NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

More sure signs of spring: Yup, I actually did catch Pam Benjamin rollerblading down my street. I have no doubt she has been out before this. In the first to the outdoor shower news, I hear Stan Marshall over in the Skiff avenue neighborhood has been using his for at least three weeks. And what would spring be without the rabies clinic? I’m giving you a heads-up for one week from tomorrow, Saturday, April 4, at the MSPCA House at 276 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, there will be a rabies clinic for dogs and cats. Dogs must be leashed, cats need to be in carriers. The clinic is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cool thing is our Island veterinarians are donating their time. If you particularly want to see the vets your pets are used to, call 508-627-8662 for further details. If you are looking for a three-year vaccine, you must bring appropriate paperwork — that phone number will get you the news. A donation of $15 per pet is suggested, but this issue is so important, don’t let that stop you and give what you can.

Another sign of spring is Earth Hour, the annual blackout, which is between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. tomorrow night. Thousands of cities, towns, Martha’s Vineyard, and 82 countries have pledged to dim the lights, shut the electricity, and find other ways to spend time. Ours is sponsored by the Vineyard Conservation Society. Call 508-693-9588 or e-mail marticamv@aol.com for more details. Sounds romantic.

I had the great pleasure last Friday afternoon to attend Andrew Berry’s history class at the high school and hear a talk given by his son, Lt. Mason Berry and Ens. Molly Meyerink who were excellent representatives of our Navy. Molly pilots the USS Princeton, Mason is a Navy pilot who has served in Kuwait and southern Iraq, mostly piloting Medevac aircraft on rescue missions. The young officers discussed the United States as a world power and how we got there. They had an accompanying film that was amazing. Our school kids asked pertinent and thoughtful questions. I wish you all could have been there. Good wishes to Mason and Molly!

In the realm of things I’m not technically or mentally able to do yet, Nelson Smith informs me that our Scottish Society of Martha’s Vineyard now exists as a page on Facebook. Any of our members may join and post announcements, photos, jokes, videos — all in good taste, Nelson reminds us. I think this is beyond me and I hope the SSMV still sends me its bulletin by snail mail. Any questions? Nelson’s at wascosim@gmail.com.

Heads up again for two more incredible events on Saturday, April 4. Our Tisbury Senior Center is hosting a soup luncheon at noon with musical entertainment. Call Jan Billings at 508-693-1036 for details and a reservation, or just call our center at 508-696-4205.

The other big deal that day is electronics collection on the campus of our Martha’s Vineyard Community services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Disposal will cost $1 to $30 per item, depending on what it is. Refrigerators, cell phones, computers, toasters, washers, dryers, you name it, they’ll take it. There’s no charge for mice and keyboards. Special discounts for carloads. Further details at 508-693-7900, extension 267, or online at mvcommunityservices.com.

Those of you who have made the trip to Haiti in support of the Fish Farm, your friends and relatives, are welcome to a potluck supper at 6 p.m. tomorrow night, March 28. You are welcome even if you just want to learn more about this fascinating project. The dinner is at the Good Shepherd Parish Center on the corner of Pacific and School streets in Oak Bluffs. Bring your photos, videos and journals of your work in Haiti.

Jill Hanson will speak at the library on Tuesday, March 31, at 2 p.m. on the topic Is Your Money Safe? All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.

April approaches, our poetry month. Island writers are invited to send three poems, each typed on one page. List the titles and your name on a separate cover sheet, please. These will be presented as a revolving display at our library during the month.

There’s a new star shining in the sky, especially over West Tisbury and White Plains. John Doyle is pleased to announce the birth of his second granddaughter, Casey Elizabeth Hendrickson, born on March 23 at White Plains Hospital. Casey weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and is 20 inches long. She is welcomed by her parents, Jamie and Heather, as well as older sister Riley. No doubt she will be on her first beach on Island this summer. Welcome to the world, Casey Elizabeth!

Belated birthday balloons go out to my dear friend and colleague, June Manning, who celebrated yesterday.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Mary Campos and Michael Hebert on March 28. Sunday is shared by Deb Stuart and Sandra Aparecida Gomes. March 30 is a party for Eric Clapton, Michael Diamond, Marco Daniels, Abigail Chappell, and Andrew Nelson. March 31 belongs to Steve Durkee, Laura Alexander and Rachel Pires. April 1 honors Enoia Preia Dos Rei. And on April 2 Bob Kalayan, Bo Andrews, Kate Desrosiers and Kathy Daniels take the cake. Many happy returns.