NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

In my excitement over my mother’s tribute I made some errors and omissions last week. Sister Sue Merritt, now president of the RDC, was an upperclassman to me, not my teacher. She brought a lot of energy to my academy. I forgot to mention Sister Lori Donovan, who was kind enough to show up and party with us; Lori grew up in my ’hood. And how could I have forgotten Jacqueline Rossow, director of development, who can plan a party like no one else? Thank you, ladies. Mom is still riding high over the event.

Unfortunately, some major conflicts for activities tomorrow afternoon. Our Vineyard Haven Public Library has a program from 3 to 4 p.m. presented by team members of AmeriCorps, the National Community Civilian Corps. All young people and families are invited to attend and learn what this great organization does. You might even want to sign up. Because of this event, the minibook sale will be held next Saturday, May 21, from 1 to 3 p.m.

However, our Martha’s Vineyard Museum on School street in Edgartown is also holding an event at 3 p.m. tomorrow. Free to members and $7 to nonmembers, famous World War II veterans of Martha’s Vineyard will read excerpts from the newly published Those Who Serve: Martha’s Vineyard and World War II. Some of your favorite Islanders will make this presentation: Mev Good, Tom Hale, Nelson Smith, Ted Morgan and others. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

On Sunday the Baylies Room of the Old Whaling Church will be the site of our annual League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard luncheon. The potluck — bring your favorite dish — will be held at 12:30 p.m. Melinda DeFeo will be the speaker, the topic is Slow Foods. We are always looking for new members — men, too! You are all invited.

Our American Legion Auxiliary hosts its monthly meeting at Legion Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17. Bingo continues, popular as ever, on Monday nights at 7:30 at the hall.

There is another conflict of interesting lectures on Tuesday, May 17. Our library will present Rick Karney at 7 p.m. in the program room, speaking on the importance of shellfish to our environment. All our library lecture series events are free and open to all.

That night is also the last of the season’s Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network programs. From 6 to 8 p.m. at the Whaling Church, survivor Liz Murray will speak on From Homeless to Harvard, her incredible story, and present her new memoir, Breaking Night. The program admission is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Terri Hayes and James Cooley today. Tomorrow is a party for Becky Wilson Esposito, Jesse Elsasser and Emily Tarbegh. May 15 is claimed by Jeff Sylvia. May 16 belongs to James Seccombe. May 17 honors Jenna Bagnall, Martin Simoni and Wesley Coelho Souza. My mother, Iole Jannace Gardella, turns 94 on May 18. And on May 19, Dot Eldefry, Zach Charter and Tony Gramkowski take the cake. Many happy returns.