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To the Editor:

The Polar Bears of Martha’s Vineyard is a 70-year-old social organization that promotes the joys of our early morning swim and fellowship at the Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs. We open our arms to all who wish to enjoy our swimming and exercise activities. Unfortunately, many have sought to profit from our activities by photographing and videotaping our activities and rituals for their own purposes.

Most recently a business called the Inkwellnessmv violated and exploited the good faith and openness of the Polar Bears by using our name, images, and rituals in the introduction of Inkwellnessmv products to Martha’s Vineyard. The Polar Bears of Martha’s Vineyard are notifying the Martha’s Vineyard community that we are not associated with and do not endorse Inkwellnessmv products.

We have asked that Inkwellnessmv immediately destroy any and all videotaping and photography taken of the Polar Bears, our members, our exercise circle, our songs, our rituals, and our activities. We also have asked that Inkwellnessmv immediately remove the name and any mention of the Polar Bears, our members, our exercise circle, our songs, our rituals, and activities from the Inkwellnessmv website and from any and all marketing for the Inkwellnessmv products, which imply any connection to the Polar Bears. These activities were done without the specific permission from the members of the Polar Bears.

We will continue our daily activities in good faith with the hope that our activities not be exploited or used for profit.

Caroline Hunter

For the Martha’s Vineyard Polar Bears

Oak Bluffs