NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

We expect great things of the Towles trio of children and they never disappoint. Right now, it’s Amor’s turn to shine artistically. Amor Towles of New York city and West Chop, has just published his first book, a debut novel, called Rules of Civility. People Magazine gave him a four star review, Oprah Winfrey’s magazine has blessed it, and wonderful reviews have come in from across the pond. The plot involves a smart young lady living in Manhattan in the 1930s. Watch the Gazette calendar section and Bunch of Grapes Bookstore for times and dates of Amor’s readings and book signings. I’ll see you there.

A big American welcome to Greta Kotova of Bulgaria, who is here in the States for the first time, spending the summer on Martha’s Vineyard. You can catch Greta’s beautiful smile behind the counter at Cumby’s most evenings till closing.

Our Island towns and many businesses come up with some real corkers of bad ideas. Closing the SSA airport office is about the worst I have heard. Okay, so now they say they need to move but will not close. I hope when they find another location the full staff at that office, so helpful and so friendly, are still on the job; no cuts in personnel. We all depend upon every one of them.

The Martha’s Vineyard Community Services annual Possible Dreams Auction is Monday, August 1. Every year this incredible fundraiser helps Islanders needing many different assistance programs get through the winter. Call 508-693-7900, extension 200 for details. I’ll see you there.

Martin and Gail Becker have had boatloads of guests, but now it’s Marty’s turn to be on the boat. A lifelong sailor, Marty left Friday on a three-week cruise up and down the coast of Maine. Two other members of his famous Power Squadron Club are crewing with him. I guess the weather is different in those parts because the one female crew member is wearing socks, a hat and a scarf she knitted herself. Their boat was joined by two other Power Squadron sailboats, all three boats have a former Commander on board, and that, of course, means Marty is one. Marty left from Sandwich for an overnight sail to Tenants Harbor, Maine. The crew was stunned by the beauty of this spot the minute they pulled in the next morning. Safe sailing!

I’m giving you over a week’s notice so you can mark your calendars and plan your church times around the 20th annual Rotary Club pancake breakfast, a great delight and fundraiser for the fabulous things the Rotary does for so many. All you can eat – pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice and coffee! This will be at the Anchors in Edgartown from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 7. Nonna and I will see you there.

The Shaw Cramer Gallery at 56 Main street is hosting a reception tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. for the artists Curtis Hoard, tech and clay, and Denise Labadie, composition and art quilts. There is always something to do on Main street after the sun sets. Ms. Labadie gives a talk about art quilt composition on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Washington Ledesma’s gallery at 5 Murrant avenue in Sea Glen is holding a reception today for Alida O’Loughlin’s photos and the hand-loomed creations of Robin Bergman. As always, Washington’s paintings and ceramics are also on view. The reception is from 4 to 8 p.m. Call 508-693-1823 for details.

Our library presents story time on Tuesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m. for infants to two-year-olds, 11 to 11:30 a,m, for the three-to-five set. On August 2 Madeline will visit at story time. Tween time is Wednesdays from 3 to 4:45 p.m., this is Wii games for ages eight to eleven. August 3 is my favorite activity, building Lego robots and drop-in Legos with Bruce, from 3 to 4:45 p.m. Don’t miss Gus Ben David’s wild animals for ages five and up on Thursday, August 4 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The August issue of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine has many Vineyard Haven people featured. Janet Messineo writes about eating “trash fish,” Rachel Orr writes about the history of the Gay Head Lighthouse, Dan Feeney and Sue O’Rourke reminisce about building the Martha’s Vineyard Campground. Once again, although many years have passed, I must thank Dan for his incredible kindness to my Cub Scout Den 4 when we camped there. This magazine also includes an excerpt from Alexandra Styron’s memoir, Reading My Father. Don’t miss it.

Our Martha’s Vineyard Museum offers Tisbury week August 1 to 6. That means we townies get in free! Two events on August 3 particularly caught my eye: made-by-hand books from 10 a.m. to noon, then creating with clay from 2 to 4 p.m. These are kids’ programs; do you think they’ll let me in?

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Gerry Franzago, Michael Desrosiers, Chris Cimeno and Doug Sabin today. Tomorrow is a party for Ashley Medeiros, Diane Hartmann and Jonathan Alexander Gardella. July 31 is shared by Tony Radoszewski and Gale Grain Monk. August 1 honors Kelsey Anne Hunter, Charlotte Lowell-Bettencourt and Gisele Nascimento. August 3 belongs to Will Sherman, Tom Colligan Sr., Greg Cimeno, twins Patty Roddy and Sharon Coogan, Lucas Brunelle, and this reporter. And on August 4 Elaine Klein, Barack Obama and Don Mitchell take the cake. Many happy returns.