Robert Riemer is getting to know his crew and looking forward to learning the ropes of Island life. His career in the Coast Guard has spanned Alaska, Woods Hole and Puerto Rico, along with several assignments at stations in New York.

Chilmark selectmen are hoping to provide some relief for drivers looking to park in Menemsha. A free shuttle service between a parking lot on Tabor House Road and Menemsha harbor will begin August 1.

Activists from Cape Cod who are pushing for the closure of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth brought their cause to the Island at a public forum early this week. Fukushima was a wake-up call, they said.

Colorful rows of flowers, vegetables and herbs were taking shape this week at Martha’s Vineyard High School, where the 20th annual plant sale, organized by the school’s horticulture, aquaculture and landscaping department, will begin Thursday and run through next week.