Our saltwater sportsmen are enjoying the last few days of derby fishing. Despite challenging weather the jetties have been lined with fishermen sporting foul weather gear when needed. The 74th annual MV Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby comes to an end on Saturday with the final weigh-in at 10 p.m.

At the time of my writing there were a number of names known around town on the leaderboard, but, for fear of jinxing anyone, I will refrain from mentioning the who’s who at this time.

The folks at USCG Station Menemsha took advantage of rough seas to complete some heavy weather training. With winds gusting to fifty knots and 8 to 12-foot seas, two more members of the team received their heavy weather coxswains certification. Officer in Charge BMCS Justin Longval recertified and Petty Officer BMC Steven White achieved his certification.

Kodi Curles, who was stationed in Menemsha a few years ago, recently achieved the rank of Surfman. Coast Guard Surfmen are a part of a tradition of lifesavers dating back some 200 years. They operate rescue boats in heavy breaking seas. Since the list of those qualified to perform these tasks is limited, each Surfman obtains a registration number. Kodi is now Surfman 552. Dear friend, Lindsey Edwards, who was stationed in Menemsha at the same time attended the ceremony.

Johnny Graham returned to town for a few days to fish and pack up his summertime belongings. He hit the road in his trusty Subaru and headed west to reconnect with his bride, Lori, pup Charlie, family, friends and a business to run, Revel Catering & Events in Jefferson City, Mo.

Emmett Ryan, grandson to Ed Sussman and Heather Sommers, was in town over the weekend with his mom Lila (Sussman) Ryan and big sister, June Steere. Beach walks and babysitting niece/granddaughter, Eliana, were highlights for sure. Emmett, who had his first day of kindergarten way back in 2016 and is now a big time third grader, paid a visit to the Texaco to practice his math skills by purchasing some candy. Jackson and Chili Cabot spent a long weekend just over the town line in West Tisbury after traveling from their home in New Hampshire with their dad Davies.

Jackson, now a high school senior, is a well oiled summer employee of the Texaco and great buddy to my son, Brooks. The New Hampshire Cabot’s had the opportunity to do a little fishing and visiting with Ben, Nicole, Violet and Reed Cabot along with the kids grandparents Ann and Dan Cabot. Ray Cabot, the third son to Ann and Dan, traveled from his home in New Jersey to join in the family fun. Francis Pitts will discuss the Araldo Cossutta family compound tucked in the woods off Middle Road on Wednesday Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. at the library. He will wow you with a lesson about the evolution of mid-century modern and contemporary architecture. He will also raise questions about Vineyard-ness, technology on the Island, and the relationship between an architect and client.

Cecil French, Melissa Villa, daughter Frankie and friends made it to town for the long weekend. Nearby Mermaid Farm was the hotspot for this gang to pick up fresh milk after the northeaster left grocery cupboards a bit bare.

At the time of my writing F/V Helen L was still out making her last run in search of tuna before the seasonal closure. I’m hopeful the team of fishermen along with Captain Tim Walsh had a productive trip.

Halloween is fast approaching. The doors of the CCC will open at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 with members of the Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Association leading the way. All Chilmark kids newborn through fifth grade are invited to stop in, show off their costumes, visit with friends, eat some pizza and stroll the costume parade before heading out on an evening frolic in search of sweets. If you’d like to be on the list of houses with lights on hoping for ghoulish visitors please give me a shout. Thank you, in advance, to association members for hosting the annual party that’s been in the books for 60-plus years.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.