Louisa Hufstader, editor and sole staff member of Patch Martha’s Vineyard, was one of many employees laid off nationwide, according to reports from several news outlets. She was informed early Wednesday in a conference call.

I have walked down the Hollywood walk of fame walking into light poles, people and baby carriages because I had my eyes firmly planted on the ground, my inner monologue constantly babbling (I think I actually fell on my knees before Betty White’s star).

Writing about my friend Ken Edelin in the past tense so soon after his death (Dec. 30, 2013) is difficult and satisfying only in view of having an opportunity to salute the accomplishments of an Oak Bluffs black history maker.

Friendship! Mysterious Cement of the soul! Sweetener of life! And Solder of society! Robert Blair, 1699-1746

The sudden death of Jonathan Revere after a severe heart attack has shocked and saddened his many friends and colleagues, especially at MVTV. I’m included in that circle, and the nature and value of friendship, especially his friendship, has been much on my mind.

A leisurely breakfast, reading the next chapter in a wonderful book, finishing an oil painting, learning how to do a linoleum cut block print. The joys of an Island winter are endless.

We all have a million regrets but there is that one we carry around like a sack of cement sitting squarely on the heart. The writer reflects.

The first exports from New England to Europe were two cargoes of sassafras, gathered by Martin Pring and his company on Martha’s Vineyard and the neighboring islands and taken by Pring to England in ship Speedwell and bark Discoverer, two small vessels.

I realize the bike path has to be plowed so maybe it’s time to hire someone who an actually drive a snowplow without destroying everything in its path.

Cooperative food markets are owned by the members who join them for an initial but reasonable investment. The markets work within the local community to offer local farm produce, dairy, seafood and meats along with regional produce and a wide variety of quality and organic dry goods and products.

The following letter was sent to NStar, the state Department of Agriculture, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and Tisbury town boards: