The Island Food Pantry is facing a tough winter. While contributions of food are up this season, Arman Hanjian, the coordinator, is concerned the need will exceed the supply as it has for the past several years.

The cost of food, heat and general living is the highest it has been in recent memory on the Island. For some Vineyarders, that spells trouble. People living on fixed incomes, the underemployed and unemployed face the greatest peril.

At night the Earth loses all its importance.

Two leading Island recreational fishing organizations have called on the state Division of Marine Fisheries to end the controversial practice known as yo-yoing, which laces bait fish with lead that ends up in the bellies of striped bass.

Hundreds turned out on Friday for the hayrides, children’s crafts, good food and music of the annual Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Fall Festival. The sunny noontime party was crafted years ago as a big follow-up to Thanksgiving, a homecoming, a Vineyard attempt to bring fellowship to the day after the big family meal.

On this November morning, the Menemsha lobster boat Shearwater has made its way three and a half miles south of Noman’s Land.