LETTERS
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BEACHES NORTH OF THE BLUFF MUST BE CONSIDERED

To the editor:

The SBPF project (described and celebrated by its proponents in the new series now beginning (July 11, 2007) in The Nantucket Independent, "Voices from the Bluff," certainly deserves the attention it will be getting in the next few weeks. But I'd like to call attention to the likelihood that not all the outcomes may be as beneficial and benign as your first respondent (Bill Holding Jr.) and also the SBPF advertisements in the same issue suggest.

The Quidnet Squam Association represents the residents along the eastern shore, from Sesachacha Pond north to Wauwinet. Last August the QSA Board passed a resolution urging more attention to unintended and probably undesirable consequences for these many miles of beaches. Some new studies have now appeared, and the results are not unambiguously optimistic.

There is even the possibility that the project could succeed in 'Sconset and at the same time degrade the waters and beaches along the neighboring shores.

Sincerely,

- Richard Peterson,

President,

Quidnet Squam Association

OLD MILL TO GRIND AGAIN

To the editor:

The next couple of weeks at the Nantucket Historical Association's Old Mill, located at 50 Prospect Street, will be exciting ones. What appears to have been a slow start on our grinding season has actually been the result of a renewed effort on the part of the Nantucket Historical Association - to preserve and interpretively reinvigorate this site.

Over the course of the winter we partnered with Chuck Colley and the Nantucket Public Schools by enlisting the help of students in making new "wooden teeth" for the gears of the old mill. We have also contracted a nationally recognized mill preservationist (there aren't many of those!) to help us in developing new historically accurate arms and sails that will enable the mill to operate more regularly. Once the new arms arrive our maintenance staff will "raise the sails," rotate the top into the wind, and the island's last remaining windmill (built in 1746), will grind corn into meal - thus heralding in another summer season. This is a truly wonderful glimpse into Nantucket's past, and I encourage readers to pay a visit whenever they get a chance!

Sincerely,

- Bill Tramposch

Executive Director,

Nantucket Historical Association

HANDS OFF

To the editor:

I am coming out on record that State Representative Matt Patrick is wrong for pushing for legislation that would put the Steamship Authority under jurisdiction of the State Government's Executive Office of Transportation (EOT). Mr. Patrick is flip-flopping on original legislation that he supported which exempted the Steamship Authority from the EOT jurisdiction in 2004. If his new legislation passes on Beacon Hill, then the people of the islands of Nantucket and the Vineyard will lose control over what has been our statutory regulatory body which allows us, islanders, to have control over our water highways to the mainland. Thus, we must not allow the state government to take our rightful powers.

Representative Patrick, your district is not even affected by the Steamship Authority. You should instead worry about your own constituents and allow us islanders to govern ourselves. Hands off, Mr. Patrick.

Your public servant always,

- Doug Bennett THANKS TO ALL FOR FIREWORKS

To the editor:

To paraphrase the inscription found on the General Post Office in NYC: "Neither fog nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will stop Nantucket Visitor Services from shooting off the fireworks." Phew, we made it another year.

At this time, I would like to thank all who helped and contributed to this year's Fourth of July fireworks. Thank you to Dave Fronzuto and the Marine Department for their constant professional commitment in making sure that the fireworks make it securely onto the barge and for keeping our waters safe. Thank you to Libby Gibson and the Board of Selectmen for offsetting our extra costs for the barge and contributing to the event. In addition, I am grateful to Paula Leary for the use of the NRTA buses, Chief Bill Pittman for his help and Mark McDougall and both their Staffs for their time. I would also like to include Grucci Fireworks, Jimmy Manchester, AT Wilce, The Nantucket Lodging Association and the Nantucket Visitor Services Committee for their assistance in this event. I truly want to thank David, Kevin and the rest of my staff for their continued support during a challenging time and to always let them know I truly appreciate their efforts.

Lastly, I would also like to acknowledge and express gratitude to the community of Nantucket for their encouragement during a stressful time. I want you all to know that I am grateful for the true island spirit and a special thank you to those sitting on Jetties Beach with me calling out the letters ACK as they were shot and then flashed across the night sky.

Most Sincerely,

- Kate Hamilton

Director, Visitor Services HOT GLASS A SUCCESS

To the editor:

We would like to thank the community of Nantucket for its support of Hot Glass Nantucket. People turned out in large numbers for all of our events over the weekend and have been expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about glass and the artists who use this unique material to express their ideas.

In particular, we would like to thank Nantucket Island Resorts for donating the Mad Hatter lot for the week; Yates Gas for donating the propane; the Nantucket Fire Department; the Nantucket Police Department; Nantucket Party Rentals; all of our donors who gave money to support Hot Glass; the Artists Association; Pacific Bank; Susan and David Hostetler; our program advertisers, and the many volunteers who helped out over the weekend.

One of the highlights for us was the children's "You Design It, We Make It" portion of the program. Gabriel, Faith, Sawyer, and Eloise were the lucky designers and it was an experience they will never forget. Thanks to the many kids who participated and did drawings.

Sincerely,

- Jayne and Bob Dane

- Lance Kelly