The newest batch of young terns and plovers growing up on Norton Point have managed to assure the cautious staff of The Trustees of Reservations that they are now capable of getting out of the way of our partially-deflated tires. So as of last Monday you could “go by the beach” to town. Of course you will need the requisite over-sand vehicle permits and a tire pressure gauge. The tide was exceptionally high that first day and with the southerly breeze the ocean waves were occasionally washing over the narrow part of the beach. I suggest that you make your first trip in daylight and check the tides.

There is plenty of room for more names on the coveted Plumb Cup. The Chappy Mixed Doubles Round Robin Tennis Tournament has returned after a five-year absence. 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 Chappaquiddick Community Center court the next day starting at 10 a.m. You don’t need a partner to sign-up at the CCC.

Dr. Siamak Adibi is offering a discussion and signing on Tuesday, August 11 at 5 p.m. at the CCC to present his book My Life and the Overthrow of the Persian Peacock Throne. Shuttle service will be provided from the ferry from 4:15 to 5 p.m. and following the book signing.

Last Monday evening at the CCC my bride and I enjoyed listening to summertime Chappaquiddicker Banning Eyre read from his book Lion Songs: Thomas Mapfumo and the Music That Made Zimbabwe. He gave us an inside look at that country’s struggle for independence and demonstrated how he had learned to mimic with his guitar the sounds produced by the African instruments used by Mapfumo’s band.

The 2016 CCC calendar photo contest ends on Friday and the photos will be taken down. Then Gail Rodney will show her oils and collages starting Monday.

The annual Chappy Pong Tournament happens on Saturday, August 15. All skill levels are welcome, Call Bob O’Rourke for information and to sign up.

The CCC annual meeting will convene at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 8 with discussion of financials and future plans as well as election of board members.

This is the 25th year that the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard is hosting a pancake breakfast. The cook in your household can sleep late on Sunday, August 9 because between 7 a.m. and noon on the lawn of The Anchors it’s all-you-can-eat for $10. Kids under 12 are half price. Since this fundraiser takes place adjacent to the Daggett Street ferry line these clever Rotarians are offering to pass a stack of flapjacks over the fence to you to eat in the comfort of your car.

Take my advice, do yourself a favor and don’t miss the next Twilight at Slip Away. The treats and drinks are always out of this world. These events are fundraisers for the installation of a well at Slip Away’s new five acres at Wasque Farm.

At the most recent Twilight at Slip Away Collins Heavener raffled an exquisite cutting board. You can see samples of his other creations at the farm stand.

If you have not already heard about the lone star tick let me fill you in on the bad news/good news. This newest arrival from the outside world is an aggressive little cuss. The ones that I have seen are about the same size and overall color of a dog tick. Apparently it can see pretty well and will come after you. So far it seems that it doesn’t carry Lyme disease, but there are still plenty of diseases it can transmit. This little vampire has added a whole new dimension to the process of evolution. Its saliva can cause you to have an allergic reaction to a certain carbohydrate found in red meat. As if that wasn’t bad enough, get this, the allergic reaction can be delayed and life threatening. So much for having a nice relaxing summer on the islands! For you scientific types out there this critter is a work of art, with the bright white star on the center of its back and delicately striped legs. The only good news about this little meanie is that some folks can feel it when it first bites, giving you a heads-up and a fighting chance to avoid the health problems it gives you in trade for your blood.

Send Chappy news to peter@chappyferry.net.