Field Notes
by Peter B Brace

TERMINAL HAPPINESS As expected, the Airport Commission got the word at the April 18 meeting of the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission that it would be getting the $12-million state share of the $26 million it needs for an addition to and renovation of the airport terminal.

The state will dole out Nantucket Memorial Airport's funds in three annual installments, with the first payment arriving by June 30 of this year. The Airport Commission met last Thursday afternoon to discuss the upgrades. They include adding a wing off the north end of the existing main terminal, through which all secure flights would pass and where all baggage would be screened by the Transportation Safety Administration's mandated new baggage screening equipment. Parking would remain the same, as will the drop-off and pickup configuration.

The existing main terminal building will be widened for more ticket counter and office space.

The Airport Commission would like to break ground this fall and is planning a late summer public information session to present its final design to Nantucketers. More details are available at www.nantucketairport. com or by calling Betsey Sanpere at 508-221-2429, or Al Peterson at 325-5300.

CONCOM THEATER Those who think Conservation Commission meetings can get a little dull from week to week should be aware that there are currently two hearings underway which deserve their patience and attention.

The 'Sconset Beach Preservation Fund's quest to dump 2.6 million cubic yards of sand on the beach from Sesachacha Pond down to Codfish Park goes nowhere without an order of conditions from the ConCom. The second of what is likely to be four or five special meetings for SBPF's notice of intent is this afternoon at 4 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction Room at Nantucket High School at 10 Surfside Road.

Great Harbor Yacht Club is also back in the commission's sights because former Nantucket Superior Court Judge Gary A. Nickerson remanded part of the ConCom's notice of intent on the club's dock, pier and dredging plan back to the commission because of several missing findings. The hearing began on April 11 and will resume at the commission's May 2 meeting at 4 p.m. in the conference room of the Town Annex building at 37 Washington St. Call 228-7230 for details on both of these hearings.

SHAB STAYING AFLOAT Write-in candidates saved the Shellfish & Harbor Advisory Board from operating with just four members. The newly reconstituted board held its first meeting on April 17 and elected new officers. The board elected Wendy McRae, who has previous SHAB experience, as its chairman; existing member Marina Finch as it vice chairman; and kept current member Fred Holdgate as its secretary and treasurer. SHAB's next meeting is on May 1 at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Town Annex building at 37 Washington St.

ESCAPE INTO THE MOORS FROM DAFFODIL-MANIA! By Sunday, you'll either be ready to buy out your local garden center's stock of daffodil bulbs or go on a rampage around the island with a weed whacker. Those who have seen enough yellow for one year should sign up for the Maria Mitchell Association's Daffodil Weekend Field Geology Adult Workshop. Put rocks, drumlins and moraine in your sights by joining Maria Mitchell staff on an exploration of Nantucket's varied landscape.

This informative learning hike is 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 29 and includes a light breakfast. It costs $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Muster at the Maria Mitchell Science Library courtyard at 2 Vestal

St. For details, call 228-9198. I