The countdown has ended. Rods have new line. Lures have new hooks tied with perfect knots. Boats have been outfitted with new gear and fuel tanks have been filled. Tackle boxes and bags have been cleaned out and plenty of protein bars have been stowed, so entire days can be spent on jetties and shorelines without wasting time to take a lunch break. The 79th annual MV Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby is here. For many, the next month will be fully dedicated to early morning rises, fishing on lunch breaks and evening trips to the weigh in.

Camaraderie is truly at the heart of the derby and I am so pleased to be in the midst of it as a committee member, participant, registrar and, most of all, onlooker. The first few days have come and gone and with that have been some very excited kids. Kids, after all, are one of the most exciting part of the derby. Four-year-old Margot Holtham, youngest child of Mike and Jessie, chose a bright pink hat to adorn with her very first derby button. It was pleasure to help her, her folks and big sis Jolene register on Mike’s 41 birthday. Overall, it’s a just a thrill to see folks who have registered at the Texaco on the leader boards.

Also at the heart of the derby are our fishing elders. It is always an honor to assist registrants like Derby Hall of Famer Kib Bramhall, who at 91 has been fishing the derby since, I believe he said, 1955. Next year, for the 80th derby, the committee would like to gather stories from some long time derby anglers. If you’re 80 or over and want to share your story, please let me know. I’d love to have a chat with you. I’m no Linsey Lee, but one can have goals. 

The Town of Chilmark has quietly celebrated its 330th birthday. I remember Sept. 14, 1994 when the tricentennial was celebrated. We gathered in the Allen Farm field for a town group photo. Copies of this amazing photo can be spotted on walls around town. There’s talk of celebrating the occasion in 2025, so give any of the Chilmark Historical Commission members a shout to share brilliant ideas. Members are Barbara Armstrong, Jane Slater, Lenny Jason, John Flender, Jim Malkin and me. Also, if you have a story or picture you’d like to see highlighted on the historical commission’s website please send it along to akisselgof@chilmarkma.gov. 

Capt. Jennifer Clarke and her crew of Alex BenDavid, Evandro Medici and Quinn Keefe came back from a tuna trip to the Canyons riding a high. Not only did tuna make it on the boat, but a substantial swordfish too. Menemsha used to be the unofficial capital of the local swordfishing community, but as of late there haven’t been many landed. The catch F/V Femme Fatale brought back into the harbor was not only noteworthy, but the bounty managed to feed many of us. Thank you, Jen, for bringing excitement to the dock and food to our table. 

Chilmark summer residents since 1962, Bob and Bobbie Solow are no longer physically with us, but the fascinating lives they lived will by kept alive and carried forward in stories told by many of us. Bobbie died in 2014 at the age of 90 and Bob in 2023 at the age of 99. A small remembrance and interment of ashes will take place at Abel’s Hill on Saturday Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. Please share your condolences with John and Catherine, Andrew and Margaret, Katherine and Daniel; and grandchildren Rebecca, Benjamin, Kathryn, Daniel, Thomas, Lewis, Nicholas and Anna. 

After a courageous multiple year battle against cancer, Aquinnah mom of Max and Ruby and bride to Barney said her final farewell and embraced each of them for the last time. Sibel Suman lived each day to the best of her ability and instilled strength and bravery in her family members. Her body may no longer be walking the Earth, but her voice can be heard in your mind and her presence can be felt in your heart, if you sit quietly and listen. She will be missed immensely and my condolences go out to her loved ones.