At the recommendation of incoming Vineyard schools superintendent Matthew D’Andrea, the all-Island school committee will ask Richard Smith to replace Mr. D’Andrea as assistant superintendent.

The few remaining cats at the animal shelter have few visitors these wintry days. They have to amuse each other. While sitting at the desk in the lobby, one can watch them fly through the air as they sail from one perch to the next.

The Edgartown historic commission is beginning to test public support for an expansion of the town historic district. A survey has been mailed to 284 people who own property in an area marked for possible inclusion in the district, which would more than double if lines are redrawn as proposed.

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission will choose a new director from a pool of 33 candidates. A nationwide search that concluded last week saw a good response, search committee chairman Doug Sederholm said.