VANDALS AT WORK

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

You know who you are and shame on you!

To the person or persons who took the time to travel to the up-Island bus stop in the Cronig’s Market parking lot and vandalize my black and yellow Huffy bicycle by spray-painting it slate blue: I just want you to know that there are still a lot of people who work hard to obtain items and don’t appreciate it when people with no respect destroy other people’s property with no regard to the hard work one put into purchasing it. Yes, I am employed and I work hard, and to get off the bus and see my bike was very hurtful.

If you wanted to hurt me or for some strange reason think I would take it as a joke, you have a warped sense of humor. Yes, people beware, even here on the beautiful Island of Martha’s Vineyard, cruel, hard-hearted beings live among us. At age 15, I am one teen who takes pride in my property and know that working hard and being honest is the only way to live. So I leave these words with you — what goes around comes around!

I would also like to inform you that I will be inquiring with Cronig’s Market for video surveillance cameras. And I will proceed to press charges.

Joseph B. Myers

West Tisbury

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INTOLERABLE DISCRIMINATION

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

There was a sticker on a telephone box at the top of our road stating Save MV . . . Hire American, in bold red and white lettering on a black background.

We tore it off.

What is happening to our Island?

We cannot tolerate discrimination.

Bonnie and Bob George

Chilmark

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POST TAXI RATES

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Recently, one of my guests was grossly overcharged for a taxi ride from the SSA in Vineyard Haven to the Edgartown Inn. I did speak with the owner of the company and the matter was resolved.

This has happened a few times during my years with the inn, and I wonder how often it happens and it’s not brought to my attention.

My question is, why aren’t our taxi companies required to post their rates inside the taxis?

Sandi Hakala

Edgartown

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HOLD EACH DAY

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Tell me who doesn’t remember sitting on the sofa with your parents, crying, holding each other, and trying to understand how this could have happened. We were sent home from work, school was canceled for days, and then we sat through the procession, the horse without a rider, and the little boy’s salute.

Politics was not my issue last week. It was life, and how quickly it’s gone. What one family had to endure over the past 60-plus years through war, illness, assassinations and age took my breath away.

Many of us have lost our parents. We no longer have their strength to lean on. Some, like the Kennedy family, have gone through the horror of losing a child. Life is a lot shorter than any of us can imagine.

We can’t turn the clock back, but we can make every effort to improve our lives and those of our children. Simply hold each other, family and friends — often — say hello to neighbors while out walking or riding, be more supportive of each other, get involved. Smile. We are all a part of this community, this world.

Tom Haddad

Edgartown

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REQUIRE NAMES

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I call on you to immediately end the practice of allowing anonymous, pseudonymic posts in the comments sections of your online paper.

Public debate in the country is becoming more and more abusive and discourteous. To put it more bluntly, people seem to feel free to make prejudiced, inflammatory and hasty comments, with very little thought. Many online commenters feel free to say things they would never, ever say if they were actually having a discussion with another person.

Examples of this uncivil discourse may be found any time, by clicking on the comments section of news and other sites online. You can find such comments on the Gazette’s own Web site.

The Gazette allows people to post comments without giving their real names.

This policy is wrong. Those who comment should be willing to stand by their comments with their names. Anonymous comments should only be allowed if the commenter would be in danger if their name were to be known.

Tom Hodgson

West Tisbury

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FOR DONNA

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Donna Miller Cavallo was one of my finest friends based in no small part on her love of . . . well, everything! She rightly deserves to go down as a candle-bearer of what the Island spirit is all about (the state of Maine is an Island in and of itself is it not)? The girl has done proud by herself, her kin, her hockey community and well beyond. The queen goes down, long live the queen!

Jed Dowlin

Edgartown

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CLUNKER SAVED

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Until recently the federal government made it tempting to buy a new car if you had an old one. Simply turn in your clunker to a dealer and there would be thousands of dollars available toward the purchase of a more efficient new vehicle, all courtesy of Uncle Sam.

Our clunker is a Jeep Wagoneer. Soon it will be 20 years old and for all those years we have loved our junior SUV. In return the Wagoneer has given us almost 20 years of reliable service through rain, hail, snow and hurricanes. However, we’ll be the first to admit having been sorely tempted by the government’s deal. After all, to be offered so much money for a vehicle worth approximately nothing. Besides, just imagine driving around the Island in a spanking new car. Then we started to think about our clunker.

First, there were the folks that built the Wagoneer. Then, the work of those who have kept it in near perfect running condition for years. Next, all the family events in which it has participated. For instance, it rushed us to the hospital for the delivery of both our children. If turned in, our jalopy would probably end up in some scrap yard and so would all that work and all those memories.

So we decided to keep our clunker. I’m getting it washed and waxed next week. What! A vehicle that old. Just doesn’t make sense! Well, it does if the clunker has a soul.

Charles Blank

Oak Bluffs

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PRESIDENTIAL VISIT

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

In the 153-year-old history of the building, Barack Obama is the first president to visit the Gay Head Light in Aquinnah. But the light has attracted presidential interest before. Keeper Joan LeLacheur was able to show President Obama a letter in the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s brochure from President John Adams. He writes about technical concerns regarding the first Gay Head Light, 210 years ago, in 1799.

The clifftop, westernmost campus of the museum is certainly a dramatic setting befitting a presidential visit — something the Obama children enjoyed as well. Malia’s comment in the guestbook reads, “This lighthouse is amazing!!” Joan was able to explain some of the history of the light, going back to the 18th century request by Nantucket whalemen for a light to warn of the rocks off the Gay Head cliffs.

Usually only open for sunset tours on the weekends, the Obamas and their friends had a pristine clear sunny midday visit after their Lobsterville bike ride, and were very relaxed, according to Joan. In the guest book just before leaving the building, like many before him, President Obama wrote, “Thanks for the wonderful view!”

If you’d like to see that view as well, we’re open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, one and a half hours before sunset, and a half hour following sunset — currently 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. — until Sunday, Sept. 20. Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 12 are free. The money raised from tours and other functions, such as weddings, goes right back into preserving the light.

The Obamas, of course, didn’t pay to visit, but then it is federal property, maintained by Joan and me for the Martha’s Vineyard Museum so that the historic light and the fabulous view can be shared by all. If you visit you may meet Ellie Ketcham, Genie and Paul O’Donnell, or David and Clare Kane, who, along with us, are sunset tour guides.

Richard C. Skidmore

and Joan LeLacheur

Aquinnah

AT 93

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Today is a most perfect day

To meet old friends, to say goodbye

The quiet sea, the silent motion

of the Vineyard sky

Sealed in our memories

White clouds streak across the abundant blue

We all say “See you next year . . .”

But we never say “we hope.”

And each knows why.

Because each of us has learned

You cannot trust the sky.

Julia Greenewald

Chilmark

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BREAKFAST TOUR

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Thanks to the Edgartown fire department for the delicious pancakes and a tour of all the cool trucks and engines. I want to be a fireman some day and help save people.

Jack Sweet

Edgartown

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FRANKLY WONDERFUL

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Last Friday, the members of the Edgartown Library Foundation were concerned that, despite the ads and the posters and the fliers, no one would show up at our upcoming Frankly We Love the Library event to be held at the Katama Airport on Sept. 7. What a thrill to see over 350 people of all ages flood the field and enjoy the food, the fun and the fellowship. Each one had a tale to tell, about why they cared about our Edgartown Library. As we come closer to our goal of expanding the library, it is indeed gratifying to be reminded of how much the community cares!

Over 60 volunteers did their jobs with energy and enthusiasm. It is overwhelming to try and adequately thank each of you. Many, many people came up to me at the last minute, asking, “What can I do?” and “I’d like to help next year.” The foundation and the staff of the Edgartown Public Library are deeply grateful for this generous outpouring of support.

We also want to thank Jamie Langley and her staff at the Right Fork Diner who made it all possible. It was a perfect venue for this event, and Jamie’s help was immeasurable. Island Food Products was generous, as was Mike Creato (who not only did a mini-air show, but offered a ride in his biplane for a winner of the raffle).

Anne M. Vose

Edgartown

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EVENING OF MUSIC

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

We recently held a fundraiser at our home, An Evening of Music on the Lagoon. Monies raised will directly help to pay for a major restoration of the 1895 Hook and Hastings pipe organ at the Federated Church. After a highly successful and enjoyable evening, we want to convey deepest gratitude to the Vineyard Gazette for extremely generous support and coverage, special donations and the fabulous music of John Alaimo and Michael Tinus, the tuning skills of Jim Legando, wines from Great Harbor Gourmet and Spirits, Peter Boak and the dedicated choir members of the Federated Church, and the many people who donated individually.

A heartfelt thank you to all.

Pam and Jim Butterick

Oak Bluffs

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EXTRA INNINGS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The last innings of the Chilmark softball season were a dramatic affair. Down by two runs in the bottom of the ninth, Arlen’s Airdales rallied to win. But there were no losers at Flanders Field. Everyone embraced each other with high-fives and then a celebration took place. Hot dogs and hamburgers and a birthday cake for Ziggy. I think he turned 64, but with the knees of a 40-year-old. Next, there was an awards ceremony. Justin Grossman, age 15, won the most valuable player award. He started his Chilmark career as a pinch runner when he was 10 and has developed into a true all-star, both in the field and at bat. His father, Jay, accepted the award on his behalf — Justin had left for school a few days earlier.

He thanked all the players for letting Justin play when he was under the age limit and then told them that “they were all role models” for his son. What a tribute! This should get us through the winter doldrums until the next softball season begins.

Bill Edison

Menemsha

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MISSING OUR NEIGHBOR

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Our good friend and 92-year-old neighbor has lost his home of 67 years. No longer will I see across the street his cheery face and the outgoing nature that was unique to him. He kept a lively interest and constant watch over our street and everything that happened on it.

When we moved to our home, he and his wife were there to greet us. He told me about how he knew my grandfather in the 1950s and he acted as a grandfather to my children, who lacked one. Despite his age, he stayed active and engaged in the life of the neighborhood, taking walks to buy the newspaper or come home from church, stepping out to visit on the sidewalk, helping with stray pets or package deliveries.

He told me about how his son had died and how he and his wife had given their house to their granddaughter, with the right to live in it for the rest of their lives.

Little did he know how things would change after his wife died. Gradually his granddaughter changed his home and his life. First, she got him to agree to let her convert the upstairs to a rental apartment. He agreed that he could live only in the downstairs portion of the house, so his granddaughter renovated and rented out the upstairs. She also put a large mortgage on the property and got him to release the life tenancy of the house to just an apartment there.

Then she got his permission to let her tear down his home of 67 years and build a new house for her and her husband and daughter with an apartment in back for him. In less than two years she had persuaded him to completely surrender his right to live there. Then she moved him to an isolated apartment far from the neighborhood he knew so well and loved so much. She promised him he would return home in September. Then she left the Island. She rented the house and apartment to summer visitors, and sold it days prior to when he expected to return. In return he has received nothing. He hates his isolated apartment. He has had pneumonia twice, including one hospitalization, since moving there in June.

We visit him regularly, but we miss him across the street and worry about his health. We also worry that other elderly people like him will find they have given away far more of their lives than they ever intended.

Kate Putnam

Edgartown

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CHAOS AT SENGIE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Residents of Oak Bluffs, please take a ride to Little Bridge, especially on the weekend and observe, firsthand, the chaos and disruption of our fragile pond area. Who issued a license to the kayak rental business, if indeed there was one issued? And why? Do we really need that business in that small area? It would appear that the personable owner just decided to set up shop one day. She didn’t ask questions and neither did anyone else. On the plus side, the kayak business might bring in some money to the Friends of Sengekontacket, with annual kayak races. But at what cost to the pond area? There are dozens of people climbing up and down the pond side area, at one time, kayaks in tow. While it is a perfect spot for family kayaking, boating, etc., why was a business just allowed to completely take over the area with no regard of the impact on this fragile area? During the very same time there is an issue with bacteria conditions at the site. What happened to cleaning the pond so that we can all enjoy clamming, again? When all is said and done, it’s sad to think that it’s back-door politics, as usual, in Oak Bluffs.

Maureen Wright

Oak Bluffs

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PEACHY

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I must admit to something, an inexcusable and reckless act. Do not say oh my God to yourself as you read the above. Say what pray tell could it be? What I did was harmless and conciliatory and to some degree challenging to my limited intellectual powers. There was no hurt to anything other than my pocket book. Let me explain.

Behind Alley’s General Store is a new building within which a very friendly, accommodating and honest saleslady sells all sorts of Island-grown vegetables and fruits and organic this and organic that. As an almost 80-year-old guy who has eaten processed food and so-called junk food for a lifetime, trying some items of organic nature might be good for me in the manner of it is never too late to get serious about eating. Actually, I was on an errand to buy corn from Morning Glory Farm, which Alley’s Food Stand carries.

I selected four ears of corn and was on my way to the cashier when my eyes caught the sight of some hefty and juicy-looking peaches. I took two peaches from the pile but before I laid them down on the counter, the cashier informed me that the peaches I was going to buy cost over $10 a pound. I said whoa, and returned them to their bin. However, I had not counted on what Edgar Allen Poe called the “Imp of the Perverse.” It rests inside everyone. This imp may seldom show its head but it is always lying in wait. And with my activated imp on the move, I retrieved those two peaches and marched proudly to the counter. How much, I asked. $14.47 came the reply. Okay with me, I told the young woman.

I was buying two peaches at over $7 apiece. I was being reckless and yes, perverse. I was paying for two peaches at a figure equal to a week’s wage in some areas of the globe. While millions of human beings were suffering I had joined the American Way. If I could spend $7 for a peach, I could spend $10 million for a summer house. I could buy modern art and climb mountains and read poetry that no reader in the world can truly comprehend — read it on the top of Mont Blanc. How about a new car that runs on a battery? A yacht? The list is endless. A villa in the south of France. Buddy-up to Bill Gates. Meandering into Alley’s has changed my life. Money has wings. Dream big. Nothing matters. Get a life! Forget peaches, buy a Rolls Royce. Thank you Alley’s Food Stand, I am a new man. Park avenue in winter; Paris from April to May; Monte Carlo from June to July; Southampton from August to October. In my free time, I am at sea on my yacht named Peaches.

Stan Hart

Chilmark

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MORE BLUE PAGES

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The following letter was sent to the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group from the Friends of Chatham Waterways:

I am enclosing three copies of the Chatham Blue Pages for the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group, as per our agreement of Oct. 27, 2008. We have also acknowledged The Island Blue Pages on page 62 of the Chatham Blue Pages, under the acknowledgments headline.

The Friends of Chatham Waterways has printed 10,000 copies of the Chatham Blue Pages and mailed them free of charge to all residents (6,700 homes) in Chatham. While our plans for distributing the remainder are still being finalized, copies will be made available to students and teachers throughoµt the Chatham school system and to the public at large at severa1 locations around town, including town hall and the library. We also plan to post the Chatham Blue Pages on our Web site at chathamwaterways.org in the near furture.

We are very appreciative that you have made your text and art work available to us. As you will see, we have added some original text and “Chathamized” the book. At the same time, we have done our best to preserve the look and feel of The Island Blue Pages that you originated, which is remarkably reader-friendly and authoritative.

Charles Bartlett

Chatham

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.