I want to recommend to all Vineyarders to go to Featherstone Center for the Arts to see its outstanding exhibit about the Martha’s Vineyard Commission now celebrating its 50th year. The exhibit will remain up through March 30.

It was so meaningful to me to be reminded of how the commission came into existence. Just to mention a few details in the exhibit: the incisive role of Henry Beetle Hough, the actual plans for a bridge connecting the Vineyard to the mainland, and the proposal for part of the Island to become a national park.

Hurrah for all the Vineyarders who worked so hard to maintain local governance by creating the commission with the help of our state government. What a different Island Martha’s Vineyard would be today were it not for the commission’s year-round hard work, both by the elected and appointed citizen commissioners and the professional staff. Thank you for the many hours you all spend reading, researching, discussing and working toward difficult decisions that impact us all.

As a longtime friend of an elected commissioner, I also know how meaningful it has been for her to be involved in our community in this manner. Do take the time to read each name of the many in our community who have served, and inwardly express thanks to each one. Seeing all those names made my day. As a washashore myself 40 years ago, I am aware of how vital it is to protect the mixed economic and creative community the Vineyard is, and to protect its beauty and many species and natural resources. This winter’s three bad storms reminded us of how swiftly change can come and at the costs associated with the subsequences.

The very real shortage of affordable, or even attainable year-round housing, has been impacting us for a number of years. Witness the number of hospital employees and other workers who cannot find reasonable housing here. Just last year I sought the help of a skilled appliance worker who travels four hours a day from off-Island because he wants to provide for his family in an affordable home which he could find on the mainland but not here.

I hope all of us can continue to work together through the commission, our local towns and our housing and environmental nonprofits to maintain our vital community which also inspires and provides respite to those who visit and who contribute to our overall economic vitality.

Jean Hay

Vineyard Haven