David Tilton and Lynn Silva were out making their typical derby rounds Friday afternoon when they came across a whale in 20 to 25 feet of water just off the Brickyard on the Chilmark north shore.

Autumn brings with it Derby Fever. It hits the Island hard and runs rampant. Small boats drift and troll along Dogfish Bar, Painted House, the Elizabeths, Lucas Shoal, the Hooter, the back side of Noman’s and more, all in search of “the big one.” Men, women and children don their foul weather gear and take to the jetties and shorelines with rods, tackle, bait and snacks well prepared as if hunkering down for a long hard winter.

Monday night Alpha 11, otherwise known as Paul Manning, was called to respond to a lock out at 81 Lighthouse Road. Most of you may recognize that address as the Outermost Inn. Alpha 11 responded from Menemsha Texaco, where he happened to be fueling up the cruiser, to a surprise birthday party hosted by his bride Theresa. Surrounded by family and friends at a spot on the westernmost end of the Island overlooking one of the most spectacular sunsets of the season was an ideal way to welcome the half-century mark.

Many thanks to our highway department Keith Emin’s trusty crew of snow plowers for clearing our town roadways.

If I didn’t have Molly Glasgow of the Grey Barn and Farm in my life I would never have known that Jan. 20 is National Cheese Lovers Day.

This weekend marks the mass exodus of most of our resident college kids. They have been around for a bit over a month, visiting with family, reacquainting with friends, walking beaches, exercising at the Y, and filling a few of those 24 hours in a day with part time jobs.

Skiers have a saying, “Skiing is a dance and the mountains always lead.” Bella Thorpe had the pleasure of dancing with Telluride, Colo., this past week.

And I thought nothing terribly noteworthy would transpire during the days between Christmas and New Year’s. Well, I was proven terribly, terribly wrong. Are you wondering what on earth I am finding so darn exciting?

Just before Christmas, Mary Ambulos, while out for a stroll with pup Otis along Chilmark Pond, spotted 28 swans a-swimming. This must certainly have been some wonderful variation of the The Twelve Days of Christmas.

I know, I know, many of you have your lights up and trees have taken center stage in many a living room but, what really marks the season for me is the Chilmark volunteer firefighter’s association Christmas party.