Graduates Receive Generous Scholarships

By MANDY LOCKE

Christmas is coming early this year for 133 graduating seniors at
Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, as it will for 115 of the
school's recent alumni. Gifts will pour in from 123 community
groups playing Santa who will deliver checks of all sizes this Friday
night - paid to the order of colleges, universities and training
institutions across the nation.

About $650,000 will be divided to make continuing education a
reality for 248 Island youths.

Charter School Graduates Two in 2002: Class Praised for Courage,
Fortitude

By ALEXIS TONTI

At a different kind of graduation this weekend, there was no Pomp
and Circumstance, no caps and gowns, no valedictorian and salutatorian.
In a class of two, such distinctions are unnecessary.

House Delays SSA Vote; Island Political Maneuvers Press New Bedford
Case

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

An acrimonious political campaign to restructure the Steamship
Authority went into yet another stall this week when a much-anticipated
floor debate in the state legislature was diverted to a back room by
House Speaker Thomas Finneran. The move by Mr. Finneran came amid a
week-long swirl of politics, including a series of secret maneuvers by a
small group of Vineyard officials who are now working to promote the
interests of New Bedford.

It was a victory for bar owners in Oak Bluffs and patrons who prefer a nicotine chaser with their drinks. Smoking is back.

Voters in Oak Bluffs could put a significant dent in the number of mopeds rented in their town if they back a tough proposal put forth by selectmen. At a special town meeting on June 18, residents will be asked to approve a bylaw that would cut down the number of moped dealer licenses issued each year from seven to five.

Echoes of Sept. 11 followed the solemn marchers in the Memorial Day
veterans' parade on Monday. More participants joined, and more
flags were hung than in years past. Even the crowds were larger on the
Edgartown streets.

National Labor Board Sets Stage for Vote on Union in Community
Services Dispute

By MANDY LOCKE

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) set the stage for a vote
on union status in the labor dispute at Martha's Vineyard
Community Services with a May 24 ruling that expanded the pool of
eligible voters in the Island Counseling Center.

Historic Chappaquiddick Farm Preserved in Unique Partnership

By JULIA WELLS

The preservation of a historic farmstead, a new partnership between
two respected conservation organizations and affordable housing were all
tied together in a single package this week when the Martha's
Vineyard Land Bank and the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust
announced that they will join forces to buy the Chappaquiddick property
formerly owned by Ruth Marshall and the late Robert Marshall.

“I guess if you’re comfortable with how the game is going to end, then you can play.” Sounds of a baseball game float through the window from the playing field on the other side of the trees. “Personally, and I don’t mean this for others, it’s like — I don’t know, but I tend to believe that this life is it. So I’m not sitting there worrying about judgments and devils and angels. No hell to pay. When it’s over, it’s over.” .

Scores of high school students went to the prom Saturday night and
then roamed the Vineyard looking for a party, and in the course of that
night, at least seven figured out they were in some kind of trouble and
needed a ride home.