On a busy Thanksgiving weekend of travel, Steamship Authority ferry service was disrupted Friday and Saturday due to mechanical problems on the ferry Martha’s Vineyard.

After an extended search that involved a large contingent of law enforcement from up-Island and beyond, Chilmark police arrested Steven Carlson of Oak Bluffs on Tuesday for assault with a deadly weapon.

A flock of mallards quacked outside and a small wood stove crackled from within Rick Brown’s boat workshop on Lagoon Pond in Vineyard Haven, where he was sanding an oar and preparing to replace the ribs of a 14-foot wooden wherry.

In a series of short films, Sail Martha's Vineyard describes how its free programs help Islanders experience a sport often reserved for the wealthy -- and why it needs more support.

West Tisbury selectmen this week set the annual tax rate and discussed the status of the town solar project. At a public hearing on Wednesday, the board voted to approve a single tax rate of $5.41 per $1,000 valuation.

Thanksgiving is but a poor tired drumstick now as we look ahead to the holiday season. Whether you lean toward the pew or the jolly old elf, a time to reflect or a time to give gifts, the Christmas tree or the menorah, the month of December is a flat out celebration.

The idea for The Workshop was born over dinner in September. Artists Dan VanLandingham, Lauren Coggins-Tuttle, Terry Crimmen and Tara Kenny were planning to rent a space together next spring but when a building became available on the Vineyard Haven waterfront, they leaped at it, paintbrushes at the ready.

Deer season is upon us and here’s a simple reminder to dress appropriately, especially those bicycling, walking their dogs or jogging. The winds have chilled the air for most of the week but have subsided in time for the opening of scalloping day in Aquinnah. Nice to see so many fishing on Menemsha Pond.

Well, last weekend we enjoyed seasonable weather and some rain. The holiday spirit and parties are popping up all around us. Fire Chief Manuel Estrella of Indian Hill Road reports that the holiday lights were put on the tree at the Old County and State Road intersection recently. It will be lit each night until the New Year.

Marjorie Peirce Irving reports that the First Congregational Church Christmas Faire will be held tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. They have handmade wreaths, table decorations, vintage jewelry, baked goods, their own jams, and fair trade gift baskets will be available for sale.

The busier the season, the flakier I get. I forgot I had an early deadline last week because of the Thanksgiving day holiday. My column made it on the internet but not in print. For those of you who missed it, it was my annual holiday wish list. I repeat it here with a few additions: Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Committee on Hunger, the Red Stocking Fund, the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts of America – mark the memo for use on the Island, Girl Scouts of America – same thing, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, especially Connect to End the Violence, formerly known as women’s support services, the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard and Women Empowered.