NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Alert your friends in need that Red Stocking applications are still available at the banks and must be returned by Dec. 7. If you wish to send a donation or volunteer, call Lorraine Clark, 508-693-0725. Lorraine and Kerry Alley, along with their merry elves, work long and hard on this project all year round.

The two Stephens have returned! Dad and son, both Stephen Dunhams, are back on Island from their work in South Dakota. While the Island is by no means tropical, I know I would rather winter here than in South Dakota.

Flo Koster is always on the ball informing me of Tisbury Senior Center projects. This year the annual Holiday Bazaar will be held on the two days after Thanksgiving, Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center. Get a head start on your shopping. I’ll see you there.

Also on Friday, Nov. 27, artist David Tierney is having a show of his new works, many large paintings in oil and small oil paintings on wood. There are Vineyard scenes you will recognize. Stop by his studio at 60 Hines Point road from 4 to 6 p.m. and continue your holiday shopping there.

The indefatigable Bella is at it again, presenting her take on the story of Pinocchio with original songs in Italian and English. This 30-minute presentation is good for all ages. See it on Sunday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 29 at 11:30 a.m. in the warehouse behind 56 Main street. Bring a chair or cushion. Suggested donation is five dollars.

Our library has been named one of 258 “star libraries” (out of 7,268 rated) in the Library Journal’s annual rating. There are 13 star libraries in Massachusetts, including ours, Oak Bluffs and West Tisbury. The rating is based on circulation, visits, program attendance and public Internet use. Congratulations!

Our library also is presenting the first of its Sunday afternoon winter programs, free as always, this Sunday at 2 p.m. Author Nora Nevin and photographer Harvey Beth will speak about the Haiti PeaceQuilts project. Nora and Harvey have both just contributed to a new book, Patience to Raise the Sun: Art Quilts from Haiti and Their Power to Change Women’s Lives. Learn how a few Vineyarders and their friends are making a difference in the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Light refreshments follow the presentation.

Another library reminder is that our monthly mini-book sale will be held tomorrow from 1 to 3 p.m. This is working out to be a very successful program. Stock up on your books for the cabin fever months.

Professor David S. Martin, dean emeritus at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., will speak at the Unitarian Universalist Society service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22. His message will focus on his research and teaching of problem-solving strategies. He will describe the differences and similarities in the ways deaf children from different cultures demonstrate that they can indeed be equal to hearing children in fundamentally important skills. As an added treat, Dr. Martin will play Bach’s Chorale Prelude on the UUSMV’s recently restored Hook and Hastings organ.

Be still my heart! Our library comes through for me once again with its Tuesday night free movie series beginning on Nov. 24 and running through Dec. 29. A Paul Newman Film Festival! Newman’s Own brand lemonade and popcorn will be provided with each flick. Tuesday is the film where Paul famously teams up with Robert Redford in one of the most popular westerns ever. I’ll see you there at 7 p.m.

Pyewacket’s on Beach road will host the annual PeaceCraft holiday shop this year, featuring handmade crafts and artwork from around the world. The Haitian metal works sound intriguing. The shop opens Friday, Nov. 27. It will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 24. Volunteers are needed to staff the shop — call Margaret at 508-693-0368 or Meg at 508-951-8106. There’s just no end to the shopping to make a difference here on storybook Island.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along John Viera today. Tomorrow is claimed by Doug Grant. Nov. 22 belongs to Noah Bacheller. Nov. 23 is shared by Derrick Alleyne and Ryan Gorman. Nov. 24 honors George Caros. Nov. 25 shines for Nicole Cimeno and Martha Dunham. And on Nov. 26 William Bishop and Anna Elizabeth Carlson take the cake. Many happy returns.