The Vineyard boys lost a hard-fought game against seasoned Medway in Wednesday's semifinals, losing 2-1 in overtime play.

The news that many a Vineyard and off-Island birder has been waiting for: the Martha’s Vineyard Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. If you are interested in joining a field team or submitting a bird feeder report, please contact Robert Culbert at rculbert1@verizon.net. Rob will assign you to a team or inform you of the time to report your feeder list and the number to call to do so.

Fourteenth-century mystic Julian of Norwich was either very wise or just a nut.

I’m a big fan of Car Talk on NPR. Sadly, it is going off the air as the brothers are about to retire. Hopefully, there will be reruns. Their solution to Daylight Saving Time is to fall back every morning and spring forward every afternoon. They’re brilliant!

Waka LLC purchased 38 Cow Bay Road in Edgartown from Michael Kempner and Jacqueline Kempner for $10,000,000 on Oct. 29.

The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has lost one of its own. The one-eyed black tom cat who prowled or, more accurately of late, limped around the lobby has died. Named for Cyrus, the king of Persia, he had a regal bearing and a distinct personality that demanded respect, especially from the dogs we would introduce to him to test their compatibility with cats. Cyrus would raise one kingly paw, warning those canines who got too close to keep their distance.

Healthy snacks aren’t so popular with high schoolers, judging by cafeteria revenues.

On a rainy morning in July 2009, Ed Merck was having breakfast on his boat in Lake Tashmoo. He had just completed a 12-and-a-half day sail up the east coast from Florida. Now, moored in a quiet corner of the pond, he was struck by loneliness.

Aquinnah voters approved the $32,000 purchase of a half acre of land for relocation of the Gay Head Light while moving quickly through a special town meeting agenda Tuesday night.
Forty-four voters gathered at the old town hall unanimously approved 16 out of 18 agenda items, but paused for discussion about the proposal to purchase land for the lighthouse relocation effort.
Selectman chairman Beverly Wright said the lot is one of three where the town might relocate the lighthouse.

As the state prepares to award medical marijuana dispensary permits sometime next year, West Tisbury voters overwhelmingly approved a zoning bylaw to regulate the facilities at a special town meeting Tuesday night.

The bylaw allows dispensaries in the mixed business and light industrial districts in town via a special permit process. The zoning board of appeals will be the permitting authority.

A total of 164 voters turned out to the special session. Moderator F. Patrick Gregory presided over the 12-article warrant, most of which was approved.