BAKERS RESPOND

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am writing in response to Mike Rodell’s letter to the editor regarding the changes at Humphrey’s Bakery. It is hard to imagine that someone whom I have never met and does not know my family could pen such a mean-spirited letter attacking our family business and accusing us of being a “Subway wannabe.” The letter was such an attack on our business I have to assume that Mr. Rodell has owned a family bakery of his own. Clearly, he could not be such an unkind person to write something criticizing someone else unless he has firsthand knowledge and expertise of how to do it himself.

While we agree that not all change is good, sometimes it is necessary for a business to change in order to survive. Just as countless longtime businesses on the Vineyard have changed over the years, so have we. I have lived here all my life and can’t think of one that hasn’t, even the Flying Horses.

Humphrey’s has had many changes in over 60 years. My grandfather started the bakery in Vineyard Haven in 1948 as a cooperative selling a few baked goods. He then moved to West Tisbury. At one point he offered canned goods, frozen foods and candy. He had to expand the building three times to accommodate the demands. He and his family worked hard to please his customers in the busy summer months. Which of course is not always possible.

When my grandfather retired he left the business to his son. This brought more change. Of course not everybody liked everything. But Uncle Bart added the belly bomb, among many other very popular items we still make today.

Upon my uncle’s retirement we are now the third generation to take over the business. This brought on more change. We added the sandwiches and eventually focused on being a year-round business. But the biggest change to the business was not within our control. We had to find a new location and leave behind the quaint little shop my grandfather built. It was not an easy move. In the summer we have bakers going 20 hours a day to put out a variety of items, along with enough bread to supply the sandwiches. I wonder if Mr. Rodell would like us to stop making buttercrunch cookies so our baker can make more bread? We have customers who have been coming to get those cookies for 60 years.

We are happy to say that even though Humphrey’s has seen many changes over the years, we are still going strong. New memories are being made over gobblers and doughnuts rather than blueberry pie. But that’s okay. We are very proud of our family roots and still offer many original items that have been selling for 60 years. In addition we offer many items that are new to our Vineyard Haven store and have become very popular. And though it is our goal to please all our customers, we realize that we can’t please everybody.

If our son or daughter should take over Humphrey’s in the future, I don’t know what new changes will be introduced to the business. Whatever it is, I am sure it will be met with lots of positive support from the community, as we have. With the exception of Mr. Rodell, who lives in the past with no tolerance for change or foresight for the future.

Mike and Donna Diaz

West Tisbury

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WASTEWATER FACTS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I always enjoy reading news stories about wastewater, nitrogen, stressed ponds and septic systems. Now for most folks this is just yucky stuff and they really don’t want to know the ins and outs of it but for someone who has worked in this field for over 20 years I tend to find it quite interesting. Usually the most interesting part is how it is perceived and understood by the public. Generally speaking, we all have the yearning for some understanding and I have tried to explain issues in ways that to some might be elementary and to others very informative.

The Gazette’s story of August 7 was all and all an okay story. I was interviewed for it and my comments in the story were accurate.

The fact is that we haven’t hit a snag; we’re working through a process where professionals are doing their work to ensure that all interests are met, with the common goal of protecting the citizens of Oak Bluffs. The cost will be slightly higher but the benefits of the advanced treatment methods we will eventually use will improve the water quality within the Zone 2 by eventually increasing capacity to service homes that are located in the Zone 2. It will also improve the water entering Sengekontacket Pond and Lagoon Pond, helping those ponds to once again become productive shellfishing areas, as well as maintaining their beauty to our Island visitors.

As for knowing whether or not the property was located in a Zone 2, it was well known. In fact, back in 1999 the town voted to specifically allow wastewater facilities to be built on the property knowing it was located in a Zone 2. At that time we agreed that we didn’t want to allow any discharge to the area because the state Department of Environmental Protection had not finished its regulations defining what would be needed to be done to ensure protection of the municipal wells.

Over the past 10 years much has been done studying treatment options and impacts and late last year the state finalized new groundwater discharge regulations setting the standards for discharges within Zone 2 areas. The standards require a facility to treat its wastewater to a high enough level that it qualifies for the designation of being available for reuse activities.

A fact sheet about water reuse may be found at: mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/wrfaqs.

I think it’s important for everyone to know that the wastewater commissioners, water commissioners and selectmen, along with the staff they employ, are committed to doing what is right for the town of Oak Bluffs.

Joe Alosso

Oak Bluffs

Joe Alosso is wastewater manager for the town.

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WRONG TERM

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I think if I were a tenured Harvard professor, living in an upscale Cambridge neighborhood and summering on Martha’s Vineyard, I would not consider myself victimized.

Betty L. Harney

New Carrollton, Md.

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SLOW DOWN!

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

“Slow down, you’re on Martha’s Vineyard.” What happened to our old slogan? The majority of our vehicle traffic on our Island in the summer months are families on vacation. I emphasize families. There aren’t dads running off to work, or moms rushing children to school or day care so they can also be on time at their place of employment.

The Vineyard has beaches and a vast number of activities Island-wide. If you are late getting to the beach, no one is going to dock your paycheck. If you are late for an activity, Big Brother is not waiting to reprimand you.

It just amazes me as I watch vehicles fly by my home on the private dirt road racing to get their children to the Farm Institute for a day of fun-filled activities. The Farm Institute holds outdoor activities for our wee ones. It is such a thrill to see the children trying to catch a butterfly or hear them screech when they find an earthworm or hold a baby chick. While doing such activities, they are totally oblivious to vehicle traffic dropping off fellow playmates who will also enjoy time exploring.

The Farm Institute has put down speed control bumps; neighbors have made speed limit signs — five miles per hour. They have also purchased Slow Children Playing signs. We have shoveled out speed dips in the sand road. I have personally stood at the roadside asking drivers to reduce their speed due to the wee ones exploring. I am advocating for all the children, including drivers’ own who are in the backseats as their parents fly over the speed dips. I have solicited several organizations for suggestions on how to control the speeding problem. To date, I have not received any suggestions.

My comment to all those complaining about the speed dips: Slow down. You will not damage your vehicle if you slowly roll over the bumps; the neighbors are trying to save the life of a child. We all need to be reminded that our Island is a family-oriented place. Families are walking, biking and exploring. Slow down, you’re on Martha’s Vineyard!

Gwenn Mead

Edgartown

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VOLUNTEERS ARE A JOY

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard held the most magical of fund-raising events at the home of Susan and Jim Swartz on August 2. The music of the Dave Brubeck quartet still lingers as does the soothing effect of the lovely surroundings, view and food. It was heartwarming to feel the collective support of this project from those who attended. Thank you to all who came and helped make this a sold-out event to remember and to those who continue to give financially. We cannot bring this facility to our community without your help. Beyond the generous support we get from our local merchants, it takes a tremendous amount of volunteer power to pull off such a successful event. I would like to recognize all the people from our community for their continued support and countless hours. It is a joy and pleasure to work with such an enthusiastic, warm and professional group of volunteers.

Christine Todd

Vineyard Haven

PRAISE FOR BIKRAM

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I would like to comment on the somewhat generalized and haphazard article recently published on Bikram yoga. The author claims Bikram classes lack spirituality and are just “a workout, plain and simple.” I disagree. The author also found Bikram “intensive, and the postures . . . monotonous,” and so she stopped going to classes. In my Bikram practice, I have found repetition to be a path to deeper understanding and spirituality . . . like the Buddhist monk who sweeps leaves from moss, day in and day out.

Yes, Bikram is physically demanding, but contrary to the author’s view, I do not find my fellow yogis to be competitive. There is a much deeper rapport between classmates, a deeper relationship present in their minds, bodies and spirits that comes through their practice.

My experience with Bikram at Vineyard Yoga is very different from what the author portrays. Simply, I have found Andy Estrella and Kristin Hall to be very attentive and caring teachers and people. My interactions with them through my practice have far surpassed what I ever expected from yoga. For me, it’s not just a yoga class, and certainly not just “a workout, plain and simple.”

Laurel Wilkinson

West Tisbury