JO-ANN TILGHMAN

508-627-7669

(tilghmanjb@aol.com)

For the past few summers, staying connected to the outside world, the availability ofhigh-speed Internet and cell phone coverage has been a bigdiscussion topic wheneverChappy residents get together. Just how far do the digital subscriber lines (DSL) extend, what phone numbers have access, and why does your neighbor have DSL and you are told it is unavailable at your location? Where is there good cell phone coverage?

KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

I am sitting here thinking about putting a long-sleeved shirt on and it is only August. Today has been rainy and the wind has been chilly but it sure feels good. I know it is not the end of the heat but the relief sure feels great.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week.

NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Next Wednesday will be a big day at Logan Airport in Boston. Bob and Carol Clark are pleased to announce that daughter Lynn and her husband, Philip Dwane, will be there with family — Ryan, 17, Ben, 13, and Brandon, 11 — to greet their new additions to the family. Being escorted from Kazakhstan are 5-year-old Anya and her 3-year-old brother, Aran.

As part of a new series of Choreographic Guided Tours, designed to be of interest to both the most sophisticated dance lovers and complete newcomers to the form, The Yard is honored to present an evening curated and hosted by legendary dance educator Martha Myers.

Vineyard Village at Home recently held a a wine and cheese reception at the Polly Hill Arboretum for members and potential members to gather and learn more about the organization.

For a membership fee, Vineyard Village offers a variety of support and handyman services to Island residents to help them maintain their independence and enrich their quality of life. Nearly 40 people attended the reception.

JOHN S. ALLEY

508-693-2950

(alleys@vineyard.net)

The weekend weather was just delightful. The beaches were pleasantly full on Sunday and many cookouts were held over the weekend. The school playing field was busy as a beehive on Sunday.

JUNE MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

August 12 is Native American Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as proclaimed on numerous occasions by sitting governors.

All the best to Jim Kinsella as he moves on to his new position at Cape Cod Today. He has been an inspiration in assisting me with editing my column for the past two years. We will undoubtedly continue to work together as Cape Cod Today on occasion quotes some of my work.

West Tisbury Free Public Library hosts an evening with emeritus professor of SUNY/Buffalo, Herb Foster on Monday, August 11, at 5 p.m. Mr. Foster will discuss and sign his latest book, Ribbin’, Jivin’, and Playin’ the Dozens: The Persistent Dilemma in Our Schools.

Prior to his 28-plus years at SUNY, he spent 17 years as a teacher and administrator in the New York city public schools. At present, he is co-president of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, trustee of the Edgartown Public Library and trustee of Martha’s Vineyard NAACP.

Housing Bank Comes to Rest

Advocates for the housing bank, who have worked long and hard for their cause, lost the battle last week when a bill to create a new tax on real estate sales — with the money intended to go into an affordable housing fund — died as a piece of unfinished business on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts legislature is now in summer recess.

And the housing bank, first filed three years ago, has run out its string.

Always Prepared

For many Island residents, the Coast Guard is a comfortable, innocuous presence. Coast Guard vessels and boats, usually painted a cheerful white, red and blue, are commonly seen in Vineyard waters. The service’s lighthouses provide guidance for mariners at night, and thousands of photo opportunities for tourists during the day.

In large part, though, the Coast Guard tends to be taken for granted. When out of sight, they are out of mind.