L E T T E R S
EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: INFO@NANTUCKETINDEPENDENT.COM • MAIL: 15 NORTH BEACH STREET
TRIFECTA AT THE DUMP

To the editor:

Over budget, over cost and mismanaged, the collection and trans-shipment of construction debris, that is.

Why should we not be surprised? The recycling operation still remains totally ineffective. Overall,there are no serious controls to the escalating cost overruns.

The weight and volume of newspaper, mixed papers, corrugated papers and glass, the mass of which exceeds that of construction debris, remain in landfill.

Our recycling primarily consists of our paying to have our caretakers drop the already segregated and separated recycleables — which should saleable and profitable — back into the landfill.

Salvage can be easily processed efficiently, transported cost effectively, and merchandised at very satisfactory wholesale market prices.

The iron and metal which should be returning unusual profit to the town. But, we accept that all continue to be mishandled, not transported costeffectively, and not merchandised properly.

Hopefully, the selectmen are now ready to invest in an expert commission to provide them with an all-inclusive review and a complete overview of the entire operation.

As a former CEO of a major recycling operation, my experience allows me to state,emphatically, that:

• There can be no cost effective recycling without the installation of an upstroke, fully automatic, payloader loading baling machine.

• That the DPEW, or some other town commission, must be empowered to oversee on a day to day basis, weights and measures, transportation on and off island, and sales and marketing of all salvage.

Without these basic controls, the town will continue to accept the massive waste, the premature filling of the landfill, and staggering and ever increasing cost overruns.

— Gene Ratner

REMEMBER THESE AMERICAN CHILDREN

To the editor:

This is a call to my dear “Angels for Appalacia” who have helped me so very generously in the past. The poor folks in the Appalacian Mountains face a bleak and difficult future. In desperate poverty, generation after generation after generation, they are the forgotten people left to live often without indoor water, plumbing and electricity.

Due to health issues I’ve not been able to collect donations for a couple of years but I am asking, begging, for the kids this year. Any kind of children’s warm winter clothing. Shoes so they can walk to school (they can’t go barefoot in the winter!), boots, mittens, sweaters, hats, jeans etc.

Also, childrens’s warm outerwear — jackets, coats and parkas are all greatly needed. So please search and find these kids warm clothing please. I would also like to collect nice stuffed animals for them. All would be very welcome.

I will ship through dear Jim at Parcel Plus, as things come in and will continue after Christmas, so you will be able to select some older clothes Santa may replace.

Thank you and God Bless. Please drop donations off at 28 Polpis Rd. (On the deck).

— Nat Agostino A WIN-WIN SALE

To the editor:

“It’s like an old-fashioned rummage sale!” These words were music to my ears as the lady looked over table after table of last Sunday’s Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum yard sale offerings.

The success of our event is the result of incredible volunteer energy that began in May. From the collecting, pricing and storing of all those items to the setup and finally, exhausted, they stayed to clean up the Hearth Restaurant. Thank you doesn’t seem to sufficiently reflect my gratitude to all those who gave so much time, energy, and great spirit.

After a hectic summer, it was wonderful to see so many Nantucketers shopping for holiday gifts, vacation togs, and rental house furnishings. (I even ran into a school friend I hadn’t seen in over 40 years!) In my opinion, this was a win-win situation. Shoppers found treasures at very reasonable prices, and your enthusiastic purchasing will help the Museum meet some of our winter obligations.

This year’s yard sale felt like an event shared by the whole community, and I am deeply grateful for your support. Sincerely, — Barbara Medaugh,

President Nantucket Lightship

Basket Museum