Phragmites Redux
To the editor:
Ronald Gabel’s letter titled “Phragmites vs. Spartina” [July 10, page A2] misquotes a sentence in the cited publication, Phragmites: Considerations for Management in the Critical Area, to completely reverse its meaning.
Here is the referenced sentence verbatim, which says just the opposite of Gabel’s interpretation: “There is no question that invasive Phragmites outcompetes native wetland plant species such as the low growing salt meadow hay (Spartina patens) that provides food and nesting habitat for many ducks, geese, and other marsh birds.”
I think you will find that biodiversity in total for all biota is higher in native Spartina than in Phragmites monocultures.
John Portnoy
Wellfleet
Not Very Welcoming
To the editor:
The Almanac in your June 26 issue [page A24] included the following statement: “Give us a good substantial wharf … and then we shall have a steamboat, then a first class hotel, then strangers would flock to our shores in pursuit of pleasure….”
That was in the Provincetown Banner in 1856.
And now, in 2025, when visitors flock to our shores, we charge them to park anywhere in town before they can support the stores, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment we excitedly offer.
Hmm. How’s this parking tariff working for our town’s businesses and our Friday night strolls of galleries and shops? Now we’re unique in yet another category: we charge visitors just to pull over, park awhile, visit a gallery or shop, and buy a cuppa.
Not the “Welcome to Provincetown” we’ve offered for over 100 years, is it?
Berta Walker
Provincetown
Heartbreak and Hope
To the editor:
“The Seawall Revisited” by Dennis Minsky, published on July 10 [page A3], broke my heart, gave me hope, and caused me to think deeply about aging and all the changes we endure. We experience profound change, not only as humans, but in our environment, our beloved towns and homes, and of course the wonders of our natural world.
A letter from Annette Andrus printed just below his column praised his wit and wisdom. I second that, send my deepest sympathies for his recent losses, and thank him for writing so beautifully about such a difficult period in his life.
Joan Baker
Wellfleet and Orleans
To a Bicycle Thief
To the editor:
This is addressed to the horse thief who stole my bicycle.
I know you stole a bicycle, but it was as dear to me as a horse. I had it for 20 years and had every intention of riding it for another 20.
What are your plans?
To be clear, the black, somewhat rusted Trek step-through bike with the beautiful shiny black upright bars, stolen from the West End parking lot (deftly cut from its lock), wants to be returned to its owner.
Even October is not too late to bring it to the place where you found it and lock it to the bike rack facing the beach.
With best wishes after the joy ride.
Shirley Spatz
Provincetown
Hooked by Gilbert
To the editor:
Jim Gilbert’s wonderful article “The Language of Fishing” in the July 3 issue [page B6] got me hooked from his opening sentence: “I wait all winter for the precious June afternoons when the wind and sun are at my back, and the tide is low and incoming.”
I’ve caught my share of stripers from boats and an occasional thriller from a dock, pier, or beach, and it is in fact a nearly addictive pursuit. After 60-plus years of saltwater fishing on both coasts, I can attest to the thrill of the hunt as well as the opportunity to bask in nature’s wonders with friends and family. There’s nothing quite like it, and the pleasures do indeed go well beyond simply putting nice fish on ice and then the table.
It’s hard to put a price on being able to let the world drop away. Being able to let go so completely is not just a pleasure, it’s a privilege. When there are abundant fish to be had, the experience can go even further. One can share one’s catch back home along with stories, perhaps a few of them exaggerated.
Thank you, Mr. Gilbert, for taking us into your world and sharing your experiences and memories.
Jack Sparacino
Quincy
Dystopia
To the editor:
Thank you for your July 10 editorial, “Rewriting History.” One headline after another — it’s relentless. It is dystopian, now, and sad to know that millions, including many among us, voted for this and are OK with it all.
Frederick B. Goldsmith
Pittsburgh and Truro
Don’t Be Scammed
To the editor:
On July 8, my cell phone rang; the number displayed on the screen was “+0.” That piqued my interest, so I answered. Here’s how the conversation went:
“Hello.”
“Hello, Sir. I’m happy to tell you that you are the grand prize winner in the Publishers Clearing House contest.”
“I didn’t enter that contest.”
“Sir, you didn’t have to enter. Your phone number was chosen randomly, and I’m excited to tell you that you have just won two million dollars and a car.”
I knew this was a scam, so I asked, “New or used?”
“New or used what, Sir?”
“The car. New or used?”
“A new car, of course, Sir. Any car you want. So, Sir, tell me: how does winning two million dollars and a car make you feel?”
“Like hanging up.” And that’s what I did.
A word to the wise: scammers claiming to be calling from Publishers Clearing House will ask you for personal data and require payment to get your prize. Don’t be fooled.
Mike Rice
Wellfleet
Letters to the Editor
The Provincetown Independent welcomes letters from readers on all subjects. They must be signed with the writer’s name, home address, and telephone number (for verification). Letters will be published only if they have been sent exclusively to the Independent. They should be no more than 300 words and may be edited for clarity, accuracy, conciseness, and good taste. Longer pieces (up to 600 words) may be submitted for consideration as op-ed commentary. Send letters to [email protected] or by mail to P.O. Box 1034, Provincetown, MA 02657. The deadline for letters is Monday at noon for each week’s edition.
