To most Islanders, the name Denys Wortman is most familiar as that of the former Tisbury selectman. But before that Wortman, there was another Denys Wortman, the painter-turned-cartoonist whose work could be found six days a week for more than 30 years in the pages of New York’s World-Telegram and Sun (and syndicated widely in other papers).

I returned to the Island just after the Yard article appeared in the Christmas Eve edition of the Gazette.

As an Island creditor owed $18,000 by the Yard, I have been on the receiving end of a dismissive response to both my concern for Wendy Taucher — who did not leave but was asked to resign and when she refused to do so was fired — and my concerns about repayment.

My overall concern goes deeper than this lapse of respect.

For the record, Ms. Taucher was not paid this year for her work.

Surf and Turf

From Gazette editions of January, 1936:

Menemsha Pond appears to be producing an unusual variety of scallops this winter. Although the set is not particularly heavy, the scallops, especially those in Gay Head waters, are said to be the largest ever marketed in this locality.

OVERPRICED REAL ESTATE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Before the economy took a tumble, homeowners used to check the weekly sales of nearby real estate rather than the Dow Jones averages to see how much their net worth had increased. It was a joyous experience for those who owned a home as well as the real estate agents who were reaping high sales commissions.

Mr. Keating Goes to Washington

William Keating on Wednesday swore an oath to represent the people of the 10th Congressional District, including us here on the Vineyard, in our federal government. Say what you will about this moment in time — the worst recession, the most vicious partisanship, the biggest government, the least effective government — it all has been said before, in fact, it’s been said since the beginning.

Tale of Two Libraries

The West Tisbury and Edgartown library building projects are textbook examples of the right and wrong way to do things.