JO-ANN TILGHMAN

508-627-7669

(tilghmanjb@aol.com)

Signs of fall are everywhere: summer residents are returning to their off-Island homes, the parking lot at the Chappy ferry has plenty of parking spaces, the weather has turned crisp and cool, beach plums are ripening, goldenrod is blooming, there is a hint of color on the leaves of various shrubs, including the bright red leaves on some of the poison ivy and the general pace of the Island has dropped a notch. One of the surprising sights generally seen in spring rather than early fall is the water level of the Chappy ponds. Thanks to Hurricane Bill and tropical depression Danny, all of Chappy’s ponds are unseasonably full.

Last week my sister in law Ruth, along with her son Carlos and daughter in law Dana, took the family catboat, Gentle Julia, for a sail on Cape Pogue. Much to their surprise they were also accompanied by a harbor seal that, Ruth felt, seemed delighted he could swim faster than they were sailing, as it was a day with mild and gentle breezes. Any doubts about whether or not it was a good day to go for a sail disappeared as the seal bobbed his head up and down to keep a watchful eye on them and tracked their progress as they crossed to the jetties and back. Unfortunately Ruth’s daughter, Olivia, who lives in Paris, had not yet arrived for her visit and wasn’t able to spend part of an afternoon with the Cape Pogue seal.

Despite the erroneous report in the New York Post earlier this week that Chelsea Clinton was getting married at Cape Pogue this weekend, the place does seem to have become a popular spot for weddings. Between August 8 and Sept. 12 there will have been four weddings (and, as I far as I know, no funerals) with a Cape Pogue view. Recent brides include Anne Floyd and Kate Murphy and, soon-to-be-brides are Katie Kidder and Julie Dangle. To all these lovely ladies, and the lucky men who married them, best wishes for many years of happiness.

According to Betty Trider, volunteer coordinator at Mytoi, Wednesday Mornings at the Garden was a great success this summer. Betty extends a heartfelt thanks to everyone who found the time to help. Houseguests, grandchildren and neighbors answered the clarion call for help. Over 120 hours were spent by the adults from the Brush, Pool, Shepardson, Traester and Cahouet families. Also helping was a high school senior named Matt who came and gave some time to be applied to his school community service credit. This summer was a first for three youthful assistants: Sarah Roden, Jack Kent and Burke Hildner, who spent a total of 33 hours weeding, carrying brush from pruning activities, and clearing the brook. Their enthusiasm was a wonderful, productive addition to the garden. Betty asks that you consider saving some time for Mytoi next summer as every hour you can give is so important!

The reception to thank Terry Forde for his service to the Chappaquiddick Island Association and to wish him well as prepares to move to Maine next week was well attended. Among those stopping at the Chappy Community Center to wish Terry well were Nancy Penhune, Sally Nicholas, Anne and Bill Brine, Judy Murphy, Lain Howarth and Steven Raichlen. Terry introduced me to his son, Mike, and told me that grandson Bud Osborne, who has decided to take a year off from college, was staying with Terry through Labor Day prior to spending the upcoming year in Virginia with his mother.

Thursday, Sept. 10 marks the beginning of the fourth annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival. Thursday’s festival opening film will be the animated romantic musical from India and the U.S., Sita Sings the Blues: The Greatest Break Up Ever Told. Mary Spencer, who is responsible for the Friday foreign films at the community center during the summer, is the volunteer coordinator for the festival. If you would like to help with the festival, contact Mary at 508-627-4011. The festival runs through Sunday, Sept. 13.

Another sure sign of fall is my returning the Chappy column to Margaret Knight. Margaret will take back her column beginning next week as I get back to work, try to cram in a few more beach days and sailing outings before leaving the island until next spring. Have a wonderful fall and winter.