NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

If West Chop looked as busy as Grand Central last weekend it was because Louisa Dunning Grandin, daughter of John and Anne D. Grandin, married Ryan Sylvia of Fall River. I just knew the rain would clear up to make Saturday, Oct. 13, a beautiful, clear, crisp day. So many of the Grandins’ friends and family, along with the Sylvia contingent, returned to their neck of the woods to celebrate. The festivities began with a rehearsal dinner at the West Chop Club on Friday night. The wedding took place at Grace Church, officiated by Reverend Hensley and family friend Dorsey McConnell. Louisa, a vision in an ivory gown with a long train, was assisted by her matron of honor, Hollis O’Sullivan. Ryan was assisted by his best man, Timothy Cole of Fall River. The bridesmaids were gorgeous in deep burgundy. Guests included friend Hilary Conway who flew the red eye from Washington state just to make it in time to sing Grow Old with Me by John Lennon.

Other guests included relatives from Warsaw, friends from Amsterdam, California and Oregon. After the I-dos were done, all repaired to the Herdeg house on Main street where, backed by the excellent water view and under a tent with a clear ceiling, they danced the night away to the Sultans of Swing. V. Jaime Hamlin catered the food — you know how perfect that was. Joan Merry takes honors for the flowers. The father of the bride told me he danced for three hours straight. Louisa and Ryan will make their home in Stoneham. May they live happily ever after.

Some changes are welcome, some not. How sad I was to see Amy Levine’s fabulous store, It’s In the Bag, on Main street, having a closing sale. I always enjoyed Amy, loved her taste, knew the beautiful young women from the high school who worked for her, and can’t imagine the Island without her. But Amy is ready for a change. If you want to pick up some good deals on beautiful items, hurry down.

Another change I certainly welcome is the new Tilton’s Market, tucked behind Riley’s Reads. Two Island sisters, Kathleen Tilton Clancey and Tania Tilton Stobie, are offering coffees, teas, breads, cheeses, gourmet condiments and a handmade candy selection to die for. I wish them the best with this new and welcome venture. See you there.

I don’t think Alden Besse sleeps. He and Barbara have returned from walking all over Disney World to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Now he’s going walking again. The 17th annual Crop Walk, which Alden first brought to the Island in 1992, is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 21, rain or shine. Walkers start at St. Augustine’s at 2 p.m. on a route to Trinity Church in the Camp Ground, then back to Vineyard Haven. The event benefits Church World Services. Last year it raised $20,000 to ease poverty and worldwide hunger. By tradition, a quarter of all the money raised will go directly to our Island food pantry. Join us on Sunday.

It’s not too late to call Barbara Donald at 508-693-1493 for tickets to next weekend’s harvest supper at Christ United Methodist Church. There are two seatings: early or fashionably late. This is the 36th year the church invites you for turkey and all the fixings. Reservations are necessary. I have mine.

The young adult book club at the town library meets tomorrow from 3 to 4 p.m. to discuss The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Nighttime by Mark Haddon. Copies are available at the front desk.

Reminder: Marjorie Convery’s farewell party will be held at the library next Friday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. Come wish this lady bon voyage.

You all know how dear Mary Maloy Walker was to us. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Oak Bluffs. Our condolences to her husband Rick and 10-year-old son, Hamilton. Keep them in your prayers.

This is my most difficult paragraph to write. Last Wednesday was an absolutely gorgeous day, and I was called from school and told John Morelli died. I once referred to him in this column as the best English teacher in the universe, and I wasn’t wrong. Even so, he was so much more than that. The best father to his late daughter Kyra, the best husband to his wife Debbie, a loyal mentor to his students and younger teachers, someone you could count on, always. When you had a conversation with John, he really looked at you, he really listened to you. Can’t say that about many people. May he rest in peace.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Ben Cotton and Maggie Greely today. Tomorrow is claimed by Bridget Slomka, Sunday by Allison Brown. On Oct. 22 Isabella Bennett and Robin Bailey share the day. Oct. 23 is for Martha Abigail Kent Holmes. Oct. 24 is a party for Kim Glodis, Steven Lampart, and Lil‚ Bit and Silvio Gardella. And on Oct. 25 Tom Snow, Dolly Campbell and Sean DeBettencourt take the cake. Many happy returns.