NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

I have gotten some wonderful feedback on my list of horrible commercials. How did one escape my attention? Now I see this strongman saying: “First I lift things up, then I put them down.” It is so obnoxious, I think he should marry the Progressive Insurance lady.

I tend to read books seasonally, especially sports books. So my basketball book for this week is The Game of My Life by Jason (J-Mac) McElwain with Daniel Paisner. You probably recall the true story of some years back where Jason, a boy with autism, was put in to play basketball in the last four minutes of his high school game and scored tremendously. His teammates carried him off the court. Jason has gone on to work, to coach football, and to volunteer at the YMCA in his New York State town. I have a great love of basketball and a particular interest in autism. While our library is terrific at getting us the books we want, I knew I wanted to own it to pass around to many of my friends dealing with autism. A word of thanks to the staff at our wonderful Bunch of Grapes who are always so helpful and got the book for me within three days. I would much rather visit my local bookstore and deal with all the friendly people than go to Amazon.com.

Our American Legion Auxiliary is starting up meetings again after a winter hiatus. Join me there on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at the hall on Martin Road. Bring a pound of something for the pound raffle. The legion will hold its annual prime rib dinner on March 19. This is an always popular event.

Snowdrops in my yard! Crocuses soon. The best news is on Saturday, March 12 you need to spring ahead with your clocks. Can the summer boat people be far behind?

There is still room for your reservation to the New England Flower Show in Boston on March 17. Call Sandy at 508-696-4205. Notify Karin at 508-693-9426 if you want a spot for the May trip to the Delaware Valley.

Diane Jetamund and Leslie Clapp present Something for Everyone at the evening lecture series at our library on Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. All are welcome. The inimitable Herb Ward holds forth on his knowledge of the wreck of the Mertie B. Crowley on Wednesday, March 9, also at 7 p.m. And in the program room of the library, the Great Decisions Discussion Group highlights German Ascendancy on Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m.

I am traveling around, borrowing computers until mine is fixed. I slipped up and forgot to remind you last week that our children’s programs are still in full swing at the library; story time on Tuesdays for infants to two-year-olds is from 10 to 10:30 a.m. And for the three-to-five set the time is from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Chess club still meets from 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday; ages six and up through high school are welcome. After-school stories and crafts continue on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Some other specials are coming up, stay-tuned.

Off-season lobster rolls! Pick them up on Sunday, March 6 at Grace Church from noon to 2 p.m. Pat Waring informs me that there will be a special Shrove Tuesday pancake supper on Tuesday, March 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., also at Grace Church. Call 508-693-0332 for more information.

The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network has scheduled a free meet and greet on Thursday, March 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Alchemy in Edgartown. Bring your business cards, network and say hi to the faces you have missed all winter. Go to info@mvwomensnetwork.org if you need more news.

Our film society is showing a special feature that takes a grim subject and turns it into a whimsical comedy tonight at the Katharine Cornell Theatre at 7:30 p.m. This film was directed by Jean Pierre Jeunet. Call 774-392-2972, or visit mvfilmsociety.com for a complete list of the society’s offerings.

Jim and Trude Hart returned to their Florida adobe from a fabulous Caribbean cruise. Jim announced they were able to avoid Somali pirates.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Sean George, Justin Eli, and Michael Baptiste today. Tomorrow is a party for Glen Andrews, Marguerite Hagerty, and Wendy Andrews. March 6 honors Doug and David Seward along with Michael Preston. March 7 is for Jacob Murphy, Dick Cayer, Jesse John Seward, and Louis Giordano. And on March 9 Naomi Paulson, Ashley Shine and Bill Stokes take the cake. Many happy returns.