CONFESSION

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am writing to confess a sin of omission. Last week we distributed our summer newsletter in your paper. The newsletter described the effects of the recession on the Vineyard and highlighted nonprofits that have gone the extra mile to help the community get through this crisis.

One effect of the recession was the Oak Bluffs School closing for the summer due to budget cuts, and this meant the YMCA camp lost its venue and had to close for this summer.

There was barely an empty seat in the Old Whaling Church Monday night. As the hour neared eight o’clock, a crowd of spectators began a game of musical chairs as they attempted to find an unfilled space close to friends or family. But in the end, finding a seat didn’t much matter — not with so much time spent in standing ovations for the musical performances.

Tom Rush, a folk musician whom Vineyarders have watched grow up, used to visit when he was just a teenage troubadour.

Mr. President: Welcome to Summer

Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation: 1959-2009

Half a Century of Island Conservation

DEEP TROUBLE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

If Laurie David and C. Dean Metropolous think that they are stewards of the environment, we are in deep, deep trouble. First we have Ms. David, supposed environmentalist, and her landscaper saying they knew nothing of the strip-mining project on her property, and then we have Mr. Metropolous on Cow Bay clear-cutting sensitive conservation land with the lame excuse that he’s donated money to the Farm Institute and cares about the environment.