Despite clearly-stated concern about future precedent, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission agreed last week to shorten the protected special way in West Tisbury in order to preserve vehicle access for a private property owner.

It’s a rare opportunity to gather in one restaurant and enjoy specialty dishes sourced from the Island by seven distinct chefs. All of which are, by the event’s design, also cookbook authors. And for these cooks, the stories are as important as the recipes.

Family, friends, and admirers of the late Norman Bridwell, who died in December, gathered at the Federated Church Monday for a memorial service honoring the longtime Edgartown resident and author and illustrator well-known for the Clifford the Big Red dog series.