The excitement of the 77th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby has erupted in households across the Island. It’s an event that offers an opportunity to bring out the best in people. Camaraderie, good sportsmanship, friendly competition and an overall love for fishing are qualities we hope to see lining the jetties and shorelines.

Congratulations to Whitney Hyde and Antonia Rutter. After a few years of enjoying each other’s company, the two became engaged on Chilmark’s north shore. Although off-Island is where they now live and work — Whit is a Newton police officer — Chilmark is always near and dear. Whit is the youngest of Robin and Liz Hyde’s three children.

For decades you could hear Will Holtham’s booming voice coming from within the Homeport. He was a regular fixture, sort of an enigma, in Menemsha, Chilmark and beyond. Will’s time on earth ended Sept. 10, 2020 and a memorial service will be held at the Chilmark Community Center on October 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. Please bring your stories.

New Jersey’s Dan Ryan was in town a short while back and took the time to sit in Squid Row for a spell. We’ve chatted many times over the years, but it was finally last year that a formal introduction took place and I’m glad it did. Dan had a chance to connect with his buddy Wayne Iacono and an opportunity to show a visiting friend — whose name I don’t recall, sorry — the sights.

Sad news has traveled to Chilmark without much detail as of yet. Many of you may remember Chris Arato from back in the day. Although he moved to Maine many years ago, his craftsmanship from his time working with Herbert Hancock, Emmett Carroll and Bert Irion (to name a few) is still nestled in homes around town. The talented cabinetmaker, woodworker, friend to many and husband of Holly has died. Although I’d never met him myself, he was a regular fixture in the Carroll home and is a regular fixture in conversations to this day.

There are new puppies in town and they are siblings. Gabby is the newest member of Judy and Ted Mayhew’s family. Her brother Clifford — Cliff for short — is settling in to the Shipway lifestyle and has already made working with Sarah a regular event. He was pleased to have Tyler home for the weekend from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Puppies sure do breathe some extra energy into a household.

Schooner Columbia anchored up off Menemsha for a few days. She is an authentic replica of the Gloucester fishing schooner with traditional blocks and rigging. The original went down with four Canadian schooners in a 1927 hurricane off Sable Island. Columbia has caught the eye of many in the Bight and has prompted a number of conversations, including mine with Denny Jason, about her history.

Congratulations to Laurie Bryant, who welcomes a new grandchild into the family. Liam Michael Desplaines was born Sept. 11 to Miranda and Phil. He is also welcomed by big sisters Aubriella and Layla. Drammie, as she’s called, is in typical fashion, completely over the moon with this joyfully-received little boy.