For the first time in several years, Island residents looking to welcome the New Year with dancing, champagne and yes, fireworks, need look no further than Edgartown. Hoping to usher in a new tradition along with 2012, the Harbor View Hotel will sponsor a fireworks show over the Edgartown harbor, with attendees at the hotel’s New Year’s Eve party having a prime view of the display.
The Up-Island regional school district committee voted this week to part ways with food service provider Chartwells at the end of the school year, and now plans to develop its own school meals program based at the West Tisbury school.
Vineyard Propane Merges
Demand for propane my be on the rise but Island shoppers will soon find their options decreased. AmeriGas, the largest propane distributor in the country and one of three distributors on the Island, is set to acquire Vineyard Propane as part of a massive merger with Vineyard Propane’s parent company.
The steamship Martha’s Vineyard hasn’t set sail from Woods Hole since 1956 but its steam whistle is still causing a headache for the Steamship Authority.
At their monthly meeting this week the boat line governers met in executive session to discuss whether to sue current SSA Capt. Bruce Malenfant to recover what may be the SS Martha’s Vineyard’s long-lost steam whistle. But the Malenfants believe it’s a case of mistaken identity.
My holidays are all about food. In truth, my life is about food.
Forget the gifts and give me the delicious fare and heavenly aromas that accompany this special time of year. The scents of the season arouse the senses — ginger, cinnamon, spruce and fir trees, cloves, mace, bayberry, frankincense and myrrh are just a few.
Perhaps the finest smell and flavor of the season is redolent rosemary. It is more than just perfect for your holiday cooking.
The occasion was the 25th annual St. Catherines Island Foundation Christmas Bird Count. Flip Harrington and I have participated in 10 of the 25. We were to fly from Boston to Brunswick, Ga. spend the night with a friend and drive north to Half-Moon Marina. The marina is where visitors to St. Catherines are to congregate and board motorboats that whisk them to the island.
Top Sharks
The Web site mlbdraftguide.com has named two 2011 Martha’s Vineyard Sharks baseball players to its list of top 500 players for the upcoming 2012 Major League Baseball draft. League MVP shortstop/outfielder Robbie Zinsmeister of Indiana University and corner outfielder Jeramy Matos of Central Florida University have been included on the list.
The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks, a summer, wooden bat collegiate baseball team, play in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League of New England. Last year marked the team’s inaugural season.
When Julie Wells asked me to write this column almost five years ago, she said I would develop a relationship with it. It has, in fact, come to pass.
We would like to express our gratitude for all those who generously contributed to Local Women, Global Mission’s fund-raising effort. We are proud to announce that we reached our goal of $10,000 this week, less than three weeks from our departure. This money will be used to buy an emergency vehicle for a rural birthing center in northern Uganda called Earth Birth. Thank you for all of your support!
Hannah Kahl and Lila Fischer
Chilmark and West Tisbury
Better late than never. Merry Christmas to my family and friends. To those who attended my MVRHS graduation, a belated thank you.
Also thanks to my Uncle Steve and Aunt Laurie who opened their home for my party.
Forgotten snail mail.
Cody Maciel
Vineyard Haven
