Thousands of cigarette butts observed (and many collected!) along the bike path at Joseph Sylvia State Beach on Earth Day. When a single smoker tosses his butt on the ground, thinking, this butt won’t cause any significant harm, his belief is no doubt true. But when thousands of smokers act on that same belief, it’s true no longer.

The following letter was sent to Dr. Michael Mayo-Smith, director of the VA New England Health Care System.

We are writing to you today in the hopes that we can begin a discussion to address the urgent needs of a population of Massachusetts veterans who are struggling with access to quality health services in a practical and safe manner.

Tisbury police Lieut. Eerik Meisner was appointed as new town emergency services director this week. His recommendation to the post came from town fire chief John Schilling.

Incumbent selectman and board chairman Beverly Wright will be challenged for her seat by Julianne Vanderhoop. A candidates forum is scheduled for May 7 at 7 p.m., sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard League of Women Voters. The annual town election is May 15.

Citizens voiced concerns surrounding the sand deposits from a beach nourishment project at Pay and Inkwell beaches to Oak Bluffs selectmen this week.

The spring flowers are in bloom almost everywhere, even though the weather up until last weekend was unseasonably cold and damp.

Marvelous Marathon Monday! Reaffirmation is so sweet. Thanks to all who participated.

In 1869 Lucy P. Vincent Smith and her whaling captain husband found housing for their son and were able to take a short vacation.

Spring is really trying to get here. We have had some very warm days, then the next day will be freezing cold.

Sidney Morris’s oxen Apollo and Zeus spent a week and a half on Chappy before heading off-Island to Vermont for the summer.