NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Season’s greetings are pouring in, and thank you to all who have delighted me with food and fruit. Jim and Trude Hart are busy in Royal Palm, Fla., with the usual round of holiday parties. But Jim, ever devoted retiree of Eastern Airlines, sent me some special news. Eastern Airlines will be starting up again in 2011. The new president has asked Jim to write up his work experience there. As you know, Jim started on the counter in 1957 and went on to an illustrious career. The new prez is also looking for marketing recommendations from Jim. I guess no one ever really retires.

The Federated Church invites us all to a free candlelight ceremony tonight at 10 p.m. in their 1828 Meetinghouse. Seasonal readings and Christmas music will be our accompaniment.

Martha’s Vineyard Magazine has a Dec. 31 deadline for all entries for their annual photo contest. Nancy Tutko is your contact person, 508-627-4311, extension 110. To see last year’s entries and winners, or for more information, visit mvmagazine.com.

The Louisa Gould Gallery is offering its annual year-end sale. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Check out the bargains for your last minute shopping and enjoy mulled cider, wine, and cookies through Jan. 2.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library has plans for the kids for next week’s school vacation. On Tuesday, December 28 there is a movie at 11 a.m. for ages three and up. On Wednesday, Dec. 29, Tween Games for ages eight to eleven will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursday, Dec. 30 Teen Game Night entertains those from sixth to twelfth grade from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Wii games and online gaming. Never a dull moment at our library.

Our condolences go out to Patti Diamond and her family on the death of her mom, Geraldine Hagerty. Geraldine was a beautiful and accomplished woman, and shall be greatly missed by all.

May I be condemned to the last spot in standby on a busy summer weekend for neglecting to inform you of Susan Woods’ birthday on Monday, Dec. 20.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Stephen Perry, Emily Chappell and Joe Kelley today. Christmas Day belongs to Kelly dos Reis. Dec. 26 is for Haley Panek. Dec. 27 is shared by Rene Moncada and Austen Ostrowski. Dec. 28 is a party for Fred Shapiro, Carol Slocum and Pia DiTerlizzi. Dec. 29 is claimed by Len Morris. And on Dec. 30 Claire O’Leary and Dane Bliss take the cake. Many happy returns. And tomorrow morning, in your hearts, in your homes, and under your trees may you all find peace.