It is almost the end of berry-hunting season, and that’s a pity. Berry picking offers an opportunity to enjoy songbirds, osprey and honking Canada geese overhead. Berry hunters out just before sundown may see deer leaping stone walls to spend the night in the depths of the woods.

There are the sounds of nature to enjoy, too — soughing pines and rustling leaves and sometimes the lapping of water on shore or the distant roar of the ocean.

Martha's Vineyard plays a special role in the history and
culture of African Americans in this nation. Although there are
instances of racial prejudice and discrimination, the Island has largely
served as a beacon of hope over the years: an early vacation spot for
African Americans as well as a nexus and forum for discussion for some
of the most influential black scholars and leaders in the nation.

Following a frenzied weekend of rallies for two of the 2008 Democratic Presidential contenders, the third of the front runners, Barack Obama. slid quietly into the Vineyard early this week for aclosed-door high-ticket fundraiser and no fanfare.

While Edgartown, Menemsha and nearby Cuttyhunk harbors have
experienced average business so far this summer, Vineyard Haven and Oak
Bluffs harbors are tentatively reporting their busiest - and most
lucrative - boating seasons ever.

"The beginning of August was the busiest I've ever seen
the harbor. It was absolutely crazy," Oak Bluffs harbor master
Todd Alexander said. "I think the whole Island was busier."

Nobel Winner Joseph Murray: Vigorous at 88

By JACK SHEA

Dr. Joseph E. Murray chooses to live a simple life and at 88 he
remains full of awe and wonder at the world.

And despite being lionized as a medical pioneer for half his life,
he is somehow right-sized. The natural beauty of the Vineyard gives him
all he needs, he says.

In a recent conversation at his home on Chappaquiddick, the Nobel
Prize-winning surgeon used poetry to illustrate how his Island home
enables him to experience his life.

Many Businesses Report a Healthy Summer

By JACK SHEA

Two months of warm, sunny weather and a modest but not overwhelming
increase in visitors over last year combined to make a rosy
end-of-season business report - at least by most accounts.

Heading into Labor Day weekend, some Island businesses are reporting
gains of five to seven per cent over last year, while some retailers and
restaurants had gains of 10 per cent or more.

Study Released by Youth Task Force Shows Drinking Remains Prevalent,
but Fewer Teens Smoke Cigarettes

Survey results released this week about risky behavior among Island
middle school and high school students reveal few surprises about drug
and alcohol use.

Globally, women are the fastest growing population of people
infected with AIDS. And women and girls of color in the United States
and around the world have been hit the hardest.

Two of Us: Robert and Marietta Cleasby: So Many Camp Ground Summers,
This Couple Has Stopped Counting

John Edwards came out swinging not only against Republicans, but also against his Democratic opponents during his Friday night campaign stop on Martha's Vineyard.

Mr. Edwards, struggling behind Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in the contest for the party's nomination, said Mrs. Clinton was uncommitted to the big changes America had to make, and Mr. Obama was too conciliatory in his pursuit of change.