For many people, pets become cherished and loved family members.

The next Chappy Ferry steering committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 at 5 p.m.

Last Tuesday's wind made it difficult to be a good sport. It blew plant pots all over the place, tore plastic off the cold frame and made being outside downright unpleasant.

The good news, however, is spring has definitely sprung. Some of the large ornamental trees are in full bloom, daffodils are at their peak and the early planted greens are ready to eat.

"Happy snacking, don't die." That is the great advice for newbie foragers from Alexis Nikole Nelson.

There are signs on beaches where piping plovers, American oystercatchers and several species of terns usually nest.

Carrie Caldwell, a fifth grade teacher at the Tisbury School, has moved around the Island 10 times in the last six months. Her next move will be her last, after she won a lottery for land on Chappaquiddick.

Three Island towns affirmed their support for the housing bank last week with a decisive win at the ballot box, while a razor-thin margin of victory in the Oak Bluffs select board race heads to a recount.

The Steamship Authority announced Wednesday that it would stop requiring require masks on board ferries or shuttle buses. The announcement follows an update from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Oak Bluffs select board gave approvals for three summer events at a brief meeting Friday, two of them in Waban Park.

The Friends of the West Tisbury Library are looking for a home for the 63rd annual book sale this summer.