Rebecca Gilbert and Randy Ben David have roots - both the human and botanical variety.

On their farm off North Road in Chilmark they grow root vegetables such as beets, carrots and onions, and they have wild root herbs including sweet grass and ginseng.

Rebecca and Randy also have family roots that run as deep as the rich, sweet soil they cultivate without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

The idea is not new. Dr.

SSA Hears from Public
By JULIA WELLS

Invite more public participation. That was the message to the Steamship Authority board of governors last week from a small gathering of Vineyard residents.

"I would like to encourage you to reconsider your policy of only permitting public comment at the end of your meetings.

Clash Over Fast Ferries
By JULIA WELLS

Steamship Authority leaders clashed openly yesterday over whether to develop multi-million-dollar high-speed ferry service from the port of New Bedford to the Vineyard — and how the public boat line is going to pay for it.

"This high-speed opportunity from New Bedford has the potential to be the most profitable run in the whole Steamship Authority.

Following a late-night discussion that grew cranky at times, the Martha's Vineyard Commission voted narrowly last week to designate a district of critical planning concern for the shorelines of two shellfish-rich ponds in Chilmark.

The vote was 9-6 to approve the Menemsha and Nashaquitsa Ponds DCPC.

Jennie Greene, the appointed member of the commission from Chilmark, fought bitterly to block the DCPC.

"I think this is a slam-dunk that a couple of people put together.

Senior managers at the Steamship Authority knew months in advance that the starboard engine on the New Bedford passenger ferry Schamonchi was likely to fail, the Gazette has learned.

A professional marine survey prepared for the boat line three months ago reported in some detail on the worn condition of the engine. "The machinery, especially the starboard engine, is approaching the end of its useful life, with major overhaul due. The generators are of older vintage. Spare parts will be scarce," wrote Michael L.