PETER WELLS
508-627-4216
The first potluck supper at the Chappy Community Center is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 19, hosted by new CCC board member Nancy Slate and Dennis Goldin. I’ve had the good fortune to taste Nancy’s cooking, so I’m certain that the appetizers will be out of this world. Gossip starts at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30. If you’ve already made plans with Lady Gaga, it’s okay to bring her along.
Many CCC activities continue into September: tai chi with Tom is on Saturdays at 9 a.m.; yoga with Emily is on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.; AA meetings are on Thursdays at 7 p.m.; sadly, the last yoga class with Amanda is on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 8 a.m. The farmers’ market will continue, depending on how things went this past Wednesday. Wi-fi is available on the porch anytime. Check the CCC website or bulletin boards for updates.
Tennis at the CCC was a great success with Donna DeFrancis. The program grew from a handful of kids 16 years ago to over 60 participants this summer. The court will continue to be available for play to tennis subscribers. Court-time signup sheets will be at the court through Labor Day. After that, use is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are not yet a subscriber, call coordinator Abigail Chandler at 508-627-8222 to join. Fall office hours will be posted on the CCC library door and on the website. One-time use of the court is $25. Call Abigail.
The activities offered by the Trustees of Reservations through the CCC were well-attended. We look forward to more next summer.
Plan to get the kids off of the computer and out of the house next summer for the sailing program. When I was growing up on Cape Poge Pond, my brothers and I spent every waking moment either out in a boat or planning the next voyage. I don’t think that kids are very different today, and if given the opportunity, will take an interest in boating. This reminds me of a passage from The Wind in the Willows. “Do you know, I’ve never been in a boat in all my life?” (said Mole). “What?” cried the Rat, openmouthed: “Never been in a — you never — well, I— what have you been doing then?”
Last week Ellen Sole led a very lively discussion on Jane Eyre and the modern literary heroine. I heard that voices were raised and a chair got tipped over but Ellen quickly refocused the group and civility prevailed. Coming up on Sept. 12, Joan Caso will lead a discussion on the “ExPats” by Chris Pavone at the CCC at 10:30 a.m. Imagine being an actual CIA operative and your spouse thinks that you merely write position papers for them. All are welcome.
The 2013 CCC calendar pre-order forms will be available soon at the CCC and will be added to the website. Look for an order form in your mail in October. There are some lovely photos included this year, and we expect a great final product.
Table tennis has always been popular at the center. The following history of ping pong on the Island was written for me by Bob O’Rourke, who serves as president of the MV Table Tennis Club.
“A family outing to play some table tennis on the Chappy Community Center’s under-roof porch six years ago has kicked off what has become growing, Island-wide participation in the sport.
“The warped wood table used then didn’t survive the following winter, and Terry Forde volunteered help from the CIA in the form of funds donated to buy a new aluminum all-weather table. Center coordinator Margaret Knight helped publicize a summer Chappy Pong instructional program for kids and the following year sponsor an open tournament for players of all ages and abilities.
“Meanwhile, Island residents played on occasion at the community center, the Aquinnah town hall and the former workout center at the triangle. With the help of Chilmark resident Sam Feldman and an invitation from the West Tisbury school, an expanding group of regular players bought used tables and began playing in the school gym one night weekly. In 2010, when the new YMCA opened for business, Sam again negotiated a summer playing venue for dedicated players.
“This spring the group applied for and was accepted as a member, the first on the Vineyard, of USA Table Tennis, the national organization for the sport, which is now an Olympic competition. Martha’s Vineyard Table Tennis Club now offers year-round venues to 65 players, including participants from each Island town. Eight club members are rated by USATT and are qualified to compete in sanctioned tournaments held off-Island. This summer, a professional coach has traveled to the Island to offer instruction to members.
“The Club has purchased new tournament-quality tables, set up and stored after each use at West Tisbury school or the YMCA. The school schedule is not confirmed yet, but likely will offer evening play Tuesdays and Thursdays this fall and winter. The concurrent YMCA schedule is 1 to 4 p.m. each Wednesday and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
“And this August the CCC sponsored its own all-Island tournament for the fourth year, attracting a record number of players.”
Call Bob at 508-627-7902 for information. Don’t be frightened by their serious dedication to ping pong. They welcome beginners and newcomers. Read up on ping pong at Wikipedia. This sport can be played as a casual pastime or you can delve into the complex nuances and science of the game.
The trustees continue to offer lighthouse and natural history tours through Columbus Day. If you haven’t been up in the Cape Poge lighthouse in a while, it’s time to renew that experience. The kayaks get put away after Labor Day, so make sure not to miss your chance this weekend. Call 508-627-3599 for up-to-the-minute information. Pick up a pamphlet at the ferry, Mytoi or the gate houses. Remember that Mytoi Garden is open year round.
Edgartown school kindergarten teacher Maria MacKenty made a house call to Chappaquiddick to visit with future pupils Erin and Emily Gilley. She gave them an opportunity to get to know her on their own turf. I believe that she succeeded in gaining their trust. She was able to hold a chicken to their satisfaction. Just before departing she asked if there were any questions. Erin asked if Maria could get down on her hands and knees. Maria obliged and both girls climbed onto Maria’s back. Pony-back rides seem to be an essential test of character when being judged by five year olds. Maria passed with flying colors.
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