Published: June 23, 2011
Condolences to VNS staff
To the Editor:
I want to extend my condolences to the staff of the Visiting Nurse Service. I can imagine the range of thoughts and feelings you must be having after receiving a terminal diagnosis about your jobs and being given only three months to live, in a home care agency that for many for you has been your work home for years.
Knowing the reasons why your agency was closed does not diminish the shock and confusion about losing your jobs. May you be comforted in your grief by knowing that you have made a remarkable difference in the lives of many patients and families. Thank you for the privilege of having been a colleague and a past co-worker. I have personally and professionally experienced your dedication, expertise, and compassion. May you feel the fullness of the contributions you have made to Martha's Vineyard over all these years.
Kathy Fitzgibbon
Vineyard Haven
Generous and compassionate
To the Editor:
I would like to sincerely thank all those who donated books and funds for the "Vineyard School" in Cambodia. People from the Island and elsewhere showed their generosity and compassion for children half way around the world, whom they may never meet. The book and fund drive exceeded all my expectations and, among other benefits, helped fill the school's small library with both English and Khmer books for the students.
I would also like to especially thank Janet Hefler for writing such a thorough and well researched article that helped make my efforts so successful.
Todd Alexander
Oak Bluffs
Weigh in on West Tisbury
To the Editor:
The West Tisbury selectmen and the finance committee want and need the opinion of West Tisbury voters on the vital matter of the town's budget. Is the budget growing too rapidly? Are enough services being provided? Is your tax money being well spent?
The West Tisbury selectmen and the finance committee want to know what you think about these and other financial issues. So, we are inviting the voters of West Tisbury to a public forum at Howes House on March 29, at 10 am. Come share coffee and opinions on the town's finances with the selectmen and finance committee.
The town's health depends on the input of its citizens. It's time to make your voice heard. Help keep West Tisbury healthy. Mystery prizes will be given away to a few lucky attendees.
Al DeVito
West Tisbury Finance Committee
Let's turn off the lights
To the Editor:
This Saturday night, March 29, is Lights Out Martha's Vineyard, from 8 to 9 pm. We encourage every Islander to participate by turning out lights for this one hour to raise awareness about energy conservation. At last count, 59 different Island groups, including our hospital, Steamship Authority, Chamber of Commerce, schools and towns, in addition to individuals and families, are all committed to turning out non-essential lighting for this hour. Please let us know you will participate at: almanac.vcsmv.org/lights_out. Join us in this national and worldwide event (www.earthhour.org).
Nationally, the lights on the Golden Gate Bridge and the Sears Tower will be turned out for this event. If they can do it, can't we? We invite everyone to turn off power strips, radios, TVs, computers, small appliances, outdoor/indoor lights, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and hot water heaters.
Bring your flashlights to Felix Neck Wildlife Center at 7:30 for singing and a night walk, or go to bed early, or get out the candles and party. Let's see how much electricity we can save by turning out our lights. NStar is hoping to track our electricity usage before, during and after this event.
As part of this event, Cape Light Compact will be donating one free compact fluorescent light bulb per person (as supply permits), at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven this Saturday morning and at The Triangle in Edgartown Saturday afternoon.
Please remember to "turn out" between 8 and 9 pm this Saturday!
Marnie Stanton, Nan Doty, Dean Bragonier, Gail Tipton
The Launch Committee
Unlicensed driver did not cause accident
To the Editor:
In response to Cindy Corner's letter. I agree, every driver should have a license, and I do agree that the courts have been lenient on the laws, but that was not the point of my letter.
The point of my letter was that the accident had/has nothing to do with immigration, and should not have been wrongly used to stir the pot.
I'm not excusing the fact that the Brazilian driver didn't have a license - I'm just making the point that the accident had nothing to do with immigration, and should not have been thoughtlessly used to fan the outrage against immigrants.
Your points are very valid, and I agree driving without licenses should be addressed, but I have to point out, I know many Americans driving without licenses or insurance.
Furthermore, other cultures too have come to our country to help support families back home.
A large majority of the populace that have immigrated here over the centuries have done so to reap the benefits of what we have called the land of plenty. Furthermore, I know plenty of immigrants living here, learning English, and abiding by our laws.
Immigration is not just a Brazilian issue, and not abiding by our laws is not just an immigrant issue, nor is driving without licenses!
Angel Gouzoules
Vineyard Haven
Please return the wood
To the Editor:
If you took some wood from the side of North Road on Monday, please return it. I cut it Sunday afternoon and didn't have time to move it until after work Monday, but you took it. That was a lot of work. Sorry about the misunderstanding, but I would like it back.
Thanks.
Harry Beach
Chilmark
Gone missing, twice
To the Editor:
The Vineyard is missing. Actually, this is the second time it has disappeared. No, this is not some wondrous magician's trick or a thick bank of fog that has rolled in from the sea. We are talking about a sign.
Less than two years ago, our daughter and son-in-law surprised us with a handcrafted wooden street sign shaped like the Vineyard. It had our name and street number in brass letters. We proudly hung it on chains from a bracket mounted on a tree at the start of our driveway. As we live on a private road, it was helpful to those trying to find our house and a joy whenever we saw it. It was ripped from its chains and taken on Easter 2007.
Though we hestitated to ask for another, our daughter and son-in-law crafted a second one and shipped it from Washington State, where they live. We had it hung about a month ago. It was ripped from its chains and taken March 16, Palm Sunday.
We are saddened by the sign's loss and all the effort that went into its creation. But, we are more saddened that the Vineyard has someone who feels the need to take something which has little monetary value, but clearly sentimental value. And, to take it twice.
The Vineyard is missing. Missing more than just a sign.
Alden and Barbara Besse
Vineyard Haven
Before the play, a bit of worrisome news
To the Editor:
A week before "A Chorus Line," the parents of the students in the production learned that 30 percent of next year's music classes were removed from the curriculum. About 70 children were in the production, out of 800 in the school. With close to 10 percent of the kids in the play, the cuts of music and performance arts classes on top of the teachers' cuts didn't make sense. We realized most people didn't know the Performing Arts department was in trouble. So, the idea of making a pre-play announcement to share the critical news was suggested.
Cuts are coming, to every department, but unlike the math and sciences, scaling the number of courses down to match attrition isn't the same for the performing arts courses. We wish to assist the administration in making structurally sound changes, and many parents have now become active in helping directly.
With this in mind, we hope to stave off the loss of that half-time music position by assisting the administration to find the funds, by letting everyone know there's trouble and giving our community a direct chance to help by voting to present their share of what's needed, just one time. Keep in mind, we're petitioning to retain the full-time position in question "as is for this coming year only," so we can find alternative funds to keep for the future, other than from our taxpayers, and help with input to the administration from here on.
We're asking for short money, to help the long term. Town by town, we're getting understanding and, in some towns, direct support. If signing the financial petition [seeking direct financial support] is not possible, your voice can still be heard by signing the philosophical petition [indicating your support for continued funding for the performing arts], and your town will know where you stand - in support of the children standing on stage.
The speech may have sounded to some that we are more fearful than necessary.
And although no one approached us directly, we were told that our announcement was inappropriate and uncalled for. Our announcement was meant only as a Town Crier's, to share the news of impending loss. We believed we could not have sounded the alarm a moment too soon.
Howie Marlin
Vineyard Haven
The mess without Cape Wind
To the Editor:
The great windmill debate has been very educational. It seems the windmills are the biggest and ugliest structures ever made by man, so massive that they will have their own gravitational field and will suck in birds, boats, planes and tourists, like some evil black hole. Nothing will be spared.
Totally forgotten was that after a five-year study, MAS (Massachusetts Audubon Society) supports Cape Wind. They state that the leading killers of birds will still be buildings, cars, house cats and pesticides. Then there's the ironic logic that boaters can pilot their boats into a slip, but can't avoid structures with lights and whistles that are football fields apart. Really?
Sadly, the real tragedy is that there was no speaker under the age of 21, the unfortunate generation that will inherit trillions in financial debt and an environmental mess.
Ken Rusczyk
Oak Bluffs
Life and death for restaurants
To the Editor:
This is in response to Mary Snyder's letter to the editor about allowing the town's restaurants to sell beer and wine.
My husband and I own Nicky's on State Road. We have been in business for seven years now. I like to believe that our loyal customers enjoy our food and atmosphere. We work very hard at running a nice restaurant with great food, and while we do derive pleasure from pleasing our customers, the sad fact remains that we simply cannot survive without the chance to increase our bottom line.
Raise prices on the food we sell? That's crazy. I think I speak for all of us in Tisbury who operate restaurants when I tell you that many of us are at the ends of our financial ropes.
Over the last few years the issue of allowing [the sale of beer and wine] in full-service restaurants with at least 30 seats has been debated ad nauseum, and proponents have all made good points that allowing beer and wine would be good for the town. I agree, but let's get to the point. Running a restaurant in Tisbury has turned into a public service, not a business where hard-working people are able to serve great food and make a living at the same time. These things have unfortunately become mutually exclusive.
The writer of that letter talks about making money like it's a dirty secret. God forbid we allow restaurant owners to make a living. We'd just like to continue to give you a great dining experience, that's all.
When you go to the polls on April 15, think about the restaurants you enjoy. A vote for beer and wine will keep our doors open longer and that is the point.
Laura Barbera
Tisbury
We like Tisbury as it is
To the Editor:
I am opposed to beer and wine sales in Tisbury.
The main reason that I am opposed is that we do not know how beer and wine sales will affect Tisbury, and I am concerned that the overall effect will be negative. I, and others who oppose this proposed change, are not advocates of prohibition. We simply prefer the way Tisbury is at present.
Comparisons are made between Tisbury and Edgartown and Oak Bluffs to convince us that alcohol sales in restaurants will be good for our town businesses, but Main Street, Tisbury is more active year-round right now than downtown Oak Bluffs or Edgartown. Perhaps alcohol sales in restaurants will advantage seasonal business over year-round.
Fundamentally, I and many other residents of our town like Vineyard Haven the way it is right now. That is why I live in this town. It is quieter and calmer than Oak Bluffs and Edgartown in the summer, but more active than either in the off-season. One of the great positives of Martha's Vineyard is that each town has its own character and tradition. No one would confuse Edgartown with Oak Bluffs with West Tisbury with Vineyard Haven. All towns have their own histories. There is a value to a town holding onto its history and its identity.
Part of what contributes to Vineyard Haven's unique character is that for more than 150 years there has been no sale of alcohol in the town.
Change can have non-intended consequences. The risks of negative consequences do not make this proposed change worth it.
I hope that the citizens of Tisbury will vote down the proposal to sell beer and wine in our restaurants.
Henry Nieder
Vineyard Haven
No on beer and wine
To the Editor:
We are writing to enter respectfully the debate on the so called wine and beer issue. We try to be understanding of all sides of the proposition, but come away still feeling strongly that we should basically let well enough alone.
We have observed a considerable number of communities where they gradually let the gate open, and the overall effect was not positive. Crime does increase, personal security of citizens is threatened, noise levels in commercial areas rise annoyingly and the general tone of the community does change - and not for the better.
As we have pointed out before, an obvious example of the situation is the New Jersey resort of Ocean City, which is today virtually the only resort on the Jersey coast where one would want to live or raise a family - and when all is said and done, the reason is that somehow, amidst political upheavals and changes of trends, they have remained a dry community these 150 years and are proud of it.
We find it hard to believe that income levels of eating establishments would rise significantly if the restrictions of beer and wine were eased.
Please, Vineyard Haven, think long and hard before going down a road we will soon enough regret.
Dr. John and Jane Wilbur
Vineyard Haven
Keep the comfort station
To the Editor:
I am writing in support of Nancy Phillips's letter urging people to be aware of what is happening to the Oak Bluffs beach. I have written to the state officials, as she asked.
I cannot tell you how sad I am that our little comfort station might be taken away forever. As someone with a young child, and friends and family with the same, it adds immeasurably to our ability to enjoy a day at the beach. As a matter of fact, many pleasant afternoons have been spent musing with friends about whether the town would ever have the vision to try to recreate some of its past glory. The days recorded in the old postcards of changing rooms, and umbrella and beach chair rentals, perhaps a little stand selling beach toys. We advertise ourselves as a Victorian Seaside Resort, but it has all been taken away. And our last little bit seems poised to go as well.
Fight for our little comfort cottage. If we can keep it, who knows, maybe someday we can get back a little of the amenities people used to enjoy in Oak Bluffs.
Heather Falcone
Oak Bluffs
Not just NIMBYs
To the Editor:
I'm sick and tired of Clean Power Now's attempts to characterize all Cape Wind opponents as wealthy, yachting "NIMBYs." Last week, at the public hearings on the Cape Wind federal report, Cape Wind opponents showed their faces: commercial fishermen, Wampanoag Tribe leaders, ferry boat captains, airport officials, business leaders, politicians, artists, and tradesmen. Opposition to Cape Wind is diverse and widespread. Not only is the NIMBY label inaccurate, it's downright offensive to hard-working Cape Codders whose livelihoods would be threatened by the desecration of Horseshoe Shoal. I trust that Clean Power Now - and the federal government - got the message.
Mark Foster
Aquinnah
Free from insurance
To the Editor:
Nicaraguan insurance. It is with great interest that I read of the worsening problems with homeowners' insurance. From my perspective here in Nicaragua, the cost of insuring one's home, car, business and person in the United States seems to have soared through the stratosphere. Maybe this is a natural result of fear and of so many lawsuits.
In Nicaragua, we have only mandatory auto insurance, and that costs $75 a year. Doesn't cover much.
Insurance is a rare concept here in the land of frequent earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. The onus of home ownership is placed squarely on the homeowner. If you build a home poorly, it will fall apart in a tremor or strong wind. If you build in a gully, it will get washed away in the rainy season. If you do not keep trees trimmed, branches may fall on your roof. If you build near a river or near the ocean, you may not survive a hurricane. It was your choice to build or live there, and the feeling here is that you should not ask everyone to pay for an individual decision.
Then I did hear about a bank that is now offering homeowners' insurance. Out of curiosity, I asked for details. For our home, it would cost more than $200 a month. In the country that pays its teachers about $60 a month, that is huge!
So, I asked, would this policy cover me in case of an earthquake? No. Would flood or water damage be covered? No. Fire? No. Loss of personal property like furniture? No.
I just laughed.
At first, it seemed strange to me to not have insurance. I felt plumb naked without insurance. But now, after many years, I can tell you I feel so free. I have no health insurance of any kind. I have no life insurance. No liability insurance. No insurance on my home. And when I total up what I have saved in premiums, it is more than I used to make as a salary.
If my home breaks, I will rebuild. If I get very sick, prop me up under a coconut tree.
Muriel Laverty
Masaya, Nicaragua
Supports Health Care Access program
To the Editor:
At 81, my life could be insecure, confusing, and even frightening. Thanks to my association with Health Care Access and the friendly, cheerful assistance I found there, it is none of those things now. It is a service for which I am very grateful, and I know they are there to help me when I need them. I sincerely hope that they will get the funding they need to continue their necessary work, and I feel we are incredibly fortunate to have them here.
Connie Sanborn
Oak Bluffs
No more funds for war
To the Editor:
When are we going to end our Iraq madness? Five years of killing have left 4,000 U.S. dead, one million Iraqis dead, more than 40,000 U.S. injured, and 4.5 million Iraqis homeless.
We must tell Rep. William Delahunt, Sen. Edward Kennedy, and Sen. John Kerry to oppose all additional funding, except that for safely bringing our troops home.
Chris Fried
Vineyard Haven
Just ask
To the Editor:
If Peter Colt Josephs contacts me, I'll send to whichever library he names a copy of Morison's "Portuguese Voyages." And he won't need to wait for me to die.
Christopher Gray
New York
What he did, what he did not do
To the Editor:
I am a West Tisbury volunteer fireman.
I talked to the family to make certain everyone was out of the house and communicated that information to the Communications Center, which in turn reported it to the Tisbury Fire Department.
I then closed the front door of the house to reduce the flow of oxygen to the fire. I kept the neighbors and bystanders away from the propane tank until the Tisbury Fire Department could cool the tank and keep it from exploding. I did not cool the tanks myself.
Eric Medeiros
West Tisbury
Editor's Note: Mr. Medeiros refers to a Times news story, "House fires keep firefighters on the hop," published March 13.
Yes for Health Care Access
To the Editor:
I met Sarah Kuh, Vineyard Heath Care Access director, almost a decade ago, when she and a band of volunteers were stationed in what is now the Healthy Additions building, next to Cronig's, Vineyard Haven.
Sarah had amazing ideas and plans - in two languages - for much needed Health Care Access for Vineyarders. Her dream gradually became an amazing, caring, effective and successful Vineyard program. Sadly this year, funding for her dream, is wobbly.
So, as you settle into your Town Meeting seat, nodding to friends, and scanning the numerous warrant articles, please take time to circle the Vineyard Health Care Access Program article. And then vote for the funding to keep it alive.
Vineyard Health Care Access might not be around next year. Evidently Dukes County has a budget shortfall, and is asking the towns to contribute to the access program's funding. Dukes County has provided one third of the total budget - this year, that's $90,000, divided among our six Towns, out of the program's total budget of $275,000. The remaining funding comes from unpredictable grants.
And that vital funding is the lifeline to medical care for an enormous number of Vineyarders who have no health insurance and who have needs which are so much bigger than Band-Aids. The Vineyard Health Care Access Program assures them access to programs and resources, and hope.
Sarah Kuh, director, and her remarkable staff guide members daily through the labyrinth of details on contacting specific medical practitioners and services. And they follow up to see that, indeed, you did get to that doctor, or test, or important appointment. They help fill out the plague of forms that set up mental roadblocks, or take unavailable time, or are simply a major challenge, especially if there is a disability. Simply put, they make sense of health care, make it seem doable.
They have the patience to get you enrolled and stay in systems that were there all the time, but never seemed user-friendly. We read about programs available for our maladies, always in language which boggles the brain, heart and soul. The staff can translate all of that for you.
The Vineyard Health Care Access program figures it out for you and countless others, who avoid getting much-needed medical care, because of travel distances, or the lack of knowledge that help is even available at all, or simply not understanding that the Vineyard Health Care Access Program exists.
While many community groups, friends and neighbors, town leaders and other generous people have always shown remarkable support, we are now in crisis time. The lower income people of Martha's Vineyard need your votes. Please stand up and vote for them at your town meeting.
Health does not play the waiting game. Health is, by necessity, right now. Hopefully you have your health and will share your good fortune with those who do not. Thank you for your yes vote and for taking time to be concerned about the health of fellow Vineyarders.
Jani Gardner
Vineyard Haven
No exception
To the Editor:
Just before the first day of spring, the American Cancer Society finished its annual Daffodil Days Campaign. Island residents have always been generous, and this year was no exception
We took orders from businesses, schools, banks, etc. a few weeks before delivery, but the real heroes were the people at each place who coordinated the orders. Too many to thank here, but please know how much we appreciate all of you!
We also need to thank those of you who donated money so we could give flowers to Windemere, Long Hill, the Henrietta Brewer House, and all the Councils on Aging.
This year, we beat the blossoming of most flowers on the Island, so it was a treat to have our boxes of buds come into the SSA dock, and fun to see us all take our designated boxes and run off to deliver them. The next day, the Wednesday after delivery, the daffodils are sold at several places around the Island, and we also thank the business owners for their generous giving of their space.
Our volunteers who, year after year, have given unselfishly of their time are: Kerry and Pat Alley, Nancy Abbott, Margaret St. Dennis (Bangs), Cynthia Barletta, Helen Burt, David Crohn, Jacquie Renear, Roger Spinney, Joyce Stiles-Tucker, Bess Stone, Tony's Market, Penny Uhlendorf, and Marilyn Wortman.
'Til next year, thank you.
Dorothy Bangs
Susie Wallo
Debbie Magnuson
Don't sell alcohol
To the Editor:
My name is Caroline King and I am nine years old. I have been coming to Vineyard Haven for nine summers! I always look forward to walking downtown with my friends.
My mom would never let me walk downtown in the summer if they sold beer or alcohol. So I would have nothing to look forward to except seeing my family (or my friends (Lucy Norris).
So please don't let them sell alcohol!
Caroline King
Saratoga, Calif.
