The 79th Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby has begun and already one Chappaquiddicker has his name up on the daily leader board. Oliver Filley caught a 5-pound bluefish from the beach on the second day. The bigger blues had gone by the day before but they will be back. The derby anglers are competing with some very capable fisherfolk in Edgartown harbor. A large seal and a dolphin have been seen driving fairly big fish to jump right out of the water alongside the ferry run.

The 14 winners of the Chappy Community Center 2025 calendar contest have been chosen. The production of the calendar is underway. The coveted front and back cover spots were won by Eric Green and Jonathan Carroll. Those photos don’t get the weeks long displaying that the monthly photos enjoy, but they are the first images seen when you buy a calendar or send them to friends. The sale of the yearly calendar is one of the fundraising activities that keep the Center going. See the CCC website for ways to make tax deductible contributions.

After years of big changes in the shoreline of Wasque, nature seems to be taking a break. Scrolling through the Google Earth time line satellite photos documents nearly four decades of erosion and sand movement. Also fascinating is our neighbor Muskeget. Since 1985, the entire island has migrated eastward with dramatic changes in shape and size. The little bit of civilization that existed had to be moved half way across the island to escape the rapidly receding western shore. If you zoom in on the structures you will witness their sad demise by fire and collapse. It must feel a desolate place to humans, but a haven to birds and seals.

Warn your contractors and guests that beginning Sunday, Oct. 20, only one ferryboat will be in service. Expect the vehicle waiting lines to be longer than usual. After the other ferry is hauled out of the water and inspected by the ferry maintenance crew and the U.S. Coast Guard we will be able to make a guess at its return date.