NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Paul and Marge Howes have had the most delightful house guest. Young as these three look and act, they have been friends for over thirty years. Dot Edelfry of Upper Montclair, N.J., is spending her annual October vacation with the Howes‚ in Lennie’s Loop. Dot is retired from years of service to TWA, Johnson and Higgins, and Marshall and McLellan. How lucky for me I was walking the dogs and Marge and Paul called me over to meet Dot and engage in a neighborhood cocktail hour. The party was enhanced by the presence of the ubiquitous Jim Hart, also a fixture on this street.

Marge and Dot have been busy stopping at all the shops. They were particularly pleased with the Two Susans, Riley’s Reads, Lorraine Parrish, Millie Briggs, and, Dot’s personal favorite as she is devoted to needlepoint, Henley’s. I saw a needlepoint belt she made as a gift for Paul. She had purchased the set at Henley’s a few years back. Oh, no, lighthouses and lobsters wouldn’t do. It is a needlepoint Red Sox belt! She also made this charming couple a lighthouse framed by a beautiful wooden tray. Jim Hart thinks Marge and Dot need to round out their shopping by touring the Dumptique. As of Dot’s departure yesterday, I’m not sure if they made it there. But I do know they thoroughly enjoyed the glass blowing in West Tisbury and stopping at the Artisan’s Fair. Same time, next year.

There’s lots of library news: a book and bake sale will be held tomorrow at the library. Mark your calendars now for Marjorie Convery’s retirement party on Friday, Oct. 26 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Come enjoy the friends, the refreshments, and thank this wonderful lady for 17 years of service. Also, the library has very conveniently installed a new book drop-off bin, a drive-by. This gang is always thinking how to make our lives easier and better.

It’s not too soon to remind you of the annual harvest supper presented by Christ United Methodist Church, often known as the Stone church. The tickets sell so quickly! Barbara Donald is handling reservations at 508-693-1493. Turkey and all the fixings, not to mention the fellowship, on Saturday, Oct. 27. There are two seatings, 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Grown-ups get in for $15, kids under 12 eat for $8. Don’t hesitate to make your reservation now. I’ll see you there.

John Wightman is at it again! He and his delightful wife, Jan, will greet you from 4 to 8 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Beach Plum Inn and Restaurant. Come watch the sunset over Menemsha, then check out John’s Island images of sunsets, sunrises, fishermen, lighthouses, boats, all things Martha’s Vineyard. Iole and I went to his summer show and were able to do some long-range holiday shopping. Did I mention that Chef James McDonough is providing the hors d’oeuvres? This is a show you can’t miss. I’ll see you there.

I know you all will remember the Miles of Memory walk scheduled for this Sunday, rain or shine. Walkers who raise over $50 get a commemorative T-shirt. Join us at the Tisbury Senior Center at 11 a.m. to register. The walk begins at noon, just a bit over four miles and we’ll be enjoying refreshments at the Oak Bluffs senior center. We all know someone touched by Alzheimer’s. Now’s the time to act. All money raised is used for programs on the Cape and Islands.

After missing five phone calls from Iraq, I did actually catch one from my son last night. The time was all too short and the news was sad: his wife’s grandmother had died in Illinois. He was in need of family phone numbers, and then he couldn’t stay on very long. He did say the temperature is going to 60 degrees at night which is very cold to them as they have been used to 100-degree-plus days. He did appreciate the books I sent him and especially thanked me for the beef jerky. I hope he’s sharing it, it’s awfully salty.

Our deepest sympathy goes to the Hackney family on the death of Virginia. Virginia loved her Island and the Island and all Islanders returned the love. It is very, very hard to imagine not seeing this lovely lady biking to and from town. The Island will never be the same without Virginia.

Get-well wishes go out to Gloria von Mehren, who is preparing for knee surgery next week.

I saw a huge party going on at Grace Church last weekend on a most beautiful day. And so it was because I found out it was a celebration of Alden and Barbara Besse’s 50th wedding anniversary. Bouquets to them.

Belated birthday balloons go to Sarah LaPiana for her Oct. 9 celebration.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Arvi Bahal, Jaime Conroy and Sabrina Flipse today. Oct. 14 is for Amaru Pareja. Oct. 15 is shared by Lu Healey and Helen Gorski. Oct. 16 belongs to the fairest of them all, Steffie Elliott. Oct. 17 honors Sue Zonino and Hannah Berman. And on Oct. 18, Shawn Goodwin, Noel Macy, Jim Pringle and Zach Pepper take the cake. Many happy returns.