Although no longer a frequent sight on the Vineyard, James Taylor is still a frequent visitor in the hearts (and ears) of many Islanders. Over the past five decades he has been a staple of popular music winning two Grammy awards and being inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2000.

And on Wednesday, March 3, Mr. Taylor was presented with a National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama.

No More Bullies

Jennifer Reekie Engaged

Alan and Chele Reekie of West Tisbury announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer, to Johnathon Goeckel, the son of Hans Peter Goeckel and Judith Pfeiffer of Katama. Ms. Reekie, who is the granddaughter of the late John and Bonnie Meras of East Chop, is a graduate of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and Bentley University class of 2010. She was the supervisor last summer of the Oak Bluffs Marina.

Late March Tack Sale

The Martha’s Vineyard Horse Council will host a tack sale on Sunday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Tables are $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. The council will provide the tables, with up to two people per table. Sellers are in charge of their own prices. Any profits after paying for the cost of the hall will go to the council scholarship fund. For information contact Stephanie at swdreyer@yahoo.com or Tara at tarajw@yahoo.com.

Dean’s List

Conor Boland, who was recently enrolled in the honors college at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, has been named to the college dean’s list for the fall semester. Conor is the son of Tim Boland and Laura Coit of West Tisbury.

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

When a person accidentally falls into frigid water, the first minute after entry is the most critical in the struggle to survive.

Dr. Michael Jacobs, one of the Island’s highly regarded sailing doctors, gave a talk on Tuesday evening about ways to survive after an accidental plunge. His message to boaters is that most people aren’t aware where the dangers really lie that lead up to death in the water.

Heeding the Call

From Gazette editions of March, 1936:

After five weeks’ delay, the schooner Alice Wentworth, Cap’n Zeb Tilton, sailed for Nantucket with two large tanks for the Island Service Co. Ice that blockaded Nantucket and made the passage between the Islands hazardous for sailing craft, was responsible for the long wait. It was a tug that finally succeeded in setting the schooner on her way, but not by towing.

She’s the talk of the Island. They’re musing about her in the coffee line at Alley’s and she is the subject of after-class rumblings at the Yoga Barn. Passengers discuss her on the ferry. Your sister heard about her at a bar — in Brooklyn. Lately it is hard to find someone who is not involved, at least conversationally, in the search for Olive, the missing black Lab.

HOLLY NADLER

508-274-2329

(hollynadler@gmail.com)

Many scenic towns in America have at least one whacky local who is the self-appointed official greeter. Here in Oak Bluffs we have two: Mulligan, who is so happy to see you, he flaps around as if he’s about to launch himself over the rooftop, and his best friend, Dinah, who is more sedate but who stations herself at Mulligan’s side in the role of adoring first lady, much like Nancy Reagan was with Ronald.

NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

I have gotten some wonderful feedback on my list of horrible commercials. How did one escape my attention? Now I see this strongman saying: “First I lift things up, then I put them down.” It is so obnoxious, I think he should marry the Progressive Insurance lady.