CARE FOR THE DYING

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I was heartened to read of the Vineyard Nursing Association plans to bring a Medicare-certified hospice program to the Island. Twice in the last several years I’ve watched the families of friends of mine make the gut-wrenching decision to move their dying loved one off-Island for lack of end-of-life medical care here that would be covered by their insurance.

DYING DIFFERENTLY

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

As with the Moshup Trail heathlands, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard is a rare and unique species in our world today. It deserves the same kind of consideration and intentional support to preserve its place in our community.

KEEP HOSPICE SEPARATE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am not surprised to hear that the Vineyard Nursing Association is adding Medicare hospice services, even though they have been assuring the board and directors of Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard for several years that they are not. It is vital to recognize the difference in the level of care being offered by the VNA and Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard. It would be better for this community if these apples are not all in one big VNA basket.

GEOGRAPHY AND STRIPED BASS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

When considering the current state of the striped bass fishery, it is interesting to note that geography plays an important role in assessing how much trouble the species is in. While Massachusetts and Maine have experienced subpar bass fishing for several years, states to the south of us have enjoyed exactly the opposite.

A DISGRACE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

ROYALTY RESOLUTION

Editors; Vineyard Gazette:

The following letter was sent to Sen. Robert O’Leary and Rep. Tim Madden from Martha’s Vineyard Commission executive director Mark London:

At the meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission held on Thursday, Jan. 22, the commission passed the following motion.