NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

I can definitely say that the three Nancy Gardellas were on-Island last weekend. One was no doubt very busy at the chamber of commerce, one had made a circuitous route here from Florida to New York to Pennsylvania, and the other one is running a combination youth hostel and pet retreat.

I can’t believe it has been one and a half years since Nonna and I have seen Nancy MacPartlin Gardella and her son, Jonathan Alexander Gardella, but it has. Jonathan is Nonna’s youngest grandson who attends private school in Fort Myers and holds a chair in violin in the southwest Florida children’s orchestra. They arrived late Friday night, violin in tow. After being introduced to the various people living in my household, Nonna and Jon began their long weekend visit. Jon especially liked all my friends, Renae, Cheyenne, Monique, Amber, Robbie and the three guinea pigs. As usual, I was working the next day, but Jon and the girls took a tour with Nancy Mac. By evening time they were in Oak Bluffs, where Jonathan opened his violin case for donations and played for the public on the street. I believe Nancy Mac says the word for this is busking.

The next day involved more touring and shopping. The whole group joined for a combination birthday dinner at the Ocean View at 7 p.m. The combo was Nonna’s 95th in May, Jonathan’s 14th the next on July 30, and my upcoming one. Unfortunately, I was sick and unable to attend, but the gang reported to me that everyone had a great time. Thank you, Jenna and Stagecoach Taxi for getting this large group to and fro so successfully. Thank you, Jenna, for the special care you took with my mother and for including Monique’s baby doll and stroller. Monday was for more shopping, gifts for Jonathan’s birthday, then a sad goodbye as Nancy and Jon took the 7 p.m. ferry. Same time, next year.

Auntie Carrie Lau left for her Connecticut home on Wednesday after welcoming sister Kim Beal and her three kids, Christian, Lillian and Quinn to the family home on Lenny’s Loop. Their visits crossed a few days, so that was great for the nieces and nephews. Kim’s husband, Charles, has started a new job so he can’t vacate this summer. That hasn’t stopped Kim from her usual activities, gardening, touring, and clamming being among her faves. Kim and I were watching the Olympics, but in our own homes, as daughter Lillian came over for a slumber party with Cheyenne, Amber and Monique at my hostel. Why do they call it a slumber party? No one slept.

The Shaw Cramer Gallery at 56 Main street will feature a show beginning August 7 with some of our best local artists: Leslie Baker, Elizabeth Taft, Ruth Kirchmeier and Rose Abrahamson. The theme is plein air works. A gallery reception for these artists will be held tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come meet and greet and enjoy a grand party as only Shaw Cramer can put on!

It is not too early to notify you that the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library’s annual 5K Fun Run/Walk and benefit will be held on Sept. 16. Sign up for this popular event.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Chris and Lilly Clark for their sixth on August 5. Ken and Mildred Brown celebrate theirs on August 6.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Will Sherman, Tom Colligan Sr., Greg Cimeno, Lucas Brunelle, Sharon and Patty Roddy and Nancy Gardella today. You guess which Nancy Gardella. August 4 is for Barack Obama, Elaine Klein and Don Mitchell. August 5 shines on Tommer Willems, Alicia Maciel, Susan Klein, Janet Alley and Jen Kaufman. August 6 is a party for Beverley Ann Brush, Virginia Malara, Asleigh Poirier and Janete Sabin. August 7 is claimed by Arlinda Graves, Luisa Tassiana, Travis Baptiste and Sandie Corr-Dolby. August 8 honors Michael Robinson and Danae Finley. And on August 9 Sal Alfano, Riley Chalifoux and Vitor Mouzino take the cake. Many happy returns.