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Editorials

Editorial: Winter diversions

Sun, Jan 19

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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...
From the Editor

Mon, Jan 13

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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

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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...
Editorial: Choosing a new member an important step for the council

Sun, Dec 29

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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...
Editorial: Though not perfect, DEM plan best option for reducing deer herd

Sun, Dec 22

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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

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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...
Editorial: No movies this year

Fri, Dec 13

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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...
The First Thanksgiving

Wed, Nov 27

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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

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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...
Editorial: Time to decide on the deer

Fri, Nov 15

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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...
Editorial, New fire barn: A good idea, but too early

Fri, Nov 1

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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...
Cable options: Where do we go from here?

Mon, Oct 28

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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...
Editorial: A hopeful start

Sun, Oct 20

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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...
Editorial: Time to go to work

Sun, Oct 13

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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...
Editorial: A missed opportunity for the BIHS Board

Fri, Sep 27

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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...
Editorial: Two plans, two opportunities to help

Sun, Sep 22

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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

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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...
Editorial: Summer wishes, summer dreams

Mon, Sep 9

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Editorials

Three things tell us that summer is coming to a close: Labor Day, the emptying streets and the return to school. One can argue that the season still has a couple of weeks to go, but if you’re sitting in a classroom looking at the nice weather through a window, you know that argument is never really...
Editorial: What was that all about

Sun, Sep 1

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Editorials

The question that seemed to linger in the air after the Town Council voted unanimously to renew “a contract” for Town Manager Nancy Dodge was: What was that all about? We put “a contract” in quotes because that was the language used in the motion that passed this Wednesday night — meaning we don’t...
Editorial: It’s frustrating, yes, but progress is being made

Sun, Aug 25

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Editorials

It is understandable that a good portion of the audience that came to listen to representatives of the Department of Environmental Management on the deer situation would be frustrated by what they did — or didn’t — hear. This conversation has been ongoing for years, literally, and so the ...
Editorial: Planning Board combined patience and wisdom

Mon, Aug 19

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Editorials

Being a member of a Planning Board, as anyone who has served will tell you, is not the most glamorous job in the world. You look at plat maps. You listen to abutters. You hear the arguments from attorneys, who are often so eloquent and persuasive for their side of the debate that quite a...
Editorial: B.I. Conservancy education center a gem

Mon, Aug 12

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Editorials

The opening of the Block Island Conservancy’s Education Center is a significant event in the island’s ongoing efforts to preserve its open space. The center is located in a small, elegant little building — the Old Schoolhouse — on Weldon’s Way and is the result of considerable effort by a number of...
Town Manager debate ill-conceived and troubling

Sun, Aug 4

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Editorials

Monday night’s meeting on Town Manager Nancy Dodge’s contract was not a high point in town governance — and there is no clear resolution in sight. First, councilor Sean McGarry — who was so critical of Dodge’s performance that he rated her no higher than one in any of the eight categories her...
Editorial: Action now on beach erosion

Mon, Jul 29

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Editorials

The question is truly epic: How do we protect our shorelines from further damage from the storms that climate experts say are surely on the way? The other question is this: Do we even try? The question of climate change, to our minds, is mute. You’ll notice we said “climate change” and not “global...
Editorial: Take a moment to thank a tourist

Mon, Jul 15

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Editorials

Those of us who live here are familiar with our love/hate relationship with the summer visitors. It’s bleak here in January and February, so we look forward to “the season” when more restaurants and businesses open and the island comes alive. But when it does arrive, we become impatient with the...
Editorial: We need a seat at the PUC table

Mon, Jul 1

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Editorials

During the special session that the Town Council scheduled this past week to discuss whether or not to appeal the recent Public Utilities Commission order that approved the annual revenue increase for Interstate Navigation, there was some palpable frustration with the PUC and the process that led...
Editorial: BIHS has new leadership and a new opportunity

Mon, Jun 24

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Editorials

After a tumultuous and disruptive year, the Block Island Health Services (BIHS) Board of Directors has newly elected officers, one new board member (and two returning members) and some new opportunities. The new slate of officers is Bob Fallon, president; Cindy Baute, vice president (who was also...
Editorial: "Stop... talking to cops" is exactly the wrong message

Tue, Jun 18

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Editorials

Given the events of the past few weeks, we have to assume that whoever planted a sticker on the stop sign in Bridgegate Square so that it would read: “Stop… talking to cops,” was serious about making a point. Just as the community, long in denial about the issues of substance abuse, appears...
Editorial: Beach Pavilion should be open by now

Sun, Jun 9

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Editorials

There were about 80 students, plus assorted teachers, visiting the island and having a bonfire on town beach the other night. It was a beautiful night, crisp and clear, and the kids were all camped out about 100 feet or so from the Fred Benson Beach Pavilion. They were taking pictures and throwing...
Editorial: A Taste of Block Island begins Friday

Fri, May 31

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Editorials

Do you have your button yet? That is, have you paid your five dollars for the button that will gain you access to all the events happening this weekend during A Taste of Block Island? The button can be purchased on the ferry or at the Block Island Chamber of Commerce, and along with it comes a...
Editorial: A Memorial Day Remembrance

Mon, May 27

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Editorials

On Thursday, Nov. 19, 1863, a group of dignitaries, including President Abraham Lincoln, gathered on a field in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to dedicate the opening of Soldiers’ National Cemetery. This was during the Civil War and just a little under five months after Union soldiers won a decisive...
Editorial: Look into appealing the Interstate agreement

Sun, May 19

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Editorials

One of the most prominent refrains among islanders after the R.I. Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced that it had approved the draft agreement with Interstate Navigation — which, among other things, increased freight rates by 34 percent — was that the PUC did not take into account the...
Two important town meetings next week

Fri, May 3

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Editorials

The annual Town Financial Meeting will be held this Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The proposed municipal budget is $12,141,327. Voters will also be asked to act on, among other matters, a $1 million bond for the Sewer Department equipment upgrades and $1 million for the Block Island...
Editorial: BIHS Board needs to make member list accessible

Sun, Apr 28

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Editorials

The scenario reminds us of the plot of some paranoid Cold War thriller: a member of a board asks other members of the same board if he can see a list of the people he represents. The answer, right now, is no. Candidates who are running for open seats on that same board ask if they can see the list...
Hey, DEM: Thanks for nothing

Tue, Apr 23

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Editorials

Decades ago a very unwise decision was made to bring deer to Block Island. Perhaps no one could have anticipated then what we now know. With no natural predator the deer population would swell way beyond what just under 10 populated square miles could support. Furthermore, the introduction of Lyme...
Block Island Poetry Project is this weekend

Fri, Apr 12

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Editorials

April is National Poetry Month, and Block Island celebrates this form of art with its own unique event, The Block Island Poetry Project, which began yesterday (Thursday) and continues through the weekend. There is no doubt that many see poetry as an outdated, even quaint, form of writing: we...
Editorial: Town council correct in approving deer plan

Sat, Apr 6

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Editorials

At long last the Town Council has voted to take meaningful action to deal with the deer problem. For decades the growing herd was tolerated and many island voices said that the only people bothered by the deer were the cottagers who liked to garden. But the deer also pose a serious health problem...
Editorial: Public hearing on Interstate proposal is Thursday at 12:15 p.m.

Wed, Apr 3

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Editorials

If you have any concerns about the Interstate Navigation agreement for rate changes now pending before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), then we encourage you to attend the Thursday meeting at Town Hall. Members of the PUC will be at Town Hall at 12:15 p.m. for a public hearing. The commuter...
Editorial: A week without internet service is not acceptable

Sun, Mar 31

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Editorials

A number of Verizon customers on the island — the number most consistently heard was 200 — had no internet service beginning last week for up to six days. The police station was affected, as was the medical center. None of this is acceptable. We know of one resident who was about to leave the...
Editorial: Community-wide discussion on the future of B.I. School needed

Sun, Mar 24

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Editorials

As we report in this edition , projections show that enrollment at the Block Island School will drop below 100 within ten years because of falling birth-rate trends. A decade ago the school population was just under 150 and now it hovers slightly above 110. According to a report by the New England...
Editorial: One last chance for public comment on Interstate proposal

Sun, Mar 17

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Editorials

There is one last chance for public input on the draft agreement reached between Interstate Navigation and a Division of the PUC that was announced earlier this month and it’s a valuable — if belated — opportunity for the public to offer its input. “The settlement basically brings us to where we...
Editorial: Island Free Library is a place of quiet learning

Sun, Feb 24

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Editorials

Island Free Library is a place of quiet learning A public library is a place of quiet contemplation. But as libraries transform themselves from a place almost exclusively devoted to books and other publications, we can expect — and in fact encourage — the inclusion of more modern forms of...
Editorial: Rate hearing an opportunity to tackle lingering issues

Sun, Feb 3

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Editorials

The island is hugely dependant upon Interstate Navigation as the necessary lifeline to the mainland. The Block Island community continues to be grateful for the good neighbor policy the company has consistently practiced through the years. That’s why we’re a bit taken aback by the manner in which...
Editorial: Petition undermines council’s majority vote

Sun, Jan 13

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Editorials

We have had dysfunctional Town Councils in the past and it made the process of governing quite difficult. Candid, informed discussions inclusive of differing viewpoints serve the public well. Once the vote is taken, however, the members should respect the outcome. With that in mind, we are uneasy...
Editorial: Time to look at gun laws and mental health services

Sun, Dec 23

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Editorials

Enough is enough. For years, our national and state leaders have hedged and dragged their feet on gun control issues, not wanting to alienate a powerful political lobby. A former Democratic president let a ban on assault weapons expire. President Obama is making noises but has taken no action,...
Editorial: Med. Center finances even worse than reported

Sat, Dec 15

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Editorials

I regret to say that I have learned information conveyed in the Block Island Times last week was substantially incorrect. Last week, I wrote an editorial focused on the financial situation at the Block Island Medical Center. I included some numbers that I have since learned greatly...

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