Letters to the Editor
Published: July 31, 2008
In flames
To the Editor:
I owned and ran Cafe Moxie with Cindy Curran since 2001. This past spring the business went into the competent hands of former chef Austin Racine and Katrina Yekel. Fire made short work of the historic building on July 4th.
Most don't realize the sacrifice that goes into restaurants. The commitment tends to devour your personal life. You recreate a food service event every night, in a business where you are only as good as your last meal. It has personalities, perishable items and power struggles, the likes of Machiavelli. The effort is untenable. It's life with the volume turned up. The "house' takes on a life of its own.
Every year you wait for the wave. High season (July 4th-Labor Day) and its always a Tsunami. For eight weeks, you are turning customers away (usually) (only 48 seats) Feast or famine. So there you are, ready to pull the trigger on another season - to make dollar one after two months of total financial and emotional investment. Try watching that world end in front of your eyes. You don't shake that off your synapses for awhile. Hats off to Austin and Katrina.
Enter the world of insurance, also not for the faint at heart. The devil is in the details, and there are a lot of details.
Thanks go out to too many to mention. It's a dangerous and imperfect world when you're running into a burning building. Still waiting for the clean-up money (insurance money fronted for cleanup). I'm aware of the blight and inconvenience to Main Street. I will do what I can, as soon as I can. Glad no one was hurt substantially. Regrets to the Nelsons (BOG). If the money to build is there, I will. If not, I won't. This is the simplest part of a very long process. Thanks again.
Paul Currier
Vineyard Haven
He knows nothing about firefighting
To the Editor:
In response to Bob Johnson [Praise for firefighters not warranted, July 24] and the other "few hundred" bystanders that he refers to, reading his letter this morning brought laughter to my day. Imagining all of our Island firefighters responding to calls with our gear on was hysterical, although the thought of driving my Honda Element with my turnout boots on was scary. It is quite obvious that Mr. Johnson knows nothing about firefighting.
All of the Island departments are made up of volunteers who work long hours at regular jobs and drop whatever they are doing, day or night, to respond to a call. If Mr. Johnson was bothered by the guys putting on their gear at the scene in Vineyard Haven, he should please avoid being a bystander at any calls in West Tisbury. I am sure he would be extremely disturbed to observe me showing up in a fancy summer dress, high heels, and a straw hat, which I quickly change out of into a t-shirt, jeans, boots, turnout pants, jacket and helmet, at the same time as braiding my hair back out of the way.
May I suggest that Mr. Johnson take a little time this summer to actually talk to some of the Island volunteers to get a real picture of a fire scene and all that it entails, including keeping the guys and women safe while trying to save a structure. At the end of the conversation, I am sure he will be thanking them from a place of knowledge rather than criticizing from ignorance. Afterwards, if he still thinks he could do better and wants to risk his life, he should please join the department and get trained. We can always use more people.
Beth McElhiney
West Tisbury Fire Department
Just tripe
To the Editor:
It is not often that l write a letter to the papers. I'm in the mood; so here goes. It took a while for me to cool down and a lot of guessing why a completely uninformed person like Bob Johnson could and would write a letter like the tripe that he sent to and was printed in The Times [Praise for firefighters not warranted, July 24].
The firefighters on the Vineyard are all volunteer/call firefighters. They don't live, work, or play in their protective gear. They usually have the gear in bags in their vehicles. They don't waste time going to the station and dressing before going to a fire scene, they go directly to the scene and don those cumbersome coats pants, boots and helmets and report to their officer for an assignment. If it's on Main Street of town, so be it. Then they go to work. Boy, what a bargain we all have; these firefighter probably make about $1.50 an hour, if you account for all the hours they spend training, drilling, and firefighting. The state of Massachusetts has some very stringent standards for a qualified firefighter.
I wasn't at the fire to observe and cheer on the men and women doing their jobs. Knowing the chiefs, most officers, and many firefighters, I can only guess why the "bucket" wasn't used when the observer thought it should be. A fire fighting principle is to ventilate a fire (make a big hole above and let out the heat). I see pictures of a roof ladder on the north side of Moxie before the collapse; my guess is that there was an attempt to vent the building. To send a stream of water into that hole is to defeat the ventilation process; the heat spreads inside, doing more damage. When the roof collapsed, it became a "surround and drown operation" as far as Moxie was concerned and that was when the "bucket" went into operation.
As for the power being turned off; the fire department has no way to electrically isolate a street. It is up to the local power company to do that, and it takes time to get them there, and to get to and deactivate the appropriate circuits. This was on our Independence Day, and the fuse and circuit breaker guys weren't immediately on hand and wouldn't be on any other day.
Mr. Johnson, you and a "few hundred other bystanders who are afraid to speak up" (I suspect there aren't many that share your views) should learn something about firefighting and about call firemen. The next challenging fire you see might reinforce what you may have learned.
Great job, Island firefighters. I, and most people, applaud you.
Stan Mercier
Chilmark
Speaking for firefighters
To the Editor:
This letter is in reply to Bob Johnson's letter [Praise for firefighters not warranted, July 24] regarding the Island fire departments.
Although I was not there, I take your letter very personally. Like the so-called "numerous upset bystanders" you speak for, I will speak for some firefighters.
Prior to my moving off the Island, I was on the West Tisbury Fire Department. I now work for a paid and volunteer department. I am trained in both Fire Fighter 1 and 2, an EMT-I, Haz-Mat operations level, and working on a fire science degree. You criticize our job, but I ask you this, what do you know about firefighting besides just spraying water on it?
All of the Island fire departments are volunteer, meaning that when the pagers go off, they drop everything and come a-running. I cannot even count how many times we all have left our girlfriends or wives at a restaurant dinner table, a movie, things of that nature, to go help someone. We do this because yes, it's a ton of fun, but most importantly it feels good to help our communities.
As far as the dressing in the streets, many respond directly to the scene in their personal vehicles. Due to the size and weight of this gear, it is impossible to drive a regular vehicle with it on. That is why they were dressing in the street. The gear (boots, pants, coat, nomex hood, gloves, helmet, eye protection) is required when working a fire ground by NFPA (the National Fire Protection Assoc.), which goes into detail about the actual bunker gear.
To your next topic of unknowledged judgment, you can have every single Tisbury fire truck on scene, but without the manpower being present, you cannot do anything. It takes almost a full minute after engaging our pump PTO before you can even touch the pump to give water to your attack team. It has to build pressure and things of that nature. It's not like a garden hose - just turn a knob and you have water. It's an involved process. It is not as easy as Mr. Johnson and many others think.
Usually the biggest time delay is the response to the fire hall or scene when talking about volunteer departments. The first officer on scene does the "scene size-up," finds out if any one is still inside, any possible HAZ-MAT situations, power, things of that nature. In regard to your power concern, take that up with the power company, fire departments can't play with electricity - we like fire and water too much. There are so many precautions that now have to be taken to ensure the safety of everyone that, yes, it does take time. But when it comes down to it, buildings can be replaced - lives cannot.
Volunteer departments are just that, volunteer. They can't train 24/7. They don't work 24-on 48-off, like we do. They all have full-time jobs and families. It takes a lot of time to learn the equipment that we use, a lot of time. I have been doing this full-time since I was 19, and I'm still learning daily and will be for the rest of my career. Yes, things could have been done better in your mind, but as far as I am aware, no one was hurt, which is the number one thing.
These men and women that you feel "the praise is not warranted" are the ones that leave their comfy beds and families at two in the morning. They leave their house knowing that they have to be up for work in just a couple of hours. Do they care? No, because they are helping their community. They are the ones that stand in the middle of the road in 10-degree weather while its snowing trying to save someone's life that just crashed their car. They are the ones that go running into a burning building to save lives, when everyone else is running out. There's a quote I once read that I will never forget:
When fire is cried and danger is neigh,
"God and the firemen" is the people's cry;
But when 'tis out and all things righted,
God is forgotten and the firemen slighted.
You may have problems with the fire departments, but take a step back and look at the big picture. These are the men and women that would save your life in an instant if it came to it, and you're putting them down? With all due respect, sir, get a life and keep your opinion to yourself.
Ryan Tucker
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Shocking letter
To the Editor:
I was in total shock and disbelief when I read in Thursday's Times the letter from Bob Johnson [Praise for firefighters not warranted, July 24]. At least he had the nerve to write his name.
My co-worker called me at 9:15 and said, "Cafe Moxie is on fire!" My tenant overheard my phone conversation and said, "That's next to the Bunch of Grapes, I better get in there," as she is their manager. My husband drove her to work; they parked in front of the town hall and walked down, as Main Street had obviously been blocked off.
Mr. Johnson's first question, "Is it normal for the fire department to get dressed in the street?" I would say, Yes. These men and women from all our Island towns are volunteers and have other jobs, and I don't believe they wear their fire gear to work.
His second question, "Why did it take 10-15 minutes to get the bucket truck over from across the street?" Hello. It was the 4th of July on a Friday morning and the 9:15 boat had just pulled in and unloaded, and there was a lot of traffic.
My co-worker called me at 9:50 and said, "We have no power so don't bother coming in. I'm going to close and take the bus home if it doesn't come back on shortly."
I said, "Just keep me posted." She called me back at 10:30 and said, "Power's back on - it's your call to come in or not."
I was there by 11 and got dropped off at the post office because traffic was so heavy.
His third question, "Why did it take so long to cut off the electricity? It was over one and a half hours from the start of the smoke before electricity was shut off." Untrue. The clock in front of The Bunch of Grapes shut off at 9:50, the fire started at 9:15 so at the most it took 35 minutes. Main Street is hooked up to different power lines so some stores may have power and some won't. Bob Johnson obviously has never worked or lived on Main Street, I have done both.
His final observation of our firemen and firewomen not knowing how to operate trucks, hoses, equipment, water, etc. Why did you not step in, as you obviously know more than they do, or you think you do.
Chief John Schilling and all the volunteer firefighters from all the towns who responded deserve our praise, respect, and thanks that the whole town didn't burn down like in the 1800s. I hope your house never catches fire, but if it does you can put it out yourself, since you think our firefighters are so incompetent.
Phyllis Williams
Vineyard Haven
Cruel and unconscionably
To the Editor:
My heart sank all the way down upon reading about the closing of the Second Hand Store in Edgartown, and particularly the way it was reported to have been done. To belittle, embarrass, and demean the gracious Penny Townes and Darlene Kelly was cruel and unconscionable. For many years, I and many, many others know these fine ladies to always be exceptionally friendly, kind, and welcoming to everyone, and they certainly did not deserve to be treated in such an unprofessional manner by representatives of the Boys and Girls Club.
Both Penny and Darlene, as well as the volunteers, have always treated me and the many other patrons with exceptional kindness and courtesy. I always looked forward to patronizing the store, primarily because of them, and I want them to know how much I will miss them.
Marie B. Allen
Oak Bluffs
Better treatment
To the Editor:
I was not aware that the Second Hand Store was to support the Boys and Girls Club, but to assist the club and the people in the community in need.
Darlene and Penny have done an excellent job over the years. They weeded out all the junk that never should have been brought to the store and kept everything neat and clean.
Every season and holiday, the stock was changed accordingly. After years of devoted service, they deserved better treatment.
This is Martha's Vineyard, not Connecticut.
Ann Silva
Vineyard Haven
Undeserved
To the Editor:
I was appalled and heartsick after reading the article regarding the Second Hand Store in Edgartown.
The firing of Darlene Kelly, Penny Townes, and volunteers by the Boys and Girls Club board members, in such an unfeeling and unprofessional way, is beyond my comprehension. I have known these ladies for many, many years, and have always found them to be hard working, helpful, courteous, and always with the Boys and Girls Club's best interest at heart.
I am totally baffled as to why this happened the way it did, to such dedicated people. To Darlene, Penny, and all volunteers: thank you, thank you, for all your years of hard work; you don't deserve to be treated this way. God bless you.
Lorraine St. Pierre
Edgartown
Proud member
To the Editor:
Recently, I explained to someone who lives in Oklahoma that we live in a place where everyone knows your daddy and your grand dad and, by the way, he borrowed a screwdriver in 1928 and he never returned it. I was not being the most flattering to our community.
Then I attended the celebration for Wendy Jenkinson, and I spent a day at the beach with three generations of friends, and I was given a beautiful reality check. We do live in a community where many of us know each other. I was reminded at the celebration that we might not be perfect, but that we are perfectly loved and cared for by so many people, people who will do anything for you.
I now give full gratitude to the Island community. Thank you for caring. I also thank Wendy for shining light, grace, and courage wherever she went. I am proud to be a part of the Island community.
Mary Ambulos
Chilmark
Oh, Bro-
To the Editor:
Wendy Jenkinson was a loving mother and a wife that every man wishes he had. Patrick, you were the lucky one, you had her and she loved you. Marguerite and Wyatt, you are lucky too. To have had and have a mother that was so proud of all that you have done and will do is something that I hope you will both carry with you for the rest of your lives.
Wendy's service this past Saturday was a pure and true Island moment that Wendy would have loved. Bro said that first. A moment like a secret club that we are all in and nobody talks about it too much, but we all know with a nod that we're all in, for good or bad. A beautiful day that brought us all together, unfortunately like too many beautiful days lately, it was a gathering that we were all sad and devastated. I had been crying for days preceding Saturday and didn't know how I was going to make it through the service and the day. I cried cooking in my kitchen all day and night on Friday. I could not stop thinking about you and your family. They weren't tears of pity but tears of understanding how much she meant to you and your children.
The love and care you have and continue to demonstrate for Marguerite is a model for all of us here in multi-parent households and traditional households as well. Wyatt, I have never heard Patrick as happy in his life as he was the day you were born. He still feels the same way today, and if I was a betting man, I would take "for the rest of his life" over any odds Vegas could dream up. Your father loves you more than you could ever know, so know it.
It meant a lot to me to be there with my family, my son, Job, and daughter, Adelaide; Kim, my mother, and stepfather, John Hough, a man of integrity and honor. Believe me when I say this, he had no easy time with me as a teenager. John has been a great stepfather and the love of my mother's life. I value his love for me, and he has always treated me as if I were his own, even when I have given him many reasons not to. My uncle Patrick and his wife, my aunt, Cindy, were there too, and I am glad to have been there with them, if only for a minute.
I have never been there for my family like you have for yours. I have a family that loves me very much and really cares for me every day. I am guilty of not reflecting the same love back to them, not because I didn't love them but because I have been lazy and self absorbed, two things that you have never been. I am a good father and give all I have to my children and Kim. I always will.
My strength and ability to get through the day on Saturday came from you. You and the Jenkinson family; your words were beyond inspiring and spoken with strength and total appreciation for all that helped your family through this brutal period. You stood strong for your family with Wyatt by your side, talk about strength, what a courageous kid. I didn't know how you were going to be on Saturday, Patrick, but I can't ever imagine being so strong. If I can ever be half of what you have been to your family, I know that all in mine will be just fine.
One more thing, Bro, I am never going to pay that slip at the garage for $75 that I owe you and you cussed me out about a few weeks ago, because that debt hanging there will make me hope that you never forget me and how proud I am to be your friend. You are, pardon me for quoting, "The salt of the earth." Love you so, Bro. Thanks, Patrick and Wendy.
Benjamin deForest
West Tisbury
Still in residence
To the Editor:
It was good to have the coverage "Past And Present At Old Sculpin" on Fred Messersmith's upcoming retrospective. Please note, however, that although Fred is no longer teaching, he is still artist in residence.
Gail Rodney
President
M. V. Art Association
Secret sins
To the Editor:
I have lived on this Island long enough to question the journalistic philosophy of The Times. Last fall a Times court reporter, Steve Myrick, wrote an article about a man who was accused of sexual abuse. The details he reported in the paper cost this person his job and have caused incalculable heartache within the family.
In recent weeks, the managing editor of The Times, Nelson Sigelman, wrote a front-page article about a high school music teacher who misused his position of trust by having an improper relationship with one of his students. This is a grievous situation. A number of people have been seriously hurt by the impropriety of this teacher.
My question is, why does The Times need to even report on such situations? The nameless high school student alluded to in the article is suffering enough from her relationship with a trusted high school teacher. The man who was charged with sexual abuse and his family are daily feeling the negative effects of what was written in The Times last fall. By reporting in the paper these very unfortunate situations proves to me and others that The Times is more interested in selling papers and making money than being sensitive to the persons and families who have experienced much pain.
I wonder how Mr. Myrick, Mr. Sigelman, and the rest of the Times staff would feel if they had their secret sins exposed in print?
Jeff Winter
Oak Bluffs
A bit more protection
To the Editor:
On August 6, there is a selectmen's meeting in the town of West Tisbury at Howes House at 4:30 pm.
I have been put on the agenda because I would like to see our town pass some by-laws regarding Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders. I would like to try to give our children a bit more protection from these offenders than they currently have.
There have been several towns off-Island that have passed by-laws, and I would like to see West Tisbury take a proactive stance on this issue.
I hope that people in our town can find a way to be sure they attend this meeting.
Thank you for helping me get the word out about an issue that affects us all.
Kelley A. Wilson
West Tisbury
Rest in peace, Maynard
To the Editor:
Back in May, on one of those lazy warm spring days, I brought my old record player over to Maynard and Basia's house, along with a few ancient blues records - Jimmy Reed, Sonny Brownie and John Lee Hooker - Mississippi Delta Blues guys. Maynard and I had a great time as he regaled me with his sojourns in those places, those times. The visit ended much too soon as after two hours he'd gotten tired and said he needed to nap. We hugged goodbye, and I realized it was probably the last time I'd see him - in this lifetime anyway.
We've lost an Island treasure, a native son whose musical talent was just one of the many gifts he gave us. Maynard's life was a life lived well, and that's an understatement and yet a statement simply put, as he would describe it himself.
He painted signs. He raised a son, a young man who now carries on with his own brilliant musical legacy and a source of such intense pride to his dad. He married an incredible woman. Together they walked this final path with grace and dignity and enduring love.
Maynard, we thank you for your music - that gritty, existential working class Zen Buddhist blues - the music touched our souls and spoke to all who have loved, lost love and regained love. Maynard, you were the troubadour of those misty cold and dreary February evenings, as well as those summer nights at the street fairs and starry night backyard barbecues and countless shows at the Ritz and so many other places.
Maynard, hanging out with you was a reaffirmation of being real and in the moment. Thank you for the music. Thank you for Milo. Thank you for that unique presence.
And thank you for that reminder that we all suffer and we all dance with joy and everything in between.
There's a small sign in the Ritz Bar window: "Maynard Silva is the Vineyard" says it all.
Rest in peace, Maynard.
Sig van Raan
West Tisbury
Kindness and concern
To the Editor:
We thank the Steamship Authority for their kindness and timely accommodation in a near-emergency July 16.
Our nephew David, a bright six-year-old with autism, had gone missing in the woods of northern Vermont for several hours. He had wandered away from his sister and grandmother while taking a walk by the brook. As darkness neared, we decided to join our family and the hundreds of volunteers who were looking for him.
We explained our urgent need to get to the mainland, and employees of the Steamship Authority got us on the ferry immediately with kindness and concern for our situation. En route we received the much-anticipated news that David had been found. In response to the fliers that were circulating around town, a couple had discovered David two miles from where he had gone missing, sitting in the tall grass crying. He had been gone for almost eight hours. What a relief. The crew of the Island Home shared in our celebration.
It is with full hearts that we thank the Steamship Authority, and in particular Tom Marks and Chris Tapper, for their kindness that went far beyond the call of duty. We are blessed to live in a community where help is so quickly offered in time of need. Thanks to everyone.
Sarah Gruner and Chris D'Muhala
Morrisville, Vermont
No support for MVCS
To the Editor:
When the board of directors and the administration of Martha's Vineyard Community Services decided to close the Visiting Nurse Service, they broke their sacred trust with the residents, year-round and seasonal alike, of Martha's Vineyard. They are not deserving of the Island's continued support.
Phil Johnson
Chilmark
Thank you
To the Editor:
On Thursday, July 17, a group of wonderful caring people joined us at our home in Chilmark to raise money for Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS), a non-profit organization that helps people who are diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Dilly was diagnosed with ALS last year and discovered the wonderful folks at CCALS shortly after.
"Vineyard Night for CCALS" was conceived as our way of trying to thank them. Because of the volunteer organizers, Johnny Hoy and The Bluefish, the auction item donors, the Rothchild family, who let us use their land for parking, and the wonderful people who bought tickets and bid on the items, we had a wonderfully successful night.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this one of the most memorable nights of our lives. We know that the CCALS organization is also very grateful to everyone involved. Their work with ALS patients is so difficult, and you all helped to make it easier. Some people who could not make the party have indicated they would like to know how they can make a donation; go to the website - www.ccals.org - or mail a check to Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.
We are so grateful to all of you.
Dilly, Barbara, Kara, Marisa and Dylan Walsh
Chilmark
Hope in Bloom
To the Editor:
During the winter and spring of this year, I underwent radiation treatment for breast cancer. At the treatment center my husband, David, picked up a card for Hope in Bloom Inc., a non-profit organization founded by Roberta Hershon to plant gardens for breast cancer patient's. My husband called, and my daughter Michelle filled out the forms. My doctor confirmed my being treated. Roberta called me and informed me that Janice Donaroma would be participating. Janice called me, and we made a date to start the garden. From the moment she stepped out of her car, with the biggest smile, we were best friends. It was like we had known each other from birth (although I'm much older than she is). We spent the afternoon shaping the garden, pulling flags around it and deciding on flowers and colors we wanted. I had some stepping stones, and we arranged those the way we wanted them, and then we sat down and hugged and smiled and envisioned the completed work.
A week or so later, Janice called and said she would be there in the morning with a crew. The next morning, three trucks, five men, Janice, and oodles of plants were in the yard. The men spent the entire morning digging out the plot; they removed the debris, and returned with a truckload of soil, compost, fertilizer, and 12 bags of peat moss. They then filled in the garden with the mixture - thank you, Ilmar and gentlemen. Janice went to a meeting and returned with more plants. We spent the afternoon placing the potted plants (about 159) where they were going to be imbedded. We then sat down and hugged and laughed and looked at the "Work of Art" we were creating. The next morning Roberta and three of her volunteers arrived, as well as Janice with, yes, you guessed it, more plants, along with Kate and her crew. Thank you ladies, for a job well done. They then spent the morning taking the plants out of the pots, putting them in the ground and putting the mulch around them.
Finally, the watering of the plants, which is the final step in planting a beautiful garden. My thanks to Mike and Janice Donaroma, Roberta, and all who participated in the making of this garden. This garden is a labor of love, which I truly appreciate. Janice has my love, and I will hold her dear to my heart always.
By the way, I add an open invitation to one and all to come look, sit, and enjoy at any time: 41 Hampson Avenue, Oak Bluffs.
Dorothy E. Underwood
Oak Bluffs
Humane treatment in Oak Bluffs
To the Editor:
We were scheduled to arrive at Oak Bluffs Marina on Monday for our annual vacation on Martha's Vineyard. However, on last Friday, our 42-foot boat was significantly damaged by fire. It is now on land, and our prospects of ever taking it to Martha's Vineyard are dim at best. When I called to cancel our slip reservations, the person representing the marina offered, without any prompting, to return our whole deposit. By their own rules the deposit should have been non-refundable. This was a bright spot at an otherwise very depressing time. I couldn't think of a reasonable way to thank them, other than letting someone else know of their generosity and humanity.
Rand E. Herron
North Kingston, R.I.
Inappropriate preaching
To the Editor:
On Sunday, July 27, at Union Chapel, in a surprise interruption of scheduled guest preacher the Rev. Todd J. Williams's service, the Rev. Elizabeth Walker of channel 4 WBZ fame introduced herself to the congregation. She began by saying she had spoken previously in Union Chapel as a guest preacher, before delivering a thinly veiled stump for presidential candidate Obama. She did not mention his opponent in her message to the congregation (comprised mostly of adults well over the voting age) that it was very important to get out and vote. Ms. Walker did mention that she represented the Obama candidacy, in a church which presumably enjoys a privileged tax status.
Lest the reader think that this was a small matter, I would invite him/her to contact the former rector, the Rev. George Regas of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, Calif., whose church had to hire legal counsel to defend their tax immunity upon a challenge by the IRS. That process took over two years. Many in that congregation had to wonder what portion of their weekly contributions went to that defense effort.
I wonder why Ms. Walker, with her news background, would not have paused to consider that using her status as a preacher to endorse a political candidate was at least inappropriate, if not ill-advised.
Richard Myers
Oak Bluffs
Huge thanks
To the Editor:
The rowing team, under the auspices of Sail Martha's Vineyard, owes a huge thanks to Phil Hale and the Martha's Vineyard Shipyard for donating time, boat, and gas toward the towing of visiting rowing gigs for the Vineyard Cup competition. The towing was well orchestrated, the arrivals on time, and the people involved extremely efficient and knowledgeable. We truly believe that without the generous donation of this service that the Vineyard Cup would most likely not have had competitors from off-Island. Thank you.
Alice Goyert, Chair
Vineyard Cup Rowing Event
Unfair critics
To the Editor:
This letter is a response to a letter in last week's Martha's Vineyard Times, which unfairly came down hard on Jim Belushi for being "a blues legend" and subsequently was used as a vehicle to comment on his non-musical professional career as well. First and foremost, Jim did not concoct this title for his participation in the fundraiser and its ad campaign. It was done by others to promote the event. In all my conversations with Jim, he has never referred to himself as a legend of any kind and is a fun loving, respectful musician who knows how to entertain people very well. Cruelly blaming/shaming him is really unfair and unnecessary.
Rob Scherer, Festival Network
Line Producer
Oak Bluffs
