Letters to the Editor
Forever grateful
To the Editor:
My dear friends on Martha's Vineyard and off the Island who came to honor my incredibly wonderful husband Luther, who lost his battle with cancer, I thank you for walking and driving the last miles with our good friend.
The children he transported for over 30 years told stories about their school bus experiences. One of his former students called me today from New York, remembering that one time she twisted her ankle badly. So Luther drove his bus close to her house and carried her to the door of her home. Gentle, kind, wise - people like Luther are hard to find and he will be missed in our home and community always.
Thank you for the beautiful flowers and cards and food. My gratitude is never-ending. If anyone ever needs help, call me. As you know, I like to keep busy. Bless all of you, and I hope you and any of your relatives will never have to suffer that horrible disease. I am forever grateful for your kindness.
Anne Madison Vanderhoop
Aquinnah
Just luck
To the Editor:
I couldn't let Steamship Authority general manager Wayne Lamson's response to Michael Jampel's letter about the Islander and SSA maintenance go. It would have been better for him to just keep quiet. His condescending tone only magnifies his own ignorance of the apparent facts as presented in the survey report prepared by Seaworthy Systems of New Jersey. I wouldn't have bothered to read the whole 37 pages of the report had Mr. Lamson not been so vaguely defensive.
So, now I've read it, and being generous, I'll allow that the old girl was, well, old. And that over time things do naturally begin to give out. No one who looked at that boat for more than a couple seconds would have said she was in "great shape," but we would have assumed that she was in "OK" shape.
When you are absolutely dependent on something familiar to do its job, just like it always has, it's easy to just sort of squint a little, so you don't have to look too closely. I guess we all squinted when the good old Islander showed up with a new coat of bright white paint on a regular basis. We didn't quite notice the dribbled brown stains which showed up soon after. Those cankers that blistered up around pipes at the bulkheads and around the hatches just didn't seem that important. But the truth is that collectively they were emblematic of the cancer that was consuming our old friend.
Our dependence on the SSA requires us to trust that they always will be there. We have no choice. And like anyone else trapped in a dysfunctional, co-dependent relationship, we pretend that things will just work out somehow. And mostly, they do. We all survived the Islander's final years. And we should certainly praise those who worked so hard to keep her going and only miss 12 runs in her last five years of service.
The surveyor commented throughout his report that the mechanicals were all in good shape. But this only seems to illustrate that mechanical issues apparently took so much time that basic structural issues could not be attended to, or worse, were just ignored. To call this a success story seems to defy the obvious.
Structural problems, for sure, are complex. Simply put, any structure depends on the integrity of each of its parts working in unison. To maintain the integrity of the entire structure, all of the pieces have to be in place and act as designed. Weaken any one part and the rest are compromised to some degree. They have to somehow carry the load intended for the weakened part. One failed member weakens the next and the one next to that and so on. Eventually, the dominoes begin to fall.
We didn't have a catastrophic failure on the Islander. Thank goodness. But let's not fool ourselves into believing that we were anything but lucky.
No one who looked at that survey report would wonder, "How could so much damage occur in a year?", as Mr. Lamson seems to imply. Either by plan or by ignorance, serious structural repairs were not done for several years.
I don't think that Michael Jampel was writing to cast blame, though. I suppose it could be inferred, but I do think he was doing the right thing to make us aware of the problem. I also do not believe that his letter was an indictment of the men and women who work on the boats. After all, they can only do what they're told. I don't believe that bluster from the SSA manager should have been the response. Nor do I believe it served any worthwhile purpose. He might have tried, "We should have done better", or maybe even "We will do better?" I'm afraid that noise in his response would seem to imply that we can more likely expect more of the same. Let's hope not.
Jim Pepper
Vineyard Haven
Appropriate title
To the Editor:
I am in the middle of reading the article regarding the tragic death of the Marwari mare Bijli, and I just have a quick comment to make. Dr. Constance Breese was the veterinarian called out on that emergency. She is quoted throughout the article and referred to as Ms. Breese. Being a veterinarian and knowing the kind of difficult and long years of schooling it takes to become one, I find it offensive that she is not referred to by her hard-earned title of "Dr." This mistake is understandable when being made by a salesperson who doesn't know any better, but Dr. Breese is being quoted as a representative of her profession, and should be given the appropriate title.
This may seem petty, but it is a bit of a pet peeve of mine. I have found in my experience that with my male colleagues this mistake is made less frequently, whereas I often find myself referred to a "Miss" or "Ms." even by people who know my profession.
Submitted respectfully and with sincere sympathy to Francesca Kelly and others who loved those horses.
Dr. Catherine Buck
Edgartown
On guard on Facebook
To the Editor:
After two articles on Facebook in the Martha's Vineyard Times last week, including one I wrote on how Vineyarders use Facebook ("Facebook redefines staying in touch; can be full-time"), readers have commented to me personally and online: "Your identity can be stolen!" "You'll get a virus!" "People can stalk you!" "Everybody can see your stuff!" I decided to follow up to correct some misconceptions.
If you use common sense and put in some Facebook privacy settings - the chance of any of the above happening is highly unlikely, if possible at all. I wanted to give new and current FB users additional information to enable them to make their Facebook information available only to those they wish to see it. Unfortunately, this information is not readily available on Facebook, and while several websites have some information, much of it is now incorrect and confusing, as Facebook has changed those settings in the recent past.
If you are a Facebook member, and you visit the following Facebook site, facebook.com/group.php?gid=59526246271, I've written instructions on how to currently use your Facebook privacy settings to keep your information private, somewhat private or public - according to your preferences. If you have difficulty copying the above URL, please send me a message on Facebook - Niki Patton - Cape Cod Network - and I will send you the link.
Niki Patton
West Tisbury
Information access
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Dukes County Fishermen's Association, we would like to publicly thank the West Tisbury Library. The issues of a fishing community are many. Having a central location where several of us can meet and work has played a vital role in our success in becoming an association. Their expert help with access to information has been extremely valuable.
Michele Jones
Oak Bluffs
Tom Osmers
West Tisbury
Dukes County Fishermen's Association
Beast within the beauty
To the Editor:
I want to say a word or two to Francesca Kelly, owner of the horses that were the subject of The Martha's Vineyard Times story, "Rampaging stallion kills mare", in the March 19 edition. Ms. Kelly, you don't know me, which is of no importance. I live on Martha's Vineyard where you have long and very admirable connections and yes, I am writing about the horses, in response to the tragic incident several days ago where one of your beautiful horses was unfortunately killed by another of your beautiful horses.
To fully understand this story, I had to do some research on the Marwari horse and your historical connection to and intelligence about these remarkable animals. While an admirer of horses of all types from a distance (they are such beautiful, powerful, noble, and generally loyal animals), I know very little about the specifics of any particular breed. So, I was astonished and at once saddened to realize that 1) this Island was home to such exotic creatures, and 2) that it was also the site of such a terrible accident.
I think it's important for everyone to understand that, however disturbing, this was an accident. There was no malice, no criminal intention on anyone's part with respect to this accident. This is not to say that there wasn't, however unintentional, a communal negligence and shared complicity for the events and circumstances that led to this disturbing loss of a very rare, precious, and beautiful animal.
It's not necessary to enumerate nor elaborate on the details. I'm sure you're living and reliving this tragedy and suffering tremendously. It has to be very painful personally for you, the horse's caretaker and the owners of the stable, as it is for the community at large. Maybe because it's so close to home and in such contrast to the bucolic calm that we take for granted here, that I am so personally concerned. Yes, it was a deadly, violent act that drove one rare animal to kill another. But I trust that many of our Vineyard neighbors and friends do not share the sentiments that encourage overly punitive thought and action. To even suggest that your stallion have his life taken from him due to forces of nature beyond his control, obviously coupled, in large part, due to lapses in judgment by many is totally unfair, uncivilized. To move in this direction would, in my estimation, be an extreme over-reaction, not at all evolved, in fact rather callous thinking.
Who would have wanted for these two beautiful horses to have such a tragic, fatal, and final interaction? Both horses, by nature athletic, spirited, and coming from an energetic gene pool, obviously spent a good part of the winter here confined to what I'd imagine to be a very restricted quarters. I'm surmising that many days that both horses might have enjoyed a romp for several minutes, alone or together or with other horses. It's spring time, animal nature is what it is, and the beast in the beauty seems to have emerged, taking control. I don't mean to romanticize.
I'm no expert, and yet several educated observers of this accident and the nature of horses, commented on the poor judgment exercised in the maintaining of the animals. Fine. The thing to do now is have intelligent and sensitive discussion about what went wrong and how to prevent it happening again.
We often, in our hasty rush to resolve conflict, tend to quickly look for a scapegoat, something, someone else to deflect responsibility to, to mete out punishment. Thinking and actions unfortunately too often have the result of exacerbating the pain and suffering rather than helping to abate it. Hindsight often isn't 20/20. I like to think that enough intelligent and humane discussion will take place around this matter and that it will ultimately not result in the death of another beautiful animal, or some other shortsighted decision.
There are always lessons to be learned from tragedy, adversity, by default. The first might be that the immediate loss and subsequent pain and suffering perhaps are enough. Any effort beyond the loss of Bijli, your mare, should be based on learning, and being supportive of a higher goal. Neither of the horses had any control over their maintenance, and ultimately their destinies. Again, quoting the horse experts here on Martha's Vineyard, it was very dangerous to create and allow the situation in which these horses were stabled. For all who were complicit, there is culpability, degrees of negligence, naiveté and sorrow aplenty to spread around. But if we are clearly sorry for the loss of one horse, let's not allow, nor insist on the loss of another. I like to think (and I do as often as I have the energy) that, small as this Island is, that its intelligence and compassion far exceed the confines of its geography.
Again, Ms. Kelly, I want to express my sincere regrets for your personal loss and the pain it must cause you. Before we as your neighbors jump to quick and uninformed conclusion, hopefully we will take a break from Facebook, instant messaging, texting, and all of the other forms of cyber recreation we indulge in and spend some time online doing some research on horses and the Marwari breed, but especially all of the work and writing that you've done. I was fascinated to spend the last hour reviewing your beautiful website, horsemarwari.com and learning about the Marwari horses and your work with them. Hopefully you won't be discouraged in your efforts as a lover and nurturer of animals and especially horses. Hopefully this community will demonstrate its larger humanity; show that they will not only act thoughtfully and compassionately towards your animals and all Island animals, but will appreciate and embrace your very considerable efforts, intentions, and accomplishments, but also your loss. Good luck.
Maurice Young
Oak Bluffs
Jefferson's words
To the Editor:
We are in the midst of the most serious crisis our nation has faced in a long time, and I believe unless God intervenes, America will never again be the great country that we have known and loved.
The federal government is on the verge of nationalizing our financial institutions, fundamentally changing the economic engine that has driven our democracy for over 200 years. That would be a giant step toward socialism.
Our nation is now reaping what we have sown. Our greed, relentless pursuit of pleasure and abandonment of God's principles have brought us to this historic turning point.
I love my country but hate what I see taking place. America is at a crossroads.
Thomas Jefferson quotes:
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under pretense of taking care of them."
"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."
"Banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."
These were quoted in the 1800s. Do they sound familiar?
Judy Norton
Edgartown
Daffodil days
To the Editor:
I suspect that even now, nearly a week and a half since the American Cancer Society Daffodils arrived on Martha's Vineyard, many of us are still enjoying them in bloom. They were exceptionally large and hardy this year and considering their long trip from Washington State in refrigerator trucks, it is amazing that they have lasted so long.
Celebrating Daffodil Days is much more than sharing beautiful flowers. It is about dedicated people like you sharing hope for a world free of cancer. This year 1,200 bunches of daffodils arrived on Martha's Vineyard, and every one of them was purchased. Those that were given to the hospital, nursing homes, and senior centers were all paid for but were donated to these places for the enjoyment of others. Our schools, town halls, banks, offices and stores have been ablaze with their beauty.
All of this was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers who made the presales, delivered the daffodils, and sold them at tables throughout Martha's Vineyard. This year's team included Kerry and Pat Alley, Betty Brady, Brad and Judy Clough, David Cron, Debbie Magnuson, Cherrie Nunes, Roger Spinney, Joyce Stiles-Tucker, Bess Stone, Penny Uhlendorf, Susie Wallo, and Marilyn Wortman.
The unsung heroes of the entire campaign are those that take the orders at their places of work, collect the money and turn it all over to the volunteer doing the presale. Without their help we could not accomplish what we do.
This has been a year of financial difficulties for so many people. Fewer daffodils were ordered than other years. I am sure it was a hardship for many to respond. In view of all this our team is filled with heartfelt gratitude to everyone that participated in the 2009 American Cancer Society Daffodil Campaign.
And my sincere thanks to all.
Dorothy K. Bangs
Vineyard Haven
Rein in the Martha's Vineyard Commission
To the Editor:
I feel very sorry for Donald Muckerheide, trying to build his 17-unit condominium in Oak Bluffs. The Martha's Vineyard Commission's interference in the project is appalling. By what definition is this condominium a Development of Regional Impact? A mere 17 units on Dukes County Avenue - why can't the town of Oak Bluffs manage this project on its own?
It is no wonder that our grown children graduate from high school and move off-Island. Anywhere else they would move into an affordable apartment. How many apartments are there on this rock? If someone did a survey of apartments per capita, Dukes County would have to score dead last. No apartment developer would dare plan an apartment complex here, for fear of Martha's Vineyard Commission demands that would wipe out his profit margin.
If we want affordable housing for the next generation, we need to rein in the Martha's Vineyard Commission.
Jim Osborn
Vineyard Haven
Editor's Note: Jim Osborn is a member of The Martha's Vineyard Times staff.
So many to thank
To the Editor:
I have so many people to thank for the success of Women Empowered's dinner at Zephrus on Sunday, March 8, I don't know where to begin.
First, I'd like to thank the staff of Zephrus: Chef Lionette for creating a wonderful menu, Tararose Macuch who set up a lovely environment for our guests, and Susie and Sherman Goldstein for coming up with this "win/win" opportunity, where the community was able to support a nonprofit and the restaurant was able to bring in customers. We were all enhanced by this experience.
Secondly, thank you so much to all of Women Empowered's supporters, who came out to dine with us, learn about the growth and changes in the program and meet our board members, staff, and volunteers. I'd also like to thank the members of the Martha's Vineyard community who dropped in and dined with us and learned more about Women's International Day and Women Empowered.
We had a full house. Unfortunately some people could not get seated because they didn't have a reservation. Some people did order take-out so you could contribute the 20 percent Zephrus was donating to Women Empowered. What a great Martha's Vineyard community.
We distributed our nomination forms for WE's Empowered Women of the Year Special Event. WE will be honoring a woman who has helped empower the Martha's Vineyard community through her time, talent, and treasure. We will be honoring her at the end of May at a date and venue that will be announced in the very near future.
Sheila Bracy
Executive Director
Women Empowered
Vineyard Haven
Much appreciated
To the Editor:
I just wanted to take the time to thank the Martha's Vineyard Donor's Collaborative for helping to bring the Grant Resource Network to Martha's Vineyard. Having readily available access to the necessary networks for grant research will be an invaluable tool for nonprofits and individuals seeking funding.
The grant research workshop that was provided last week demystified the databases that we'll be using, and Martha Moore was a delightful speaker and instructor. I know that there is a lot of work that goes into planning these seminars and trainings, but please know that it is greatly appreciated.
A big thanks to Peter, Bea, Inez, Penny, and all of the Martha's Vineyard Donors Collaborative board and volunteers. Also, thank you to the wonderful individuals who will be available to help us use the databases, I'm sure I'll see you at the Oak Bluffs Library Grant Research Center. For a small place, a lot of amazing things happen here.
Guinevere Cramer
Development Director
Island Affordable Housing Fund
Benefits fair
To the Editor:
Every spring a benefits fair is sponsored by the County of Dukes County and the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group (CCMHG), the provider of health insurance for municipal employees and their families. This year we are incorporating wellness programs into the event.
Our goal is to educate municipal employees, municipal retirees, and their families about the healthcare options available to them that provide discounts on programs that promote healthier lifestyles and preventative care. The fair will increase our employees' awareness of how healthy living can also save money.
The County of Dukes County and CCMHG would like to invite anyone who is dedicated to health, wellness, fitness, and weight loss or other healthy lifestyles to participate in our wellness and benefits fair being held Friday, May 15, 2009, 3:30 to 7:30 pm, at Oak Bluffs Elementary School.
If you are a provider of traditional, complementary, or alternative medical care, yoga instructor, massage therapist, nutrition counseling, etc. please call Tammy at 508-696-3845 to reserve your spot today. Space is limited.
Tammy Deese
Senior Financial Clerk
County of Dukes County
You can help
To the Editor:
I am a sophomore at the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School, and I am doing a school project on teaching.
During English class, I will be interviewing teachers at various age levels: preschool, kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school and college and all different types of schools: public, private, catholic, charter, and boarding schools. I am interested in why people became teachers, their best and worst times in teaching, their most challenging situations, and the pros and cons of pursuing a career in teaching.
For my social studies class, I am trying to find teachers who taught during the women's rights movement, the anti-war movement, and/or the civil rights movement. I will be asking questions about the difficulty of teaching during a political movement and other related questions.
What I am looking for from this community are teachers, former or current, who would be willing to be interviewed either in person, over the phone or through an email, to help me diversify my project. Please contact me at jess.dupon@gmail.com if you have any suggestions, comments, questions, or if you can help out. Thank you.
Jess Dupon
Oak Bluffs
Doors of opportunity
To the Editor:
We would like to thank Peter Temple of the Martha's Vineyard Donors' Collaborative, Mary Moore of the Associated Grant Makers of Massachusetts, and the Tower Foundation for making the workshop on grant writing for nonprofit organizations possible.
The two-day workshop, which was held at the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center and in a computer lab at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, was thoughtfully planned and clearly presented. We got practical and concise information with useful handouts on the art of grant writing and database research. We had the opportunity to try out our newly acquired knowledge on a computer with expert guidance which was particularly satisfying.
It doesn't stop there. We now have free access to grant resource databases at the Oak Bluffs Library (previously only accessible in Boston), as well as free individual follow-up support in the grant writing/seeking process. The potential impact and benefits of this workshop and collaboration on our communities, both local and international, are far reaching. Many doors of opportunity have been opened to all of us in the nonprofit sector. Thank you.
Margaret Pénicaud
Little Children of Mary/Fish Farm for Haiti Project
Vineyard Haven
Carol Ambrozy
Athol Public Library Trustee
Athol & Vineyard Haven
A change at Little League
To the Editor:
For the past few years it has been my honor to be the president of Martha's Vineyard Little League.
Working with all of the dedicated parents and volunteers has been rewarding and inspiring.
During the past few years, we have formed a board of parent volunteers and community members, who are responsible for the operations, fundraising, field maintenance, and new field development for Little League.
We have worked hard to improve the fields, coaching, equipment and overall safety.
In the near future we will continue to improve the baseball facilities around Martha's Vineyard for the 350-plus kids who play each spring and summer.
I would like to thank the parks departments in West Tisbury, Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown for allowing us to use and improve the fields.
I am proud to turn over the reins to our new president, Kris Lukowitz, who has been on the board for the past few years and has coached for eight years at every level, including several travel teams. Kris will be assisted by a board including: the omnipresent Ernie Chaves, Steve Mussell, Jamie McNeely, Andrew Aliberti, Michael Marchand, Mike Michalski, Cheryl Backus, Drew Kelly, and John Roberts Jr.
To all of the children and parents who have supported our efforts, thank you. I will continue to be involved in Little League Baseball as a volunteer and fan.
Sam Berlow
Tisbury
A sense of honor
To the Editor:
The wife and I journeyed to America this past weekend and returned laden with bundles which we dutifully loaded on the luggage cart. Unfortunately, one Christmas Tree bag was inadvertently mis-taken, and we thought it was gone for good.
A chill went down my spine when I showed up at the Steamship Authority office, and there was our missing bag. I don't know who returned it, but I appreciate your sense of honor. And in return, I intend to donate the value of the missing bag to the Island Food Pantry. One good turn deserves another.
Thomas Dresser
Oak Bluffs
So much help
To the Editor:
What do you hope for when in March you have 60,000 culms of beach grass delivered and heeled in on Joseph Sylvia State Beach, waiting to be planted by volunteers? The co-chairmen of the Barrier Beach Task Force, Christina Miller of the Friends of Sengekontacket Inc., and Russell Smith, Dukes County manager, can tell you: mild weather and lots of help.
On behalf of our organizations, we thank everyone who dug holes with the metal dibbles and those who planted the beach grass stems and tamped down sand around them. By mid afternoon, row upon neat row of beach grass marched from the Little Bridge in Oak Bluffs to the fourth stone groin. Beach grass can withstand the beach's temperature extremes and being battered by ocean storms. As it grows it sends out horizontal, fibrous stems that trap grains of sand, building dunes, and protecting the road and inland.
It took the community to complete such a large planting: parents and children, eighth graders fulfilling their community service requirements, members of the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School Student Council Leadership Team, town and county officials, the Cape and Islands Senior Environmental Corps, community corrections personnel, nonprofit organizations not only from the Friends of Sengekontacket, but also from the Vineyard Conservation Society, the Martha's Vineyard Garden Club, the Martha's Vineyard Surfcasters Association, staff from the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank and Polly Hill Arboretum, professional landscapers, and many others. A special thanks as well to businesses who prominently displayed the "Wanted Posters." Also to the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce for distributing hundreds of flyers through its members to educate people to the fact that despite the harsh coastal environment in which beach grass thrives, it is vulnerable to human impact by being trampled.
As anyone who has ever planted beach grass knows, stewardship of it becomes part of the beach experience. We are so very fortunate to live where there are such beautiful beaches and where people are dedicated to protecting them.
Christina G. Miller
Friends of Sengekontacket
Russell Smith
Dukes County Manager
