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Opinion

Ownership

Wed, Mar 5

Category:

Editorials

Here’s a phrase that we hear often enough: Block Island is unique. But Block Island is unique and one of the reasons for that is due to the deep feeling of ownership that many have for this place. Very few communities have a population as deeply committed to it as islanders are to their home, and...
Guest opinion: Conservation is a B.I. tradition

Catherine Bowes

Mon, Feb 24

Category:

Opinion

Block Island has some of America’s best breezes, a natural resource that has lured sailors for generations. Now, after years of careful planning, community input and wildlife research, Block Island is on the verge of harnessing that resource with offshore wind energy. Block Island has a lot to be...
Letters to the Editor, February 22, 2014

Mon, Feb 24

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: Orange flags and the regular hunting schedule (not White Buffalo) were recently provided to the school, library and Interstate to be raised on days when hunting is allowed, providing a visible feedback mechanism to Block Island residents and visitors. (Interstate has not confirmed...
Editorial: Let’s keep the plan moving

Fri, Feb 21

Category:

Editorials

The ambitious and controversial deer-culling plan scheduled to begin next week has been postponed — for a year. The reason for this last-minute change is that the White Buffalo sharpshooters felt unsure about proceeding without more time to prepare. Naturally it makes no sense to go forward with a...
Editorial: Town Council meetings are too long

Wed, Feb 19

Category:

Editorials

People who specialize in workplace efficiency routinely say that meetings lasting more than two hours fast become a waste of time. The mind begins to wander, conversation becomes repetitive and energy gets sapped. We bring this up in light of the excessive length of most of the Town Council...
Letters to the Editor, February 15, 2014

Mon, Feb 17

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: The night sky over Block Island is much brighter since Feb. 6, 2014. We have eight new and brightly shining stars and they each have a name: Martha, Linda, Maguerite, Lisa, Carrie, George, Adrian and Tristan. Congratulations to all the stars. Keep on shining. Mary Donnelly Old Town...
Letters to the Editor, February 8, 2014

Mon, Feb 10

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: So here we are on Block Island, in the dead of winter and maybe just one of the worst winters we have seen here in many years. We have taken the annual census on Ground Hog Day at the Island Pub, finding that only 931 hardliners are toughing it out all winter on this island. My...
Editorial: One young man’s journey

Sun, Feb 9

Category:

Editorials

The shocking death of actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman on Super Bowl Sunday from a heroin overdose has once again put that drug back into the spotlight. After that news became known, something predictable happened in the media: articles and TV reports started sensationalizing the presence of the drug...
Letters to the Editor, February 1, 2014

Mon, Feb 3

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: The Block Island Historical Society would like to send a special thanks to all the people who helped make the fundraiser for the Double Ender Project on Nov. 30 a great success. The restoration of the full-size replica Unity will be a great educational tool for interpreting...
Editorial: Why even bother?

Sun, Feb 2

Category:

Editorials

Gov. Lincoln Chafee, in what otherwise appears to be a responsible $8.5 billion fiscal budget for 2015 (begins July 1, 2014), has cut the tourism line item to the bone. As pointed out in our story this week , the state is posed to spend a mere $400,000 for marketing, aside from the hotel tax...
Letters to the Editor, January 25, 2013

Mon, Jan 27

Category:

Letters

To The Editor: Several folks have asked for an address to send donations to the Chaplain’s Closet fund for Wounded Warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where we recently visited and presented gifts from Block Island. Checks may be sent payable to: Landstuhl Regional Medical...
Editorial: Walsh’s food bill is necessary

Sun, Jan 26

Category:

Editorials

It’s one thing to say something needs to be done. It’s another to take the steps to accomplish it. That’s why we praise State Representative Donna Walsh on her efforts to increase food waste recycling in Rhode Island. Last week, Walsh proposed new legislation that would require Rhode Island...
Letters to the Editor, January 18, 2013

Mon, Jan 20

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: A fair number of long time readers must be wondering how Rebecca ended up in the trash. I knew nothing prior to seeing the photo in the paper and learned of the whole situation only minutes before last week’s Town Council work session. Right now, the good news is Rebecca was salvaged...
Editorial: Winter diversions

Sun, Jan 19

Category:

Editorials

Block Island resident Judith Fucci posted a simple question on Facebook the other day: “Hey Block Island.. Mental wellness?..How ‘bout a gym.. swimming pool?.. A Y?.. Somewhere to hang out that is not a bar?” Within a short period of time, she received 155 “likes” and dozens of comments. What...
Letters to the Editor, January 11, 2014

Mon, Jan 13

Category:

Letters

To the people of Block Island: My mom, Lori Leone, welcomed life with open arms. The love she had for her family, for loved ones, for friends, and for her heritage was fierce and unwavering. Out of all the places they had been and lived, Block Island was her true home, and she loved it here as well...
From the Editor

Mon, Jan 13

Category:

Editorials

It has been almost a year since I was introduced to the island, and the island was introduced to me. It’s been a year of much learning, a situation I don’t expect to change very much in the months and even years ahead. I am grateful to everyone who continues to take the time to speak with me about...
Editorial: A new year, a new council, but lingering issues await

Mon, Jan 6

Category:

Editorials

The New Shoreham Town Council is now back up to five members. At this week’s meeting, the board added new member Gary Ryan to its ranks. This is a selection that has received universal praise. Ryan is a well-liked and respected member of the Block Island community and is a welcome addition to our...
Letters to the Editor, January 4, 2014

Mon, Jan 6

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: A few weeks ago there was an article on what might happen to the Solviken property. Suggestions ranged from steps down into the foundation to a covered pavilion. Costs were estimated at over $47,000. Here’s my suggestion: sell the wonderful faced foundation stone to a contractor if...
Letters to the Editor, December 28, 2013

Mon, Dec 30

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: Perhaps this lovely island needs to make a few New Year’s resolutions. How about lessening the absurdities of life on Block Island? I have a short list for review now, maybe a long list at a later date. Sewer bills. Those of us that are unfortunate enough to have homes on the town...
Editorial: Choosing a new member an important step for the council

Sun, Dec 29

Category:

Editorials

Five individuals have forwarded their names to the Town Council that they may be considered to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Sean McGarry. The first thing we need to do is offer our thanks to these five: Gary Ryan, Mark Emmanuelle, Allan MacKay, Howell Conant and Les Slate. Working on...
Letters to the Editor, December 21, 2013

Mon, Dec 23

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: Regarding “Harbormaster seeks new building at Boat Basin,” The Block Island Times , Dec. 14, 2013: “While acknowledging the generosity of The Oar Restaurant for providing bathroom facilities to the general public, Land noted that the facility ‘is inadequate and overused,...
Editorial: Though not perfect, DEM plan best option for reducing deer herd

Sun, Dec 22

Category:

Editorials

On Wednesday night the Town Council voted to approve a comprehensive plan developed by the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to cull Block Island’s deer herd. It is very far from a perfect solution but we believe it is the right course of action. It is a milestone in the effort to...
Editorial: Jessica Willi right choice for tourism award

Wed, Dec 18

Category:

Editorials

We sometimes feel as though the state of Rhode Island has forgotten us out here; that we’re just a cash cow in terms of tax revenue and that’s about it. Of course, the island does produce revenue for the state because so many people find Block Island an attractive place to visit. The ongoing...
Letters to the Editor, December 14, 2013

Mon, Dec 16

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: For many the thanks of Thanksgiving continued through the weekend as folks paid tribute to Ed McGovern for his decades of service as proprietor of the Yellow Kittens and Winfield’s. From great service to five star cuisine to Lions Club support to political acumen to Clam Shack, he...
Editorial: No movies this year

Fri, Dec 13

Category:

Editorials

When Empire Theatre owner Gary Pollard announced that he wanted to extend his schedule into the winter for first run movies — if he could find a suitable venue — the idea was hailed as a contribution to both island culture and its mental health. Various groups and organizations publicly supported...
Letters to the Editor, December 7, 2013

Tue, Dec 10

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: For those of you on the island who were hoping for a weekend winter movie venue, we are very sorry to report that showing newly released movies over the winter will not happen. Attendance at the Empire Theatre after Labor Day was much lower than expected, even after lowering the...
Letters to the Editor, November 27, 2013

Mon, Dec 2

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to give special thanks to all who made our 2013 Block Island Farmers Market season such a success. The Farmers Market provides a venue for island residents to sell their fresh produce, baked goods and crafts all grown or handmade here on Block...
The First Thanksgiving

Wed, Nov 27

Category:

Editorials

Edward Winslow, who was a passenger on the Mayflower and a leader among the first settlers, attended the first Thanksgiving. He provided the earliest contemporaneous account of the feast in correspondence commonly referred to as “A Letter from New England to a Friend,” dated Dec. 11, 1621. The...
Editorial: Baldwin worked quickly and effectively for patients

Fri, Nov 22

Category:

Editorials

Barbara Baldwin was obviously not going to allow the decision by UnitedHealthcare to drop three healthcare professionals on Block Island from its Medicare Advantage network, to stand. Because of her tenacity, it didn’t. Island residents and patients at the Block Island Medical Center are fortunate...
Letters to the Editor, November 23, 2013

Fri, Nov 22

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: According to The Block Island Times report of the Conservation Commission meeting of Nov. 12, Chairman Ned Phillips, Jr. brought up a discussion concerning pesticide use on the Island. During the discussion, Mr. Phillips “suggested sending a letter reminding residents that...
Editorial: Time to decide on the deer

Fri, Nov 15

Category:

Editorials

The issue of Lyme disease and the presence of the deer that carries the tick that causes it, as anyone with any institutional memory can attest, goes back decades. Now, at long last, it appears that the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has sanctioned a plan to seriously reduce the size...
Letters to the Editor, November 16, 2013

Fri, Nov 15

Category:

Letters

The following letter was sent in response to our online subscriber’s fee. To the Editor: Forgetaboutit. Not going to happen with me. I rent every summer and winter and will not spend one dime at a place that advertises [in The Block Island Times ]. I will bet my life on it the...
Letters to the Editor, November 9, 2013

Fri, Nov 8

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: Dear Block Island: The fastest internet you now enjoy is DirectTV, or WiFi from your phone provider. Both of these options are more expensive than DSL [direct subscriber line], but offer up to 12Mbps [internet connection speed], verses 1.5Mbps service with DSL. A fiber cable run to...
Editorial, New fire barn: A good idea, but too early

Fri, Nov 1

Category:

Editorials

The idea proposed last week about building a new $3 million fire barn here on the island was certainly worth floating. But if it was indeed a trial balloon then we say that it should drift away gracefully and return only when some other, more urgent, needs have been met. The proposal, which was...
Featured Letter: Time for a change on Block Island

Fri, Nov 1

Category:

Opinion

To the Editor: I thought you would appreciate this. Thirty years ago, Block Island was talking about the mopeds on Weldon’s Way and they’re still talking about them. Look at the dates of this article. Just goes to show you for 34 years we’re still talking about the same thing. I imagine if you told...
Letters to the Editor, November 2, 2013

Fri, Nov 1

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: I was deeply bothered by the letter in last week’s paper concerning UnitedHealth Care and the Medical Center [Letters section, Oct. 25]. My wife and I are seniors and members of Medicare and their Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) UnitedHealth Care. We are directly affected by...
Cable options: Where do we go from here?

Mon, Oct 28

Category:

Editorials

It was inevitable that the discussion with state Rep. Donna Walsh and Sen. Sue Sosnowski would get around to the subject of Deepwater Wind. The two held a breakfast at the Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and all of 18 people showed up. But when the subject of Deepwater Wind did arise, it...
Featured Letter: Herm Mast responds to Councilor Chris Warfel

Mon, Oct 28

Category:

Opinion

To the Editor: I hope that your readers gave Councilor Warfel’s Oct. 12, 2013 “Featured Letter” a close reading. It revealed qualities that have become hallmarks of his public discourse since taking office; namely, unsubstantiated, vaguely sinister condemnations by innuendo of the conduct of Town...
Letters to the Editor, October 24, 2013

Mon, Oct 28

Category:

Letters

The following letter was sent to The Providence Journal and copied to The Block Island Times . To the Editor: I was surprised to see an open letter to Rhode Island United Healthcare Medicare Advantage members published Oct. 19. The letter stated that UnitedHealthcare...
Editorial: A hopeful start

Sun, Oct 20

Category:

Editorials

On Tuesday night the Town Council, at its invitation, held a joint meeting with the Tourism Council and the Chamber of Commerce. The topic was a list of concerns identified by the latter two groups to improve the environment for tourism. The meeting was positive, productive and encouraging. It is...
Publisher's Note: Lost and found

Mon, Oct 14

Category:

Opinion

In the process of trimming the brush that lines the road by the bridge just down from Town Hall, Mike Shea found the sundial that had been removed from the stone column on the grounds of the government center. It had been pitched unceremoniously into the bushes; but no matter, it’s been found. You...
Letters to the Editor, October 12, 2013

Mon, Oct 14

Category:

Letters

The following letter was sent to the members of the Town Council, as well as Town Manager Nancy Dodge, the Block Island Tourism Council and the Block Island Chamber of Commerce. To the Editor: I am writing to inform you that I will not be withdrawing my application to the Public Utilities...
Editorial: Time to go to work

Sun, Oct 13

Category:

Editorials

A startling, but quite true, statement was made to the paper last week. That statement was, in effect, that the headlines that filled the pages of The Block Island Times years ago — even decades ago — were still the topics of conversation on the island today. To wit: what to do about the...
Letters to the Editor, October 5, 2013

Mon, Oct 7

Category:

Letters

To The Editor: One of our Block Island mythologies has left me feeling hollow and disgusted. The particular myth is that our community is wrapped in a close knit spirit of kinship, that when our world veers toward excess, the common sense of fair-minded islanders will reveal itself and help set us...
Publisher's Note: A senseless act of vandalism

Mon, Sep 30

Category:

Opinion

On the grounds of Town Hall to the right side of the front of the building stands a stone column topped by a sundial. Incised on top of the granite pillar are the words “In Memory Of Eileen.” Two granite seats complete the semicircle. There are probably few people on island who even know who Eileen...
Letters to the Editor, September 28, 2013

Mon, Sep 30

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: The Democratic Town Committee of Block Island wishes to recognize and thank the individuals and organizations that made the Sept. 3 visit to the island of Sen. [Jack] Reed and Rep. [Jim] Langevin such a success, including members of the Chamber of Commerce, and the staffs of the...
Editorial: A missed opportunity for the BIHS Board

Fri, Sep 27

Category:

Editorials

A perfectly reasonable proposal to the Block Island Health Services Board to recognize the years of service of former Executive Director Monty Stover — possibly through a fundraiser — quickly devolved into a discussion designed to put as much daylight between the Board of Directors and this idea as...
Letters to the Editor, September 21, 2013

Mon, Sep 23

Category:

Letters

To the Editor: I find it bothersome that our Block Island Tourism Council has unanimously supported a ferry from Quonset Point to Block Island. This will probably not increase tourism one iota. If someone can travel to Quonset Point they can travel a few more miles to Pt. Judith. Do not think I am...
Editorial: Two plans, two opportunities to help

Sun, Sep 22

Category:

Editorials

There are two initiatives underway designed to improve the town’s infrastructure and the quality of life here and each in its own way is an important step toward institutionalizing some of the challenges we face. The Block Island Chamber of Commerce recently issued a survey asking business owners...
Editorial: The arts community is an important part of island life

Mon, Sep 16

Category:

Editorials

We received a very nice letter from island artist Sharon Lehman thanking us for the spread we did on the recent art show that closed out the Spring Street Gallery season. (It’s in the letter section here .) It was not only a pleasure for us to do, but we believe the arts community is an important...

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