Suzanne Lanzone and Daughters

As you all know, Martha’s Vineyard has been the longtime host to President Bill Clinton and his family, Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton and her family and now, we’ll be host to Madame Secretary of State Clinton and her family.

Makes us wonder what might come next. Justice Clinton? Congresswoman Chelsea? The options are endless.

But I’m delighted - having met the 42nd first family and the 44th first family, the Obamas - that all of these smart, personable and influential people choose to spend time with us. It raises the bar on our island and our island population which is already teeming with intellectuals, artists and social changers.

I know that I for one am thrilled to have these extraordinary people as visiting ‘wash ashores’!

Never underestimate the vision of powerful people. A heady group, including Joseph DiLorenzo, former CFO of the NBA’s Boston Celtics, David Kirkpatrick, a former president of Paramount Pictures, and Earl Lestz, another former Paramount executive, is working to create a second ‘Hollywood’ right up the road from us in Plymouth.

Plymouth Rock Studios LLC would include: a $488 million film and television studio, complete with 14 sound stages, a 10-acre back lot, a theater, a 300-room upscale hotel, a spa and 500,000 square feet of office space. Sixty percent of the real estate has been pre-leased.

The entire program is still in the fund-gathering stage - something that could be delayed because of the economy. However, I’m not sure the film industry has been affected yet - as I watch new movies consistently open to blockbuster ticket sales.

Town residents are, of course, conflicted about this new venture. While many fear the loss of their special town and historic landmark, others are thrilled about the jobs and millions of dollars that will be created and spent.

Interesting…I’ll be sure to keep you posted on how this saga ends up…

The impulse is to say yes, buying a house during a recession is a great idea because a recession creates a buyer’s market where prices are very low. Add to that the possibility that the Fed is going to lower the interest rate for new mortgages to 4.5 and it seems like the smartest thing to do.

There are some things to consider:

1. Do you have something to sell before you can buy a new house? As just mentioned, it’s a buyer’s market, so it’s very challenging to sell real estate right now - though it can be done (and it is being done!)
2. Don’t be swayed by the low, low prices. Make sure that the house is really what you want and that you aren’t just hypnotized by the price tag.
3. Similarly, make sure the house is in the neighborhood of choice. A great house is really only as great as its surrounding community.
4. Always get a new property thoroughly checked by an inspector and make sure your realtor is well versed in the legalize surrounding your property. In other words, make sure the low price reflects the economy, not the property and its issues.

Well, we thought we’d have a white Christmas this year, but the snow is melting fast - as it usually does. Still, it was wonderful to wake up a few days ago and have everything be so beautifully white. The Vineyard is always beautiful - even when it’s cold, the leaves are gone and the sun isn’t shining - to me.

And, as always, our wonderful island community comes together to put on a show. This year, it was Edgartown’s Enchanted Christmas that really pulled on my heart strings.

On a cold night last week, families from all over the island gathered for this special parade of lights and treats - reminding us that if there’s one thing you can say about Vineyarders, it’s that we’re made of hearty stock! The wind was blowing, but kids and adults were dressed warm and wandered around the grounds greeting old friends and spreading holiday cheer.

My favorite part is the room that houses the ultimate Christmas scene…miniatures creating an entire village with Main Street, houses, horse drawn carriages, farms, kids skating on the pond  - the detail is so complete, you can get lost in this old town scene.

Everyone stares in wonder, and then, looks around our own little village to see an almost exact replica - if not physically, then certainly in spirit.

Merry Christmas!

I’ve talked to a lot of sellers recently who are worried about selling their home during this economic turndown (cough, cough), recession or whatever the news media is calling it today. Here are some tips to make sure your house sells:

1. With nerves playing a big part on both sides, I recommend bringing in a tough house inspector before you put the house on the market as well. This way there will be no surprises that could send a promising buyer running.
2. Then, take care of any repairs and maintenance before you put the house on the market. Buyers are likely able to handle the mortgage payment, but not interested in fixing anything up.
3. Stay positive. Did you know that many businesses boom during recessions? Even during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, companies like Proctor & Gamble and Chevrolet saw increases in revenue because they maintained the attitude that nothing was wrong.
4. Encourage your realtor to market and promote your property - insist on this even if s/he would like to keep costs down. The companies I mentioned above - P&G and Chevrolet had another major tactic in common - they both ramped up their marketing efforts despite the recession.
5. Use a realtor with a solid reputation. Again, with instability in the market and for both the buyer and seller, find as much stability as possible. A real estate broker with a proven record and the esteem and respect of his/her community is the perfect steady hand.

As previously mentioned, I’m going to be giving a run-down of all the island schools…

When the Edgartown school first opened in the quaint whaling town known for it’s white clapboard houses and brick walkways, it was located in two buildings. Grades 1-6 met in the North School and grades 6-12 met in the South School. The first graduating class in 1926 granted 11 diplomas.

In the early 50’s overcrowding became a significant problem, and The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School was opened. In 1959, the four upper grades moved to the high school, leaving more space for the remaining grades.

Since then many additions have been built and the school has transformed into the biggest elementary school on MV. The most recently completed addition gives the school the capacity to hold over 550 students.

The Edgartown School offers unique opportunities such as School Store, Volleyball, Football, Cheerleading and more - all Elementary-School style. The school also provides workshops for parents of children taking the MCAS and helpful suggestions for getting kids to do their homework.

It’s true: you can prevent Lyme’s Disease.

That’s the good news. It’s no secret that Martha’s Vineyard is known for its abundance of ticks and the disease - brought on by wide open spaces and forests that make deer, mice and ticks plentiful and the fact that island temps rarely dip below freezing which renders the ticks actionless.

A new group, the Martha’s Vineyard Lyme Disease Association (MLVDA), has recently formed and includes business people, health officials and residents - all interested in protecting islanders and the wonderful tourists that fill our island all summer.

So, how is Lyme’s preventable? It takes 24-72 hours for a tick carrying Lyme’s to transfer the disease to a person - so if people do regular tick checks everyday, they’ll be able to avoid the disease.

This is certainly a rule in our household. It’s so easy to check yourself or have someone else check you - and so worth it.

The MVLDA will be spreading this word around the island - so expect to see reminders and more safety tips appear before your eyes…even at local restaurants, hotels and shops.

When you live on an island, and the ferry is your main way on and off, it feels pretty good to know that they’re covering their bases. In this case, it’s about fuel.

We all watched the fuel prices soar and are now relieved that they’ve fallen down to ‘acceptable’ numbers. But the Steamship Authority, has taken measures to protect themselves from any future hikes.

With a 15 cent per gallon hedge insurance measure, we - the passengers - are protected from the passenger and car fee hikes we saw last summer when fuel prices spiraled upwards. And, the SSA still gets to benefit from dropping fuel prices.

Phew - some stability and steadiness in the midst of rough water.

The Vineyard, it seems, is one of the last great secrets and not just during the summer when our population spirals up towards 75,000. Everyone knows this is the place to go for the warm season. But, our year round population of 15,000 is pretty special.

Contrary to popular belief (and sometimes I think these rumors are fueled by us islanders), the Island does not go to sleep in the winter. It’s just not true and I’ll tell you why: kids, families, schools. The Vineyard features seven incredible and diverse schools that serve as a focal point for each town and the community at large.

Case in point?

• The 4th grade plays that the renowned Vineyard Playhouse creates entire performances (writing, directing, set and costume design, lighting, sound, acting) in collaboration with every 4th grade class on the island each spring.
• The Elves Faire full of crafts, activities, a huge silent auction and great food organized by the Plum Hill Preschool during the winter holidays.
• The wildest, themed scarecrow contest held by the Charter School each fall.

I could go on and on…but I won’t!

What I will do is tell you that each of these amazing schools offers a very unique Vineyard experience - just like each town does. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be giving you my perspective on each school. A primer of sorts for those of you thinking about relocating…and wondering what it will be like for the whole family. Enjoy!