legislative Seat

By JAMES KINSELLA

Jim Powell of West Tisbury, the Republican candidate for the Cape
and Islands state representative seat, is emphasizing the value of his
connection to the Vineyard.

"We need a new, fresh, effective, results-oriented
representative who really knows what it's like to work and survive
on the Island," said Mr. Powell, 46, who ran unsuccessfully
against the incumbent, Eric T. Turkington, in 2004.