NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Surprised as I was to wake and see gently falling snow on Wednesday morning, I must mention there is nothing more beautiful than seeing my favorite bird, the noble red cardinal, silhouetted against snowy branches. The same delight greeted me when I saw the red-headed woodpecker who is determined to gnaw on my house.

That was the good news. Unfortunately, there is too much sad news this week. I do not have all the details of the car accident, but my heart goes out to the young woman and her family. I hadn’t seen Dan Prowten for years, although I knew him back in the day when I washed up on these shores; to hear of his death in his house fire was very sad. And my neighbor, Dan Aronie, died last weekend. We all know what a valiant fight he and his family engaged with MS. Dan appeared at many showings of the film made about his struggle; I saw it at the high school twice and I believe you can get it at our library. Dan’s family and friends and caregivers were all so devoted to him. His door was always open for any neighbor passing by to stop and say hello. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Tonight at 7 p.m. at the Stephens Chapel of the Unitarian Universalist church, just past the library on Main street, enjoy two sets of music beginning at 7 p.m. The first features Christine Box, Ray Frazio and Chris Seidel in a trio called Barkin’ Daisy. After that enjoy Mark and Sam Hahn, violin and guitar.

The UU chapel is also the place to attend the Rev. Jeremy Nickel’s sermon on Eden in Reverse, Sunday at 11 a.m. This February Sunday is always marked as Justice Sunday. Throughout the country, UU congregations will be discussing human rights, and this year especially, what the economic downturn has done to us. All are welcome.

Make your reservation now at 508-693-3416 to save a seat at Zephrus for the 90th League of Women Voters birthday party on Presidents Day, Feb. 15, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.. The restaurant will be open to the public at that time, but you and your friends can BYOB, celebrate, and 20 per cent of the evening’s special profits will go to our League. What a deal! In the spirit of those who ignore the past are condemned to relive it, I especially urge you to bring some younger people into our group, open to men and women alike, and tell them about our struggles in the second wave of the movement. It’s historic, but the party will still be a lot of fun.

Next Thursday, Feb. 11 at 3:30 p.m. at our library Robin Tuck will present a fantastic puppet show for kids aged five and up. This will be in place of the usual crafts hour.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Kelsey Smith and Raleigh Hadley Russell today. Tomorrow is a party for Neko Morgan Masi, Chris Silvia, Marcia Rossi and Taylor Poggi. Feb. 7 belongs to Deb Little. Feb. 8 is shared by Dianne McDonough and Jeff Masi Sr. Feb. 9 is for Justin Smith. Feb. 10 sees James Johnson, Jainaba Burton-Sundman and Ian Ridgeway age gracefully. And on Feb. 11 Judy Pachico, Zadoc Moreis, Katie Weisman, Sabrina Luening and Joao Prata take the cake. Many happy returns.