CAPT. JOE CRESSY

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Chappy and Martha’s Vineyard have lost one of their most extraordinary citizens. Joe Cressy’s intellect, integrity, kindness and zest for life were matched by few. One of Joe’s great loves and pleasure came from being on the Edgartown fire department. And so my dear friend, rest assured I shall be on this year’s Fourth of July’s parade route and will wave to your truck and the legend that once rode her.

Love you, Joe.

Gus Ben David

Edgartown

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FIRING RANGE TOO

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

To the Martha’s Vineyard Commission: While reviewing Goodale’s, I hope you will also examine the effects of repeated shooting practice in the pit. The sounds of gunfire ring out frequently and for extended periods of time. I live off Barnes Road past Featherstone and we have to listen to those sounds. It makes me wonder how much and how many metals are being discharged on the ground followed by seeping into our water supply.

I hope the MVC will stop this activity.

Susan Desmarais

Oak Bluffs

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FRIENDS INDEED

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I would like to send my extreme thanks to all those who attended, donated and contributed to my fund-raiser on May 7. It was an overwhelming experience.

This will help with my upcoming medical and surgical expenses.

Special thanks go out to Glen Searle, Barbara Phillips Magnuson, Joanne Hathaway, Debra Rogers, Bonnie Ciancio Parent, Barbara Morgan, Penny Townes, Richard Mello, Kristy Rose, Phyllis Whorton and the P.A. Club staff for their timeless efforts, they are greatly appreciated. This shows the Island community comes together.

Kevin L. Searle

Edgartown

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LEAGUE PROTEST

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The following letter was sent to the national office of the League of Women Voters:

Our League Purpose reads as follows:

“The League of Women Voters of the United States is a non-partisan political organization that promotes informed citizen participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate for elective office or appointive office.”

Our local League takes this statement very seriously. We read it at the beginning of every candidate’s forum we hold.

It is our belief and firm conviction that the League has no place either supporting or opposing a particular candidate. We were, therefore, surprised and disappointed to find the League logo associated with a television advertisement currently appearing on Boston channels openly criticizing Sen. Scott Brown’s position on Clean Air.

Clean air is something all Leagues can actively endorse. But when the ad went on to attack Senator Brown for voting against the recent Clean Air Bill, we found this unacceptable and a violation of one of our most fundamental League tenants.

The League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard voted unanimously on May 7 to send this letter to both LWVMA and LWVUSA. We strongly urge you to either withdraw the League logo or cancel the ad altogether.

Judy Crawford

West Tisbury

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ANIMAL PLANET

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

A barking dog did not lead me to a man in need of rescue from the drink but a loud, squawking bird stopped me in my tracks from the bus stop. It was so desperate, I thought, where is that bird? It was trapped in an old metal air conditioner sticking out of a ground floor apartment building window. I bent the metal louvers open and a starling flew out. It had a nest in there, no eggs, but somehow got trapped. I checked the air conditioner on subsequent trips to the bus but never saw the bird again. The louvers stayed open.

Anyway, like Leonard Fogg in your April 22 story who is described as speaking dog, I guess I speak bird.

Bonnie Greene

Atlanta, Ga.

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.