And they’re off! The rods, the reels, the boxes of tackle, a sandwich in a plastic bag for sustenance, the waders and lures and heads in the game. Someone is going to catch the Big One — might as well be you. That’s right, folks. It’s Derby season.

The opening bell rang out 8 am Sunday morning to signify the start of the 69th Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, and people are psyched. The weigh-in station crew has been keeping busy, having already having processed more than 2,000 pounds of fish. Those of you who have been reading along for a while know how much I love the spectacle of the weigh-in station. With a coffee in the morning or an ice cream cone in the evening, it’s the best place to hang out, catch up with some folks, and watch the filleters at work. So get on down and check it out, if you’re not already out dropping a line. And keep me posted with your Derby stories, please. Good luck, folks!

It’s a special week in the Dolby household, as both of my siblings celebrated their anniversaries. Chris and Liza Dolby marked 13 years on Sept. 14 with a family trip to the Cape, while Shannon and Andy Smith hit the 10-year milestone on Sept. 18, which they enjoyed with their toes in the sand in Nevis.

Local sailboat Aileen was off to Larchmont last week for the 50th Shields National Regatta. In the able hands of her team of five — the brawny Tim Bryan, Scott Morgan, David Culbertson, Jay Henderson, and Bob Hurst

— Aileen placed 15th overall. Now she is back home on Chappy, ready to be hosed off and wrapped in winter blankets for a much-deserved hibernation. Good Night, Aileen.

Hey Amazon shoppers: Did you know you can name Martha’s Vineyard Community Services as your charity of choice, and Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchases to this worthy cause? Instead of going to the main Amazon site, shop at smile.amazon.com, sign in using your regular Amazon account information, and use the search box to find Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. Bookmark the site, and when you make future purchases, MVCS will be saved as your charity of choice.

Seniors, you still have time to sign up for a trip to Wegmans, followed by a fashion show and high tea at the Northborough Senior Center. The trip will take place Wednesday, Sept. 24th, leaving on the 8:15 boat out of Vineyard Haven and returning on the 6:15 pm. At the fashion show, you’ll learn how to shop smart and dress with great style on a budget, while you enjoy tea and delicious homemade tea sandwiches and desserts. Call the Anchors to sign up right away: 508-627-4368.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum will hold the 13th annual Ceremony of Remembrance at the Edgartown Lighthouse Children’s Memorial on Saturday, Sept. 20 (rain date Sept. 27) at 1 pm. The Museum is steward of the Edgartown, East Chop, and Gay Head Lighthouses and caretaker of the Children’s Memorial.

Twenty-six new stones have been added in the past year, with names of children of all ages and from across the country. The ceremony is an opportunity for families and friends to gather and remember all of the 651 children who are part of the Memorial.

Stones may be purchased by contacting Betsey Mayhew at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum at bmayhew@mvmuseum.org, or by calling 508-627-4441, ext.112. Visit www.mvmuseum.orgfor more information about upcoming programs and exhibits.

M.V. Fashion Week is upon us, and the series of events will kick off

Thursday, Sept. 18 at Lure in the Winnetu, beginning at 6 pm.

Cocktails will be followed by dinner and a fashion show, where you can preview some of the Vineyard’s most current and elegant fashion offerings. A percentage of the fashion show’s proceeds will benefit Angel Flight NE (www.angelflightne.org). For more information on this and other Fashion Week events, visit mvfashionweek.com.

Birthday wishes go out this week to Max Sherman, who celebrates Sept. 19; to Dayce Moore and Cammie Naylor, Sept. 21; and to Michael Donaroma, Sept. 23. Enjoy!