I live on an Island filled with wooded trails but for years rarely visited them. My children do not like to ruminate while pondering the burnt orange leaves of fall.

Daniel (Shark) Sharkovitz taught English and literature at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School for 38 years. He retired two years ago, and then became a student of writing himself.

I am rummaging around in my past in Tallahassee, Fla., here for a memorial service for Ned Stuckey-French, a former professor and friend who died too young.

Vineyard elementary schools scored well across the board on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), earning marks well above the state average. Science continues to be a standout.

On Sunday evening Tony Shalhoub won an Emmy award for best supporting actor in a comedy series for his role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.