NANCY GARDELLA

508-693-3308

(iklean@yahoo.com)

What a wonderful celebration of life my sister in law, Nancy Gardella, gave for her mom Marie Maloney McPartlin. Marie died in January in Florida. Her birthday was June 1, so Nancy traveled to New York with her sister, also named Marie, and son Jonathan. Nancy booked her grandmother’s favorite, St. Clement’s Church in Matawan, N.J., and the church’s reception hall, for a memorial mass and reception last Saturday. Nonna and I rode with the family on a beautiful but 97 degree day. The priest, the organist, the vocalist — all were terrific. My nephew Jonathan did the readings and played Amazing Grace on his violin during the service. After the mass, Jonathan led us to the reception hall by playing When the Saints Come Marching In, also on his violin. It was great to see all of Marie’s relatives and friends. The luncheon was superb. And yes, there was a black forest birthday cake in Marie’s honor. Jonathan led us in singing Happy Birthday.

Ed Colligan called to remind me that American Legion Post 257 began serving lobster rolls on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m. during the summer season. There is air conditioning, ample parking, and all your favorite Islanders in attendance. You may eat in or take out. The rolls are the same $15 price as last year, and that comes with chips and your choice of coffee, water, ice tea or lemonade. The ambiance is fabulous. I want to mention that the legion post is like a small museum; you will see pictures and notes on many of our Islanders who have served in the armed forces. If you cannot wait a whole week for more lobster rolls, stop at Grace Church on Friday afternoons from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for rolls, hot dogs and desserts.

Mimi Davisson wants you of the Democratic persuasion to know that there is a meeting at Howes House tomorrow from 9 to 10:30 a.m. to help kick off and plan Ed Markey’s campaign. Visit mvdems.org for further information.

Amy Ryan, our astute library director, says if you need help downloading audiobooks, CLAMS help with library eBooks, or help with any new technology there will be tutoring available on Saturdays through the month of June from 10 a.m. to noon. Please call the library for an appointment at 508-696-4210. In other library news, be sure to catch the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library’s exhibit of 16 Island artists now on display through June 14. The art may be viewed during regular library hours. It has been curated by Francine Kelly. Among the artists you will recognize are John Crelan, Lauren Petkus, Clara Kisco and Rob Hammett.

John Crelan’s artistic talent doesn’t end with painting and drawing. He is behind the non-profit Arts and Society organization, which annually brings us Bloomsday, devoted to the works of James Joyce. Join us on Sunday, June 16 at 8 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre for the 35th annual celebration. Some of your favorite friends and neighbors will be performing. Tickets are available at the door.

As usual, I am overwhelmed by the talent on this small island. Abigail McGrath continues to run the Renaissance House writers and artists workshop in honor of Helen Johnson and Dorothy West. Visit renaissancehse@aol.com to get a complete schedule, but it has come to my attention this week that our own Vineyard Haven documentary filmmakers, Len and Georgia Morris of Galen Films, will be guest speakers this summer. Check it out.

I was shocked to learn last year that our cheerleading team was in disarray. They are coming back stronger than ever, Sue Costello and Channon Capra are determined to lead you in new cheers, dances, and tumbles to spur our high school teams on. Please attend an informal meeting in room 322, that’s the health class room, at the high school Monday, June 10 at 3 p.m. Hoo-rah!

It’s not too soon to inform you of a special event. I want you to mark your calendars now for Saturday, June 29. I’ll see you at the P.A. Club at 4:30 p.m. for a fundraiser for our dear friend Corly Maciel, who is recovering from a stroke. June Manning has details if you need them.

“Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday. Who can hang a name on you? When you change with every new day, still I’m gonna miss you” — end of an era. But there is good news, in place of the former summer Tuesday Vineyard Gazette we now have the Tuesday Gazette Notebook online. It’s a great way to keep up.

I am saddened by the deaths of so many of our beloved community members. They all deserve special remembrance: Dave and Doris Cron, Shirley Tilton, and Ed Child. Read the write-ups the Gazette did so well in last Friday’s obituaries.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Trude Hart and Grace Murphy today. June 8 is a party for Pat Garza, Wendy Fitting, David Alan Friedman, Miles Gross, and Marshall Cole Pratt. June 9 shines on Elizabeth Baldwin, Tasha Bahal, Naromar DePaul Jr., and Mark Guthries. June 10 is for Ruth Stiller, Joshua Robinson White, Grace Schmidt, Crystal Baker and Keosha Walker. June 11 is claimed by John Crews, Flo Koster, Mareda Gaither-Graves and Suzanne Walker. June 12 is observed by Emanuelly Nascimento and Eleanor Barret Williams. And on June 13 Les Leland, Elise Gardella, Ray LaPorte, and Ruth McGorty take the cake. Many happy returns.