The Friends of Sengekontacket (FOS), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Sengekontacket Pond and the barrier beach, wish to thank both the Edgartown and Oak Bluffs selectmen for giving us and the joint committee for Sengekontacket the opportunity to present a summary of the Massachusetts Estuaries report for Sengekontacket.

In October 2012 the United States faces economic collapse and radical religious attacks. Instead of a cooperative search by all our best minds to find the wisest solutions, we have an election, with partisan politicians contending for power. In a political battle as in war, “truth is the first casualty.” It would help voters if we could watch non-partisan TV news channels, but we have only Fox and what it calls the “mainstream” — everyone else.

The swordfish hunt — what an enthralling segment, so redolent of the Islands. What a pity that This is Our Island, the film made by Katharine Cornell in 1971, is run so infrequently. Perhaps this Thanksgiving?

Applications for Red Stocking, the Vineyard’s own effort to provide food and clothing for Island children from birth through grade eight, will be available by Oct. 26. Last year Red Stocking provided for over 419 children in need of neighborly assistance.

I do not profess to be an expert on the subject of Vineyard waters; however, I have spent many hours through more decades than I would like to admit in pursuit of its many bounties. I’d like to share what is, in my life, an unusual event.

Earlier this summer, while on a trip with my son, we encountered a pod of common dolphins between Noman’s and Gay Head. Unfortunately I had only my point-and-shoot camera to record the event.

Thank you, thank you, 101 crop walkers, caring givers, willing drivers, skilled secretaries, diligent counters, etc.