NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Rain or shine it’s apple picking time! Martha Dunham went on her annual trek to pick up sister Pat in Florence. Martha was slowed down by detours, floods, bridges washed out, constant rain, and the quirks of the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers. Nevertheless, she picked up Pat and on they went to Jay and Jane Wildemore’s farm in Chalfont, Pa. Jay and Jane have run this farm for years, they are Pat’s son in law and daughter. They have a pick-your-own orchard, even daily rain did not stop the hoards of regulars and some newbies to come sample Macintosh, Winesaps, John-A-Macs, and Empires. Martha returned Pat to Florence and spent a full day canning applesauce for her sisters. She’s back on Island, doing the same for her large family here. The ladies also found time to get a jump on Christmas shopping at the malls and outlet stores. Welcome back, Martha!

Another annual tradition is the visit of George and Liz Hirai from Upper Montclair, N.J., to their good friends Paul and Marge Howes of Leonard Circle. The Hirais spent four fabulous days in the usual manner: lots of bridge, gossip, exchanging news about Hirai and Howes kids, sightseeing the East and West Chop Lighthouses, lunch at Farm Neck. They had cool weather and a great time. Same time, next year.

As previously reported, Chris Paffendorf, formerly of my ’hood and currently of Los Lunas, N.M., suffered the passing of her beloved Maybelline last spring after 17 years of devoted companionship. As so many of us do when this happens, Chris thought she would not adopt again. She spent the summer visiting here, seeing the Great Lakes region for the first time, attending a wedding, seeing old friends. However, when she returned to Los Lunas it wasn’t many days before she visited the shelter and came home with a three-year-old calico cat named Molly. Congratulations, Chris! Molly is one lucky kitty to have you.

Herb Ward reports that the Class of ’66 will hold its 45th reunion next month. The festivities begin Saturday, Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the PA Club and continue on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. at Farm Neck. Join the fun and reserve your spot by calling Herb at 508-693-7683.

Don’t forget Cycle Martha’s Vineyard, the 50K and 100K race on Oct. 1 to benefit the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard and Windemere. As is their custom, the Rotarians will serve a wonderful pig roast and a live band will play for you. Visit cyclemarthasvineyard.com for details and registration.

Our library offers free mahjong tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m., traditional Chinese rules. Beginners are always welcome.

Dr. Barbara Okun will present a talk on helping families cope with terminal illness in the program room of our library on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. All are welcome.

The Mansion House continues with specials for the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, although you don’t have to be a fisher to enjoy the hotel. Stay three days and get the fourth, non-weekend night free. Call 1-800-322-4112 or visit mvmansionhouse.com.

Heads up for the program starting Thursday, September 29th at 7 p.m. in the parsonage of our First Baptisit Church on Spring Street. In conjunction with the Community Baptist Church of Gay Head in Aquinnah, the public is welcome to a book study program. The first book discussed will be The Shack by William Paul Young. Call 508-693-.1539 for details.

I was so worried last year when I saw the Island Art Gallery, Kennedy Studios, closed for three days — and this is a business open seven days a week — that I was afraid something happened to Uta and Doug. No worries, they had gone off to attend an annual framing show and returned with new mats, new frames, and a treasure trove of new ideas for your framing needs. Uta had thoughtfully alerted me to her trip ahead of time this year, so I didn’t worry. But they are back with great new things. Stop in to see what they can do for your prints and artwork.

Get well wishes go out to Grace Schmidt.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Karen Mercier today. Tomorrow belongs to Judy Federowicz. Sept. 25 is shared by twins Pedro and Penha Prata, Daniel Gardella, Chris Chappell, and John James Chadwick. Sept. 26 is for Calla Gillies and Jillian Guest. Sept. 27 shines on Bill Little and Jason Lew. Sept. 28 is claimed by Pat Gardella. And on Sept. 29 Karen George takes the cake. Many happy returns.