Letters to the Editor
Posted September 22, 2005
What about women?
To the Editor:
I loved the story on the Portuguese men and their experience being here in America. What about a women's point of view? It would add a completely different perspective.
Liz Weibrecht
Edgartown
After-hours
need unmet
To the Editor:
I was driving home from a long day at work when I spotted a greyhound - minus any collar or tags - limping up the side of County Road by the fire station in Oak Bluffs. Seeing as I've rescued at least four other stray animals previously in this manner, I pull over to the side of the road (so as to warn oncoming traffic) and pull out my cell phone. I dial into communications, and I'm told that since the animal control officer in Oak Bluffs has gone for the day, there is nothing they can do. In other words: "Sorry that you happened upon an injured dog that might get hit in traffic, but there's nothing we can do." The lady took a description of the dog (this seemed absolutely moot other than to identify the animal once he's found dead), and no other information was given. No: "This is who you should call;" no: "This is what you should do," no advice was given. A concerned woman pulled up next to me in her vehicle. Obviously seeing me and the dog, she asked if I was trying to rescue the dog and I explained what communications had told me.
My point of this letter is that something should be done about stray animals after "closing hours," since a loose animal tends to be a dangerous road hazard. Is this incident not the equivalent of the following ludicrous statement: "I'm sorry there's an intruder on your front door step, sir, but the officer on duty went home for the evening." Maybe to some it isn't, but to me, it is.
Michael Warren
Vineyard Haven
Chilmark firefighter urges yes on health insurance vote
To the Editor:
On September 26, at special town meeting, the voters of Chilmark will be asked to accept the provisions of Section 12 of Chapter 46 of the Acts of 2003 authorizing the town to provide health insurance to the members of the Chilmark Volunteer Fire Department and members of the Tri Town Ambulance Service at 100 percent of cost. In 2003, the state legislature passed a state law called: "An Act Providing Relief and Flexibility to Municipal Officials" which makes emergency services personnel eligible to participate in their town's group health insurance plan, on condition that all town emergency services personnel that choose to take advantage of the plan must pay 100 percent of the monthly premium, the town cannot subsidize the premiums.
In order for the emergency services personnel to qualify, the town of Chilmark must accept the provisions of this law at town meeting. Accepting this part of the law (Section 12) does not mean that Chilmark accepts the entire new law.
What a yes vote for Article 2 on the warrant will allow Chilmark firefighters and Tri Town EMTs to enroll in the town's group health insurance plan paying 100 percent of premium, allowing many of these volunteers who do not have, or are currently purchase private health insurance to better afford a first class health insurance at group rate. The only cost to the town will be the administrative costs associated with enrolling individuals required accounting to apply payments which are estimated to be only hours a month. With a positive vote The town of Chilmark will be the second town to adopt this law (West Tisbury having done so in 2004), which should help Chilmark to retain current firefighters and EMTs, boost recruiting, and send a loud message of support to the men and women who risk their safety to insure yours 24 hours, seven days a week.
Show your volunteer firefighters and EMTs how much you appreciate their selfless service with a unanimous vote on September 26.
Steve Gallas
Chilmark
Think again about bus terminal
To the Editor:
This letter was sent to the West Tisbury selectmen:
We write to urge you to reconsider your decision to use the beautiful field adjacent to the West Tisbury cemetery as a temporary bus terminal and park-and-ride lot. Dead Man's Curve, with its glimpses of the cemetery, the cedars and the meadow beyond, full of Queen Anne's lace, form one of the most beautiful vistas on the Island and a serene and distinctive gateway to the center of West Tisbury.
Would it be possible to work out a temporary alternative site, either at the Grange Hall or the Agricultural Hall on the Panhandle? Both buildings have ample parking lots already in existence and could accommodate both the buses and the park-and-ride lot. Lighting and restrooms are already in place at both sites as well, and either one could provide an unobtrusive bus terminal area. Neither site would need extensive construction to make it attractive and functional. The Grange Hall has the advantage of location near the village center although its parking area is smaller; the Agricultural Hall has large parking lots that could easily accomodate both the buses and a park-and-ride lot tucked away.
West Tisbury has always prided itself on its rural environment and has thus far very successfully resisted the suburbanization that seems to be overtaking much of the Island. We hope you will consider negotiating for these existing sites rather than creating a new bus terminal in the beautiful open meadow at Dead Man's Curve.
Sam and Nancy Huntington
West Tisbury
Bye biplanes
To the Editor:
For 75 years, I marked the end of summer with the passing of Labor Day. Now I mark it with the departure of the low flying, noisy, loud, peace-shattering biplanes as they leave to disturb other quiet neighborhoods.
John T. Hughes
Vineyard Haven
For profit
To the Editor:
I live in a suburb of Boston, where teardowns are an all too frequent occurrence. I sympathize with Danapel C. de Veer. Beloved homes are falling in favor of McMansions. The last few weeks in my garden have been ruined by the constant noise of backhoes, hammers and saws, as our new neighbor builds his McMansion to replace his torn-down split-level house. I hope that Vineyard residents will rally to prevent such depredation and strive to preserve their homes from greedy buyers and developers whose only motive is to make a profit. An article in the Sunday, September 11, Boston Globe describes this disturbing trend.
Christine A. Powers
Waltham
Invited to stay away
To the Editor:
I stumbled upon your At Large, September 15 about your visit to Nantucket. I spent summers there as a child and now visit several times a year. Your tone was so negative and snooty! It is obvious that your opinions about "the grey lady" were well-formed prior to your trip there.
I realize there is a competition between the two islands, but I think you are taking things a little too seriously!]You need to light up. I think you should start by removing the colossal "chip on your shoulder" at once. Please, do all who love the wonderful island of Nantucket a favor and please stay away.
Holly Behrens
New York
Navigational error?
To the Editor:
Regarding At Large, September 15, did you actually come to Nantucket? Shoppe? Olde? Small dogs? You must have problems with your compass and sailed west to the Hamptons.
Grant Sanders
Nantucket
What you should do
To the Editor:
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina many hard lessons have been learned. A number apply at the government level but some apply at the personal level. While home preparedness would not have helped in all cases, those that were prepared likely faired better than those that were not.
We would all like to think that a disaster could not happen here but it is the nature of disasters that they are difficult to predict. We cannot say for sure that sometime, something devastating, whether caused by nature or man, will not happen here. We don't know when or what, but if Katrina has taught us anything it is that all of us should be prepared.
Preparedness does not mean turning your home into a fortress and living every day in fear. It means taking a few simple, inexpensive steps then getting on with your fife. You and your family should have a plan and you and your family should have disaster supplies. If you rent to people short-term or seasonally, you should have information and supplies available for them as well.
The American Red Cross has wonderful information available. Their web site is www.rodcross.org, or you can contact them locally at 508-696-0092. MEMA also has good information at www.state.ma.us/merna. You can contact your local emergency management director as well for town-specific information such as shelter locations.
Please don't let this lesson go unlearned. Make a plan and get your supplies now.
This message is from the emergency management directors of Martha's Vineyard
Judith Sibert, West Tisbury
Randhi Belain, Aquinnah
Daniel Bryant, Chilmark
Chuck Cotnoir, Dukes County
Bradford Fligor (assistant), Edgartown
Richard Townes, Tisbury
And the American Red Cross:
Deborah Medders, Martha's Vineyard Chapter
Goodbye Chappy
To the Editor:
For health reasons, we (Hal and Olive Tilghman) are moving from our year-round Chappaquiddick home to an assisted living facility near our former home in Vermont. But we do not want to leave without first thanking Vineyard people and institutions that have meant so much to us during our stay on this special Island.
We thank our children, Ruth, Tom, Peter, Frank and Lois, who took time out from their busy lives to plan and execute our move back to the mainland. We never could have done it ourselves without their help. A significant generational transfer of responsibility was accomplished with love and without rancor or hurt feelings.
We thank the people of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and our rector, Father Bob. Their faith has supported our belief in God. Their pastoral care for us by the Prayer Chain and by the meals prepared for us by the "Angels of St. Andrews" has sustained us. Some of our best friends have turned out to be Episcopalians. And we have many joyful memories of children in the Sunday school running back from the altar rail after receiving Communion, leaping down the chancel steps like young lambs in the spring. We are grateful for all of them.
We thank Dr. Peter Laursen and the emergency staff at our hospital. They took good care of us when we needed it.
We thank our primary care physician, Dr. Gerald Morris, for his medical skill and compassion. As two of his elderly patients, we experienced a practice of medicine that was more than a science. It was an art.
We thank Emily Weatherall of Visiting Nurse Services for flu shots and home visits and practical advice about health. She could turn a common cold into a golden opportunity for positive thinking.
We thank Rosie Roberts for her special gift of caregiving.
We thank Lena Vanderhoop of the Visiting Nurse Association for the personal care that she gave us. She never missed coming over to Chappy on the 7 am ferry and was always first in line to get to our home.
We thank Adrianne Nicholini for her Brazilian nursing care. She advanced foot massages to a new level.
We thank Nancy Hugger, Chip Bettencourt, Harold Zadeh and the trained EMTs on Chappy for getting us to the Chappy ferry safely when we couldn't make it ourselves.
We thank the Edgartown Council on Aging for the support given to us by Susan Desmarais, our advocate, by Shirley Wilbur who heads up the Senior Day Program and by the kind and understanding people on the program staff. We will always be grateful for their advice and personal care.
We thank Roy Hayes and the Chappaquiddick Ferry personnel for miles and miles of safe passage back and forth through the Edgartown harbor from Chappy to the mainland. They gave us a free pass and allowed us to "cut the line" for medical reasons. Incidentally, the ferry lines are not so bad. In fact the ferry lines have done more to keep Chappy "rural and serene" than all the environmental rhetoric produced in the last 50 years. Talk does not prevent development or the construction of mega-houses on special beachfront property. But a long, slow ferry line does make prospective buyers pause before they consider Chappy as the site of their dream house.
We thank Rob Kagan, entrepreneur of Chappy Unlimited, and Loma Colney who cleaned our house twice a week and never complained about the messes that we made or the dog hairs on the rugs or the sand on the floor or the dishes in the kitchen sink.
We thank Dick Diamond of Dick's Auto at the Chappy store for keeping our car and truck going in all kinds of weather and for rescuing us when the car refused to start even though the gas tank was full. He never called us stupid or acted as though we didn't have a brain in our heads about the proper care and use of an automobile on Chappy's (aren't they quaint?) rural, sandy, bumpy, rutty and unpaved country lanes.
We thank Geoffrey Kontje, our general contractor, for keeping our Chappy home in good working order for 16 years. He replaced roof shingles blown off by winter winds, built a ramp that made our home "handicap access acceptable", and even restored insulation in our crawl space cellar that our resident rats had pulled down. He did this even though the rats were still in residence.
We thank the Sheriff s Meadow Foundation which manages the path for public access that surrounds our Chappy property. Its staff and personnel taught us to appreciate the special Vineyard environment. From them we learned that the best way to enjoy our property on Chappy was to share some of it with the general public.
We thank the Land Bank and the Trustees of Reservations for preserving Vineyard land on Chappy. We will always cherish fond memories of Wasque Farm, Brine's Pond Mytoi garden and the Chappy beaches, all open to the public for hiking, fishing and for beaching, managed and protected by these two outstanding conservation organizations. One of the main reasons why Chappy still is rural and relatively undeveloped is that the Land Bank and TTOR have acquired open spaces that will be forever undeveloped and available to the general public, even though private properties adjacent to these conservation lands are still free for development and for the wasteful construction of mega-houses. The Land Bank and TTOR have made many of their Chappy neighbors land rich beyond their wildest dreams.
We thank the Chappaquiddick Community Center for how it builds community and provides programs for young and old alike. We even helped shingle the building.
We thank the Chappaquiddick Island Association for "standing up for Chappy rights" and for providing a forum for thinking about Chappy. Some day there even may be a bike path along Chappaquiddick Road. We hope that the path will be built before someone's grandchild riding a bike is killed on Chappy Road by a truck speeding to the point.
We thank all our relatives who have houses on Chappy or who are members of an extended family too numerous to list here. There are about 20 houses on Chappy owned by our relatives, and there seems to be no end to the children and grandchildren occupying them.
We thank our Chappy neighbors and friends who have enriched our lives and have been so helpful to us. Last winter was brutal, but they rescued us from the storms and plowed out our driveway and shoveled off our front porch. Where else but on Chappy would that happen?
And memories. We once again thank old friends no longer with us, friends like Tony Bettencourt, Mrs. Jeffers, Tilly and Gladys Jeffers, Mrs. Gomes, and Oscar, Ralph Harding, Ruth and Bob Marshall, Foster Sylva and Mrs. Thomas. They could fight like cats and dogs during the winter months on Chappy. However, they and others now buried in the Chappy cemetery gave us a sense of place that we will always treasure.
Goodbye Chappy. Hopefully we will drop in for a visit next spring. But for now, thank you and goodbye.
Hal and Olive Tilghman
Edgartown
Why not blog?
To the Editor:
The Sept. 1 Times had yet another letter from Robert Reed that went on and on. If he feels so compelled to write so often at such great lengths, maybe he should start his own blog. When he has something to say, he can just write a quick note in the paper to check out his blog. A great first topic would be the failure of The Bush administration to deal with a major catastrophe four years after 9/11.
Erik Albert
Oak Bluffs
War must end
To the Editor:
I'm boarding the bus to Washington for a peaceful protest against the antagonistic war in Iraq. The United States should not be involved in nation building abroad. We have people to care for in this country.
The Mobilization in Washington on September 24 is designed to show that the peace movement is alive and well. It's time to gather together to express our sentiments that this dread war must end soon. Support our troops. Bring them home. Now.
Tom Dresser
Oak Bluffs
Artful dodger
To the Editor:
John Roberts appears to be an articulate and thoughtful man. He doesn't appear to be a right-wing radical. Yet, in his very polished appearance before the Senate, he has managed to avoid a direct, clear answer to many of the questions put to him, by both Democrats and Republicans, to their obvious frustration. He does a disservice to our country by playing the artful dodger.
But we can learn his beliefs and positions by his record. For instance, under President Bush's administration, funding to repair and support the levees that gave way in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, was cut out of the budget three years in a row. This, in spite of the dire warnings coming from places like WHOI - Wood's Hole Oceanographic Institute, across the water.
For the Supreme Court, and especially its chief justice, we need better than what John Roberts has to offer. He is the wrong man for the job.
Michele Lazerow
Oak Bluffs
Fault lies with us
To the Editor:
In response to Robert Reed's letter titled, "Misusing her dead son," ... I hardly know where to begin. I guess I will start by suggesting that Cindy Sheehan is a mother that has lost her only child to war and after such a thing happens I can only speculate what sort of emotional rollercoaster that reality would take you on. I imagine that it would take months for the numbing effect that the grim news would have on your brain to begin to wash away.
Mr. Reed presumes to really have quite a grip on exactly what she has been feeling and what motivates her. Has he lost a child in the war? I don't know that we should be spending too much time recounting what she said or did immediately following her initial meeting with President Bush. What we can see at this point is that she has over the course of time realized that her son was taken from her in an unjust war, and she now feels the need to speak out about it.
She has not done everything perfectly, but when it comes to human emotion in a situation such as hers who can dictate how you move from one moment to the next? I agree that blaming George Bush alone for her loss is ridiculous. The blame has to be placed on everyone in this country. It would seem the majority has been lulled into a stupor watching the media spin its latest government backed malarkey. At least Cindy Sheehan got people thinking again, noticing that something is rotten and is stinking up the joint.
As for Mr. Reed's comments in closing - "It's a shame the news media doesn't print or televise all the good that is being achieved in Iraq, but then again the liberal left would never believe the truth. Some still think it was for the oil." - tell me, what is "the truth?" Because, there's a ton of us folks out here that would love to know what it is. When Mr. Reed refers to "the good that is being achieved in Iraq" I would have to guess that he means the elections and the removal of Saddam. To me it would seem that the truth is that our government did everything it could to stop the elections in Iraq. It was non-violent resistance on the part of the people of Iraq against the USA that finally made it impossible for us to stop the elections from happening. Once the US realized that the elections were moving ahead, they quickly took credit for the whole thing.
The last thing they want is democracy in Iraq. If Iraq were to become a sovereign democratic nation that would eventually lead to the Untied States' losing control of the oil in that entire region, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia etc. More children are starving in Iraq now than under Saddam, and let's also remember that our government put him in charge over there in the first place. It would seem that soon we will charge on into Iran and leave Iraq in shambles the same as we did with Afghanistan. Of course we will have a massive military presence there and have control over the region's resources, but what about the Iraqi people and their future? What about the young people from our own country who will come home forever changed by the horrors they have witnessed and perhaps someday (if not already) realize that they have participated in something wicked.
As for the "liberal left" or the "Christian right," I say how about we cut this right down the middle and finally realize that the government is run like a corporation, steam-rolling ahead with its extreme hegemonic agenda at any cost. Marching in the streets with signs, wearing buttons, and pasting stickers on bumpers is not going to bring any of this mess to an end. I don't assume to know what will, but I think a good place to start may be by laying everything else aside and demanding that people sit up and pay attention, ask questions, demand answers and remember the pain and suffering of others which is a constant undercurrent in our world. That is exactly what Cindy Sheehan has done.
Bethany Orbison
Vineyard Haven
In praise of the
Oak Bluffs Library
To the Editor:
Dozens of red roses to the classiest new lady in Oak Bluffs who has built a house for the whole town to use and enjoy - her name: The Oak Bluffs Public Library. I was invited to have a preview look at this architectural gem before bookshelves and books had been installed and was ushered into a lower level where people where beginning to gather. John Alaimo's background piano set the stage as I viewed beautiful spaces filled with light. Like any curious guest visiting a beautiful new home, I peered into many rooms filled with light. Like any curious guest visiting a beautiful new home, I peered into many rooms on both levels, and loved the red-topped tables and comfortable red chairs with added splashes of color. Holly Alaimo's suggestion to use Margo Datz's painted murals in the upstairs children's area was brilliant, and one three-dimensional piece is already in place. It depicts children sailing into the vast world of knowledge flanked by books that will chart their course. Margo has plans to do more exciting murals in the children's section.
Barney Zeitz's stained glass window, which was in the old Oak Bluffs library, has the place of honor over the new entrance, and if the sun hits it just right, splashes of bright blue, green and red dance before you as you descend the stairs - this, too, was a magic touch.
Thanks go to Karen Achille, chairman of the library board, and all the people who served on the various committees, and to patrons who gave generously to make this possible. I urge everyone to visit the grand new lady at the official opening this fall and I'm sure you will feel a sense of great pride in a job well done. She really did it right.
Anne Gallagher
Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs Library
capital campaign
To the Editor:
On Monday, August 29, the Oak Bluffs Library Building Committee and Library Building Design Committee shared a wonderful afternoon at the new library with the chairpersons of the Oak Bluffs town boards, previous and potential significant donors, Friends of the Oak Bluffs Library, and the staff. The building is still the property of the builder, Barr, Incorporated, and with their permission, we were able to invite our guests to a cocktail party.
The event was catered by Jaime Hamlin, so it goes without saying that the hors d'oeuvres were over-the-top delicious. The three local wine shops donated wine and waters. We are grateful for their generous contribution to the success of the event. At the piano, John Alaimo provided his subtle musical renderings of old standards and well-known ballads. That was the perfect counterpoint to the fine cuisine enjoyed by all. Jardin Mahoney loaned the committee floral table-top and floor pieces, which helped to dress up the décor, since shelving is not yet installed.
It was gratifying to watch our guests walk around the spacious areas of the new building. They seemed to not be dismayed that the final coat of paint was not yet on the walls, that the building is still a work in progress, and that there was evidence that some of the subcontractors were still not done with their work. Those conditions didn't detract at all from the spirit of the party.
There will be a public dedication ceremony in late October, at which time the entire community and all the friends of this project will be able to enjoy another party. It is hoped that the library will be opened in early October to circulate materials to its patrons.
To use a quote from A Field of Dreams: if you build it, they will come. We certainly hope so. We are eager to share this magnificent new facility with everyone.
Karen Achille
Chairman
Oak Bluffs Library
Building Committee
A wonderful tribute
To the Editor:
Last Friday night, I said to my wife, "The Way You Look Tonight" we should go out. "Let's Get Away From It All" and go see "My Way" at the Vineyard Playhouse. "Should I Reveal" just how I feel about the show? Yes, "All Of Me" must respond to the wonderful tribute to Frank Sinatra.
I knew of the musicians, so I had "High Hopes" the performance would be a good one. The vocalists were indeed "Strangers In The Night" to me until I heard them belt out "The Same Old Song And Dance" routines we have heard over the years. But they made it all come alive.
"How About You?" Did you miss the show based on a negative review? "I Believe" "You're Cheating Yourself" if you don't rely on your own judgment rather than listen to someone who must have missed the performance and surely reviewed a bad "Dream" instead.
It is so "Nice And Easy" to criticize others and "It's All Right With Me" if a critic wants to "Say Something Stupid." But as far as critics are concerned, we just have to cope with them. Well, "That's Life."
But each performer was at their best. For instance, the drummer, Brian Weiland, was as professional as one can get as he kept his focus on Dan Murphy, the musical director, "All The Way" through the performance. The guitarist provided that perfect bass sound so necessary as a subtle background to the outstanding voices.
When the intermission arrived I couldn't believe the second half would get better but secretly hoped "The Best Is Yet To Come." I was right. The lighting was well-timed, the dancing was an added bonus and even that moon on the set was hung with emotion.
"This Is All I Ask" - that you remember any performance produced by MJ Munafo with Dan Murphy's music is akin to "s." It's like "Witchcraft" as it's a natural combination with predictably wonderful results.
In the future, don't fall into "The Tender Trap." Think for yourself. Sorry ... No matter "Where Or When" I speak, or write, the next few days, I can't get these wonderful songs out of my head!
"I'll Be Seeing You."
Jay Schofield
Vineyard Haven
So much help
To the Editor:
This past summer, due to our late school year ending, schools across the Island worked to complete summer cleaning and contractual jobs in eight short weeks rather than the nine or ten we normally have. During the summer, Tisbury School experienced the tragic death of one of our three custodians and the hospitalization of another. Without the support of people and businesses with ties to the school, we could not have opened school in a clean, safe, orderly environment for our children.
First, I want to thank Tom Robinson, owner of Island Timber. Tom and his crew donated more than a full day of tree service to our school. As a Tisbury resident, he plans to volunteer one day each year to helping the school. I also want to thank Lou Dimovitch who donated his time to complete a building upgrade inside the school. Thanks also to Ken Pontes, John Barlowsky, Rick Convery, Jim Labarre, and Alan Fortes, who, although unable to donate services, found time to work us into their very busy summer schedules when we were short-handed and limited in time. On behalf of the staff, the students, and the parents, we appreciate your support
for our school and thank you for the extra effort to help us through a difficult time.
Maureen DeLoach
Principal, Tisbury School
Job well done
To the Editor:
I would like to publicly thank Jeff Krystal for his tenure at the Tisbury Business Association. It is always difficult to juggle the many demands on your time, and Jeff admirably served the needs of the Tisbury business community. The beauty of this community is that you can attend meetings, get involved and make a difference. While you might not always agree with your neighbor, it is a comfort to know that your neighbor and colleagues are there for you in times of need.
I also what to publicly thank Steve Pearlman for taking on the responsibility of TBA president after Jeff's recent resignation. The small local businesses in Tisbury continue to be well represented by Steve Pearlman, Larry Gomez, Mary Maida, Lynne Bensen, Jon Nelson, Uta Kirchelechner, Maureen Fischer and Kay Mayhew. I appreciate their efforts to support and enhance our community.
Susan Goldstein
Mansion House
Vineyard Haven
Kind soul cherished
To the Editor:
On July 19, we lost a dear friend when we said goodbye to Leigh Carroll. He was a mentor, a confidant and a friendly smile. We have to accept his absence and be thankful for the gifts and memories he left behind. I recently learned how many gifts he left when our program began receiving letters, cards with donations in his memory. I want to thank the Carroll family for thinking of us and letting the love for Leigh continue to help others, as he always did so eloquently. His light shines in our hearts. A sincere thank you to those individuals who sent donations and will send donations in his honor.
April Knight-Scheffer, LMHC
Program Director
Fellowship Health Resources Inc.
Thanks from
Camp Jabberwocky
To the Editor:
As the director of Camp Jabberwocky in August, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people on Martha's Vineyard for making our campers' stay here the highlight of their year. Your generosity, love and compassion are what make the magic of Camp Jabberwocky possible.
Thanks to the policemen who stop by the beach just to say hello, enjoying the campers' company and making them feel special. Thanks to all the firemen who took time out to chat as we walked the streets of towns, who invited us to visit the firehouses and donated souvenirs. Thanks to all the drivers in cars who inevitably pause to let us enter intersections and roads. Thanks to all the workers on the ferry boats that accommodate us and help us load and unload all our wheelchairs and luggage.
Thanks to the gas station for donating our gas and the food store for donating produce. Thanks to the bagel store for donating Sunday morning bagels. Thanks to all the bands who volunteer to play for our dances and who invite us out to their gigs. Thanks to all the artisans who volunteer their time at our morning creative and performing arts classes. Thanks to the merchants who donate T-shirts and the citizens who donate stuff like craft supplies and glow sticks. Thanks to the farmers who invite us to tour their farms and the lovely people who invite us to their houses for a picnic or swim.
Thanks to wonderful people at West Chop for letting us watch the sunset from Big Pier. Thanks to the mini-golf for letting us play and the movie theatres for allowing us into the movies. Thanks to the crew of the Skipper for taking us fishing and thanks to the gang at M.V. Ocean Sports for taking us parasailing and jet skiing. Thanks to the folks who took us clamming and kayaking. Thanks to the ice cream establishments for accommodating us in your stores and giving us a break.
Thanks, Mrs. Cushing, for letting us into the Ag Fair. Thanks to the whole Island from the bottom of our hearts. Your hospitality is truly what makes Camp Jabberwocky possible and has allowed camp to flourish and grow these past fifty plus years. If you would like to be part of sharing the magic next summer, please contact me at jknower@infoblvd.net. Thanks Martha's Vineyard. We love you.
Jack Knower
Vineyard Haven
Great success
To the Editor:
The Summer Reading Program at the Oak Bluffs Public Library was a resounding success. Through lots of reading, crafts, and special guests - including authors, illustrators, singers, a planetarium director, an origami expert, a safe boating expert, a Yu-Gi-Oh master, a visit from story book character Strega Nona and other helpful volunteers - we had a great time!
On behalf of the library, I'd like to express our thanks to the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs for their generous support and to all who volunteered to lead programs. I'd also like to thank the following local merchants who generously donated coupons for free goodies as reading incentives: Ben & Bill's, Big Dipper Ice Cream, Bubba's Hot Dogs, Carousel Ice Cream, The Flying Horses, Giordano's, The Locker Room, The Magic Fun House & Andy's Candies, M.V. Gourmet Café & Bakery, Pomodoro's, Rose Bud Balloons, and Shore Thing.
Children who already love to read were thrilled to receive this added bonus to the joy of reading. Tantalizing rewards prompted reluctant readers to reach the 1.5-hour weekly reading goal. These prizes were a great "carrot stick!" Our local businesses and the Library Friends truly helped create eager readers in our community. Such a gift!
A special thanks to the MV Historical Society for generously sponsoring Troubadour Bill Schustik's visit to all our Island libraries for the second year in a row.
Thanks again to you all for your support of the library and its programs. You made my first summer here a pleasure as well as brought smiles to many parents and children. I hope to see you all at our beautiful new library soon.
Irene Tewksbury
Children's Librarian
Oak Bluffs Public Library
Tivoli perfection
To the Editor:
Ophelia did her best to dampen the spirits of Oak Bluffs, but Tivoli triumphed, and celebrants had a perfect day complete with the bluest of skies and a happiest of crowds.
For a third year in a row, the Kids' Parade was a sensation. Led by the master drummer Rick Bausman, the kids bedecked in original costumes and riding atop an array of unusual wheels, paraded Circuit Avenue, the proud parents not far afield. Thanks to the good and hard work of Holly Austin with the support of her husband Brad, the parade was a knock-out and just the perfect start to this wonderful day. Thanks to all the participants who contributed prizes for all the terrific costumed kiddos.
Luckily for the music-loving public, both of the featured bands for Tivoli were able to be on hand for the Sunday performance. The Samoa Wilson Band and the Island's own Phil daRosa and Bathtub Mary were a smash hit. The Climbing Wall was a hit as always and artists, craftsmen, vendors from near and far bedazzled the crowds with their colorful wares. It was a most glorious and satisfying 28th Tivoli Celebration.
A special thanks to event chairman Dennis daRosa who put it all together. His humor, good will and unending patience made the day a perfect community gathering and a fitting end to summer.
Renee Balter
Oak Bluffs Association
Summer's gifts
To the Editor:
This summer I was fortunate to watch the start of a beautiful flower garden. It grew from teeny weeny to big and tall, then cut down. I drove the same route almost daily.
On Wing Road under the tent a smiling face with his brimmed hat and cans of fresh flowers for your taking at ten dollars.
I believe I caught the last bouquet of the season for sale on film. I drove by, he waved and smiled.
Finally, a sign said, "Free flowers-pick your own."
So, on a hot day myself and others were picking and understanding the work that Kenneth and his wife Joanne did in this garden. Not only sunburn but mosquito bites as well. So many wonderful things in that garden, including butterflies.
I can't help but remember the wedding ring story this summer. After so many years it turned up. That's a happy ending in a happy piece of land. Thanks for sharing with us.
As September returns we are blessed with sunshine, cool nights, and soft sounds. Many thanks for such simple gifts.
Melanie Godek
Oak Bluffs
Extend deer season
To the Editor:
Why should you support the extension of deer hunting season on Martha's Vineyard?
Take a drive on any night in October along North Road from West Tisbury to Menemsha and you will quickly realize what the issue is really about. There are too many deer close to cars traveling along roads without streetlights. Here in the dark roadside, human meets nature, most times under disastrous circumstances.
To gain a better perspective on this issue it would also be helpful to speak to the doctors and nurses at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital. Let them tell you about some of the symptoms they have witnessed from patients afflicted with Lyme disease, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, erliechiosis and numerous other tick-borne diseases.
One interested in this issue might also listen to the counsel of our state wildlife management professionals. These professional biologists and wildlife managers have established a deer population management program statewide to assure the health of the species. One aspect of their professional strategic plan is to maximize the beneficial uses of the species. This includes providing recreational opportunities, such as hunting. They also have plans in place to decrease the negative impacts the species pose to humans. These negative impacts include disease transmission to other wildlife, pets and humans, motor vehicle/wildlife collisions, and real property/crop damages.
Professional wildlife managers have implemented established reliable deer management methods for the benefit of wildlife and humans. One tool in the toolbox of wildlife managers is the sportsman. Sport hunting has been long recognized as one of the most beneficial and public supported wildlife management tools available to wildlife managers.
Currently Mass Wildlife has established a statewide shotgun hunting season for white-tailed deer, which lasts two weeks. Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod deer management zones have a stand-alone special restricted shotgun-hunting season of just one week. Shotgun seasons across every wildlife management zone in Massachusetts have produced the most harvest totals compared to other currently approved seasons including muzzleloader (typically three weeks) and archery (typically a six-week season.) The other wildlife management zones are making progress at achieving the desired reduced deer population density called for in the Massachusetts Deer Management Plan. Martha's Vineyard has not been achieving the same desired results.
With support from the communities that make up Martha's Vineyard, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife can better manage the Martha's Vineyard deer population. At the same time they can make our roads safer and increase our quality of life. Please support a proposed one-week extension of the shotgun deer harvest season on Martha's Vineyard. Allow the professional staff managers and biologists of Mass Wildlife to fully implement the deer population management they have implemented for the rest of Massachusetts. On September 28, the state's Fisheries and Wildlife board will hold a public information session on Martha's Vineyard to discuss the deer population issues. Please let the board members know that you support the professional staff and that you support an effort to better manage the white-tailed deer on Martha's Vineyard.
Jeffrey Day
Chilmark
Personal care is key
To the Editor:
I agree wholeheartedly with writer Tom Goethals on the high quality of nursing at Martha's Vineyard Hospital. My letter criticizing many aspects of the hospital did not include criticizing the wonderful nursing care that surpasses many other hospitals. I think it is a splendid idea to dedicate any new buildings in the future to the nurses. As far back as I can remember - to the 1930s - women nurses have given exceptionally fine and loving care to the Island population sick and to any visiting sick.
Unfortunately, the nurses cannot make decisions about treatment and releases. More often than not they do make correct judgments about what a person needs in the way of treatment. But, they cannot order those actions. Doctors do.
In a hospital I know well - Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Md. - nurses are an important part of the treating team and their suggestions contribute to the patient's well-being. Perhaps that is why it is listed as the top hospital in the nation. Social workers are assigned to the patient's family and help make the discharge plans and after-care plans for every in-patient at Hopkins. Patients are not discharged without consultation with those who are going to be responsible for home care and without arrangement for appropriate nursing care when needed. It seems to me that a smaller, more intimate setting like MVH could, and should, do no less.
On an isolated Island with too few resources for community nursing, a doctor is especially accountable for discharge plans. Is it possible that some of the $42 million dollars to be raised for a community hospital be used for additional social workers or for doctors to be sensitized to a wholistic approach to patient care? I strongly feet Vineyarders deserve to be treated more personally on their own home territory.
Robert Mendlovitz
Oak Bluffs
