RICK HERRICK

508-693-8065

(herricklr@verizon.net)

The East Chop Association held its annual August meeting at the East Chop Beach Club last Saturday. President Craig Dripps called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. Anne Hazelton read the minutes from the July 2009 meeting which were approved. John Caldwell gave the treasurer’s report from which we learned that the financial health of the association is sound. The association currently has $52,000 in liquid assets, and the membership drive is going well.

The main thrust of the meeting was again devoted to a discussion of the problems relating to the bluff. Two years ago the town of Oak Bluffs funded a study on the health of the bluff. The results of the study were troubling. The report makes clear that the stability of the bluff has dangerously deteriorated to the point where it is one major storm away from undergoing catastrophic damage. It is unlikely that East Chop Drive would recover from such a storm.

The East Chop Association owns the bluff along East Chop Drive. The engineering study estimates that 10 million dollars or more will be needed to preserve the integrity of the bluff. The simple truth is that funds of that magnitude go well beyond the financial means of the association. In addition, the association does not qualify for state and federal funds for coastal remediation.

To deal with these problems, the East Chop Association is looking into the possibility of transferring ownership of the bluff to the town of Oak Bluffs. At the present time, the association and the town are negotiating an agreement of transfer that would meet all state conservation restrictions. The Association has retained Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas to represent association interests in this matter.

President Dripps again invited Joan Hughes, chairman of the Oak Bluffs conservation commission, to the meeting. Ms. Hughes presented a history of the problem, and answered several questions. She assured those attending the meeting that any agreement would protect the interests of private landowners along the bluff, and that no new land uses would be allowed. If such a transfer is made, the bluff will become part of a much larger project undertaken by the town to preserve the Oak Bluffs shoreline.

The legal process for transfer requires a two thirds vote of approval from the East Chop Association board. No binding vote from association members will be sought or is required. However, Mr. Dripps asked members in attendance to express their views in a straw vote on the association’s actions to date. In a show of hands, the members present expressed strong approval of the association’s actions thus far. Readers interested in following the unfolding of this process over the next 12 months can consult the Oak Bluffs Web site. The association’s Web site will also report on future developments in the near future.

Two weeks ago the East Chop Tennis Club held its annual August meeting. It was a routine meeting in that we learned that club finances are in good shape as are the courts. President Walter Vail announced plans to repaint the green trim this winter and to refurbish the men’s room. Lee Hunsaker, chairman of the 100th anniversary committee, provided a preliminary listing of events for the July 23/24 2010 celebration which include a grill night, slide show, possible skits, Davis Cup competition, and a dance. Lee announced that the logo merchandise has arrived and is available for sale.

Many thank-yous were given: Sue Collinson as chair of the long range planning committee, Steve Wilkerson for overseeing many important tasks, Bob St. Germain and Rob Potter for their work around the courts, Jim Davin for supervising the clean up day, Steve and Kathy Wilkerson for Breakfast at Wimpleton, and Kim Patterson for heading the luncheons. The largest applause was reserved for Walter Vail, who is retiring as president. Walter received a standing ovation for his dedicated work as president. He is being replaced by Jim Davin. Sue Collinson is the new vice president.

The finals of the August tournament took place over three days due to weather problems and scheduling conflicts. On the women’s side, Lyn Herrick defeated Samantha Potter 6-1, 6-3 to capture the women’s singles title. Gretchen Massie and Allie Hyzak defeated Liz Huss and Lyn Herrick 6-2, 6-2 to win the doubles crown. In an exciting three set match, Zach Wooster defeated Nick Hyzak 6-1. 2-6, 6-1 in the men’s singles. Zach later teamed up with Sam Protzmann to win the men’s doubles, defeating Ken Blacklow and Bells Potter 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Finally, Kim Harrill Patterson and Chuck Sanders will be speaking at the annual Founder’s Day Sunday (August 23rd) at Union Chapel. The service begins at 10 a.m. You won’t want to miss them!