Tom Osmers was a fisherman and a passionate advocate for small-scale fishing. He urged the adoption of “intentional inefficiencies” in fishing technology, recognizing that truly sustainable fishing requires us to look at not only how many fish are caught, but also how and where they are caught. He railed against the injustice of rewarding fishermen with allocation based on fish caught while their fishing gear remained at sea even after the fishermen returned to port.

In today’s newspaper is an overview of the Island Plan, the product of four years of study and discussion by our community. The plan describes some of the key challenges the Island is facing and outlines the community’s vision for a better future.

PRAISE FOR HOSPITAL

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am writing this letter on the 17th anniversary of my wife Phyllis’ surgery, and the news that she was near death. And I am writing it at a time when health care is being argued. I am also writing in praise of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, as you open your new wing. I want you to know how much I miss that Island hospital.

March Days

An old French proverb has it that only fools go barefoot in March. There have been days, this March, when temperatures have risen to the 60s, and it has been tempting to shed footwear for a long beach stroll. But last weekend, ferocious winds on Saturday night and early Sunday canceled ferries and downed trees and power lines. Then rain plummeted down, pouring through downspouts, forming great lakes on paved roads and mud patches on dirt roads. There was nothing inviting about walking — barefoot or not — in those rains.

Shine a Light

It was Sunshine Week across the nation. The idea behind this initiative is to showcase the importance of open government and freedom of information. Spearheaded by newspaper editors, many media and civic groups now use the week to target action that enlightens and empowers people to uncover information that can make their lives better and communities stronger.