Islander and artist Tim Laursen has his workshop in a former ball bearing factory at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. His most recent piece, a kinetic sculpture that can be powered by solar or a hand crank to create the flying motion of a large metal bird, will have a permanent home on the Vineyard.

When I read recently in the New York Times about the possibility of Scotland exiting the United Kingdom, I was confused. I had no idea Great Britain had nationality problems.

Following the sighting of critically endangered right whales last week, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration has announced a voluntary speed reduction zone for vessels in a large area surrounding the Vineyard and Nantucket.

West Tisbury, a town which has only qualified for housing rehabilitation and child care funds every three years, is now eligible every year. But in neighboring Chilmark, it's a different story.

Oak Bluffs got an early Christmas present this week from the state, which has awarded $225,000 to fund design work to protect the eroding bluff. The bluff underlies the scenic but endangered East Chop Drive.

The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $132,170 for the business week ending on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014.

J.R.R. Tolkien was wary of elves. He advised, “Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.”

I made one of my favorite pre-Christmas purchases this week — several cans of gold spray paint. I started out spraying the still-intact sedums in a large pot at my front door.

The Aquinnah Public Library will host a cookie exchange tomorrow as well as an ugly sweater competition for pure enjoyment only.

Most every month throughout the year, Roberta Kirn hosts a community sing, inviting anyone and everyone to join together in song.