ISLAND HOME FLAWS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

This letter has been sent to Wayne Lamson, general manager at the Steamship Authority:

My family and I have had occasion to travel on the new Island Home several times since she was introduced to the run between the Vineyard and Woods Hole. Although she does emulate — in some ways — our much-loved and missed Islander (the double-ended configuration and drive-through, etc.), she has some very curious design and construction features. Here are a few things that I noticed.

CONSERVE TOWN BYWAYS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

On Thursday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church, Edgartown will hold a special town meeting to add five ancient paths to the protective status of special ways.

The town byways committee and the planning board have been working to protect these ways for nearly 20 years and now hope to add the five ancient ways: Ben Toms, Middle Line, Pennywise Path, Tar Kiln and Watcha Path to one already protected by a DCPC, the Dr. Fisher Road.

NOT SO NOSTALGIC

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

MISS MY PAPA

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Many people told me in the past few weeks that my grandfather, Peter Williamson, was a great guy and very respected. They said when he was the chief he was known for helping people. I am too young to know about those years.

I knew him as my Papa.

He would watch movies with me any time I wanted. He would watch the same Elmo movies over and over.

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

We were deeply saddened to hear about the death of Brandy Marie Gibson in an automobile accident. We did not know her but understand she was a beautiful young woman. Our hearts go out to her family and friends.

According to the police, Brandy and the two other people severely injured in the accident were not wearing seat belts.

FOR THE CHIEF

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I write to thank the residents of the Vineyard for the kindness extended toward the Williamson family suffering the loss of Peter Williamson, known on the Vineyard as The Chief.

I drove down from Boston on Jan. 27, the most wretched snowy day of winter with winds blustering around 50 miles per hour, with my sister, her daughter, and my cousin to attend the wake and funeral for Peter Williamson, our cousin.