Anticipation of migration, these resilient fish lay their eggs
A LOT has changed since Covid, especially how and where people live. There has been an influx of residents to Cape Cod; new buyers along with existing vacation homeowners who sold their primary home elsewhere to relocate here full-time. Some already had a long-term retirement goal to settle here, but expedited their plan after experiencing the pandemic. Now, many neighborhoods that were formerly unoccupied during the winter months enjoy year-round activity. Cape Cod in the “off-season” has become much more robust and alive.
As a result, fewer homes have turned over since 2020 and a historically-low supply of listings continues into 2024. This has had a tremendous effect on the price of homes in the US, no more apparent than on Cape Cod. Between 2019 and 2023, the Median Sale Price for Barnstable County increased 69 percent!
Individual town statistics across the Cape vary. A few have leveled off but most are still rising. In my opinion the prices won’t ever drop; though overpriced listings will be reduced. An experienced local Realtor knows what a property is worth and what is should sell for. I’ve been a full-time, year-round Cape Cod Realtor for 20 years, with dozens of online reviews from Buyers and Sellers. Combining extensive local market knowledge with an honest, direct approach is my hallmark. If you want to find your own Cape Cod home, call or email and let’s get started!
Townhouse or beach house, make it your house with Corcoran.
From the Common to the Cape, Corcoran Property Advisors means home in Greater Boston.
108 Cotchpinicut Road, Chatham MA
Coming Soon! $14,995,000 – One of New England’s finest and most iconic waterfront estates. Sited to enjoy commanding and unrivaled ocean views on a bluff high above Pleasant Bay.
Brian Dougherty : 617.217.1842 | Nick Robert : 978.500.1462
8 Wigwam Road, Falmouth MA
Just Sold! $8,777,000 – Remarkable custom shingle style residence thoughtfully sited on nearly 23 acres of the most stunning oceanfront land to exist across Cape Cod. Privacy abounds!
Brian Dougherty : 617.217.1842 | Maggie Gold Seelig : 617.645.4999
7 Warren Ave, PH18, Boston MA
$2,950,000 – Trophy Penthouse duplex at the storied D4 Building in the heart of the South End. Top of the line finishes, 3 Bedrooms, 2 garage parking spaces and a private roof deck complement this rare offering! Jack Tobin : 508.280.8875
178 Queen Anne Road, Chatham MA
$12,800,000 – Absolute perfection at this stunning in-town compound featuring commanding water views over Oyster Pond! The result of a multiyear collaboration by top architects, designers and builders.
Brian Dougherty : 617.217.1842 | Maggie Gold Seelig : 617.645.4999
105 Marlborough Street, Boston MA
Under Agreement! $3,900,000 – Sophisticated design meets classic Back Bay architecture in this renovated Marlborough Street residence just blocks from Newbury Street, the Charles River and the Public Garden.
Brian Dougherty : 617.217.1842 | John dePreaux : 508.360.5566
2 Robin Lane, Mashpee MA
$659,000 – Set on a quiet cul-de-sac this beautifully maintained home in John’s Pond Estates, includes deeded beach rights and private boat access.
Betsy Cornell : 617.571.4668 | John dePreaux : 508.360.5566
Tim Willoughby
Tim Willoughby
Elizabeth LaDuca
Kjeld Mahoney
Lindsay Hackney
Jamie Mercurio
THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Sperry Tents are the world’s most elegant rental tents.
sperrytents.com
www.beachhouseshake.com
“We’ve been researching alternative offerings to complement our natural cedar shingle business. It was paramount that the new product protects both the tradition and beauty of the Cape. We were looking for a product with the undeniable appearance of bleached cedar shingles. Additionally, unmatched performance and ease of installation were “must haves”. We’re excited to select Beach House Shake as the brand that has the appearance, performance, and application ease for our customers.”
COVER
24 / Lobster rolls on Martha’s Vineyard are a must year-round.
30 / Visitors have been flocking to the island to meet the gentle, adorable, and extremely soft residents of Island Alpaca.
34 / Our wonderful readers submitted their pet photos to share. Enjoy our subscriber-submitted pet snapshots.
36 / Cape Cod photographer Kim Roderiques captures captivating photos of dogs in her latest book, Dogs of Province Lands
38 / Whether you’re seeking a walker or the latest in pet care services, stay connected and discover the best options for your furry friends right in your neighborhood.
66 / Celebrating the life of John F. Kennedy, Jr.
70 / Learn about the fascinating history of transatlantic communication at the French Cable Station Museum in Orleans.
76 / Who do you ruck for? The annual Ruck4HIT is a grueling Cape-wide run that fundraises for veterans and military families while honoring fallen soldiers.
82 / Enjoy the on-ice competition and off-ice comradery of curling without leaving Cape Cod.
88 / Experience the rewards of Grenada, the Caribbean’s famous “Spice Isle.”
90 / This new collection by Agneta Livijn for Eleish Van Breems encapsulates the inherent cheer of sunny daffodil blooms.
92 / Three talented designers showcase their original fashions.
106 / Tianna Esperanza takes on the music industry with genre-defying talent.
112 / A century-old fishing shack on the Brewster Flats gets an upgrade to accommodate future generations.
120 / A full renovation turns an aging Cape into a reimagined residence enjoyed by three generations.
128 / Katie Clancy gives a breakdown on the real estate landscape of Cape Cod.
138 / The amazing herring migration in our local waters.
142 / Parnassus Book Services keeps us informed about the latest must-reads.
144 / Writing with Pictures, new exhibit at the Cahoon Museum of American Art
pring on Cape Cod is a time of expectation. Each day, the sun gets a little stronger, the daylight a little longer, and new buds and blooms start to appear, seemingly overnight. Gardeners are planning their veggies and annuals, locals are shedding their bulky layers, and businesses are shaking off their dust and preparing for the busy season.
This year, we’ve expanded our previous biannual publishing schedule to bring you four issues of Cape Cod + The Islands magazine. Planning this, our inaugural Spring issue, was a lot of fun, as spring is truly my favorite time to savor the calm before the summer storm. These pre-tourist months are the perfect opportunity to try a new nature trail, shop your favorite boutiques, test out new restaurants, take a class, and support a nonprofit.
In fact, if you partake in even a small fraction of the festivals, dinners, art sales, and more listed in our events calendar, you’ll have started the season off right.
In honor of this season of regrowth and rebirth, we decided to focus on nature, starting with the impressive migration of adult herring into their freshwater breeding grounds. If you haven’t stopped to see a herring run before, add it to your bucket list. You won’t be disappointed—those fish are determined! We also visited the adorable residents of Island Alpaca in Oak Bluffs. (I might be addicted to the Alpaca Cam on islandalpaca.com.)
Shifting back to the world of humans, we met up with Cape native Tianna Esperanza to chat about her debut album, Terror, available on all streaming services. She has already achieved a great deal in her 23 years, and we know more is yet to come. She’s one to watch. We also investigate what’s happening at the Cape Cod Curling Club in Falmouth and the French Cable Station Museum in Orleans. Truly, the Cape’s diversity of things to see and do is never-ending.
Finally, we explore some of our favorite projects from the world of home design. One is a cottage on the Brewster Flats, updated for year-round living by its devoted owners. Another is a classic Cape in Orleans, refreshed and added on to while keeping its character intact. Both are thoughtful, respectful renovations worth a read.
Overall, we hope that this issue inspires you to get outside and try new things, meet new people, and make a difference. The year is still new and filled with potential. Seize the day!
Jennifer Sperry EditorClassic Cape Reimagined
Builder: McPhee Associates
s pet lovers, my husband and I often find ourselves expressing our affection for our furry and feathered companions. Our little house feels complete with them around. It’s this cherished bond that we invite you to celebrate in this spring edition of Cape Cod + The Islands magazine.
We share our home with three adorable cats: NiNi, LiLi, and NuNu. We rescued two of them, while another found its way to us through a local breeder. Our adventures with them are endless, especially when we venture to trails around Sandwich or off-road at Sandy Neck Beach, where our Bengal, NiNi, plays in the sand and walks out on tidal flats. The other cats, perhaps more content within the confines of home, add their own unique charm to our lives. They all like running around our backyard with our chickens, whose daily antics and egg-laying bring us immense joy.
While our household currently has cats and chickens, our dreams extend to welcoming even more animals into our fold someday. A dog, a few goats, and a couple of alpacas are all on our wishlist. But for now, we’ll have to wait until we find ourselves a larger home.
In the pages of this issue, we had the pleasure of conversing with Kim Roderiques, a recipient of the MSPCA Guardian Angel Award. Kim’s passion for capturing the essence of dogs through her photography led her to create a stunning coffee table book titled Dogs of Province Lands , with proceeds generously benefiting the Brewster Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Personally, volunteering at the MSPCA in Centerville has become a source of immense fulfillment for me. From caring for rabbits and guinea pigs to assisting with the transportation of rescue animals, each moment spent at the shelter fills my heart with happiness. Knowing that these animals, who once knew the comfort of a home, will soon find loving families brings me great joy.
Another cause close to my heart is the Ruck4HIT race, organized by Heroes In Transition (HIT).
As a volunteer, I eagerly take on the late afternoon and overnight shifts at checkpoints along the race route, cheering on the runners and supporting a cause dedicated to assisting veterans and their families.
As you delve into the stories within these pages, may you find inspiration in the tales of compassion and camaraderie that define our community. And although my husband is a tad disappointed that one of our cats didn’t grace the cover, I hope these mock covers of our beloved feline friends bring a smile to your face. Enjoy the issue!
Eric Brust-Akdemir Publisher - Creative Director
KELLY CHASE is a freelance writer who covers all things New England—from snowmobiling in northern Maine to island hopping on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. She released her first book about a famous Kennebunkport couple with Down East Books in June 2018. She lives by a cranberry bog in Marshfield with her husband. For this issue, Kelly had the opportunity to show us a newly renovated, century-old fishing shack on the Brewster Flats.
Coming from a long lineage of Cape Codders, JAMES P. FREEMAN is a New England-based writer. He is a former columnist with the Cape Cod Times and New Boston Post. His work has also appeared in the Providence Journal and the Cape Codder. Jim is an avid history buff and especially enjoys excavating stories about the people, places, and events that have shaped the spit of sand called Cape Cod. For generations, his family has called Nauset Beach in Orleans an extended home. Read his history story on the French Cable Station Museum.
JEN MCINERNEY graduated from Boston University’s College of Communication in 1995 and has served as a writer and editor for local, national, and international publications ever since. Over the years, her work has appeared in South Shore Home, Life & Style, Hingham Life Magazine, Boston Home, Club Business International, Global Traveler, and Max magazine, among many others. For this issue, Jen takes us to Martha’s Vineyard’s unique alpaca farm.
DERRICK ZELLMANN is an award-winning photographer whose work has been published both nationally and internationally. His specialties include everything from wedding photography and family portraiture to real estate and food photography. With almost 10 years of photographing professionally, he has had incredible opportunities to work with many amazing people. For this issue, Derrick captured the raw emotions of singer Tianna Esperanza.
@CAPEANDISLANDSMAG
| Universal Wilde gets 98 percent of its electricity from sources other than greenhouse gas-producing carbon fuel. Inks are bio-derived and use low-volatile organic compounds. Printed March 2024 Volume 5 / Issue 1 Cape Cod & The Islands Magazine is published quarterly by Scorton Creek Media © 2024
SUBSCRIPTIONS: www.capecodandtheislandsmag.com/ subscription/
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce unveiled its new brand, Cape Cod Truly Yours, on Wednesday. February 28, at the Pelham House Resort. Photos by Alex Gordias Photography.
Lobster rolls on Martha’s Vineyard are a must year-round. They are so deeply rooted in New England culture that they aren’t just a summer treat. It is my duty to you, as a year-round resident and chef on the island, to taste different versions and decide which ones are worth your hard-earned money!
This delectable creation has become a culinary legend, and we’ll explore its nuances, from the succulent lobster meat to the perfectly buttered bun. Cold lobster rolls, with chilled lobster meat tossed in mayonnaise and nestled in a warm, toasted bun, offer a refreshing contrast of temperatures and textures, allowing the lobster’s delicate flavors to shine.
In contrast, hot lobster rolls, where the lobster is gently warmed in butter before being placed in a (hopefully) toasted bun, provide a richer, more indulgent experience. They are sure to satisfy even the most discerning seafood lover’s palate.
Here’s my list of splurge-worthy lobster rolls, where to find them, and what makes them special.
First up, head to Katama General Store, where we picked up our rolls and headed straight to the beach. (Essential tip: When ordering rolls togo, ask for the lobster meat to be packaged separately so that the roll doesn’t get soggy!)
Once at the beach, we prepared the rolls with a bit of lettuce. A hint of celery in the lobster salad added great crunch. Not only is the lobster good, but Katama General Store is hands down the best and only beach bodega on the island—this is the place where we always stop for snacks, drinks, and other beach essentials.
Next up is a unique variation: a lobster croissant at the Atlantic Fish & Chophouse. This is arguably the island’s most indulgent lobster “roll.” A buttery croissant with a slathering of avocado purée and cold lobster salad, served with a side salad of greens, is truly what dreams are made of. Just so you know, this is only served during lunch, so plan accordingly.
A few steps over and you’ll find yourself at The Seafood Shanty, where they serve up a very large lobster roll. Complete with a side salad and an option of fries, this is a meal on Edgartown Harbor like no other. We love grabbing a seat on the deck overlooking the water and spending a few hours just chatting and eating.
KATAMA GENERAL STORE 508-627-5071; 170 Katama Rd., Edgartown; katamageneral.com
ATLANTIC FISH & CHOPHOUSE 508-627-7001; 2 Main St., Edgartown; atlanticmv.com
THE SEAFOOD SHANTY 508-627-8622; 31 Dock St., Edgartown; theseafoodshanty.com
Let’s head to Oak Bluffs and grab a seat at the Lookout Tavern on the harbor. Here, you can watch the ferries come and go, and the people watching is some of the best. This spot is famous for having both a hot and cold option. Both are said to be huge and very delicious.
The hot lobster roll arrived and was insane in size.
They use only knuckle and claw meat, aka huge chunks of lobster, tossed in melted butter and tucked into a toasted and buttered brioche roll. The lemon wedge served alongside makes everything taste bright and delicious, so make sure to give it a good squeeze.
Meanwhile, the Lookout Tavern’s cold lobster roll might be as good as their hot one. I appreciated the bit of lettuce (which might be blasphemous to some!) and the lemon wedge, which added contrast to the mayonnaise-tossed lobster meat and buttery roll.
Go for the lobster rolls, but if you want just drinks, that’s okay, too. The view here is too good to pass up, but fresh lobster makes it just a little better, don’t you agree?
Stay in Oak Bluffs and make your way to the Sand Bar & Grille. Another spot that offers both hot and cold rolls, the Sand Bar makes thousands every season. Here, you get a completely different view of Oak Bluffs Harbor, with the bonus of having your feet in the sand—that’s why it’s called the Sand Bar! It’s a fun summer spot: packed to the brim, with an exciting atmosphere. There’s always something going on.
My favorite of the two preparations was the cold lobster roll. There was something about the mayonnaise that I loved (and I forgot to ask what kind they used, so I need to go back). For a beach dining vibe in Oak Bluffs, this is your spot.
Walk away from the harbor and head to the iconic Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company for a halfpound hot lobster roll that will bring you to tears with its distinct and incredible flavor. Eight ounces of lobster meat are tossed with a butter sauce, preserved lemon, cooked bacon, and herbs. The mixture is served on a grilled brioche roll with a side of fries. And don’t forget to sample their award-winning clam chowder, one of my favorites.
LOOKOUT TAVERN
508-696-9844; 8 Seaview Ave., Oak Bluffs; lookoutmv.com
SAND BAR & GRILLE
508-693-7111; 6 Circuit Avenue Ext., Oak Bluffs; mvsandbar.com
MARTHA’S VINEYARD CHOWDER COMPANY
508-696-3000; 9 Oak Bluffs Ave., Oak Bluffs; chowdermv.com
Now, head to Vineyard Haven! If it’s Friday at 4:00 p.m., it is your civic duty to make your way to Grace Church for their ever-sopopular lobster rolls. We arrived at around 3:45 p.m. and the line was already out the door, so make sure to get there early. They stay open until 7:00 p.m. but tend to sell out beforehand. This version was a simple mayonnaise-based lobster roll, sans toasting or buttering, served with classic Cape Cod chips. We placed our order to-go, and the amount of lobster meat we received was enough to make two very generous rolls. So even if you just eat outside, order to-go for that extra meat!
Up next is the lobster roll at John’s Fish Market. Samantha, part of the family at John’s, tells me the key isn’t just a toasted bun but a hot buttered bun with cold lobster salad meat. They use Cains mayonnaise, extra heavy. Served with Lay’s chips, this is a classic roll that you’ll enjoy.
As the island’s oldest fish market, John’s is owned and operated by the third and fourth generations. You’ll not only love the food but also the familiarity. Everyone is family when they enter, and everything is delicious. My friend is obsessed with their bluefish pâté, and I agree, it’s the best on-island.
Next, at the top of Main Street is Waterside Market, a local favorite. Not only do they serve hot and cold lobster rolls but they also have the following menu items: lobster cobb salad, a lobster BLT, and lobster eggs Benedict. Waterside is a must for the lobster lover!
Stick around and grab a seat at one of two spots for waterfront dining in Vineyard Haven: Garde East (the other spot is Black Dog Tavern). Open seasonally between May and September, Garde East serves up a very flavorful lobster roll packed with herbs and tossed in a lemon aioli. It is seriously delicious and elevated for those with fancier tastes who want to dine while overlooking million-dollar yachts.
GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 508-693-0332; Woodlawn Ave., Vineyard Haven graceepiscopalmv.org/summer-lobster-rolls
JOHN’S FISH MARKET 508-693-1220; 5 Martin Rd., Vineyard Haven; johnsfishmarket.com
WATERSIDE MARKET 508-693-8899; 82 Main St., Vineyard Haven; watersidemarket.com
GARDE EAST 508-687-9926; 52 Beach Rd., Vineyard Haven; gardeeast.com
Finally, we head up-island for a lobster roll dinner you won’t forget. I’ve had lobster rolls at Larsen’s Fish Market and Menemsha Fish Market and I love supporting both family-owned businesses. The cold rolls are pre-made and easy for takeout. But when you order the hot roll, you get the special treatment of seeing your bun and lobster meat drowned in almost two ounces of melted butter. It’s a treat unto itself. Grab your roll, a cup of lobster bisque or clam chowder, and head to the beach for the best sunset on the East Coast.
This is not, by a long shot, a complete list of all the lobster rolls on Martha’s Vineyard. Every restaurant, shop, and snack bar has its own version. There are good ones and bad ones—I am only sharing the good ones! If you plan to visit Martha’s Vineyard this summer and need foodie recommendations, make sure to let me know. cookingwithbooks.net
LARSEN’S FISH MARKET 508-645-2680; 56 Basin Rd., Chilmark; larsensfishmarket.com
MENEMSHA FISH MARKET 508-645-2282; 54 Basin Rd., Chilmark; menemshafishmarket.com
BY JENNIFER H. MCINERNEY
For centuries, Martha’s Vineyard has beckoned tourists with its expansive beaches, iconic lighthouses, historic Gingerbread Cottages, distinctive Flying Horses Carousel, and other myriad attractions. But that’s not all—for the past two decades, visitors have been flocking to the island to meet the gentle, adorable, and extremely soft residents of Island Alpaca. There’s just something wonderful and endearing about alpacas, as Barbara Ronchetti discovered at the annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair 25 years ago. For Ronchetti, who had never seen these animals before, it was love at first sight.
“They were really intriguing to me with their big, soulful eyes, soft fleece, and gentle, calm demeanor,” she recalls of this initial encounter.
Despite having no prior experience with alpacas or livestock of any kind, she became determined to open an alpaca farm on Martha’s Vineyard. She embarked on countless hours of research and visited as many alpaca farms as she could, including a few in Italy and Peru and more than 50 throughout New England. She learned firsthand how to raise and care for alpaca herds.
“After meeting with all of the farmers, I thought it was doable to have an alpaca farm here on the island,” she says. “Of course, the biggest challenge, as the sole investor, was affording a large enough parcel of land.”
Through community connections, she happened upon a local family willing to sell agriculturally zoned acreage that would bring her dream to fruition. She then set about the laborious process of separating the pastures, rebuilding a 200-year-old post-andbeam barn, constructing paddocks, and creating parking areas and a gift shop—making the farm comfortable for alpacas and humans alike.
In 2004, Ronchetti opened Island Alpaca Company, centrally located on 19 acres along Head of the Pond Road in Oak Bluffs. The original herd started with eight females, including seven pregnant ones. On move-in day, she welcomed a total of 31 alpacas to their new home. Today, the farm hosts 36 alpacas and two recently added llamas.
Island Alpaca is the only farm of its kind open to the public year-round daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Naturally, summertime draws the biggest crowds, with up to 600 visitors on busy days. During most months, a guide is stationed outside to welcome guests and share alpaca information.
Throughout the year, the farm presents a multitude of fun and educational programming for folks of all ages. The daily Alpaca Walkand-Talk outing pairs participants with an alpaca for a stroll around the farm. “It’s a great way to get to know an alpaca and find out how gentle they are,” Ronchetti observes.
Twice a week, on a seasonal basis, the farm hosts Alpaca Yoga in the pasture alongside the animals as they graze. Says Ronchetti: “Alpacas are calm and non-aggressive. Having them present during the yoga classes really adds to the ambience and positive energy. For the last 15 minutes of class, participants get to pet and hug the alpacas and pose for selfies.”
Alpacas are also available to make weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations even more memorable (at the client’s chosen venue). They can be dressed up in a white veil and pearls and top hat and bowtie to attend a wedding, for example.
For other special occasions, the farm offers Alpaca-Grams, aka an alpaca-delivered message plus a bag of goodies from the gift shop, brought to one’s doorstep.
Every year, on the last Saturday of April, all of the alpacas in the herd take part in the Annual Shearing Day, an event that always attracts a crowd. A professional shearer is brought in to harvest their fleece—a painless process that takes approximately seven to eight minutes per alpaca and yields eight to twelve pounds of fleece, depending on the animal’s size. The finest fleece is spun into yarn, which is then used by local knitters to create many of the gift shop’s beautiful items, including hats, mittens, baby sweaters, blankets, handbags, and more.
As a breeding farm, Island Alpaca offers sales and short-term boarding as well as an Alpaca 101 program that teaches new owners about best care practices. “People come here on vacation and, after visiting the farm, become interested in owning and raising their own,” says Ronchetti.
For those who are unable to visit the farm in-person, an Alpaca Cam streams live daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. via alpacawebcam.com. For online ordering and visitor information, visit islandalpaca.com. 1 Head of the Pond Road, Oak Bluffs. 508-693-5554
We’re deeply grateful to each and every one of you who took the time to share these heartwarming snapshots of your beloved pets.
Cape Cod photographer Kim Roderiques captures the captivating beauty of Provincetown, a historic haven for artists and fishermen, in a stunning collection featuring over 200 dogs. Set against the backdrop of this unique landscape, from dunes to beaches to galleries, the project celebrates both resident and visiting canines. Accompanied by contributions from notable figures like designer Ken Fulk, watercolorist Mark Adams, and Sharon Polli of the Fine Arts Work Center, the book honors the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s century-long commitment to animal welfare, supported by the generosity of dog lovers.
The Dogs of Province Lands photo book will be available in June at arlboston.org. 100% of all proceeds will benefit the Brewster Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Photographer Kim Roderiques specializes in portraiture of dogs and people. Her photography has been featured in Dogs on Cape Cod (a New England Book Awards winner), I Am of Cape Cod, I Am of Chatham, and Kaylee Finds a Friend, written by bestselling author Anne D. LeClaire. She also co-authored a children’s book: Max and Charlie Help a Hero (A New England Book Awards winner). Her work has appeared in national magazines as well as exhibits in New York and the Boston area. She has been awarded the MSPCA Guardian Angel Award and the Champion for Animals Award from the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Sue Unleashed
508-254-6973 sueunleashed.com
Imagine the sheer delight when that special dog lover in your life receives a session and a stunning custom portrait of a beloved furry friend. For those seeking a one-of-akind gift for pet owners, look no further than Sue Unleashed Photography gift certificates!
Formerly a portrait and event photographer serving families and businesses in Metro West, Sue relocated to Cape Cod full-time in 2019. It was then that she decided to unleash her passion for both photography and pets, crafting a distinctive service tailored to those who cherish their four-legged family members and wish to immortalize their memories through unforgettable experiences and high-quality prints.
Sue possesses a rare gift for storytelling through her lens. She adeptly captures the enchantment and individuality of each pet in its most spontaneous and genuine Cape Cod moments. Driven by a desire to forge a profound connection and produce extraordinary images that resonate deeply with the viewer, Sue creates work that is nothing short of magical.
Agway of Cape Cod
1005 Main Street, Chatham, 508-945-1555 686 Route 134, South Dennis, 508-385-8772 20 Lots Hollow Road, Orleans, 508-255-8100 agwaycapecod.com
As the premier destination for pet essentials on Cape Cod, we take pride in offering an extensive range of products to cater to your beloved furry companions. With three convenient locations, we ensure that your shopping experience with us is always a joy.
Our pet department boasts the Cape’s largest selection of premium dog and cat foods, treats, toys, and accessories. From collars and training aids to the latest trends in pet care, we have everything you need to keep your pets healthy and happy.
When it comes to nutrition, we carry over 100 varieties of high-quality cat and dog food, including specialty options like raw and freezedried diets. Our Pet Club rewards frequent buyers with free bags of food, ensuring your pal’s dietary needs are always met.
Treat your furry friends to our delicious assortment of treats, ranging from wholesome biscuits to treats
tailored for joint and skin health. Our toy department is stocked with innovative products designed to keep your pets entertained and mentally stimulated, preventing unwanted behaviors.
In addition to providing entertainment, we prioritize your pet’s health with a comprehensive selection of flea and tick control products, including trusted brands like Seresto and Frontline. Our knowledgeable staff is available to assist you in choosing the right products.
From crates and grooming supplies to eco-friendly waste management solutions, our range of accessories caters to pets of all ages and sizes. Whether you’re welcoming a new addition to the family or ensuring the comfort of an aging companion, we have everything you need to create a happy and healthy environment. (See their ad on page 7)
Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists
11 Bourne Bridge Approach
Buzzards Bay
508-759-5125
Emergency Hours: Open 24/7
79 Theophilus Smith Road
South Dennis
508-398-7575
Emergency Hours: Friday 5:00 p.m. through Monday 5:00 p.m.
capecodvetspecialists.com
At CAPE COD VETERINARY SPECIALISTS we treat your pet like our own. Our mission is to provide premier emergency and specialty veterinary care not only to the pets that come into our hospital, but also to the people who love them. As animal lovers ourselves, we understand the important bond you and your family share with your pets and bring that understanding to every interaction from the exam room to the operating room.
We have two convenient locations in Buzzards Bay and Dennis, MA. We’re here when you need us! Our Buzzards Bay location is open 24/7 for emergencies and specialty appointments. Our Dennis location is open from Friday 5pmMonday 5pm (24/3) for emergencies, and open during the week for specialty appointments. Check our website for extended summer hours. We are proud to have specialists that are board-certified in emergency and critical care, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, radiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and zoo/exotics medicine. Our team of specialists work together to efficiently and accurately diagnose and treat your pet so they can get back to being themselves as quickly as possible. We also work closely with primary care veterinarians for a collaborative approach to best support pet and owner needs.
Board-certified veterinary specialists undergo demanding advanced training post-veterinary school, focusing on specific areas of expertise. This intensive process involves excelling in veterinary school, securing a rigorous internship, and completing a demanding residency program aligned with the standards set by their respective specialty board or college. Furthermore, specialists must successfully navigate multiple challenging examinations to attain certification. To ensure you’re consulting with a board-certified specialist, their titles will prominently display their diplomate status alongside their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine credentials. For instance, titles like “Daniel Beaver, DVM, DACVS” or “Abigail Mariano, VMD, DACVS-SA” signify a board-certified surgical specialist, distinguishing them from general practitioners.
As emergencies and specialty appointments can be unexpected, we always encourage clients to proactively purchase pet insurance to safeguard your pet’s health without financial
constraints hindering access to advanced care. Pet insurance offers peace of mind, ensuring you’re adequately covered to alleviate financial concerns.
Our Services:
Emergency & Critical Care - Emergencies can be scary, but know that our veterinary emergency team includes board-certified specialists with advanced knowledge and expertise who oversee our experienced emergency team to quickly and accurately care for your pet in need.
Surgery - With decades of combined experience, our surgery team boasts some of the most well-known and accomplished board-certified veterinary surgery specialists in the region, ensuring that their experience and skill set supports an exceptional standard of surgical intervention and care.
Internal Medicine - Should a complicated or serious health concern arise with your pet, our internal medicine team can provide advanced veterinary care for diabetes, digestive disorders, kidney diseases and other serious conditions.
Cardiology - Our board-certified cardiologists specialize in comprehensive heart health care for your pet, leveraging a deep understanding of the circulatory system. They can help your pet live a better and longer life through proper monitoring and treatment.
Dermatology - Our board-certified dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat a spectrum of ear, skin, nail and hair conditions in order to maximize your pet’s quality of life.
Ophthalmology - Our board-certified ophthalmologist can provide pets with nearly all of the medical and surgical eye care that is available for humans, while prioritizing your pet’s comfort.
Diagnostic Imaging - Our diagnostic imaging team is well-trained and equipped with the latest technology (CT, ultrasound, digital x-ray) to quickly obtain test results needed for diagnosis and treatment.
Zoo/Exotics Medicine - This specialized team provides advanced specialty and routine wellness care for exotic and “non-traditional” pets including small mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, amphibians, and more.
Cape Cod Tick & Mosquito 877-458-4257; capecodtick.com
Protecting your beloved pets from the threat of ticks in your yard is paramount to their health and wellbeing. Our comprehensive tick control service ensures the safety of your dog or cat by treating every corner of your property, from the lawn to ornamental trees, shrubs, planting beds, natural areas, and foundations.
Implemented on a monthly basis, starting in late April or May, weather permitting, our organic Tick and Mosquito Program utilizes CedarCure, a cedar oil-based product, as its cornerstone. Cedar oil, as indicated on the label, not only exterminates tick eggs and larvae but also disrupts the exoskeleton of mature ticks and mosquitoes. This disruption disorients these pests, making it challenging for them to locate food sources and mates.
Consisting of six CedarCure treatments, our program targets specific periods of tick and mosquito activity throughout the year. From spring, when ticks are most actively feeding, to fall, when they are actively breeding, our treatments provide continuous protection.
Furthermore, we offer a Single Treatment option that guarantees tick control from application until Labor Day weekend, providing an alternative for those seeking shorter-term solutions. With our meticulous approach and commitment to pet safety, you can trust us to safeguard your furry companions against the dangers of ticks in your outdoor environment.
Uptown Dog Cape Cod
410 West Falmouth Highway (Route 28A), #741, W. Falmouth
508-495-2880; uptowndogcapecod.com
At Uptown Dog Cape Cod®, we are committed to offering only the finest natural and premium-quality cat and dog foods, treats, and supplements, prioritizing your pet’s wellbeing. Our selection includes top brands such as Orijen, Open Farm, Fromm and Pup Above all made in the USA or Canada. We also stock frozen and freezedried raw and gently cooked foods from trusted names like Stella & Chewy’s and Primal, along with a range of holistic supplements, calming treats and wellness items, including EllePet, Super Snout and NatureVet brands. We are happy to provide suggestions on healthy ways to boost your pet’s nutrition.
For flea and tick prevention, we offer all-natural deterrents from Earth Animal, Skout’s Honor and Wondercide among others. Indulge your furry friend with gourmet wheat, corn, and soy-free treats from our dog bakery locally sourced from Preppy Puppy in Wareham. Additionally, you can create your own healthy biscuit selections from our bulk treat section and select individual long-lasting chews from Antlers to a wide range of digestible rawhide alternatives.
Uptown Dog specializes in your companion animal’s excellent life and offers a wide-range of “enrichment” products from Snuffle and Lick mats to puzzles and fun-feeders.
Bring your leashed pet to explore our store, where you’ll find a diverse range of accessories, from stylish collars to clothing for dogs of all sizes. Our toy department boasts a variety of entertaining options, including products from Fluff & Tuff, Tall Tails and Kong. Treat your pup to a tasty cool treat from The Bear and The Rat Frozen Yogurt before taking a leisurely stroll on Falmouth’s Shining Sea Bikeway, conveniently located behind our store.
Sweet Energy, Animal Massage and Reiki
508-524-2110; sweetenergycc.com
Melanie Powers, Certified Animal Massage Therapist
Massage and Reiki are gentle processes, requiring time to shift energy and facilitate healing. Each session is tailored to your animal’s individual needs, offering unique benefits that accumulate over time. Customized services can reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, ease anxiety and stress, promote recovery from illness, injury or other trauma, assist with behavior challenges and support general health and immune systems.
Sweet Energy services include a range of physical and energetic healing options, for companion and working animals, available in-home, outdoors, or at other preferred locations for the animal’s comfort. Services include massage, Acupressure, Reiki, Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercise, Myofascial Release, Shiatsu and trigger point techniques, Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) therapy and more. Appointments are flexible to accommodate your schedule.
While commonly working with dogs and cats, I’ve observed the transformative effects of reiki on animals within communities such as farms, sanctuaries, and shelters. I specialize in working with orthopedic, geriatric, and anxiety issues as well as palliative and end of life support.
Animals readily embrace the benefits of energy and body work without skepticism, making them particularly receptive to healing. More than humans, they simply open themselves to receive comfort and restoration, facilitating swift engagement with positive interventions, especially in cases of fear or past trauma. Reiki can help establish new connections between animals and humans, offering solace and support where needed.
As the practitioner I work with the animal, the family, the veterinarian and other health and care providers to develop a unique service plan to address your animal’s needs. The plan may incorporate exercises or comfort care prescribed by others and training in certain techniques for families to ensure maximum ongoing benefit from energy and massage practices.
Topham Emergency Medical Education
First Aid And CPR For Pets
394 Lake Shore Drive, Sandwich 617-620-1682
tophameme.com
Enroll in our comprehensive course designed to equip you with essential first aid techniques tailored for small and large dogs, along with cats, addressing the most common emergencies they may encounter. Gain the expertise to recognize abnormalities and identify early warning signs in your beloved pets. Learn vital pre-vet care strategies and life-saving techniques, empowering you to take immediate action when it matters most.
Join us for “Emergency Care for You and Your Four-Legged Companion,” where you’ll receive specialized training focused on ensuring the wellbeing of your furry friends. From understanding basic pet first aid to mastering critical interventions, this course is designed to prepare you for various scenarios that may arise.
Through a combination of theory and hands-on practice, you’ll develop the skills necessary to assess your pet’s condition, administer appropriate care, and respond effectively in emergencies. Our experienced instructors will guide you through each step, emphasizing the importance of prompt action in potentially life-threatening situations.
Whether you’re a pet owner seeking to enhance your knowledge or a professional working with animals, this course offers invaluable insights and practical skills to safeguard the health and safety of fourlegged companions. Don’t wait until an emergency strikes—enroll now and become a confident, proactive caregiver for your pets.
Hot Diggity
1 Central Square, Mashpee Commons, Mashpee, 508-477-2663
1336 Phinney’s Lane, Unit 1-2, Hyannis, 508-957-2124
677 Main Street, Dennis Port, 508-258-0208 hotdiggity.com
Since 2004, Hot Diggity has been dedicated to enriching the lives of dogs throughout Cape Cod and beyond. Despite being a small, family-owned business, our passion for dogs (and even some cats) knows no bounds. Our mission revolves around providing exceptional products for both pups and their devoted owners. We welcome you to explore our offerings and share your thoughts with us!
Woof! Discover the charm of our three boutique pet supply stores nestled throughout Cape Cod! Each location offers a delightful array of pet toys, organic pet food, and stylish dog apparel. Venture to our Mashpee Commons store for a shopping spree, swing by our Dennis Port spot for professional pet grooming and convenient self-serve dog washing, or head to Hyannis
for a selection of nutritious pet eats. At Hot Diggity, our affection for dogs is palpable, and we strive to reciprocate that love!
Let’s be honest—most dogs aren’t thrilled about grooming sessions. That’s why our experienced team is committed to creating a positive (or should we say pawsitive) experience, prioritizing your furry friend’s wellness. Before pampering your pooch, our groomers assess factors like coat type, health history, and temperament to tailor the grooming process accordingly. Whether opting for self-serve or full-service grooming at our Dennis Port location, rest assured your dog will receive personalized attention. Pricing varies based on factors such as breed and coat condition.
Surprenant & Beneski P.C.
Attorney Wendy Weston
336 South Street, Hyannis
508-477-1102
New Bedford Office
35 Arnold Street, New Bedford 508-994-520
45 Bristol Drive, Easton 508-427-5400
myfamilyestateplanning.com
As cherished members of our families, pets receive dedicated care and affection throughout their lives. However, unlike children, pets do not mature into independence, prompting concerns about their future if their owners were to pass away first. In such contemplative moments, a meticulously crafted estate plan becomes invaluable.
In Southeastern Massachusetts, Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. is poised to support pet owners in securing the welfare of their beloved companions. Our experienced attorneys specialize in guiding individuals through the process of ensuring ongoing care for their pets.
While a personalized consultation with an estate planning attorney is crucial, this discussion aims to illuminate the intricacies of estate planning for pets. Various options exist, with attorneys helping clients select the most suitable approach for their circumstances.
Financial Provisions for Pets: While direct inheritance to pets is legally constrained, strategic planning ensures their continued care.
Designating Pet Beneficiaries: Owners can designate a trusted individual as their pet’s
recipient, considering factors like affinity, caregiving ability, and financial stability. Contingencies should be established in case the primary caregiver is unavailable.
Pet Trusts: Despite being more expensive, pet trusts offer enhanced security by specifying provisions for pet care, caretaker selection, fund allocation, care instructions, and post-pet asset disposition.
Power of Attorney: Granting power of attorney to a trusted individual enables them to make pet care decisions in case of the owner’s incapacity, ensuring continuity of care and access to funds.
Alternative Pet Care Programs: Various programs, whether from the SPCA or private entities, offer reliable assurances of responsible pet placement upon an owner’s demise, though thorough vetting is necessary.
Estate planning for pets provides peace of mind, ensuring continued love and care for our companions even in our absence. Contacting an estate planning attorney now safeguards your pet’s welfare, offering solace amid life’s uncertainties. (See their ad on page 49)
THROUGH MAY 19
RICHARD PEPITONE EXHIBITION
Explore the extraordinary range of Richard Pepitone (1936–2022), who overcame a difficult childhood in Brooklyn to become one of Provincetown’s most prominent, versatile, and collected artists. He was a sculptor, printmaker, painter, ceramicist, and much more. This exhibit showcases over 80 of his artworks compiled from multiple sources, including 25 independent collectors. Cape Cod Museum of Art, 60 Hope Ln., Dennis. ccmoa.org
APRIL 13 SPRING SHOPPING EVENT
Discover chic finds and special deals at the Mashpee Commons Spring Shopping Event. Browse clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more at this sidewalk sale celebration. 22 Steeple St., Mashpee. mashpeecommons.com
508-398-3831
APRIL 19
CANVAS CONNECTIONS
Presented by Pop Up Street Cape Cod, this evening promises a truly unique and exciting immersive paint-and-sip experience. Participants go around the room painting on each other’s abstract canvases, interacting with new people in an artistic environment. At the end, each participant leaves with a masterpiece of shared creativity. Small bites, wine, and refreshments are provided. $85 per ticket. popupstreetcapecod.com
APRIL 19 TRIVIA NIGHT
Test your knowledge at the Trivia Night Fundraiser, a fun, social gathering organized by FORWARD (Friends or Relatives with Autism & Related Disabilities). Now in its sixth year, this fundraiser is celebrating FORWARD’s 10th anniversary and includes a cash bar, silent and live auctions, and plenty of appetizers, including lobster sliders. Trivia teams of up to four compete for a $500 cash grand prize. All proceeds support the construction of new homes for eight adults with autism. 5–8:00 p.m. The Sea View, 97 Chase Ave., Dennis Port. go-forward.org
APRIL 25
BLIND DATE: AN IMMERSIVE DINING EXPERIENCE
This food adventure by Pop Up Street Cape Cod is all about the element of surprise. Not just a meal, “Blind Date” is a carefully curated culinary journey that engages all the senses. Through innovative presentation, storytelling, and the element of surprise, the ticketed event explores global flavors with a modern, innovative twist. The meal includes five to seven courses, perfectly paired with drinks, complimentary champagne upon arrival, and a foodie goodie bag. $100-180 per ticket. 278 Main St., Hyannis. popupstreetcapecod.com
APRIL 25–28
NANTUCKET DAFFODIL FESTIVAL
This annual festival is a true symbol of spring. It’s when Nantucket sheds the grey tones of winter and decks itself out in cheery daffodil blooms. Activities include the Daffodil Flower Show by the Nantucket Garden Club, held in the greenhouses of Bartlett’s Farm (this year’s theme is “Seas of Daffodils”), and the Antique Cars & Motorcycles Parade out to Sconset. Other can’t-miss moments include the Daffodil Hat Parade, Children’s Parade, Dog Parade, and plenty of giveaways plus live entertainment. daffodilfestival.com
April 27
EARTH DAY BEACH CLEAN-UP
Island-wide event, all beaches. Vineyard Conservation Society; vineyardconservation.org/ events/
APRIL 27 TOWN CLEANUP DAY
Join like-minded citizens at this Cleanup Day, co-sponsored by Dennis Conservation Land Trust and the Town of Dennis. Sign in at Johnny Kelley Park, Old Bass River Rd., South Dennis. 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. dennisconservationlandtrust.org or town.dennis.ma.us
APRIL 27
ANNUAL SHEARING DAY EVENT
The herd at Island Alpaca is up for its annual presummer grooming, and those in the community are invited to come celebrate. 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. $8 fee. 1 Head of the Pond Rd., Oak Bluffs. islandalpaca.com
Join us for dinner, drinks, brunch or your next special celebration!
Learn
New flea market on Cape Cod. At The 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building in Harwich, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Follow @the204fleamarket for more updates. This is an event we hope to grow over time with the support of our community. Like any
Visit Dunn & Sons Fine Wine to celebrate its most exciting vintage yet: a limited-edition rosé produced under its own label in collaboration with celebrated winemaker and sommelier Patrick Cappiello. Sample this brandnew release—the perfect choice for summer sipping on Cape Cod—at the wine store’s sister restaurant, The Pheasant. $65 per person. 905 Route 6A, Dennis. dunnandsonswine.com
If you like spring, and you like Brewster, then this annual event is for you. There is so much to see and do, from a 5K run/walk and an arts and crafts show to a spring concert on Friday, May 3, at the Brewster Baptist Church. On Sunday, May 5, the “Enchantment Under the Sea” parade begins at Eddy Elementary School at 1:00 p.m. and heads west on Route 6A towards Swamp Road. Local organizations and businesses host their own springthemed events. brewster-capecod.com.
MAY 3–12
CAPE COD ARTWEEK
This second annual celebration of the arts is organized by the Cape Cod Museum Trail. Along the trail, daily events include gallery talks, open houses and studios, live demonstrations, craft festivals, and more. Visit capecodmuseumtrail.com for a full event schedule.
With routes hitting amazing landmarks like the Aquinnah Lighthouse and the East Chop Lighthouse, not to mention the coastline views and a ferry to and from the island, you’ll have the best stories to tell after you cross the finish line.
There are few people we would recommend without reservation, but Kim is at the top of that list. She knows Cape Cod intimately and comprehends the real estate market with sharp astuteness; she will apply that knowledge to your needs and situation which will give you the greatest opportunity to make a happy and successful purchase or sale.
—Dr. and Mrs. Gregory de Silva
MAY 15–19
NANTUCKET WINE FESTIVAL
One island, five days, and 50-plus events. The Nantucket Wine Festival lures wine and gourmet food makers from all over the world to share their offerings with over 3,000 attendees. This spring fête boasts a continually growing family of vintners, wineries, and renowned chefs. Besides the popular Grand Tasting sessions and Harbor Gala, there are also specially themed luncheons, brunches, and seminars running all festival long for serious oenophiles. nantucketwinefestival.com
MAY 18 PORCHFEST EDGARTOWN
As seen in towns across the country, Edgartown is excited to coordinate Porchfest this coming May. A musical event for the community, by the community. We look forward to a lyrical day of family, friends, and fun. visitedgartown.org/porchfest
MAY 18–19
ELTON JOHN EXPERIENCE
Get ready to soar! The Cape Symphony’s final Pops concert of the 2023-2024 season will feature award-winning entertainer Craig A. Meyer as the one and only “Rocketman.” This electrifying tribute is filled with chart-toppers like “Benny and the Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” and “Crocodile Rock.” Elton-inspired attire and dancing are both encouraged! Three performances: Sat at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main St., Hyannis. capesymphony.org
MAY 23-26
MV ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society in collaboration with the Vineyard Conservation Society presents the 10th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival. Coming to the MV Film Center. Program and tickets for 2024 will be announced in late April. 79 Beach Rd., Vineyard Haven. mvfilmsociety.com
MAY 25
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
BLOCK PARTY
Mashpee Commons celebrates this unofficial start to summer with a big party on Saturday, May 25. Take part and enjoy live music performances and complimentary balloon animals and face painting for kids. Grab some fresh seafood at onsite food trucks and take pictures for the ’Gram on the Memorial Day Balloon Wall. 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 22 Steeple St., Mashpee. mashpeecommons.com
MAY 25 & 26
VINEYARD ARTISANS MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVAL
Our opening show of the season! Come and see all the new work our island artists have been working on all winter. Free parking and admission, catered food, many demonstrations, and a playground for kids. Grange Hall, 1067 State Rd., West Tisbury. vineyardartisans.com
Support Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard! Runners will follow a beautiful USATF-certified course around Oak Bluffs Harbor and East Chop Lighthouse. There is also a 1-mile kids’ fun run that starts in front of Summercamp Hotel. hospiceofmv.org
This is the perfect time to eat, shop, experience, and support all things Wellfleet. Scheduled each year right after Memorial Day, Restaurant Week allows both locals and visitors to enjoy this coastal town before the busy summer season. From burgers to fresh seafood to baked goods and more, participating restaurants offer a variety of specials. Save money and eat hearty! wellfleetrestaurantweek.com
JUNE 1–2
6TH ANNUAL SEA FAIR
Head to the Sandwich Glass Museum for this highly anticipated outdoor show and sales event. Snag amazing handmade finds, including pieces made by artisans inside the museum’s studio. Peruse a variety of creations, from whale tails and conch shells to various sea creatures and nautical ornaments. Entry to the fair is free; museum entry is paid. 129 Main St., Sandwich. sandwichglassmuseum.org
JUNE 12–15
PROVINCETOWN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
This renowned festival is dedicated to showcasing new achievements by independent film makers while honoring the work of both emerging and acclaimed directors, producers, and actors. Provincetown’s premier cultural event attracts 10,000-plus filmgoers and arts patrons with five days of unflinching cinema. Over 80 features and shorts as well as panel discussions and special events. provincetownfilm.org/ festival/
For the first two weekends in June, get out your eye patch and peg leg and head to the Cape Cod Pirate Festival. Now in its fourth year, this roguish event is filled with family fun, from live music and swashbuckling to axe and knife throwing. Browse through interesting wares at the Pirate’s Market or grab a pint at Old Tom’s Tavern. Demonstrations, theme days, and contests round out the festivities. Costumes encouraged! 669 Route 28, West Yarmouth. capecodpiratefestival.com
Join Berkshire Hathaway Commonwealth and special guests Maria Stephanos and Harvey Leonard in creating moments of happiness and hope for these brave young souls—because together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime. Embrace the spirit of giving and be a beacon of light for the Sunshine Kids! 6:00 p.m. at Chatham Bars Inn. Tickets: sunshine-soiree.com JUNE 1–2, 8–9
Play ball! Saturday, June 15, marks the official start of the Cape Cod Baseball League’s 2024 season with five scheduled games. One of these games is particularly interesting: a rematch of last year’s Cape League Championship Series, with defending champion Bourne Braves hosting the Orleans Firebirds at 6:00 p.m. View the complete schedule at capecodbaseball.org.
The magnificence of the ocean has served as a muse to composers for centuries. This stunning event celebrates the majesty of the sea and why it should be treasured and protected for future generations. The program includes Mendelssohn’s “The Hebrides,” Debussy’s La Mer, and more, led by conductor Carolyn Watson. Presented in collaboration with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). Two performances: Sat at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main St., Hyannis. capesymphony.org
BY JENNIFER SPERRY
President John F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr., depart a toy store in Hyannis Port during Labor Day weekend, 1963.
You can’t talk about the Kennedy family without discussing John F. Kennedy, Jr. Known informally as “JFK Jr.,” he captivated the world from a young age. He was born two months after his namesake father was sworn in as president, and he lived in the White House during the first three years of his life up until the assassination.
John enchanted Cape Cod locals and visitors alike as a little boy summering at the Kennedy Compound, and later whenever he visited as an adult. He felt comfortable walking down Main Street, Hyannis, and sometimes even visited the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum personally.
When John, his wife, Carolyn, and her sister all died in a plane crash off Cape Cod on July 16, 1999, the entire country mourned the tragic event.
One of the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum’s special exhibits this season offers an in-depth look inside the life of JFK Jr. Organized into thematic arrangements, it features extraordinary images (some rarely seen) of him alone or with his father, mother, sister, and wife.
Through video, photographs, quotes, text, and artifacts, this commemorative exhibit in the Penn-Colombo Gallery invites us all to remember JFK Jr., who, like his father, had every gift except length of years.
Learn about the fascinating history of transatlantic communication at the French Cable Station Museum in Orleans.
BY JAMES P. FREEMAN
ime stops inside the Operations Room, where original telegraphic equipment from a century ago remains intact as if it was used just yesterday. In fact, the room looks, feels, and smells like you have entered a time warp.
But in that very room was the 19th century’s version of the transporter system aboard the USS Enterprise in Star Trek. And for more than 60 years, engineers inside a room in Orleans, Mass., sent and received critical information between the New World and the Old World. Earth’s final frontier was finally conquered.
In 1890, The French Cable Company built an operations station in Orleans. It served as a vital link to an undersea telegraph system that connected continental America to mainland Europe. When it opened, the Cape Cod station was one of the most technologically advanced communication hubs in the United States. There was no fiction in this science.
The apparatus was resource-rich and relied initially upon battery power. It was a connected maze of now-ancient gadgets and gizmos like the siphon recorder, the simulated mirror galvanometer, and the signal monitor and regenerator. Here, heavy equipment worked in concert with delicate instruments. It was busy and noisy. Operators called out a steady barrage of alpha-numeric messages as machines rattled a continuous cacophony of clicks, clacks, and clanks.
Today, a rock guitarist with a big rack of effects gear would feel an affinity for all these devices steering a signal path. But an electrical signal bouncing around a sound stage is vastly different from an electrical signal traveling 3,000 miles, three miles deep, within the inhospitable environs of the cold, salty Atlantic. Somehow, though, it managed to work. And work well.
The station closed in 1959. Since 1972, it has operated as a museum, one of only three marine telegraph stations preserved in the world. That same year it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Now, as if conjured by the ghost of Jules Verne himself, the equipment and the narrative still manage to awe adults and inspire students. At this unprepossessing museum, seeing is believing.
Joe Manas, 83, has been the museum’s president since 2010. Armed with an electrical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he lights up like loose electricity when talking about the station. “I’m amazed at what they did given the technology at the time,” he marvels.
Conceptually, it was simple. Samuel Morse demonstrated, in 1837, via the electromagnetic telegraph, that an electrical current sent through a copper wire could be manipulated in such a way (by a code of dots and dashes) to allow communication between parties on each side of the respective wire.
The mid-1800s was an adventurous time. The first telegraph line was constructed between Washington and Baltimore in 1844. As these lines expanded, distances shrank. Days became minutes. By 1854, there were more than 23,000 miles of land telegraph in North America. Europe was similarly connected.
However, the two continents remained separate from each other. The only means of communication was by vessel. Shipping was dangerous and timeconsuming (a roundtrip took at best a month). Even as technical knowledge advanced rapidly, commerce demanded connectivity.
“Thus began,” wrote Bern Dibner in his captivating book The Atlantic Cable, “one of the great sagas in modern history, touching the fields of science, politics, finance, and geography.”
But chief among the many arduous challenges was technology itself. Would it work?
For this endeavor, a series of clever
Come, listen all unto my song; It is no silly fable; ’Tis all about the mighty cord They call the Atlantic cable.
—John
innovations extracted an otherwise weak signal transmitted more than 2,000 miles away, underwater, and converted it into a kind of simulated Morse Code.
Cyrus Field, a wealthy entrepreneur from Stockbridge, Mass., spearheaded the effort with British counterparts to ultimately connect New York and London. The endeavor was a private enterprise and not a public works project. After several attempts, two cables delivered upon the promise in 1866.
Meanwhile, France grew concerned that its transcontinental cable communication was routed entirely through Britain. Seeking greater independence, the French laid their own indirect cable in 1869. Later, a 3,173-mile cable (dubbed “Le Direct”) was laid directly between Brest, France, and Orleans, Mass., in 1898.
The legacy of those first lines cannot be underestimated. Submarine cables account for over 99 percent of intercontinental data traffic today.
A tour of the Orleans site unlocks a pre-digital history of extraordinary people and events that seems, upon reflection, inconceivable in 2024. Its story should be understood and appreciated.
The French Cable Station Museum reminds us that communication across the mighty Atlantic long ago was precious and precise.
Museum tours run June through September, Friday through Sunday, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. or via appointment. Located at the corner of Cove Road and Route 28, Orleans. 508-240-1735
For more information, visit frenchcablestationmuseum.org.
The annual Ruck4HIT is a grueling Cape-wide run that fundraises for veterans and military families while honoring fallen soldiers.
Text and Photography by CHRISTOPHER KAZARIAN
Joshua D. Corral was only 19 years old when his life was cut short by a bomb that exploded while he was sweeping for explosives in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province in November 2011.
I never met the Marine Corps machine-gunner: a fun-loving Californian who was known by friends as “Chachi.” But on an unseasonably cool night roughly five-and-a-half years later in May 2017, I would be forever connected to him. That’s when my friend, Marine veteran Alec Reisberg, handed me a patch with Chachi’s last name emblazoned on it.
Who do you ruck for? It’s a question that everyone who participates in Heroes In Transition’s Ruck4HIT asks themselves.
Seven years ago, on the eve of the 2nd Annual Ruck4HIT, Reisberg, who had made the flight from California to Massachusetts to captain our team, was helping answer that question for me. Over the course of 36 hours, a stranger named Joshua Corral—who enlisted in the Marines “because he wanted to make a difference,” Arnie Corral said at his son’s funeral—was my reason why.
Words don’t do Ruck4HIT justice. It’s the type of event you must see for yourself.
I’ve had the honor of driving in it and watching in awe as a teammate dons a 20-pound rucksack at 3:00 in the morning and sets out on a 2.7-mile run. By this point, participants have run as many as six legs of similar distance and are physically exhausted and mentally fatigued.
They may not know Joshua Corral, but they are running for heroes like him.
On October 26, 2009, Cyndy Jones and her late husband, Kenneth, lost their only son, Marine Captain Eric A. Jones, when he was killed in a helicopter crash while flying a combat mission in Afghanistan. The couple channeled the grief of that tragic loss into a force for good by creating Heroes In Transition.
The Mashpee-based nonprofit’s logo features a hand holding a torch. It’s a symbol of Eric’s light carried on by the organization through its work providing critical assistance to local service members, veterans, and military couples, spouses, and families via a dozen different programs.
And so, too, is the rucksack a symbol of the heavy burdens carried by service members, veterans, and their loved ones. For one weekend every spring, Ruck4HIT participants carry that weight for them.
Last year, Army veteran Meghan Keller of Plymouth shared with me what the rucksack means to her: “Seeing that ruck, I get so emotional. I think to myself, My god, I can put my ruck down because other people want to be out there carrying that weight and the load for others. That was so huge for me, seeing how many people involved in it who really have no ties to the military and have never served but who are out there carrying this load. I can finally put my load down because someone else will carry it for me.”
This April, Keller, who has supported participants in their training for the past two years through her job at FitPlan Cape Cod in Mashpee, will be running her first Ruck4HIT. Keller’s why? Her late husband, Kurt. They served in the Army together, including a 2003 deployment to Iraq in 2003. She lost him to suicide in November 2006.
Heroes In Transition Executive Director Nicole Spencer and Army reservist Ray Regan spearheaded the first iteration of Ruck4HIT. It began in 2016 at Ground Zero in New York City with one team of 12 runners and four support personnel making their way to Falmouth in 41 hours. The following year, it moved to Cape Cod, where it has been held ever since. Multiple teams travel through every town on the Cape, starting at the Courtyard in Bourne, reaching all the way to Provincetown (Ruck4HIT’s halfway point), and concluding in Mashpee 36 hours later.
This year, a record 20 teams—consisting of more than 150 runners and 40 drivers—are registered to compete. They will do so for those who can’t: for Joshua Corral, for Eric Jones, for Kurt Keller, and for countless others who have sacrificed so much for our country.
WHEN: FRIDAY, APRIL 26—SATURDAY, APRIL 27
You can help! Ruck4HIT is seeking volunteers to assist with the opening ceremony at the Courtyard in Bourne on Thursday, April 25; with the Finish Line Party at Cape Cod Coffee in Mashpee on April 27; and to man 68 exchanges throughout the course. Email ruckvolunteers@ heroesintransition.org for more info. To donate or for more information, visit
WHERE: CAPE COD COFFEE ON ROUTE 130 IN MASHPEE
WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 27, AT 11:00 A.M.
Celebrate this year’s Ruck4HIT at the finish line with live entertainment, food and drink, and an opportunity to support Heroes In Transition.
here are many Cape Cod summertime traditions. Beaches, barbecues, and baseball; fishing, fireworks, and fairs; ice cream, fried clams, and saltwater taffy. But don’t forget curling.
Yup, the sport more associated with winter, where players slide stones over ice toward a target area, is the centerpiece of the Cape Cod Curling Club. Every July since 1971, curlers from around the country and Canada convene in Falmouth for Summerspiel, a tournament featuring just over 100 teams and upwards of 500 competitors and guests.
When registration opened in February, the mixed division filled up in less than 24 hours. There are also bonspiels (tournaments consisting of several games) for ladies, men, and juniors—all have waiting lists should there be openings.
“You’d think we were selling tickets to a Taylor Swift concert,” says Summerspiel coordinator Dave Benton, a club member since 2017. “People wait on their computers for the signup day. It’s pretty amazing.
“We have a long history,” adds Benton, explaining the appeal. “Many of the curlers have been coming for years, so there’s the chance to see old friends. And summer on the Cape is definitely an attraction. It’s not unusual to see players on the ice in shorts.”
Beyond the intense but friendly matches, Summerspiel is also popular for its off-ice activities, including a lobster clambake, pig roast, musical entertainment, and cocktail parties. And, of course, plenty of time for swimming and sand dunes.
Curling is nothing if not social. In the parlance of curlers, the good fellowship is called broomstacking.
“Your competitor is your friend,” says Russ Lemcke, a longtime club member who is in the United States Curling Association Hall of Fame for contributions to the sport. “There’s mutual respect. Before a match, we wish everyone, ‘Good curling.’ When we’re finished, we shake hands and the winners buy drinks.”
The Cape Cod Curling Club was founded in 1969 by Dr. David Dewees and his wife, Anne, their curiosity sparked by seeing the sport in Brookline. (Winners of the Summerspiel mixed division, now in its 53rd year, receive the Dewees Trophy.)
The club has nearly 300 active curlers and its season runs October through April, with leagues and curling operating seven days a week—plus SummerSpiel for two weeks in July.
Curling was first played in the 16th century on frozen ponds
and lochs in Scotland. Its popularity has grown with television exposure, especially during the Winter Olympics. Two teams of four players wearing sliding or gripper shoes take turns pushing 42-pound granite stones toward a target consisting of four rings, known as the house. The stone’s path and speed can be changed by sweeping brooms in front. (Today’s brooms feature synthetic brush pads and carbon fiber handles). Points are scored based on positioning in the house. Matches consist of ends, like innings in baseball.
The Cape Cod Curling Club’s Ice Shed has three rectangular sheets where matches are contested. Afterwards, teammates and competitors head to the comfortable Warm Room to broomstack, a tradition dating back to the game’s origins. After completing a match, curlers would stack their brooms in front of a fire and enjoy each other’s company.
“It’s part of the camaraderie of the sport,” says Jeanie Yaroch
It’s part of the camaraderie of the sport. I had no clue about curling, but I like competition and the social aspect was appealing. The club has a charming culture.
— Jeanie Yaroch
of Sandwich, a member of the club for 12 years. She joined as “a way back into life” after her husband passed away.
“I had no clue about curling, but I like competition and the social aspect was appealing. The club has a charming culture,” she explains.
Yaroch has played in the Summerspiel several times but always as a fill-in on a visiting team. “Being a substitute has actually worked out in my favor,” she says. “I’ve made wonderful new friends from out of town and then traveled to their clubs. You become connected and integrated into the curling world beyond Cape Cod.”
Yaroch and club members look forward to the Summerspiel much like an annual class reunion, welcoming fellow curlers into their homes.
“The curling is important, but it’s also about friendships off the ice,” says Yaroch. “It’s the broomstacking, and the Summerspiel seems to amplify that sense of community. It takes a lot of work for the club and all the volunteers, but everyone pitches in to pull it together. It’s a joy—just a very warm experience.”
For more information, visit capecodcurling.org.
2024 Tournament Dates:
Dewees Mixed Summerspiel: July 11–14
Ladies’ Summerspiel: July 14–17
Ottaviano Men’s Summerspiel: July 18–21
Junior Summerspiel: July 21–24
nown as the “Spice Isle” for its nutmeg plantations, Grenada is one of the Caribbean’s Windward Isles. Colonized by both the British and French throughout its history, it is comprised of one large island and six smaller ones (including Carriacou and Petite Martinique). The main island is lush and hilly and punctuated by the capital of St. George’s, known for its Easter egg-colored buildings and cerulean harbor.
In fact, it’s an exciting time to visit Grenada, as the island is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Independence from the United Kingdom. In February 2024, a delegation from the Grenada Tourism Authority traveled to Boston for commemorative events celebrating the strong ties between the island and Massachusetts, made all the stronger by JetBlue’s year-round, nonstop route out of Logan International.
Part of JetBlue’s Mint premium travel experience, the BOS–GND service operates weekly on Saturdays, departing BOS at 8:00 a.m. and arriving at GND at 1:43 p.m. The return flight departs GND at 3:03 p.m. and arrives in BOS at 7:04 p.m. This route marks JetBlue’s second nonstop route to Grenada, joining the existing daily nonstop service from JFK.
But easy access is not all that’s new. This April, the wellness-focused resort Six Senses is opening in the traditional fishing village of La Sagesse. Built around themes of luxury and sustainability, the resort will include 56 pool suites (each with a private plunge pool) and 15 hillside and beachfront villas.
Another destination worth researching is the Silversands Beach House, a sister property to the sleek Silversands resort. This 28-room stunner blends St. Barth cool with a hint of Polynesia and beckons with both cliffside and beachside rooms.
Besides its natural beauty and laidback lifestyle, Grenada is home to a truly unique art experience. Its Underwater Sculpture Park is the first of its kind in the world and was designed to engage the public with the underwater environment. The under-sea sculptures are beautiful and haunting—plus five new installations are now viewable. This park is a can’t-miss memory-maker. puregrenada.com
Susan Peavey, owner of Susan Peavey Travel, is no stranger to the wonders of Grenada, and she and her team are on-hand to help plan a vacation that best fits your speed. Reach out to learn more about travel specials:
Susan Peavey Travel, Inc.
Marshfield: 781-319-1960
Harwich: 508-432-6200 susanpeaveytravel.com
Every year in April, the Nantucket Daffodil Festival brightens spirits with daffodils at every turn. Similarly, this new collection by Agneta Livijn for Eleish Van Breems encapsulates the inherent cheer of sunny daffodil blooms. This artistic dinnerware set is perfectly poised for springtime entertaining.
To purchase, visit evbantiques.com or shop in person at Eleish Van Breems Home, 14 Easy Street, Nantucket. 508-901-9912
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KAYLA SIMON
Models from Signed Management: AVA, EMILY, MEREDITH Hair: STACEY
Makeup: ANDREA KOOHARIAN MAKEUP
Production: ERIC BRUST-AKDEMIR
Location: NYE MUSEUM, EAST SANDWICH
Raffaele tie-dye crop top $99, Jules tie-dye “stacked” ankle leggings $59
Grace peplum blouse in bamboo jersey $99, Kate wide-leg trouser in bamboo jersey $109
Zavia Walker’s Celebration of Her hoodie (comes in white, black, and military green) $89, Black-and-gold double diamond handmade earrings $40
Crewneck shirt $89, Faux leather jacket (unisex and comes in black and brown) $145, Black-and-gold double diamond handmade earrings $40
Artist and designer Zavia Walker blends canvas, sculpture, and fashion into unique art forms.
Explore her unconventional shop at zaviawalker.com.
Abstract unisex painted shirt $90, Black-and-gold double diamond handmade earrings $40
Scalloped hem beige linen tee $65, matching high-waisted pants $135
A-shaped silhouette maxi linen dress with oversized pocket and “waves” hand embroidery $168
SINGER TIANNA ESPERANZA TAKES ON THE MUSIC INDUSTRY WITH GENRE-DEFYING TALENT.
BY JENNIFER SPERRY
PHOTOGRAPHS BY DERRICK ZELLMANN
t the age of 23, Tianna Esperanza has already logged achievements that most aspiring singers have only dreamed about. In 2020, she released an eight-song album, Afro Gypsy, produced at Brick Hill Studios in Orleans by Jon Evans (Tori Amos’s bass player).
While the pandemic impacted the album’s momentum, her single and music video
“Deadbeat Daddy” caught the attention of record label BMG, solidifying her trajectory.
Now she is a full-time student studying expressive arts therapy at Lesley University in Cambridge.
“My studies mesh nicely with my passion for music,” states Esperanza, who started college in 2018 before taking time off to focus on her music career. Now back at school, she’s considering a variety of careers—touring singer, album producer, artist advocate, psychologist, even law—and the potential for grad school.
Tianna’s debut album Terror is named to NPR’s 50 Best Albums of 2023.
Listen to Terror by scanning this code or visiting tiannaesperanza.com.
Tianna playing at the 9th Annual Cape Cod Women’s Music Fest at Payomet
Performing Arts Center in Truro. Photo by Michael & Suz Karchmer.
I would say my music is experimental. I would say it’s eclectic. And that’s a reflection of my love for all music styles. Some call me a jazz singer, but I’m versatile, although I have more experience with rock, blues, jazz, and folk.
— Tianna Esperanza
“I want a plan B,” explains the young artist, a realist who understands that the world of music is tenuous and success is never guaranteed. “I might not always want to tour. I might want to have a family. I want to have flexibility.
“Focusing on school is how I’ll preserve myself for making music long-term,” she continues. “I hope fans can respect that and know it’s my preparation for giving more.”
But her student life doesn’t mean she’s abandoning music—far from it. Currently she is promoting her debut album: Terror, released with BMG. (She removed her previous album, Afro Gypsy, from streaming services to rework certain songs and start fresh, backed by BMG’s resources and marketing power.)
Named one of 2023’s “50 Best Albums” by NPR, Terror is small but mighty, with 10 tracks that showcase Esperanza’s writing prowess and eclectic form. Hip-hop and rhythmic punk and spoken-word poetry collide with Esperanza’s sweet, ethereal voice in a powerful, raw explosion. Its premiere single, “Terror,” is a cascade of emotion about sex and trauma.
In this album, Esperanza refuses to hold back, sit down, shut up, conform.
“I would say my music is experimental. I would say it’s eclectic. And that’s a reflection of my love for all music styles,” she relays. “Some call me a jazz singer, but I’m versatile, although I have more experience with rock, blues, jazz, and folk.”
In fact, music is in her blood. She is the granddaughter of Palmolive (real name Paloma McLardy), drummer and founder of the legendary UK punk band The Slits.
Although Esperanza is not a classically trained singer, she cites artists like Nina Simone, who was denied by premier music institutes like Juilliard, as inspiration.
“She knew her stuff,” the Cape native asserts.
“Creating something awesome out of something small is a superpower I’ve learned. It’s almost nice to work from nothing,” she admits of her home-grown talent. “It’s forced me to draw from spirituality and musicians I admire.”
Born at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Esperanza was raised by her mother. Her family was part of a very extremist church, and she was never allowed to listen to anything other than Christian music. However, her mom let her listen to the radio occasionally. She heard mostly popular hits by Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, etc. It wasn’t until attending Sturgis Charter Public School, and joining its guitar program, that Esperanza started singing and hearing different sounds.
While the Cape is close to her heart, she also found it to be a limiting, homogenous launching platform for a music career.
“Because of my experience with this religious extremism, I felt very isolated and out of touch. As a mixed person being raised by a white family, I also felt very removed from black and indigenous culture,” she says of her origins. “So, unlike some of the other artists I look up to, who grew up in places where people are used to consuming music like mine, it was hard for me to get my foot in the door.”
Refusing to give up on her dreams and her talent, she relied on guidance from her musical mentors, guitarist Frank Poranski and violinist Lary Chaplan, and the
Cape’s artistic community. She recently received a 2024 Capacity Building Grant from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod to help fund her upcoming projects.
While she focuses on finishing her degree, the singer is quick to note that her creativity is still flowing. “My music creation isn’t on hold; just the promotion of it is on hold while I work to find a team that I can really connect with and feel supported by,” she reveals, adding that fans should follow her socials for song drops and performances.
In fact, her next album is already in the works, but she’s tight-lipped on the details. “Let me just say this: fans can expect sounds they haven’t heard yet in my work.”
A century-old fishing shack on the Brewster Flats gets an upgrade to accommodate future generations.BY KELLY CHASE
A3 Architects created this year-round, 3,600-square-foot gathering place by adding a substantial addition that plays off the existing gambrel rooflines. The more contemporary addition delivered a new living room, kitchen, and bedrooms.
hose who spend time on the coast understand that no two tides are alike. The coast is in a constant state of change. However, a cottage on the Brewster Flats challenged that idea for decades.
An old fishing shack built around the 1920s came to be owned by Marion Eckhardt, a former potter and local business owner. She rented the property in the summer months, and during the 1970s, she rented it to Gary Galonek’s parents. Set on a bluff overlooking the flats, the shack made an impression on the family from Western Massachusetts.
“We had a good run there—a lot of good memories in a beautiful place,” says Gary. “We rented for a week each summer from about 1974 until 1979.”
Gary remembers leaving notes in a bureau for other renters and coming back a year later to find responses. One time, he and his two brothers found a beer can they had hid in a nook in the wall. “I call it the place where time stands still,” he says.
For a brief period, the Galoneks summered in a condo in Hyannis, but in 1993 they reached out to Eckhardt and rented from her once again. “The cottage was just how we remembered it,” Gary says. After that, they booked one week each summer until 2008, when Eckhardt passed away.
The home went up for sale, and Gary and his two brothers, Ed and Brian, bought it. “We honestly didn’t think we could pull it off, but we’re glad we did,” admits Gary. “Our families are over the moon for it. It’s everyone’s favorite place.”
Housed within the addition, the kitchen is bright, welcoming, and coastal in look and feel.
In the years that followed, the Galoneks didn’t make many changes except for constructing a necessary revetment wall. The 1,375-square-foot bungalow remained unchanged—and uninsulated. To help with costs, they rented the cottage, and even included some families from Eckhardt’s roster. The brothers chose different weeks to visit in the summer and sometimes in the shoulder seasons.
When they decided it was time for a renovation (and insulation), they contacted Alison Alessi, owner of A3 Architects in Dennis. The design goal was to create a yearround cottage and make room for the growing family. The project included moving the fishing shack eight feet back from the coast, installing a new foundation and basement, renovating some existing bedrooms and bathrooms, and adding 2,200 square feet of living space.
“This was a house that hadn’t been touched in many years,” describes Alessi. “They were finally ready for changes and wanted it to last for their kids and grandkids. It’s always a special kind of story when a family asks: ‘How can we leave this better for our kids, so they can come here and make memories of their own?’ ”
While A3 Architects revamped the structure and created modern efficiencies, the cottage’s footprint and floor plan remained mostly the same. A bathroom and laundry room were added on the street side. Upstairs, a bedroom was removed to create a double-height ceiling for the dining room, which connects to the addition.
Cohesive details—such as exposed framing, fir wall paneling, and a double-height ceiling in the living room—maintain the structure’s enduring character and warmth. “We really wanted to keep the cottage’s original feel inside and out,” says Alessi.
The A3 team incorporated an open-concept kitchen and dining room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a loft space within the addition. The addition, which is slightly taller than the historic volume, stretches back perpendicularly towards the street, an arrangement that maintains the bungalow’s modest beach-facing profile. Alessi married the two structures with a unifying gambrel roofline.
“It’s always challenging to add on to historic houses while respecting the prevailing architecture,” explains the architect. “The gambrel roof connects the two sections in a way that is modern and comfortable.” The update ensured year-round livability while keeping the scale of the structure’s aesthetics in line with neighboring cottages.
A few unexpected perks from the renovation/addition project (versus building anew, which was not an option entertained by the Town of Brewster) emerged. “Since one door connects the addition to the original house, the family can close off the older part in winter and only use the addition,” notes Alessi.
For the Galoneks, the layout encourages easy gathering and entertaining but also allows for some alone time. “We ended up with more room than we anticipated, which is great because we are a growing family and everyone enjoys the space,” observes Gary. “My brothers have kids, and I have two grandchildren and a third on the way, so the next generation is in the works,” he continues with a smile.
Still, family members spend most of their time on the beach. At low tide, they go clamming and take long walks on the flats. Younger ones build sandcastles and play King of the Sandbar, just like the Galonek brothers did as kids. It seems some traditions are deeply rooted.
ARCHITECT:
A3 Architects - Dennis; a3architectsinc.com; 508-694-7887
BUILDER:
York Building and Construction – Sandwich
KITCHEN:
White Wood Kitchens - Sandwich
“We wanted it to look like we were never there,” says the architect of this renovation/addition project in Orleans. “We wanted it to look like the house was simply re-shingled and re-painted. That’s what we were going for.”
In the living room, McPhee Associates wrapped the existing dark ceiling beams in white poplar, finishing off the ceiling in between with six-inch V-groove paneling.
hile the house hadn’t been updated in some time, it was located on a quiet road on the coast of East Orleans, with views of Little Pleasant Bay in the near distance.
“It had this charm,” recalls owner Sarah Lyn Kashou of her first impression. “We went to see it with our friend, architect Mike Tartamella, and told him we wanted to make it a beautiful new Cape while keeping its original charm intact.”
Sarah Lyn and her husband, Peter, envisioned a welcoming, amenity-rich home, complete with a garage and in-law suite. Living in Wellesley outside Boston, the Kashous and their two teenage sons were looking to retreat to a quieter, more private setting. However, they also sought a neighborhood with four-season activity for Peter’s mother, who would be in residence most of the year.
With Tartamella’s assertion that he could upgrade the property without sacrificing character, the Kashous made the leap and brought on veteran builder McPhee Associates to construct the home. Tartamella, managing principal at Patrick Ahearn Architect, had worked with McPhee on Cape residences before. The owners embarked on a renovation/addition project to achieve their own slice of Cape Cod after nearly 20 years of staying in “every crack and corner” of the peninsula, notes Sarah Lyn.
The homeowners loved the c. 1950 Cape’s feel: its small rooms, low ceilings, and dormers. “We wanted to avoid something super grand and new; we liked the cozy feel,” says Sarah Lyn of the original section. Tartamella managed to maintain key portions of the existing layout while providing the family’s desired modern amenities. He transformed two front rooms (formerly bedrooms) into a den and bedroom suite respectively. The entry staircase remains (shiplap makes it feel fresh), as does the living room, complete with a converted gas fireplace. In place of the old kitchen, Tartamella delivered a dining room with French doors framing water views.
“We reinvented the interior; there are no more compartmentalized spaces. The layout enjoys lateral connectivity parallel to the water views,” describes the architect. With better flow through the main living spaces, the “update celebrates the way people live today,” he adds.
McPhee’s carpenters executed Tartamella’s architectural details—wainscoting, crown molding, V-groove paneling, and shiplap—flawlessly with quality craftsmanship. In place of the old wide-plank pine floors, McPhee installed light oak Sawyer Mason flooring.
“Our clients decided on a pre-engineered, prefinished floor system,” explains Rob McPhee, president of McPhee Associates, based in East Dennis. “It has a wood surface that can be sanded and refinished once or twice over a backing of plywood. It’s a practical, more stable way to install wide boards in moist environments.”
The kitchen marks the transition from existing structure to addition. Here, the architect took advantage of the lack of a second floor and vaulted the ceiling to the roof lines, giving the frequented space a light, airy, and contemporary feel. White on the custom cabinets and paneled ceiling keeps the atmosphere feeling clean and crisp, while oak on the island base and ceiling beams adds warmth.
“We did a lot of reframing and reworking undersized wood members,” says McPhee, who, since taking over the company reins from his father, upgraded its scope to a full-service design/build/maintenance firm (although they acted principally as builder on this home). “We repaired the foundation and replaced all the siding, trim, windows, and doors. We basically rebuilt this house from the inside out.
“A renovation like this takes time and patience and vision but it came out great,” continues the builder. “The finished product is very respectful of the classic architecture that existed at the start.”
White cedar shingles, antique slate-colored roofing, granite steps, louvered shutters, and a cupola paint a convincing picture of Cape Cod style. A small wing off the living room was modified into the husband’s office, with French doors opening onto the rear deck.
Our clients decided on a pre-engineered, prefinished floor system. It has a wood surface that can be sanded and refinished once or twice over a backing of plywood. It’s a practical, more stable way to install wide boards in moist environments.
— Rob McPhee, President of McPhee Associates
Rounding off the addition is a front-to-back mudroom and powder room, two-bay garage with finished space above, and in-law suite. The in-law suite reaches back towards Little Bay Harbor perpendicularly from the main volume of the house (hinging off the new mudroom) and culminates in a bay window. Its vaulted living room, complete with built-in wet bar, feels spacious and grand. A bedroom and full bath round out the comfortable living quarters.
Outside, the home was meant to look like the owners bought it and simply re-shingled and repainted. Using board-and-batten siding on the garage implies that it could have been a detached carriage house or barn incorporated into the structure at one time. “Changing materials isn’t uncommon and helps break up the scale,” notes Tartamella of the flourish.
This board-and-batten garage and mudroom entry lends the finished home a hint of modern farmhouse, which Sarah Lyn carried into her interiors (she has a design background). She worked closely with McPhee’s design team to choose finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. From the start, she directed the home’s aesthetic inside and out.
“We kept the exterior very traditional but strove for a more clean, more contemporary look inside. Traditional but elevated,” summarizes Sarah Lyn of her vision.
BUILDER: McPhee Associates of Cape Cod East Dennis, 508-385-2704, mcpheeassociatesinc.com
ARCHITECT: Patrick Ahearn Architect
CABINETS: Horgan Millwork
Over the span of three years, from 2019 to 2022, the real estate landscape of Cape Cod experienced an unprecedented surge, with home values skyrocketing by an impressive 50 percent. However, this rapid escalation was met with concerns over inflation, prompting intervention from the Federal Reserve.
Fortunately, signs of stabilization have emerged, indicating a return to a more sustainable growth trajectory. In 2023, the frenzy of home appreciation subsided, settling into a more moderate and predictable 4 percent year-over-year gain. This fall, as with any election year, there could be some uncertainty, but all economic signs point to continued steady growth.
Significant strides have been made in addressing the pressing issue of year-round and workforce housing. Since its inception in 1974, the Housing Assistance Corporation has been at the forefront, spearheading the construction of nearly 600 affordable housing units, with an additional 250 units in various stages of development. Furthermore, crucial infrastructure projects such as wastewater management and funding for bridge replacements have reached significant milestones, providing a clearer roadmap towards fostering a robust year-round economy.
*Data sourced from Cape Cod & Islands Multiple Listing Service
For property owners contemplating the sale of their Cape Cod homes, there are several region-specific considerations to consider in order to optimize the process.
• First and foremost, it is essential to ascertain the sewer phase of your property and whether it falls within a Nitrogen Sensitive Area (NSA), as these factors can significantly impact property value and regulatory requirements.
• Additionally, staying abreast of the latest regulations and fees pertaining to short-term rentals in your respective town is imperative, given the evolving nature of this market segment.
• Moreover, ensuring the closure of any permits and Orders of Condition associated with your property, particularly if it abuts wetlands, is crucial to facilitating a seamless transaction.
Navigating these intricacies may seem daunting, but the guidance of an experienced Cape Cod REALTOR® and a real estate attorney can prove invaluable in streamlining the selling process and maximizing profit. With a proactive approach and informed decision-making, property owners can capitalize on the current market dynamics and position themselves for success in the vibrant Cape Cod real estate landscape.
Cape House | William Raveis
7 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 7,200 sq ft | 3.7 Acres
One of the finest oceanfront properties to exist in all of New England, “High Scatteree” sits proudly on nearly 3.7 acres and is sited to enjoy absolutely commanding water views. Behind tall and established hedges for the ultimate in privacy, a winding gravel drive welcomes guests to the classic shingle style Main House which offers 7 bedrooms, 7 fireplaces, and a thoughtful floor plan ideal for comfortable family living or grand entertaining alike. Surrounded by meticulous lawns and gardens, a clay tennis court is found nestled on the park-like grounds which include a personal arboretum of specimen trees. A 2-bedroom Guest House overlooks an award-winning seaside rose garden, while steps to a private beach, deep water dock, and boathouse complement the property’s many resort-like amenities. Updated and expanded several times by top builders and craftsmen, this once-in-a-lifetime property blends timeless architecture and current finishes with modern systems and infrastructure.
$14,995,000 108 COTCHPINICUT ROAD CHATHAM REPRESENTED BY: Corcoran Property Advisors
Brian Dougherty
617.217.1842
brian.dougherty@corcoranadvisors.com
Nick Robert 978.500.1462
nick.robert@corcoranadvisors.com
$9,900,000 749 S MAIN STREET CENTERVILLE
10 Beds | 8 Baths | 8,834 sq ft | 1.79 Acres
Cape Cod’s rise as a vacation destination traces to Helen Quinn, heiress of Grand Union, acquiring nearly 20 acres along Centerville River, including Long Beach. Among the residences built was the ‘Sandcastle,’ featuring lavish interiors and a vast backyard with panoramic river and sound views. Mrs. Quinn commissioned a top-notch boathouse for family trips to Nantucket. Additional amenities include a custom pool, spa, and garden waterfall. Continuous upgrades have preserved its pristine condition. With only four owners in a century, its rich history, adds to its allure. This expansive residence embodies the charm of a quaint cottage on a grand scale. Whether enjoying a quiet moment by the fireplace or entertaining on the expansive patio, this house seamlessly combines the allure of quaintness with the luxury of generous space.
REPRESENTED BY: The Cape House | William Raveis 508.737.1248 katie.clancy@raveis.com
$6,995,000 270 STAGE ISLAND ROAD CHATHAM
5 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 3,779 sq ft
A captivating coastal gem, nestled on the crest of Stage Island and surrounded by the scenic waters of Nantucket Sound, this picturesque property offers a serene and idyllic backdrop for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. This one-of-a-kind private property provides a tranquil escape from the bustling mainland, making it a cherished destination for those seeking peace and natural beauty with its unspoiled landscapes. Yet it’s not far from downtown Chatham. With some of the best views of Stage Harbor and Nantucket Sound beyond, this is simply a remarkable spot.
REPRESENTED BY: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties
Sharon Mabile 508.776.4645 sharon@robertpaul.com
Tony Guthrie 508.246.3236 tguthrie@robertpaul.com
$5,495,000 250 BAXTERS NECK ROAD MARSTONS MILLS
5 Beds | 7 Baths | 5,519 sq ft
Luxury meets coastal elegance in this stunning custombuilt 5 bedroom, 8 bath residence at 250 Baxters Neck Road, Barnstable, MA. Spanning 8926 square feet with almost two acres of privacy, this home offers an unparalleled living experience with spectacular views of striped bass-loaded and storm haven Prince Cove. Step inside to discover a wealth of amenities, including coffered ceilings, stunning crown molding and finishes, heated flooring, a whole house stereo system, Radio RA lighting, and a fabulous media room with a 100’’ screen and surround sound, pool room, and full bar. It boasts a tiger maple library, kitchen island with highend appliances, a private pantry, and multiple kitchens that cater to culinary and entertainment enthusiasts. You will love the open floor plan, and don’t forget those views.
REPRESENTED BY: Witter & Witter | Compass
Joan Witter
508.776.1971
joan.witter@compass.com
5 Beds | 7 Baths | 5,519 sq ft
This exceptional five-bedroom coastal retreat and boater’s delight offers the best of waterfront living, complete with a private deep-water dock on Ryder’s Cove! Beautifully constructed by Eastward Homes, the home is nestled in a private cul-de-sac and positioned to provide stunning water views from nearly every room. Multiple living spaces inside and out, elegant first-floor primary suite, and four additional en-suite bedrooms. This picturesque North Chatham neighborhood is just 10 minutes to Town, with easy access to fine restaurants, shopping, beaches, and surrounding towns. Ryder’s Cove is a protected saltwater inlet that leads out to Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic. Offers exclusive luxe living and phenomenal location for a premier Chatham waterfront lifestyle!
$5,495,000 21 CAPTAIN’S COVE LANE NORTH CHATHAM REPRESENTED BY:
Kinlin Grover | Compass
Shane Masaschi
508.400.2035
shane.masaschi@compass.com
Lori Jurkowski
508.360.8738
lori.jurkowski@compass.com
$2,995,000 184 QUANSET ROAD ORLEANS
6 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 4,317 sq ft
Beautifully sited on an elevated lot surrounded by conservation. The arrival to this exceptional home is as captivating as it is impressive. This special residence was thoughtfully designed on the property to afford exquisite front and back gardens, a level yard with heated 18 x 44 Gunite pool, oversized two-car garage, multiple decks and patios, and views of Quanset saltmarsh. Inside, this home is elegant yet comfortable, and the layout easily accommodates two or twenty! Steps away from landing on Quanset Pond leading to Pleasant Bay. Don’t miss this Orleans oasis and hidden jewel!
REPRESENTED BY: Kinlin Grover | Compass
Lori Jurkowski
508.360.8738
lori.jurkowski@compass.com
$839,000 19 GREEN LANE HARWICH
3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,138 sq ft
As you pull down this quiet street of only 7 houses, 19 Green Lane is the last house on the left. What will strike you immediately is how well maintained the property is. From the newer roof and azek trim, to the impeccably kept siding, to the beautifully manicured lawn and grounds, it’s obvious that these owners were meticulous and stayed on top of maintaining and caring for this Cape Cod retreat. Upon entering the home through the screened porch, or the front door, this theme continues. Each room is neat, orderly, and displays pride of ownership. The kitchen flows effortlessly into the dining area, which abuts the cozy living room with fireplace. Close to all that Harwich Center has to offer! Versatility, impeccability, and turnkey, this place is not to be missed!
REPRESENTED BY: Cape Cod Power of Two | William Raveis Real Estate
Eric Clark
508.246.7602
Eric.Clark@raveis.com
Laurie Tulloch
774.212.5409
Laurie.Tulloch@raveis.com
s Cape Cod embraces the arrival of spring, the anticipation of migration fills the air. Bird enthusiasts eagerly await the return of ospreys, songbirds, and shorebirds. Meanwhile, the circling of boisterous herring gulls announces a different spectacle, one that captivates the attention of onlookers along river and stream banks.
From late March through early June, a remarkable journey unfolds as adult alewives and blue-back herring navigate from the vast Atlantic through Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, Pleasant Bay, and Buzzards Bay. Their destination: freshwater spawning grounds within Cape Cod waterways.
This pilgrimage, however, is fraught with challenges. The arduous trip involves overcoming natural predators and navigating past manmade obstacles. Only a fraction of herring succeed in overcoming these hurdles, with many falling prey to the journey’s perils. Those that endure complete the cycle by returning to the ocean.
Why this massive maneuvering? Herring are an anadromous species, meaning they live primarily in the ocean and migrate to freshwater streams to spawn. Their eggs hatch in about one week, and the young herring grow quickly throughout the summer. Come fall, at about three to four inches in length, the
Natural predators include gulls, blue herons, and snapping turtles.
And the gulls proclaimed their coming.
— John Hay
Several easily accessible herring runs offer a front-row seat to witness this awe-inspiring event. Observers marvel at the determination and strength displayed by the fish as they ascend fish ladders against the relentless current, all while contending with hungry gulls, herons, and various riverbed obstacles.
If fortunate enough to visit during peak migration, spectators may witness a breathtaking spectacle of water roiling with fish, some leaping out of the water, their shimmering bodies reflecting the sunlight. Herring also gather in quieter river sections, taking respite and patiently waiting their turn to face the upstream challenge.
River herring play a crucial role in the Cape and Atlantic ecosystems, serving as a vital food source for birds, land mammals, whales, and various fish species. Their significance extends historically to Native Americans in New England and the early settlers who relied on them as a staple food source. Unfortunately, the species faces decline due to overfishing, damming, pollution, bycatch in commercial fishing, and shifts in water temperature.
To safeguard the dwindling population, river herring are classified as a “species of concern” by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Since 2006, their capture has been illegal except by Native Americans. State and local organizations, agencies, and volunteers collect vital data by monitoring herring runs with the goal of restoring these populations and preserving their migratory waterbodies.
LEFT: The final steps at the end of their long journey into Pilgrim Lake in Orleans.
Abigail Archer, fisheries and aquaculture specialist with Barnstable County Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and Woods Hole Sea Grant.
RIGHT:
Individuals interested in contributing to the herring count can contact Dr. Jo Ann Muramoto, director of science programs at the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (apcc.org) and regional coordinator for Mass Bays Program, via email at jmuramoto@apcc.org.
Some of the most popular Herring Run locations:
Wellfleet: Herring River
Eastham: Bridge Pond and Herring Pond
Brewster: Stony Brook, by the Museum of Natural History
Harwich: Herring River
Chatham: Stillwater Pond
Orleans: Pilgrim Lake
Dennis: Bound Brook and Scargo Lake
Yarmouth: Tom Matthews Pond and Long Pond
Barnstable: Red Lily Pond
Mashpee: Santuit Pond Preserve and Quashnet River
Mashpee: Mashpee River at the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum
Sandwich: Mill Creek and Lower Shawme Lake
Falmouth: Cedar Lake and Coonamessett River
LEARN MORE
John Hay is a local author, naturalist, and co-founder of the Museum of Natural History in Brewster. He wrote 18 books, one of which, The Run, is about Brewster’s Stony Brook Run. This is a must-read for nature lovers and those interested in herring migration.
Parnassus Book Services is known for its outdoor book stall (leave your money under the door) and generous indoor selection. Its shelves are populated by popular mustreads as well as unexpected collectibles, unique gifts, greeting cards, framed prints, and more.
The Muse family has run this legendary store since 1956, and today, their daughter, Sarah Muse Romano, and her brothers keep their vision alive. Here are Romano’s five picks to keep your New Year’s resolution to read, read, read going strong:
Parnassus Book Services 220 Route 6A Yarmouth Port 508-362-6420 parnassusbooks.com
A chronicle of a solitary year spent on a Cape Cod beach, The Outermost House has long been recognized as a classic of American nature writing. Beston originally planned to spend just two weeks in the dunes, but he was so possessed by the mysterious beauty of his surroundings that he found he “could not go.” The Outermost House captures humanity’s relationship to nature in a way only our finest books can.
A. J. Fikry’s life isn’t at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing hard times, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. When a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry a chance to make his life over and see everything anew. (Fun fact: this book was made into a movie and filmed right here at Parnassus!)
A mystery tour like no other, complete with a lighthouse on the move, a young woman with memory loss, and an old woman with a secret. Plus, a cast of characters who are always on the bus, a tour bus that is; its unexpected stops are part of the pleasure. This novel is a New England Book Festival winner.
The Cape is well-known today as a world-class summer resort, but its past makes it so much more. From its glacial origins that shaped the land thousands of years ago, the peninsula has seen constant change in both physical geography and in the makeup and character of its inhabitants. Cape Cod Passage is a compendium of stories and events that shed light on how it all came to be.
This children’s story centers on a Cape Cod fishing trip with unexpected results. When the captain (Uncle Nick), his mate, Rusty, and young Sammy encounter a storm at sea, a flock of weather-beaten birds takes shelter on their boat. All ends well as Uncle Nick is an excellent captain and the Annabelle Lee a sturdy boat.
Now on exhibit until June 16
The medium of illustration involves writing with pictures; artists use visualizations to tell a story or explain something.
cahoonmuseum.org
Brooks Park, 1 Oak Street, Harwich
Saturday & Sunday, July 13 & 14
Saturday & Sunday, August 10 & 11 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
World Class Music, Small Town Setting
Harwich Cultural Center, 204 Sisson Road, Harwich
Thursdays: July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, 8, 15, 22
Season Finale Friday: August 30
Rain or shine (we move indoors in bad weather)
Doors open at 5:45 pm and music at 6:30 pm
Brooks Park, 1 Oak Street, Harwich
Friday, August 1 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street, Harwich
Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15
Saturday, 12:00 - 6:30 pm & Sunday, 12:00 - 3:00 pm CRAFT SHOW 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
harwichcranberryartsandmusicfestival.org facebook.com/Harichcranberryfestival
