I write as a detached observer who can witness how the remnants of Occupy mobs are still agitating and causing problems in our nation’s capital and at other locations, although in Washington they are probably regarded as a welcome distraction from failed current policy. If these people are eating, it is because they are being fed with goods bought, transported and prepared by others. Their housing consists of tents put up on public or private land, and, as far as most people can see, this constitutes criminal trespass.

When introduced in the seventh grade to the story of Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, I have to admit I was most interested in the description of the character’s gross nose. But I also responded to the 19th century setting and, of course, the love story, in particular the character’s willingness to be used as a bridge for love despite his own interests.

Recently, while having lunch with my friend Wendy, she shared a story about her father, one that reminded me of the lesson I learned from reading Cyrano de Bergerac.

As we drive off the ferry my wife, Cathlin Baker, turns to me and says, “Don’t mind me, I have an extreme sense of well-being.” She then proceeds to chatter and laugh, even waving occasionally to strangers in cars beside us as we wait in traffic on our way to Boston.

Over 50 people turned out to hear Michael Hopper, president of the Sea Run Brook Trout Coalition, talk about the successes and lessons learned from stream restoration efforts at Red Brook in Wareham, and the Quashnet River in Falmouth, and how those could be considered in the discussion about our own Mill Pond/Mill Brook. The program was taped by MVTV and will air daily for the next three weeks. Additionally, a DVD of Michael’s presentation is in circulation at the West Tisbury Library.

It is important to correct a few points:

The following letters were received by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission commenting on the plan by Vineyard Power to build a solar canopy over the parking lot at Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven.

•

Forward Thinking

Please note I support the Cronig’s Solar Canopy Project. It is in a great location and great for our Island. We should applaud Vineyard Power for their forward-thinking approach.

Cynthia Aguilar

West Tisbury

•

Out of Place

Although it can’t quite match the excitement of the Super Bowl for beating back the winter blues, mid-January also marks the beginning of budget hearings for West Tisbury and other Island towns. The discerning reader might ask, so what?