Cape Cod and the Islands Magazine Fall-Winter 2022

Tim Willoughby

Tim Willoughby

Elizabeth LaDuca

Kjeld Mahoney

Lindsay Hackney

Jamie Mercurio

Cape Cod is too beautiful for celebrating indoors.

THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

Sperry Tents are the world’s most elegant rental tents.

sperrytents.com

More than 20 years ago, Sandra Lashway left a career in home economics and education to join the Clarke team. She is expertise personified. Ask her anything about cooking and how to create your functional, beautiful kitchen.

Spend an hour at a Clarke Showroom and one thing is clear: your time with a Clarke Consultant is the most valuable part of your kitchen journey. While they’re not designers, these are the people designers call on when it comes to appliance recommendations. You won’t buy anything at Clarke, so there’s simply no pressure. What you can do is compare more Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove models than anywhere in New England. And explore a living portfolio of kitchens created by the region’s top designers. You’ll leave inspired with new knowledge to make your appliance selections with confidence.

Without Sandy, it wouldn’t be Clarke.

Chatham SOLD | $2 , 500,000

Widening Perspectives

y favorite thing about being a magazine editor is I’m always learning something new. There are so many untold stories out there, so much going on in the neighborhoods around us. Every time I work on an issue, I am inspired once again to explore that town I haven’t seen in a while, step into that store I’ve been eyeing, or try out that new buzzed-about restaurant.

This fall-winter issue is all about how the vibrancy of the Cape and Islands doesn’t lessen during the offseason—it just grows more concentrated. Year-round restaurants ramp up their cozy; annual events bring the holiday spirit; and indoor destinations like museums, galleries, bookstores, and boutiques finally have their moment in the sun. For me, the off-season’s slower pace is a welcome counterbalance to summer’s heated craze.

Our content begins with some important information: a lineup of holiday events. From tree lightings to symphony concerts, there are many worthy calendar-adds. We’ve also assembled unique treasures from local companies and craftspeople in our gift guide. One of the pandemic’s lasting lessons is that local businesses are the backbone of our communities, so keep that “shop local” mantra front of mind this season. Celebrating art in its many forms has always been a big part of this magazine, and this issue is no different. Fashion takes center stage in two features, with many ensembles showcasing up-and-coming Cape-based fashion designers. Shifting gears to photography, “Trans(formation)” documents a poignant portrait series by Julia Cumes that explores gender identity. The stories and portraits, together, are raw, compelling, and uplifting in their truth.

Architecture is another form of expression, which is why we always cover home and garden. Our first stop is Martha’s Vineyard, where a lagoon-side oasis boasts natural materials and vernacular forms. Next, we head to Wellfleet and explore a zero energy home—its modern form pays homage to the Outer Cape’s history of landmark modern design.

But that’s not all. We celebrate the first cookbook by Hyannis bakery Pain d’Avignon (two recipes for apple tart and blueberry lemon scones are must-tries). Our writers also tackled a variety of topics, from fighting for clean water on the Mid Cape to the importance of beach grass to the current trends in real estate and IT. Last but not least, we cover Carly Simon’s life on the Vineyard and her upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Editing this issue, I learned about upwellers, ruck relays, heat recovery ventilation, and more. I had to Google each concept, but the result is I now know a little bit more about the world. And that’s the goal of this magazine: widening perspectives and making sure local stories get told.

Jennifer Sperry Editor

Celebrating Three Years

his issue marks three years of publishing Cape Cod + The Islands Magazine, and I wanted to personally thank all the advertisers, writers, photographers, and contributors who have steered our magazine-that-could in so many positive directions. I have to say, connecting with the local scene, meeting business owners and community leaders, and seeking out stories that delight and engage are job tasks that never get old.

In this fall-winter issue, we dive into some of the incredibly talented individuals who call our region home, starting with singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky. These lyrics from her latest album, Last Days of Summer, written during the lockdown, really resonated with me: “Last days of summer are coming fast. Was hoping August wouldn’t end, but it never lasts.”

We also talked to Kate Pierson of the B-52s about her new lodging venture on the Outer Cape. And, finally, we had writer Juliet Pennington check in with music legend and Martha’s Vineyard resident Carly Simon about her well-deserved Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

As a resident of Sandwich, I find myself exploring the Cape in different ways when the weather starts to cool. I like finding new trails and parks to enjoy with fewer crowds and more room to breathe. In the same vein, travel writer Patrick Flanary—a Hyannis resident—reveals some of the best-kept secrets in Barnstable’s eight villages. Winter weekends are the perfect time to try out his recommendations.

This issue also marks another first for our creative team: a fashion shoot at scenic Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster. This fluid collaboration brought together photography, hair, makeup, and styling professionals, all united by the same purpose: showcasing inspiring looks by fashion designers based right here on Cape Cod. It was a pleasure teaming up with Erin Scimeca from Signed Management in Orleans, who works with up-and-coming models and clothing designers.

No matter the story, my heart is in designing layouts and at the same time giving readers a new perspective on Cape Cod. I launched this magazine with my husband as a passion project in 2020, and while starting a small business comes with some requisite stress, the positive feedback from readers and advertisers has made it all worth it.

I’m glad we made it to three years, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us along this rewarding journey.

Eric Brust-Akdemir Publisher - Creative Director

LISA CAVANAUGH grew up in Massachusetts and Connecticut and spent most of her summers on Cape Cod. After graduating from Boston College and working in an off-Broadway production in NYC, she moved to LA, where she became a Hollywood story editor, producer, and writer. After moving back to the East Coast in 2010, Lisa met and married her husband, a commercial fisherman, and now resides in Yarmouth. One of her favorite local spots is Tern Island, a small bird sanctuary in Chatham. On sunny afternoons, Lisa and her husband motor his skiff across the harbor for a relaxed beach day with plenty of wildlife to observe.

A South African-born photographer now based on Cape Cod, CUMES (@juliacumes) is passionate about storytelling. She has photographed projects around the globe and is a frequent contributor to Cape Cod & The Islands. For this issue, Julia’s collaborative portrait series “Trans(formation)” explores gender identity on Cape Cod.

MATT COSBY is a photographer based on Martha’s Vineyard where he lives with his wife and their two cats. He’s been interested in people and what people are interested in for as long as he can remember. Cosby travels near and far to chase light and capture energy in his images. His photography is inspired by kindness, coffee, and human connection (in no particular order). Matt’s work has been published in Rolling Stone Time, and he is also a contributing photographer to the New York Times Matt’s intimate photos show Carly Simon at home on Martha’s Vineyard.

PATRICK FLANARY is a dad and host of Morning Edition NPR. His reporting on music, mental health, politics, business, and equality has appeared in Rolling Stone, the Guardian, ProPublica, Quartz and elsewhere. Patrick spent a year reporting on the Cape Cod murder trial of former Coast Guardsman Adrian Loya. His prison interview with Loya was expanded into a Psychology Today feature exploring how Loya’s range of psychiatric diagnoses revealed the difficulty of untangling mental fitness from criminal intent at trial.

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 as well as Boston Homes, Club Business International, Traveler, and Max magazine, among many others. For this issue, Jen had a chance to talk to Kate Pierson from the B-52s about the town of Truro.

KATE ROGAN is an award-winning photographer and freelance writer. Her work has been published in literary magazines as well as national publications like Writer’s Digest. For this issue, she photographed the fashion shoot at the lovely Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster. She is the owner of Ellie Finn Photography, a business named after her two children, and she specializes in editorial and lifestyle photography and fine art portraiture.

108. Character Building

148. The Chatham Cut

152. Pain d’Avignon

102. Jarves & Main

29. Trans(formation)

86. Local Inspiration

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

20 / Barbos Furniture, Heroes in Transition, We CAN, Cape Cod Daily Deals, Ocean Edge Resort

29 / Community Trans-formation

SCENE

34 / Notable party scenes

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

38 / A selection of events you don’t want to miss

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

56 / Now a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, legendary singer-songwriter Carly Simon still feels right at home on Martha’s Vineyard

60 / The B-52s singer Kate Pierson opens a vacation getaway in Truro

64 / Lucy Kaplansky’s relationship with Truro fuels her original songs

CONSERVATION

70 / The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is working hard to clean vital waterways

72 / The importance of beach grass

TRAVEL

74 / Discover the year-round allure of Barnstable’s seven villages

LIFE + STYLE

86 / Locally inspired fashion

HOME + DESIGN

102 / The treasures inside this Sandwich newcomer encourage gracious living and entertaining

108 / Natural building materials and vernacular forms instill quiet beauty into this lagoon-side oasis

114 / LaBarge Homes’ green building expertise delivers a zero energy home in Wellfleet

GIFT GUIDE

128 / Gift ideas from local stores

138 / For the kids, shop at these in-demand children clothing boutiques

FOOD + DRINK

148 / The Chatham Cut pairs steakhouse decadence with Mediterranean warmth and Italian welcome

152 / Pain d’Avignon, the improbable rise of Cape Cod’s iconic bakery

WRITER’S SHACK

158 / Work by local poet Chuck Madansky

FINAL THOUGHT

160 / Birdwatching, Common Eider

56. Music + Magic

138. Little Kids, Big Style

Critter tracks at Chapin Beach in Dennis. Photo by Bob Amaral Photography.

Barbo’s Furniture

BY NICHOLE J. CHARBONNEAU

It’s no small thing to establish a family business that can triumph amid rapid-fire changes in the business world, but this past spring, Barbo’s Furniture celebrated its 75th anniversary.

What’s their secret? “We haven’t done this by mistake,” says thirdgeneration owner Dave Barbo. Part of the business’s continued success is its ability to adjust to changing trends and times.

“Years ago, people would go out to dinner in a shirt and tie, a suit coat. Now you can go in your bathing suit,” observes David, who sees a parallel at his store. “With furniture trends years ago, everyone had a formal dining room, formal kitchen, formal living room, and a formal den. Now, with open floor plans, it’s more casual.”

Popular open floor plans are also more conducive to entertaining, leaning customers towards more casual décor. And Barbo should know—he’s been in his family business for 50 of the company’s 75 years. The endeavor began in 1947 with a furniture store in Stoneham, just north of Boston. Brothers Leo, John, and Charles Barbo founded the store and three other brothers (Albert, Joe, and Sal) worked alongside them. Years later, the family acquired another store in Dedham. Over time, they moved their business to Cape Cod, with Albert Barbo and his wife, Mary, purchasing a location in Dennis Port in 1971. They expanded once again in 1985 to Falmouth.

Today, Barbo’s operates out of the two Cape locations in Dennis Port and Falmouth. “We’re selling furniture to grandchildren and discovering that we sold furniture to their grandparents,” says David of their intergenerational sales.

A strategic, multilayered business model is the secret to this success story. “We provide good customer service, good value, and a great selection,” says David. “We carry major brands that customers like to

THIS FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS IS GOING STRONG WITH TWO LOCATIONS AND 75 YEARS OF HISTORY.

Dennis Port

Falmouth

1947 Stoneham

see,” he adds. A range of prices and prestige—what the owner calls “good, better, and best”—casts a wide net for consumers of varying budgets. The furniture store also features the luxury of an in-home consulting design service and complimentary delivery after a minimum purchase.

David also nods to his work family as a point of pride. “People have worked with us here for 20, 30, 40 years. They’re a great staff. I’m proud of the fact that we have longevity.”

Did Dave Barbo ever think twice about carrying on his family’s legacy? Evidently not. “I went off to college to study business, knowing I’d go into the family business,” he reminisces. “I graduated in 1976.” Now, with one brother who has passed and another in retirement, he is the sole leader.

But the story continues with David’s two sons, Steven and Corey, carrying on as the fourth generation. “The boys are in the business. They’ll take over the reins eventually,” says David, who may enjoy some days off now and again but still loves what he does. “I have no retirement date in sight,” he admits with a laugh, “but we’re going strong with the next generation.”

Barbo’s Furniture

333 Main St. (Rt. 28) Falmouth 508-548-2143

588 Main St. (Rt. 28) Dennis Port 508-398-3601 barbos.com

Supporting Veterans with a 200-Plus-Mile Relay

Heroes in Transition (HIT) knows the importance of supporting veterans and military families. When government programs fall short, HIT steps in with a variety of beneficial programs, from helping arrange financial aid for those in need to hosting couple’s retreats and family events.

One of the agency’s most important fundraisers is Ruck4HIT, a team-based ruck relay spanning 200plus miles through all 15 Cape Cod towns, starting in Bourne. Each athlete runs 2–4 miles with a 10- to 20-pound rucksack—a symbol of the burdens our military and veterans carry for our country—on his or her back. After reaching Provincetown, where all teams climb the Pilgrim Monument together, the race concludes back in Mashpee at a finish line party. HIT’s next Ruck4HIT will be held in April 2023; visit heroesintransition.org/ruck4hit to learn more

Direct Veteran Support Program

Heroes in Transition provides ongoing funding for those in the military or veterans who are facing financial difficulty. Those seeking financial assistance are referred to agencies that distribute HIT funds, such as St. Vincent de Paul’s at Christ the King in Mashpee or Corpus Christi Church in Sandwich. HIT also collaborates with Heidrea For Heroes in Plymouth on home repair requests.

• HIT provides monthly funding to the Freshmarket food pantry on Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC).

• HIT provides gift cards for JBCC families in need.

• During the holiday season, HIT provides food boxes for JBCC families. For more information, please email: contact@heroesintransition.org.

Upcoming Event

SPOUSES

FRIENDSGIVING AT FAMILY TABLE COLLABORATIVE

November 13

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join the Heroes in Transition Spouses Group for an interactive and fun Friendsgiving! We will take part, alongside Jeni Wheeler, in the finishing touches of an amazing Thanksgiving dinner at Family Table Collaborative, 1338 Route 28, South Yarmouth. Please email spouses@heroesintransition.org to get on our lottery list. All interested inquiries due by November 3rd. Space is limited.

Double the Empowerment

WE CAN’s mission to empower women is growing in scale next year, thanks to a new program delivery space opening in Hyannis. In addition to the nonprofit’s Harwich-based headquarters, this second location will “increase opportunities for women to participate in our program offerings in-person, virtually, and through multilingual channels,” says Executive Director Lisa Guyon.

Via workshops, one-on-one consultations, and mentorship, WE CAN supports women needing legal issue help, work and career support, personal development, small business support, and financial empowerment. Select programs at the new Hyannis location will be offered in Portuguese, with bilingual staff and volunteers available to assist non-English speaking participants. The end goal of both locations, says Guyon, is helping women who are experiencing challenging life transitions make positive change for themselves, their families, and ultimately the entire Cape community. wecancenter.org

Who Doesn’t Love a Deal?

If you like a bargain, there’s no time like the present to subscribe to Cape Cod Daily Deal. First, subscribe at capecoddailydeal. com; then check either your email or the website for a daily selection of discounted gift cards to use at local businesses. Each day brings new savings opportunities throughout the Cape, from gift shops and restaurants to kayak rentals and spa treatments. Maybe you’ll find a bargain to one of your favorite haunts, or maybe a certain deal will inspire you to try something new. Regardless, each opportunity is a win-win for local businesses and local folks alike. capecoddailydeal.com

Lisa Guyon, Executive Director of WE CAN

“I love what I do because no two days are the same. I’m able to both learn something new and teach something new every day.”

- John dePreaux

In an evolving real estate market, having a trusted advisor is more important than ever. As part of The Private Brokerage Team, John’s ability to stay connected and analyze trends across different markets throughout the region is an invaluable asset to his clients. The Private Brokerage Team was founded by Managing Director Brian Dougherty to provide accomplished individuals access to the most personalized, confidential, and sophisticated real estate support available. From the elevated and far-reaching marketing of special properties to the strategic representation of buyers seeking hard to find off-market opportunities, they leverage tremendous resources, concierge-like services and a close network of global real estate relationships to deliver outstanding results.

Based in Osterville, John serves as The Private Brokerage Team’s Associate Director of Cape Cod & Islands, while also representing clients throughout the Greater Boston region.

Igloo Dining on Cape Cod Bay

Every year in mid-November, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster transforms its Ocean Terrace restaurant into a popup Frost Bar. Besides cozy indoor seating, the best seats in the house are the terrace’s heated igloos, which feature festive string lights, Adirondack chairs, blankets, and “ice block” tables that glow at night. No matter the temperature outside, these geodesic domes are always warm and comfy, with views of Cape Cod Bay in the background. Creative menu options include charcuterie, tapas, raw bar platter, winter-themed craft cocktails, and hot cocoa sampler boards. Perfect for photo ops! Each igloo seats up to six for 90 minutes. Reserved seating times stretch from day to evening.

2907 Main St., Brewster; oceanedge.com/frostbar

Trans (formation)

A POIGNANT PORTRAIT SERIES EXPLORING GENDER IDENTITY IN THE CAPE COD COMMUNITY.

Created through a collaborative process between photographer and subject, each pairing of portrait and caption in this collection tells the unique story of its subject’s journey. Together we hope to confront viewers with the expressive power and diversity of human gender identity and ask them to reexamine their assumptions.

This project was initially inspired by my nephew, Charley (a nickname), who is trans and who made me realize how little visual representation exists of the trans community on Cape Cod, where I live. Read some stories on the following pages and view the entire collection on juliacumes.com.

CHARLEY

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIA CUMES

ARIEL

I photographed Ariel in Cape Cod Bay waters at sunrise one exquisite summer morning. “This is the first time I’ve been photographed as my true self,” she expressed to me exuberantly after our photo session, which took place two months after her gender affirming surgery. After coming out as gay in middle school, Ariel became conscious of her true gender identity as a queer trans woman. At 16, she started seeing a therapist who specialized in gender issues and, with the support of her family and friends, began her transition.

“Right now the best thing is starting to see all these trans role models and feeling like there’s a community. Also, all the energy I had put into dealing with a body I didn’t like, I am now putting into other things,” she explained. Her passions included lighting design, drawing, tattooing, drinking exotic teas, attending Phish concerts, and pondering deep existential questions. The last time I spoke with her, she had just been interviewed for an “inspiring women” column in Oprah Magazine. “This year has been about realizing that the more I accept myself, the more others accept me,” she said to me right before we hung up.

A little less than a month later, Ariel decided to end her life. Her death is a loss not only for her family, friends, and community but for the world. Having known her only briefly, I was struck by her depth, self-awareness, intelligence, sense of humor, and beautiful creative spirit. Her loss also serves as a reminder of the high rate of suicide among trans youth and the need for empathy and support.

The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org) offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth.

Hayden chose to be photographed with testosterone vials, each one representing a year into their transition as well as a portrait of themself from childhood to capture the enormous transition. At the age of 19, Hayden came out as trans and began transitioning almost immediately afterwards with the support of their mother and brother. “The best thing about transitioning was finding my authentic self and continuing to find more layers underneath—being unapologetic, visible, and outspoken…adjectives I never thought I would use to label myself,” they explain.

When talking about their hopes, Hayden told me they would like to see a future in which “we’re no longer fighting for trans equality, where our basic human rights are available and protected. I hope to have found a place where I feel like I belong and am validated, creating my own organization/business to help trans and gender variant youth. Most of all, I’d like to see my future filled with true inner peace and happiness,” they add reflectively.

HAYDEN

This is the first time I’ve been photographed as my true self.

— Ariel

ELIZABETH

I photographed Elizabeth, who grew up working closely with her shell fisherman father, on the family’s bright yellow skiff she knows so well. By the time she was nine, Elizabeth knew she didn’t feel right about her gender and, at twelve, started doing research about being transgender. “In high school, I played football, wrestled, shell fished. I was even captain of the football team, and everyone liked me for it, but underneath I was really depressed,” she explains.

Asked how she sees her future, she says, “I’ve been living my life as if I wouldn’t make it till 30. I didn’t think of a future, but today my coworkers and friends see me as Elizabeth! I have somehow been able to pass well before I thought I ever would. Since I started my transition, I’ve met many wonderful people whom I now call friends, and I’ve even found love in my partner of a year and a half!” she adds joyfully.

Here’s Alycia, who is part Native American and in hospice care for cancer, in her home surrounded by some of her paintings. “I didn’t know transgender people existed until I was 12 and read about Christine Jorgensen,” she explains. “A few weeks earlier, I had stood on the roof of a 12-story building ready to jump, but didn’t. [Christine’s] story offered a sliver of hope. I had no idea how to transition though—I was just trying to survive.” Another attempt at suicide put Alycia in the hospital for three months with fractured legs. After that, she made a plan to make money and use it to help people, giving herself a reason to live. By 42, Alycia felt she had run out of ways to exist and told a female friend she was transgender. Right after that, Alycia told her parents she needed to transition. While most of her family was supportive, she lost her successful company due to bank foreclosure. Today, she is extremely concerned about the current political climate but hopeful that common decency will prevail. “If people heard our stories and respectfully asked questions, it would create so much more understanding,” she says passionately. “We were born different but, just like everybody else, we are just trying to have a good life the best we can.”

I photographed Nick just months after he was chosen as the Cape’s first transgender prom king at Barnstable High School in 2019. He told me he’d always felt different as a child and began to have more awareness of transgender issues in his early teens after Caitlyn Jenner came out. “My brother actually said, ‘You’re a boy,’ before I even had awareness myself,” he explains. Moving to more progressive Barnstable High School helped him feel more supported by his community and, after seeing a specialist and joining a support group for LGBTQ youth, he started transitioning medically the summer before his senior year.

Today, Nick is enjoying life in Vermont with friends and his dog. “I’m still figuring out my career path but, in the meantime, I’m enjoying my new job as well as skiing, dinners, and getting coffee with my friends, whom I love,” he says, smiling.

NICK

ALYCIA

MICHELLE

always attracted to women and just didn’t understand yet that I wasn’t male,” she explains. She eventually married and had three daughters.

Ten years ago, in her late fifties, she began realizing that she was trans. “I went to my first trans conference in Boston and the floodgates just opened up,” she says. “I knew I needed to transition.” The hardest part? Explaining to family and friends. While two of her three daughters are supportive, Michelle says she dreams of ultimately being openly female with her family. During our original interview, she expressed a wish that her church would be fully accepting of trans people. In our most recent communication, she told me joyfully that her church is now fully accepting: “I was honored to be part of the rewriting of our mission statement where we became fully accepting and acknowledged the harm done to LGBTQ persons in the past.”

For their collaborative portrait, RaeLynn wanted both their masculine and feminine sides represented in the image. “As a non-binary individual, there are days when I feel more masculine than feminine, and it’s a tribute to my history. I had 39 years of presenting masculine before coming out as trans, and while I may not choose to present that way again, it’s part of who I am,” they explain. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, RaeLynn didn’t realize they were different until others started pointing it out. After coming out as gay at 18, they experimented with drag in the goth community and, after failing out of college due to health issues, began working.

“My life was pretty messed up—I was trying to suppress a lot of everything. I went through drug and alcohol abuse and then joined the Mormon Church thinking I could find truth,” says RaeLynn, who began realizing that he/him didn’t fit 10 years ago.

“I joined a choir and befriended a trans person. Just spending time with her made me realize, Oh, that’s okay. I started seeing a doctor that weekend and began living as my real self,” they recount. Asked about challenges, RaeLynn says, “When you live queer, every time you step out the door you are taking your life into your own hands. I am making a visible choice to be different and that inspires hate in many. I’m tired of hearing about the numbers of trans people dying. Nothing is going to hold me back from being true to who I am,” they conclude.

RAELYNN

Michelle chose to be photographed in front of Hyannis Tower at the airport where she has worked for part of her long career as an air traffic controller. “I actually had a pretty uneventful childhood with loving parents and a supportive family,” she says. “I did feel different and tried hard to impress how tough I was, compensating for knowing I had a strong feminine side.” In college, Michelle pursued music and dance as well as athletics. Most people assumed she was gay. “The truth was that I was

Best Night

June 26, 2022 - CAPE AND ISLANDS UNITED WAY 24th Best Night of the Year. Uniting people to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting change on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.

A: Anne Van Vleck, Jeff Bilezikian, Greg Bilezikian, Alisa Magnotta, Mark Skala

B: Tara Vargas Wallace, Sunny Fellman, Dr. Kumara Sidhartha

C: Greg and Jeanne Botsivales, Kate Troutman, David Troutman

D: Eric Nelson, Camille and Frank Gramieri

E: Stephanie and John Dennehy

F: Katie Cole, Becky Bryant, Rich Bryant, Matt Cole, John Oliver

G: Rick and Julie Penn

H: Shawn DeLude, Anne Van Vleck, Michael O’Neill

Location: Pelham House Resort in Dennis Port

PHOTOS BY: CHRISTINE HOCHKEPPEL - SALTY BROAD STUDIOS A

B

C

D

F E

G H

Art Piece Hall Table made by Dick Kiusalas. Made from Antique Pine image boards with custom inlays featuring original paint. 79” Wide x 20” Deep x 34” Tall

Art piece Trestle Table made by Dick Kiusalas. Made from Antique Pine Stairway Image Boards with custom inlays featuring original paint. 90” Long x 41” Wide x 30” Tall

SUNDAY FUNDAY THROUGH DECEMBER 18

Finish the weekend off strong at Cape Cod Beer, which has live music 3:00–6:00 p.m. All day long Chef Jay of JP’s Twisted BBQ will be serving brunch specials like stuffed French toast and ultimate breakfast sandwiches. Sample signature brunch cocktails like beer bloody Marys, cider-mosas, brewdrivers, and more. The brewery is open 12:00–6:00 p.m. on Sundays for pints and beer/merch to go. 1336 Phinneys Ln, Hyannis; capecodbeer.com

DECEMBER

This collaborative exhibition at the Cape Cod Museum of Art showcases the work of two contemporary artists, Richard Neal and Frank Anigbo. It offers a study in contrasts and a commentary on the literal and figurative fires ignited by racism. Neal’s recent paintings depict infernos, often in the act of destroying human creation. Anigbo’s paintings are primarily of his beautiful family and the home they share, albeit steeped in vulnerability to a racist world. Guest curated by author Lauren Wolk. An opening reception on October 6 includes a gallery talk from 4–5:00 p.m. and reception 5–7:00 p.m. 60 Hope Ln, Dennis; ccmoa.org

Leading the Way Supporting

CAPE SYMPHONY CONCERT

NOVEMBER 12–13

Cape Symphony’s “Forever Young” performance is about embracing the innocence of youth and the essence of why classical music has captivated so many. This performance includes The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Disney’s Fantasia as well as Peter and the Wolf and The Carnival of the Animals. But the showstopper is eight-year-old prodigy cellist Cameron Renshaw, who will perform in David Popper’s Tarantella. Showtimes are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main St, Hyannis; capesymphony.org

19

FESTIVAL OF WREATHS

NOVEMBER 19–26

The Nantucket Historical Association’s Festival of Wreaths is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. This community-driven event features an array of handcrafted wreaths by islanders, local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and organizations. From greenery to oars to shells, each wreath is one-of-a-kind and often delightfully unconventional. Free for NHA members and island residents. Don’t miss the festival’s party on Friday, November 25, 5–7:00 p.m. 15 Broad St, Nantucket; nha.org

HOLIDAYS AT HIGHFIELD HALL

NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 11

Highfield Hall is beautiful year-round, but it’s particularly charming when decorated for the holidays. Its 16th Annual Holiday Exhibition has various seasonal activities, including Santa in residence on specific days. A gallery filled with artisan gifts for all ages is the perfect stop to complete your shopping. Online preregistration is required. Admission is $10. Hours are 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 56 Highfield Dr, Falmouth; highfieldhallandgardens.org

Real estate moves at its own pace. I’m here to help you move at yours.

Times like this require an experienced REALTOR®. Please contact me for your real estate needs. I am here to help you and would love to hear from you.

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW

NOVEMBER 14DECEMBER 18

Support island artists by shopping at the Featherstone Center for the Arts’ annual Holiday Gift Show. The handmade wares include paintings, photography, pottery, crafts, jewelry, knitwear, purses, soaps, dog goods, ornaments, and so much more! Open daily from 124:00 p.m. but closed Thanksgiving Day. 30 Featherstone Ln, Oak Bluffs; featherstoneart.org

508.633.0613

ronnie.mulligan@compass.com

4 Wianno Avenue

Osterville, MA 02655

Ronnie is a conscientious and trustworthy real estate agent who works tirelessly for her client. She stays on top of every deal and keeps her client fully informed from start to finish.

— Irwin

EVENTS AT MASHPEE COMMONS

Tree Lighting Ceremony:

Friday November 25, 3:30-5:00PM

Holiday Events at the Commons:

Friday November 25 -

Saturday December 24

Photos with Santa and caroling performances throughout the Commons.

Meet the Easter Bunny:

Saturday April 8, 11AM - 3PM

Check mashpeecommons.com for specific dates and times.

NANTUCKET CHRISTMAS STROLL DECEMBER 2–4

With visitors from all over the world, Nantucket’s annual Christmas Stroll Weekend brings the holiday spirit. Events include carolers in Victorian costumes, bell ringers, student choirs, and musical performances. The highlight is Santa Claus arriving by a Coast Guard vessel and then riding up Main Street in a fire truck with the town crier. nantucketchamber.org/stroll

eric@robertpaul.com ericclark.robertpaul.com

PHOTO: KATE ROGAN

PLYMOUTH HOLIDAY MARKET DECEMBER 4

There is so much to see and purchase at the Plymouth Holiday Market, a curated mix of 85 local vendors. Treasures include giftable art, home goods, jewelry, specialty food, antiques, and much more on display inside historic Plymouth Memorial Hall. 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 83 Court St, Plymouth

Andreas Keuhn Photography

4 Merchants Road, Unit 2, Sandwich

It isn’t Europe. It’s Fairhaven.

141 Main Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719 • 508-979-4085

http://FairhavenTours.com • FairhavenTours@fairhaven-ma.gov Mon., Tues., Thur., Fri., Sat. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Facebook.com/FairhavenTours • Twitter.com/FairhavenTours

An English Gothic Cathedral. A Revolutionary War Fort. Plus shopping, fine dining, historical sites, and more. Visit

CHRISTMAS CAROL DINNER

DECEMBER 15

When the Cultural Center of Cape Cod does a holiday dinner, they do it right with a delicious menu by Chef Joseph Cizynski. This year’s multicourse feast includes oyster stew with root vegetables, goose salad, roast suckling pig with apple and pear chutney, and plum pudding as the grand finale. Complimentary bubbles are served; otherwise the event is BYOB. 6:00–8:00 p.m. $75 or $65 for members. 307 Old Main St, S. Yarmouth; cultural-center.org

THAT ’80S BAND NYE BASH DECEMBER 31

Ring

9:00

WITH GRACE AND GRIT

Our family home was riddled with complexities involving the Conservation Department, Board of Health, and Building Dept to name a few. Each issue Dawn Marie took on as if her own. She said she enjoys a challenge.. well our property had it all and she did it with such grace and grit resulting in a successful sale. Our utmost appreciation and gratitude goes to Dawn Marie Boynton; more than a realtor, a problem solver and true professional.

— Theodore and Carol Palmer

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

JANUARY 1

If you are adventurous, then this event is for you. At high noon, hundreds of participants plunge into Provincetown Harbor in this benefit for the Center for Coastal Studies. Cocktails, warm drinks, and chili at Harbor Lounge follow the icy swim. It’s a cool time for a great cause! Johnson Street Parking Lot Landing, Provincetown

ORCHID SHOW

JANUARY 21-22

Orchid lovers unite at the annual Cape and Islands Orchid Society Show, held at the Resort & Conference Center. Take in the sights and scents of various artistic displays, see rare varieties, and learn about care and maintenance techniques from the experts. 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Admission is $10 or $5 for children under 12. caios.org

YARMOUTH WINTER CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 18-20

Save the date for the second annual Yarmouth Winter Carnival, which offers fun for the entire family. Activities include an outdoor synthetic ice skating rink, food trucks, s’mores, and more winter fun. 934 Route 28, S. Yarmouth; yarmouthcapecod.com

NOW A ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAMER, LEGENDARY SINGER-SONGWRITER CARLY SIMON STILL FEELS RIGHT AT HOME ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD.

BY JULIET PENNINGTON

t was March 14, 1972, and Andy Williams was hosting the Grammy Awards in New York City. The evening’s big winner, with an unprecedented-at-the-time four Grammys, was Carole King, whose blockbuster album Tapestry ruled the airwaves.

Also receiving a fair amount of attention that night was a tall, slender, almost painfully shy 26-year-old named Carly Simon, who was named “Best New Artist” for her self-titled debut album. It was nominated for its chart-topping single, “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be.”

Fifty years—and many personal and professional successes later—Simon has finally achieved what many would say is the ultimate accolade for a musician. On November 5, Simon, at age 77, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

When the names of the inductees were released in May, there was widespread approval, with many—fellow musicians and fans posting on social media—applauding the decision to induct Simon while claiming the recognition was long overdue. For her part, Simon says she is equal parts “thrilled” and “shocked” to be chosen, especially as she has been eligible for more than two decades (to be considered, 25 years must have passed since the release of a musician’s first commercial recording).

One of the most popular recording artists during the 1970s and ’80s, Simon had a slew of hits, including “You’re so Vain,” “Anticipation,” “The Right Thing to Do,” “Jesse,” and “Nobody Does It Better,” the theme song from the 1977 James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. Simon, whom critics have lauded for her memorable melodies and insightful honesty in translating emotions into music, became the first artist to win a Grammy Award, Academy Award, and Golden Globe for a song (the 1988 hit “Let the River Run” from the movie Working Girl) that was written, composed, and performed by a single artist.

She also authored two memoirs and five children’s books, picked up painting and photography, and created a line of wallpaper and high-end silk scarves. The scarves feature photos of her beloved peonies that grow in abundance on her property and include lyrics from some of her hit songs.

“She is the most creative person I know,” says Tamara Weiss, a childhood friend from Riverdale, New York, who, like Simon, calls Martha’s Vineyard home. “Her property has grown—what started as this small house that once belonged to James [Taylor, Simon’s ex-husband] is now this magical world of Carly. She appreciates beauty so deeply, down to the tablecloth, the flowers, the wall coverings, and the smells

PHOTO: MATT COSBY

coming from the ever-lit candles...There’s nothing left unturned, and she’s always thinking of a new project. It’s a magical place, and it’s magical because she’s the magician who makes things happen at Hidden Star Hill.”

Weiss, a producer and author who for 20 years owned an upscale boutique (in which Simon, godmother to Weiss’s adult twin sons, partnered) in Vineyard Haven, is quick to point out that Simon’s creativity and generous spirit extend beyond her own pursuits.

“She brings people together and is always helping others, whether it be the Possible Dreams auction [which raises money for MV Community Services] or other charitable endeavors. I remember many Thanksgivings where Carly would take her kids to the food pantry or go to the hospital and sing. She does what she can to make people smile,” Weiss says. “She loves this island; it’s her home. She often refers to her childhood memories on the Vineyard. I think New York City, Los Angeles, and London just started to fade away as her love affair with the Vineyard became more and more important to her.”

While many stars of Simon’s stature have vacation homes in places like Martha’s Vineyard or the Hamptons, the legendary singer-songwriter has made the Vineyard her year-round residence for decades.

Growing up in New York City and Connecticut, Simon spent summers on the island with her family. When she started dating fellow musician James Taylor, who also had ties to the Vineyard, she moved there and made it her home.

“There’s something about it,” she described in a 2017 interview. “It just won’t let me go.” She shares her tasteful and creatively decorated home—with a warm, welcoming, shabby chic vibe—on 25 acres in the town of Tisbury with Richard Koehler, a surgeon who has been her partner for nearly two decades, and her cavapoo Aja.

Simon also has miniature ponies, goats, sheep, and donkeys living on her property, and amenities like a swimming pool, tennis court, office, and way-cool treehouse she had built when her now 15-year-old grandson was young. Her son, Ben, 45, lives in a separate home on the property. (Simon has two children with Taylor: Ben and Sally, 48.)

Despite her comfortable life on Martha’s Vineyard and yet another career accomplishment, Simon is not done creating.

“There is still so much more music and magic,” Weiss says. “During COVID-19, Carly spent a lot of time writing, and there’s no doubt in my mind that there’s an ocean of music to come and be shared with all of us.”

There is still so much more music and magic. During COVID-19, Carly spent a lot of time writing, and there’s no doubt in my mind that there’s an ocean of music to come and be shared with all of us.

—

Tamara Weiss

PHOTO: MATT COSBY

THE B-52s LEAD SINGER KATE PIERSON OPENS A VACATION GETAWAY IN TRURO.

BY JENNIFER H. MCINERNEY

hroughout her career as lead singer of the iconic band The B-52s, Kate Pierson has laid her trademark bouffant down in countless hotels, motels, and “notells” while on tour. Those experiences—from luxurious to cringe-worthy—inspired Pierson and her wife, artist Monica Coleman, to embark on a side hustle of sorts offering unique lodging accommodations.

In 2003, they developed Kate’s Lazy Meadow, a retro motel complex consisting of nine “atomically designed” mid-century modern suites on Esopus Creek in the Catskills of New York. Across the country on the West Coast, the couple added Kate’s Lazy Desert, a glamping destination featuring six vintage Airstream trailers in the Mojave Desert. While they recently sold the Catskills motel, they continue to rent out Kate’s Lazy Cabin, a rustic 1930s cottage in Lake Hill, New York.

This past summer, Pierson and Coleman opened Kate’s Lazy Cape, a vacation home in Truro that’s “not like any other beach house on the Cape.”

Fresh from the sale of Kate’s Lazy Meadow, the couple had every intention of downsizing as they sought a milder clime—milder than the Catskills—in which to spend their winters. Coleman’s fond memories of the Cape during her youth ultimately led the pair to Truro. After much searching during the winter of 2021, they eventually found a private compound with living quarters as well as a pottery studio for Coleman and a space for Pierson’s music-making.

“I’ve never lived by the sea,” Pierson points out, “but I love living by the water. We’ve lived by lakes, streams, and ponds. I could not believe how magnificent it is here.”

I’ve never lived by the sea, but I love living by the water. We’ve lived by lakes, streams, and ponds. I could not believe how magnificent it is here.

— KATE PIERSON

What happened next could be considered a case of life imitating art.

Just as in the opening lyrics to the band’s hit “Love Shack,” the couple spotted “a faded sign at the side of the road,” Pierson says. This sign read: “For Sale by Owner.”

Even though Pierson and Coleman had been intent on downsizing, they could not resist the opportunity to offer a vacation rental property so near to their new home. They loved its spacious interior, the secluded setting surrounded by towering pines, and the proximity to a private beach, three-tenths of a mile away.

“We met with the owners and sat on their porch and gabbed for hours,” Pierson recalls. “Monica wrote the deal on the back of a lobster bag and the house was ours.”

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home features cathedral wood ceilings with exposed beams and skylights, an open living and dining area with adjoining open kitchen, and three glass sliding doors leading onto the expansive deck.

capecodandtheislandsmag.com

“The house was in great condition. All we really had to do was decorate,” says Pierson.

Much of the décor comprises local treasures, including a set of bronze lion statues that Pierson and Coleman collected from the P-town Swap Meet. The two spectacular chandeliers were purchased at auction, and the kitchen cabinets are stocked with Coleman’s handmade dishes and bowls.

“The location is ideal,” the singer contends. “You have the beautiful nature and serenity, and then it’s 10 minutes to Provincetown, where there’s plenty of action.”

While Pierson notes that she and her wife are still acquainting themselves with the area, they’ve already discovered some favorite local restaurants, including Montano’s in Truro and Moby Dick’s in Wellfleet. They also enjoy roaming the various beaches with their dog, Loki.

Kate’s Lazy Cape is available for weekly rentals with a maximum occupancy of six people. For additional information, visit lazymeadow.com/lazy-cape-ma.

LUCY KAPLANSKY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH TRURO FUELS HER ORIGINAL SONGS.

BY LISA CAVANAUGH

ack in 2017, when celebrated folk singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky performed as part of the Twenty Summers festival in Provincetown, she wasn’t that familiar with the area. But Kaplansky, who has collaborated with artists such as Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams, Nanci Griffith, and Richard Shindell over her 40-year career in music, fell head over heels for Cape Cod.

“I didn’t know the Cape well at that point,” says Kaplansky. “My husband and I had been here a couple of times over the years, but when I was part of Twenty Summers, I was just blown away.”

She called her husband, Rick Litvin, at their Manhattan home and told him they needed to come back and stay longer. “Some friends in New York told us to look in Truro, and we got a last-minute rental for a week in August,” says Kaplansky. “The first morning, we went to Corn Hill Beach with our dog and completely fell in love with everything: the people, the place, the town, the nature.”

A Chicago native, Kaplansky moved to New York when she was 18 and joined the folk music scene. After meeting with some initial success, she stepped away from the industry for a time and completed a doctorate in clinical psychology.

“I wanted to be a singer from the time I was a kid, and there I was in New York singing and it was going really well,” she says. “But then I kind of freaked out, decided I didn’t want to do it anymore, and left music.” While practicing as a clinical psychologist, she had the greatest revelation of her life: “I realized I was running away from the very thing I wanted. I went back to music, and I’ve been a full-time musician ever since.”

PHOTO BEOWULF SHEEHAN

While they live in Greenwich Village year-round, Kaplansky and Litvin have found a second home in Truro. After their first ecstatic week there, it took a couple of years to find a place of their own. “A house came on the market and looked almost too good to be true. I came up the next day and made an offer without Rick ever seeing it!” she says. The couple’s original idea was to visit for a few weeks or weekends and use it as a vacation home.

But as New York City became an epicenter of the pandemic in early 2020, Kaplansky, Litvin, and their high school-aged daughter decamped to the Cape. “We left Manhattan on March 13, 2020, and didn’t go back to New York at all for six months. We were very lucky to be able to get out and have a place to stay.”

Her husband called their Truro home “their lifeboat,” and it proved to be a rich source of inspiration for Kaplansky’s next album, Last Days of Summer, released in June 2022 (available exclusively on her website). “I had nothing to do without any shows, so all of a sudden I had all this time on my hands and started writing a lot,” she recalls.

The songs on Last Days of Summer are co-written with Litvin, and many reflect the rhythm of living on Cape Cod during an unprecedented time. “The album’s last song is very much about sitting in the house in Truro and watching from afar the catastrophe in New York play out,” the songwriter describes.

Now back in NYC and performing live again, Kaplansky has not gotten Truro out of her system. “I’ve done a few shows on the Cape, including one with Shawn Colvin at the Payomet, and we try to get up there as much as possible,” she notes. Her daughter is in school, and her husband, a film professor, teaches in New York, but Kaplansky says they still find time to make the drive and immerse themselves in the Cape’s beauty and peace.

When a visit isn’t possible, all Kaplansky needs to do is play her most recent compositions to transport herself back to Truro. “Most of these songs were written on the Cape,” she says. “There are a lot of moments of emotional truth on this album that are great reminders of the feeling of being there.”

PHOTO BEOWULF SHEEHAN

PHOTO RICK LITVIN

Elmhurst Queens Mother’s Day

(From the album Last Days of Summer)

Sun is coming up over the bay

Everywhere everything has changed

The only sound is wind in the trees, New York City’s far from me Sun is coming up over the bay

Friends back home tell me nothing is the same

That city symphony just stopped that day

The crowds, the life, the energy

Are just sirens now through empty streets

My silenced hurting city far away

These days there is no work for me

And I don’t know if there will ever be

As remote lives keep moving on, I sit down to write this song

In this refuge from that storm far away

CHORUS:

And It’s far away, far from me, far away from me

Then I read about a nurse’s day in Queens

In cotton scrubs she is the infantry

Trenches painted in fluorescent light

Weaponless soldiers in the fight

I read about a nurse’s day in Queens

She’s wearing the only mask that she can find

She knows that they will all get sick in time

She’s telling the writer all the things they need, with the president lying on tv

Her oath was not for her family to die

Endless lines of those who won’t be saved

Dying in plastic chairs as they wait

When she gets home won’t hug her kids

Writes her will like her friends all did

Falls asleep in her living room chair again

I’m making dinner, sun is going down Sun will be setting over New York town

They’ll be cheering soon on my empty street

A brief reprise of that symphony

In the city where I became a wife

Where my mother was born, where I’ve made my life

And though I won’t be there to cheer along

Oh I can sing this song

For that nurse, and for my city, my home

Most of these songs were written on the Cape. There are a lot of moments of emotional truth on this album that are great reminders of the feeling of being there.

— Lucy Kaplansky

To purchase Lucy Kaplansky’s Last Days of Summer and to see her tour schedule, visit lucykaplansky.com.

PHOTO RICK LITVIN

BY JENNIFER SPERRY

DISCOVER THE GAME-CHANGING BENEFITS OF A DEDICATED OUTSOURCED IT DEPARTMENT.

Gone are the days of going it alone or having Uncle Frank handle your IT. The technology landscape is continually evolving, and businesses, even small ones, must keep up. Prioritizing IT has myriad benefits, from smoother workdays to cybersecurity to data protection.

Picture it: Your employee devices and printers serviced and upgraded on an ongoing basis. Tech support available 24-7. Regular backups to the cloud. IT professionals monitoring the health of your software and servers while preparing for worstcase scenarios such as viruses, phishing scams, ransomware, or even a natural disaster. It’s a business owner’s dream.

Recently, I sat down with Gregory Cincotta, founder of Coastline Technologies in Lakeville, Mass., and his wife, Elizabeth Cincotta, VP of marketing, to discuss the importance of IT. Here is what they had to say.

Q: Why are some companies hesitant to hire an outsourced IT company?

A: The largest challenge we face is that people don’t know what they don’t know. IT can be a confusing and intimidating topic, so whenever possible, we skip the complicated jargon and speak in plain terms. Ultimately, we want clients to feel comfortable calling our help desk, knowing that the experience will solve their problem without additional frustration.

Q: What types of businesses do you support?

A: Most of our clients are based in New England, particularly in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including the Cape and Islands. Sometimes we consult for large corporations or enterprise companies, but for the most part we act as the dedicated IT department for small- to medium-size businesses. For a very good price point, you can hire our team of experts versus relying on the skill set of one in-house individual. We work with country clubs, insurance agencies, construction firms, law offices, restaurants, nonprofits, and more.

Q: How do you structure your billing?

A: Our managed IT service plans include workstation support, help desk service, server and router/firewall management, virus and malware protection, and 24-7 monitoring. Once we assess your needs, including the number of active computers and servers, we create a straightforward support package for a flat monthly rate. That means no surprise bills.

Gregory and Elizabeth Cincotta

Q: What about security issues?

A: Our data backup and continuity solutions ensure that your business can continue uninterrupted in the event of a ransomware attack or server failure. We can restore files within seconds and entire servers within a few minutes. Right now, phishing schemes can be very problematic. Not only do we have the best anti-virus email security out there, but we also filter all company email to prevent employees from being baited and clicking on bad links. We can send simulated phishing emails that help companies identify employees who may benefit from additional training.

Q: How do you help with work-from-home scenarios?

A: We fully support any device, whether at the office or at home, if it is company-issued with our protections in place.

Q: What sets Coastline Technologies apart?

A: Our business model is different from the traditional “break-fix it” IT companies. They typically react to problems after they occur and invoice you. Instead, we take a more proactive approach and apply a software tool to every company device that tells us if something is going to fail or if a threat is present. We get these alerts 24-7-365.

Q: What type of feedback do you get from clients?

A: Customer reviews mention our professionalism, knowledge, responsiveness, reliability, and willingness to go above and beyond. Most of our clients are busy owners and managers—they appreciate the lack of downtime, enhanced security, and peace of mind.

Four important considerations when hiring an IT company:

1. 2.

What tools and professional partnerships do they utilize? Companies should be transparent about what monitoring tools they use, spam filtering and email protection, and anything else related to your network. Research them on your own!

Are they accessible? When you call their help desk, are you immediately connected to an engineer or does a call center bounce you around looking for the appropriate person? What are their support hours? Do they offer after-hours support for emergency situations?

3. 4.

Are they friendly to work with? Do their technicians and engineers use tech jargon when explaining things? Are their contracts and communications filled with similar industry language? Chances are it will be challenging to try and get help when you need it.

Rescue Mission

THE BARNSTABLE CLEAN WATER COALITION IS WORKING HARD TO CLEAN VITAL WATERWAYS.

BY PATRICK FLANARY

Alternative Septic

The wooded shoreline that surrounds Shubael Pond once framed a pristine swimming spot. But for years, untreated wastewater, flushed from hundreds of houses nearby, has polluted and often shut down the freshwater kettle pond in Marstons Mills.

Septic tanks are the worst culprit. They leak phosphorus, the enemy of freshwater and a mineral that causes toxic algal blooms, as well as nitrogen, the enemy of saltwater. At the same time, drainage pipes are discharging stormwater, which carries fertilizer and animal waste into the pond.

Since 2017, the nonprofit Barnstable Clean Water Coalition (BCWC) has been working with local, state, and federal officials to confront contamination and mitigate climate change on the Mid Cape as a model for the rest of the country. The group focuses on the Three Bays watershed, one of Cape Cod’s most polluted estuaries, which stretches across three Barnstable villages: Marstons Mills, Cotuit, and Osterville.

“These rivers carry enormous loads of nutrients directly into the bays,” says BCWC Executive Director Zee Crocker. “We’re on a rescue mission and we’re trying everything we can to turn things around.”

Backhoes have been digging up the yards of a dozen properties near Shubael Pond over the last year as part of an experimental neighborhood-wide septic upgrade. Known as innovative/alternative septic, these backyard treatment systems called NitROE are developed by Edgartown-based company KleanTu. They remove excess nutrients from the water at the source in the Sand Shores neighborhood.

The pursuit of alternative wastewater treatment methods dates back to 1999, when county and state health officials founded the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center. Today, the center is working with BCWC to test and monitor the residential wastewater that ends up in Shubael Pond.

Barnstable recently embarked on its 30-year sewer expansion project as part of addressing the Cape’s water quality. Earlier this year, the town estimated it would take at least 20 years to hook up the homeowners near Shubael Pond. For this reason, Crocker believes that a combination of sewer expansion and alternative septic is necessary to tackle water pollution Cape-wide before it’s too late.

Permits for general approval of the innovative/alternative septic systems are pending with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Crocker notes. “My hope is that, as we get more of them in the ground and receive more data and information, the state will become more confident that these systems look pretty good,” he says.

Rehabilitating Cranberry Bogs

Nitrogen is the primary contributor to poor water quality throughout the Three Bays watershed, according to Crocker. It begins in the cranberry bogs at the source of the Marstons Mills River, which flows more than four miles, carrying every nutrient and contaminant in its path into ponds and the estuary.

Think of the river as a nutrient highway—and the BCWC has been studying how to shut it down. Using $750,000 in grants from the EPA’s Southeast New England Program, BCWC is planning to restore those cranberry bogs to natural wetlands. “That will allow the plants to do the work and remove the lion’s share of nutrients,” explains Crocker.

In the meantime, the group periodically flies drones over the bogs to track the flow of excess nutrients and algal blooms.

Experimenting in a Warming World

Sometimes, clean water initiatives produce disappointing results.

For several years, east of the Three Bays watershed in Hyannis Harbor, the BCWC has worked with the Massachusetts Oyster Project on an upweller, or an oyster nursery. The purpose of the project was to raise over 100,000 juvenile oysters to filter the water and eventually return the matured shellfish to local waters.

It has not gone as planned. Crocker says 2022 has been “a tremendously disappointing year,” with workers pulling only a fraction of the expected oysters out of the water. “It’s amazing how many have died,” he reveals. “We’re attributing it in part to climate- and heat-related issues.”

Tracking what works and what doesn’t is at the heart of the BCWC’s rescue mission throughout Barnstable’s 12,000-acre watershed.

“It’s small enough that we can move the needle and understand changes,” summarizes Crocker. “Until you try, you really don’t know what’s going to work in the real world.”

LEARN MORE: Barnstable Clean Water Coalition bcleanwater.org

BY LISA CAVANAUGH » PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCY FORD

You probably think of it as just plain old dune grass, but the spiky, pale green plants you see growing on our sandy beaches are known as Cape American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata).

Salt-tolerant, hardy, and fast-growing, this cultivar of American beachgrass originated right here on Cape Cod. After the devastating hurricane of 1938, botanical researchers discovered this strain of grass thriving on Sandy Neck, and it soon proved to be the right choice to help restore eroded dunes along New England’s coastline.

Cape American beachgrass is used to protect our communities and wildlife habitats.

“Planting beach grass in coastal communities is important,” says Tim Friary, owner of Cape Cod Organic Farm, which has been growing and installing Cape American beachgrass for more than 30 years.

“We have a large and complex dune system here on the Cape, and the sand erodes as it absorbs impacts from storms,” says Friary. “Beach grass is used to protect our communities and wildlife habitats.”

The plant is valued for its ability to trap and stabilize wind-blown sand and help create new dune systems. It is also a food source and habitat for many migratory and overwintering birds along the Atlantic shore.

Friary plants his beach grass each February-March and then harvests in the fall. “It is not an easy crop,” he admits. “It doesn’t do well competition-wise with weeds, and it’s pretty intensive to grow. We needed specialized machinery to help us.”

As one of the only local farms to grow Cape American beachgrass, Cape Cod Organic Farm sells it to every town on the Cape, many state agencies, and conservation organizations from Connecticut to Maine. “Landscapers also love it for dune frontage projects,” says Friary, who either installs it himself or sells bundles of 225 culms (two stems) to both retail and wholesale customers.

“We have some fragile coastal areas here,” he summarizes, “and this grass is vital to protecting our land and property.”

— Tim Friary, owner of Cape Cod Organic Farm

MEET BARNSTABLE

DISCOVER THE YEAR-ROUND ALLURE OF BARNSTABLE’S SEVEN VILLAGES.

BY PATRICK FLANARY

The simple pleasures of the shoulder season cannot be overstated. Thinning crowds, popping foliage, and sweater-weather make the off-season the perfect time for exploring Cape Cod’s largest town. Let’s make our way east across Barnstable’s 76 square miles and seven villages, beginning with a bit of relaxation and working toward some nightlife excitement.

West Barnstable

Barnstable Village

Osterville

Marstons Mills

Cotuit

Hyannis

Centerville

Hyannis Port

Cummaquid

Marstons Mills + Cotuit

Start with a leisurely morning hike in Cotuit around the Crocker Neck Conservation

Area trail loop (765 Santuit Road, blt.org) for calming views of the bogs and marshes.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, flip a coin and head north to Marstons Mills for breakfast at either Morning Glory Café (211 Cotuit Road, morningglorycafema.com) or Fig Tree Café (149 Cotuit Road, figtreecafecapecod.com), two longtime local favorites known for their filling comfort food favorites like omelets and homemade muffins.

Cotuit’s charming Cahoon Museum of American Art (4676 Falmouth Road, cahoonmuseum.org) offers a docent-led gallery tour on the first Thursday of each month. There are also revolving exhibitions, including a showcase of quilts made from scrap metal. Stop next door at the big pink house crammed with books, Isaiah Thomas Books & Prints (4632 Falmouth Road, isaiahthomasbooks.com), for a beach read or that rare first edition. And don’t skip the fiction basement.

Cahoon Museum of American Art

Fig Tree Café

Isaiah Thomas Books & Prints

Osterville + Centerville

While packed with sunbathers during summer, the expanse of Craigville Beach (997 Craigville Beach Road, Centerville) makes for a welcome midday breather this time of year.

A half mile away stands the beautifully restored Captain David

Kelley House

Bed & Breakfast (539 Main St., captaindavidkelleyhouse.com), where hosts Rick Garceau and Tom Nortz treat guests to a drag brunch show to end them all. Disguised as Frank Sconeatra, Auscone Powers, and a dozen other personas (“We’re always developing new ones,” Garceau says), the hosts bake and serve scones as part of their Scone Wars competition, complete with club music.

“It gets people clapping their hands and tapping their feet,” describes Nortz. The owners also offer a Halloween-themed costume weekend, which has included a limo trip to Provincetown for dinner. The B&B fun closes during the first two weeks of November.

Next door, the 1856 Country Store (555 Main St., 1856countrystore.com) is loaded with penny candy and local tchotchkes.

Over in nearby Osterville, stroll through the quaint boutique shops as you head to Crisp (791 Main St., crispflatbread.com). Its oven creates heavenly flatbreads bearing names like Mai Pie and Angry Beekeeper. Enjoy them on the patio by the fire pit. Craving seafood instead? Go for a dozen local oysters or a clambake at Osterville Fish (2952 Falmouth Road, ostervillefish.net)

Brunch at Captain David Kelley House Bed & Breakfast

1856 Country Store

Crisp

Give

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West Barnstable, Barnstable Village + Cummaquid

Luke’s Love Boundless Playground

(2377 Meetinghouse Way, lukeslove.org) in West Barnstable is a must-stop for the family. This revamped play area provides kids of all ages and abilities a welcoming place to let loose. Huge bonus: the rubber mat surface keeps them scrape free. Up the road, stop by West Barnstable Tables (2454 Meetinghouse Way, westbarnstabletables.com) to see custom furniture made from antique wood.

Driving east along historic Route 6A invites visions of the town’s cozy B&Bs and gems like Tao Water Art Gallery (1989 Main St., taowatergallery.com), which collects contemporary Chinese art and represents over 40 artists from around the world.

In Barnstable Village, step inside the country’s oldest structure housing a public library. The front section of Sturgis Library (3090 Main St., sturgislibrary.org) was built in 1644 for the Reverend John Lothrop, who founded the town, and was frequented by the late great Kurt Vonnegut, who lived nearby.

Farther east, afternoon hiking options include Sandy Neck Marsh Trail (405 Sandy Neck Road), Mass Audubon’s protected Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Cummaquid (345 Bone Hill Road), and a loop around Hathaway’s Pond (1431 Phinneys Ln.). All guarantee off-season solitude.

West Barnstable Tables

Luke’s Love Boundless Playground

Sandy Neck Dune Marsh Trail

Pizza Barbone

The Karibbean Lounge

Cape Cod Beer

Perry Lima Café

Gannon’s Tavern

Hyannis + Hyannis Port

While many shops and restaurants shutter for the season, others stick it out year-round, like Pizza Barbone (390 Main St., pizzabarbone.com). This year, the pizzeria expanded and doubled the size of its dining room.

“In the off-season, we get to mess around as chefs,” says Jason O’Toole, who opened the restaurant with his wife, Ali, 10 years ago. Once seated, try the handmade pasta in addition to some of the most mouth-watering brick oven pizza you’ve ever tasted. “I love having people in the restaurant talking to the cooks at the pizza station and eating a meal together,” O’Toole says. “That’s what hospitality is all about.”

Elsewhere along Main Street a plethora of international dining options awaits: Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Thai, and more. Perry Lima Café (573 Main St., perrylimacafe.com) serves traditional empanadas and acai bowls at lunchtime. Meanwhile, a feast of Jamaican jerk BBQ is within reach at The Karibbean Lounge (662 Main St., thekaribbeanlounge.com).

For upscale, American-style bar food and local beer on tap, head to Tap City Grille (586 Main St., tapcitygrille.com) or Gannon’s Tavern (959 Bearses Way, gannonstavern.com). And for the finest coffee and dessert on the strip, Chez Antoine Café (357 Main St., orderchezantoinecafe.com) is a must-try French-Belgian delight.

Beer nerds should head to the tasting room at Cape Cod Beer (1336 Phinneys Lane, capecodbeer.com), where you can sample brews like the Narrow Lands New England IPA and then buy your favorite in a refillable growler. Want more choices? Head back toward Main Street for 32 beers on draft at Finn’s Craft Beer Taphouse (16 Barnstable Road, finnscraftbeertaphouse.com). Sip slowly in the brewpub and let the live music wash over you.

Expedia or Orbit—that’s a travel agent, you just don’t talk with them. We’re here to help along the way. We can put in special requests and upgrades.

Beach at sunset on Baru Island in Cartagena, Colombia.

— Susan Peavey, Owner of Susan Peavey Travel

BY NICHOLE J. CHARBONNEAU

With the upswing of post-pandemic travel and ever-changing protocols in airports and destination countries, many people have realized that working with a travel agent is the way to go. “We’re busier now than ever before,” says Susan Peavey of Susan Peavey Travel, a boutique travel agency with locations in Harwich Port and Marshfield.

And for good reason. For starters, Susan Peavey and seven fellow agents each have specific expertise. If you’re looking to book a trip to Hawaii, Esther may be your best match. Looking for a Disney getaway? Leah is a guru. The agency works to make memorable trips possible for all travelers: Samantha is a certified autism travel professional and Carrie holds a special needs group certification.

Whatever your destination, chances are the agents at Susan Peavey Travel have visited it before, so they plan your getaway from experience. This means that you don’t have to spend time sifting through hotel ratings and restaurant reviews.

And the best part: the service is complimentary. Hotels, resorts, cruise lines, ground transportation rentals, and more pay the agent fees—not the end user.

Working with a travel agent means they’ll do the research, find the deals, book the flights, secure the rooms, reserve the rental car, and plan the excursions. “Expedia or Orbit—that’s a travel agent,” says Peavey, “you just don’t talk with them.” A live agent takes the guesswork out of the equation for you. Their job is to work within your budget and find the best match at the best price.

Another big perk for clients is the relationship between agent and travel business partner. If you’re heading to Greece, for instance, your agent may already know the hotel manager, have eaten at the perfect restaurant for your dietary needs, or seen amazing live performances. In addition, says Peavey, “We’re here to help along the way. We can put in special requests and upgrades.” A travel app can’t do that.

Peavey highly recommends travel insurance, but a live travel agent is more effective at helping with refunds or adjustments in response to last-minute changes. While you’re away, the agent is available via cell phone or email, and the agency features a 24-hour help hotline.

Susan Peavey Travel also hosts travel shows on Cape Cod and the South Shore that, in years past, have attracted hundreds of potential travelers. Attendees are invited to ask questions and learn about vendors. The good news: a new show for 2023 is in the works.

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO ADVENTURE, LET AN EXPERIENCED TRAVEL AGENT BE YOUR GUIDE.

Despite the onslaught of apps and discount travel sites promising low prices and hot deals, many travelers have stayed loyal or returned to the service of an agency. “People want to use small businesses,” says Peavey, who goes on to note that pent-up energy from the pandemic has inspired people to adventure to new destinations. “Many millennials have been to the Caribbean. They’re now looking for culture, history, a little beach time,” she says as an example. Multi-generational vacationing has gained momentum as well. Destination weddings are on the rise.

This observation has inspired Peavey to accept an exclusive invitation to travel to Cartagena, Colombia. When Peavey travels to new locales, she serves as “your eyes and ears. I’m there for my clients,” says the entrepreneur. She inspects potential partner hotels, works to build her list of general manager contacts, and scopes out the most fruitful excursions.

“I love this industry,” says Peavey, whose firm is now 21 years old and going strong. “It’s always exciting.”

Historic center of Cartagena, Colombia, on the Caribbean Sea

Why book with a travel agency instead of going it alone online?

By Susan Peavey

1. We’re more likely to get you the lowest price—even when you shop bargain websites. It is literally our job to know all the best places to ensure the best value.

2. Our connections get you perks! We’re able to find offers like discounted airfare, resort credits, free breakfasts—just because we’re well connected.

3. You get the benefit of our status when dealing with hotels. It’s far easier to tell a private customer “no” than a company who gives that resort a lot of business. We have sway.

4. Our insider knowledge saves you a lot of time and energy— and time is money. The deals we find in the blink of an eye would take you three times as long with half the value.

5. We have your back if something goes wrong during your trip. You’re on vacation! You don’t need to be stressed out if you hate your car rental or something goes wrong with your flight.

6. We’re certified in cruises, resorts, and travel planning, which means we go through rigorous training. Our business is also bonded, so booking your trip through us is completely risk-free.

susanpeaveytravel.com

vacationquote@susanpeaveytravel.com

Photography by KATE ROGAN - ELLIE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY

Models: LILIAN PIERCE and ELLA O’BRIEN from SIGNED MANAGEMENT

Hair by RYAN LANGMAN-KIRTLEY of THE KEEP (SALON)

Makeup by ANDREA KOOHARIAN MAKEUP

Produced by ERIC BRUST-AKDEMIR

Assisted by LORI GILMORE

Location courtesy of OCEAN EDGE RESORT & GOLF CLUB

RIGHT: Nida raglan tee with contrast detail ($79); Stella midi skirt with insert accents ($119). FAR RIGHT: Nyx bolero jacket with braided detail ($219); Inga boat neck off-white tee ($54); Sandra stretch pencil skirt with back satin detail ($89).

Available at DEVINTO. Designed, hand cut, and produced to order locally on Cape Cod. 539 South Street, Hyannis; devinto.net; @devintodesign

Silk Express Top ($20); Reinvented Denim GALA Skirt ($275)

Available at SANDBAR DENIM

Second-hand jeans and reinvented denim.

39 Main Street, Orleans, sandbardenim.com @sandbar_denim

RIGHT: Ruffled Formal Dress ($79).

FAR RIGHT: Paisley Velvet Burnout Halter Dress ($70).

Available at SURGE BOUTIQUE

620 Route 6A, Dennis www.surge.boutique @surge.boutique

Hera funnel neck top ($79); Jada peplum ruffle stretch riding pant ($119).

Available at DEVINTO. Designed, hand cut, and produced to order locally on Cape Cod.

539 South Street, Hyannis devinto.net; @devintodesign

DEVINTO

LEFT: Marconi merino wool/cotton wrap in camel featuring a Morse code design that spells “hug.” ($175)

RIGHT: Marconi 100% cashmere wrap in black with a Morse code design that spells “love.” ($349) Availabe at ELYSE MAGUIRE. Uniquely designed women’s accessories inspired by life on Cape Cod. elysemaguire.com; @elysemaguireco

Available at DEVINTO. Designed, hand cut, and produced to order locally on Cape Cod.

539 South Street, Hyannis devinto.net; @devintodesign

LEFT: Marija midi dress in micro stripe with bow detail ($189).

RIGHT: Valentina merlot pencil dress with waist bow ($179).

BELOW: Edita color block ruffle dress ($219).

FAR RIGHT: Vintage “Scarlet”

Ball Gown ($180); Fur-Lined

Denim Jacket ($175)

Available at SANDBAR DENIM

Second-hand jeans and reinvented denim. 39 Main Street, Orleans; sandbardenim.com @sandbar_denim

RIGHT: Vintage Fur Bomber

Zip-Up Jacket ($175); Mother Halter Jumpsuit ($180)

ABOVE & FAR RIGHT: Wynn Velvet Open Back Jumpsuit in Teal ($135).

ABOVE RIGHT: Next Door Vibes Corduroy Overalls ($58); Ribbed Turtleneck in Terra Cotta ($42).

RIGHT:

Available at SURGE BOUTIQUE 620 Route 6A, Dennis; www.surge.boutique @surge.boutique

Leopard Print Silky PJs ($45).

ABOVE: Reinvented Vest Jacket ($50), Vintage Roger Edwards Suede Jumpsuit ($300)

Available at SANDBAR DENIM Second-hand jeans and reinvented denim. 39 Main Street, Orleans, sandbardenim.com @sandbar_denim

FAR LEFT: Hand Bleach-Dyed Denim Duster ($35), We the Free Top ($16), Barami Bootcut Jeans ($25)

LEFT: DKNY Cropped Denim Jacket ($32), Deconstructed & Reinvented Denim Skirt ($60)

Jarves & Main

THE

TREASURES INSIDE THIS SANDWICH NEWCOMER ENCOURAGE GRACIOUS LIVING AND ENTERTAINING.

BY JENNIFER SPERRY

She noticed it while out for a bracing walk one winter night, shortly after moving to the village. “I’ve always loved Sandwich Village, and the building caught my eye,” recalls interior designer Leslie-jon Vickory of the moment when she spotted the historic mercantile—her soon-to-be store.

A few years after this wintery encounter, the building sold, and Vickory and her fiancé, architect Kahlil Hamady, decided to make the space their own. “While the work of Hamady Architects spans from Boston to New York to Virginia and beyond, we envisioned Jarves & Main as a combination design studio and retail space,” explains Vickory, adding that Hamady splits his time between Sandwich and an office in Greenwich, Connecticut.

“We really wanted the look of the store to reflect Sandwich’s architectural history,” notes the designer. She maintained the façade’s dark green hue, punctuating it with hand-lettered words that preface what awaits inside: “Architecture, Interiors, Life Style.” New flower boxes lend extra charm to the shop’s presentation on the corner of its namesake streets.

“The historic district likes to keep signage to a minimum, and we wanted even less than that minimum, to let the handsomeness of the building speak for itself,” explains Vickory. Hanging over the front door, its diminutive sign— also hand-painted by artisan Jess Marsh from Western Massachusetts—sets the tone for the level of handcraft prioritized inside.

Jarves & Main’s thoughtfully curated merchandise includes custom furniture crafted in New England as well as home décor and personal accessories made in the US, the UK, Europe, and eastward. “I choose items based on a narrative of how a gracious home can feel,” says the owner. “I assemble a living area as well as a fully appointed dining room vignette with glassware and place settings. I’ve had customers walk in and say, ‘Wow, I want to live here,’ ” she describes with a smile.

I choose items based on a narrative of how a gracious home can feel. I assemble a living area as well as a fully appointed dining room vignette with glassware and place settings. I’ve had customers walk in and say, ‘Wow, I want to live here.’

— Leslie-jon Vickory, Owner, Jarves & Main

In one section, a full canopy bed anchors a collection of luxe bedding and Vickory’s custom-designed decorative pillows. In another, an apothecary engages the senses with hand-milled soaps and fragrances from France and the American-made Casewell-Massey Heritage line. Shoes crafted from vintage Turkish carpets partner with clothing by French maker Saint James, which originated the classic Breton shirt. Fresh flowers commingle with art pieces and collectible books.

To Vickory, her store represents an opportunity to make home wares and fine gifts accessible. She delights in helping residents outfit their local home or shipping items for visitors flying home instead of driving.

In comparison to other home goods stores, Jarves & Main “comes from our interior design and architectural backgrounds,” contends Vickory. “Our product lines expand on the Cape’s traditional beachy style to celebrate gracious living, whether by the sea or someplace else.”

The couple’s worldliness informs the store’s tone as well: Hamady has worked in England and throughout Europe while, prepandemic, both Hamady and Vickory spent part of each year in Paris teaching a course in French classical architecture and craftsmanship, as well as a course Vickory developed for budding interior designers. Having lived in New York and Boston, among other locales, the design experts always kept Sandwich, their favorite summer destination, near to their hearts.

“We were charmed by Sandwich, and we live here now,” summarizes Vickory, who still provides interior design services on a limited basis. “We are proud to be a part of our town’s rich history and heritage.”

This transitionally refined house pays homage to the architectural traditions of Hines Point.

BUILDING

NATURAL BUILDING MATERIALS AND VERNACULAR FORMS INSTILL QUIET BEAUTY INTO THIS LAGOON-SIDE OASIS.

BY JANICE RANDALL ROHLF PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRIAN VANDEN BRINK

s a teenager on Cape Cod, Lucy Thomson taught sailing off Wychmere Harbor and raced on Wianno Seniors, coming to Martha’s Vineyard to compete in the prestigious Edgartown Regatta. Years later, during a distinguished career in D.C. as a lawyer and cyber engineer, she was eager to reestablish her New England roots.

Not only was the island an ideal fit for the avid sailor, but she found real estate that was a dream come true—three-quarters of an acre on a hill with gorgeous views overlooking Lagoon Pond, with Vineyard Haven Harbor in the distance. The 1949 house site was one of a kind. “When the property went on the market, it was sought after immediately,” she says, “so I bought it sight unseen.”

What she soon discovered was that Breese Architects had an office just down the road. Thomson hit it off with firm principal Peter Breese and project architect Darran Reubens, and the three launched a three-year collaboration that transformed what Thomson calls “a scruffy rambler” into a transitionally refined house. The material selections, indoors and out, reflect a sensitivity to its surroundings.

“Lucy’s home is part of a transition from the old houses on Hines Point,” says Breese, who has designed other houses in the neighborhood. “We try to capture Vineyard style and character in our homes that are visible from the water.”

In addition to addressing the picturesque views, the house was designed “to transition from being fully inside to being on the screen porch, then out on the terrace or up on the roof deck,” Breese explains. The indoor-outdoor transition begins with reclaimed granite steps leading to porches on two sides of house. Visitors have their first glimpse of the water as they enter the house.

A roof deck, screened porch, and bluestone terrace invite outdoor lingering on the home’s water side.

Breese explains that “the heart of the house is a really comfortable connection between the sitting area in the living room and the kitchen.” Without a dining room separating the kitchen from the living room, there is no break in the activity of daily life. Rather, there is a nice, natural flow that runs through the rooms.

On the other side of the fireplace wall, the dining room is framed with windows and French doors that overlook the lagoon. Just off the dining room, a large screen porch (with interchangeable glass panels) is a focal point for three-season living.

A custom-built walnut staircase with unique square balusters leads to the second floor and out to the roof deck, where picture-perfect views include dramatic sunsets as well as ferry docking in Vineyard Haven. The second-floor bedroom with cathedral ceiling captures the water views and is enclosed with a textured glass-and-wood barn door. The bath, with a black-and-white mosaic marble floor, is open to the bedroom.

The juxtaposition of the forms of the building work as one, from the primary bedroom (original to the house with a new bay window to capture the views), to the second floor with tapered lead-coated copper chimney, to the great room’s sweeping cathedral ceilings, to the tiny bedroom at the far end of the house.

The architecture utilizes varied surfaces and natural building materials, including mahogany for the front door and decking; cedar for the roof and siding; copper for the chimney; and soapstone, walnut, and painted wood inside.

You have to remember that to get a house done at this level, there has to be tremendous involvement of not only the architects but the homeowner as well. Lucy was truly very much involved, and you can see the results.

— Darran Reubens, Breese Architects

“Lucy’s house has a sense of simplicity that makes it elegant,” says Reubens, noting that the feeling starts with the custom mahogany door, which ushers guests into a vaulted great room with dramatic wood-burning soapstone fireplace. Thomson selected an eye-catching Hubbardton Forge pendant for this location. The soapstone—built to surround the fireplace on each side—provides a monolithic feel. Walnut detail on the built-in cabinets designed to enclose the TV complement the kitchen’s walnut wainscoting.

The homeowner’s theme for the house was “Made in America.” She says, “I was very much interested in using natural materials and in supporting our country’s artisans.” Examples of her pursuit abound and include lighting fixtures from Hubbardton Forge and hand-blown glass from Simon Pearce, both in Vermont; a handmade walnut dining table and chairs from Maine-based Thomas Moser; door hardware from Rocky Mountain in Idaho; and kitchen cabinet hardware from Colonial Bronze in Connecticut. “Peter, Darran, and I searched the country for the most beautiful handmade items we could find,” she says.

She embraced the architects’ recommendations to work with a local builder, carpenter, landscape designer, and nursery— all based on Martha’s Vineyard. Bob Stafford and Mark Ellis of Carpenters and Co. built the house.

Lucy’s attention to detail extends to the outdoors as well. Not only did she and Reubens work with Teles Landscaping to design a unique pattern for the bluestone patio and walks, but she also requested that a bluestone-finished ramp be constructed to make the house accessible. The patio is designed to accommodate a tent for special events. The two worked closely with Paul Mahoney of Jardin Mahoney to create a landscape of unique plantings that are native to the island and resilient.

“You have to remember that to get a house done at this level, there has to be tremendous involvement of not only the architects but the homeowner as well,” says Reubens. “Lucy was truly very much involved, and you can see the results.”

LABARGE HOMES’ GREEN BUILDING EXPERTISE DELIVERS A ZERO ENERGY HOME IN WELLFLEET.

BY JENNIFER SPERRY PHOTOGRAPHS BY GREG PREMRU

An entry bridge leads to the front of this upside-down home, designed by an architect as his family’s second home.

Home Design GREEN INITIATIVES

hen architect Douglas Dick set out to design his family’s second home on a wooded lot in Wellfleet, he was inspired by the modern architects who had contributed notable homes to the architectural landscape before him. Starting in the late 1930s, the secluded pine woods of Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown attracted some of the main movers in modern architecture, including Marcel Breuer, Serge Chermayeff, and Olav Hammarstrom. They built houses—designed to integrate man with nature—for themselves, friends, and clients.

While each iteration is unique, the homes overall share a common thread: they blend modern style with the Cape’s classic shingled look. The resulting landmark structures are simple (deceptively so), rustic, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.

With the work of Marcel Breuer, specifically, front of mind, Dick, a principal at LDa Architecture & Interiors, developed a compact home with modern lines executed in cedar board and shingles. “At my firm we would describe it as an upside-down home,” explains the architect, who grouped the main living areas on the upper level and three guest bedrooms and a family room below. “Because the lot slopes down, two out of the three lower-level bedrooms have marsh views,” he notes.

Within this contemporary envelope, Dick achieved nearly zero net energy use with a variety of purposeful green building materials and systems. “It’s an all-electric house powered by solar panels on the roof instead of fossil fuels. It’s heated and cooled by an electric heat pump,” he describes. Another key source of efficiency is a heat-recovery ventilator, which brings fresh air into the home at a comfortable temperature thanks to an energy transfer between air flows.

Thanks to rigorous insulation, this Danish wood stove keeps the main living areas comfortable.

Home Design GREEN INITIATIVES

While Wellfleet’s historic modern houses (most are maintained by the Cape Cod Modern House Trust) were seasonal, Dick and his wife, Ann, knew they wanted to enjoy their second home with their grown children year-round. In response, Dick called for hefty insulation, starting with a foundation of insulated concrete forms (ICF). “That’s how I met Todd LaBarge,” says the architect of his chosen contractor, Harwich-based LaBarge Homes. “I had heard about his expertise with ICF.”

“These cast-in-place forms insulate both sides of the concrete, which is key to keeping below-grade spaces comfortable and airtight,” explains Todd LaBarge, who launched LaBarge Homes with his wife, Lori, in 1996. Today, the firm handles bespoke custom homes and renovations Cape-wide and is known for its 360-degree approach, rounding out construction and landscape installs with property care and real estate services for past and current clients.

During construction, two performance heat tests checked for air leaks before the plastering phase. “We depressurized the house utilizing a blower door exhaust fan; then used infrared cameras to find leaks,” explains Dick of the process. “By the time construction was complete, the only leaks we found were the ones we wanted for ventilation. The whole process required extra attention from LaBarge,” continues the architect. “The effort and quality that a builder puts into an energy-efficient design plays a big role in its effectiveness.” Other green initiatives included the use of reclaimed engineered framing, sourced by LaBarge, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified decking. High-performance windows punctuate 12-inch-deep upper-

ARCHITECTURE:

LDa Architecture & Interiors, Boston + Osterville, lda-architects.com

CONSTRUCTION:

LaBarge Homes, West Harwich, labargehomes.com

CUSTOM DINING TABLE:

Jeff Soderbergh, jeffsoderbergh.com

level walls filled with foam insulation. Thanks to the highly insulated envelope, the Danish wood stove keeps the main living spaces comfortable without the need for electric heat.

Dick kept the interior decidedly modern in flavor, with small nods to Cape Cod cottage, like exposed ceiling rafters and shiplap. “Our goal was to keep the look very simple by having just a few different materials—the rift and quartered white oak floor, shiplap, and painted plaster—in play,” he explains.

Horizontal shiplap begins in the front entry and reaches into the kitchen, where it frames Ikea cabinetry. “We had a very lean, mean kitchen budget,” says Dick. “To give it more of a custom look, we brought in the shiplap as a backsplash and also lined the island with the same oak flooring.” Pairing grey lower cabinets with white uppers and opting for waterfall edges on the island’s Caesarstone countertop lent additional complexity.

Beyond this main living area is a wall of glazing overlooking an expansive deck and the marsh beyond. “Our favorite feature is how the kitchen, living, and dining areas function so well together,” says Dick. “When it’s just the two of us, it feels very comfortable, and when we entertain, everyone spills out onto the deck.” The custom dining table by furniture artisan Jeff Soderbergh is perfect for large gatherings.

“It’s an efficient building: energy wise, floor plan wise, and living wise. The deck makes the footprint feel much larger than it is,” says LaBarge of the completed Outer Cape retreat. “This project was all about Doug’s belief in green technology and employing it in his own house. It’s contemporary but still classic—it’s the perfect hangout space.”

It’s time to pass the torch on this classic Old Village waterside “cottage,” located just steps from Little Mill Pond and the town dock. While the owners have enjoyed generations of stunning sunsets from the deck, easy walks to Candy Manor and the Chatham Squire, and bird watching over the marsh, now it’s your family’s turn. The house is well designed with two primary suite options up and down, an additional second-floor bedroom, and a separate studio apartment with its own entrance. On the walkout ground level, take advantage of 600 additional finished square feet, including an art studio with full windows, a full bath, and two other finished rooms. One of only five homes on a private road, perched one house back from the water on nearly an acre of its own land, and protected by an additional five acres of adjacent salt marsh, it is the most private property in the neighborhood. Even still, from multiple vantage points, it enjoys gorgeous water views of Little Mill Pond and the sprawling green of the marsh. Situated three blocks from either Chatham’s quaint downtown or famous Lighthouse Beach, this gem presents a perfect combination of delights.

Katie Clancy and Sarah Lapsley Martin host a weekly show called What’s Good Cape Cod, which explores the Cape through the eyes of a couple of locals. Find all episodes at whatsgoodcc.com.

PLACES TO EAT IN CHATHAM

Casual Fun

Chatham Squire

487 Main Street, Chatham

Bespoke Dining

Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar

513 Main Street, Chatham

50 Chase Street, Chatham

$2,999,000

4 bd | 4 ba | 3,422 sq. ft.

The Cape House

508-737-1248

katie@katieclancy.com

William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services

Fancy Libations

Pate’s 1260 Main Street, Chatham

Florida is such a melting pot. So many people migrate from different states that I consider myself more of an ambassador than a realtor. My job is to show the state to its best advantage.

— Cindy Parola

Florida Calling

EXPERT ADVICE FROM REALTOR CINDY PAROLA ON BUYING PROPERTY IN THE SUNSHINE STATE.

BY JENNIFER SPERRY

If the surf, sun, and sand of Florida are in your sights, realtor Cindy Parola is the perfect professional to guide you along the journey.

A full-time resident of Venice on the Gulf Coast, Parola specializes in Massachusetts-to-Florida relocations and, as a Florida resident, is an invaluable resource. With real estate licenses in both Massachusetts (as coowner of Laforce Realty & Swift’s Beach Real Estate) and Florida (as an agent with Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty), she is uniquely positioned to help Bay Staters looking to escape New England’s long winters or just wanting a post-retirement life change.

Besides sunny weather and a plethora of things to do outdoors, another of Florida’s huge draws is its tax code. There is no state income tax, there are no estate or inheritance taxes, and it does not tax retirement income such as Social Security benefits. It’s incredibly retirement friendly for these reasons and more.

“Florida is such a melting pot,” says Parola, who is also a certified Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) with the National Association of Realtors. “So many people migrate from different states that I consider myself more of an ambassador than a realtor. My job is to show the state to its best advantage,” she contends.

Here is her advice on how to plan and what to prioritize if you’re thinking about relocating.

PICK YOUR PRICE POINT It has been harder for snowbirds to find affordable Florida homes in recent years, notes Parola. “Since the start of COVID-19, there has been a mass migration from high-tax states like Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and others,” she says. However, the good news is that price points are still very different between Massachusetts and Florida. “You can buy a lot more for your money down here,” says the realtor.

DECIDE ON USE “A home purchase is one of the largest expenses of your life. It requires a lot of self-introspection,” advises Parola. “Some of my buyers are happy owning a home in which they and only they live for

just 120 days a year, and in this case, it makes sense for it to be a little smaller, maybe 1,000 square feet and potentially a condo.”

Others want their investment to be a source of income when they’re up north, either from weekly vacation rentals or an off-peak seasonal rental. If weekly rentals are attractive to you, do your research, cautions Parola. “A lot of condo and homeowners associations are banning short-term rentals,” she notes. “This is the type of due-diligence your real estate agent should be doing for you,” she adds of the need to read the fine print.

Some of Parola’s clients are still opting for bigger generational homes, with extra bedrooms and an attractive poolscape to accommodate visiting friends and family.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT VISITORS “Some clients think their family is going to be down all the time, but people have jobs and kids have school,” says Parola. “Then they find themselves down here alone without their children and grandchildren around.” According to the realtor, it’s wonderful to prioritize family in your future, but make sure your expectations are realistic and have honest conversations before committing to a big move.

KNOW YOUR INTERESTS One of the blessings of Florida is the weather, but that doesn’t mean everyone who lives there loves the beach. List your current hobbies—and consider future activities you’ve always wanted to try. If you like painting or pottery, Parola can search for properties in prominent art colonies like Venice or North Port. If you like boating, you’ll want to be near a marina, and if golf is your game, there are numerous homes where you can tee off just a few minutes from your front door.

HURRICANE CLEANUP Florida residents are the most experienced when it comes to cleanup and reopening after a major storm. Ian was a category 4 hurricane, but once the winds stopped, residents and civic employees were out in full force doing cleanup and mitigation. “It was an epic 100-year storm, unprecedented in nature,” says Parola. “The vast majority of homes in much of Southwest Florida came through with minimal damage, which shows the strength of the building codes implemented after Hurricane Andrew.” Continues the realtor: “Yes, I anticipate there will be bargains, and some Florida ‘newbies’ might decide this isn’t what they bargained for and decide to sell.”

Currently, Florida is still undergoing a seller’s market, but interest rate hikes have started leveling the playing field. “Buyers are starting to get a little leverage. They don’t necessarily have to buy sight-unseen or over the asking price and are able to ask for some concessions,” says Parola. “It’s a little more balanced, and frankly that’s what real estate agents like,” she continues. “We don’t want either a seller’s or buyer’s market—we prefer it to be fair for both sides.”

14972 Tamiami Trail | North Port, FL 34287 Each

Endless Views

Penthouse with endless views of Buzzards Bay and beyond! This exquisite, sophisticated, and spacious two-level condo in Falmouth’s prestigious seaside neighborhood of Gunning Point has been recently renovated with exceptional design and superior finishes. Over 2,800 sq. ft. of gracious living space with custom built-ins, abundant storage, and a dream kitchen make this a tranquil and pristine oasis.

46 Gunning Point Avenue, Unit 1, Falmouth

$2,199,000

3 bd | 3 ba | 2,872 sq. ft.

O’Neill Group

508-524-7325

oneillgroup@robertpaul.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Robert Paul Properties

With

SENIOR LIVING

BY JENNIFER SPERRY

With its upscale communities, Maplewood Senior Living is reinventing senior living from the ground up. Instead of dated buildings and lackluster interiors, Maplewood boasts warm, welcoming campuses that are bright and airy and stylish at every turn. Visionary founder Gregory D. Smith initiated Maplewood’s merger of hospitality and healthcare so his own loved ones could live their best lives in vibrant environments.

But inspiring aesthetics are just the tip of Maplewood’s breadth of offerings. Their apartments are spacious, well-appointed, and fully maintained. Their openkitchen dining rooms engage the senses with seasonally inspired menus. Their chock-full calendars encourage enrichment and personal connections daily. Outside, manicured grounds beckon with local flora, culinary gardens, and water features; inside, both private and public living spaces reflect the aesthetic of the surrounding community.

Four of Maplewood’s fifteen properties are in Massachusetts: three are on Cape Cod and one is in the coveted Greater Boston town of Weston. “Each property has its own unique design inside and out,” says Joy Tower, Maplewood’s regional director of sales. “All of them are suited for aging adults and offer a wide range of premier services and amenities.”

Maplewood at Brewster and Maplewood at Weston both offer assisted living and memory care; Maplewood at Mill Hill in West Yarmouth is a dedicated memory care community; and Maplewood at Mayflower Place, also in West Yarmouth, is the Cape’s only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) with skilled nursing and rehabilitation wings.

Hospitality Meets Healthcare

Day-to-day services and amenities at Maplewood communities include:

• A variety of dining venues offering seasonally inspired gourmet meals.

• Housekeeping and flat linen service.

• Full maintenance of private apartments, buildings, and grounds.

• Complimentary scheduled transportation to local shopping, medical appointments, etc.

• Wellness center with 24/7 onsite licensed nurses.

• Innovative wellness programs designed to keep mind and body fit.

• Full calendar of life-enriching, innovative workshops, wellness programs, day trips, live music, and more.

Maplewood Senior Living helps residents thrive with inspiring atmospheres, gourmet dining, and customized programming.

For seniors who are still independent but looking to eliminate the hassle of home upkeep, Maplewood’s private apartments are modern in feel. An emergency call system provides peace of mind. For seniors who need a little more assistance with their living, Maplewood can help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, dining, and medication.

“Services offered and proximity are two key factors considered by family when finding the right location for their loved one,” notes Tower. “We offer residents an exceptional lifestyle,” she continues. “From our dedicated team members to our social and cultural events to our gourmet dining—our services are unrivaled.”

One of Maplewood’s specialties is memory care, a vital offering considering that memory loss is the most common age-related life change. While some forgetfulness (misplacing of glasses or forgetting what day it is) is normal, other behaviors (not knowing which season it is or accusing someone of stealing a misplaced item) are signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Maplewood’s evidence-based programming is designed to tackle all of the above with a flexible daily schedule that promotes a sense of belonging, maintains skills, and reduces agitation.

When John Earley, who was overseeing his aunt’s care from several hours away, walked into Maplewood for the first time, he knew he had made the right choice for his loved one. “She had been living in a condo by herself but had become forgetful. We tried part-time private care, and she lived briefly in another community, but at Maplewood she is flourishing,” Earley describes. “She receives the help she needs for day-today living, and I’ve gained peace of mind.”

Is it time for senior living?

10 signs your parent shouldn’t live alone anymore.

1. YOUR PARENT WANDERS. If you have an aging parent who is wandering and getting lost in familiar places, this is a red flag that he or she should not be left alone, points out Susann Varano, MD, a Yale University-trained physician who is double board-certified in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine.

2. YOUR PARENT HAS PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS. If you’re noticing that your parent is showing a loss of strength, weight loss, weakness, or stamina, it could be a sign that they may not be safe alone. “If you are also noticing difficulty balancing and more bruising, it could be a sign they are at risk for falls,” says Lakelyn Hogan, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate for Home Instead Senior Care in Nebraska. “These issues could also be the result of improper nutrition and hydration.”

3. YOUR PARENT CAN’T MANAGE THE HOUSE. Next time you visit, take a close look at the state of things, suggests Donald Mack, MD, a family medicine physician who specializes in treating geriatric patients at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Notice if your parent is no longer able to care for him or herself, including bathing and dressing, cooking meals, doing laundry, or cleaning the house,” he says. “Then notice if food is spoiling, the mail is piling up, or the garbage isn’t being taken out.”

4. YOUR PARENT SEEMS DIFFERENT. “You want to pay close attention if you see signs they are declining physically, mentally, or emotionally,” Dr. Mack says. “Are they losing weight? Are they lonely? Are they confused or forgetful? Do they need help using the bathroom? Are they missing appointments? These are all critical questions to think about.”

5. YOUR PARENT ISN’T COMMUNICATING. Most of the time, your parent will not come out and tell you there is a problem, suggests Rani Snyder, an older adult caregiving/living expert and program director at the John A. Hartford Foundation in New York City. “They may not realize it, or they may be worried about making changes or causing a burden. Communication is key to understanding what they are experiencing.”

6. YOUR PARENT CAN’T DRIVE. This is a fundamental change and may require an instant move to assisted living, especially if your parent lives in a remote or rural area, suggests Snyder.

7. YOUR PARENT CAN’T PAY BILLS. An early warning sign is when your parent has trouble with finances, including forgetting to pay bills or tax payments or making poor financial decisions, says Catherine Hodder, an estate planning attorney and author. “Being alert to missed payments or mismanagement can give some insight into your parent’s condition,” she says. “It can indicate problems with cognitive abilities. Those may show up prior to signs of physical decline.”

8. YOUR PARENT SMELLS. This is one of the tougher scenarios to handle, but an older adult’s change in appearance or hygiene can be a sign that they may need more assistance, Hogan says. “Some things to look for include wearing dirty clothes, body odor, bad breath, neglected nails and teeth, and sores on the skin. A change in appearance could be an indicator that something else is going on, such as struggles with cognitive issues, physical limitations, or incontinence.”

9. YOUR PARENT MAY BE GOING THROUGH CHANGES. When caring for your aging parents, it’s important to work through things step by step, suggests Dr. Varano. “If you’re worried that your mom or dad shouldn’t live alone because the home is messy, try to find out why your parent isn’t cleaning,” she says. “Is it a physical barrier and are they not taking their medication, or is it an underlying depression? Before simply moving them, find out the cause.”

10. YOUR DOCTOR AGREES. If a parent’s behaviors have changed, he or she should always be evaluated medically first, Varano says. “If a physician states that mom or dad has moderate Alzheimer’s dementia and is missing bill payments, leaving the stove on, eating spoiled food, etc., then the parent would need extra care to ensure her or his safety,” she explains.

Santa in a phone booth snow globe ($87.75)

Available at Old Country Store & Emporium.

Available at Old Country Store & Emporium.

WHERE TO SHOP

OLD COUNTRY STORE & EMPORIUM

Something very old is new in Buzzards Bay! We cordially invite you to join us in celebrating our 193-year legacy as a premier New England country store. Come experience the joy of vintage American furniture, nostalgic candy, old-fashioned sodas, and timeless artwork. Reminisce about the wonderful antiques on display while singing along to the music of yesteryear. Peruse our unique home goods, toys, jewelry, lotions, and gifts. And don’t miss our selection of fudge, chocolate, and truffles, a time-honored way to bring joy to loved ones in any season. The Old Country Store & Emporium continues to be year-round fun for kids 1 to 100. Open 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. seven days per week. 134 Main Street, Buzzards Bay (across from Saint Margaret’s church), 508-759-0750; oldcountrystoreonline.com

“Far East” wall onion lantern with optic glass

Available at Sandwich Lantern.

SANDWICH LANTERN

At Sandwich Lantern, our craftsmen have continued the tradition of handcrafting lanterns in the United States since 1988. We take pride in the high quality of our craftsmanship, offering a lifetime guarantee on all of our lanterns (excluding the glass). In our facility on Cape Cod in Sandwich, Massachusetts, we handcraft everything on location using solid copper and solid brass materials that will stand the test of time. Impervious to salt air and harsh environments, our lanterns weather gracefully without maintenance or attention.

Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. 17 Jan Sebastian Drive, Unit 1, Sandwich, 508-833-0515; sandwichlantern.com

Snowmen in a TV snow globe ($83.50)

Available at Wish Gift Co.

Ocean

Available at Wish Gift Co.

Available at Wish Gift Co.

WISH GIFT CO.

Grant a wish with Wish Gift Co! Wish Gift Co. is located at Merchants Square, Sandwich. Our inventory of unique, independently made goods includes handwoven baskets, gourmet foods, jewelry, and more. A personalized gift box is the perfect item for a housewarming, baby shower, or you name it. Wish Gift Co.’s inventory has been hand selected by Penny Sampson and is unmatched on Cape Cod. We are open in Sandwich, Monday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. The entrance to Wish Gift Co. is adjacent to Café Chew. We look forward to seeing you soon!

4 Merchants Road, Sandwich, 888-978-9474; wishgiftco.com

BIRD FIGHT GOLF

A golf brand honoring the traditions of the game with a creative edge and vintage vibe. The Quiver tee holder is an original Bird Fight Golf design handcrafted in Boston. Made from high-quality, sustainably sourced Nubuck Leather that is both durable and resistant to weather, this stylish statement piece keeps your tees ready to pull. Complimentary monogram embossing is available, making it the perfect gift for any golfer on your list! Approach each tee box in style with Bird Fight’s signature golf tees. Made in the USA using premium white birch hardwood and finished in a rich Koa brown stain and gold overlay, these tees will bring both strength and style to your drive. birdfightgolf.com

Folklore Laura Bag ($44)

Clock ($89)

Beach Glass Soap ($24)

Turquoise Swirl Necklace with Diamonds ($3,200)

Available at Ross Coppelman Goldsmith

Small and Medium Oyster plates ($61 - $77)

Available at Jarves & Main

Bead & Rail Blue Topaz Ring ($1,195)

Available at Ross Coppelman Goldsmith

Box Necklace ($650)

Available at Ross Coppelman Goldsmith

Sterling Silver Wave Pendant with 18K Gold Wave ($550)

Available at Ross Coppelman Goldsmith

WHERE TO SHOP

ROSS COPPELMAN GOLDSMITH

Ross Coppelman has been designing and hand-crafting high karat gold, silver, and platinum jewelry in his Cape Cod studio for over 50 years. He draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Cape as well as from classic motifs of antiquity. Ross’ jewelry is always classic but never traditional. 1439 Route 6A, East Dennis, 508-385-7900; rosscoppelman.com

Belle de Provence candles ($48)

Available at Jarves & Main

Santa Cruz Pinstripes Bag ($65)

Available at Jarves & Main

JARVES & MAIN

Jarves & Main’s thoughtfully curated merchandise includes custom furniture crafted in New England as well as home décor and personal accessories made in the US, the UK, Europe, and eastward. 1 Jarves Street, Sandwich, 774-205-2836; jarvesandmain.com

Winter tips

These represent some of the greatest concerns that we see:

COLD WEATHER

If it’s really cold outside, consider protective clothing! This is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, and short-haired dogs.

KEEP CATS INDOORS

As always cats should stay inside. Since cats left outdoors may stay warm in car wheel wells or under hoods, awake any sleeping animals by wrapping on your car hood before starting the engine.

WINTER WALKS

Keep walks short during extreme weather! Consider reflective collars, leashes, and other safety gear to keep you and your pet safe during the shorter days.

ICE MELT

When you return from a walk wash your dog’s paws. You don’t want them to lick toxic chemicals like ice melts and salts off their paws.

Corporate Logo

Cookie Platters

Sample Pack Dozen ($32)

Available at Mad Good Cookie

Cookie Platter ($90)

Available at Mad Good Cookie

Phyto Nutrient Cleanser 4 oz. ($18.99)

Available at Jonathan Sprouts Skin Care

B+ Peptides Serum 1 oz. ($29.99)

Available at Jonathan Sprouts Skin Care

WHERE TO SHOP

MAD GOOD COOKIE

Mad Good Cookies are here for you. Delicate, sweet, and rather indulgent, our cookies are that special treat your day needs and that you deserve! Mad Good Cookies are created without additives or preservatives. Baked with so much love and care to carry you to your happy place with every bite. After all, it is the only cookie choice. 508-789-6591; madgoodcookie.com.

JONATHAN SPROUTS SKIN CARE

Give the gift of luxurious phyto-nutrient skin care. Family-run Jonathan Sprouts is known for its delicious sprouts, but its new apothecary (with herb and broccoli sprout infusion) and sulforaphane (with super-sprouted antioxidants) skin care lines are turning heads in the beauty industry. These 100-percent natural products are formulated to fight oxidative damage and slow the signs of aging. Products are available singularly or as kits—all make great gifts! Available in boutiques but also online at jonathansprouts.com.

Balassan, a five-year aged balsamic reduction made from 100% cold-pressed pomegranate juice and honey ($23.70)

Available at The Brown Jug

Geometric Owl Mug ($19)

Available at Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters

Fresh Coffee Beans ($14-$20)

Available at Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters

WHERE TO SHOP

THE BROWN JUG

The Brown Jug is one of Cape Cod’s best specialty wine and gourmet food stores serving wood fire pizza. In the heart of Sandwich village, The Brown Jug is open year-round for all of your food and wine needs. Search here for those one-of-a-kind, hard-to-find items! 155 Main Street, Sandwich, 508-888-4669; thebrownjug.com

SNOWY OWL COFFEE ROASTERS

Our specialty coffee beans are sourced and roasted with precision to ensure each bean receives the care needed to produce delicious brews. From bean to brew, each process has been meticulously tested to ensure the highest flavor, quality, and consistency. By explicitly partnering with organizations and producers that we trust, we can better effectuate equity in the supply chain. 2624 Main Street, Brewster, 774-323-0605; 161 Rt 6A, Sandwich, 774-276-8983; 483 Main Street, Chatham (open mid-spring to Dec. 31), 508-348-5321; socoffee.co

WHERE TO SHOP

NEW BEDFORD FESTIVAL THEATRE

Enjoy Broadway-quality theatre close to home. Celebrate the season with the holiday classic Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, running November 26 through December 4. Season 33 tickets are on sale now for The Wiz (April 27–30) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 21–30). Tickets available in person at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford, by phone at 508-994-2900, or online at zeiterion.org.

Find

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KATE ROGAN

LOCATION: OCEAN EDGE RESORT & GOLF CLUB

Littlenecks Crewneck Sweatshirt. $38.00

Available at:

Tartan Flutter Dress by Maddie & Connor. $66.00

Dress: Celia dress in Carmel by Louis Louise. $179.95

Accessory: Bow with snap clip by Eva’s House. $11.95

Shoes: (not shown) Suede boot sneaker by Tocoto Vintage. $149.95

Available at: Pocket Full of Posies 7 Wianno Ave., Osterville 508-420-8895

Vest: Colorblock furry vest by Zhoe & Tobiah. $109.95

Shirt: Outremer long-sleeve shirt by Emile et Ida. $54.95

Pant: Obius Rex pant in brown by Morley. $99.95

Shoes: (not shown)

Ojeh boots in navy nubuck by Donsje. $159.95

Available at: Pocket Full of Posies

7 Wianno Ave., Osterville 508-420-8895

Dress: High-neck dress with tulle by Zhoe & Tobiah. $189.95

Accessory: Reindeer bag by Donsje. $89.95

Shoes: Archie chocolate sprinkled cow hair shoe by Donsje. $119.00

Available at: Pocket Full of Posies 7 Wianno Ave., Osterville 508-420-8895

Sweater: Warm jacket with collar by

Pant: Ribbed

Accessory:

Benjie schoolbag hedgehog by Donsje.

Shoes: Wadudu dog boot by

Available at: Pocket Full of Posies 7 Wianno Ave., Osterville 508-420-8895

Zhoe & Tobiah. $189.95

$159.00

Donsje. $159.95

pant by Louis Louise. $89.95

Sweater: Acacia jumper in cream by Louise Misha. $119.95

Accessory: Sailor bow by Eva’s House. $14.95

Skirt: Jenny mini skirt in dogstooth by DL1961. $59.00

Shoes: (not shown) Black patent Mary Jane by Elephantito. $73.00

Available at: Pocket Full of Posies 7 Wianno Ave., Osterville 508-420-8895

Accessory:

Shoes: (not shown)

Available at: Pocket Full of Posies

7 Wianno Ave., Osterville 508-420-8895

Sweater: Simone cardigan by Louise Misha. $99.95

Sailor bow by Eva’s House. $14.95

Angela boot in silver metallic leather by Donsje. $159.95

Pant: Royal merry pants in Bleu by Morley. $119.95

Sweater: Sisterhood sweatshirt by Louis Louise. $89.95

Pant: Christie trouser in denim by Louis Louise. $119.95

Accessory: Bola headband in off-white metallic by Donsje. $40.00

Shoes: Wadudu unicorn boot by Donsje. $159.95

Available at: Pocket Full of Posies 7 Wianno Ave., Osterville 508-420-8895

Jogger Pajama Set (available in Cape Cod or North Pole) by Joy Street Kids.

Cape Cod Ruffle Short Pajama Set by Joy Street Kids. $98.00

$54.00

THE CHATHAM CUT

THIS NEW RESTAURANT PAIRS STEAKHOUSE DECADENCE WITH MEDITERRANEAN WARMTH AND AN ITALIAN WELCOME.

BY JENNIFER SPERRY » PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATT GARDNER

“I’m Italian—we put passion into everything we do,” says Alberto Tumiati, Partner in The Chatham Cut, which recently opened its doors in August 2022. This new restaurant on Chatham’s popular Main Street is intimately arranged, with dining for 70 and a bar that seats 10.

The renovated interior boasts a warm, inviting décor: picture brass accents, dark woods, and leather banquettes. A backlit, floor-to-ceiling wine rack with 200 bottles greets guests upon entry. It feels oldworld in style, like a classic steakhouse in Boston or Providence, but with a Cape Cod twist.

“There’s nothing like The Cut anywhere else on Cape Cod,” describes Tumiati. “We love what we do, from the food to the wine to the service,” adds the partner. “Our goal is to accommodate every customer and make them feel right at home.”

Each steward of The Chatham Cut brings to the table a unique skill set. Tumiati is a successful restaurateur and trained sommelier who personally curated the impressive 320-bottle wine list. “It’s the peninsula’s largest wine library,” he contends, adding, “A lot of customers know what kind of wine they like, but we’re happy to recommend an appropriate pairing for their meal, whether it’s steak or pork or fish.”

Chef Anthony Silvestri has nearly 30 years’ experience with Italian-influenced fine cuisine and is known for sourcing only the finest ingredients. Truffles, hackleback sturgeon caviar, and foie gras are all possibilities on any given day. The Cut’s premium hand-cut beef is sourced from Boston’s gourmet butcher shop Savenor’s, and the top-of-boat seafood includes local lobster, oysters, and littleneck clams.

Besides steak, which can be ordered à la carte based on preferred cut, a variety of Italian specialties are always on the menu, plus specials that change nightly. Bouillabaisse, lobster, New Bedford sea scallops, linguine with clams, roasted half chicken, and bone-in veal chop Milanese are equally popular and memorable.

Meanwhile, bar manager Lauren Paradise is the cocktail master, mixing up any craving. “You can order off the menu, much of which is an homage to classic cocktails, or we can go off-script,” says the mixologist. “If you like rum, we

can use it to create something unexpected. We can customize anything to suit your tastebuds.” Customer favorites range from the negroni, an Italian classic, to the decadent espresso martini.

Compared to big brother Pate’s, just a few doors down, which serves up modern New England cuisine with a fun, relaxed vibe, The Cut is designed to feel more intimate and feature more selective offerings.

“Everything here is purposeful and mindful,” says Paradise of the atmosphere, adding that the bread is by Pain d’Avignon and guests leave with handmade Chatham Candy Manor chocolates. “The whole mood is: spend your night with us and let us take care of you,” she summarizes.

THE CHATHAM CUT

508-348-5686

1200 Main Street, Chatham

thechathamcut.com

@thechathamcut

Winter Hours: Thursday through Monday, 4:00–9:30 p.m.

Alberto Tumiati and Anthony Silvestri

THE IMPROBABLE RISE OF CAPE COD’S ICONIC BAKERY.

BY JACQUELINE CAIN

In the 30 years since a group of childhood friends from Belgrade co-founded a bread bakery in Hyannis, Pain d’Avignon has become a symbol of quality. If a café stocks its pastry case with Pain d’Avignon scones and cookies or serves sandwiches on slices of the bakery’s classic sourdough, it tells astute eaters that it cares about freshness and flavor.

Pain d’Avignon might have started small but is now a wholesale giant, with its artisanal bagels, breads, croissants, and pastries shipped daily to farmer’s markets, cafés, restaurants, hotels, and large grocery chains throughout the Northeast. But that’s not all: they also operate a popular café in Hyannis serving breakfast and gourmet lunch; at night, it transitions into a fine French restaurant for dinner.

It’s alluring to learn that the iconic Cape Cod company is actually an American dream realized by happenstance at somebody’s mother’s summer house. This improbable backstory stars an interlocking network of Eastern European immigrants who were virtually responsible for the rise of artisan

PHOTOGRAPHS + ILLUSTRATIONS

COURTESY PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

We set out to tell the story of the trials and successes that have led us to where we are today and show firsthand how a keen sense of imagination will keep humanity moving forward. It paints a picture of creativity and imagination and how baking feeds those whimsies.

- ULIKS FEHMIU, CO-FOUNDER

bread in the United States. Co-founder Uliks Fehmiu shares this compelling history in ThePaind’Avignon BakingBook:AWar,anUnlikelyBakery,anda Master Class in Bread, co-written with Kathleen Hackett and published by Penguin Random House.

Prefacing the book’s 60 recipes is the Pain d’Avignon story, which unfolds in three “acts” set in Europe, Cape Cod, and New York City. Interestingly, Fehmiu was a theatre actor in Belgrade trying to avoid being drafted into the conflict that would become the Yugoslav Wars when he originally invested in Pain d’Avignon. He and his friends, co-founders Branislav Stamenkovic, Vojin Vujosevic, and Igor Ivanovic, began a new life by opening a tiny bakery on Cape Cod, living in a loft above the business and working round-the-clock hours.

Fehmiu’s page-turning recollections, along with evocative color illustrations, introduce characters like Pain d’Avignon’s “imperious” original baker, Hamdo, a Bosnian Muslim who trains the opening team in bread-baking basics “entirely by look and

The Pain d’Avignon Baking Book: A War, an Unlikely Bakery, and a Master Class in Bread,

Published by Penguin Random House in October 2022. $40.00 Hardcover. Available at local bookstores and online retailers.

feel.” It elucidates how Cambridge company Iggy’s Bread of the World raised the bar for artisan bread on the East Coast, and how Fehmiu himself ended up becoming an expert. Despite the formulas, repetition, and consistency required of baking—especially on the level of growth-minded Pain d’Avignon—the former actor sees art in the pursuit and lays it all out for readers.

“We set out to tell the story of the trials and successes that have led us to where we are today and show firsthand how a keen sense of imagination will keep humanity moving forward,” Fehmiu says in a statement. “It paints a picture of creativity and imagination and how baking feeds those whimsies.”

And there’s plenty of whimsy to go around. The book features dozens of Pain d’Avignon’s signature breads, viennoiseries, sandwiches, and more.

This is a classic French apple tart, made with an abundance of apples set into pastry cream and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

FOR THE PASTRY CREAM:

3/4 cup whole milk

1/4 cup sugar

2 large egg yolks (reserve whites for another use)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, preferably high-fat European-style (such as Plugra or Beurremont)

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Pinch of sea salt

FOR THE TART:

1 sheet Puff Pastry Dough

4 medium or 2 to 3 large Honeycrisp apples (Jonathans, Jonagolds, Granny Smith, and Braeburn are nice, too)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

MAKES ONE 10 X 16 INCH TART TO SERVE 10 TO 16

Line a quarter-sheet pan with plastic wrap.

MAKE THE PASTRY CREAM: In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, cornstarch, and salt and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Continue boiling until the mixture reaches the consistency of pudding, about 1 minute (taste to be sure the “starchiness” of the cornstarch has been cooked out). Remove from the heat and spread the pastry cream onto the plastic wrap (it will stop cooking and cool faster). Press a second piece of plastic wrap directly onto the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool. The pastry cream will keep, with a piece of plastic wrap pressed onto its surface, in a tightly covered container for up to 5 days.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Line a half-sheet pan or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Have a second sheet pan ready.

BAKE THE PASTRY: Place the 12 × 18-inch sheet of puff pastry dough on the lined sheet pan. Using a sharp knife, trim the dough as necessary to fit the pan. With a fork, pierce the dough all over. Place a piece of parchment paper over the dough and set the second baking sheet directly on top of it and bake until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan front to back halfway through. Transfer the pan to a wire rack, remove the top sheet pan, and let the pastry cool to room temperature (you don’t want the pastry cream to “melt” as you brush it on the pastry). Leave the oven on and raise the heat to 425°F.

ASSEMBLE THE TART: Core and halve the apples, leaving the peel on them. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, cut the apples into slices 1 /8-inch thick.

Spread the pastry cream evenly across the entire sheet of cooled puff pastry. Arrange the apple slices in rows, shingle-style, over the cream, working from left to right along the length of the dough. Overlap the rows by about 1 /8 inch; the apples shrink during baking and this overlap will prevent gaps between the rows.

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the apples evenly with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over them.

BAKE: Bake until the tart is golden brown and a fork slides easily into the apples, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan front to back halfway through.

COOL: Transfer the tart to a wire rack to cool, then cut into squares and serve warm. To reheat, warm in a preheated 425°F oven for 10 minutes.

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/3 cup sugar, plus more for dusting

2 tablespoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) cold butter, preferably high-fat European-style (such as Plugra or Beurremont), cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1 cup half-and-half, plus more as needed

Grated zest of 1 lemon

2 to 2 1/2 cups blueberries, preferably fresh

1 large egg, whisked

MAKES 8 SCONES

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Rub the cold butter cubes into the dry ingredients with your fingers, or use a plastic roundedged dough scraper or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients, working your way through the pieces until they are the size of pebbles. The mixture will resemble coarse sand and the butter will still be a bit chunky. Don’t overmix!

In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and lemon zest and pour it into the flour mixture. Use the dough scraper in a chopping motion to incorporate the liquid. Mix until the dough appears shaggy; add a few more tablespoons of half-and-half if necessary.

Fold the blueberries into the dough with the scraper, proceeding gently as you work your way around the bowl to avoid crushing the fruit.

Once the fruit is evenly distributed, dump the dough out onto the work surface (dust with flour only if the dough is sticky). Use the scraper to incorporate any loose flour into the dough, then press it into a 1 1 /2-inch-thick rectangle.

Dip a 3 1 /2-inch-round biscuit cutter into a bit of flour to prevent the dough from sticking, then cut the scones out of the dough. Gather the scraps with your hands, handling gently, and turn the mass on its side and press into a 1 1 /2-inch-thick rectangle. Cut out the remaining scones. Arrange the scones about 1 inch apart on the sheet pan. Brush each scone with the whisked egg and dust with a bit of sugar.

Bake until the edges are browned and the center is golden, 25 to 30 minutes.

Put the sheet pan on a rack and let cool. Serve warm.

We use fresh blueberries to make our scones, but frozen blueberries will do if they are the only option available to you.

Because Chuck Madansky writes from his heart, mind, and soul, his poetry makes me feel, think, and believe. It pushes me to confront my fears and, in doing so, calms them. Most of all, it compels me to put on my boots and go out in search of beauty. And then to write about it.

—LAUREN WOLK, New York Times bestselling author of Wolf Hollow, Beyond the Bright Sea, Echo Mountain, and My Own Lightning

Azure Blue on Wizened Branches

by Chuck Madansky

There’s something beautiful about a man who knows enough to know

he isn’t seeing the world clearly

just today, cedar berries borne as if things too large for thought sky bay

not to be denied their light conspired to make a beacon in the fog

And blessed for him to just be an extra in the mind of god embrace the cloud relax the eye never be anything other than lost.

Frayed Music

by Chuck Madansky

Tashlik

by Chuck Madansky

A Hebrew word meaning “to cast away,” Tashlik is the name of a ritual of repentance performed at the Jewish High Holiday Yom Kippur.

Each morning, a ruby throated hummingbird plucks the old strings of a spider’s web and carries the frayed music back to her nest.

She makes her bed, smoothing the notes into cracks that have opened in her dreams.

By noon she is ready to drink and fight. The old tunes stick in her head like a bone. By dusk she is worn to a frazzle.

She dreams of the raveled velvet cup she grew up in, the purring to and fro of her mother’s wings.

The feathered sheets are a mess. Once the sun stops staring, she slips into the air that won’t stop touching.

Go to the river. If not the river—the pond, the sea if not the sea—the sink, the gutter; if none of these, cry into your hand; if your eyes are dry, spit.

Reach into the pockets where you keep small change, keys, sweets, the lint of days and anything else that needs clearing out—hate, guilt.

If you have no pockets, reach in the dirt and pick up a stone.

Let tar, sap, sludge leak out, the vile, the craven sink into this stone and cast it all away.

Unlikely stone, as you fall from me turn into bread, to apples and honey.

Let me begin again.

Chuck Madansky is the grandfather of six and lives by a pond in Brewster, Massachusetts, where he recovers his tenderness by long looking. Chuck’s first book of poetry, Some Days the Spoons Talk Back, was published in 2021 by Kelsay Books. His work has appeared in the Cape Cod Poetry Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, and Pure Slush and has also been featured as part of Poetry Sunday, a production of local NPR station WCAI. A psychotherapist in semi-retirement, Chuck received the 2010 Cornerstone Award of the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission for his efforts to raise awareness of, and bring an end to, U.S. torture. He lives with his wife, poet and playwright Wilderness Sarchild, and their beloved dog Ruby.

Can you spot me?

The Common Eider is a large robust duck that winters on Cape Cod but is now known to breed in the state in small numbers. There has been a dramatic overall population increase since the 1930s.

Common Eiders feed near rocky shores, diving for mollusks, worms, echinoderms, and crustaceans. Blue mussels and common periwinkles are important foods.

In early October, migrants begin to appear off the Massachusetts coast, and, by late November, Common Eiders occur by the thousands. Historically, especially large rafts of eiders have wintered offshore in Chatham.