NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

A rose by any other name would still be Barbara Silvia. How many of you, raise your hands, caught my error two weeks ago about the Red Stocking elves? I meant to add Barbara’s name as one of the diligent annual volunteers. I was thinking of her and her husband Gilbert. Lo and behold, I wrote her name in as Barbara Gilbert instead of Barbara Silvia. I saw her at the polls, where she has also worked hard for years, last Tuesday when I went to vote. We had a good laugh over that. We also agreed that, if she ever wants to commit a crime, Barbara Gilbert would be a great alias. But the crime this year is, everyone is broke and underserved due to the activities of the white collar criminals in charge of big corporations and finances. An appeal has come to me to ask you for another favor. As you know, any money you so kindly send to the Red Stocking Fund is never spent on toys but on warm winter clothes and necessities for our Island children.

Toys may be donated by you all, new toys, unwrapped, very gently used bicycles if you have them. This year the program has more applicants than ever and fewer toys than ever. Some suggestions are Legos, Duplos, makeup, skateboards, portable CD players, games, puzzles, action figures, soccer balls, baseball gloves, and arts and crafts supplies. There have been many wish list requests for bicycles. If you can purchase any of these items or have them, please drop them off at the Grace Church on Dec. 14, 15 or 16. If you need them picked up contact Gail Craig via e-mail to gcraigmv@yahoo.com. Remember, in these tough times, this is for children to have something under their trees. God bless you all.

There’s no end to the festivities; remember the free hay wagon rides through our town on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. The Louisa Gould Gallery is offering free shipping of art over $150, wrapped and sent, though tomorrow is the last day of the offer. But Louisa parties on with extended hours on Thursdays (until 8 p.m. on Dec. 17) and holiday treats, wine, hot drinks and cheer.

Our senior center holds its annual holiday party this Sunday, Dec. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. Join us for refreshments, good company, famous storyteller Susan Klein, and the Minnesingers. All are invited. I’ll see you there.

On Monday the senior center hosts, under the excellent direction of Philip Dietterich, the Vintage Voices presenting Songs of the Season. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. I’ll be one of many there with holiday jewelry on.

Legion Auxiliary members, remember that next Tuesday night’s meeting begins with dinner at our president, Ann Call’s home. Thank you, Ann, for another great year of service.

Our town library is also in on the fun. Come to our annual holiday party next Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. There will be a special party for children from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., but the grownups are invited to meet and mingle at 5:30 too. A free concert by the Vineyard Sinfonietta starts at 6:30 p.m.

Part of the Tisbury Business Association’s contribution to the season is a free screening of the Polar Express at the Capawock on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m. Another heartwarming classic. While admission is free, if you can spare some nonperishable food items for the Island Food Pantry, bring them.

Best get well wishes go out to my great neighbor, Walter Burke. Walter is back home recovering from his recent trip to Boston. I’m so glad he got the twinkling lights up on his outdoor tree before his emergency; it warms the neighborhood.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along twins Jackie and Carol Tileston today as well as Crystal Sylvia. Tomorrow is a party for Mike Holenko, Vamp Campbell, Samia Arado and Taylor Ardeen Meadows. Dec. 13 is claimed by Nancy May Hehre. Dec. 14 belongs to Cheyenne Cimeno. Dec. 15 shines on Erin Graves, Chris Baldwin, Merry Barclae Miaini, Emma Tobin and Tim Sylvia. Dec. 16 is shared by Jack Rice and Grainne Whelan. And on Dec. 17 Mary Kelley, Charlie Ashmun and Lyrae Littlefield take the cake. Many happy returns.