A Voice From the Pit
To the editor:
I had the pleasure recently of having been hired by the Nauset High School Theater Dept. to play trombone with the student performers in the pit band for the spring musical, Anything Goes.
I was impressed with every aspect of Nauset’s performing arts program. The enthusiasm and professionalism of the students reflected the outstanding leadership provided by Music Director Daniel Anthony and the show’s director, Ian Hamilton. Thus, it was with great disappointment that I read of the decision to terminate Mr. Hamilton’s appointment. [“Nauset Students Advocate for Drama Teacher’s Return,” May 29, page A7.]
A well-rounded education entails a great deal more than “reading, writing, and ’rithmetic.” I would place the arts well ahead of athletics and just behind academics in importance. My 50 years as a musician began with my formal introduction to music at age 12 in sixth grade in a school that placed a premium on exposure to all aspects of the arts.
The budget for the Nauset Schools is not insignificant; in return, we are rewarded with one of the finest school districts in the nation. I urge, in the strongest possible terms, reconsideration of the questionable decision to remove a highly qualified and dedicated arts educator from the Nauset High School faculty.
John A. Wolf
Wellfleet
Drama at Nauset High
To the editor:
We read with concern the article “Nauset Students Advocate for Drama Teacher’s Return” in your May 29 issue.
The decision by the Nauset Regional High School administration not to renew Ian Hamilton’s contract after an extremely successful three years as drama teacher is devastating, as the vice president of the Nauset Players put it.
The high school principal said it was “a staffing issue” and that he couldn’t talk about it. This kind of unexplained action is similar to the senseless firing of federal workers by the Trump administration’s Dept. of Government Efficiency.
For the sake of our kids and our own integrity, we urge the school administration to reverse this heinous decision.
Roz Diamond and Michael Harnett
Eastham
Living Through It
To the editor:
The article “How to Live Through It” [May 29, page A8] was both inspiring and encouraging. With so much coming at us so fast these days, it’s easy to feel like we’re barely keeping our heads above water. But the women profiled in this piece reminded me that kindness, courage, laughter, and friendship are powerful lifelines — and they’re always within reach.
Their stories nudged me to keep looking for the “sea glass” that’s so often right under our feet if we just take a moment to notice. I hope this article inspires others to lend a hand, share a smile, or make room at the table — because every little act matters.
I’m 66, so technically I’ve already grown up. But those seven women? I still want to be just like them when I grow up again.
Paula Bruns
Eastham
Parking in Wellfleet
To the editor:
Re “Wellfleet Nixes Use of Lot as Staging Area for Rental Turnovers” [May 29, page A10]:
I remember that in summers past, before the authorities enforced the alcohol ban at Cahoon Hollow Beach, that beach was the preferred destination for thousands of people who wanted to spend the day sitting in the sun and getting hammered.
Back then, dozens of private buses and livery vehicles would park all over Wellfleet, including at the pier, after dropping off beachgoers with their alcohol-loaded coolers.
The parking situation for those vehicles was so overwhelming that on March 10, 2020 the Wellfleet School Committee voted to accept $10,000 to allow two private bus companies to park their buses at the elementary school after dropping off beachgoers at Cahoon Hollow.
Yet Del Mar Vacations can’t use the senior center parking lot on Saturdays from June 21 to Sept. 13 as a staging area for their cleaning crews.
I don’t get it.
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.
