NUCLEAR WARNING

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I always thought that if there were a nuclear power plant accident, we could get away on our boat. So I always try to keep it ready. Sunday, for example, I replaced cooling hoses in the engine. Now I read that an aircraft carrier of our navy that was 100 miles off the coast had to move due to radiation reaching it. An explosion at one of the plants was the result of the staff “forgetting” to fill up the tank to a standby diesel generator. The entire world is watching and the maintenance crew screws up. Oh great.

Pilgrim Nuclear in Plymouth is up for renewal. Pilgrim Watch opposes it.

To escape an accident Cape and Islands people have to drive TOWARDS the plant. Imagine the traffic.

We should learn something from this tragedy unfolding in Japan: Operator error, 40-year-old plant, cracks that have been patched, a history of drug abuse (imagine that).

It’s time. Shut it down.

Frank Brunelle

Vineyard Haven

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FUN, FAMILY STYLE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

“Fat Tuesday,” otherwise known as the day before Lent, was a wonderful excuse to have a party, and party we did at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury. Over 100 people, including children and the more mature, enjoyed pancakes, pancakes and more pancakes. They were delicious, thanks to the donation of eggs by Morning Glory Farm and organic yogurt from Mermaid Farm.

There was dancing in the aisles of the sanctuary thanks to the live music of Brian Weiland, Rick Bausman, his son Hudson, and a great young guitarist. There were gold coins for the kids, with feathered masks and Mardi Gras beads for everyone. Members of the church pitched in with sides of fruit salads, juices, syrups and all the fixins. A happy time was had by all, and plans are on track to make it an annual event. Mon dieu!

Karen Achille

Oak Bluffs

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NO NEW LIBRARY

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am writing this letter in opposition to the new library, as a taxpayer of Edgartown who is tired of my real estate tax bill going up every year because of every “must-have million dollar project.”

I’m sorry to read that the roof has some leaks and was wondering, how is the $4 million “must-have” taxpayer house doing, the one next to the library?

Do you suppose the loss of patrons might have something to do with the fact that almost everyone has a computer? I’m happy the daycare providers have found alternative sites to visit, which is great, now we taxpayers do not have to worry about them.

If you want to have kids hang around a library, why not pay the Edgartown School and the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School librarians or teachers a stipend to stay a couple of hours after school like they do for sporting teams?

I think the parents of the children, who are taxpayers, deserve the break. We are paying through the nose for gas, home fuel and groceries. The town can’t even afford to give a cost of living raise to its employees but we need a “must-have $6 million library.” I don’t think so!

Finally, can we the taxpayers get a year or three without any “must-have million dollar projects?”

Peter Hermann

Edgartown

THANK YOU

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Mo and I would like to take a moment and thank everyone that responded to the March 5 fire at our home.

To the Edgartown, Vineyard Haven and especially the Oak Bluffs Fire and EMS teams: You all put your lives at risk to help us hold onto our personal and cherished memories. Thank you.

To our family and friends near and far: Your concern, support and love have gotten Mo and I through this. Thank you.

To my Oak Bluffs girls: You have rallied together to make my “busy life” a bit easier. Thank you.

Mo and I still have each other. The Beatles were right: All You Need Is Love. Thank you.

Beth and Mo O’Connor

Oak Bluffs

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Fiddling Around

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The Vineyard Living picture of the fiddling Harcourt/Wolverton family triggered the crave in this seasonal resident’s heart to be back on Martha’s Vineyard. What an optimistic Sunny Grace and sparkling Mattie.

I cannot wait to be back on the State Forest bike path pedaling my 22 miles from West Chop and return.

What lemonade stands will have sprung up to replace the lamentably gone Max & Emmas? Will Alex’s Umbrella Stand be operating? I surely hope so.

See you all this July and August.

Mike Robbins

New York

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THERE ONCE WAS A CONTEST...

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The limericks all have come in

and the judges now will begin

to ponder which have won

as honorable mention or number one.

Thanks to Joe, Susanna and Jonathan!!

The West Tisbury Free Public Library staff would like to express a heartfelt thanks to our Mistress of Rhymes, Susanna Sturgis, for presiding over the Vineyard Limerick Challenge; our jury members Joe Eldredge and Jonathan Revere for keeping us in order; and our musical guests Gregg Harcourt, Mary Wolverton, Mattie and Sunny for graciously providing Irish music for inspiration.

A special thanks goes to our participants: Dick Barbieri, Milly Beegan, Dave Dutton, Alice Goyert, Gerald Hass, Andrew Hindes, Paul Levine, Eileen Maley, Dick Margulis, Carolyn O’Daly, Donald Nitchie, Beth Parker, Jonathan Revere, Rachel Rice, Leah Smith and Woolcott Smith for their entries.

The jury is still out. The winners and honorable mentions will be revealed next week.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Colleen Morris

Vineyard Haven

Ms. Morris is the program director at West Tisbury Free Public Library.

The Vineyard Gazette welcomes letters to the editor on any subject concerning Martha’s Vineyard. Letters must be signed, and should include a place of residence and contact telephone number. The Gazette does not publish anonymous letters.