NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

We know my neighbors can throw a great party, we know our Brazilian friends can throw a great party, but it’s time to add John Hoff of Oakleaf Landscaping and pediatrician Dr. Melanie Miller to the list of fabulous hosts. Iole and I had the good fortune to attend the fundraiser for Jhonatan and David at the Grange Hall last Saturday. The twins were resplendent in matching rompers, big brother Anthony ran and played with the many children in attendance. The twins’ parents, Heliliani and Wesly Souza, are a most handsome and gracious couple. As you know, the twins were born prematurely and have many problems, especially David, who requires constant trips to Boston. This is how our community helps out: Edgartown Pizza sent lots of their specialty, IPF donated food and drinks, Our Market did the same, Edgartown Seafood sent platters of shrimp to die for, Steve Bernier of Cronig’s and Sam of Stop & Shop sent food, and Fella’s chowder was a welcome dish,

The M.V. Bagel Authority had a stand offering free ice cream and delicious smoothies, Joan Merry sent her famous flowers, Alan Cottle of Blackwater Farm brought over bales of hay, Fred and Betsy Fisher of Nip n’ Tuck Farm sent the hay wagon for the children’s rides, BeeBee Horowitz gave toys from her Toy Box for party favors, Coco the Clown presented games and magic, Coca-Cola sent sodas, Vineyard Bottled Waters gave their product, the State Road Restaurant donated chairs and ice, Cash & Carry sent food as did Angela from the Menemsha Café, Sheila Rayyan’s glitter tattoo and body art was a great hit with the kids, Jeremy Berlin played the piano as only he can, and members of Ballywho performed a bluegrass concert. Local churches and volunteers from Oakleaf set the stage. The Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust discounted the use of the Grange Hall, all for the benefit of this young family. We partied, we ate, we danced, we ate, Iole and I tried nearly everything on the groaning board. If you missed the fun you can still make a donation to: The Jhonatan and David Fund, c/o Sovereign Bank, P.O. Box 2151, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. I’ll keep you posted on the twins progress and our next party for them.

Since our Martha’s Vineyard Film Society began presenting the International Film Festival five years ago, I notice the crowds don’t thin out after Labor Day as much as they used to. Good for us, and thank you, Richard Paradise! The schedule has been well posted and the use of many locations makes this annual treat very exciting. The only director’s party will be at Louisa Gould’s Main street gallery tomorrow night from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Come meet the directors and try to follow their concepts on celluloid. Refreshments served.

The annual Run/Walk for our library is this Sunday, Sept. 13. Call 508-696-4211 for details. I hope the weather holds.

Not only is school in session but our American Legion Auxiliary commences meetings this Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at our hall on Marvin Road. We start of with the induction of new officers. All are welcome, and we always want new members.

That same night the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network starts its season under the tent at 105 Main street in Edgartown. Come view the Habitat for Humanity showcase house and get in on plans for the upcoming season. You may pay online at mvwomensnetwork.org or drop a check at Kiddo’s in Vineyard Haven or Ameriprise Financial in Edgartown. If you can bring a raffle item to the meeting, that would be very much appreciated.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Mary Alice Jannace, Julian Hickman, Amanda Klein and Nicholas J. Bourgoin today. Sept. 12 is shared by Lauri McNamara and Becky Masi. Sept. 13 is a party for John McCarthy, Clara Rabbitt, Tootie Strople Kieffer, Toby Wilson, Danielle Truscott and Naromar DePaula Sr. Sept. 14 honors Lynn White and Rebecca Isabel Sherr. Sept. 15 is for Will Felder, Heather McElhinney and Alycelee Pigman-Rayfield. Sept. 16 belongs to Carolyn Snow Redington, Mary Kennedy, Dashiell Pinto Kaufman and Joalser Nascimento. And on Sept. 17 Joanna Elliot Riesman takes the cake. Many happy returns.