NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

What a great time Iole and I had at Linda Fairstein’s book signing last Sunday night. Roni and Peter Simon graciously hosted the event, in honor of Linda and her new mystery, Killer Heat, at the Simon Gallery on Main street, Vineyard Haven. We also had the pleasure of viewing Peter’s fabulous photography and seeing Roni’s beautiful jewelry. Not to mention the friends and neighbors, also in attendance and enjoying a glass of wine. I was finally able to meet Linda and congratulate her, not only for her second career as a novelist, but for the hard work she put in at the district attorney’s office in New York. The night was beautiful so we all repaired to Marge and Paul’s verandah to continue the party. By the way, Peter’s 2009 calendars are on display and for sale at the gallery, be sure to get yours. This Sunday, August 31, Alan Dershowitz will speak from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Simon gallery. His topic will be his new book, and as you know Alan, pretty much anything that comes to his head. How enjoyable. See you there.

Bill and Debbie Little have Mark and Robyn Milton of Youngsville, N.C., visiting them. The couples met on a grand cruise last winter and the friendship continues. So far they have had the Island tour, courtesy of Bill, shopped, partied, and I heard yesterday they were scheduled for a fishing expedition on Bill’s boat, Irish Eyes. Robyn is a retired art teacher from middle school, Mark retired as an electrician but runs a motorcycle shop and has interests in other businesses. Bill and Debbie will return the visit and head to North Carolina next April.

Martha Dunham has had her two sisters visiting, Pat Kopka and Nancy Sawieki, both of Florence. The ladies made it here in time for the last day of the fair. They have been shopping, enjoying the beautiful weather and were headed for a screening of Brideshead Revisited. Meanwhile, their niece Becca and her brother Stephen are packing for their respective colleges and will be leaving this weekend. Stephen has a new pre-owned car in which to make his trip. Careful on the roads, Steve!

Lisa Quartiroli and Lou Jannace flew out from California to their Island home. Visiting them are cousins Henry and Elaine Traverso and Henry’s sister Joan Traverso, all of Windsor Locks, Conn. They hosted Iole and me at a fine dinner at Nicky’s Café last Tuesday night. Much laughter, nonstop talking and eating. More cousins are due, as well as Lisa’s two sisters. I’ll keep you posted.

I hate change! What can I do about my favorite state representative, Eric Turkington’s announced retirement, but attend the party in his honor at the agricultural hall on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 4 to 8 p.m.? All are invited. Please bring a finger food to share. Let’s give a great guy a great sendoff.

The annual MSPCA Walk for Animals will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7 at noon at the Edgartown School. Registration begins at 11 a.m. There will be refreshments, raffles, and good canine citizenship testing. Registration is $25. More sponsor donations are needed. Call the shelter at 508-627-8662 for details.

The Vineyard Haven library’s evening lecture series continues next Tuesday, Sept. 2, with a movie series. Next week’s offering is one of my absolute favorites, Bringing Up Baby, starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. The film rolls at 7 p.m. All events are free.

How this season flew by. I wish you all a safe and sunny Labor Day. Kids, I’ll see you in the hallowed halls of the high school soon, I hope. Enjoy your weekend.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Clare Ann Harrington and Ed Mossey on August 30. The same day marks Ralph and Mareda Gaither-Graves 51st year of wedded bliss.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Marck Baline today. Tomorrow belongs to Laura Honey. August 31 is for Jessica Dolliver, Tanita Macy, Jim Pringle, Jr., Van Morrison and Millie Briggs. Sept. 1 honors Crystal Ewart. Sept. 2 is a party for Brandon and Lindsay Smith as well as Joanne Beattie. Sept. 3 is a celebration for Judy Bitgood, Gabrielle Jobert, Tessa Grant, Leigh Anne Searle and Christine Geddis. And on Sept. 4 Chelsea Leigh Mercier and Tyler Mayst take the cake. Many happy returns.