NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(iklean@yahoo.com)

Not very merry, are we? It is time to speak about the unspeakable. I detest the New Age sounding phrases: “It’s time to have a national conversation” or “dialogue” about the state of weapons in our states. I can handle that conversation in one sentence: “Too many guns, too many disturbed people.” No more conversation — time to act. Times change. None of our forefathers envisioned automatic weapons as being necessary to put food on your table. As far as psychology? All of that Rollo May/Thomas Szasz newspeak like, “I’m okay, you’re okay, let the inmates out, let the inmates run the asylum” . . . well, it hasn’t worked, has it? It’s more than time to move on this. I’m open to your comments and ideas.

Oddly enough I received a reminder from our terrific Tisbury School secretary, Barbara Armstrong, notifying those of you who will have a child age five on or before Sept. 1, 2013 to call her between now and Feb. 1, 2013, for a pre-registration package. You may reach her at 508-696-6500.

We all need a ray, many rays, of hope in this season. I’m giving you advanced notice to join me at our Vineyard Haven Public Library on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. to enjoy a performance by one of our Island’s own young people. Nathaniel Horwitz will present our annual New Year’s concert and celebration by performing on the mini-grand concert harp. Some of his selections will be Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and the introduction to Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. The concert is free and open to all ages, refreshments will be served. I’ll see you there.

Anniversary bouquets go out to one of my very favorite couples, Edson and Norma Rodgers, on Dec. 26. They will be celebrating their 52nd!

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Cathy Weiss today. December 22 is shared by Sally Benson, Monica Radoszewski, John Giles and Stephen Dunham, Sr. December 24 belongs to Emily Chappell and Leo Kelley. December 25 is for Kelly dos Reis. December 26 shines on Haley Panek. And on Dec. 27, Rene Moncada and Austen Ostrowsy take the cake. Many happy returns.

And next Tuesday morning in your homes, in your hearts and under your trees, may you all find peace.