NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

The tables have turned again. I took a head start on school vacation last Thursday and drove down to my Old Country with Iole’s three granddogs to help her out for a week. Let me tell you, toothaches don’t go away.

One has been irritating me on and off for months but we couldn’t determine which tooth. Perhaps a sinus infection? By the time I arrived in White Plains, it was constant and horrible. After four sleepless nights I took my neighbor’s suggestion and walked to Dr. Gary Lighter’s office, no appointment, a few blocks away. Lovely Erica greeted me and said this dentist I had never met would see me in 20 minutes. Dr. Lighter and his efficient assistant, Lindsey, identified the problem in seconds. The last wisdom tooth in my mouth, the other three having been removed by my White Plains childhood dentist, long since dead, was carefully and painlessly taken out. Thank you for seeing me on an emergency basis! Dr. Lighter reminisced about his many joyful vacations in Menemsha, and recalled Lucy Vincent Beach, which goes to show how he spent his summers at the surf. Now the 90-year-old woman I came to help is cooking mashed potatoes and pastina for me and reminding me to take my penicillin. I highly recommend if you have to get sick, drive to your mother’s to do it.

Before I bit the bullet and had the tooth extracted, I spent a delightful Friday morning with Aunt Mary Alice Jannace and her morning coffee klatch at Artuso’s. Thanks to her whole gang and especially Bobbie and Mary for making me feel so welcome.

Of course I stopped in at Sal Alfano’s barbershop, the best place to collect the social news, and caught up on the neighborhood and his clients from White Plains and the Vineyard. John Doyle is doing well and ready to attend his fiftieth high school reunion, according to Sal.

Our library has not taken a hiatus during spring break, they’re busier than ever, I’d say. On Saturday, April 26, the Alzheimer’s Services of the Cape and Islands is presenting an educational conference for professionals from 9 a.m. to noon. A presentation for interested and involved families and caregivers will be presented from 1 to 2:30 p.m., free of charge. Call Betty Burton at 508-696-4211, extension 16 for more information.

Betty is also the contact number for the workshop from the Earth Institute which will begin on Wednesday, April 30, and run through June 4. The workshop is free but the cost of the workbook, available at the desk, is $20. The topic is, What’s Eating America. The students will examine the ecological impacts that have accompanied the changes in how we grow and prepare food. Farming for the future is the gist of this seminar, along with choices we can make for change. Please join us for this informative program. Betty’s number is above for registration, or stop in at the desk.

The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network is hosting a breakfast at the Baylies Room of the Old Whaling church in Edgartown on Tuesday, April 29, from 7 to 9 a.m. The topic is customer service and sales techniques for success. For information, please call 508-696-6344 or e-mail to mvwomensnetwork@gmail.com. New members are always welcome.

A beautiful, talented friend died last Saturday night at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Carol Van der Veer of Tisbury was an accomplished artist, held a master’s degree in fine arts, was devoted to her dogs, first Wilbur, then Jake, could arrange flowers like a professional and adored gardening. Her knowledge of antiques, her delight in yard sales with her friends, and her hilarious sense of humor kept us all chuckling. Her greatest glory, and I remember the year well, was the birth of her son, Schuyler Wuerth, now an accomplished athlete and college student. While Carol suffered many physical problems in the past few years, her sense of humor never deserted her. As she was a most loyal friend, her friends did not desert her either. Condolences to Carol’s son and brothers, family and friends, as well as to her companion Bob, and her close friend of 18 years, Pam Alley. I shall give you information on services as soon as I get it. So long to a lovely lady.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Ron and Barsha Tolin on April 26.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Lorraine Clark, Sarah Codding, Lindy Ebol, Betty Roberts, Russ Wilson, and Jennifer Cove today. Tomorrow belongs to Ardis Fitzpatrick, Kristin Lee and Jamie Hale. April 27 is claimed by Jennie Lindland. April 28 is shared by Ron Tolin, Jenna Corey and Paulo Roberto Oliveira. On April 29, the sun smiles on Stephen Dunham the Younger and Marci Nichols. April 30 is for Ronilton Oliveira and twin Andie Williamson to be continued on May 1 with twin Ellie Williamson. And also on May 1, Lindsey Ben David, Kirsten Claussen, Marina Natichioni, Barbara Murphy, Megan Stiller, and Mary Muckerheide take the cake. Many happy returns.