Skip to main content area

Visitor Info
Dining
Transportation
Getting Married?
News
B.I. Wind Farm
Opinion
Columnists
Features
Community
Announcements

BIT SubMain Menu

Home
Classifieds
e-Edition
Subscribe
Login

You are here

Opinion

Letters

Thu, Dec 21

Category:

Opinion, Letters

A little bit of history To the Editor: History was made at the Coast Guard Station this past summer! Together with our families, we would like to thank the Town of New Shoreham for their help and support in putting together a ‘first’ for Block Island: a wedding at the Coast Guard Station. It all...
The gift of giving

Thu, Dec 21

Category:

Letters, Editorials

The quality of life on Block Island is maintained, and often improved, by the uncountable number of hours put in by an army of citizen volunteers who sit on the numerous boards and commissions that help make the town run. There isn’t anything terribly sexy about heading over to a meeting at 9 a.m...
Letters

Thu, Dec 7

Category:

Opinion, Letters

A great crew To the Editor: ‘Tis the season to be Merry... and grateful! The Block Island Tourism Council would like to thank the dedicated band of volunteers who helped to make the annual Christmas Tree Lighting possible: John Cullen (the man who saves Christmas every year!), Sean McGarry and...
A little help, please?

Thu, Dec 7

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Town Finance Director Amy Land, IT Specialist Michelle Spero, and Facilities Manager Sam Bird have full-time jobs that are busy enough on their own, never mind having to grapple with the issues surrounding the high-speed internet initiative. All three are adjunct members of the New Shoreham...
Letters

Thu, Nov 30

Category:

Opinion, Letters

A remarkable man To the Editor: Norris Pike was a remarkable Design-Builder. It’s hard to ‘notice’ a Norris Pike design on the island… you really have to look hard as his houses have that ‘timeless vernacular’ character that makes it difficult to separate them from our Island’s historic resources...
Master plan needed for long-term housing needs

Thu, Nov 30

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

The idea of adding two dwelling units to the design plan for the Fred Benson Beach Pavilion is a good one, and, given the island’s current housing crunch, more than a symbolic gesture even if the units will only house three people. The “No lifeguard on duty” sign has become all too familiar by the...
Letters

Tue, Nov 21

Category:

Opinion, Letters

The meaning of faith To the Editor: Some years ago, Justin Abrams thoughtfully offered us a “siddur,” the “Sabbath and Festival Prayer Book,” which, for many years, before replaced, had served Temple Emanuel, in Providence, where the Abrams family worshipped in days of yore. In addition to the...
For all the world

Tue, Nov 21

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Each year, at the Thanksgiving Ecumenical Concert, Mary Donnelly reads the names of those people who died during the past year abd who either lived on, or had some association with, Block Island. After she has read the names, Mary includes a little prayer, which she writes, and which also is...
Letters

Thu, Nov 16

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Good works To the Editor: For those who made the time to support the Bo Gempp Fundraiser on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 12), there is only one way to describe the atmosphere that filled the room, and that is as a “magical event.” Bo would have been extremely proud to see the outpouring of Island love in...
Our neighbor, our colleague, our friend

Thu, Nov 16

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

The following resolution honoring Norris Pike was drafted by Martha Ball, in collaboration with others, and is presented here in its entirety: Whereas, F. Norris Pike, proud descendant of Block Island's early settlers, spent his early years here, attended Wentworth Institute in Boston,...
Letters

Thu, Nov 9

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Write the Council, ban the bag To the Editor: On Wednesday Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. the New Shoreham Town Council will continue its public hearing on the banning of single-use plastic bags on Block Island. Plastic bags are bad for our environment, dangerous to marine life, and litter our trails and...
Getting it right

Thu, Nov 9

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

It was getting a bit tense. The Town Council was scheduling special meetings, sometimes during the day, to continue the discussion on the new Town Manager’s contract. The five members emerged on Wednesday, Nov. 9, with the good news: Contract negotiations had come to an end, and Edward Roberge was...
Letters

Thu, Nov 2

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Vote yes to ban the bags To the Editor: Banning single-use plastic bags on Block Island is the right thing to do, and an important step towards increasing environmental responsibility on our beautiful island. What seemed to delay the Town Council’s action on this matter at the October meeting were...
Staying Connected

Thu, Nov 2

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Town residents either woke up to, or saw while still awake, something unusual from the Block Island Power Company in the early morning hours of the storm that rolled over the island this past weekend: notices from BIPCo updating residents about what the company was doing to address outages and...
Letters

Thu, Oct 26

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Baffling To the Editor: I'm blown away by the Town Council's inability to come to grips with the fact that plastic bags are bad for the environment, particularly on islands — no matter the size — and need to be regulated. After all these months, they want to dither over small details, like how do...
Medical Center, School, should move ahead on internet needs

Thu, Oct 26

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

The demands and needs of the digital age have finally caught up with Block Island. The Block Island School and the Medical Center have reached a tipping point, and while the demands of the School have been widely known for some time, the Medical Center got some news recently that put one of their...
Featured letter

Thu, Oct 19

Category:

Opinion, Letters

To the Editor: Last week, Councilor Chris Willi was critical of the previous Town Council on Facebook noting that that Council did not vote for a housing stipend for a Town Manager. When I saw that, my initial thoughts were that if we are to work together to solve our issues, social media isn’t...
Letters

Thu, Oct 19

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Issues, issues To the Editor: Sometimes government action can overdo things, and sometimes it’s late to the table. Out in the big wide world such excesses or deficiencies may have dire consequences; here on Block Island, not so much. But still. Three examples come to mind. In the too-much category...
Ban the bag

Thu, Oct 19

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Plastic is choking our oceans and killing marine life. Banning single-use plastic bags should not really be too much of a debate. We urge the Town Council, at its next meeting, to take what will be a largely symbolic measure and pass the ordinance banning the plastic bags that was crafted by the...
Letters

Thu, Oct 12

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Can you help? To the Editor: In my 37 years on the island and eleven years on the Town Council I think that I have written to The Block Island Times only four or five times and two of those may have been letters of praise or thanks.This time it is different. I am moved to reach out for...
Whale deaths

Thu, Oct 12

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Since 2003 and in 2006, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared unusual mortality events (UME) for humpback whales. The 2003 event was called in the Gulf of Maine (for large whales, but primarily humpbacks), and in 2006, the area that NOAA concentrated on was the North Atlantic...
Letters

Thu, Oct 5

Category:

News, Opinion, Letters

Choices for Utility Commissioners To the Editor: The reddish ballot for electing the Utility Commissioners to the Block Island Utility District arrived today. The color was well-chosen and a reminder to stop, look, and vote. Of the candidates, there are three — Everett Shorey, Barbara MacMullan,...
Take the test

Thu, Oct 5

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

The Medical Center is offering free Lyme disease and babesiosis testing on Monday, Oct. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It would be a good idea for as many island residents who are able to take advantage of this opportunity. Those who experience Lyme disease first-hand can attest to its sometimes...
Letters

Thu, Sep 28

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Fiber optic options To the Editor: I am an infrequent visitor to your beautiful island. I was told today that a task force has been active in exploring the potential for fiber optic. I obtained online a copy of a report issued earlier this year. I wish to inform the task force that my area of...
A new voice in town

Thu, Sep 28

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

The unanimous vote, simply recorded as 4-0, with one member of the Town Council absent, doesn’t quite capture the evident enthusiasm the Council has for its choice of Edward Roberge as the new Town Manager. Few outside the process have met Mr. Roberge, but his brief conversation with The Block...
Letters

Thu, Sep 21

Category:

Opinion, Letters

To the Editor: Are the readers of The Block Island Times curious about tourist visitation and spending on Block Island this past season? If so, we invite one and all to the Annual Meeting of the Block Island Tourism Council on Tuesday, September 26th. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar...
Featured letter from Broadband Committee

Thu, Sep 21

Category:

News, Opinion, Letters, Featured Letters

Ed. Note: The following was sent to The Block Island Times by New Shoreham Broadband Committee Chair Bill McKernan: September 18, 2017 To the Editor: The New Shoreham Broadband Committee wants to thank The Block Island Times for your continued coverage of our work...
A question of committment

Thu, Sep 21

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

You know you are on Block Island when, no matter what the topic of conversation, it ends up being about housing (or, especially after the week we’ve had, transportation). That’s probably self-evident from the number of stories and editorials we’ve written on the subject over the past few weeks. The...
Letters

Thu, Sep 7

Category:

Opinion, Letters

To the Editor: On behalf of the Block Island Lions Club, I would like to thank all who participated in the success of our Annual Clam Bake at the Narragansett Inn on Saturday, Sept. 2. This is our biggest event and we count on its success so we can make appreciable donations to our community. The...
Housing needs require coordinated look

Thu, Sep 7

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

With the discussion of available affordable housing bubbling up in what seems like several different quarters around the Island, it may be time for the Housing Board, as the group that has spearheaded actual progress in this area, to consider holding a series of public forums specifically dedicated...
Letters

Thu, Aug 31

Category:

News, Opinion, Letters

Vile accusations To the Editor: As you know, the Town Council voted to delay the entire election for the Utility Board. I did vote in favor of that action, but not due to a lack of faith in the abilities of the Town Clerk's Office to accomplish what needs to be done, and on time. Neither did I so...
Once again

Thu, Aug 31

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

It was just a week ago that we called on people to participate in the mail ballot to elect five members of what will be the newly created Utility Board of Commissioners. In fact, by Monday morning — Aug. 28 — Town Clerk Molly Fitzpatrick had received almost 400 ballots, which, if we can speculate,...
Letters

Thu, Aug 24

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Thank you, Rescue Squad To the Editor: One night in early June of this year, my father passed away on Block Island. My daughter and her friends were visiting my parents at their summer home on the Island when his artificial heart pump malfunctioned and he lost consciousness. My daughter called 911...
Cast your vote

Thu, Aug 24

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

It would be hard to make the argument that the transition the Block Island Power Company is making from a privately-owned entity to a ratepayer-run utility district has been smooth. The vote to purchase two-thirds of the stock for $1.8 million was contentious, and very, very close, and the journey...
Letters

Thu, Aug 17

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Please pick up your trash To the Editor: There are many demands made of the government of Block Island, as reported in every issue of The Block Island Times . However, there are some problems that restraint and civil responsibility would do a lot to solve. In that department is the trash...
Making a difference

Thu, Aug 17

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Right around this time, every year, you can see the toll that the summer takes on the volunteers who staff the Block Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. The calls just keep on coming, day after day, without discrimination in terms of time of day, and without discretion in terms of the severity...
Letters

Thu, Aug 10

Category:

Opinion, Letters

It’s a dog’s life To the Editor: Full disclosure: I am a dog. My name is Dodger and I live on Payne Road. I originally came from Tiverton, R.I., but I hit the jackpot when my now-owners came by one day when there only two of us left in that big cardboard box and the lady, Sue, said “I want this one...
BIPCo candidates night is Monday, Aug. 14

Thu, Aug 10

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

The Block Island Times and the Block Island Residents Association are sponsoring a candidates night on Monday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Block Island School. All eight candidates — Mary Jane Balser, Sean McGarry, Everett Shorey, Barbara MacMullan, Peter McNerney, Christine Grele, Jack...
Featured letter

Fri, Aug 4

Category:

Opinion, Featured Letters

Becoming a tradition To the Editor: Saturday morning (July 29) was not a pretty sight, but we decided to go forward with the swim, considering the better weather conditions at Andy’s Way. It was very early, 7 a.m., and volunteers trickled into the swim area, each performing a specific task to...
Along Corn Neck Road

Fri, Aug 4

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Not everybody liked the walkovers that were constructed over the dunes on Corn Neck Road, but their presence, along with a series of other efforts, has gone a long way toward restoring and repairing these necessary buffers. It’s a relief to see the beach grass growing where piles of bicycles used...
Letters

Fri, Aug 4

Category:

Opinion, Letters

A matter of safety To the Editor: What is it going to take for us to recognize we have a safety problem on the island, particularly during the summer season? Trying to merely walk on the side of the road, no less take a family bike ride to the beach, is terrifying. Driving safely seems an...
Letters

Fri, Jul 28

Category:

News, Opinion

To the Editor: We have been pleased to attend the last few meetings of the Broadband Committee. It is moving this crucial project forward by looking at all relevant issues, including cost. I hope the town accepts the criticality of bringing quality, high-speed internet to our homes, school,...
Smart food

Fri, Jul 28

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Jamie Johnston, an island resident who runs a trash pickup business, called the paper and said something was gnawing at him, and that was the amount of edible food being left behind at the homes where he collects trash and recyclables (He sent us this photo of leftover food items.). This is food...
Stay in your lane

Thu, Jul 20

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

There are, in fact, rules to the road. This applies to people who drive cars, and to people who ride mopeds and bikes. This is a message for people who ride bikes, generated by the fact that people are openly concerned and frustrated by what is plainly seen as irresponsible behavior by those people...
Letters

Thu, Jul 20

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Quick reaction To the Editor: The Committee For The Great Salt Pond would like to thank the Town of New Shoreham, The Sewer, Water, and Police Departments as well as Andy Transue & Co. for all their help to keep the The Great Salt Pond great. An unfortunate incident occurred late Saturday where...
A central role in island life

Fri, Jul 14

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

One of the key words from those who advocated purchasing two-thirds stock of the former Block Island Power Co. was “control.” The idea behind that word was to have local oversight of our power company because it was going to be sold to someone , so why not take ownership of it ourselves?...
Letters

Fri, Jul 14

Category:

Opinion, Letters

To the Editor: A dramatic sunset in the West over the Pond, followed by a magical full moon rising in the east over the ocean, and perfect weather, made for an ethereal movie set-like experience for a capacity crowd gathered at the Sullivan House to support and celebrate the Block Island Health...
Block Island is a work of art

Fri, Jul 7

Category:

Opinion, Editorials

Block Island is always referred to as a tourist destination, which is defined almost exclusively as a place to eat, drink, lounge on the beach, ride a bike or moped, or visit historic landmarks. What is too often excluded in this mix is art — Block Island is, and always has been — a haven for...
Letters

Fri, Jul 7

Category:

Opinion, Letters

Thank you, Block Island To the Editor: Tickets for the Block Island Medical Center Annual Gala to be held Sunday, July 9, at the Sullivan House are sold out. Thank you to the Block Island community for your enthusiastic and generous support for the Center and this event. Our next fundraiser is the...
Letters

Fri, Jun 30

Category:

News, Opinion

Making the parade possible To the Editor: The Double Ender Committee would like to say thank you to the many members of the community that reached out and donated to the annual Fourth of July Parade. We’d like to say a special thank you to Dead Eye Dick’s and the New London Ferry for their generous...

Pages

« first
‹ previous
…
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
…
next ›
last »

Island Buzz

Looking for a great rug?

4/16

Looking for something great underfoot? We have a terrific selection of rugs both in stock and for custom order. Wool, Cotton...
New Listing! Views of Old Harbor and Atlantic

Posted By

Ballard Hall Sales Group

4/16

We are excited to announce 245 Southeast Road to the market! This property is already Pending Sale! This property is being...
Why Solstice? Learn Why Seniors Choose Us

Posted By

Solstice Senior Living

4/16

Why now? Independence without isolation, quality amenities and more. Feel like yourself again at Solstice at Groton. Visit...
Still Looking for a Summer Rental?

Posted By

Sullivan Sotheby's International Realty

4/16

Sullivan Sotheby’s International Realty has some great options, if your still searching for that perfect Summer Rental. We...
Highland Farm has Fresh Spring Nursery Stock

Posted By

Highland Farm Inc.

4/16

Highland Farm has fresh nursery stock arriving daily! From large evergreens which can be planted to make an instant green...
History Happening Here- Join our Membership in 2021

Posted By

Block Island Historical Society

4/15

Thank you for your interest in the Block Island Historical Society. We all value everyone who shares our love of the island...

Receive our weekly email-letters!

Email Address

Email Type

Weekly Features-letter
Weekly News-letter
Breaking News

Tweets by BITimes

Real Estate

1,825,000
924 off Coast Guard Road, Block Island, RI 02807
Lila Delman Real Estate

Striking Contemporary with sweeping Island and Atlantic Ocean Views. This three bedroom, two bath...
849,900
907 Coast Guard Road, Block Island, RI 02807
Lila Delman Real Estate

907 Coast Guard Lovely coastal cottage on desirable Coast Guard Road. This property is open and...
950,000
Cozy Cottage
Sullivan Sotheby's International Realty

Classic summer cottage fronting on Harbor Pond for easy access to kayaking, paddle boarding and...
438,000
Ideal Opportunity to Own Near Vaill Beach
Ballard Hall Sales Group

An ideal opportunity to own land on the south side of Block Island. Located on Lakeside Drive in...
1,225,000
1657 Pilot Hill Road

A year round getaway is the best way to describe this three bedroom three bath home. One can relax...
1,250,000
Waterfront land on Dorrie’s Cove Road
Sullivan Sotheby's International Realty

One of the last undeveloped, waterfront properties available. Build your dream home on this...
3,475,000
1085 Lakeside Drive, Block Island, RI 02807
Lila Delman Real Estate

Sunset Coastal. Newly updated, custom Block Island Beach Home, renovated with a smart eye and an...
490,000
Mohegan Trail-Land
Sullivan Sotheby's International Realty

Buildable lot with engineered site plan - ready for Building Permit application. 0.87 acre with 250...

More Listings>>

Upcoming Events

Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 4/18, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 4/25, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 5/2, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 5/9, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 5/16, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 5/23, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 5/30, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 6/6, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 6/13, 10:00am
Easter Sunday Snrise and Worship Services

Sun, 6/20, 10:00am

View Calendar>>

Island Religion

PART 1 THE CHRISTIAN’S DESIRE

Posted By

Block Island Christian Fellowship

4/14

PART 1 THE CHRISTIAN’S DESIRE INTRODUCTION Now that we are a Christian, what is probably the most important spiritual thing...
PART 7 ASPIRING TO BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST

Posted By

Block Island Christian Fellowship

4/8

PART 7 ASPIRING TO BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST CHAPTER 8 BEING A WITNESS OF ATTENDING TO THE ASSEMBLING OF THE SAINTS Acts 2:42...
PART 6 ASPIRING TO BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST

Posted By

Block Island Christian Fellowship

3/31

PART 6 ASPIRING TO BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST CHAPTER 7 BEING A WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE What we are going to talk...

About Us
Advertise
Contact Us
Site Policy

© 2021 BlockIslandTimes.com