NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Allan and Michele Berman are back for their annual July visit, 13 years and counting! Son MJ and his wife, Annie, were expecting a baby last year during the visit; they returned home in time to have Teddy Berman, who will be one this August. Teddy has been joining his big brother, Charlie — age two and one half — at the beach and the Flying Horses. Charlie is enjoying some quality time with horseback riding. Huck, the family dog, is busy chasing rabbits. The Berman’s son Greg, and his wife, Carolyn, have been visiting from Brooklyn. They brought along daughters Hannah, now 11, and Milly, who will be eight in August. These happy sisters have been enjoying art classes and the Fabulists. The whole family made their traditional trek to the Fourth of July parade and fireworks. Welcome back, Bermans! Same time, next year.

I doubt the kind of people who steal read my column, but, no questions asked, the newly painted blue fold-up outdoor chairs from 173 Main street may be returned at any time.

The Mansion House presents yet another free class for members and nonmembers on Sunday, July 18 at 5:30 p.m. This will be strength training under the direction of Mathia Morais. I’ll see you there.

On that same date Herb Ward, great-grandson of Capt. Levi Jackson, tells the story of the rescue of 14 people off Wasque from the ship Mertie B. Crowley at the parish house of the Federated Church in Edgartown. The suggested donation is $10, funding help for Island families in need.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library hosts a free program on Tuesday, July 20 at 7 p.m. Dr. David Stork will lecture on When Computers Look at Art. The talk will be followed by a question and answer session and a reception.

July 20 is also the date for the monthly meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club at 1 p.m. in the Old Mill in West Tisbury. This month’s subject is hydrangeas, and I must say I think this has been the very best year for them on Island. All are welcome. If you want more information, call 508-693-6570 or the Garden Hotline, 508-693-5534.

A great hit of the high season is the crab cake suppers at the Trinity Church parish house each Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m., just across from the Tabernacle. A full meal, eat in or take out, is $12. A hot dog meal is a mere $5. The proceeds go to various mission and community services. This treat is brought to you by the Methodist Church programs.

After last summer’s hiatus, the Performer’s Workshop has been back and active. Catch their last concert on Tuesday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grace Church in Vineyard Haven. Mareda and Ian have been busy, to and fro with their students. The workshop is a nonprofit that trains classical singers and pianists. I’ll see you there.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Joe and Shirley Sullivan on Tuesday.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Karen English, Shawna Medeiros, Dan Manning, Joey Hamel and John Schilling today. July 17 is a party for Chris Leigh Clark, Daniel Van Landingham, Barbara Masters, Jessica Slocum, Fred Benson, and Jay and Dana Bangs. July 18 is for Margaret Tileston, Ben Araujo, Paige Donovan and Fred Kingsley. July 19 is claimed by Kenny Hayes. July 20 belongs to Jane Crews, Danielle Jacobs, Corly Ann Miller and Gabriela Silva. July 21 honors Gretchen Huntley Jacobs and Brian Hurley. July 22 is shared by Ed Colligan, Katherine Anderson, Nicole Christopher, Jenny Lehman and Bekki Willems. And on July 23 Sapna Bahal and Tyler Burt take the cake. Many happy returns.