Merchants, Be Kind

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I can certainly understand that many Vineyard merchants do not want their bathrooms to become public restrooms, but they should demonstrate some common sense and compassion when it comes to the Island’s littlest visitors. Recently my wife and three-year old were turned away from a store on State Road, where they had purchased goods, when they asked to use the bathroom. The proprietor claimed there was no restroom on the premises. Does she go wandering around State Road looking for a loo when nature calls? I don’t think so.

After 21 summers on the Island, my wife fears that the Vineyard is becoming unfriendly to kids. We hope that is not the case.

Steven A. Cook

Potomac, Md.

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Kudos to SSA

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

On the afternoon of August 25 as I was preparing for Irene’s arrival, I received a call from an SSA representative at the Palmer avenue lot asking me if I owned a green Hyundai?

My immediate thought, unfortunately, was negative. I was certain they were calling to tell me something bad had happened to my car.

I replied, “Yes, is anything wrong?” Their answer was, “No sir, we are just calling to advise that your car is parked in a low flood prone area, and we suggest it be moved to higher ground as a precaution against the upcoming hurricane.”

I thanked the person and asked if I should come over to move my vehicle.

“You won’t have to do that sir, we can move it to higher ground for you, if you would like.”

I replied yes, but how. “Just take your key to our Vineyard Haven office where it will be tagged and sent to us. You just have to let us know whether you want us to keep the key in Palmer or send it back. We will move your vehicle to higher ground in back of the ice rink, and mark its pole location on the tag.”

I thanked the person, told them to hold the key at Palmer, and immediately proceeded to the SSA’s Vineyard Haven office.

The lady that helped was busy with other people trying to beat Irene to the mainland. She was not only very pleasant, but treated me with respect and kindness. She asked that I fill out a key tag describing the vehicle including its license plate number, if possible. It wasn’t mandatory, but would be helpful.

When I couldn’t immediately remember the license number, I told her I could call my wife to get the information. She cordially told me that I didn’t have to do that. She could help me in a moment, but asked that I step aside while she shortened the line. After waiting only a couple of minutes she was able to locate the license plate information.

To say the Steamship Authority was busy is an understatement. Taking the additional time speaks volumes for the grace and talent of the SSA agent. I can only hope the SSA can locate this woman, hopefully reward her in a tangible way, or, at a minimum, place an “attagirl” in her personnel folder prior to her next salary review.

Peter Cabana

Vineyard Haven

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Hospital Thanks

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I would like to thank Dr. Pieter Pil and the entire hospital staff for the excellent care I received last month as a patient at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. From triage to discharge, everyone that I encountered was attentive and responsive to my treatment needs. This was my first experience with your hospital and it is very reassuring to know that such high-quality care is available in your small Island hospital. You have a great team and I thank you all for being there for me when I really needed it.

Melanie Caruso

Rocky Hill, Conn.

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GEOGRAPHY QUIZ

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Presidential hopeful Rick Perry proudly told a talk show host about Martha’s Vineyard, “I’m not even sure I know where it is.”

Fortunately several presidents and world leaders and many other people have found us. The last president who was challenged geographically did not do too good a job. While many of us may question the current leadership — they know where we are!

Lori Sue Herman

Edgartown

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.