NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

I finally caught up with the Beckers and have grand news about their Fourth of July weekend. Marty and Gail were pleased and proud to have their newest grandchild, 4-month-old Cecilia Rose Becker, more popularly known as CeCe, visit with her parents, Allan and Shannon Becker of Norwood. Friend Joan Mehrman came from Waltham, and Shannon’s sister, Tara O’Donnell, made it here all the way from Boston. The group had a wonderful time touring the Tabernacle, sightseeing, and dining out. This is the start of CeCe’s Island education. We cannot wait for her next visit.

In other Becker news, Marty has just returned from a 10-day sailing trip in Narragansett Bay with his power squadron group. This association is famous for teaching boaters how to safely handle their craft. While motorboats are also involved, this trip was comprised of sailboats only. Marty had the good fortune to meet up with his daughter, Anne, in Newport. They dined in Jamestown. Then Anne was able to join him for a few days of sailing. Anne, a lovely chip off the old block, recently competed in the Newport-to-Bermuda race with a crew of seven on a 39-foot boat. Some of their competition were 80-foot sailboats preparing to race around the world in the Volvo classic. We’re proud to report that Anne’s boat came in second in her class and also second in the overall race. Beckers live to be on the water. CeCe will probably be trained in sailing arts from a very early age.

Did you know that in addition to our regular story hours and chess club at the library, Wii games are played on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for ages 12 and up? Please note that on Thursday, August 21 this program is not scheduled, but all other Thursdays, I’ll see you there. It seems like everyone’s children are involved in the Wild Reads program at the library. Remember, one of the Wild Things will be at our library’s story hours next Tuesday, July 29. All children under age eight must be accompanied by a grownup at the programs.

I have received stunning feedback about the new restaurant in town, Salt Water, in Tisbury Marketplace. I hear the décor is beautiful, the view fabulous, the food to die for. Reservations are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Some of their take-away found its way back to my fridge, it was delicious!

In gallery news, Louisa Gould is hosting an artists’ reception tonight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at her Main street location. The theme is Tone and Texture. The four featured artists are Maya Farber, Robert Jewett, Bonnie Mineo, and Joan E. Kennedy. Don’t miss it.

Last week I gave you a heads up on the Shaw Cramer Gallery opening reception for tonight, also on Main street, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. My own personal favorite, Rose Abrahamson, presents her conjurings, acrylic and collage on canvas. Phil Wilson will be showing his hand built porcelain. Abbie Dreyer will be at the piano. Looks like a good night for the gallery crawl!

You have all seen the banner across Main street: Housing on the Tube is a television fundraiser for affordable housing on island. The program on our Plum TV, channel 76, begins today and runs through the weekend. You may stop by live at the agricultural hall in West Tisbury or tune in to Plum between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. or 4 p.m to 8 p.m. You will easily recognize many of our famous guest hosts: Marty Nadler, Sissy Biggers, Tripp Barnes, Tina Miller, and more. Call 508-338-HOTT (4688) for more information.

An interesting letter was sent to the papers last week. I thank the thoughtful man who had a bright idea about our recent tragedy on Main street. Let’s face it — it is always time to read. The writer asked if there could be some way for the electric company to restore power to the Bunch of Grapes beautiful Time To Read clock, a symbol of continuity and hope for us all.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Ed and Lil Colligan on July 28.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Larry Conroy and Tom Colligan Jr. today. Tomorrow is a party for Sal Esposito, Amy Hambrecht, Martha Chappell, Kellie Burtch, Rory Elizabeth Mayhew and Sarah Swift. July 27 honors Vickie Burrows, Buntie Bahal, Megan Honey, Connie Campbell, Theo Cowett, Michael Cobban, Bruce Hunter and Caleb Enos. July 28 is for Beth Serusa, Andrew Chappell, Keiko Corey, Sarah Moreis and Alan Campbell. July 29 sees Gerry Franzago, Michael Desrosiers, Chris Cimeno and Douglas Sabin grow old gracefully. July 30 is for Ashley Medeiros, Diane Hartmann and Jonathan Alexander Gardella. And on July 31 Gale Grain Monk and Tony Radoszewski take the cake. Many happy returns.