According to ISO-NE, New England’s power company umbrella group, last July’s heat wave saw several days make the region’s all-time top 10 list for peak demand for electricity. Typically occurring during the hottest hours on the hottest days of the year in response to added air conditioning loads, peak demand poses a unique challenge for utilities and they employ a variety of strategies to meet it.

The most productive action we can take re: Syria is to offer our resources for treatment and/or healing of those injured by the gas attacks, including things like hospital ships, transfer to U.S. or allied medical centers, plus the beginnings of a research program on treatment, protection, and prevention of its effects. This can be coupled with the offer/threat to extend this gift to the people of Syria or any future need thereof.

B.E.T. recently held its annual party at Hook’s (formerly Lola’s) in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. The evening was illuminated by a starlit sky, and the spirits and energy of those in attendance were shining just as bright.

The following letter was sent to the Chilmark selectmen: We read about your consideration of requests to lift the prohibition on liquor sale by our Chilmark restaurants. Unfortunately we will be unable to attend the public meeting on the subject but wanted to express ourselves.

The following letter was sent to the Chilmark selectmen: The request for allowing eating establishments to obtain liquor licenses is troubling. The fact that Chilmark remains dry while others have not should never be a reason to change the character of the Menemsha village. How it could impact the town and its future should be thoroughly examined before a decision is made in favor of one request.

Recent newspaper articles and letters applauding the success of the roundabout are both premature and shortsighted.