Chilmark was a busy place under the remarkable full harvest moon and with the accompanying high tides...the annual fishing derby came to an exciting close on Saturday evening with the awards on Sunday. Congratulations to all the winners. Thanks again to the Nixon family of Menemsha and Washington, D.C. who again hosted the Saltwater Challenge, a weekend of boat and shore fishing in the derby for wounded American service veterans, who were guests of the Nixons at the Beach Plum Inn. Thanks to them and to the many folks who annually make this an exceptional weekend for all participants.

The Keefe family, Craig, Laurie and children Quinn, Allie and Grad,y headed home this week to Steamboat Springs, Colo. after enjoying a long summer vacation on Larsen Lane. Grady was proud to have won a 3rd place prize in the junior albacore fish division of the Martha’s Vineyard Bass and Bluefish Derby.

The full moon also welcomed in the second child and first son of Nathaniel and Kaila Allen Posin of the Allen Farm. He was born at the farmhouse on Sunday evening at 11:25 p.m., assisted by midwives Pam Putney, Meg Athearn, and Leia French. He was welcomed by his two-year-old sister, Tavina. Cheers to all!

Friends and family were happy to see Rena Fischer out enjoying the beautiful weekend weather in Menemsha, assisted by her grandson Chris Fischer. Cheers from us all!

The Martha’s Vineyard Partnership for Health is offering a free series of eight sessions on the subject A Matter of Balance every Monday starting Oct. 24 and going through Dec. 12. They meet from 10 a.m. to noon. It is a program proven to help people manage concerns about falling and increase their physical activity. Participants will become more confident about managing balance and identify ways to reduce falls. They will also be offered lessons and exercises to help increase strength and balance. Pre-registration is required so for location and further information email ksamways@ihimv.org or call 508-627-5797 ext. 114.

Steve Flanders of Chilmark and Sally Anderson of West Tisbury are home after a nine-day tour of the Scottish Highlands. They report that it was a beautiful country and enjoyable tour.

Bella Thorpe continued her winning ways last weekend at the Mystic Valley Hunt Club’s Fall Finally. Bella and her horse, Reina, won a blue ribbon for third level musical free style and a blue ribbon for third level test three. Bella was named best hands of the show and for this she was awarded a ribbon and a horse bit. Bella’s mother, Julie Flanders, and her trainer from Woodbe Farm, Tracy Olsen, accompanied her to Mystic. Tracy, on her horse, Silhouette, won a blue and a red ribbon in various competitions.

Please remember that for the two weeks before the Nov. 8 election you may vote early at the Chilmark town hall at 401 Middle Road. The polls will be open there on Monday through Friday Oct. 24 to 28, and on Monday to Friday Oct. 31 to Nov. 4. The hours for voting are from 8 a.m. to noon. You may call Jennifer Christy, town clerk, at 508-645-2110 for more information.

The Women’s Symposium is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Chilmark Community Center. They will have speakers, discussion groups and refreshments. Donations at the door make this enjoyable event possible.

The Vineyard Conservation Society is sponsoring Electronics Disposal Day on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Community Services in Oak Bluffs. If you have questions please call 508-593-7900 ext. 267.

Watch out for deer on the roads as you ride around the town enjoying the fall foliage. They are everywhere and always crossing the road!

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.