The all-Island school committee voted to name assistant superintendent Matthew D’Andrea as the next superintendent after a discussion that saw support for both Mr. D’Andrea and Oak Bluffs principal Richard Smith.

Don’t rock the boat. That was the slogan plastered on buttons and bumper stickers in the 1990s when Islanders went to Beacon Hill to fight for control of the Steamship Authority, the boat line that is their lifeline.

There was a light dusting of snow Thursday, but it felt more like something to sprinkle on a six-year-old’s birthday cake.

Well, the first two weeks of 2015 have already brought a jarring handful of ominous tidings for our near future here.

There is only one person on the Island, so far as we can learn, who has subscribed for the Vineyard Gazette ever since it was founded in 1846.

Shelagh Hackett, Paul Munafo, Kenny Romero and Molly Conole are working on a 24-song cabaret at the Vineyard Playhouse, a reunion for the four singers. Wicked Good Cabaret takes place Saturday, Jan. 24.

There is much to be said about the Steamship Authority situation. This letter will only touch on a few of the most immediate issues.

The following letter was sent to the Steamship Authority:

I appreciate the chance to provide comment. For many years I used to attend the SSA meetings on a regular basis and have long felt that transportation issues are some of the most pressing facing the Islands. Previous commitments as well as age and arthritis prevent me from attending today, and I have asked Catherine Bumpus to hand you this communication as well as read it into the record.

Chilmark has a town meeting coming up on Feb. 2 to vote on the recommendation of the Squibnocket committee.

I take issue with the photo you published in the article titled, “In Oak Bluffs, Rising Cost of Education Is a Worry.” The picture was from a rarely seen vantage point in town and showed the backside of a building in need of repair and paint. It was also a poorly composed shot. Maybe next time you should have a picture of the school when the article is about the school. If the article is about the town, try a picture of Ocean Park, the Tabernacle, the fishing pier or Healy Square. I believe you owe the town of Oak Bluffs an apology for posting that picture.