SACRED COW

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Reading about Bradley Square brings me back to fairly recent history on Martha’s Vineyard. Remember when the golf wars dominated the headlines, and allegations of conflict of interest assaulted the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and the Island conservation community?

I arose before dawn.

Raced to my favorite fishing spot.

The shore by the Vineyard Haven bridge.

I cast from 5 to 6 a.m.

No fish.

But I did see the 6 a.m. ferry depart.

Not a great start.

I was joined by a fisherman

Really dressed to fish.

Every item of clothing matched head to toe.

Waders and khaki shirts blended well.

I am sure if need be he could

Asters to Call Our Own

They come out just when the summer people go home, as if on cue for the Islanders who stop working so much and are out and about for fall walks and swims in the still-warm ocean.

They are the New England asters, sturdy, long-blooming and marked by more varieties than can be listed in this space. At least five or six varieties are in bloom right now, including stiff and showy asters. Their colors range from deep purple to pale periwinkle, and they look gorgeous in arrangements with goldenrod and rustic native grasses.

Caught Speeding

One Cottage, So Much History

The Oak Bluffs historical commission is right to speak out frankly in the matter of the Harmon cottage demolition in the Camp Ground. The chain of events that led to what the town building inspector is calling a progressive demolition are a little unclear, as are the lines of authority. The historical commission, the town and the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, which owns and controls the Camp Ground, all are involved in piecing together the facts in the case.

Gone Fishing: Blog On

It was pioneering filmmaker Robert Altman who described his love of fishing in these words: “You put that line in the water and you don’t know what’s on the other end. Your imagination is under there.”

In the same spirit, the Gazette is casting online with a derby blog, fishing for and feeding the anglers’ imagination.