Chilmark is happy to be the host town for the 5th annual Salt Water Challenge. Salt Water Heroes, wounded veterans from across the country, will gather at the Beach Plum Inn for a week of derby fishing from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4. This popular event is hosted by the Nixon family who owns and operates Beach Plum Inn, Menemsha Inn and the Home Port Restaurant. The veterans will begin their fishing days at approximately 7 a.m. at the Menemsha dock and return at approximately 11 a.m. They will be weighing in at the weigh station at approximately 8 p.m. each evening. We are all welcome to see them off and welcome them home and watch them weigh in. Please contact jgrace@innsatmenemsha.com for more details. Any offer of help with transportation will be welcome as well as donations to cover the costs. Tax deductible donations may be made in any amount. Please contact saltwaterchallenge2013@gmail.com. We send good luck wishes to all involved in this wonderful event happening in Chilmark!

Chilmark is more than happy to welcome the shoulder season. The weather is agreeable and mostly sunny. The crowds are moderate and friendly and the chores are still doable at an easy pace. The U.S. Coast Guard has started their work project this week. Last night was a mild one with little wind as two tug boats and the harbor master maneuvered a huge barge into the Menemsha harbor and up against the Coast Guard pilings.

Chilmark is ready to close the book on August and move into the slower season. It is always bittersweet to say goodbye to seasonal friends off to their other homes, schools and interests. We have enjoyed sharing the varied moods of summer with them.

Chilmark is managing just fine in spite of fears about road closings and delays created by the president’s vacation. Businesses and activities are doing well and only a limited few are truly inconvenienced. Fortunately, the situation is temporary. We congratulate Chris Fischer, chef at the Beach Plum Inn, on his evening with the first family. Surely, the rainbow that was over the town on Tuesday said it all.