DEEP LOSS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Oak Bluffs has suffered a huge loss with the passing of our financial director, Paul Manzi. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his wife, Janice, and their children, Felicia and Paul Jr. Paul came to our town in our hour of need and did a great deal to put our finances in order. As we look to the future to find someone who can fill his shoes, we can only hope we will find someone as capable and talented as Paul — with his expertise, knowledge and talent, but we will never be able to find anyone to take his place. Thank you, Paul, for all you have done for the town of Oak Bluffs.

Duncan Ross

Oak Bluffs

The writer is chairman of the Oak Bluffs selectmen.

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STICK TO SIMPLE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

As a longtime Edgartown resident, I have watched the current discussion about the renovations to the library with interest. I am a fan of our library and believe the staff and board do an excellent job. I do admit that I could never quite figure out why the town bought the house next door to the library and still feel that it should be sold as soon as possible before it falls down.

A few thoughts to add to the current discussion:

Are Island residents aware that they are able to use the library in any Island town with their current library card since all libraries are members of the wonderful CLAMS alliance? This fact makes me wonder if any expansion is indeed necessary. The current location is perfect for walkers and downtown visitors. Since it is a Carnegie building it cannot be abandoned. Why do we need parking? If parking is an issue, we can go to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs which have beautiful new facilities.

Is this a case of keeping up with the Joneses? After Oak Bluffs built their beautiful new school back in the 1990s, it immediately seemed to become necessary for Edgartown to build a brand new school . . . which always made me think it was our version of keeping up with the Edgartown-always-has-to-be-the-best mentality. In these current financial times, I think the idea that Edgartown might even consider the costs of carrying two library buildings (the Carnegie building and the old junior high building) to be ludicrous. Why?

This library project has been dragging on for years. Why not just put a small addition onto the back of the existing library and renovate the current structure to include an elevator? Sell that old house next door. I believe that the selectmen should explore other uses for that junior high building — why not turn it into much-needed apartments? Or artist house and work space?

The era of Edgartown always having to be better should be over. Economic reality needs to drive the decision-making. We should be looking at Islandwide solutions to problems.

Molly Maciel

Edgartown

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NEEDING CELL SERVICE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The Sunday, Oct. 31 Boston Globe had an article datelined Katmandu, Nepal, and headlined “Cellphone Service Reaches the Top of the World.” Two years ago I was birding in Bolivia from the lowlands of Santa Cruz to the 11,000-foot-high city of LaPaz and all parts in between. This was during a nasty political insurrection. I was in cell phone contact with my concerned wife at all times and locations through our home phone in Chilmark. Cell phones do not work in most of Chilmark. Menemsha? Town center? The beaches? Why not? Our safety is on the line.

Tom Rivers

Chilmark

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A TRULY GOOD SOUL

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am a 17-year-old boy named Tony Frascotti. I live off-Island, but have been coming to the Island since I was a toddler. I only just today heard about the death of my dear friend Bob Darlington. I first met Bob when I was 11 years old at the place where many youngsters first learn to cast: Memorial Wharf in Edgartown. Bob assisted me in catching my first-ever summer flounder (better known as fluke). After Bob patiently helped me land the fish he told me, “That’s a nice one there, brother,” and smiled at me and laughed. I will never forget how proud I was at catching what I thought was an absolute doormat at the time. I will also never forget Bob telling everyone who would listen about the fish for the next few days. I would spend every day down at the docks, and Bob and I grew to be close friends.

Bob may have been slightly mentally handicapped and sometimes socially awkward, but he was the nicest person you could ever hope to meet. He made fishing magical for any young kid trying his hand at the sport by telling them: “Saw a kid catch a striper in that same spot there yesterday. Thing took off and almost pulled the kid in, using exactly what you’re using.” Although some scoffed at his questionable fishing reports and inflations of the truth, anyone who knew Bob understood that it was his desire to please the children that caused him to give such exaggerated reports.

He was one of the only people I have ever met who had a truly good soul. Bob was eager to help, whether it was untying knots or running to his truck to get the net. He always greeted everyone with the same three phrases: “Welcome back, brother, welcome back, sister, or, boy, am I glad to see you.” All this, even if he had never seen them before in his life. If I remember two things from my childhood fishing days, it will be the calm, blue water of Edgartown harbor (before the breach) and Bob, clad in his A& P, and later Stop and Shop uniform. I fear that I cannot articulate how much Bob meant to me and the Island as a person, but one thing is clear: Memorial Wharf was not the same when Bob fell ill, and it will never be the same without him.

Bob Darlington was a kind, compassionate, good-hearted person who really, truly cared for others and I have no doubt that God will greet him as a friend, with open arms.

Tony Frascotti

Needham

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BOB DARLINGTON

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

It is with deep sadness that I read about Bob’s passing. I missed seeing him around the wharf this summer. He was truly a positive asset to Edgartown, and the Island, as he was always ready to help any child or adult who wanted to fish off the wharf. He was proud of the Island and everything it had given him and he wanted to share this feeling with anyone who crossed his path. He was truly an ambassador of a simpler time when fishing and sharing with others were the only worries one had. He will truly be missed by many children and adults who will have to learn to fish without Bob’s witty insight. Edgartown has lost a gem.

Tim Morrissey

Vernon, Conn.

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WEEKENDS RUINED

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

My husband and I have been blessed with a new home at Eliakim’s Way in West Tisbury. We have spent much of our summer putting in a lawn, landscaping, getting to know our new neighbors, and unfortunately, listening to the constant drone of dirt bikes at Nip ’n Tuck Farm every Saturday and Sunday all summer long.

Both of us work full-time. So it is most bothersome when, on our only days off, we are forced to listen to the noise of the bikes. I ask anyone reading this letter: How much peace and enjoyment would you derive from your weekend if your next-door neighbor ran his chain saw for two and a half hours every Saturday and Sunday? That is the noise level that we are forced to endure. I am not exaggerating. Last weekend my neighbor was rototilling his lawn and the sound of the bikes drowned that out. Even with all my windows and doors closed, I was able to hear them (and these are South Mountain built-homes — extremely well insulated)! The riders may have contacted the abutters before starting the track, but I assure you that the sound of the track travels much farther than the abutting properties. It is a nuisance and an upsetting way to spend every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

I invite anyone with an interest in this matter to come to Eliakim’s Way to hear for themselves what myself and my new neighbors listen to every weekend. I can tell you from experience that two and a half hours of noise pollution is a long time especially when it’s during every one of my days off. I can appreciate that the riders took the time to get organized and put rules in place, and I have no doubt that the riders of the track are enjoying themselves, but I ask you: Why is their enjoyment valued over mine?

I hope we can all keep dialogue open and come to a resolution that benefits all involved. There must be a middle way.

Chrissy Kinsman

West Tisbury

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LOCAVORE CONVERT

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Something happened on Monday night, Nov. 1, that was pretty remarkable: 60 people showed up for a program at the Grange Hall to talk about local food. Sixty produce and meat farmers, chefs, caterers, restaurant owners, and just plain old Islanders interested in knowing what they’re eating, where their food comes from, and how they can get more of it to be local.

The panel discussion was organized by the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network and cosponsored and run by the Island Grown Initiative. The people on the panel represented a wide range of local talent — Dan Sauer and Wenonah Madison of 7A Farm in Aquinnah, Sarah McKay, manager of Cronig’s stores, Rebecca Miller of North Tabor Farm and Mary Kenworth, owner of State Road Restaurant. The moderator was Ali Berlow, who founded IGI and its offshoots, Island Grown Schools and Martha’s Vineyard Gleaners. Together these five people gave an overview of the local farming movement that could not have been more definitive and were generous in offering true stories about their own successes and failures.

But what was most impressive was the range of people in the audience. It showed both the interest and the strong support the grown locally movement has on the Vineyard. And while there were some frustrations expressed (“Where do I GET these local chickens? Why can’t you teach more people about what they can do to replace all those off-Island products we reach for in the grocery stores? Will we ever be a sustainable Island?”), the enthusiasm was contagious and made you want to rush right home and throw out your cans of mushy vegetables. And since I both helped organize the program and had a farmer-daughter who came to it, I think I just might.

Jan Pogue

Edgartown

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GOVERNOR QUERY

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Regarding the photograph in the Oct. 8 Vineyard Gazette of the ferry Governor being towed: I have a longtime interest in Vineyard boats and was curious as to why the Governor was being towed. I have a collection of articles, photos, clippings about Island steamers and other boats, and want to save the Governor photo. Did she ground? Run out of fuel? Engine troubles?

A brief answer would be most appreciated.

Herman Page

Tashmoo and

Topeka, Kan.

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MESSAGE OF HOPE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I would like to commend Allison Carr, the students at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School and the Island Theatre Workshop for their presentation of the play, H.O.P.E., shown last week at the Katharine Cornell Theatre. The play was an extraordinary and authentic portrayal of the suffering which some of our young people must endure in their search for meaning; how does a young person cope with a parent’s betrayal, abandonment or abuse? How, and where, in all this chaos, can they find their own inner truth? It is all too much, way too much.

Unable to find an answer, they take their parents’ pain and turn it in upon themselves, either through abusing their own bodies or escaping into alcohol or drugs, the ultimate elixir of oblivion. In the play, each of the seven students told his or her story, truthfully and without a shred of self-pity. As the play progressed, their stories were expertly woven into a whole, coming together from time to time as in a Greek chorus, a unified voice of despair.

I was astonished and deeply moved by the level of understanding these young people had of their plight and the plight of their families; not of their own perhaps, but of so many of their friends and classmates, an understanding born of compassion. The play sent a clear message: that the shame and stigma of mental illness which still holds sway in our society, is an insult to the dignity of every one of us.

Marianne Goldsmith

Vineyard Haven

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FOR HEALTHY SCHOOLS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Many thanks to everyone who made the Island Grown Schools fundraiser at State Road Restaurant last week such a wonderful event. Together we raised $9,200 to support our school gardens, healthy food in school meals and snacks, and agriculture and nutrition-based learning at all seven Island schools.

This money will help us buy seeds, compost, garden tools and ingredients for local food taste testings, and will support our school garden coordinators who bring this program to life at each school.

Special thanks to all the farmers and fishers who contributed such delicious ingredients for the meal; thanks to Joseph Carr for donating wine, to the four student leaders who spoke about what their school gardens mean to them (Violet Cabot, Rosie Herman, Matthew Fish and Malik Magnuson),to all the community members who came out to support IGS, and the incredible kitchen crew, wait staff and management of State Road who donated their time to put together a truly special and memorable evening.

Our heartfelt thanks to all!

Noli Taylor

Aquinnah

The writer is coordinator for Island Grown Schools.

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BACKDOOR MEDICINE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

As a backdoor patient I have utilized the socialized health care system in Europe, Canada and in England at various times in my travels. The case in England is typical. I was very sick with a sore throat, high fever and was told that the doctor on duty for that day was down the road. I opened the door to his office, and it was so full that the door would not open fully. Not even room to sit on the floor. The tired nurse just looked at me and shook her head.

After making my way to her window, she asked me if I had any money, and that if I did, I could go to the back door of a certain house of the doctor who was not on duty that day, and be seen. It cost me $40, no name was asked, no paperwork was filled out, a prescription was given for an antibiotics, and I was on my way. Being a backdoor patient has its advantages at times.

Even here in Nicaragua with so-called free medical care, socialized medicine runs the same pattern. Patients are divided into three categories for business purposes. First are the poor with no insurance. Medical care is free, but one has to stand in long lines in the hot sun and wait hours to be seen by a doctor sitting behind a wooden table with no equipment. Since there is no medicine at the public clinics or public hospitals, the poor patient is given a prescription for medicines he cannot afford. He will go to a pharmacist, maybe buy one or two pills.

The second category is the patient who has government-sponsored insurance. They can sit and wait for hours to see a doctor, usually indoors, and the only medicine that is free is aspirin.

The third category is private pay, the people with enough money to afford to pay to see a doctor and pay for the lab tests and the medicines on their own. For these patients, the door is instantly opened, no waiting. There is a doctor with equipment waiting to see you. The cost in a private hospital is about $25. Just think how much lower the cost to see a doctor in the USA could be if the over burdened doctors were relieved of all that paperwork and threats of lawsuits. The problem with government-run bureaucratic messes is that they consume like cancer, and I fear the health care system in the USA is approaching terminal.

There are too many people who feel entitled, and the people who work and pay taxes will soon not be able to afford to support them all. When that happens, all of you will be standing in long lines waiting to see a tired doctor sitting at a wooden table with no equipment.

Keep the faith.

Muriel Laverty

Masaya, Nicaragua

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UPPERCASE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Fall deserves a capital. Maybe we could make a rule. Like knighting it and adding Sir. The capital season.

Bonnie T. Greene

Atlanta, Ga.