NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Sorry I missed you last week. I was on the road, on the boat, in the air, and by the time I arrived at O’Hare airport I had such a raging ear infection I was too sick to sit up long enough to write the column. That being said, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My son, Chris Clark, his wife, Lilly, and my grandsons, Corbyn and Dominic, had invited me to a Rockford Thanksgiving with Lilly’s family. It was fabulous to see them all again, especially Lilly’s parents, Rey and Pat Garza, her married sisters and their husbands and children. I even got to see Nookie, Pat and Rey’s dog I used to walk when I wasn’t sick with sinus problems! My own little family’s pet population is quite interesting: two dogs, Hootie and Jack-Jack, two cats, Fuzzhead and Jaspurr, and one chinchilla, Savannah. Corbyn is enjoying first grade. Three-year-old Dominic has a favorite day care center he attends a few times a week. Chris made the turkey but the Garzas all brought some of their favorite dishes. Lilly took me to a local clinic the day after my arrival. I had good, fast care and a bagful of prescriptions. That made the ride home on the airplane much more comfortable. It was great to see them in their own first home. The fenced-in yard came in handy or I would have been walking Hootie and Jack, but I think they are too energetic for me. Chris and Lilly are taking college courses around their work schedule, so you can imagine how busy they are. I want the blueberry dessert recipe, please.

I did not return home in enough time to get down to White Plains and attend the birthday celebration of my first grade teacher, Sister St. John Delany, PhD, which was held at Pace Law School on my old academy campus. Sister has gone on to administer in literacy; her Center for Literacy Enrichment is just what I would expect of her. Congratulations.

Well, off I go and back I come to find out this newspaper is in new hands. Thank you to the Restons for all the wonderful years and encouragement. Welcome to the Kohlbergs; I’m sure you are going to enjoy this.

Who doesn’t remember seeing Patricia Neal in all our Island haunts? Well, catch her at the library next Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. for a free showing of Hud, coupled with my heartthrob, Paul Newman. The Patricia Neal film festival will run every Tuesday evening through Dec. 28. I’ll see you there.

Shop local at PeaceCraft, held at Pyewacket’s at 135 Beach Road this season. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily you may choose global fair trade items and handcrafted gifts. Proceeds benefit Haiti and some of our world’s poorest areas.

The same sort of theme runs through the African Artists’ Community Development Project every Saturday before Christmas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment, 508-693-4059. Marsha will be glad to meet you and show you the wares at 20 Road to Great Neck, just one half mile down New Lane in West Tisbury.

Speaking of West Tisbury, the winter Farmers’ Market will be held at the Ag Hall tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and also on Saturday, Dec. 18. Enjoy a warm fire, a hot lunch, and shop with your favorite Island vendors.

I received word that the Minnesingers are offering two winter concerts at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, Friday, Dec. 10 in the evening and Saturday, Dec. 11 in the afternoon. Many of the singers are Vineyard Haven high schoolers, you know.

Condolences to the family and friends of Carol Combra Clark. This sweet lady was always so kind to me, my mother, and the community. She is greatly missed.

I also returned to sad word that Helen Burt had died. Helen was ever-active, always friendly, and a great addition to our Legion Auxiliary and her church.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along John Alley and Charles Beal today. Dec. 4 is a party for Travis Gramkowski, Beth McCormick, Neuza Tate and Melanie Godek. Dec. 5 honors Mark Zajackowski and Paresa Paiva. Dec. 6 is for Emily Diamond, Kevin Sullivan, Elise Thomas and Robert MacKay Sr. Dec. 7 shines on Larry Bird and Rose Cogliani. Dec. 8 is shared by Janey Sobel and Pat Codding. And on Dec. 9 Rachael York, Christine Honig, Joe Hegarty and Joanne Gardella take the cake. Many happy returns.