NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, always a dangerous prospect. When did winter become (for me, and perhaps many of you) something to be endured rather than enjoyed? Was it when I became older and, therefore, colder? Was it when I acquired a driver’s license and was then faced with the danger of maneuvering a ton-plus vehicle in icy weather? Was it the responsibility of home ownership and thus necessitating clearing sidewalks and pathways of heavy snow? Was it when I got taller, older and an icy fall to the ground might mean a broken leg or hip? When will I cave in and join my brothers in Florida? Stay tuned.
Speaking of Florida, I am proud to announce that my nephew, Jonathan Alexander Gardella, auditioned and was accepted for the Southwest Youth Symphony. Jonathan lives in Fort Myers, Fla., and plays violin, harp, piano, cello and guitar. He is 11 years old and he will be playing violin with the symphony. Good job, Jonathan!
Some of our prominent Vineyard Haven residents are featured in the “Not Summer” issue of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine. Janet Messineo reflects on the end of the striped bass season. Writer Tony Horwitz talks about creative life in the winter. Artist and writer Kristen Kingsbury Henshaw reminisces about teaching her dad, our beloved Craig Kingsbury, how to drive. And the popular ArtCliff Diner offers up a scrumptious recipe for eggs and crepes.
The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network program for last Tuesday was cancelled because of the predicted storm. It is rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the Mansion House. Tours of the spa and health club begin at 11 a.m. Bonnie Marcus, founder of Women’s Success Coaching and cofounder of the women’s network, will lead us in her system for reaching personal and career goals. A light lunch will be served. If you had a ticket, it is still valid. If you need a ticket, e-mail info@mvwomensnetwork.org. This program is sponsored by the Mansion House. It is recommended for every business person at any stage of her work life.
As usual, the Mansion House stays active in our community. Sherm and Susie Goldstein are providing their space for a series of American Heart Association CPR and first aid training sessions, next week and then throughout February, March, and April. The courses begin next Tuesday, Jan. 18 and Wednesday, Jan. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening; you must attend both nights to earn your certification. The $50 registration fee covers your training book and card. I have taken this course many times. It is invaluable to everyone, especially if you work near young children, any school or senior center, sports coaching, really, just great to know. Register by e-mail to jpratt@capecod.net or call Jeff at 508-560-3163. I’ll see you there.
Continuing with good intentions, January, American Red Cross blood donor month, still offers its “give a pint, get a pound” drive, with Dunkin’ Donuts providing the free pound of coffee. Next time they are collecting here is Feb. 22. See where you can donate at redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767, that’s 800-REDCROSS.
The first meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club in this new year will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at the Wakeman Center at 1 p.m. Members are admitted free, nonmembers get in for $5. A hospitality hour with refreshments will follow the talk led by Noli Taylor. Anyone interested in gardening, flowers, shrubs, trees, arranging — you get the picture — is welcome. More information is available at 508-693-6570 or e-mail tisginger@aol.com.
The Vineyard Haven Public Library is holding its monthly mini-book sale tomorrow, Jan. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. This is also Food for Fines month. Beginning tomorrow until the end of January fines are forgiven on late library materials if you bring a nonpersihable food donation for the Island Food Pantry. A reminder: Although the library is open on Sundays in the winter, the library does need to close on Sunday Jan. 16 and Monday, Jan. 17. I’ll see you there on Tuesday.
Sad news reached me as I shoveled my mother’s walk in White Plains. One of my dearest friends and staunchest supporters of the column, Emmett H. Eaton of Riverside, Conn., a longtime seasonal resident of Our Town, died on Monday, Jan. 10 at age 95. Emmett was a true Renaissance man. Only some of his accomplishments were: bachelor’s degree from Fordham, 1937, MBA from the Wharton School, a distinguished career in finance, longtime Rotarian, lifelong sailor, Commodore of the Old Greenwich Yacht Club, member of the Corinthians, artist, painter and devoted family man. Our condolences to his wife, Mary Ann, and his large family. Emmett and I spoke almost weekly until right before Christmas. He was always sending me news for the column, Christmas cards with photos of his grandkids and their art work, and interesting news about the Corinthians. We shall miss him greatly.
The birthday bandwagon pulls along Peter Tileston, Anne Williamson, Nora Cowett and Lacey Evelyn Munn today. Jan. 15 is for Martin Luther King Jr. and Barbara McCahill. Jan. 16 is claimed by Marybeth Roden, Thaw Malin, Joaquin Balbino and Myra Romain. Jan. 17 honors Rosemary Gambino. Jan. 18 is for Anthony Cardoza. Jan. 19 is a party for Ciara Seccombe, Patti Linn and Ruth Major. And on Jan. 20 Kim Montanile and Mary-Beth Priore take the cake. Many happy returns.
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