How to be more environmentally responsible: we all approach it on many different levels. But every little bit helps. This year especially is important to take the threat to our environment seriously. You read about “going green” everywhere. But what does that really mean? Whether you recycle regularly and have a compost bin in your backyard or are just beginning to switch your lightbulbs over to the new more efficient bulbs, each of us can strive to make less of an impact on our already overburdened resources.

This week is Bay State Bike Week, according to the press release that landed in my inbox this morning.

Everyone from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to local commuters should do their part to raise awareness and keep Massachusetts clean, the press release said. I too should take action.

The thing is, I can’t.

I’m a 25-year-old Vineyard girl who cannot ride a bicycle.

Talk of the Town

From Gazette editions of May, 1909:

HOSPITAL RESPONDS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am writing this letter in response to the Gazette’s recent article (April 10) and editorial (April 24) about insurance changes on Martha’s Vineyard.

There were several inaccuracies in these stories that need to be addressed.

Three recurring themes in these stories that I would like to discuss are:

• The hospital has not communicated its plans to Island health care consumers;

Art Alfresco

For a Good Cause

The cause for affordable housing is important, indeed vital, and many good people have been hard at work on this cause for a number of years now. Millions of dollars have been raised, countless hours of volunteer labor has been donated, housing has been built, and untold numbers of deserving Islanders who need the housing have benefitted.

Pottery Auction

Blooming Bids for Kids, featuring unique planters and pottery for auction at Field Gallery and Sculpture Garden in West Tisbury, is a fund-raising event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martha’s Vineyard. The event, Friday, June 19, is from 6 to 8 p.m. and will include fine wine, beer, heavy hors d’oeuvre and music, in addition to the action of plants and art pieces. The gallery is located at 1050 State Road in West Tisbury. Reserve a place by June 2 by calling 508-771-5150, extension 105.

Husband and wife poets Linda Black and Michael West will present a special reading at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

Mr. West has developed a new style of reading his poetry; he talks directly to you as if you were having a conversion, leaving you no choice but to enter into the process.

Learn Anatomy

A special anatomy workshop will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31 at the Yoga Barn in West Tisbury, taught by Anne Gilroy, associate professor at UMass Medical School, Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Preregister before May 23 for $45 per day or $80 for both days. Walk-ins pay $55 per day, $100 for two days. Send checks (payable to Anne Gilroy) to Gary Fudem, P.O. Box 535, Chilmark MA 02535. Especially useful for yoga and fitness instructors,, the course is open to all.

A celebration of friendship in memory of Marcy Slater will take place on Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. There will be songs, poems and stories about friendship, followed by high tea, Marcy’s favorite treat! All are welcome.