With the days getting shorter, it’s impossible not to notice the darkened homes around the Island where the lights are off on winter evenings — like broken bulbs along a string of Christmas lights.

It was heartening to read the piece on food insecurity on the Island and the outpouring of support from Islanders to provide holiday meals to needy families (“Islanders helping Islanders,” Nov. 21).

There’s been much clearing and building on the Haven–Edgartown Road in the past few years. I’m concerned, however, about the relatively recent leveling of trees and brush and the mountains of ...