Santa Claus arrived Friday evening via the Chappy Ferry to the delight of youngsters of all ages gathered on Memorial Wharf. The Edgartown Board of Trade arranged for carolers, refreshments, gifts, photos with Santa, a nearly-full moonrise and the colorful lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse. The joyful crowd gave a concerted countdown to the moment that the switch was thrown to reveal colored lights festooned upon the harbor icon. The joyful official start to Christmas in Edgartown was followed by a parade and festivities on Saturday in which Chappy’s own Kristy Rose and Sydney Pigott participated.

Making a guest appearance this week on the Chappy Ferry, Captain Caleb Enos rejoins the dedicated and bundled-up-against-the-cold ferry crew. I relay their thanks for the holiday gifts bestowed upon them by grateful ferry patrons.

At last, and just in time for holiday gift giving! The 2023 Chappy Community Center calendars are available for purchase. Order them online at chappycommunitycenter.org to be picked up at the center or have them shipped to your home.

The Chappaquiddick Community Center will be abuzz with activity this coming Sunday, Dec. 18. Yoga with Jay starts at 8:30 a.m. The Holiday Tea and the final session of Knit, Craft and Chat both begin at 3 p.m. Don’t forget the Chappy Ferry captain and crew appreciation dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, see the community center website or email chappyccenter@gmail.com.

The Chappy Ferry lease and license subcommittee of the steering committee will meet on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. to discuss possible changes to the agreements under which the ferry currently operates. The last three public meetings concerning the ferry have been well attended. Let’s hope that the community continues to demonstrate its interest in Chappy’s lifeline. Find the Zoom link and agenda on the town website at edgartown-ma.us.

Holding with tradition, the Chappy Ferry will operate on an abbreviated schedule on Christmas morning. The ferry will make a trip on the hour every hour from 7 to 11 a.m. At noon, continuous service resumes.