etcetera

BOARD OF HEALTH CLOSES PRODUCE MARKET The Board of Health denied a variance request from the owners of Island Fruit and Produce to operate with a floor that was in violation of the health code and shut the business down last Thursday.

Joe Pinto, owner of the Amelia Drive establishment, had already been granted a six-month reprieve by Health Inspector Richard Ray to fix the floor and install a bathroom for the use of employees, but had failed to comply, resulting in Ray making a recommendation that the board shut the business down.

Pinto said he needed until July to come up with the estimated $5,000 it would take to install a floor that would meet health code regulations. In order to be code compliant, Pinto needs to install a "heat sealed" floor to prevent bacteria and mold from growing between the current linoleum on top of hardwood floor.

Pinto said he has permission to use the bathroom of an adjoining business and the owner of the building was working on installing one for their use, but Ray said the floor was the major concern.

Selectman Michael Kopko initially wanted to give Pinot a month to stay open and get the floor fixed, but Pinot said he needed until July and the board was unanimous in voting to close the business.

HOUSE APPROVES HAND-HELD CELL PHONE BAN WHILE DRIVING The Massachusetts House of Representatives has approved, 107-47, and sent to the Senate a bill abolishing a current law that allows drivers to use cell phones as long as one hand remains on the steering wheel at all times.

The legislation bans all drivers from using hand-held cell phones and prohibits text messaging but allows drivers over 18 to use hands-free phones. It also bans the use of any type of cell phone by drivers under the age of 18. The bill leaves intact a current law that allows use of a CB radio as long as one hand remains on the steering wheel at all times and adds amateur "ham" radios to the exemption.

Penalties on drivers over 18 include a $100 fine for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for subsequent ones. Drivers under 18 would face the same fines as those over 18 but would also be subject to suspension of their license for 60 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense and one year for subsequent ones. Violations of the law would be considered moving violations beginning on July 1, 2009 and drivers would be subject to surcharges on their auto insurance.

Supporters said that the bill would save lives and prevent accidents. They cited the death of a young girl who received a text message while driving, and a marked rise in deaths and accidents caused by cell phone use. They noted that the measure does not ban cell phone use by adults, but simply requires the use of hands-free ones. Some opponents said that the restriction is another example of government intrusion into people's cars and lives. Others noted that there are already laws on the books prohibiting driving while distracted. Some argued that the bill is a bonanza for insurance companies that will collect millions of dollars in surcharges. Representative Eric Turkington supported the bill, which next goes to the state senate.

ISLAND DEMOCRATS TO HOLD CAUCUS The Nantucket Democratic Town Committee will hold a caucus on Saturday Feb. 9 to elect delegates and alternates to the 2008 Massachusetts Democratic Convention. Democrats from across the Commonwealth will attend the convention to select the candidates for U.S. Senate whose names will appear on the statewide Democratic primary ballot in September.

The caucus will be held at 10 a.m. downstairs in the Gallery Room of the Nantucket Atheneum. All registered Nantucket Democrats are welcome.

Nantucket voters who are registered as Democrats or independents are entitled to vote in the Massachusetts Democratic Presidential primary to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 5. The polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm.

For more information, call Christine Loftin, chair of the Nantucket Democratic Town Committee, at 228-5104.

HOSPITAL HOSTS NATIVE REUNION Families of children born at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital since 2003 are invited to an Animal Adventure Party in the style of popular explorers Dora and Diego on Sunday, Feb. 3, from noon to 2 p.m. in the hospital lobby. The celebration will include fun activities, snacks, games and prizes. Families will also have the opportunity to tour the Birthplace at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and the expanding Wall of Natives. To make reservations for the party, or for more information, call Courtney O'Neill at 825-8213.

CLARKE JOINS BRASS LANTERN Janice Brown Clarke has joined the Brass Lantern Inn as manager. Brown Clarke has 15 years of experience in the lodging industry on Nantucket, most recently as manager for the Carlisle House Inn. She has also worked at the front desk at the former Point Breeze and the Jared Coffin House. As manager, Ms. Brown Clarke will be responsible for day to day operations, reservations and guest services. The Brass Lantern Inn is a 17 room pet and family friendly bed and breakfast inn on

North Water Street and, starting this year, is open year round. I