On Wednesday morning Dukes County veterans agent Jo Ann Murphy took a phone call from a World War II veteran to thank her for an unusual errand. Ms. Murphy had delivered him bread-and-butter pickles, his favorite, more than six months ago.

After more than two years without primary care on the Island, a group of Vineyard veterans blasted the Veterans Administration and Partners Healthcare yesterday for failing to restore medical services that had been available on the Island for years. The veterans met with a team of national representatives from the American Legion in the hope that they will bring their message back to Capitol Hill.

Cable television customers on the Vineyard are all but assured of having Comcast service for the next 10 years, as a contract between the giant cable company and the six Island towns nears completion. But the question of whether the contract will guarantee service for outlying rural areas of the Island, including Chappaquiddick, remains unsettled.

With Menemsha falling away behind and the open sea ahead, the U.S. Coast Guard boat headed due west three miles off the coast of Aquinnah Wednesday afternoon. Then the engine was cut. The sun sank in the blue November sky as officers lowered the flags to half-mast and gathered on deck to say goodbye to one of their fondest shipmates, Bridger.

It was a committal service at sea fit for a commander. Coast Guard Station Menemsha crew members said goodbye to their mascot, Bridger, a yellow Labrador who died on Sept. 22 from complications of old age. He was 12.

Belted kingfishers are found throughout North America; as a matter of fact they are considered one of the most widespread land birds in same. They are not considered year-round residents on the Island, but if the winter is mild and there is open water, belted kingfishers can be seen on the Vineyard all year long. Small numbers of belted kingfishers breed on the Vineyard. We are pretty sure that these breeding birds do not remain year-round, but migrate south to areas in Central and northern South America. However those kingfishers that breed north of the Vineyard come to spend the winters on-Island.

Shabbat Service

The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center will honor veterans, merchant mariners and others involved in past and present military service at a Shabbat Service on Friday, Nov. 11. Jo Ann Murphy, veterans agent for Dukes County, and members of American Legion Post 257 will attend.

You really don’t miss the water until the well runs dry. Thankfully, I am only speaking metaphorically. Now that we have experienced a few frosts I miss all the vibrant colors of the fall gardens.

By LYNNE IRONS

You really don’t miss the water until the well runs dry. Thankfully, I am only speaking metaphorically. Now that we have experienced a few frosts I miss all the vibrant colors of the fall gardens. Alyssum, petunias, bacopas, and even geraniums are still blooming like crazy. I think I’ll use more of the aforementioned next year in window boxes. I have had bacopa blooming at Christmas. It looks great spilling out of a green holiday arrangement.

CPR Classes

American Heart Association CPR and first aid training courses will take place Nov. 15 to 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven.

These CPR and first-aid courses follow the new American Heart Association standards in CPR, and are appropriate for the general public.

By HOLLY NADLER

In a word, atmospherics. Theater director Donna Swift knew she had to hold her junior high school players’ attention, and keep it held. But how?

Scour the old books and find the most Gothic fairy tale possible and bring it to life.

Free Movie for Charity

The Capawock Theatre will present a free screening of The Lion King on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 1:30 p.m. to benefit the Island Food Pantry. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food or cash donation. Checks should be made out to Island Food Pantry.