Christmas Eve dinner at the Chappy Community Center saw almost as many attendees as the ferry captains’ dinner. There were lots of kids and plenty of extended family members. We even had folks come over from as far away as North Road in Chilmark. Thanks to all for making it such a wonderful occasion.

The Holiday Tea last Saturday was enjoyed by many. As expected, Rose Kaszuba, with the able assistance of Tom Osborn, baked up a huge assortment of treats. Rose really knows how to put on a tea party. She even employed that little-known trick of giving the room a yuletide atmosphere by leaving the fireplace damper closed just for a few minutes when the fire is first lit. The hot chocolate was as rich as it could be and yet still flowed from the urn.

Ruby Poe Southard was born Monday evening, Dec. 16. She is certainly a keeper, weighing in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Her parents Zachariah Southard and Jessica Park live near Atlanta, Ga.

The population of Chappaquiddick island seemed to double during the Thanksgiving holiday. Though the long weekend began with a storm that disrupted ferry service to the Vineyard, the remaining days were mostly sunny even if they were a bit chilly.

The Chappy Community Center invites everyone to the annual Open House and Crafts Fair on Saturday, Nov. 30. Buy a new Chappy calendar, browse the crafts tables and sit by the fire with hot cider and cookies.

Sad news has reached us from Sally Sears Sinclair. She mourns the loss of her grandson Scott Graber. A full obituary can be found online at the Hudson Hub Times. His family suggests that donations be made in Scott’s memory to the Hudson Fire Department Association, 40 South Oviatt street, Hudson, OH 44236, to be distributed by the family to Scott’s passions. Our hearts go out to Sally and her family.

Since the derby is over and the weather is turning cooler, you may once again find yourself all alone on Chappy’s beaches. This week sunrise is around 7 a.m. and sunset is around 6 p.m. These are much more convenient times to be at the right place at the right time to enjoy a pink sky.

Fall has always been my favorite season. The air dries out, the bugs stop biting and you don’t have to get up so early to see the sunrise. The pressures of summer are behind us, there is little chance that a hurricane will hit the Vineyard and as long as I’ve got a year’s worth of firewood under cover, I can breathe a sigh of relief.

As of Wednesday morning, 269 homeowners had sent in their commitment letter to Comcast. As you know, 270 are required for Comcast to proceed. Remember that if you mail your letter in to Comcast, c/o Edgartown National Bank, P.O. Box 1029, Edgartown, MA 02539, it must be postmarked no later than Oct. 1. You can also deliver it directly to Pam Dolby in the selectmen’s office at the town hall. Thanks to all who helped out by signing up.

The summertime hubbub at the Chappy Community Center has died down and my favorite fall activity is about to begin again. Potluck suppers will resume on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. and will continue through spring on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. We still need someone to host the very first potluck of the season. You will be setting the bar for all who follow. Call Lynn at the center (508-627-8222) to sign up.