LETTERS
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IN MEMORY OF RACHEL

To the editor:

Medicine Woman.

To me, that's what Rachel was. I am here today, in part because of the healing that Rachel prompted my physical body to do. Her imprint upon my heart and soul went even deeper, was more profound, and will be everlasting.

Native Americans believed that women had more healing power than men because of their natural connection with the Spirit world. They were the most revered persons among all tribes. With fire, chants, laying-on of hands and their medicinal herbs, they soothed ill souls and healed broken bodies.

Rachel employed ancient tools of healing from many cultures with everyone she met, whether patient or a friend. She believed in our power to transcend the limitations of our mortal bodies. She inspired us to expand our sense of connectedness with others. Rachel believed we are here to serve others, and by doing so, we serve ourselves. She rejoiced in the notion that everything, good or bad, is as it is meant to be for the Greater Good of All.

The Creator of us all has assigned each of us our mission. I look at Rachel's life, and I believe she accomplished the missions for countless souls. I know she believed in part, that her life truly began when she met Paul, and made the decision to fall in love with him. I also know that Rachel believed that giving birth to her darling, beautiful Isabella was her greatest mission and achievement as a woman.

Rachel Angela Parrotto Budzynski. Spirited, gifted, healing, loving, courageous Medicine Woman.

- Catherine Flanagan Stover

HELP WITH HEALTH INSURANCE

To the editor:

The new state-mandated insurance is here and can certainly be confusing. Penalties for not having insurance, deadlines, and understanding what options are available on Nantucket could cause some people to make poor choices or simply avoid the issue altogether and hope the penalty won't be too bad. I write to encourage residents of Nantucket to take advantage of the Hospital's Health Care Advocate and Enrollment Specialist (Kathryn Kennedy and Aida Solano) for advice and guidance as to the best option for each individual to meet the state's requirements. This applies to small business owners as well. Choosing wisely is very important and the hospital has spent considerable time training both Kathryn and Aida to be intimately familiar with the state's plans.

Additionally, there are plans being offered by many insurance companies that may not be the optimum choice for those of us living on Nantucket. Before signing up for any insurance plan under the pretense that it is the best way to meet the state's requirements, I would suggest you learn more of what the state actually requires as well as what it is offering. Not all of the plans offered are available on the island. Before you sign-up take the time to ensure that it's the right plan for you.

Both Kathyrn Kennedy, Health Care Advocate (508- 825-8256) and Aida Solano, Enrollment Specialist (508- 825-8387), are available Monday through Friday.

- Peter MacKay Social Service Manager Nantucket Cottage Hospital

BIODIVERSITY, REVISITED

To the editor:

On Saturday, September 22, the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) held its second biennial Biodiversity Conference. The NBI is a partnership between Nantucket conservation organizations, universities, non-governmental organizations, and individuals interested in documenting, monitoring and conserving the biodiversity of Nantucket, Tuckernuck and Muskeget Islands and adjacent waters. The 2nd NBI Conference, held at the Coffin School, was a huge success with over 95 people in attendance. Attendees enjoyed 18 presentations and 5 posters covering topics from the life span of the bay scallop and diet composition of gray seals to bryophytes of Nantucket and historic accounts of the heath hen. Many of the presenters were recipients of NBI grants for their research (see www.nantucketbiodiversityinitiative.org for more information). The success of the Conference is due to the effort of our volunteers and the support we received from our sponsors including Provisions, Cisco Brewers, Foods For Here and There, Nantucket Nectars, Nantucket Ice House, Espresso To Go, Island Coffee Roasters, the Even Keel Café and the Downy Flake.

Stay tuned for more information on the 3rd Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Week scheduled for 25 to 31 May 2008. During this special week there will be over 15 lectures, field trips and programs open to all Nantucket residents, visitors, teachers and students provided by scientists and naturalists from on- and off-island.

The NBI partnership includes: Linda Loring Nature Foundation, Maria Mitchell Association, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Garden Club, Nantucket Islands Land Bank Commission, Nantucket Land Council, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Nantucket High School Science Department, Trustees of Reservations, Tuckernuck Land Trust, and UMASS Boston-Nantucket Field Station.

Many Thanks,

- Emily Molden and Ernie Steinauer

Co-Chairs, 2007 NBI Conference