Looking back over 2002, the Island's economy showed strength during a year of uncertainty and possible war.

Land, the Island's most formidable asset, held its value. According to James Lengyel, executive director of the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank, land and housing values grew in 2002. Land bank revenues for the six-month period from July 1 to Dec. 31 were up 12 per cent over the first six months of 2001. Transactions were up four per cent.

Now that heavy rain and snow have arrived, last year's dry
summer is a distant memory. In fact, the Island ended up with more
rainfall than usual in 2002.

Organizers of Last Night, First Day, the Island's own New
Years celebration, were feeling good about their success yesterday.
Valerie Richards, executive director of the Martha's Vineyard
Chamber of Commerce, said: "I was thrilled. The turnout for most
of the events was fabulous. The fireworks were fabulous. Whoever parted
the clouds and the fog deserve a great thanks."

Vineyard Haven Hosts New Year Festival

By C.K. WOLFSON

Perhaps nature was conspiring against Island holiday celebrations by
subjecting First Day activities in Vineyard Haven Wednesday to the same
chilly rain that dampened the Christmas weekend in Edgartown. Town
streets were almost deserted, stores darkened and colors faded to gray.

But nature was no match for the laughing, energetic children who
were entertained at the town's churches and gathering places. It
was a day that owed its brightness to the smiles of Island children and
their parents.

Dukes County Manager Quits

Carol Borer Suddenly Leaves Post After Retirement Pay Package
Dispute and Commitment to Serve in Transition

By JONATHAN BURKE

Staff arriving at work yesterday at the airport county
administration office yesterday got a surprise - the office of
Dukes County manager Carol Borer was empty and she was gone.

Mrs. Borer had announced plans to retire at year's end two
months ago, but at that time she agreed to stay on as temporary manager
and to assist in the transition to a successor.

It would be the ideal night to kick off another season of SafeRides, but the student-run service that gives kids in trouble a free ride home won't be up and running this New Year's Eve. The service officially starts up Jan. 10.

A special superior court sitting is now set for next month in
Edgartown on a case that will ultimately decide whether the Wampanoag
Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has the power to police itself when it
comes to local zoning rules. The case will also decide the much larger
issue of whether the tribe cannot be sued because of sovereign immunity.

The case has attracted little attention, despite the fact that the
outcome could have far-reaching implications for every town on the
Vineyard.

Greetings from the Tisbury planning board this year will come in the form of a survey that will be used to gather information for the development of a master plan.

"A well-constructed master plan provides the basis for decision-making regarding the long-term physical development of the town. It usually leads to specific zoning bylaw changes to effect the goals expressed and to set the tone for all land-use decisions. The plan also serves as valuable documentation when seeking grants or other forms of assistance," states the press release issued by the planning board last week.

Boatline Enters Wind Dispute

SSA Will Contact Political Leaders to Express Serious Concerns About
Sea Safety and Threats Posed by Wind Farm Plan

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Steamship Authority governors will add their collective voice to the
growing list of groups now logging in with an array of concerns about a
giant wind farm that has been proposed for Nantucket Sound.

At Tony's Market in Oak Bluffs this week, the cashier is suddenly not just a celebrity but a good luck charm. Charlene Radcliffe, the one behind the counter wearing a Santa hat and a big grin, just scratched her way to one humongous Christmas gift.