Mother Nature has yet to move enough sand back to the very southeast corner of Chappaquiddick to make it possible for oversand-vehicles to drive around Wasque Point. A lot of the shorebird chicks are now savvy enough and quick enough to get out of the way of motor vehicles. Therefore, much of Norton Point and portions of Leland Beach (the stretch between the Dike Bridge and Wasque Point) are open. Those chicks still aren’t fast enough to escape a dog so keep them on a leash. There are still baby birds yet to fledge north of the Dike Bridge to Cape Pogue so that area is closed to all but walkers who stay between the high and low water lines. Call the TTOR beach access hotline for up-to-date information at 508-627-8390.

If you are just getting your copy of the Gazette out of your Chappy RFD mailbox you better high-tail it right over to the Chappy Community Center (the CCC) for the final day of voting for the 2018 calendar photograph contest. Friday, August 4 is your last chance to pick your favorites and see the fabulous display of submitted photographs.

Though the biggest events at the CCC occurred in July, the month of August is still lively and busy with activities. Foreign Film Fridays continues with the Chinese film Raise the Red Lantern on August 4 at 7 p.m. The reviews I read have high praise for the fabulous cinematography. The Chappaquiddick Island Association (the CIA) will hold its August gathering on Saturday, August 5 at the CCC. Coffee is served starting at 8:15 a.m. with the meeting convening at 9. This is the second and final meeting of the summer. The new website for the CIA is now completed and can be found at chappyisland.org. There you will find, among other things, the Chappy insider’s guide, the Chappy Ferry webcams, local tide charts, the island trail map, information about the AT&T tower proposal, plus Woody Filley’s report entitled A Snapshot of Chappaquiddick Island Buildings, Land and People. All very interesting and timely stuff.

The 10th annual all-island Chappy Pong table tennis tournament sponsored by the CCC and Martha’s Vineyard Table Tennis Club (MVTTC) will be held Sunday, August 6. The event is open to players of all ages and skill levels. No fees are charged for entrants and prizes will be awarded to winners. Registration at the CCC begins at 11 a.m. with play to start at noon. The competition is organized in a round-robin format, with all entrants guaranteed at least three matches. Playing equipment, tables, scoring and rules management will be provided by MVTTC members. CCC tables and paddles are available daily outside on the south porch for players who want to practice for the tournament. For further information contact Bob O’Rourke 508-627-7902.

Back by popular demand, always entertaining, engaging and electrifying, Martha’s Vineyard’s own a cappella group Vineyard Sound will regale us with their latest songs.

On Sunday, August 6 at 7 p.m. in the CCC Great Room. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 16 years old, free for children under three years old or $40 for a whole family.  Farmers’ Market and Crafts Fair takes place on the CCC porch Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. There will be locally grown produce and locally made crafts for sale on the CCC porch.

Lobster Roll Wednesday is August 9. Also back by popular demand this summer is Marion Harding’s original recipe. Order your yummy Lobster Rolls at the CCC Office by 1 p.m. Tuesday and pick up them up between 5 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday. You are welcome to eat-in or take-out. The very reasonable price of $17 includes roll, chips and drink of choice.

Children’s family movie nights are back at the CCC. Come every Thursday for a family-friendly movie with popcorn from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free popcorn is provided but bring your own beverages. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Don’t miss the chance to get a peek into the inner workings of the CCC leadership at the annual meeting on Saturday, August 12. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. The Manhattan Chamber Players will perform Mozart, Fung, Devienne and Mendelssohn on Saturday, August 12 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the CCC great room. Tickets are on sale now for $25 in advance at the CCC or by calling 508-627-8222 or for $30 at the door.

Send Chappy news to peterchappyferry@gmail.com.