Affordable housing is perhaps the biggest and most obvious challenge to life on the Vineyard. But food security is another problem here, and one that Betty Burton has tackled head-on over the last 23 years.

Mass Audubon at Felix Neck welcomes Alexandra (Ally) Ferland to the staff. Ms. Ferland is the new education assistant and will work closely with Josey Kirkland, the education coordinator.

The small brown dog named Ticona is still at the shelter. He warms up to anyone showing him affection and can catch a tennis ball in mid-air.

With 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a new program at the Vineyard Haven library, every opportunity to read aloud to a young child becomes a valuable tool in documenting their earliest learning experience.

Participants at last week’s final winter walk at the Polly Hill Arboretum got an unexpected treat: a chance to view a traveling exhibit, Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat. Polly Hill is the only New England arboretum to host the exhibit, which aims to bring awareness to endangered trees.