Commentary
Editor’s Note: The following essay and accompanying photograph are taken from the book Martha’s Vineyard Now and Zen by Susan Klein and Alan Brigish. They appear here with permission and were submitted to the Gazette by the authors this week to mark the occasion of the change in ownership last week. Martha’s Vineyard Now and Zen is for sale in Island bookstores and online at mv-zen.com.
Many Vineyarders have been treated to the sight: You’re driving north along Old County Road and up ahead you spot a shiny yellow, banana-shaped metal pod — looks a bit like a small rocket ship that failed to achieve liftoff — trundling along at 35 miles an hour. A head clad in a bicycle helmet pokes out of the top. Will you pass him? Well, he’s doing the posted speed limit and, what’s that up ahead? It’s another yellow bomber! At the straightaway past Old Stage Road the encapsulated riders zoom ahead.
I come from a family where everyone assumes a role in the kitchen. My brother mans the grill, you can usually find me elbow deep in sugar and butter, my father makes a mean Bolognese sauce, and my mother is one of those cooks who can whip up something delicious with whatever is in the fridge.
But there was one Hanukkah a few years ago where no matter what we did, dinner was bound for disaster.
When Vineyard Gazette editor Julia Wells hired me as a reporter in the fall of 2006, she took a big risk. Then again, at such a little paper, most risks are big.
HASTY DECISION
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
The Edgartown selectmen chose to include the question of the town’s membership in the Martha’s Vineyard Commission on the special town meeting warrant on Dec. 14. It was done hastily and without any public hearing or discussion or any meaningful effort to negotiate with the MVC about Edgartown’s share of the cost and the benefits to the town of being a member.
Sometimes life makes us realize things about ourselves that we wouldn’t be able to see on our own. On our journey through life we are able to find some hints, and even a few proofs that tell us that what we think to be fantasy is real. Life can show us that dreams do become reality and all we have to do is believe in ourselves and not be so willing to put all our faith in others.