This past weekend wrapped up the 73rd annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby. After a five-week adventure spent perched at the end of the Menemsha Jetty, trolling off Squibnocket or casting flies nestled in amongst the Elizabeths, fishermen, women and children have made their ways home to hot showers, a full night of sleep and, for many, the first hot meal since the beginning of September. Although the fishing was a bit slow in our neck of the woods it seems as if just about everyone that participated could author a chapter in the book titled Memoirs of the Derby.

The derby may be over but the ocean still calls. Commercial fishermen and interested parties are invited to the next MV Fishermen’s Preservation Trust meeting which will be held at the West Tisbury Library on Monday, Oct. 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. As always, pizza will be served and topics of discussion will include conversation with USCG Chief Justin Longval and updates regarding permits and more. E-mail mvfishermen@gmail.com for more information.

Farewell for now to Brian Curry. After taking an overall third with a 10.13 pound bonito and being highlighted as the boat bonito senior leader, he hit the road after the derby party and pulled into his Plymouth driveway where he was greeted by his wife, Toni, and pup, Madison. After months nestled in overlooking the head of the harbor, he’s back to golfing. We just might see him, however, if he lands a big one worthy of Larry’s OctoberFish.

Be reminded that hunting season has begun here in zone 13. Archery season runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 24. It’s time to stock the freezer with venison and get familiar with that hunter orange.

Pam Goff shares that Rev. Steven Chambers will preach at the Chilmark Church on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. All are welcome to listen to this young, dynamic individual experienced in youth ministry. Sunday school will be available to interested children.

The Chilmark School fourth and fifth grade class will hold their annual fundraiser fair on Friday, Oct. 26 from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the CCC. This year, Grazina, Lathrop, Cian, Fletcher, Zeb and their fellow classmates will donate funds raised to Water for South Sudan. Twenty-five cents will be the cost to play games created by the students and a mere 50-cent contribution will get you some yummy homemade baked goods. They will also raise money through donation boxes similar to the classic UNICEF box you see kids with at Halloween. Be sure to have some spare change handy when the fairies, goblins, cheetahs and scarecrows come knocking on Oct. 31.

Speaking of Halloween, the treat bags are being stuffed and prizes coordinated for the annual Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Annual Party at the CCC. All Chilmark kiddos through fifth grade are invited to stroll the costume parade, eat a little pizza and check out their friends’ costumes. Potluck snacks, as always, is the modus operandi–cupcakes, popcorn, caramel apples, anything that tickles your fancy. The time is 5 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the place is the CCC. This is a great jumping off spot for trick or treating. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Congratulations to Adrienne and Eloise Christy who have jumped to the tippy top of the Massachusetts state eighth grade 5K runner rankings this week. Both young women set personal records and took first and second respectively. Coincidentally, this dynamic duo celebrates their 14th birthdays on Oct. 20.

In other birthday excitement, to name just a few, Ray Kellman celebrated 95 on the 17th, Roberta Morgan celebrates 89 on the 20th and Everett Poole will be 88 on the 23rd. Also celebrating right around now are Richard Williams, Frank Yeomans, Vicki Bartels, Steve Spongberg, Suzanne Bunker, Sylvia Yeomans, Steve Sinnett, Jenna Petersiel, Chris Wike, Colin Ruel, Vinny Iacono and Lily Morgan.

This month has made me think back to my childhood and reading one of my favorite books, Anne of Green Gables. Like Anne, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn’t it?”

Chilmark town news can be sent to squidrow@vineyard.net.