The Martha’s Vineyard Commission voted Thursday to approve a 39,000-square-foot addition at the YMCA in Oak Bluffs, with the written decision to be filed in early January.

The West Tisbury select board asked that the town affordable housing committee delay plans to bring a proposed affordable dwelling unit (ADU) funding program before voters.

The race for the tribal council at-large seat for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) will go to a run-off this weekend after November’s election resulted in a tie.

Cook the Vineyard, the Vineyard Gazette Media Group’s popular newsletter about cooking and eating in season, is now available as a paid or free subscription.

On Dec. 7 scores crowded the meeting room at the Oak Bluffs Library to pay tribute to Robert C. Hayden, an educator, researcher, tour guide, storyteller, activist, author and more.

On Sunday night the distant planet Saturn appears close to the setting waxing crescent moon. The two are in the zodiacal constellation Aquarius and you can't miss Saturn for it is the brightest celestial object nearest to the moon. You can see the moon the night before in the zodiacl constellation Capricornus, closer to the western horizon. These two constellations, Aquarius and Capricornus close out the season of autumn.

Debora Macedo and Ramiro Alves, of Edgartown, announce the birth of a son, Ramiro Macedo Alves, born on Dec. 13 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.

Allyson Goodwin and Myles Goodwin, of West Tisbury, announce the birth of a daughter, Elise Abigail Goodwin, born on Dec. 14.

Liljana Velkov and Mitko Velkov, of Edgartown, announce the birth of a son, Luka Velkov, born on Dec. 14 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.

Though often taking a backseat to quahaugs, scallops and oysters, the softshell clam fishery was once a valuable economic engine for a select group of local shellfishermen.