NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(vhavenvgazette@yahoo.com)

Well, suddenly it seems like winter. And how about that hail on Wednesday? I guess we have been spoiled this year. Speaking of spoiled, I finally had a chance to park and stop in for one of Seth Gambino’s famous La Choza burritos. I went for the “Everything.” I felt like I was carrying out a stuffed Cornish game hen. What I am about to say probably won’t be good for business. That one burrito lasted me — a woman of a certain age and, no, I wasn’t sharing with my dogs — for three meals! If I weren’t so honest I would tell you that it was so great, I had it for lunch and returned to buy another for dinner. But, honestly, three meals! Martha’s Vineyard Magazine will take your votes for best take-out and I hope you vote for Seth.

By the way, the Not Summer issue of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine has some very interesting off-season pieces: Our stalwart Brooks Robards spending a night at the Graybar Hotel (voluntarily, for journalistic purposes); a piece on the famous Bryant brothers, Danny and Nelson; the Stanley Cup’s visit to the Island twice, and check stubs from the 1950 that will break your heart. Pick up a copy. Eat a burrito while you read.

Our American Legion Post 257 reports a disappointing 14 people at last Monday night’s Bingo. Come on, folks; television isn’t that good. I’ll see you next week. I’ll also see you at the annual first Sunday of the month off-season breakfast this week, April 1 (this is not an April Fools’ joke), where grownups eat for $7 and kids under 12 for $5. Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Our next Legion Auxiliary meeting is Tuesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. New members are always welcome. If you did not serve in the services you need only have a relative who did, as well as a great loyalty to our country.

Join us at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to dispose of those pesky, dust-collecting electronics in a safe way and make money for our community services. I have a dehumidifier I got free in the Bargain Box and it never did work! Caveat emptor.

The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network is holding a very special yoga program aimed at healers, massage therapists, those teaching yoga and running it as their business. The program is on April 4; you must register by April 2, no walk-ins allowed. At the time of registration you will be informed of the site of the program — sounds mysterious. Members and non-members alike pay $10. You may register by April 2, space is limited, by dropping a check at Ameriprise Financial or online at mvwomensnetwork.org. In addition, this fabulous group is offering a small business grant for a start-up new business or to grow your ongoing business. The deadline for the grant is April 6.

Our League of Women Voters offers a candidates’ night forum next Wednesday, April 4. Each candidate will have five minutes to lay out their program, a question and answer will follow. Please note that this time the forum will be at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, not at the senior center.

Featherstone and the Martha’s Vineyard Museum has extended their deadline for the Island portraits contest to tomorrow, March 31! This is great news. Perhaps they’ll grant a dispensation for Fred Thifault and me!

Get well bouquets go out to Connie Teixeira.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Marco Daniels, Abigail Chappell, Michael Diamond, Andrew Nelson and Eric Clapton today. Tomorrow is shared by Laura Alexander and Rachel Pires. April 1 is for Enoia Preia Dos Rei. April 2 is a party for Bob Kalayan, Bo Andrews, Kathy Daly and Kate Desrosiers. April 3 shines for Jim Reynolds, Denis Rogers and Chrissy and Charley McCarthy. April 4 is for Amber Willoughby, Sue Rice, and Tine Sonderby. And on April 5 Gary Maynard, Kinsman Maynard, Tripta Bahal, Dan Fleming, Julian Burghoff and John Valley take the cake. Many happy returns.