My mother used to call me on the phone when I got my name in the newspaper. I would remind her that it’s there every week at the top of the Chappy column. She would say that doesn’t really count because I put it there. What impressed her was when someone else put my name in an article, especially on the front page.

Last week the Chappy Ferry was on the front page and I along with it by default. When passengers ask if I own the ferry, I say that it owns me. Running the ferry has been an interesting, exhausting, satisfying adventure.

At some point, we all need to figure out who or what is going to be responsible for it in the future. I was the oldest purchaser in 2008 and am the oldest owner now in 2022. I’m getting a little old for this job and need a little more free time to do the things I’ve been putting off while I’m still young enough to do them.

There were dozens of responses online to the article. The Chappy Chat Facebook page has been busy with discussions regarding the future of the ferry. People are putting a lot of thought into the issue. A wide range of viewpoints and suggestions have been expressed. I’m confident that sooner or later it will all boil down to a good plan.

In my mind the main issues are dependability and sustainability. We have dependability pretty much covered. Now it’s time to figure out how to keep it all going.

The Martha’s Vineyard Bass and Bluefish Derby has been responsible for lots of traffic on the Chappy Ferry. The derby is nearing the midpoint of the monthlong competition. Chappy’s own Kevin Peters got his name on the Triple Crown leader board by catching all three of the fish categories from a boat in the all-tackle division.

The Chappaquiddick Community Center is hosting a private event this coming weekend, but those folks will be gone in time for the weekly Knit, Craft and Chat session starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday.