PWC and Muscle Skippers Say It Isn’t So

Dear Bay Weekly:

It is offensive to skippers of PWC and muscle boats that in the editorial Boaters in Hot Water [Vol. xv, No 30: July 19] we are referred to as “crazies with their heads full of rum who race up busy creeks.” The writer uses personal opinion to influence the reader to think negatively of all who operate these vessels. I admit that the statistics on PWC involvement with boating accidents are alarming, but the story should not be used to prejudice the reader.

–Dave Young, Chesapeake Beach

Editor’s note: The editorial makes reference only to boaters who are drunk when they operate their preferred vessels, not to sober people who operate personal watercraft and other speedy vessels in responsible ways.

The vulnerability of personal watercraft — involved in nearly one-third of 2006’s reported boating accidents, with injuries in every case — was underscored again last week. On the Elk River in Cecil County, a passenger on a personal watercraft died after a collision with a 42-foot powerboat. The same day, Saturday, July 21, an impaired driver and passenger were arrested for speeding through Isle of Wight Bay in Ocean City.

Madren Gives Readers Hope

Dear Bay Weekly:

We all know that the Bay gets a “D” on scientists’ scorecards, but thanks to Carrie Marden’s in-depth reporting, I now have a better understanding of why. Her June 28 article on micro-monsters [Vol. xv. No. 26: Micro-Monsters Lurk in Chesapeake Waters] was the most comprehensive coverage I have seen about the science and monitoring of the bacteria that pose risks to human health.

She also gave us a clear picture about the sources and consequences of debris dumped in our waterways in last week’s cover story Breaking the Litter Pick-Up Cycle on the Potomac [Vol. xv, No. 27: July 5]. While the news on the Bay continues to be glum — the bacteria counts in my community far exceeded the recommended limits over the last weeks, for example — Madren’s emphasis on the positive steps being taken by our riverkeepers and other citizen groups gives me hope for the future.

–Scott Smith, Tracys Landing

John Smith Authors Review Ben Miller

Dear Bay Weekly:

Thanks to Ben Miller [Between the Covers: John Smith’s Chesapeake Voyages: Vol. xv, No. 28: July 12] for attending our lecture at Calvert Marine Museum, reading the book and his kind words.

–Wayne Clark, Chesapeake Beach and Kent Mountford, Lusby

Kudos, Bay Weekly

Dear Bay Weekly:

I don’t know how you come up with such great stories each week, but please keep up the good work. I am a long-time fan of Carrie Madren, but I have noticed far more writers in your paper of late, and I enjoy their new perspectives. Also, who’s doing your covers these days? They are wonderful.

–Dr. Richard Hochman, Annapolis

Editor’s note: Production assistant Clara Gonzalez de Hall has been adding her creative flair to Bay Weekly’s covers.