If the effort to save the Denniston House in Oak Bluffs was a thorny process, demolishing it may prove just as difficult. In a unanimous vote, the Oak Bluffs historical commission determined on Wednesday that the old house meets the definition of a historically significant building.

Though it may be another five years before employment fully recovers from the recession, businesses who serve high-end consumers will bounce back fastest, Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce executive director Nancy Gardella told a meeting of Island businesswomen on Tuesday.

Already some Vineyard hotels had unexpectedly reported to her that this year’s spring and summer seasons had been their best ever, Ms. Gardella said, in a self-proclaimed optimistic take on the Island’s economic position.

The third annual Edgartown Yacht Club Dog Show was held recently at the Edgartown Yacht Club’s tennis club. More than 20 dogs entered, accompanied by more than 30 owners and spectators. Every one seemed to be happy; the dogs would have been smiling, if they could, as they enjoyed romping, sniffing and showing off. The greensward was neutral territory, so no dog had to defend it, and everyone got along splendidly.

Seating arrangements at school lunch tables often seem right out of the movies. Students have their designated tables, their designated tablemates; it may seem peculiar to outsiders but it is a constant in the students’ day. Just as some adults feel off when they don’t have their cup of coffee in the morning, students feel off if they’re not sitting in their regular desk in a classroom or with their regular group for lunch.

It was the presidential election here and Brazil was on fire. People seemed so confused about who to vote for and if I were able to vote, I wouldn’t be able to choose one myself and so I went around asking some questions. The question I asked was, who would you vote for? The first person who answered was Marcella. She is only 15 years old but she had a very interesting answer. She said: “Neither of them is prepared to lead a country. Serra reminds people of what they would have rather forget.

Out of Balance

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Editor’s Note: What follows is an oral history recorded by Linsey Lee from Hector Asselin of Vineyard Haven. Titled Everywhere You Looked There Was an Airplane, the account is of the World War II Naval Air Station on the Vineyard. It was included in the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s exhibit Those Who Served which ran from spring 2009 until Labor Day of this year. The accounts will be published in an upcoming booklet and also will be posted on the museum’s Web site mvmuseum.org. Ms.

W hat should we do about Mill Pond?

The discussion presented last Saturday by Beth Lambert, the river restoration program coordinator for the commonwealth’s Division of Ecological Restoration offered a new perspective and other possibilities for us to consider. I want to thank Prudy Burt and the West Tisbury Library staff for hosting this talk. After listening, there appear to be more options available to the town that are worthy of discussion.

Families Helping Families

Recovery at a Snail’s Pace

The word economy — as in “the sluggish economy” — comes across as an abstraction. But an economy is made up of people, and the Island’s economy more than ever seems to be separating into two groups of people farther and farther apart.