This is the first end-of-summer in a few years without a big storm that scares boats out of the water and chases summer folks back to the mainland early. Just between you, me and the wall (as Captain Bob would say) September is the best month to be on the Vineyard. Finally you can open a window and cool, dry air wafts in. The insects, for the most part, seem to be on vacation now. The poison ivy has begun to reveal itself by turning bright red. It is the perfect time to hike the trails on Chappy. Our version of the Appalachian Trail runs clear across the heart of the island from Wasque to Pocha Pond. You can pick up a copy of the Chappy trails map at the Chappy Community Center whenever Lynn is there.
Potluck dinners at the CCC have begun again. They are scheduled from now through spring on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. We’re very casual about the menu. Bring what you would like to eat, or maybe just what’s very easy to prepare. But make enough for six. Last I heard we were still looking for a host for Oct. 1. It’s really not that hard to host, and it will look good on your resume. Call Lynn at 508-627-8882 to sign up.
Amanda Cohen is offering another Autumn Yoga Retreat on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. Sign up by emailing her at mettayogamv@gmail.com, or calling 508-274-9570. All levels of experience are welcome.
To date the $25,000 matching fund has taken in $11,800. Almost halfway! Remember that you can log onto Wi-Fi on the CCC porch, and that a ping-pong table is still setup. The tennis court will be open through Columbus Day; no sign up necessary. Tai Chi continues week by week on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m. Check the board at the center. The CCC staff is hard at work behind the scenes putting together the 2015 calendar and planning the schedules for next summer’s activities.
The Trustees Of Reservations presents Poetry in Mytoi Garden on Friday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. You will be treated to readings by Lee McCormack, Judith Neeld, Clark Myers and William Waterway. Admission is a mere $5 for TTOR members and $10 for nonmembers. Bring the children along, too. They get in for free. There are a couple of picnic tables there, but I suggest bringing a blanket or a beach chair.
Surfcasters are wading out into the Wasque opening to cast their lines into the mouths of fish waiting just offshore in the deeper water. This activity is making the TTOR staff nervous. The current running through is still strong and falling into the outgoing tide will take you out into deep, choppy water. Consider wearing a bright life jacket to give the rescue crew at least some chance of finding and saving you. I know that the stakes seem high with that gleaming new Eastern Boat parked by the weigh-in station, but as I overheard a fisherman say the other day, “After all, it is really supposed to be about fishing isn’t it?”
Talk about the grass appearing greener on the other side of the fence. I know several Chappaquiddickers who drive clear up to Dogfish Bar, while the folks from West Tisbury make the reverse journey to Wasque. I’m delighted that their endeavor involves the Chappy ferry. I realize that I’ve just revealed my ignorance regarding the difference in behavior of bluefish versus bass.
The fields at Slip Away Farm are still very green. The farm stand is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shelves are filled with all sorts of wonderful veggies, including pumpkins and the freezer is filled with island-grown chicken and pork. Mark your calendar for the Slip Away Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be food and crafts demonstrations, music and face painting. Kendyll is in charge of dreaming up more activities and she has predicted that there is apple bobbing in our futures. All ages are welcome and the event is free!
Lily Walter is from Georgia. Keep that in mind when reading her following vegetable jokes; try reading them aloud with a slight southern accent.
“What do you call a green leafy vegetable that’s been run over on the highway? Road kale. What do you do if a green leafy vegetable is chasing you? Run like kale.”
Send your Chappy news to: peter@chappyferry.net.
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