JO-ANN TILGHMAN

508-627-7669

(tilghmanjb@aol.com)

While summer houseguests have been arriving and departing in the past few days, one annual unwelcome summer visitor has finally made its appearance, and we all knew it was just a matter of time. The mosquitoes have arrived with a vengeance in some areas, while a few spots seem to have escaped the first bloom of buzzing insects. However, given the amount of rain we have had, one can’t help but wonder how long it will be until everyone is seeking relief from the annoying, itch-causing, insects.

Betty Trider, a dedicated Mytoi volunteer, has sent the following announcement about Mytoi Garden volunteer days. Betty says that once again it’s time for Wednesdays in the Garden. Everyone is invited to come and volunteer whatever time they have available to help maintain the beauty of Mytoi. The Mytoi volunteers have set aside every Wednesday in July and August from 9 a.m. until noon to guide new volunteers and see what needs tending — weeding, raking paths, deadheading or pruning. Just bring insect spray and your favorite gardening tool. Grandchildren and houseguests are also welcome!

Among the upcoming events at the Chappaquiddick Community Center is the July lobster roll sale, on Wednesday, July 15. Lobster rolls, soda or water, and chips must be reserved by calling the center (508-627-8222) by noon Monday, July 13. Tables will be set up on the porch if you would like to enjoy your lobster rolls at the center prior to the Vineyard Sound concert at 7 p.m. I am not sure which is the greater treat, the lobster rolls or listening to the Vineyard Sound. Lobster rolls are $15 and Vineyard Sound tickets are $8 for adults and teens, $5 for 5 to 12-year-olds, and under 5 is free.

Kolya, a Czechoslovakian film, will be shown on Friday night July 17 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the foreign film summer series. Saturday, July 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. will be the annual Chappy Fair at the center with all the usual activities planned. There will be the book table, bake sale (if you would like to bake, please call Margaret Knight or Molly Sullivan at the center 508-627-8222), and cake walk. If you have crafts or white elephant items you would like to sell yourself, there will be tables set up on the porch to do so. However, there will be no community center rummage table. Games for younger children will begin at 11:30 a.m. with organized games for older children beginning at 12:30. The dog show will be at 1 p.m. with emcee Joe Sullivan, and, as always, the grill will have hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers available.

Tuesday, July 21 will be Chappy History night at the center. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. the three-minute film, Aqua Biking, starring Peter Wells will be presented. Following the short will be Zeb. This film takes a look at the life of legendary Vineyard folk hero Capt. Zeb Tilton. Zeb Tilton was captain of the last coastal schooner at a time when oil and gas were taking over maritime trade. The film also features cameos by Chappy resident Sidney Morris and takes a look at the schooner tradition that continues through the work of Vineyard Voyagers and the Noman’s Land design Mabel.

Registration has started for the annual Chappy Mixed Doubles Round Robin being held the weekend of July 25. The tournament matches will be July 25 with the finals on Sunday, July 26 at the Plum court on North Neck road. Everyone 18 years and older is eligible. Signup sheets are on the community center bulletin board at the ferry and at the center. Partners will be assigned Friday, July 24. All participants and their spouses are invited to the participants cocktail party Saturday, the 25th at the home of Joanna and Hal Scott at 127 Chappaquiddick Road.

Nicki Seabury and her personal assistant, Cindy Betes, arrived earlier this week from their home Florida. Nicki will be staying at the Seabury home in Green Pastures for the summer with her son Edwin, who is a year-round Chappy resident. Edwin is hoping that Nicki will still plan to stay at their Chappy home until Oct. 6 when Nicki celebrates her 89th birthday.

The auction is coming. Mark your calendars for August 8 for the Chappaquddick Community Center auction. The silent auction and reception will begin at 4:30 this year. This will allow more time for silent auction bidding, and refreshments which will be served until 5:45 p.m. At 6 the live auction with auctioneer extraordinaire Trip Barnes will begin. As in the past there will be approximately 100 items available for bid. Those attending will have the opportunity to bid on gourmet cakes and pies, a handmade sweater, handmade felted tote bag, private tours of Tom’s Neck Farm, Pimpneymouse Farm and Green Pastures, the wooden car chocks from the On Time Ferry, art by Chappy artists and others, honey from Chappy bees, manure for your garden, and Red Sox/Yankee tickets. This is always a fun event and Trip always provides an entertaining evening. Tickets are $25 per person so plan to attend and support the Chappaquiddick Community Center.

It’s time to be thinking of your photo entries for the 2010 calendar. All photographs must be submitted by July 24. The opening reception with punch and cookies that kicks off the voting will be Monday, July 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and vote for their favorite photos. As in the past, the photo receiving the most votes in the adult category will appear on the front cover while the back cover will be the photo receiving the most votes from the children’s category. A complete listing of guidelines is available at the center or on its Web site, ChappyCommunityCenter.org.

Bring your own picnic to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Chappy Open Space Committee on Sunday, August 1 at Hickory Cove or, should it rain, at the CCC. If you would like additional information contact Nancy Hugger at 508-627-8364.