I want to thank everyone for their heroic efforts to save my horse, Norman, when he recently suffered a brutal lamanitis attack: Tracy Olson and Jess Forend for their tireless vigilance, experience and care; Irene and Bob Hungerford, Caroline Herman and the entire Woodbe Farm staff for the icing, wrapping, concern and advice.

To say that Featherstone Center for the Arts is a very special place is not enough to describe what it means to so many people.

As I watch the many hearings to discuss how we can make Stop and Shop solve all our traffic problems, I can’t help ask, what is the cause of our traffic in Vineyard Haven and what is the solution? The answer is the Steamship Authority — the elephant in the neighborhood.

A short while ago Dreamland was rented out for a benefit concert featuring Lori McKenna. Our venue was bought out by the host of the concert, and unlike many of our other shows, we transferred all authority over the room to the benefit coordinators. They did an amazing job marketing and promoting the show, put together some outstanding talent and raised money for such an amazing cause.

Living on Martha’s Vineyard is oftentimes a tradeoff. We trade convenience for the unique beauty and sense of place and time this Island offers. Mail takes a day longer to receive, if we’re lucky. Groceries and gas are more expensive. Nothing is open 24-7. Seasonal rent hikes necessitate the Island shuffle for many. There is the summer traffic, lack of parking and the crowds. But whether seasonal or year-round, we all know it’s worth it.

Thank you for the story headlined “They Came, They Saw, They Moved In; Exploring the Vineyard’s Counterculture Roots” by Ivy Ashe, in the August 2 edition of the Vineyard Gazette.