BIRDS AND WIND

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I appreciated Susan Whiting giving us the thoughtful comments of David Nash on wind power and bird safety. I completely agree that we should make our wind turbines as safe for birds as possible. However, not mentioned in the article is the bird death rate due to oil spills and the habitat destruction due to coal mining.

Bea Phear

West Tisbury

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POND ADDENDUM

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Thank you for publishing my letter regarding nitrogen pollution in Edgartown Great Pond in the Friday, July 10 issue. In addition to the several organizations mentioned in the article that are involved in tackling the nitrogen issue, I should have included the Vineyard Conservation Society, which is spearheading an Island effort to focus attention on the threats to our ponds. They will be hosting Ponds In Peril — a forum for citizen action, at the Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. A grant from the Edey Foundation enabled the Great Pond Foundation to place the test wells at the head of Mashacket Cove in an effort to pinpoint the location of the plume from the old wastewater facility. Finally, I want to specifically note the important roles of shellfish constable and biologist Paul Bagnall, the Edgartown shellfish committee and the Edgartown dredge committee in the ongoing management of the pond and its resources. Again, the point to be made is that it will take a sustained effort on the part of many organizations and individuals to accomplish the goal of preserving the Great Pond — a process that is well under way, thanks to the cooperation of many organizations and individuals.

Bob Woodruff

West Tisbury

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KIND OFFICER

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Thank you to the kind officer who spent a good bit of time answering questions and concerns I had about the letter Safety First in regards to bike rules and responsibilities. We agreed that there was some confusion about who has right of way on shared paths and crosswalks (pedestrians always, cyclists not in crosswalks) and where town limits are as to bicycling on sidewalks. Also confusing was the part about the stop signs for bikes being removed for some path intersections. But at the end of the day, we all share a responsibility to treat others, whether motorists, pedestrians or cyclists, as we would like to be treated.

Cyndy O’Hara

Vineyard Haven

HEARTFELT FRIENDSHIP

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The following letter was sent to David Crohan:

My thanks to you and your friends who performed at the Tabernacle last Monday night. My thanks can barely match the gift of heartfelt friendship you gave everyone that very special evening.

From the Heart was the theme of your concert, songs about caring and love and flying was your offer. You and your friends, Merrily Fenner, Katie Mayhew, Tom Billitto, Hugh Taylor, John Zeizman, Susan and Stephen McGhee all did just that for us. Your friendships, history of making music together, and the performance of a first-class show were nourishment for our souls and hearts. I offer a very happy birthday to you this 65th year and many blessings on you, your family and friends.

Please know that Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard and Compassionate Care ALS will hold your gift of music in a very special light.

Terre D. Young

West Tisbury

Terre Young is executive director of Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.

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OUTSTANDING HARBOR

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Thank you to the citizens of Edgartown, the selectmen and harbor master for creating a welcoming and wonderful environment for boaters in Edgartown harbor and Katama Bay. My family and I have been boating here for years and I regret not writing this letter sooner to extend our appreciation.

Your harbor is unique in many respects but I want to highlight a few services that are exceptional and much appreciated. Most important is the visibility of the friendly harbor staff who are constantly monitoring communications and patrolling the waters to ensure boater safety. I often see harbor master Charles Blair in his open boat guiding boaters to moorings and doing whatever is necessary to offer assistance.

Also, thank you for maintaining the water barge which is appointed with hoses, nozzles and rub rails that make it easy to fill the water tanks and wash down boats. This amenity is offered at few harbors and is a benefit not to be underestimated.

Many people do not realize the incredible work that is being done to keep your Edgartown waters clean. It is amazing to me that Edgartown harbor has a pump-out boat that comes to a boater’s mooring and empties holding tanks full of sewerage that otherwise could be discharged into open waters. The convenience of having the pump-out boat come to you on the mooring is unheard of at any other harbor. As a result, Katama Bay is crystal clear and the fishing has never been better for scup, blues and flounder. Thank you for maintaining this service.

Finally, thank you for providing extremely clean restroom and shower facilities at North Wharf. I personally have witnessed the thorough cleaning of bathrooms and shower stalls performed by the harbor staff.

The harbor master and his staff are an outstanding group of hardworking and dedicated professionals who truly do whatever it takes to make every boater’s visit to Edgartown a positive and welcoming experience. Thank you for all you do.

Our heartfelt thanks to the entire Edgartown community for making Edgartown harbor and Katama Bay our favorite and most cherished place on earth.

Paul Mellen

Duxbury

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FROM A YOUNG POET

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

During the school year I wrote this poem for English class. I’ve been coming to my great-grandparents’ house in Oak Bluffs for 15 years and I really enjoy my time on the Vineyard.

A Place Like Nowhere Else

The refreshing chill of the morning air

Tiny beads of dew dotted along the dark green blades of grass

To stand out on the deck and stare

And think of all the memories held in the past

In the distance, the sound of waves crashing against the shore

Engulfing the land, before retreating back

It’s a sound that leaves you waiting for more

A slow rumble, and then a gentle crack

I know of a place just like this

Where life slows down, and time no longer matters

You can stay up late, and then sleep in

By the time your visit ends, you’re already waiting for the next to begin.

Tyler Crawford

Oak Bluffs

The Vineyard Gazette welcomes letters to the editor on any subject concerning Martha’s Vineyard. The newspaper strives to publish all letters as space allows, although the editor reserves the right to reject letters that in her judgment are inappropriate. Letters must be signed, and should include a place of residence and contact telephone number. The Gazette does not publish anonymous letters.