The Nantucket Independent Newspaper

Sheep Pond Road property owners sue town

BY PETER A. SUTTERS JR. INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

Agroup of Sheep Pond Road property owners is suing the town for expenses and depleted property value following the collapse of the road into the ocean in September of 2003. The case began last Monday in Nantucket Superior Court and is expected to go to the jury for deliberations as early as today.

17-year itch

BY PETER B. BRACE INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

In about two weeks, periodic cicadas will be emerging from the ground on Nantucket, completing a 17-year lifecycle as part of a massive colony dubbed Brood XIV. "We're very excited to see if anyone sees them or hears them," said Dr.

Photo

05/14/2008

ROB BENCHLEY/The Independent Crane activities at the Nantucket Memorial Airport addition project were halted early this week due to high winds, but that didn't stop Jon McMullen of Rose Steel in New Hampshire from scooting along an I-beam Tuesday afternoon. The Airport Commission is hosting a "Topping Off" ceremony this Friday at noon, when a traditional pine tree will be hoisted aloft.

Neighbors, board scrutinize 19-lot North Liberty Street subdivision

BY PETER A. SUTTERS JR. INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

The developers of a proposed 19-lot subdivision off North Liberty Street are planning for the long haul, saying they expect to be before the Planning Board a number of times,

New School founder Linda Zola to retire next month

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

The Nantucket New School began in 1985 with six children and two teachers, one of whom was the school's founder, Linda Zola, who secured use of Prenny and Patty Claflin's Polpis basement as a classroom she shared with teacher Connie Umberger.

Meet Your Neighbor

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

Date of birth March 14, 1955 Likes most about Nantucket The sense of community. Likes least about Nantucket The cost of living. Favorite TV show "Law and Order" It was fitting to talk with Chris Van der Wolk at the Maddequet Admiralty Club since most of his life he has been involved with marine activities, such as now in his role as Madaket Assistant Harbor Master.

NRTA, Visitor Services ride "sustainable tourism" wave

BY PETER A. SUTTERS JR. INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

Nantucket Visitor Services and the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority are teaming up with the philanthropic Schmidt Family Foundation in the hopes of promoting "sustainable tourism" on the island this summer. Visitor Services was granted approval by the Board of Selectmen last week to have a satellite office at the Greenhound bus stop at 10 Washington St.

Planning Board approves pilates studio for 1 North Beach Street

BY PETER B. BRACE INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

Perceiving no real spike in intensity of use, the Planning Board has unanimously approved Courtney L. McKechnie's pilates studio for Unit 1B at 1 North Beach St. McKechnie's CLM Training will use half of the 780 square feet of her space for fitness training, and the other half for retail sales of related apparel.

Nantucket Court Report

05/14/2008

German Ayala, 37, of Goshen, Utah, was arraigned on May 11, 2008 charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and was ordered to return to court on May 27. Amyra Ashley Chase, 22, of Cohasset, Mass.

Town seeks lower fees for construction, demolition trash

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

No specific numbers are listed, but the town has sent a letter to Waste Options Nantucket, operator of the landfill, notifying the company that the town believes it is entitled to lower tipping fees for construction and demolition debris and a reduced charge for the construction and demolition processing

Island author tapped for book on collapse of Bear Stearns

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

It was the fifth largest investment bank in the nation, but after 85 years it took only one week for Bear Stearns to become absorbed by J.P. Morgan. Amidst a devastating sub-prime mortgage crisis, the only other alternative for Bear Stearns was bankruptcy.

Births

05/14/2008

E lissa May Holdgate was born at Nantucket Cottage Hospital on May 6, 2008 weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces. She is the daughter of Dawn E. Hill Holdgate and Michael K. Holdgate and sister of Kenneth Chase Holdgate of Nantucket. Her grandparents are Cynthia and Michael Phillips, Warren (Sam) Hill, Dorothy Neilsen, Kenneth W.

Photo

05/14/2008

Devon Francis officially became the new proprietor of the Rotary restaurant on Monday, May 5 and hopes to be open by this weekend. The 14-year-long island resident, who has two young children and whose wife is a nurse, is owner of alloCAKEsions and will make his pastries at the Rotary and offer some on his menu. Francis said he will still sell the popular lobster roll and fried chicken of Rotary fame but is adding Caribbean dishes to his affordable entree list. After taking over the business from Elliot Norton, Francis gave the dining room a fresh coat of paint, laid new flooring, bought new seating and built a small bar. Take out will continue, including the availability of the regular menu selections for take-out. ROB BENCHLEY/The Independent

Community unites to introduce career options to students

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

Not everyone knows in their youth what interests them and where their aptitude lies, considerations that are important when thinking about a career. Taking a cue from the longstanding Massachusetts Institute of Technology's annual "SPLASH!" program introducing students to a variety of ideas, next Friday, the first "SPLASH!

Nantucket Memorial Airport Terminal News

05/14/2008

TRAVELER IMPACT The additional two temporary trailers that the airport is using for summer airline offices, six more ticket counters and to house the Transportation Safety Administration baggage screening equipment are now in place with the original three temporary trailers on the tarmac in front of the main terminal.

AT ITS MEETING ON MAY 7, THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:

05/14/2008

• Approved an application for a common victualer license for Fish Stix, LLC, doing business as Fresh, for 3 Salem Street • Accepted the surrender of all alcoholic beverages seasonal inn holders license held by Nantucket Island Management, LLC, doing business as the Harbor House Village.

etcetera

05/14/2008

SOMETHING NATURAL HOLDS SIXTH NONPROFIT DAY On June 10, Something Natural will hold its sixth annual Nonprofit Day. From now until the end of May, stop by Something Natural at 50 Cliff Road and cast your vote for your favorite island charitable organization.

Community Events Calendar

05/14/2008

Like New OR EVEN BETTER

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

There are numerous reasons why people recover their furniture. If pieces are in good structural condition they do not need to be tossed out, and can be made to look like new or even better than new either by reupholstering them, having custom slipcovers made, or if a budget takes precedence, by buying ready-made slipcovers.

SPLASH!

By Mary Lancaster — 05/14/2008

The entire main floor of the Coffin School is in the midst of a transformation as photos are hung and tools, molds and parts from boats are brought in and placed on display for Splash!, the Egan Maritime Institute's upcoming exhibit detailing the history of island boats and boat builders from the days of whaling ships to current times.

New trio at South Wharf

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

The summer season is in its early stages, but art galleries around town are already beginning to showcase their talent. On May 23, the South Wharf Gallery at 3 India St. will host an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m.

Arts Stories come alive at Lily Pond special event

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

Come and join Peter Rabbit, Jeremy Fisher and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Lucy at the Lily Pond park this Saturday, May 17 when the Atheneum presents Enchanted Story Time free for young children featuring the Beatrix Potter books "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," "The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle," and "The Tale of Jeremy Fisher.

TWN spring Short Play Festival begins May 23

BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER — 05/14/2008

Imaginations run amuck in this year's second collaboration between the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket and Nantucket Theatrical Productions when on May 23 the spring Short Play Festival opens with three performances under the name "Imaginations Run Wild.

CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE Part 2 of 'Finding Terrior'

05/14/2008

After a day spent walking around the vineyards and the village of Gigondas, in the Rhone Valley, France, we were ready to continue our journey into another - perhaps more famous- Southern Rhone appellation: Chateauneuf du Pape.

for the ARTS record

05/14/2008

TWN HOLDS CHILDREN'S AUDITIONS May marks the beginning of children's auditions for Theatre Workshop of Nantucket summer productions. Auditions are held in the upstairs performance space at the Methodist Church. On Friday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. an informational meeting will be held regarding casting opportunities for youth aged eight to 18 in "Seussical the Musical.

PET THEFT

05/14/2008

As I reported in my column a couple of weeks ago, I loaded an unknown yellow Lab into my car and was about to drive off with him when his owner materialized, yelling at me, "Hey, what do you think you are doing with my dog?

Identify This

05/14/2008

The Nantucket Historical Association houses the most complete visual record of Nantucket history in existence. The image here is from our collections, and may be one we cannot identify, wish for more information about or just want to see if people can identify. Many more images are available for viewing and identification at www.nha.org.

LETTERS

05/14/2008

THE SYSTEM WORKED This is intended to be an open letter to all town residents. To the editor: On Tuesday, May 6, 2008 after a full school day and a school committee meeting, I was stopped by the State Police on my way home from dinner.

GREY MATTER by James Cennamo

05/14/2008

DRIVING ME CRAZY

05/14/2008

The signs around the island are pointing more and more to a specific truth. The weather is getting nicer, and the temperatures are actually getting up into the sixties. Days are getting longer; sunset isn't at 4:30 in the afternoon anymore. People around town are smiling because Hate Month is a distant memory.

TIME OUT

BY SAM TOOLE — 05/14/2008

The sailing team has progressively improved over the years. Living on an island, sailing is the one school sport which allows students to embrace the ocean around them and Senior Captain Nellie Morley has done exactly that. Sailing since 10th grade, she has learned the maneuvers and techniques of sailing and is an essential crew member on the team.

BIRDS OF NANTUCKET

by Kenneth Turner Blackshaw — 05/14/2008

"Cheep - Churk - Churkle - Churk!" What a sound to hear coming in the dining room window! Yet I knew exactly what it was. The bird books describe the call as "not melodious, but pleasant" and I thoroughly agree. For years my mother and stepfather here in Monomoy maintained a Purple Martin Box at the head of the driveway.

NSSA SOCCER May 10 & 11

05/14/2008

After going two and a half seasons without a loss, the NSSA U11 girls team finally dropped a tough match to Sandwich Team 2, a team that Nantucket has battled each season, sometimes twice in one season. Sandwich was on a mission to finally best Nantucket under yet again miserable conditions at the Delta Fields.

GREEN GRASS AND GOALS

05/14/2008

Frequent users of Backus Lane have seen the cleared land between the town's skate park and the Muse, which the town brush cut and graded several weeks ago. There will not be houses springing up on this 4.4-acre lot anytime soon. Instead, the Nantucket Public Schools are building two new playing fields for the schools' athletic programs.

HUMBUG

BY DANIEL W. DRAKE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER — 05/14/2008

Last week we thought we had survived the winter. This week, we are not so sure. The northeast wind is howling. The wind chill is not very far above the freezing mark, and sweaters and comforters that were on the verge of being put away have become essentials again.

Opportunity & Location

05/14/2008

New to the market, the multiuse commercial building at 34 Centre Street is a rarity these days. It seems that almost any downtown commercial building that is up for sale needs a major makeover. This one is different. Much of the makeover has already been done.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

05/14/2008

2. A house on .08 of an acre at 7 Old North Wharf sold to Leah Simblaris-Lampe, trustee, of 37 Centre St., Nantucket, Mass., from Marilyn J. O'Rourke, 124 Hubbard St., Concord, Mass. for $2,750,000. The property is assessed at $2,207,400. The land bank fee is $55,000.

HDC THIS WEEK

05/14/2008

NEW DWELLING Brendon Hunt. 16 Folger Ave. (new barn/studio) ADDITIONS Virginia Irwin. 115 Cliff Road. Westmoor Club LLC. 10 Westmoor Lane. SHEDS 1 Indian Avenue LLC. 1 Indian Ave. NEW GARAGE Dieter Baeuchle. 3 Enterprise Circle.