Coastal communities, including those on the Vineyard, are struggling with plastics on the beach. Animals are killed, which is visually unpleasant and bad for tourism. But while a clean environment is important, it’s also important to make prudent decisions on how we tackle a problem. There are some surprises in what we know and don’t know about plastics, and many unanswered questions about their true impact on our environment.

This is the month when the Vineyard finds itself barely afloat in a sea of events — endless fundraisers for nonprofits large and small, clambakes for politicians (large and small), art shows, jazz concerts, off-Broadway-quality theatre, Jacob’s Pillow-quality dance, Sundance-quality film and the more traditional summer events of the Agricultural Fair, Illumination Night and the annual Oak Bluffs fireworks display. It’s our summer kaleidoscope: colorful, fascinating and a little dizzying.

Sacrifices are not in vain, they pay off in the end.” This was one of the poignant remarks of Gabriel (Gabby) Douglas, who this year became the first African American woman to win the Olympic individual all-around gymnastics title in an explosive performance. She is only the fourth American woman to achieve this distinction. In spite of perceived slights of omission by a leading newspaper which excluded Gabby from the team picture, and coverage by the contracted networks which excluded Gabby from the initial shot after team U.S.A.

It all started when I ran into Inner Vision Ocean Swimming instructor and visionary Bob MacLean, in Reliable Market. Bob’s got just about the best guru-ship going because he focuses all his energy on getting folks to jump in the water and splash around. He also teaches about the breath and endurance and how to improve your stroke, and a bunch of philosophical stuff — but the jump and splash is the basic protocol.

A daily jump and splash will save you from all your demons, and more people saved from their demons will save the world.

From the Sept. 6, 1894 edition of the Vineyard Gazette:

Give attention, kind friends,

and harken good neighbors.

And for a brief time

abstain from your labors,

For our Fair is approaching,

and whate’er your vocation,

We entreat your heartiest

co-operation;

But first of all, farmers,

(We trust you will note it.)

The part most important

will be what you make it.