Commentary
Not a Drop to Drink
It took four words to remind Islanders this week how fragile our ecosystem is: Don’t drink the water.
Residents of Oak Bluffs last weekend were advised — not promptly enough for many, adding “devise foolproof disaster communications plan” to the to-do list for all town officials — that they should boil any water they might drink, use to wash their hands or teeth, or even their dishes.
Cow Catchers
From Gazette editions of October, 1934:
When my wife and I opened the Bunch of Grapes Bookstore on Martha’s Vineyard, Thornton Wilder was one of our first customers. He came early in the season, in a rumpled suit with a raincoat over one arm and a crush hat on his head. I knew that he stayed with his sister in Edgartown. When I remarked on his early arrival he said, “I come with the bluefish and I leave with the bluefish.”
A RECENT EXPERIENCE
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
I hate bigots, bullies and abusive authority. I admire and respect professional emergency medical technicians, firemen, hospital personnel and police officers! The Vineyard is blessed with a preponderance of the latter four.
Gus Ben David 2nd
Edgartown
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CAPE WIND FACTS
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
Kilowatt for Kilowatt
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
The following statement was read into the record by a West Tisbury selectman at the public hearing on Wednesday night:
REMEMBERING BILL HONEY
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
I was sad to read of the death of Bill Honey. During my time as superintendent of the Island schools (1970-1975), this gentle and thoughtful man was treasurer of the regional high school district. Even though he was president of the largest bank on the Island, he made the time to attend school committee meetings faithfully, and he was always available for advice.
I learned a great deal from him. Everybody trusted him. His quiet voice will be missed.