Oak Bluffs was recently denied FEMA funding for repairs, in part because the majority of the bluff is owned by the East Chop Association. The road is owned by the town.

The Geminid is the biggest meteor shower of the year, even bigger than the Perseid meteor shower. Skywatchers who wish to brave the cold can view the display after 3 a.m. Saturday.

The power company resumed an herbicide spraying program last month, reigniting a debate about threats to the environment on the Cape and Vineyard.

Town selectmen approved a request from the shellfish committee to add personnel hours, but balked at adding an entirely new employee to the department.

Lichens don’t seem to agonize over the question of whether to be or not to be. Living innocuously on many surfaces, they lack the drama, dreams and desires of humans, but nevertheless they have a fascinating existence.

David Smith and his father Steve Smith, who was visiting from Cape Elizabeth, Me., emailed a note which stated that they had seen and photographed