The time of year has arrived when each town government begins preparing its fiscal 2016 budget for its annual town meetings.

The tree lighting in Oak Bluffs on Dec. 3 was short and very sweet. Planning for it began in October. This traditional town gathering takes the time, talent and commitment of many and thank-yous are in order.

Today, the Vineyard diner is able to order just about what he likes for his Christmas dinner with full assurance that he will receive it.

What can you do when a long, large brown dog is running in traffic and the authorities are nowhere to be found?

The Oak Bluffs selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, was enlightening in many ways. Discussion shed light on the complexity of beach nourishment that our towns depend on to maintain their beaches.

We want to thank the Gazette and reporter Alex Elvin for the detailed coverage of the meetings held by the town committee on Squibnocket, and the ongoing public dialogue surrounding the future of Squibnocket Beach.