Despite continued pressure from some Edgartown officials, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission on Thursday stood firmly behind its previous decision to hold a public hearing on a request from the developers of the Field Club in Katama to pay $1.8 million to the town instead of designating three lots on their property for affordable housing.

After an hour of emotionally charged debate, the commission voted 10-3 to hold the hearing.

A painting of a well-known Menemsha-based trawler by Heather Neill has been given to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum by an anonymous donor. The eight by four-foot painting, titled Strider’s Surrender, evokes the decline the local fishing industry.

The Quitsa Strider II is owned by respected Island fishermen Jonathan Mayhew. In a move symbolic of the dire state of the local fishing industry, Mr. Mayhew sold his federal permits last year, giving up his license and putting up the vessel itself for sale.

The big wooden doors of the Chicama Vineyards shop closed for the last time Sunday evening at two minutes past five. The shelves of the shop, once stocked with wines made from the grapes grown outside and vinegars infused with that wine, were empty, or nearly so. Hundreds of people stopped in over the weekend to celebrate the end of an adventure in farming and business begun 37 years ago by the late George and Catherine Mathiesen.

On Sunday, with the turn of a lock, that adventure came to a close. It was a bittersweet ending.

The Holmes Hole Sailing Association continued its summer series of handicap sailboat racing from Vineyard Haven Harbor on Sunday, August 3, with the Chappy Rendezvous Race.

It was a cloudy morning with a west wind of five to 10 knots and a forecasted threat of rain. Twelve boats posted for the start at red nun 6 outside of the Vineyard Haven breakwater.

Bring the Grandparents

The Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation will sponsor its fourth annual grandparents and grandchildren day on Thursday at the Native Earth Teaching Farm on North Road in Chilmark. The event takes place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun-filled morning working on the farm. Meet some baby animals and learn about organic farming. For information call 508-693-5207.

Library Campaign News

On Thursday, August 14, Friends of the Edgartown Library will host an open house at the library to provide a summer update to the public about the library’s current capital campaign. A brief talk with a follow-up question and answer period will be held at 7 p.m.

The Friends of the Edgartown Library also will meet on August 28 at 10 a.m. at the library. All are welcome.

Art Party on Wednesday

Carrie Mae Smith will showcase her exhibit Historic Houses on the Vineyard, plein air paintings of familiar landmarks and Vineyard history, for the month of August at West Tisbury Library. All are welcome to meet the artist at a free reception Wednesday, August 13, at 4 p.m.

Refreshments served. For details, call 508-693-3366.

The fast-paced, nonpartisan film 18 in ’08 screens free at 8 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven on Wednesday, August 13. Made by a 19-year-old filmmaker, the movie is aimed at 17 to 24-year-olds who may be voting in their first Presidential election this year.

Following the screening the director and politicians will participate in a discussion about political participation, the youth vote and the 2008 election. There will also be on-site voter registration.

On Tuesday, August 12, and Saturday, August 16, the Polly Hill Arboretum will offer two tours highlighting native trees and plants. On August 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. join Karin Stanley, arboretum staff member and amateur historian, for a tour of native trees and shrubs on the grounds. Knowing the cultural history of these plants gives them an identity that distinguishes them from “just part of the woods.” Learn the wide range of uses these plants have had over the years and how this reflects the history of the human societies that have used them.

Steve Gorn’s Luminous Ragas, a concert of Indian classical music on the bansuri bamboo flute, will take place on Thursday, August 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Che’s Lounge on Main street in Vineyard Haven. Tickets are $15.

Mr. Gorn will guide the audience through the beauty and intricacies of this music with words.