Oysters are proving to be far more than an upscale menu item — they’re a nutritional and ecological superhero in waiting, with the potential to help save the environment and feed the world.

They may be fish out of water, but this year’s Bass in the Grass auction is helping to raise thousands of dollars for scholarships, artists and the Edgartown Board of Trade.

Steamship Authority rates will remain unchanged next year, according to a preliminary $123 million operating budget reviewed by the boat line governors.

The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is starting its rollout for booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine, opening sign-ups for a small number of doses Friday evening. People 65 and older who received their second dose six months ago — April 1 or earlier — are eligible for signups.

Home demolitions — in particular historic home demolitions — have flooded local review authorities in recent months, testing historic commissions, architects and homeowners.

With a torrent of offshore tropical storms and hurricanes churning up dangerous, heavy surf south of Martha’s Vineyard throughout the summer, Chilmark beach manager Martina Mastromonaco spoke with the Gazette this week about best techniques for avoiding rip tides and staying safe in the water.