This newspaper has always reported the variety of Vineyard life and its natural beauty, and I’d expect people to flock here because of it.

I would like to take this opportunity to fill in a missing chapter to the author’s book [about] Forbes Smiley 3rd, The Map Thief. With the funds that Mr. Forbes stole, he built an elaborate home here on the Island.

I acknowledge that book reviews are a valuable service of a newspaper as professional as the Vineyard Gazette. However, I object to the printing of a photograph of Mr. Smiley with the review on August 1 of Mr. Blanding’s book, The Map Thief.

I recently received my semi-annual bill from the Oak Bluffs water department. Enclosed with the bill was a notice that I would be billed an additional $200 if it was discovered that my water meter had been installed backward.

The state and Massachusetts Department of Transportation have recently offered to invest over $1 million in improving the infrastructure of this thoroughfare, which happens to be classified as a state highway.

A heartfelt thanks to the individual who left the gift on our car at State Beach this past week. Imagine our surprise when, after the perfect beach day, we got to our vehicle to find that you had backed into us.