After a lengthy and emotional debate Thursday, Aquinnah voters narrowly approved the purchase of two properties near the spot where the Gay Head Light is expected to be relocated next spring.

Renovations at a private home have put a spotlight on a historic shade tree that graces South Water street and is likely the largest of its kind in the state.

The majestic pagoda tree was brought to the Vineyard as a seedling in a flower pot by a sea captain more than 175 years ago.

Leonard Jason Jr. seems destined to serve on Island boards. The longtime building inspector for both Edgartown and Chilmark was re-elected to another two-year term on the Dukes County Commission, despite his intention to step down after 20 years.

Rainy weather and a slippery, muddy field made little difference to the Vineyard boys’ soccer players Thursday night, as a hat trick by the team’s leading scorer and a strong showing from both veterans and newcomers powered the team to a decisive 4-1 postseason win over visiting Old Rochester.

Sports travel for an Island school takes what is already a complicated endeavor — ensuring that hundreds of student athletes and their coaches get from Point A to Point B and back safely — and throws in a seven-mile wide obstacle in the form of the Vineyard Sound.

Once relatively scare, services for veterans on the Vineyard are expanding in a number of ways. At Community Services a counseling program has long been in place, and a new program began in October on post traumatic stress syndrome. Island vets say they are finding common ground.