To the Editor:
On behalf of the Polar Bears of Martha’s Vineyard, I would like to urge the Oak Bluffs selectmen to support the vote in favor of $40,000 for a beach rake. Our 70-year-old, multigenerational organization is based at Inkwell Beach, and we have taken a role over the years to support the improvement and maintenance of Inkwell Beach, including beach cleanup campaigns with the Cottagers, long-term advocacy for dog policy, trash cans, lifeguards, and accessibility for all, as well as protesting the recent questionable sand replenishment.
As you may know, the Polar Bears’ official season is July Fourth thru Labor Day. The Polar Bears swim and offer water aerobics classes at 7:30 am at the Inkwell Beach daily, open to all who show up. During the Polar Bear 2015 season, we had 600 people in the water aerobics class in July, and 1,000 people in the water aerobics class in August. This letter is written to provide the Oak Bluffs selectmen with a brief glimpse of the use and the value of beach care and upkeep, given the great numbers of beachgoers and users beyond our Polar Bear numbers.
On behalf of the Polar Bears members, a great many of whom are homeowner and taxpayers, and the public we serve, I urge the Oak Bluffs selectmen and town voters to vote for the $40,000 warrant for a beach rake. I am an Oak Bluffs homeowner, taxpayer, and voter, as well as a longtime Polar Bear member. I believe we can and should do better for our great natural resources, our beaches.
Caroline Hunter, Martha’s Vineyard Polar Bears
Oak Bluffs
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