Man-made breaches at Island ponds help maintain salinity for shellfish and eelgrass and flush out nitrogen that accumulates mostly from septic tanks and runoff.

The North American Speed Sailing Invitational took place on Martha’s Vineyard this month. Islander Rob Douglas and friendly rival Alex Caizergues of France were top competitors.

In a case testing the limits of the grand jury system, the state’s highest court has agreed to review the dismissal of charges against a Vineyard Haven businessman who was indicted for child rape solely on the basis of a police officer’s testimony.

Registration is open for the Sense of Wonder arts program. Art classes for kids are led by Pam Benjamin and held on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoons.