In February, 2006, while traveling from Australia to the United States, one of my children became ill with a chest infection. Upon arrival here, my wife took her to the Martha’s Vineyard hospital.

Some hours and $600 later, they emerged with a prescription for antibiotics.

The Most Valuable Things

World and national affairs have moved a little closer to the Island these days. The state of the country is affecting everyone, rich and poor, young and old. And all hopes are now pinned on President Obama as he navigates a minefield of global and domestic problems so enormous, so beyond the grasp of everyday life that ordinary citizens can only sit back and read and watch in awe and wonder — and more than a little trepidation.

But happily the news is not all bad.

LONDON — The newspaper industry is ailing; but I do not think that newspapers will altogether die.

— Tom Driberg, one of Fleet Street’s premier

journalists, is also a Member of Parliament.

Worthwhile Cause

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

On April 14, at Tisbury town meeting, you will be asked once again to vote on whether or not to place the issue of allowing full service restaurants containing at least 30 seats to sell beer and wine on the ballot in 2010.

Spring Fever

From Gazette editions of April, 1959:

Take This Poem

Take this poem. No. Really

take it. It belongs to you.

Like anything you read.

It belongs. Like Hawaii’s

swaying palms, weighted

coconuts, rungs tying

the trunk of the tree. All.

Yours for free.

What did you think

your first grade teacher

was giving to you? Letters,

words, a dog with spots,