Ferry cancellations and beach closures were widespread Friday as the remnants of tropical storm Elsa lashed Martha’s Vineyard with gusty winds and pelting rain.

A first-of-its kind public health initiative aims to tackle the work of better documenting and reducing tick-borne illnesses and substance abuse.

The legendary former owner of the topsail schooner Shenandoah will receive the prestigious Creative Living Award for 2020-2021, the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation announced Wednesday.

Oversand vehicle trails on Chappaquiddick have been partly reopened after a weekend of closures to protect nesting piping plovers, the Trustees of Reservations announced. All trails to Cape Pogue remain closed to vehicles.

Heather Seger will take the helm as the new executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, it was announced Wednesday. Ms. Seger, who has served as interim executive director for the past year, was the unanimous choice of the board.