NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(iklean@yahoo.com)

Roberta Mendlovitz had the greatest visit from her “adopted” daughter Holly Karp, now of Aspen, Colo. Holly has always felt Roberta was her “adoptive Mom,” although no papers changed hands. Roberta was born and raised in Vineyard Haven and you all know how active she has been in our community. Roberta was determined to give Holly some memorable Island years before Holly grew up. She was successful in that endeavor. Holly attended Cape Cod Community College and is a 2008 graduate of Bridgewater State University. Holly’s years working at the Black Dog Tavern made her a favorite there. She is now employed in the health care field in Aspen. Holly reports that the real estate prices in Aspen are even higher than here on the Vineyard. However, the presence of mountains, gorgeous scenery and the plethora of year-round outdoor sports makes the area very attractive to young adults. Yet Holly still thinks of the Vineyard as her home. Same time, next year.

You know when your best friend from college has a younger brother who wants to tag along with you everywhere and you just treat him miserably and try to escape? Well, it all comes back to haunt you. My buddy Denise Civetta has just sent me the info on her younger brother Cesare Civetta, who has become a world-renowned conductor. Cesare has appeared with more than 60 orchestras worldwide. He has the distinction of being the first American conductor to appear in the Russian bloc countries after the fall of the Soviet Union. He has now published a book, The Real Toscanini: Musicians Reveal the Maestro, on Amadeus Press. Cesare presents an intriguing collection of interviews with over 47 — artists, composers, soloists and instrumentalists — who worked with Toscanini. Check it out attherealtoscanini.com. Congratulations Cesare, I regret ever treating you like a little annoyance.

Our American Legion is back in off-season mode. The first meeting of the auxiliary was held on Sept. 18. Monday night bingo continues. Bob Faulkenburg needs volunteers to help with this ever-popular program. Please call him at 508-693-3510. I’ll see you there.

My local neighborhood fishermen Wes, Paul, and Matt report a much better week fishing. Albacores and stripers are coming out to the cooler water. Keep looking for them on the board; they are committed to staying until the end of the derby.

Join us at our library on Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 9 to 10:30 p.m. to watch the first of the presidential debates. Visit again on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. for session two of the Great Decisions Discussion Group. This group is prepared by the Foreign Policy Association and made possible by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library as well as funding through endowments from Stephen C. Luce and Ruth Redding. The program is free and workbooks for $10 are available at the circulation desk. The discussion next week will focus on Promoting Democracy: Can It Be Exported? Call Betty at 508-696-4211 ext. 16 to reserve your workbook and seat.

How could I have forgotten to notify you of Christopher R. Chambers Jr.’s ninth birthday on Sept. 7? Christopher is a talented young man who enjoys trucks, fishing and — dare I say it — the New York Yankees. I hear his Dad is a Red Sox fan. Same as in my family, it skips a generation. Hope you have a wonderful year, Christopher!

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Pat Gardella today. Tomorrow is claimed by Karen George. Sept. 30 is for Kandace Sylvia, Gay Smith and Walter Burke. Oct. 1 honors Allie Clark, Alyssa Mayrand and Alan Peterson. Oct. 2 is shared by Bill Wingert and Mary Etherington. Oct. 3 belongs to Jeanie Hay-Sternbach and Toby Codding. And on Oct. 4, Liz Figueroa, Rebecca Palmer, Lizzie Andrews, Zach Post and Michael Sawyer take the cake. Many happy returns.