Vineyard design doesn’t have one flavor or medium. The
range in style, materials, aesthetic and use is as varied as the Island
itself. But twice a week during the summer and periodically throughout the fall and spring seasons, the Vineyard Artisans Festival offers a unique opportunity to see close-up a large variety of work created by local craftspeople.

For a shrub that works perfectly as a landscaping plant while also offering benefits for wildlife, consider the blueberry. Familiar to almost everyone, blueberries are perfectly adapted to Vineyard conditions. Four wild species occur here, with the most important distinction being between our two highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum and fuscatum) and our two lowbush species (V. angustifolium and pallidum). Countless blueberry cultivars have also been developed, with various fruit sizes and maturity dates, and are widely available on the commercial market.

Amanda and Gerard Kane of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Adalyn Renee Kane, born on Sept. 9 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Adalyn weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces at birth.

Conor James Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith of Edgartown, has completed Cadet Basic Training at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Gabrielle Oboler was named to the dean’s list at Syracuse University for the spring 2013 semester. Gabrielle is majoring in art history, with a minor in English and textual studies. She is the daughter of Stephanie and Ron Oboler of Montreal, Canada, and Chilmark.

Megan and John Paul Vasconcelos of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Azarah Grace Vasconcelos, born on Sept. 6 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Azarah weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces at birth.

Katama Bay oyster farms in Edgartown have been closed due to an outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries announced Monday.

The third year was the charm for the Vineyard Warrior Triathlon, organizer and founder Matthew Brackman reported Monday afternoon. The annual event takes place the second week of September, and drew 160 competitors this year.

Mr. Brackman, himself a triathlete, told the Gazette he was first inspired to start the Vineyard Warrior, the first event of its kind on-Island since 1994.

By the numberless thousands they descend. The birds
arrive as a great host, flying from the northeast, following a sinuous path on invisible, atmospheric currents. The flock appears as a river of birds, curving through the air, with birds pouring forth in a flow that seems unceasing.

The great flocks of migrating tree swallows have arrived upon the plains of Quansoo and elsewhere on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard.

Wedged between her parents, each hand attached to one of theirs, Hannah McCormick approached the Oak Bluffs School. She wore a favorite light pink dress and colorful sneakers that lit up pink when she pressed into the toes. Her mother, Kate, slung a Little Mermaid backpack over one shoulder.