Opinion
Fiscal Squeeze
In Aquinnah, the hours of operation have shrunk for the town landfill and the library. In Oak Bluffs, the town is facing an operating deficit of as much as $2 million.
The scale may be different. But the service cutbacks in Aquinnah and the serious fiscal shortfall in Oak Bluffs are part of the same picture: a slowing economy, rising costs and Island towns caught in the middle.
Last call at The Ritz last weekend was a bittersweet harmonic of Island memories, fellowship and the final touching of a central force of Island life for four decades.
In anticipation of an expected sale later this month by Janet King to restaurateur David Ryan, the most local of Vineyard watering holes hosted a last-call weekend that drew several hundred communicants from four states to say their sayonaras.
Ms. King was overwhelmed by the swan song which, in typical Island style, began on Saturday and extended into Sunday.
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.
Heavenly Phenomena
From the Vineyard Gazette editions of March, 1958:
I never saw him in a Gorilla suit — or in a helmet for that matter. (Though I’m told he played these parts very well). But the penny loafers were ubiquitous. And Darmanesque? Well, for those who knew Richard Gordon Darman on the Island, Darmanesque meant being insightful, thoughtful, perspicacious — and just about always right.
Unwise Choice
Editors, Vineyard Gazette: