Thank you very much for your thoughtful and thought-provoking lead section of the August 16 Gazette. Such a fine and in-depth look at the interactions between man and the coastal edges of Martha’s Vineyard today and in our past really sets the table for some good and necessary discussions this fall and winter about where we go from here. Should we continue to allot vast chunks of money and resources to try to keep mother nature at bay or can we plan for an orderly retreat.

A while ago, my daughter tried to put an outbuilding on her property in West Tisbury. She was told she did not meet zoning and was refused a permit.

This got me to wondering about the rules so I started to investigate. There are many rules, some seem silly. But what I found was that there are many, many violations of these rules. It seems no one is checking or following through on them.

During President Obama’s vacation, I was driving down Middle Road in Chilmark because a portion of South Road was closed during his visit. As I was passing by the Keith Farm, the car in front of me suddenly stopped on the right side of the road.

Oftentimes we find new reasons why our Island life is unique and special while we understand that many feel we also make some sacrifices. All too often, I hear gripes and concerns about our hospital and its services. I feel compelled to share my recent experience so that the good news can also be noted.

I read with interest the recent article on Harry Belafonte. Clearly, Mr. Belafonte contributed greatly to the Civil Rights movement in this country and should be praised for his accomplishments. I would like to raise a few points however.

Thank you to the Island newspapers as well as all the participating Island vendors for their support of The Farm Institute and Edible Vineyard’s latest book talk with author Michael Pollan. To clarify, this was a community event, not a fundraiser.