About 40 years ago, Virginia Gassel asked me to build her a coffin. She had heard that Scott Nearing, that original “back to the land” guy up in Cape Rosier, Me. actually slept on top of his.

Good news, the heat is back on in the great room of the Chappy Community Center.

With the constant below-freezing temperatures and the parade of weekly storms, this is beginning to feel like the winters of my childhood.

It’s cold down on the harbor at 15 degrees! I put up a sign at the ferry that says, “Extreme low tempuratures may hamper service.”

This week’s Chappy Community Center potluck has been postponed to Wednesday, Jan. 22.

The next potluck supper is on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Chappy Community Center from 6 to 8 p.m.

On behalf of the Chappy ferry captains, deckhands and behind the scenes employees, thanks for all of the thoughtful and yummy holiday gifts bestowed upon them by the Island community.

Finally, daylight will be getting longer now — just in time for the frigid spell.

The Chappy Ferry will run on the traditional abbreviated Christmas Day schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Good news, the Chappy Community Center 2025 calendars are now available. Purchase online at the CCC website or in person at the holiday tea this coming Sunday, Dec. 15 between 2 and 4 p.m.