NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(iklean@yahoo.com)

So what happens to a pack rat who cannot throw away a newspaper, a piece of information or her now full-grown son’s toys? She distributes misinformation, that’s what.

I came upon the REAL invitation to the Robbie Burns supper, right behind last year’s invitation asking you to contact Deborah Medders. So I apologize to all. Here’s the true story: this year’s Burns Nicht Supper will be held on Friday evening, Feb. 1, to celebrate the life and genius of Scotland’s national bard. The evening of pageantry and festivity includes Highland piping and Scottish songs. Cocktail and social hour begins at the Harbor View at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Space is limited, so call Ed Pierce (sorry, Deborah) as soon as possible at 508-560-0490. The traditional haggis will be piped into the room. The supper benefits the Scottish Society of Martha’s Vineyard’s scholarship fund. If you cannot attend but would like to make a monetary donation to the scholarship, send your check to SSMV, P.O. Box 1895, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Thank you. If you can donate to the auction or raffle, call Steve Ewing at 508-326-8511. Thank you for your patience with my errors. I hope they don’t pipe me out of the society now.

Kate Scott flew to Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday to attend the birthday celebration of her father, Albert L. Scott Jr. He will become a centenarian on Jan. 30. Bert was a summer resident on Martha’s Vineyard from 1919 – when his father, Albert L. Scott Sr., bought the Nest at Bayside – to the early 1940s. Bert then lived year-round at the Red Farm in Lambert’s Cove from 1946 to 1956. In the early 1930s, Bert won many a contest at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club in his Cape Cod knockabout, the Scudd II. His father and some of his friends helped organize the Yacht Club as a friendly sailing club for their children. The Vineyard connection is very dear to Albert despite his long absence from our Island. Bert reads the Gazette religiously and can often add a historical footnote to our current news stories. He would be delighted to hear greetings from old acquaintances in Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury or wherever they now dwell. His address is 2951 Derby Street, Apt. 347, Berkeley, Calif. 94705. You may also email messages to kscott@cape.com. The best to Bert and his family always!

Today is the official birthday of the immortal Robbie Burns. Another one of our favorite writers celebrates a birthday today - Holly Nadler, along with Kristen Pachico and Bunny Davis. January 26 is claimed by Karen Coffey. January 27 is a party for Jesse Steere, Caroline Davey, Gail Burke and Fatima Silva. January 28 honors Courtney Daly and Alyssa Rose Miller. January 29 belongs to Suzanne Kennedy. January 30 is for Albert. L. Scott Jr., Elisha Smith, Sasha Robinson White and Lisa Nichols. And on January 31, Jarrett Campbell and Kelly McElhinney take the cake. Many happy returns.