JOHN S. ALLEY

508-693-2950

(alleys@vineyard.net)

Dean’s List

Michael C. Pachico, son of Charles and Kim Pachico of Chilmark, has been listed on the dean’s list of Bridgewater State College in the School of Arts and Science for the fall 2007 semester.

Avery Ann Arrives

Nancy Bruguiere Morris and Edward Morris of Wayland announce the birth of a daughter, Avery Ann, who was born on Jan. 8. She weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces. She was 20 inches long. She is the granddaughter of Bob and Judy Bruguiere of Edgartown and George and Mary Morris of Stuart, Fla. Her proud big brother Charlie and sister Hilary look forward to visiting the Island with her this spring.

JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

A Chorus Line will be presented this evening at 7 by the Performing Arts Department at the Performing Arts Center at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Tickets are $7 for seniors and students, and $10 for adults. If you missed opening night on Valentine’s Day, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the performance this evening and on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Please show your support to our students and staff who have worked tremendously long and hard to present this performance.

JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

It is with much sadness that we report the death on Sunday last of Robert N. Flanders of Menemsha. He was most closely associated with the water and for many years was a familiar fisherman in Menemsha. His roots go deep in Chilmark and he was a respected and hard working husband, father, brother and neighbor. We shall all miss him and send condolences to his many friends and extended family.

Backlash

In a strange and disturbing turn, much of the emotion aroused over a fatal Vineyard traffic accident in late January has shifted from grief over the young woman who died to an outpouring of anger and resentment against the Island’s Brazilian community.

A Brazilian native, Francellyo Dias, was driving a delivery van when it was struck by a car driven by Brandy Marie Gibson. She was killed. Mr. Dias and a passenger in the van, Keila Lessa, were injured and airlifted to Boston.

School Bond, Town Obligation

The regional high school district committee was correct to rescind its vote on the sewage treatment bond issue once it came to light that Island towns had not been properly informed of their right to vote on the matter.

Winter Sunshine

Enrichment is indeed alive and well at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School where the education programs reach well beyond the traditional academic confines. Here are three examples:

Six students at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School were honored for excellence in art work this week as winners in the prestigious Boston Globe scholastic art competition.

MISS MY PAPA

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Many people told me in the past few weeks that my grandfather, Peter Williamson, was a great guy and very respected. They said when he was the chief he was known for helping people. I am too young to know about those years.

I knew him as my Papa.

He would watch movies with me any time I wanted. He would watch the same Elmo movies over and over.

Anyone can buy a boat, a quahaug rake and a shellfish permit and go quahaugging. And anyone can use a rod and reel to catch a fish.

But it is a rare person who can scratch a living as a fisherman, from youth through middle age and do it with the spirit and dedication of Robert (Bob) Flanders, who died this past weekend.

Thirty years ago, when I was an aspiring young journalist, I went to Menemsha with my camera trying to take the great picture that would launch my career.