NANCY GARDELLA
508-693-3308
It looks like I’m going to miss the Robbie Burns dinner at the Harbor View tomorrow night, but you don’t have to. Call Cynthia at 508-955-9024 to see if there’s still a seat for you. I love all things Scottish, especially this annual celebration of their most famous poet, and I shall be with you in spirit. This is also an opportunity to join the Scottish Society of Martha’s Vineyard, which holds interesting programs all year long.
I was able to attend the 90th anniversary of the Irish Declaration of Independence last night at Dunne’s Pub right here in my Old Country. The place was packed with the Irish and all of us wannabes. Brian Conway and his musicians did a fabulous job. In between the music the Irish Declaration was read, a poem by Yeats was presented, the Irish national anthem was sung, and my nephew Jonathan Gardella played the violin along with the band. In spite of the snow and ice, my mom, Iole, insisted on coming out with us to see her grandchild perform. We met up with Gene and Frank McKenna, brothers and former neighbors, many other people who knew and recognized Iole — has she been going to bars without me? — and, for us, a very special guest appearance by our friend John Doyle, of White Plains and Martha’s Vineyard. A woman whose name I didn’t catch heard us talking about the Island and said she always stays at Elise Bovit’s Duck Inn when she’s able to get away.
Small world, global village stuff. Same time, next year.
It’s time for one of my favorite annual contests, I only regret that I’m too old to participate. The League of Women Voters’ essay contest for grades four up to a special segment for 18 to 24-year-olds is online at lwvma./org. Essay entries are due by midnight on March 6. You can check out the rules and the questions that apply to your youngster’s age group. Have them give it a try.
Tears, laughter, hugs and kisses were the menu at our library from 11:30 a.m. on last Tuesday when the program room was opened for all who wanted to come celebrate the inauguaration together. Betty Burton reported there was quite a large crowd. Even if you had your own TV at home, it was the place to be.
Our library continues full speed ahead with its many programs. Come hear Pamela Street speak at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25. Pamela will be talking about Robert Morris Copeland’s plan for Oak Bluffs. The talk is free, open to all, and refreshments will be served.
The evening lecture series at the library continues on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. with a most interesting discussion of the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. Paulette Hayes was shocked to learn of the Myall Creek Massacre and Australia’s harsh treatment of its indigenous people when European settlers came to the continent. She has majored in Aboriginal studies and is prepared to enlighten you and answer your questions.
Our Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network doesn’t lack for exciting programs either. Bring your business cards and network next Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the back room of The Wharf restaurant and pub in Edgartown. Members are admitted for $10, nonmembers get in for $15, and can ask about joining. Hors d’ouevre will be served. For details, call 914-589-2510.
The network is presenting a luncheon hosted by Ameriprise Financial advisors on Friday, Jan. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Grill on Main street, Edgartown. Speaker Chris Reid will give an educational presentation at no cost. RSVP at 508-627-7777.
The birthday bandwagon pulls along Lisa Jannace Meade and Yesmin Silva today. Tomorrow is shared by Katie Campbell and Eva Balbino Dias. Jan. 25 belongs to Robbie Burns, Kristen Pachico and Bunny Davis. Jan. 26 is claimed by Shirley McCarthy. Jan. 27 is a party for Jesse Steere, Emma Beach, Caroline Davey and Gail Burke. And on Jan. 28 Alyssa Rose Miller, Courtney Daly, Lou Natichioni and Sonia Balbino take the cake. Many happy returns.
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