There are a mere 77 days until folks return for Memorial Day weekend. This fact seems to have become suddenly apparent to the many contractors and tradespeople who need to fulfill promises made back in the fall. Ferry traffic has been brisk this week. Last week was Martha’s Vineyard’s school vacation, which made both islands feel deserted. So, the change seems especially sudden.

The only physical evidence that the Wacks’s house ever existed is the driveway. Even the depression that contained the foundation has been filled with sand. The ocean continues to gnaw away at the bluff, taking away several feet at every high tide. Looks like the structure was plucked back from the precipice in the nick of time.

The organizers of the Chappy Ferry Nonprofit Corporation are diligently working on creating the constitution that will guide the future operation of the ferry service. They are aware that community input is vital. Asking everyone what they think takes extra time but is an essential part of the process.

Keep in mind that the nonprofit-organizing folks are volunteers. They have a lot of issues to address. I know from experience that every person using the ferry has their own opinion of how it should be done.

The next Chappy Community Center potluck is on Wednesday, March 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a dish to serve six. There usually seems to be a balance of appetizers, main courses, side dishes and desserts even though there is no formal plan for who brings what. On just a few occasions over the decades has that laissez-faire approach resulted in the opposite of a square meal. On one memorable evening in particular, there was only cheese and crackers followed by two dozen deserts. We all complained half-heartedly but in the end there weren’t many leftovers.