So here we are again, back at the beginning with another horrifying moped accident. Throughout the past many years, every time there is a serious moped crash, people rise up to express their sorrow, indignation, and yes, anger over these endless accidents that change or end the lives of people we did not even know. Ideas float around like snowflakes during a blizzard, but no actions seem to result from numerous discussions. Is it not time to follow through with action? No more “we can’t do this” or “we can’t do that.”
Why do the towns hand out moped rental licenses in the face of the deadly evidence? All of us have seen riders dressed in flip-flops, which to my knowledge were banned many years ago for riders. Do the moped owners deny rentals to people who are inappropriately dressed? In Oak Bluffs, some of the mopeds and bicycles down near the North Bluff are slowly spreading across sidewalks and roadways, so that even parked, these vehicles present a hazard. Does anyone care about or enforce the removal of these violations of safety?
The rules need to be rewritten. Perhaps 2017 could be the year when Oak Bluffs leads the way by no longer issuing moped licenses due to public safety. Who will have the courage to risk the wrath of a few to save the lives of many, and make the roads safer not only for the riders but also for the unfortunate, innocent vehicle drivers who end up in a collision with them through no fault of their own? Or will it continue to be business as usual?
We send sincere condolences to the family of Allison Reynolds, who died this past week. Allison was a smiling spirit who greeted us all with a happy smile whenever we met. We are so very sorry.
The Martha’s Vineyard Partnership for Health is recruiting new class leaders to become trained to conduct seminars on “Powerful Tools for Caregivers.” This program has been designed to support caregivers of adults with a chronic condition in a way that enhances the caregiver’s well-being as they care for others. The training is free and will be given on Monday, Sept. 12, and Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Tisbury Senior Center. Training materials, lunch, and snacks will be provided. For more information, email ksamways@ihimv.org or call 508-627-5797, ext 114.
Sandy and Wes Mott returned from Atlanta, Ga., Sunday after attending the graduation ceremony of their daughter Sarah Mott Alwardt, who graduated with a master’s degree in education from Kennesaw State University, and earned a 4.0 GPA. Their son-in-law, Jason Alwardt, is in cycling training for the August Pan-Mass Challenge, which is a cancer fundraiser. His route is from Sturbridge to Provincetown. He has raised nearly $5,000 and there is still time to contribute if you wish. For more information you may call Sandra or Wesley Mott at 508-696-7472.
I was surprised by a visit from my son, Dion Alley, who made a quick visit to see us all last weekend. Thankfully he has mostly recovered from his open-heart surgery, and took many long walks while here.
There has been a hardworking group of community members who has been meeting regularly since May. The group is looking at gaps and issues in the delivery of substance-abuse services, ranging from prevention strategies to recovery services. One of the best things to come out of these meetings is the open dialogue among service providers, law enforcement, the hospital, Island clergy, and community members. The next meeting will be at 10 am this Thursday, August 4, at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative at 111 Edgartown Road in Oak Bluffs. All are welcome to attend. Until the working group has an established identity and website, a complete list of Island support services for substance-abuse disorder can be found at facebook.com/MVCommunityForum/ and the Dukes County website, dukescounty.org/Pages/DukesCountyMA_substance/index.
Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival Author Series starts on Thursday, August 4, as music legend Carly Simon discusses her long-awaited memoir, “Boys in the Trees.” The series continues on Sunday, August 7 with Margo Jefferson discussing her best-selling memoir on race, sex, and American culture through the prism of her rarefied upbringing and education among a black elite in Chicago. Then on Thursday, August 11, Diane Rehm, host of NPR’s “The Diane Rehm Show” since 1979, will discuss her memoir, “On My Own,” a deeply personal and moving book. All events start at 7:30 pm at the Chilmark Community Center. Details at mvbookfestival.com/authorseries.
We send birthday smiles to Joann DeBettencourt and Susan Klein on August 5, Evamae Magee on the 6th, followed by Ben deBettencourt on August 7, Ken DeBettencourt and Bob Gatchell on August 8, and John Rose on the 9th. Danielle Sedlier and Sarah Trudel share the 10th, and my favorite youngest daughter, Kati Alley, and Deb Hammett celebrate on the 11th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.