What's Going On

Some folks equate sailing to a nice, leisurely activity planned for sunny Sundays in mid-July. Black Dog Tavern CEO Rob Douglas thinks of sailing as going 57 M.P.H. on a board attached to a kite — and yes, that’s considered “sailing.” According to the World Sailing Speed Record Council, Rob set the American speed sailing record with a 57 M.P.H. performance that took place off the shores of Lüderitz, Namibia, on the southwest coast of Africa.

So who’s the world's fastest sailor? Frenchman Alex Caizergues holds that title as he edged out Rob by a little less than one mile per hour at the four-week competition.

"It went back and forth for almost the full four weeks out there," said Mr. Douglas. "It was a lot harder to have the world record than to try to beat it. You find yourself kind of defending, versus going on the offense. It was a mental challenge for me. I knew I was up against the best guys in the world, and they weren't going to stay below me."

Thinking of challenging the record yourself? Well it turns out you’re in a great place to learn. Martha’s Vineyard has an avid community of about 20 kite sailors who regularly gather at Sengekontacket Pond, Cape Pogue Bay and Katama Bay depending on the conditions.

Read more from Steve Myrick’s article in the MV Times.

Energy is all around us: the wind, the sun, the excitement of a new president. And while the latter may be hard to harness, certain local businesses are taking full advantage of solar and wind energy. Not only are the long-term costs being taken into consideration, but the notion of being a responsible member within the community has been a guiding force.

As Susan L. Silk and The Martha’s Vineyard Times have reported, West Tisbury-based design/build firm South Mountain Inc. has noticed a shift. More island businesses are interested in energy-efficiency audits and the use of solar and other alternative — and renewable — sources of power.

Our Market in Oak Bluffs plans on generating 12,000-kilowatt hours of electrical energy annually by installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Cronig’s Market is also looking towards the sun (not directly though, of course). They are currently finalizing plans to install solar panels on both their Vineyard Haven and West Tisbury stores. The new M.V. Hospital is thinking ahead too, as it has a 45-killowatt solar panel system and the purchase of wind turbine power in its construction plans. And Morning Glory Farm in Edgartown has just received a $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture to be put towards the construction of a 50-killowatt wind turbine.

Energy is a nationwide concern, and it needs the sun to help it grow and the wind to keep it moving. Locally, we understand this.

As Democrat Barack Obama strides to the White House without any doubt left in his wake, a change has definitely come. And — finally — it’s over. After what has been the longest campaign in history, our collective focus can be on politics as a whole, not just the necessary evil that has become campaigning. Here’s to the future!

In local election news, Tim Madden of Nantucket won a House seat with the strong backing from us Vineyarders. (Possibly due to his appearance on Plum TV a little bit ago? Hmm, we’ll never know.) Leonard Jason Jr. of Chilmark and John Alley of West Tisbury were also victorious and will remain on the Dukes County Commission. In an interesting twist of fate, Linda Sibley of West Tisbury — despite coming in third — was denied a seat on the seven-member Dukes County Commission. No more than two residents from one town may serve at the same time, and since current commissioner Leslie Leland is from West Tisbury, Linda’s third place showing was all for naught. The third open seat went to write-in candidate and Oak Bluffs resident, Thomas J. Hallahan. Veteran commissioner James Athearn of Edgartown made a rookie mistake and failed to file his nomination papers in time, costing him his seat despite a strong write-in response.

Complete election results are a click away.

We’re not a betting company, but we’d put money on the “Best Bets” Annual Holiday Party hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network to be one of thee events of the holiday season. The “Best Bets” party features gift ideas under $25 for him, her, your teen, your hostess, as well as in the beverage, decoration or service departments.

If you or your company has something that fits this description, donations are happily being accepted at Kiddo’s in the Tisbury Marketplace. The drop-off deadline is November 21, so there’s no rush, yet no room for procrastination either.

The “Best Bets” party itself will take place on December 2 at Saltwater, also in the Tisbury Marketplace in Vineyard Haven.

Happy Holidays! (That may be a bit premature, but we mean it with every ounce of our Plumness.)

For more information, contact Danielle Baily at danielle@kiddosmv.com or 508-693-5437.

Tomorrow is the day that will shape our collective future, locally and nationally. Whether you’re a donkey, an elephant, or some other animal you’ve designated for your own, made-up party, November 4th is the day that your opinion unequivocally counts. See you at the polls!

Polling Locations

Aquinnah Aquinnah Town Offices, 65 State Road

Town Clerk: Carolyn Feltz (508-645-2304)

Chilmark Chilmark Community Center, 520 South Road

Town Clerk: Margaret Orlando (508-645-2107)

Edgartown The Old Whaling Church, Frederick Baylies Room, 89 Main St.

Town Clerk: Wanda Williams (508-627-6110)

Oak Bluffs Oak Bluffs Public Library, Meeting Room, 56R School St., Oak Bluffs

Town Clerk: Deborah Ratcliff (508-693-5515)

Tisbury American Legion, 47 Martin Road

Town Clerk: Marion Mudge (508-696-4215)

West Tisbury New Public Safety Building, 452 State Road, West Tisbury

Town Clerk: Prudence Whiting (508-696-0148)