PATIENCE, PLEASE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Menemsha harbor is recovering from the disastrous fire which consumed the Coast Guard boathouse and various parts of the harbor infrastructure of car way and docks, as well as boats. We have been juggling boats around the harbor to insure that our fishing community can get back to work, and making sure that recreational boaters can visit the harbor. We have also been working with owners who lost boats or whose boats were damaged to make sure that their problems are resolved. And the board of selectmen, executive secretary and my department are working to effect repairs to the West/filled Dock as promptly as possible. Some of this can be accomplished quickly but there are parts of the puzzle which will take months.

Chilmark and the Coast Guard have had a long and honorable history of working together to insure the safety and well-being of the local maritime community and we very much appreciate the efforts of the local Coast Guard personnel, who have worked hard to assist during this difficult time. We understand that there is a detailed legal process (dictated by higher-ups) that needs to be followed in this and similar situations. Some members of the maritime community have criticized the process but they should be aware that it is necessary in order to make sure that any and all claims are processed in an efficient and effective manner.

We appreciate everyone’s hard work, offers of assistance, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. Thanks.

Dennis Jason, Harbor Master

Chilmark

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FIRE COMMENDATION

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The following letter was sent to the Chilmark selectmen by the state fire marshal:

I am writing to comment on the tremendous effort on the part of the Chilmark fire department and the other nearby communities on Martha’s Vineyard in battling the recent fire at the Coast Guard boatyard in Menemsha harbor. It was a challenging fire with several different types of structures including piers, boats and buildings. The tactics and coordination by Chief Norton and the members of the Chilmark fire department clearly prevented a more serious loss in what was a very devastating fire.

If the board deems it appropriate, I would be pleased at some point in the future to join with you in showing appreciation to the members of the Chilmark fire department and the departments of Martha’s Vineyard. Please let me know if you wish to pursue.

Stephen D. Coan

Stow

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AGAINST LOBSTER BAN

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The following letter sent to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission was signed by the directors of the Vineyard fishermen’s association and by eight Island lobstermen. The commission held a hearing yesterday on a recommendation to impose a five-year moratorium on lobster fishing in southern New England.

The members of the Martha’s Vineyard/Dukes County Fishermen’s Association are very much opposed to the proposed five-year moratorium on lobster fishing in southern New England. Our members fish actively in Area 2 south of Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Noman’s Land and the Elizabeth Islands. We are finding that the lobster catch in this area is rebounding and our landings are better this year than they have been in previous seasons. We see lots of evidence of juvenile lobsters — three-inch lobsters being brought up in lobster pots, conch pots and trawl gear nets. Our anecdotal observations are that the recent crop of very young lobsters is strong and that our resource is in recovery. Our fishery is on the rebound. Any collapse that we experienced was some years ago — perhaps 2003 or 2004 — and our fishery has been improving steadily over the last five years.

We urge you to adopt area-based management systems for the southern New England area lobster fishery. We do not need a one-size-fits-all approach. Area 2 is very different from Areas 4, 5, and 6. For an additional conservation measure in Area 2 we propose a three-month winter closure — no traps in the water from Jan. 1 through March 31. Area 2 is not suffering from a collapse in this fishery and Area 2 does not need a fishing moratorium imposed.

We understand that a new addendum is being prepared for Amendment 3 of the American Lobster Management Plan. You will be presenting a few options for this addendum at public hearings for fishermen’s comments. We need good management in our area south of Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Noman’s Land and the Elizabeth Islands. We want to manage this area responsibly with trap limits (400 maximum), minimum sizes, maximum sizes, escape vents and limited numbers of licenses permitted into Area 2.

Good management could keep our lobster industry on Martha’s Vineyard going strong. It is a very important part of our harbors, our waterfront, our restaurant businesses, and our community heritage. We look forward to seeing some good options presented in your next addendum.

Warren Doty

Chilmark

TRAFFIC SOLUTION

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Let’s put uniformed traffic-directing police all day at Five Corners, and where State Road and the road to Edgartown join.

Also open the road beyond the SBS store that could go to Edgartown or Oak Bluffs — to take the pressure off of Five Corners.

Trudy Taylor

Chilmark

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COSTLY MISTAKE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

In a place where people spend millions on homes, thousands on rentals, how much would it cost to have some safe bike lanes around all the towns? I’m afraid to get on a bike here with my kids because to get to nice bike paths you most likely have to go through Edgartown, Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. All those towns are hard to bike through with all the traffic. This beautiful Island boasts great bike paths but they aren’t so great if you have to risk your life to get to them. Please start a fund to pay for safer bike paths around your towns. It’s frightening to bike out there with all the cars and trucks. So many children trust your current pathways around the towns, while so many tourists are trying to figure out their way around the streets in cars and delivery trucks are everywhere. Please form an alliance and support the need for safer bike paths.

Virginia Steyners

Edgartown

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ELECTRICITY COMPARISON

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Many consumers on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard have received an offer from Dominion Retail to “lock in a low, fixed electricity price.” As a municipal aggregator, the Cape Light Compact is supportive of competition in the energy market so that consumers have options for their energy supply. However, we are disappointed that Dominion Retail’s letter to consumers does not reflect the evolving and current Cape Light Compact electricity prices, which are lower than both the Dominion offer and the past Compact rates quoted in the letter.

The recent Dominion offer, while providing the average electricity price for the Compact and NSTAR from January 2007 through June 2010, does not include what its own average price was over this same time period. Since all suppliers work in the same marketplace, it’s probable that Dominion’s price over this time frame was approximately the same as NSTAR and the Compact’s.

Too, Dominion does not provide consumers with the fact that they can currently purchase electricity at prices substantially below the 9.49 cents per kilowatt hour offered in the Dominion letter.

In the January 2010 to June 2010 time period, Compact residential customers had a rate of 8.790 cents per kilowatt hour, which is lower than Dominion’s price.

In the upcoming July 2010 to January 2011 time period, the Compact’s residential price is 7.990 cents per kilowatt hour, a 9.1 per cent reduction in the rate from the first six months of this year and 1.5 cents per kilowatt hour lower than Dominion’s stated price.

Robert P. Mahoney

East Dennis

The writer is chairman of the Cape Light Compact.

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LOVE AND FAREWELL

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

My wife and I have just returned to our home in Flushing, N.Y., after spending last weekend on the Vineyard. We had gone there for the purpose of attending the celebration of life and memorial service for our son, Tom Osmers, who died on March 12.

Indaia Whitcombe, along with Tom’s sisters, Ellen, Susan and Anne-Marie, organized the event, which was held at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury.

We are writing to express our deep feelings of gratitude to all those who made this event possible and to those who attended. People came from near and far and included a former neighbor and college classmates of Tom, many longtime friends, Tom’s fellow fishermen, men and women who had joined Tom’s efforts to improve fishing conditions in Vineyard waters, oceans and ponds.

The open mike provided a perfect opportunity for many men and women to speak about memorable experiences with Tom — all filled with love, affection and respect.

The weekend was capped by a religious service at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Edgartown, for family members and those who wished to attend.

We are writing to say thanks to all, for helping to ease the pain of Tom’s loss. Love and farewell to the Codfather.

Bob and Mary Lou Osmers

West Tisbury

and Flushing, N.Y.

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LEGACY OF LEARNING

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I would like to thank all the people who helped make the Edgartown Library Foundation’s recent event, A Legacy of Learning, such a grand success. What made the event so special was way the seasonal and year-round communities of Edgartown came together to support that uniquely American institution — their free public library.

The catalyst was our lifetime achievement award recipient and honoree, Ted Morgan, who has for more than 40 years dedicated his life to making Edgartown a better place to live. And he’s not through yet. It is fitting that he should be honored at an event supporting the library, an institution which reflects the values of its community like no other.

As you know, the story of the library’s expansion and renovation continues after five years of “twists and turns and bumps in the road,” as Chris Scott tells it. A new building design committee has been appointed by the selectmen under Chris’s able leadership. They are charged with overseeing the process of making the job happen quickly and efficiently. The new design will bring the library up to 21st century standards, while reflecting the needs and aesthetics of the community. All at an affordable price. The public is encouraged to attend the committee’s meetings, usually Mondays at 8:30 a.m. at the library — be sure to check the notice board outside the library for any changes. Questions are welcome after the business of the day is completed. They need to hear from you.

The Edgartown Library Foundation applauds these ongoing efforts. We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise public support and funds for the benefit of the library. The foundation’s annual fund provides resources for the development, expansion and improvement of programs and services to more than 51,000 adults and children served each year.

The foundation will continue in this role as we follow, with great anticipation, the work of the building design committee. Our support complements, but does not supplant, the town’s responsibility for funding the library’s ongoing operations.

Those who participated in this year’s Legacy of Learning and other events sponsored by the foundation are what make our work possible. Besides those who attended, special thanks must go to our honoree Ted Morgan, our patrons, the Field Club, Edgartown School essayists, the library trustees and staff, our raffle and silent auction donors and hardworking foundation committee members. Many people feel the quality of a town can be judged by the quality of its library. It is wonderful to have everyone pulling together to create a library we all can be proud of, one that reflects our belief that a cornerstone of democracy is a place to pursue information and ideas freely.

Baba Smith

Edgartown

The writer is chairman of the Edgartown Library Foundation.

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HAITIAN MIRACLES

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Just over six months ago Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake. We must not forget that there are hundreds of thousands of people now living in tent cities and hurricane season is upon them.

The volunteers of the Martha’s Vineyard Fish Farm for Haiti Project along with many, many other Vineyarders are determined not to forget and have been working to make a concrete contribution for our Haitian brothers and sisters.

On Friday, July 16 the Summer Clambake Haiti Benefit was held at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Co-sponsored by the Agricultural Society, the event had the perfect location and weather for the evening.

Live music by the Jazz Duo Jeremy Berlin and Eric Johnson floated in the air while over 95 items donated by local businesses and individuals were bid upon. Delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine donated by Tea Lane Caterers, Little Rock Farm, the Net Result, Sweet Life Café, Chilmark Chocolates, Pam’s Pesto, Suzie Herr, Jim’s Market, Al’s, Kappy’s, and Tony’s Market, were circulating in abundance.

Trip Barnes was the auctioneer for the live auction segment of the event, and as always, Trip lived up to his reputation as an entertainer!

Music during and after the clambake followed by dancing was provided by Tristan Israel, Nancy Jephcote, Paul Thurlow, and Tom Hodgson. Didi Jérémie, a Haitian singer and songwriter, shared his talent with us.

The event was deemed a huge success and all the proceeds will become an instrument to helping many in Haiti. Medical supplies and equipment will be shipped in a donated, retired VTA bus to equip a clinic in Roche à Bateau where one doctor is serving 100,000 people. After delivering the supplies the bus will become a mobile clinic bringing medical relief to hundreds of people living in even more remote areas of Haiti.

Miracles can happen when people come together in solidarity and reach out to those in need.

Margaret Pénicaud

Vineyard Haven

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MISSING BLACK HISTORY

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am an Island taxpayer and have been coming to this paradise since childhood. I know the rich black history that my ancestors have contributed to the Island. I was disappointed to find that this history is not included or mentioned in the Island tours that take new visitors around the Island. (They do mention that Diana Ross rented a particular house in Chilmark.) That information is not black history! I would like to see and hear that the tour buses do include some mention of this history as part of their daily tours. There are hundreds of books on blacks on this Island since before the 1800s. The Camp Ground was a gathering spot for religious retreats and many other activities surrounding the presence of blacks on this Island.

This needs to be mentioned and embraced as part of the Island’s history.

Denyse Bardouille

Oak Bluffs

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PLAIN VANILLA

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The reprinted article in the July 9 Gazette about the destruction of Gifford’s Ice Cream Parlor missed the point. First it incorrectly identifies the building as Gifford’s general store and fails to describe its history in the community. It is a nice story about what did happen in later years when it became a repository for Willis unused items (he told me that Gifford’s never throw anything away) and was accurate and amusing from that point of view.

As Willis told me, more than once, the building that was just removed was an old one-room schoolhouse acquired by his father around 1900 and moved to that location, propped up on a stone foundation in each corner and redecorated as an ice cream parlor with a Japanese lantern motif with double doors on the front (more than likely the same that were used by the school). It was just two rooms (the second and smaller room built by George Gifford was connected to his general store by a door no more than 30 inches wide. The original ice cream freezer, before electricity came to town in 1930, was located in the back room and several years ago Judy and John Bryant (she was a relative of Willis) was gifted it and they have since restored it.

The ice cream shop and general store closed just after World War II began. Mrs. Gifford, who ran the shop, died in 1944. The kids in town made this a favorite place to stop when they had earned a few cents. George Gifford, once electricity had been installed with improvements in shipping ice cream with dry ice, purchased his ice cream from New Bedford.

It also was a stopping off point for summer tourists and in Mrs. Gifford’s letters to her son Willis often included passages like this: “sold four dishes of ice cream to people looking for Chilmark; after they left I noticed the license plate and sure enough they were from New York.”

My brother Jim remembers the place fondly and told me going there was an adventure (we lived next door at the time). He remembers asking for one of the several flavors they advertised and being told that George had just gone down to the boat to pick up that order. The truth, I am told, is they sold mostly vanilla in the last few years.

Everyone has a story they remember about Gifford’s store and here is mine. I clearly remember going over to the store while waiting by the big trees in my parents’ yard for my sister Phyllis to come home from the Naval Auxiliary Air Station, in 1945, with a package of Doublemint chewing gum that she purchased at the PX Club. I looked in the store door and was always frightened by a man looking back at me, smiling, and wearing a policeman’s hat! Forty years later I recognized the same man at a tag sale. It was a cardboard poster of Eddie Cantor in a Texaco uniform advertising his radio program that was sponsored by Texaco gasoline.

John Alley

West Tisbury

YALIES IN THE KNOW

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The recent discovery of a nest of Russian spies in leafy Cambridge, within the penumbra of Harvard University, that had awarded one of them an M.A. degree, came as no surprise to those at Yale who had long been aware of Harvard as the “Kremlin” on the Charles.

Peter Colt Josephs

Chilmark