Good news! Gerry Jeffers’ Chappy Store may have a future. The board of the Chappaquiddick Community Fund (CCF) has taken on the task of assuring that the operation of the store continues for years to come. The CCF has developed a vision after looking at surveys and listening to conversations with the Chappy community. The primary purpose of the store will be to serve the community by providing household supplies, prepared food and an on-line ordering/pick up service for groceries. The intention is for the store to be open a minimum of six months a year. The summer of 2026 will provide an inaugural run of the store with an analysis in the fall to see how the programs worked out.

The Chappaquiddick Island Association will present the second Zoom webinar on wildfire and emergency preparedness. Firewise – Residents Reducing Wildfire Risks will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The presentation will feature guest panelists from The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation whose work helps prevent, detect and suppress wildfires on Martha’s Vineyard. They will help us understand the benefits of fire-adaptive communities, what makes them work and how as residents we can use plans and procedures to make our own homes and our island community safer and more resilient. See the CIA website for the webinar link which might not be posted until just a few days prior.

The Chappy Ferry will operate on the traditional abbreviated Christmas Day schedule on Thursday, Dec. 25. During the morning, the ferry will run on the hour starting at 7 a.m. for anyone in line. Regular continuous operation will resume at noon.

On New Year’s Eve (actually after midnight it will be New Year’s Day) the Chappy Ferry will make an after-party trip at 12:30 a.m. Speak to the ferry captain on your way to the party to reserve a spot on the trip and to pay the additional fee in advance.

The CCC 2026 calendars have not arrived yet but the word will go immediately when they become available.

It wasn’t until later in life that I realized the joke inherent in the tune I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. I had just figured that mommy was feeling festive on Christmas Eve and a guy dressed all in red was irresistible. Just a little innocent flirting after a very busy week trying to please everyone. It’s not like she was going to desert her family and run off to the North Pole with Santa. The thrill of flying through the frigid air in a sleigh pulled by reindeer would have worn off pretty quickly. So, I say, let her have a little dalliance. She deserved it. I’m actually a little disappointed that it turned out to be just Dad imitating a worldwide renowned and beloved celebrity.