KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

kathleencase@comcast.net

By the time you read this article you will probably be bracing for Earl to hit. Hopefully you are all safe and have everything battened down.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Gregory Allan and Ruby Mercier, who celebrated their day August 30.

I apologize to those students who are not listed here; I need to get the new list and I will do that asap.

JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

Chilmark is awaiting yet another hurricane as I write. The crowds at the Menemsha beach are enjoying their seafood and sunset with a minimum of concern. I did hear that the town landing at Quitsa was a busy place all day. Let’s hope that there will be no severe results from the passing storm.

The Vineyard birding community would like to thank the town of Aquinnah/Gay Head, the Vineyard Conservation Society and all the others involved in protecting the fragile lands along Moshup Trail. This area is one of the premier birding spots during the fall and we are glad it will stay forever wild. Thanks!

Temperature: Precip.

Day Max. Min. Inches.

Fº Fº

August 27 80 60 .00

August 28 77 58 .00

August 29 77 61 .00

August 30 85 68 .00

August 31 87 66 .00

Sept. 1 91 70 .00

Sept. 2 92 70 .00

Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 77º F.

Murder on MV

From Gazette editions of September, 1935:

NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

JOHN S. ALLEY

508-693-2950

(alleys@vineyard.net)

By LYNNE IRONS

I spent some time last weekend following the near-nonstop coverage of the fifth-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Then, in watching the Weather Channel Tropical Update I kept my eye on the movements of Earl. I did make a few “in-case” preparations. I searched out a mechanic to repair the generator. I can live pretty well for a while with no power. I have a gas range, plenty of lanterns and always something to do. However, this business of no water because of an electric-run water pump in the well is a big drag.

BRAD WOODGER

508-627-4216

(ibwsgolf@aol.com)

Martha’s Vineyard is a great place to make your last stand.

We have almost everything that one would need — food, water, space and shelter. But if you are an insect, the best thing that the Island has going for it is what didn’t happen here — widespread DDT spraying and the introduction of a predatory parasitoid fly.