Letters to the Editor
Back at you, West Tisbury
To the Editor:
We commend Erik Albert for his analysis of the beach situation, given the ownership of the Lambert's Cove Beach. The town itself is promoting an elite and exclusive policy, discriminating against Islanders of other towns. We propose to limit all liquor service and sales to residents of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown and their guests (with proper ID).
Allison Kane, Lynn Brook
Edgartown
Disheartened
To the Editor:
I just want to express my support for Erik Albert and his campaign to "free" the beaches. Thanks for fighting the good fight, Erik.
Also, about a year has gone by since the unfortunate dismissals at the Edgartown thrift shop. Indeed the store looks good, but the prices have skyrocketed and the thrift is gone from the experience. In these economic times, these prices are competitive with retailers, which is disheartening.
Lynne Brook
Edgartown
Thank you, kindly
To the Editor:
When Dale Robinson had to face lung cancer for the second time, he knew that this would be the end. His main concern was for his dog, Fraulein, to have a happy and good home. His neighbors, Matt and Brenda Sudarsky, not only gave her a home, they saw to it that she would visit Dale every day in the hospital, when he knew he could not stay home any more. With the help of Drs. Kendall and Tsai, difficult and fast decisions had to be made.
It was such a comfort to me to know that any time Dale or I needed them, Hospice and the VNA would be there to answer any questions and help in making decisions for Dale's comfort. Hospice would run errands for meds if we were going to be home too late on the ferry and do everything they could to see to his comfort at home, then during his last days in the hospital.
Revs. Cathlin Baker and Spinney made several visits to Dale which brought him great comfort and Ms. Baker held a lovely service for Dale's funeral. On Dale's last day, we were told that he would hear us but not respond. That's the way it was until the Rev. Bob Hallquist prayed over Dale. He was able to raise his eyebrows up and down twice.
The hospital staff not only saw to Dale's comfort but to ours. They even saw to it that Fraulein had food and water. Any time I mention this to someone, they all say, "on this Island we always find this kindness and support." Support from our on-Island family was so wonderful. Especially since they had lost their mother a few short days before Dale. As Dale would say, as he tipped the brim of his hat, "I thank you kindly."
Diane Leonard
Tisbury
A matter of change
To the Editor:
It is a grave mistake to assume that anyone who opposes us is implacable, incapable of change. I believe that both this country and I can change, and are especially likely to change when others change. So then, why should we blithely suppose that those who oppose us will not change if we change first?
If in fighting, we kill a member of Al Qaeda or of the Taliban, they normally seek to replace him with another soldier. If we kill a civilian, they likely replace with two soldiers, unless the civilian is a child; then they may succeed in recruiting three soldiers.
If we replace bombs with bread, they too will change.
Alden Besse
Tisbury
Well received
To the Editor:
This past Saturday afternoon at the Yoga Barn in West Tisbury, the Martha's Vineyard Whole Health Alliance (WHA) held their annual meeting and health fair. It has been quite a few years since the WHA has undertaken a health fair, and it was a well-received event.
The Yoga Barn provided the sanctuary-like atmosphere, and the practitioners had a great experience working with such an enthusiastic and engaging public. For three hours, 14 practitioners gave mini-treatments, and friends and colleagues met and networked. In all, around 180 treatments were given, and about 50 people sat in classes.
The WHA also honored Bud Macy for his many contributions to the alliance and presented him with a book of cards and letters from WHA people he has been associated with for the past 15 years. Thanks to Rex and Scarlet Jarrell for the beautiful Yoga Barn; Steve Bernier of Cronig's for the drinks and snacks; Dee Dice of Eden for the flowers; Betsy Shands for the cookies; Amanda Cohen for the vision and willingness to organize this event, Kathleen Fitzgibbon and Cathy Brennan for joining her in that effort. We would like to thank all of the volunteers, practitioners, and teachers who made this happen:
Kathy Fitzgibbon, Cathy Brennan, Allyson Cook, Jennifer Rankow, Lily Morris, Francie Desmone, Margaret Knight, Betsy Shands, Andrea Cranson-Flaherty Hulka, Jan Hulka, Claire Parkhurst, Allison David, Paul Farrington, Dardanella Slavin, Susan Sanford, Cathleen Vincent, Marcie Mueller, MJ Bindu Delekta, Stefan Knight, Kanta Lipsky, Melissa Breese, Doreen Anderson, Terre Young, Jill Macy.
And, thanks to the people who made our day by coming out to relax, get a treatment, hear some healing words, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Oceana Rames, President
Martha's Vineyard Whole Health Alliance
Help him out
To the Editor:
"When the well runs dry, we will know the worth of water." - Benjamin Franklin, 1746.
President Barack Obama is aggressively doing what he said he would do. He is performing a great justice to the presidential office. And what we have is a good man, a family man, and a man of great vision. A man who has the courage and conviction; the temerity, tenacity and eloquence, required for the undertaking. He is traveling on the road that all heroes, before him, have traveled upon. Forever, he is on the firing line, constantly being antagonized, and tested, evoking the true composition of his character. He is an honor and a distinction to the United States of America.
He has the spirit and intellectual enlargement that it takes to get the job done, but he cannot do it alone. Barack Obama cannot change this country by himself. He needs us, as much as we need him to make this work. Are we not forgetting that we have a great deal to work for, to live for, and to die for? For your information, it's called the future for those of you who are not so futuristic.
My view on getting into the White House and becoming the president is a little like boatbuilding. When becoming a shipwright (a master boatbuilder that is) it takes years and years of hands-on studying, cutting, cutting and re-cutting. No two sides of a boat are ever the same. Ten or 15 years later, the boatbuilder is now a master tradesmen. And, unstoppable he is, there is no obstacle in the universe that will impede him. He is the closest that man will ever come to achieving the desired outcome, what the ancient old alchemist spent his whole life trying to accomplish.
The boatbuilder/shipwright learns how to forge and fire the most basic of raw elements. With locust, angelique, lead, and bronze he builds an arc, and his ark is mighty and majestic The outcome is a rare example of integrating and consummating both science and art. And you can bet your booty that he can transform the ordinary and the mundane into something that is more than noble.
The vitality and resiliency of this country is not contingent upon what one man can do. It lies in a collective state, meaning that we all have to contribute in some form or another.
The United States of America is so righteous, so noble, and so mighty. It kind of reminds me of a boat. But this boat is going down, it's begging to sink.
Barack Obama needs all of us to rebuild this boat, just as the shipwright needs boatbuilders.
Rebuilding this vessel will enable us to safely navigate into the uncharted waters of the 21st century. We are the builders and spirits of this mighty vessel, and let's not forget it. Barack Obama is the commander and chief, but he cannot change this country by himself. The fate of this country lies in our hands. So let's help him out.
James Rathburn
Tisbury
A wonderful event
To the Editor:
The Martha's Vineyard Boys and Girls Club would like to thank everyone that made the 2009 National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Ride the Vineyard event such a huge success. The club is proud to partner with the National MS Society, Central New England Chapter, to facilitate this event and to continue the search for a cure.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. The $450,000-plus raised though this year's ride will help to fund treatments and research, which are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.
Thank you to the 640-plus cyclists who pedaled distances of 25, 50, and 100 kilometers to raise money and awareness for the cause, and thank you to the thousands of people who donated and pledged money to support the riders' efforts.
Thank you to the 100-plus dedicated volunteers for all your hard work. Volunteers from both on- and off-Island manned rest stops, helped with setup and cleanup, provided medical support, and cheered the riders on. The most popular volunteers were undoubtedly those that fed the masses at the annual post-Ride cookout, serving hot soup and flipping over 650 burgers and bunning over 500 hot dogs. Thank you to Vineyard Cash & Carry for donating all the burgers and dogs and to Peter Koines for his wonderful soup.
Thank you for the Mediterranean Restaurant for hosting the Kick-Off Celebration the night before the Ride. Everyone had a great time and they are looking forward to coming back next year.
Thank you to all of those that made this day safe for the cyclists: the police and EMS personnel of the towns of Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury, the Dukes County Sheriff's Department, the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, and all the motorists that took caution along the ride routes.
Thank you to Edgartown Bicycles, the Chilmark Store, and Hostelling International-Martha's Vineyard for the use of your properties for rest stops; and to the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School for serving as home base for the Ride's start, finish, and post Ride festivities.
We are looking forward to another successful ride next year, and invite everyone to get involved. For more information on how you can join the movement in the fight against MS, please visit nationalmssociety.org.
Peter Lambos
Executive Director
Martha's Vineyard Boys & Girls Club
For all that you've done
To the Editor:
The family of Nancy Leighton would like to thank the Edgartown EMTs, police, Martha's Vineyard Hospital ER Staff and all who took the time and love to call, send cards and flowers, prepare food and make donations to the Vineyard Animal Shelter in Nancy Leighton's memory. We truly appreciate everything that all of you have done for us during this most difficult time.
Gail Palacios
For The Leighton Family
Edgartown
They appreciate your support
To the Editor:
A growing number of households facing homelessness across the state and nation had pinned hopes on proposed increases in state and federal rental assistance programs. Both the Section 8 voucher program and the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program are widely acknowledged as cost-efficient responses to the housing needs of families in transition. Recent turns in budget deliberations now have both programs considered for significant cuts.
Contrast this with Martha's Vineyard's response to the rental needs of its residents. Just completed town meeting votes affirm town Community Preservation Committee support of rental assistance that will total $254,000 this coming year. Coupled with the Island Affordable Housing Fund's sixth annual commitment of $300,000 of its fundraising, this largely local money will allow some 90 Island households to continue in decent year-round rentals.
Rental assistance is but one plank in the overall growth of rental and ownership opportunities on Martha's Vineyard since the community wide housing forum gave the issue needed focus back in 2000. This year's town meeting season saw across-the-board yes votes on development subsidies, administrative funding and all but one proposed zoning change. The Dukes County Regional Housing Authority greatly appreciates the support of the citizens, town committees and other housing groups that allow us all to continue partnering in the preservation of our Island community.
David Vigneault
Dukes County Regional Housing Authority
