There is something comforting in the connection between old-fashioned, farm-grown accomplishments, community pride and simple pleasures. It connects us to the land and to each other. The Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society's fourth annual Harvest Festival conjures vintage images of farm life and country fairs and invites Islanders to celebrate the Vineyard's rich agricultural tradition at the fairgrounds in West Tisbury Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the Columbus Day holiday.

Becoming a patient in a primary care physician's practice is
now almost impossible for Islanders and visitors, but medical personnel
are making an effort to alleviate the situation.

Primary physician practices, in the strictest sense, are closed to
new patients, leaving those in search of a doctor in limbo.

Tim Walsh, who became the Martha's Vineyard Hospital's
chief executive officer in August, said the lack of primary care
physicians is a problem.

Officials at the state medical licensing board confirmed this week that their agency last year began investigating allegations that a Vineyard physician was abusing the highly addictive prescription drug, OxyContin, and writing excessive prescriptions for the drug.

The Edgartown planning board criticized wireless phone companies Tuesday night for claiming space on the North street telephone tower.

"When is enough enough? When do we get to say enough is enough?" asked planning board chairman Norman Rankow of representatives from AT&T Wireless.

The standoff took place during a public hearing for AT&T's request to replace three antennas, add six cables and install an air conditioner and radio equipment at the North street tower site - one of only two in Edgartown.

The Oak Bluffs harbor is a money machine for the town, but the question facing leaders after yet another record-breaking year of revenue is whether they can squeeze more cash from the operation.

The developer of the Down Island Golf Club told the Martha's
Vineyard Commission last week that the members of the private luxury
golf complex he hopes to build will be "rich people" who
will bring no real benefit to the town of Oak Bluffs or the Island.

Report Finds Windfall for Golf Developer

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The developers of the Down Island Golf Club stand to clear more than
$70 million in profits if they are permitted to build a private luxury
golf club in the southern woodlands section of Oak Bluffs, while the
financial benefits to the town and the Vineyard community will be
minimal by comparison.

Chasing the Bass and the Blues: It Will Cost You a Few Extra Bucks

By BRETT FERRY

During the month-long fishing derby, while derby fever is running
high, people may be questioning what it takes to be a contender in this
local, world-class event.

Sure, you can hang around the tackle shops or diners and pick up on
the buzz - where the hot spots are, what time of day to be there,
what the fish are eating. But what if you're a greenhorn, a
landlubber without any gear? Where do you start? And, more importantly,
what kind of damage will it do to your wallet?

Community Services Marks Anniversary with Tributes to Volunteers and
Staff

By MANDY LOCKE

The staff, volunteers and supporters of Martha's Vineyard
Community Services gathered together Saturday night to offer one last
happy birthday to the 40-year-old health and human services agency.

Community Services embraced middle age in style this year, and the
evening's tribute to volunteers and employees was no exception.

Cape and Island prosecutors are seeking to charge a former Tisbury
police officer with placing a fake inspection sticker on a 1979 Jeep.
The vehicle in question later crashed in an accident blamed on defective
steering, killing high school senior Eric MacLean.