Imaginary Lines

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

A s a longtime Edgartown resident, I was surprised to hear news reports that I might be paying more than my share to support the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.

As a member and present chairman of the MVC, I was more surprised to hear some people saying that things the MVC does for the Vineyard aren’t necessary for Edgartown.

Wearing both hats, I sat down and made a list of the ways my town has benefited over the years from the MVC’s work. What follows is part of it.

Protecting the Edgartown Great Pond and Sengekontacket:

UNHELPFUL DIATRIBE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Waxing Poetic

From Gazette editions of December, 1985:

Vineyard residents have become accustomed to receiving mail addressed in unusual ways. But the other day Travis Tuck, well-known Island metal sculptor, called to say he had received a package addressed to Vineyard Heaven. He remarked, “I know it’s a nice place we live in and all, but . . . .”

HASTY DECISION

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The Edgartown selectmen chose to include the question of the town’s membership in the Martha’s Vineyard Commission on the special town meeting warrant on Dec. 14. It was done hastily and without any public hearing or discussion or any meaningful effort to negotiate with the MVC about Edgartown’s share of the cost and the benefits to the town of being a member.

New Era for an Old Broadsheet

Now begins a new chapter at the Vineyard Gazette, the newspaper of record for the Island since 1846 that was sold last week to philanthropists and seasonal residents Jerome and Nancy Kohlberg. There is much anticipation, excitement and interest, both inside the paper and out, over this moment and what it may mean for the future.