NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Those harvest suppers roll around quickly. It’s time for the annual one at the Stone Church on Saturday, Oct. 25 (that’s a week from tomorrow). There will be two seatings, 5 and 6:30 p.m. I know from past experience that reservations fill up quickly, so call Karen Jaffe at 508-680-6310 to book your spot for turkey, all the fixings, and pies to die for. I’ll see you there.

You still have time to plan for the annual Scottish Society of Martha’s Vineyard potluck supper tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church in Edgartown. Call Madeline and tell her what you’re bringing, 508-627-7336. This great party will be followed by a brief business meeting and election. You must be a paid-up member to vote.

The library steams on with great programs. Energy consultant and tireless activist for the environment Chris Fried will be on hand at next Tuesday’s evening lecture at 7 p.m. —it’s free and open to all. His topic is bundling up for the cold — how to winterize your home efficiently. I know you’ll have lots of questions.

In their continuing effort to go green, the Friends of the Library have purchased some beautiful polypropylene reusable bags in an effort to cut down on plastic bags for your books and videos. I saw the new bags at the library book and bake sale last Monday, quite handsome. Pick up yours for one dollar at the front desk.

Story hour remains the same at 10 a.m. next Tuesday for infants to two-year-olds. But threes and up get a special treat at 11 a.m. with Roberta Kirn and her music, songs and instruments. Discover the musical talent in your child.

Margaret Penicaud is putting out her annual call for volunteers to help with PeaceCraft, in existence on Island since 1997. Organizers also need a donated space in which they can hold the annual sale of crafts from Third World country self-help groups. Our Island’s special project is the Haitian Fish Farm. Call Margaret at 508-693-0368 and be of service.

My first English conversation class went very well at the Edgartown library last Tuesday night. I had a lively group, with two new citizens among us! Thank goodness they asked how to register to vote, they certainly don’t want to miss their first possible election. The deadline was the next day, and we were happy to direct them as to where to register. I have heard that some of my former students went to the Edgartown Town Hall, where classes were held last year because of the “puff back” at the library. Please tell your friends that we are now back at the library on North Water street for all lessons and library events.

This week I’m reading an amazing novel by Frank Delaney, Ireland, about an Irish storyteller. The book was lent to me by Bill and Debbie Little who both loved it and recommended it highly. I have always been enthralled by the Irish. To paraphrase one of the best lines in the book, this is how the Irish language got started: a monk climbed the Tower of Babel, took all the best words he heard and ran away with them to Ireland.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Sue Zonino and Hannah Berman today. Tomorrow is a party for Shawn Goodwin, Zach Pepper, Jermaine Campbell, Noel Macy, and Jim Pringle, Sr. Oct. 19 is shared by Maggie Greeley and Ben Cotton. Oct. 20 belongs to Bridget Slomka. Oct. 21 honors Allison Brown. Robin Bailey and Isabella Bennett claim Oct. 22. And on Oct. 23 Martha Abigail Kent Holmes takes the cake. Many happy returns.