The recent request from the New Bedford fast ferry operator to eliminate winter operations makes this an appropriate time to review the SSA’s actions in establishing the New Bedford service.

Contrary to the opinion expressed in a recent editorial in the Martha’s Vineyard Times, Islanders are fortunate that the SSA decided not to get into the business of actually operating this service, as this would have resulted in higher fares for all of us.

VANDALS AT WORK

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

You know who you are and shame on you!

Smartly Equipped

From Gazette editions of September, 1934:

It’s been a remarkable summer. In early July this paper ran an article about the impact of the recession on Vineyard charitable organizations. It featured the results of a survey we, the Martha’s Vineyard Donors Collaborative, conducted that showed 56 per cent of Vineyard nonprofits experienced a decrease in contributions during the winter and 20 per cent saw them decrease greatly.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The death of a spouse or life partner is often fol lowed by a flurry of activity. You may be surrounded by loved ones — family and friends. They support you emotionally, spiritually and physically. They bring food over. They make the phone calls no one wants to get. A funeral, a memorial service . . . It would seem that you couldn’t do it without them. They are there for you in any way they can, and their loving support carries you through that initial grieving period. But then what? One day, you wake up and the flurry of activity has stopped.