NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

’Tis the season to have houseguests. Jim and Trude Hart on Leonard Circle entertained friends Debbie Weed from Denver and her mother, Kathy, from Stafford Springs, Conn., who visited over the Fourth of July holiday. Debbie was part of a four-person team sponsored by Rotary International on a cultural visit to the south of Germany in 1992. Debbie is a radio personality in the Denver area and was joined by David Platt, an environmental attorney, Bob Johnson, a metallurgist from United Technologies, and Allison Crough, an electrical engineer from the Connecticut Light and Power Company. Each person was matched with a like person during their four-week program. Jim Hart is a well-known Rotarian and a past district governor of Rotary International. But wait, there is more Hart news from Lenny’s Loop. Seven lucky people spent a week with Jim, who treated them to our Island’s finest, including clams on the half shell. Barbara Erbe was Jim’s first secretary in Hartford back in 1968 when she lived in South Windsor. Now from Greenwich, Conn., and Pompano Beach, Fla., Barbara brought her married daughter, Caroline Leonard, with her two sons, Ian and Daniel, from Ellington, Conn. Married daughter Kathie Chagnon and son Marc and daughter Michelle from Tolland, Conn., also joined in the fun. The group saw many Island sights including South Beach, bridge-jumping, Aquinnah, and the excellent Wednesday lobster night at the Ocean View. Jim takes credit for the weather, which could not have been more gorgeous. Chalk up another good time had by all on storybook Island.

Iole and I had time to tour Kathy Poehler’s Art in the Stacks at our library. Iole has known the Glodis family for years and was quite impressed with Kathy’s seaweed collages, all made on the same day she collects the weed. Don’t miss this exhibit, which runs to the end of July. Mom and I also picked up some great books at the monthly mini-book sale.

Exhausted as I am with my summer work, you just can’t keep a 94-year-old down. Iole and I enjoyed the cabaret presented at Grace Church last Saturday night by the Performer’s Workshop, now in its 13th year of talent on Island. Performers Mareda Gaither-Graves, Ian Nie, Mary Lane Cobbn, Pat West, Vivian Williams, Martha Childs, JoAnn Sgroi and the incomparable Lois White made this a truly special event. Some of the songs performed were Over the Rainbow, Getting to Know You, Bewitched, and My Heart Belongs to Daddy. Same time, next year. I’ll see you there.

Betty Cormier just left after a week with her beautiful grandchildren, Cheyenne and Monique Cormier. Betty spent her birthday week beaching, playing and touring with her grandkids. I am ashamed to say I was so busy I never got over to say “hi!” Belated birthday wishes, Betty.

Once again, Iole dragged me out for the pleasant treat of lobster rolls at our American Legion Post 257 on Marvin Road. Every Tuesday through Labor Day you may dine in or take out delicious lobster rolls or chowder from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Iole enjoyed meeting my Legion friends and says a special hello to Clara Rabbitt.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has lots of great films and activities for next week. A real treat is that from July 25 to 30 the museum has declared West Tisbury week. West Tisbury seasonal and year-round residents will be admitted to all activities and films for free. Call 508-627-4441 or visit mvmuseum.org for more information.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Ed and Lil Colligan on July 28.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Ed Colligan, Katherine Anderson, Jenny Lehman, Nicole Christopher and Bekki Willems today. Tomorrow is shared by Tyler Burt and Sapna Bahal. July 24 honors Judy Gersh Worthington, Millie Gerber Lockington and my daughter in law, Lilly Garza Clark. July 25 is for Larry Conroy and Tom Colligan Jr. July 26 is a party for Sal Esposito, Rory Elizabeth Mayhew, Amy Hambrecht, Martha Chappell, Doug Liman, Sarah Swift and Kellie Burtch. July 27 is claimed by Vicki Burrows, Liz Masi, Michael Cobban, Bruce Hunter, Caleb Enos, Megan Honey, Buntie Bahal, Connie Campbell and Theo Cowett. And on July 28 Andrew Chappell, Sarah Moreis, Jane Martin and Keiko Corey take the cake. Many happy returns.