Reports of dead Canada geese in great numbers along the ocean beaches in the waning days of February have announced the arrival of what appears to be a wave of avian influenza here, posing a threat not only to wild birds and domestic poultry but also to pets that “go outside and eat or are exposed to sick or dead birds . . . other animals infected with avian influenza viruses,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.

East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larsen, who is running a Democratic primary campaign against Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, the incumbent, has backed a full slate of 38 challengers to the current Democratic Committee, with hopes to unseat as many members as possible.

On Feb. 9, a group of 20 East Hampton High School seniors boarded a plane for Africa to begin the adventure of a lifetime. An 18-hour flight would transport them to Malawi, where they spent five days helping to build a school in the village of Chipa.