NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
Sad news reached me that Uncle Larry Gardella died on Wednesday. Uncle Larry was the last of the eight Gardella brothers. He was predeceased by seven of his sisters. Only Aunt Kathryn Gardella Mascatelli of Florida, the youngest of the 16 children, lives on in Florida. Larry would have been 90 on March 3. He was a wonderful guy, a whole lot of fun. He worked hard his whole life but enjoyed family, friends, and especially baseball and children. Larry served in the Army in World War II. His wife, Aunt Ida, is a retired nurse. Ida and Larry had four children, Jeanie, Bobby, Michael and Joanie. The two girls followed their mom in a nursing career, Bobby served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Unfortunately, Joanie died a few years ago. There are three grandchildren and, as you can imagine with the size of a family like this, a passel of nieces, nephews, and relatives. All of the Gardella brothers went into their dad’s business, Silvio Joseph Gardella, Sr., when he came over from Italy and began Gardella Bros., fruits, vegetables, and gourmet items in a small shop on West Post road in White Plains. Actually, my dad, Silvio Joseph Gardella Jr., was the only brother who chose another career although he did help out at the shop in the busy seasons — Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, as did wives and children. My uncles let me set up a stand annually at the shop and in my Brownie uniform, later my Girl Scout uniform, I do believe I held the record for Girl Scout cookie sales in Westchester county. Uncle Larry, one of the youngest brothers, drove to the Hunts Point Market at 4 a.m. in the Bronx every day but Sunday to choose the best fruits and vegetables for their customers. Later, as my uncles retired or died, Larry became sole owner of the family business. I believe he finally retired in 1990. Larry was never happier than when playing with kids, pitching a ball, tracking his children’s, grandchildren’s, and niece’s and nephew’s accomplishments. His lovely wife Ida and huge dog Otis survive him, but there is a lot missing on Longview avenue now. So long, Uncle Larry, you will be greatly missed.
For this time of year there are an awful lot of visitors on Island, and I know they are here for the Big Chili Contest at the P.A. Club on Saturday. I have heard some tickets might be available at the door for this very popular Red Stocking fundraiser. Come in costume if you can.
I remember when West Tisbury resident Paul Schneider’s book, The Enduring Shore, came out in 2001 and I gobbled it up. You may hear Paul speak at 3 p.m. tomorrow at 59 School street, Edgartown at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Members are admitted for $10, nonmembers get in for $12. Paul is the author of several other books; he will speak on his research techniques and discuss his latest upcoming book on the Mississippi River. Books will be available for purchase and signing and refreshments will be served.
Our library continues to entertain us. Story, songs, and rhymes are available on Tuesdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. for the infant to two-year-olds; the three to five set have their entertainment from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Chess Club is also Tuesday nights from 6 to 7 p.m. for ages six through high school, all levels are welcome and instruction is available. Ages five and up may enjoy crafts every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. A weekly winter activity is knitting on Saturdays from 2 to 3 p.m., all ages welcome. On Thursday, Feb. 4, in place of Wii games, the Teen Book Club for grades six and up will discuss the famous book, Three Cups of Tea.
The Stevens Chapel on Main street just up from the library, home of our Unitarian Universalist congregation, is having a set of music programs for the next three months. Mark your calendars for Friday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. when two sets of dynamic performances will be given. The first is cover tunes by Christine Box and Ray Frazio with Chris Seidel providing the rhythm. The second set features Howie and Hannah Marlin singing and Mark and Sam Hann on violin and guitar. Kids under 12 are admitted free, suggested donation for grownups is $8. I’ll see you there.
Anniversary bouquets go out to John and Sarah Lolley on Jan. 30. Harry and Aase Jones celebrate Jan. 31.
The birthday bandwagon pulls along Carol Gillies and Suzanne Kennedy today. Tomorrow is a party for Lisa Nichols, Evelyn DeLoach, Elisha Smith, and Sacha Robinson White. Jan. 31 is shared by Jarrett Campbell and Kelly McElhinney. Feb. 1 is claimed by Lynne Goodwin Kuhn. Feb. 2 is for Beau Eric Linderson, Alena Shisko, Brian Robinson, Rex Henry Grant, and Jennifer Roman. And on Feb. 4 Roni DeLuz and Josh Flanders Jr. take the cake. Many happy returns.
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