The Chappy Community Center has been the real hub of activity on Chappy for the past weeks. I drop my granddaughters off there two mornings a week for sailing. I have to bribe them with boxes of little tiny explosive “party snaps.” When I was a kid these were sold by the Curio Shop on Circuit avenue under the name of “pearl bombs.” They would be just as happy at home playing computer games. There certainly is no good excuse for any kid to be bored on Chappy given the dozens of programs sponsored by and at the CCC.

The annual fair last Saturday was a delight for all. Our family dogs participated in the dog show. Ginger won first place in the “most determined to pull on her leash” category. Lucy got first for “most curious” or something like that. They received lovely certificates suitable for framing which they promptly chewed up. Thanks to all who worked the fair and to all who attended.

The CCC calendar photo contest submission deadline is Friday ,July 24. The photos will be exhibited for voting from July 27 through August 7. Look at the website for entry criteria. The weekly craft fair and farmers’ market is on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Local crafters are needed. Contact Lynn at 508-627-8222 or see her at the CCC office. If your name is not already engraved on the prestigious Plumb Cup — here is your chance. The Chappy Mixed Doubles Round Robin Tennis Tournament has returned. Match play will be held on various Chappy courts on Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. to noon with a cocktail party for participants that evening. Tournament finals will be played on the CCC court the next day starting at 10 a.m. I saw a sign-up sheet on the ferry house bulletin board. Also sign up at the CCC or call. I’m way too poorly behaved when it comes to sports to actually play so forgive my ignorance about this type of tournament, but as I understand it, you don’t need a partner to sign up.

The next lobster roll sale will be Wednesday, July 29. Then the following week is an ice cream social and they alternate from then on.

Mark your calendar to hear Lion Songs: Thomas Mapfumo and the Music That Made Zimbabwe on Monday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the CCC. While you are on that page of the calendar also mark down the Chappy Pong Tournament on Saturday, August 15.

Slip Away Farm is also at the height of its season. The next Twilight at Slip Away is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. with cocktails and light appetizers. We went to the last one. The appetizers were out of this world. I saw some of the most dignified of our Chappy socialites throwing elbows when the dessert was brought out. This is a fundraiser to install a well at Slip Away’s new five acres at Wasque Farm. RSVP to slipawayfarm@gmail.com.

As expected, the first few years on newly-farmed soil is relatively weed free. Slip Away has had their grace period and the weeds are now coming in with a vengeance so the farmers are putting in overtime to control them. Christian Walter has been working on the pizza oven during his spare moments. Recent studies by the Cheese Research Institute have shown that Americans are not getting enough pizza in their diets. I think that we have a cold winter ahead so this will be a good way to put on a few extra pounds for insulation.

Somehow Collins Heavener has found time to add to his line of finely crafted furniture down in the dungeon beneath the Marshall Farmhouse. See his work on display at the farm stand.

The next time that you think that you need to go to town for groceries stop in at the Slip Away farm stand first. They have a wide assortment of vegetables, dairy and meats. All of it very local. With the time that you save avoiding a trip into the city you can take a much deserved guilt-free nap.

I found myself on the big Island at the beginning of the week. Every major intersection was hosting a traffic jam. I saw a few folks that I hadn’t seen for a while headed in the opposite direction and we had the opportunity to speak during the half minute that traffic was at a standstill. Even a traffic jam can have a silver lining.

Send Chappy news to peter@chappyferry.net.