Letter to the Editor
Beach Trash artwork shows what's under our feet
This past fall, in response to the ever-present increasing accumulation of plastic trash on Cape Cod beaches and recreational areas, the Dennis Select Board, with support of the beach department, recreation committee and library, OK’d a proposal to install “Beach Trash” artwork at four Dennis town sites.
The objective and purpose of the artwork is to increase public consciousness and heighten visual awareness of the severity of plastic pollution in our landscape and environment. I created the artwork from trash collected and picked up while walking our beaches and then assembled the pieces into a collage creating a new image of what is under our feet. The severity of plastic trash is visually impactful.
Concurrently, Dennis Public Library Director Cindy Cullen offered to exhibit the artwork in the Benjamin and Ruth Muse Meeting Room, a beautiful spacious room for showing artwork. Pieces were hung and displayed for public viewing. Jeff Clough, Dennis 18 Media Specialist, produced an excellent video explaining the effort and reasoning behind Beach Trash artwork.
Thank you to the Dennis Select Board, beach and recreation committees, Jeff Clough and Cindy Cullen for their support of the Beach Trash Artwork display initiative.
Suzanna Nickerson, Chatham
Support 'medical aid in dying' bills
I anxiously await passage of legislation authorizing medical aid in dying in Massachusetts (H.2381/S.1384). I’m reminded of it whenever I enter my age in a health questionnaire. I mark the appropriate box. Some years ago, I realized that I’ve reached the “last box” phase of my life.
While I am fortunate to enjoy good health, many of my family and friends have not been so fortunate. As I continue to age, I know that I, too, may become sick before I die. If I suffer severely, I want the option of limiting my suffering to what I can tolerate. As a younger woman, I chanted “My Body, My Choice.” I reclaim it for those who support legislation to implement medical aid in dying in Massachusetts.
This pending legislation is optional for mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live. They may choose to receive a prescription to take medication and die in their sleep. Their terminal status must be confirmed by two physicians; they must see a mental health provider. Only these terminally ill persons may request the medication for themselves; no one else may administer it to them. They may change their minds; one third of people who get a prescription choose never to take it.
It’s time for the Massachusetts legislature to act and join the other 11 jurisdictions (22% of the country) that since 1994 have enacted legislation successfully, including our New England neighbors, Maine and Vermont.
Carolyn Gray, Mashpee
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: suzanna nickerson art display of trash items found on beaches
