LETTERS
SEND YOUR VIEWS AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: DON@NANTUCKETINDEPENDENT.COM
ANTI-LITTER LEGISLATION NEEDED

To the editor:

Congratulations to Sybille Anderson for her astute letter in the March 26 issue. We need more legislation on littering and then it needs to be enforced. We have enough police here on the island. It shouldn't be all that difficult to make a difference. We just all need to get on the same page.

- Linda Tanguay APPALLED BY WHAT SHE SEES

To the editor:

I am writing in support of a letter written this week by my long-time friend Sybille Anderson. I was out for a long walk Saturday. The more I walked the heavier my heart became - then the anger came. I am appalled at the condition of our Grey Lady. Over the years I have watched her scarred, raped and now dumped upon by greed and that insatiable need for instant gratification. Nantucket, for those of you who don't know, is sacred land, worshipped and nurtured by the Native Americans before us. We are guests here and some of Nantucket's guests have brought their garbage to our hostess's table.

On my journey I was met by plastic bags blowing in the wind, beer bottles and cans empty and full, rubber tires, bait bags, plastic balloons with lovely pink strings attached (perfect for strangling the wildlife that has no understanding of her human enemies), gas cans, whole picnics ravished then left behind. And the most disturbing - body parts of unsuspecting deer who were slaughtered and left by heartless hunters, not those who feed their families, but those who trophy their kill by leaving their bloody carcasses for us all to see. How do we explain this to our children, who, by the way, will inherit this problem and continue to disgrace and deface our beautiful Lady if they learn and follow by example. I stand with you, Sybille, in protest against this crime against our jewel and ask that those of you who love, respect and are grateful to her for the life she breathes in us, join forces in resuscitating her. Shame on those who continue to suffocate her and those who continue to turn a blind eye.

- Sondra-Lee Duquette MARCH THE MAGNIFICENT

To the editor:

Kudos and thanks to Gennifer Costanzo and her able committee for arranging the fourth annual Women's Gathering in celebration of National Women's History Month on March 28 at Sherburne Hall. Keynote speaker Judy Norsigian, one of the authors of the revolutionary book, "Our Bodies, Ourselves" and founding member of the Boston Women's Health Book Collective, gave an impressive presentation on "Our Bodies of Knowledge" with emphasis on the influence of media on women's health. As we all are aware, the massive and sometimes controversial amount of health information is daunting to the average consumer. After hearing Norsigian's talk, I went to her organization's Web site, www.ourbodiesourselves.org, and found it to be clear, authoritative and easy to use. I highly recommend it. Also, within seconds, I signed up for their weekly newsletter which I look forward to reading.

As a one-time member of Nantucket's year-round community, and now a parttime resident, it was a thrill for me to see a packed audience of Nantucket women of a wide range of ages interested in their own health as well as that of their families and their community. And I so enjoyed reconnecting with many of the women I knew when I first lived here.

The evening began with a reception that provided time for networking and conversation and was enhanced by buffet tables with sumptuous food donated by local restaurants. Area organizations involved in women's health issues provided vital information. Several Nantucket women artists displayed work that centered around the strength and beauty of women's bodies.

On Nantucket it's called March Madness, but, having spent my first March here in seven years, I suggest a name change to March the Magnificent! This March I found plenty to do, from concerts to plays and films, Atheneum offerings, Maria Mitchell Association birding programs, Nantucket Conservation Association nature walks, Nantucket Historical Association noonday lectures, good restaurants to enjoy, and, yes, even shopping. On top of all that, the early signs of spring have been a blessing as I walk the glorious streets of the Historic District. Mighty nice to be here.

- Charlotte Maison Kastner

Nantucket and Stowe, Vt.

SIGN UP FOR FUN

To the editor:

Do you know there is a special transportation for seniors to attend community events? It is really wonderful. I've been able to attend many events, even at night and on weekends.

Seniors sixty years old and over and their caregivers or family members now have an option through an Older American Title III grant. You need to register and make reservations in advance for public community events by calling Ginny Carrera at the Saltmarsh Senior Center at 228-4490.

Also if you know of upcoming public events not already on Ginny's list, please let her know, and if possible she will include it.

So sign up and get more fun activity in your life!

- Donna Forsgren EVERY VOTE COUNTS

To the editor:

We the parents who serve on the Cyrus Pierce School Council unanimously endorse Timothy Lepore, MD and Robin Harvey for the two open seats on the school committee. Our combined service on school councils, Friends of Nantucket Public Schools and Finance Committee has given us added insight to issues being faced by our school system. The business of education must ultimately be about what is best for the students.

We believe Dr. Lepore and Mrs. Harvey to be most closely aligned to our goals and objectives for improving public education on our island. Dr. Lepore, with his common sense and no nonsense approach when working with administration, has confirmed his commitment to our children. A well respected member of our business and school community, Mrs. Harvey is a strong candidate who will be a valued addition to the school committee with her effective communication and enthusiasm for the challenges ahead.

We, as council members but more importantly as parents, will be casting our votes for Tim and Robin. They are the right people to help lead our schools in a positive direction. We urge you to do the same on April 15.

Respectfully,

- Susan Trudel, Pamela Goddard,

Donna Muhr, Robin Yankow