Letters to the Editor
Posted May 24, 2007
Untimely loss
To the Editor:
The untimely passing of Philip Craig is a loss to the Vineyard. Every year, I have looked forward to his newest J.W. Jackson mystery. I've read almost all of his books, and they capture the spirit and lifestyle of the Island in all the seasons. His posthumous novels will be appreciated, and I offer my sympathy to his family.
Incidentally, I was thrilled to discover that the Waltham Public Library has a shelf in the mystery section containing all of Philip Craig's books.
Christine A. Powers
Waltham
Neighbors oppose Simpson Lane
ferry staging
To the Editor:
We were shocked to read about the proposal to purchase property on Simpson Lane at the site of the former Shiretown Inn for a proposed ferry staging area and parking lot. (We first learned about it after reading Susan Vaughn's article on mvtimes.com: "Some Edgartown residents irate at Shiretown ferry staging idea"- May 10, 2007).
Our property, located at 29 Simpson Lane, is directly across the street from the proposed ferry staging area and parking lot.
We are vehemently opposed to a ferry staging area and parking lot at this location. We have small children that would be put in danger by the increased traffic and congestion. Furthermore, this is a residential area and it is certainly an inappropriate place for a ferry staging area and municipal parking lot. Also, we are concerned about potential for noise and mischief late at night when bars and restaurants close.
We believe the residential nature and historical character of the neighborhood, as well as the property values, should be preserved, not ruined by placing a crowded ferry staging area and parking lot at this location.
We are also very concerned about the nature of the hearing and public comment process for this proposed ferry staging area and parking lot. We never received notice of any hearing and, as we are directly abutting the property, it is our understanding that there may be requirements to provide us with written notice of such hearings.
Frank and Donna McPartland
Great Falls, Va.,
and Edgartown
Endorse town
purchase of
Simpson Lane
To the Editor:
I attended the third public forum at the selectmen's meeting room on May 21, held to further discuss the proposal for the town to buy a portion of the Shiretown Inn property to provide a staging area for the Chappaquiddick ferry and additional downtown parking. My major residence in the town of Edgartown is 80 School Street, the other side of Main Street; however, I have an office condo in Nevin Square, which abuts the Shiretown Inn property. I wish to voice my opinion, not only as an abutter, but also as a concerned citizen of the town of Edgartown.
First, I wish to applaud the selectmen for their active consideration of the proposal. This is an opportunity that should not be lost for the community. We are in dire need of additional parking for Edgartown Center (even during the off-season, there are times when a parking spot cannot be found in the center), and the proposed purchase would solve the seasonal problem of providing a staging area for the Chappaquiddick ferry.
As the governor's representative to the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority and being aware of "Smart Growth" solutions for the rejuvenation of Commonwealth towns, I see this purchase by the town of Edgartown as a major improvement to our obsolete infrastructure. It is understandable that change is difficult; however, in today's changing world, it is only those towns that grapple with these problems that will realize success.
With the town's purchase of the property representing a $3 million investment, the benefits to the entire community would be considerable. It will help the businesses, the Council On Aging, the library, improve transportation, and reduce the stress placed upon the town safety services. The $3 million dollars is a very inexpensive price to pay for these benefits. The cost to taxpayers would be miniscule. There has been a question on the devaluation of surrounding property. In my opinion this solution will only enhance the valuation of these properties.
It was disappointing to hear that the finance advisory committee voiced a non-recommendation for this purchase. I would ask the finance advisory committee to consider that there are many other very important factors that should be recognized in this particular case besides an arithmetical analysis. These factors would include: what are the future benefits for the entire community, and an opportunity like this once lost will be lost forever. If these factors are important enough to the town, could the finance advisory committee come up with some way of financing the project to make it happen?
As a concerned citizen and an abutter, I strongly endorse the purchase of this property and to use it as planned by the town of Edgartown.
Anthony J. Bongiorno
Edgartown
Sweeping the
problem elsewhere
To the Editor:
I read with sadness of the latest attempt by the high school to deter drug use, this time with drug-sniffing dogs. Again, we treat the symptom, rather than the problem. If we believe that students are using drugs in school, all that locker searches and dog sniffing will do is push the problem off-campus. The school is part of the community, and merely sweeping the problem out the door does nothing for the students.
Yet, schools have been repeatedly shown to offer protective factors for preventing illegal drug use. Feeling connected to school is second only to feeling connected to family for diminishing drug use.
In the 2005 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior survey (http://www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/hprograms/yrbs/05/default.html), students were significantly less likely to use illegal drugs if they "believed that there was at least one teacher or other school staff member they could talk to if they had a problem."
Other protective factors included being able to talk to adult family members about important issues, participating in organized extracurricular activities, and engaging in community service or volunteer work.
There is much schools can offer to prevent illegal drug use. Let me suggest that the school invest its efforts in being sure that every student is known, connected, and has at least one adult she/he can talk to. That, along with comprehensive, skills-based health education, is an appropriate role for the school in addressing what has been, at least statewide and nationally, a diminishing problem.
Joy Robinson-Lynch
West Tisbury
The wrong haul
A recent page one story in The New York Times reported how the growing amount of debris found on the nation's highways is becoming more and more hazardous to drivers trying to navigate, for example, a trampoline or a rocking chair or a sofa which have all been found on various California interstates.
While Vineyard beaches may not boast - yet - the same staggering amount of debris that festoon some of our highways, judging from this haul (photo) can a La-Z-Boy siting be far behind? The packed pickup represents trash collected during last month's Earth Day Clean-up from the beaches at the Lake St boat landing and Owen Little Way. Some beach trash can be attributed to items that wash ashore, but much of it is caused by us - careless Vineyarders and Island visitors.
Tisbury Waterways' Adopt-a-Beach program has been at the forefront in targeting beach trash, but all of us (citizens) need to do our part, too, especially as summer looms this Memorial Day weekend. Everybody needs to pitch in and pitch their trash where it belongs, in a trash can. And, as for the bigger, bulkier items, some of these are ending up in less well-traveled venues such as wooded areas and along utility access roads. Perhaps the costs of disposal for some are part of the problem. We hope the public works departments along with elected officials can put their heads together to devise a solution.
Pamela Street
Tisbury Waterways Inc.
Dogs might
be better
To the Editor:
Now that the debate about the Monster Shark Tournament has died down, I would like to stir it back up a little bit.
I have a proposal. It will be called the Martha's Vineyard Easy Game Hunter's Monster Dog Tournament. Here are some of my ideas about how this tourney will be run. We will begin by leaving fragrant food scraps in neighborhoods around the Island to attract our prey. When quarry has been attracted to our "chum," we will put out some hook-embedded meat - or "bait," if you prefer. When we have secured our prey we will drag it behind our vehicle until it is too exhausted to resist, then we will haul it over the side (gaffing may or may not be necessary) and into the truck. But not to worry, if the dog is not of sufficient size we will throw it back. If a dog is a "monster," however, into the truck it goes. At the end of the day we will gather and string up our dogs for all of the kids to see. Not to worry about all of that meat going to waste, we will donate all of the dogs we capture to Meals on Wheels.
Who could possibly support something like this? What if it helped the Island economy? What if the vast majority of the dogs were released? Nobody would support this because it's barbaric, and yet if it's sharks and not man's best friend being killed for sport it is somehow acceptable.
JH Holmes
Vineyard Haven
We are the problem
To the Editor:
"Laughter is the best medicine", is both a thought and credo many ascribe to in life. It is an invaluable tool available to anyone, at any time. While personally, I have never been granted licensure or formal privileges in penning my own prescriptions, it is probably for good reason, for there is a good chance I would be accused of over-prescribing, an act than could easily progress to "substance" abuse. When all is said and done, I think I'd rather die laughing, or at least with a Mona Lisa type smile on my face, than the alternatives. I am pretty confident that I need only to maintain my own version of a Hippocratic Oath, rather than a hypocritcal oath, to achieve such an end.
The May 17, 2007, edition of the MV Times contained a submission by Mark Martin of Tisbury and a rundown of the "Dim political prospects" that fill the roster of eligible candidates to fill the next opening for the president of the United States.
While I found no hint of hypocrisy and much hilarity in Mr. Martin's commentary, behind the laughter lies some truly serious conditions and implications in what has been marched before the adoring American public, in a twisted version of a Miss America pageant. Thoughts of John McCain as "Miss Congeniality", Hillary Clinton exuding exemplary poise in one-piece Oscar de la Renta beachwear, while facing her horrific past "go to war" voting record, and Barack Obama stealing the talent competition, with a tap dance that would make Bill "Bojangles" Robinson proud. These, and more, are what we are being offered in our next, important venture into the American body politic.
If the truth be known, and this, unfortunately, is always a rarity when it comes to disseminating the information passed on from leaders to minions, what "We The People" are faced with is a situation and/or condition where the word "insurmountable" begins to come into play. One needs only to reference the quote from Mr. Martin, "worse than this, however, is a president who has lost all touch with reality, and defies the will of those who elected him in the first place." In and of itself, that is a perilous position, however it only underscores the real problem. President Bush's deficiencies are blatant, horrific, and threatening, but he is not the problem. "We" are the problem, not "he." What is occurring in our country is of a systemic nature, not a "one man band," but an orchestra of off-key, kazoo-tooting, second-rate magicians from a really bad Las Vegas lounge act. A lounge act that, no matter how amateurish and, I dare say, entertaining, still sells out nightly with the ample, overweight bottoms of "true" Americans filling the seats. In other words, as long as the show sells out, money is made, the performers either paid or paid off, it is deemed a "success".
The current president is truly an odd duck, if only for the fact that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but thumbs his nose at duck confit, preferring rancid Texas chili instead. What this all amounts to can best be highlighted by a quote from an ex-NBA/New York Knicks player, Michael Ray Richardson, who in the middle of another dreadful season of a perpetual badly performing NBA franchise, said, "The ship be sinkin'." No doubt, a new captain is needed to take the helm, to steer and right the course, but the assembled cast of those manning the oars must be addressed as well. Assuredly, whatever it takes, and for however long it will take, this "extreme makeover" should be embraced and acted on, for, as always, "The Price is Right"!
Gregory Bochow
Cuttyhunk and Mount Vernon, N.Y.
Thanks from
the IMPers
To the Editor:
On behalf of the IMPers I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped us get to the Chicago Improv Festival. We were all incredibly inspired by every thing the festival had to offer. We want to thank every single person who wrote a check, bought a ticket to our shows, and/or put their spare change in our "Chicago Fund Jars." A big thanks goes out to Linda Jean's, the Net Result, Jacqueline Schuman, the John and Amy Weinberg Foundation, and Barry Rosenthal from Outerland.
Your donations helped our IMPers - Ed Cisek, Devin Colter, Ashley Peters, Dan Ellis, Melora Armstead, Ray Ewing, Annie Finnerty, and Cole Ferraiuolo have a unique experience that will shape their futures. They were given a chance to experience six hours of coaching from Dave Razowsky - the artistic director of Second City LA. He e-mailed me, "I so so so so enjoyed the IMPers, they are smart, sensitive and talented." He brought their work to another level of honesty and taught them how to really connect with each other on stage.
They were also lucky enough to have four hours of coaching by Mark Sutton, the artistic director of the Chicago Improv Festival and half of the critically acclaimed duo improv show Bassprov. Mark called the IMPers "one of the highlights of the festival for me." He worked with them on specific new ways to start their long form and a whole new look for their show. Mark stayed with them to watch the benefits of their hard work in their show on Saturday night. He told the IMPers that, "that work was sophisticated -and playful." When Dave Razowsky asked how the show went Mark, texted him "They rocked!"
As if the training and the chance to perform wasn't enough, we were able to see some of the best improv in the world. On Friday night, we watched five different troupes perform duo improv, improv with puppets, and a fully improvised musical that caused me and some of the IMPers to laugh so hard we were unable to breathe. We watched an evening which included Nicole Parker from Mad TV and Tim Kaurinsky from Saturday Night Live.
On Sunday night, we watched five different long form groups on the Improv Olympic stage. Each team had a different spin on the long form known as the Harold. It has inspired us to look at long form in a new fresh way. The topper of that evening was watching a group named Trio - which included Mad TV star Stephanie Weir, her husband, Bob Dassie, and Rich Talarico. These three veteran improvisers showed the IMPers what truly great improv looks like. The best part of that show was the performers were two feet away from where we were sitting.
We were able to stay in a beautiful apartment in Lincoln Park just two blocks from the Lincoln Park Zoo. On Sunday at the zoo each IMPer had a chance to see their favorite animal and pick up some souvenirs. We were close to affordable restaurants and felt safe walking around our temporary "neighborhood." Sunday night we were able to experience some Chicago history when we went to RJ Grubs, the restaurant that invented the salad bar.
The highlight of the trip for me was on Sunday afternoon at a wrap-up meeting when I watched our IMPers represent what IMP has to offer. Completely professionally (without me) they spoke about how much this experience has given them, what they want to do in the future individually and as a troupe. They also spoke of how they want the connections they made at the festival to help the IMP program do in the future. I had an adult improviser come up to me and say, "I am so impressed by them. They are so articulate, smart and talented! You really have done a great job with them!" Watching the IMPers and the responses of everyone who came in contact with them at the festival really brought home the fact that these are not just a group of high school students who do improv. They are a teen professional improv troupe that can hold their own even in the professional Chicago improv scene.
Thank you again for supporting the IMPers. Please come see these talented actors at the Grange on Wednesday nights this summer to see how they put the gift you gave them in action.
Donna Swift
Director of the IMPers
Thanks to the teachers
To the Editor:
Many of the Island's teachers were recognized with cards, gifts, and treats in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7-13. Teachers play such an enormous role in the lives of our children, from preschool through high school and beyond. Each day they dedicate their time and energy to the development of the next generation, often offering themselves to their work before and long after the typical school day. Their work often goes unnoticed by the general population, those of us busily pursuing our own challenges as we turn over our children to the school each morning and collect them at the end of the day. Or those of us long removed from packing lunches and helping with homework, to whom the work of teachers is merely a memory.
I have been privileged to get a closer look at what goes on inside the school from day to day, as a parent of three children at the Oak Bluffs School and member of the school's advisory council. My oldest is preparing for graduation from eighth grade, and I couldn't be more appreciative of all that she and her younger brother and sister have received from the many teachers who have touched their lives throughout the years. Teachers who have held their hands when they were hurt, who stood by their side as they faced a challenge, who told them they were smart, who told them when they needed to work harder, teachers who joked with them, and teachers who let them know when they were serious. Teachers who have given my children the tools they need to be successful in the world.
At the Oak Bluffs School, there is a strong sense of community among the teachers. These dedicated teachers have worked together to build a school with a cooperative spirit. The school has clearly written goals, which emphasize not only academic excellence, but also appreciation of individual learning styles and support for children of all abilities. School goals focus on continually improving curriculum and instruction, as well as addressing the social development of children, preparing them for good citizenship. Oak Bluffs has become a model school for its Responsive Classroom and Response to Intervention programs. Through the commitment of principal Laury Binney and the teachers at the Oak Bluffs School, the school continues to grow and evolve.
If, last week, you let Teacher Appreciation Week slip by, it's not too late to say "Thank you!" It's the least we can do for the people who so skillfully hold the future in their hands.
Leigh Ann Yuen
Oak Bluffs
Fulfilling a community commitment
To the Editor:
The missions committee of the West Tisbury Congregational Church wishes to thank Cronig's Market and the Black Dog Bakery and their wonderful employees for continuing to provide the meat and bread for our weekly community suppers.
Your generosity was particularly important this year, as we hosted in excess of 50 people each and every evening. Along with your donations and those of the church members and those attending the suppers, everyone was beautifully fed and truly appreciative.
Thank you again for helping us fulfill our commitment to the community.
The Missions Committee
West Tisbury
Tremendous success
To the Editor:
On behalf of the MVRHS Performing Arts Department, the BravEncore parents' group, Kate Murray, and the students in the high school drama department, I'd like to thank Kathy and Paul Dimitrovich of Lola's for their invaluable assistance in making the first annual BravEncore fundraiser such a tremendous success this past Saturday. The appetizers were delicious, the ambience perfect, and the staff more than accommodating. We'd also like to thank all who supported the effort by contributing auction items and desserts and everyone who attended this wonderful event. Kudos to the BravEncore parents for all the time and hard work in their first year as a parent/community support group for the high school drama program.
Janis Wightman
Oak Bluffs
Bridge men needed
To the Editor:
I remember when there were four, five, or even six tables of men's senior bridge at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center during the summer. Winters always saw a substantial drop in attendance but a loyal core persisted despite weather, colds and sundry obligations and inconveniences. Time has taken its toll and many of the faces are no longer there but the few remaining, persist in the face of sporadic attendance and the inability to get even one table going sometimes.
I hope that this letter will apprise and encourage some of the senior bridge players out there who may be unaware of the Wednesday sessions, or possibly not motivated, to come and try it. These were rewarding occasions for me, getting to know a lot of men whom I otherwise might never have crossed paths with, and sharing experiences that broadened my perspectives in many different ways. There is too much to lose, not to try to keep it going. If only a few who read this respond, it will have been worth it.
Bob Pacl
West Tisbury
Thanks for the prom
To the Editor:
The Class of 2008 at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's Junior Prom such a safe and successful night. We are especially appreciative of The Edgartown Yacht Club for donating the use of their facilities. Also, we'd like to thank Chilmark Chocolates and Vineyard Bottled water for their donations (20 lbs. of delicious chocolate and twenty cases of glass-bottled water!). The Vineyard community was remarkably generous and helped our class pull off such a memorable event.
Prom Committee
MVRHS Class of 2008
Don't forget
To the Editor:
This coming Memorial Day, at 7:30 am, we will be raising 410 flags at theOak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven at the Avenue of Flags to honorour veterans. There is one flag for each name listed on the directory boardfor a deceased or living veteran. If one person could come and raise one flagfor a loved one, or just come and help raise the flags, the pride you wouldfeel seeing all 410 flags waving in the breeze is truly indescribable. If youare unable to be there at 7:30 am, we will be taking them down at 3 pm.
The Memorial Day observance will start at the Legion Hall at 9:30 am,marching to the Avenue of Flags. I sincerely hope to see you there to honorour veterans.
Ed Colligan
Past Commander Post 257,
Vineyard Haven
Thanks
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Edgartown Council on Aging, we would like to thank the 95 (69 Edgartown and 26 from other towns - 578 duplicated total) who attended our popular Friday Café this year. Christine's delicious lunches delighted the taste buds of all who enjoyedgetting out, eating great food and spending time with friends. We also thank our volunteers, Walter Pizzano, Mary Hagazian, and Jean Bishop for their hard work setting and clearing the tables, scrubbing the pots and pans, and cleaning the kitchen and the ECOAstaff for all the support it takes to help with this weekly event. We all look forward to seeing everyone back with their friends and neighbors in September.
We also want to thank Nancy Whipple of Goldfinch Appraisals as well as Tim Rush and Tom Fisher of Rush and Fisher Antiques. This trio graciously volunteered their time to assist us with a program entitled "Treasure or Trash"; a simplified version of the "Antique Roadshow" (mirroring the popular program on PBS). The morning was not only intriguing, but fun-filled with eclectic trinkets, treasures, and local memorabilia. Reminiscenttales of Island days long ago abounded and the banter still continues. Our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your thoughtfulness.
Laurie Schreiber
Director
Cathy Mancuso
Assistant Director
Edgartown Council on Aging
A good exercise
To the Editor:
The leadership class and MVRHS would like to thank the Oak Bluffs FireDepartment, EMTs and police for their help in simulating a car accident on Tuesday,May 15. This serious staged incident in which three students were critically injured was a goodexercise for our high school students. It taught them how to be first responders on thescene of a fatal car accident.
We are most grateful to Laura DeBettencourt, John Rose, Trulayna Rose, KateYoung, Manny Rose, Tony White, Julie Lindland, Jason Blandini, Kelsey Perry andChris Oteri.
Without the help of so many experienced rescue workers, we would not be able tolearn from such a realistic experience.
Shauna Capen, Michael Cecilio, Gregg Leonard
MVRHS leadership class
Tremendous success
To the Editor:
On behalf of the MVRHS Performing Arts Department, the BravEncore parents' group, Kate Murray, and the students in the high school drama department, I'd like to thank Kathy and Paul Dimitrovich of Lola's for their invaluable assistance in making the first annual BravEncore fundraiser such a tremendous success this past Saturday. The appetizers were delicious, the ambience perfect, and the staff more than accommodating. We'd also like to thank all who supported the effort by contributing auction items and desserts and everyone who attended this wonderful event. Kudos to the BravEncore parents for all the time and hard work in their first year as a parent/community support group for the high school drama program.
Janis Wightman
Oak Bluffs
