Dinghy issue 18

FREE

Birdcage liner.

July 24 –August 7 2012 Get up, get out, and get down.

At Cape Abilities, we believe everyone has abilities. We help people find and strengthen their abilities, and grow in what they can do. Our entrepreneurial businesses don’t just support our programs, they provide jobs for people with disabilities here on Cape Cod. And we are proud of their high-quality products. Come see us!

Cape Abilities

FARM

Changing lives...growing futures

508-778-5040 www. CapeAbilities.org

Cape Abilities Farm to Table

193 Main Street, Chatham Located in Chatham’s Old Village on the way to Chatham Light, our shop sells Cape Abilities Farm produce, plus works by local artists, gifts and more. The shop employs students from Chatham High School’s Special Needs Vocational Program.

Cape Abilities Farm

458 Route 6A, Dennis Our farm grows amazing produce, including our award-winning tomatoes! People with disabilities work in all aspects of farm management, from planting seeds to packing produce.

Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop 3239 Route 6A, Barnstable Village This light-filled, spacious shop specializes in furniture, antiques and home décor.

All proceeds help support Cape Abilities – bargains for a good cause! Now accepting donations and consignments.

For more information, visit us at Visit www.CapeAbilities.com facebook.com/CapeAbilities twitter.com/CapeAbilities

NEW LARGER LOCATION New England’s largest selection of kaleidoscopes — from toys to collectibles!

They make unique gifts!

Durette Studios

3 Central Square

Mashpee Commons, Mashpee

Chesnik Scopes On Reflection

508-477-0661

www.CapeKaleidoscopes.com

Cast of Characters That Guy / Creative Director James Joiner james@lovelocalmedia.com Fist Shaker / Operations Director Amanda Converse amanda@lovelocalmedia.com Contributing Writers CJ Derrah Special thanks for help on the Banshii shoot: Jen Villa, Kate Sheehan and Angie Schwarz.

Dinghy is a subsidiary of Love Local Media, Inc. On the cover: Sailing into Cotuit Bay by James Joiner

(Not so) fine print.

Dinghy is published bi-weekly right here on Cape Cod, by a locally owned business. We believe in supporting local at every possible opportunity and think you should too.

We’d love to hear your comments, story ideas, or submissions. Send ‘em to hey@thelittlemagazine.com.

If you’re not of the digital persuasion, you can use the good ol’ USPS at P.O. Box 404 Cotuit, MA 02635.

Although at that point you may as well just give us a call at (508) 348-9845.

Can’t wait for the next issue? www.thelittlemagazine.com Or make it Facebook official: Facebook.com/dinghymagazine

You do like us, right? Well, make it Facebook official! Keep up with local goings-on, connect with fellow Dinghy readers, enter contests and kill some time at work... facebook.com/dinghymagazine

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Sorgente Medical Spa

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Medical Aesthetics for Total Well-being 1330 Phinney’s Ln Hyannis

(508) 534-9837 www.SorgenteMedSpa.com www.SorgenteAVS.com

photo J. James Joiner

Hyannis Community Acupuncture

Medicine of the past, present and future.

Hectic life running you down? Feel better, more balanced, and ready to go again.

Sliding payment scale, $20 - $40.

81 Bassett Lane Suite B Hyannis. (508)775-0099

ShiftBoutique.com

www.

535 South St. Hyannis

(508)775-2652

photo James Joiner

Cape cod’s first all fashion magazine.

Coming fall 2012 dress local! entquarterly facebook.com/thecurr

Introductions.

This is Dinghy issue eighteen.

That’s well over the half year mark, and we’re going strong... Not too shabby for a ‘zine started on a lark.

We’ve had a few changes over the past months, little things, nudges this way and that, but have stuck to what has worked – giving you the best little magazine on Cape Cod (or anywhere else). One theme has been pervasive since our premier issue, and that is supporting our local community. Community is our passion – building it, fostering it, creating it out of thin air. We love our man-made island, and know that our readers do too (even when sometimes we wish there wasn’t quite so much traffic). With that in mind, we are excited and proud to announce, as of this issue, the formation of a new media cooperative.

Love Local Media is the brainchild of Dinghy publisher James Joiner and über-local Amanda Converse, owner of the Shift eco-boutique and board member of, well, just about everything within thirty miles.

Love Local will be launching a new publication, The Current, a quarterly local fashion magazine, this fall as well as putting on community events, releasing one-off books and ‘zines and providing unique marketing strategization for local businesses. James will be settling in as creative director, while Amanda will take the business side of things as operations director. Their love for all things local combined with workaholic tendencies and unbridled enthusiasm is sure to make an impact!

For more information you can email either of them at James or Amanda (at) lovelocalmedia.com.

Follow the lead up to our sister publication’s launch at facebook.com/thecurrentquarterly.

Wooden Sand Dollars.

by CJ Derrah

Imagine you’re me. You’re outside, naked toes in the grass, half-drunk, listening to your dog empty his bladder on some hydrangea blooms. That faucet sound is as much a part of the bedtime ritual as actually putting your head on the pillow. Then you hear a howl. Then you hear many howls, pushing up against one another in the distance.

I’m not sure if I hate coyotes. I mean, I love dogs, whether they’re mine or my friends’, probably even yours. At a certain point on the timeline, a dog and a coyote could have been indistinguishable, so it feels wrong to focus my ire on one of their evolutionary brethren. Plus a coyote has never personally wronged me—it’s easy to stay ambivalent about something that has never and maybe will never affect you. But there’s something unsettling about a creature that, as much as we consider them part of the scenery, stays in the shadows until it’s time to eat.

I’d never seen a coyote with my own eyes until earlier this year. It was a charcoal black night, I was standing outside waiting for one of my dogs to finish doing what he does just after 10:30 p.m., and I looked to the road. During summer days, this road pulses with an assembly line of deceleration as cars approach the stop sign at the end of a miles-long straightaway. This night, there was no traffic, nothing under the streetlight. Until there was, in fact, something under the street light: Four legs trotting at a purposeful pace, the anonymous outline of a gaunt canid that wanted to be fat, its head turned toward us from 50 yards away and closing.

I am stupid enough to have actually thought this: That’s weird that that German shepherd is walking out here all by itself. I am not stupid enough to have thought this for long. I scooped up my dog and ran back into the house.

No doubt you’ve had your own encounters with coyotes and formed your own opinions about them. Everyone’s heard the stories of the owners who left their Maltese outside for just a minute while they prepared dinner only to hear it suffer a grim and utilitarian fate, the stories about the savaging of chicken coops and the scaling of eight-foot fences in a single bound. Some of these stories are heart wrenching, while many are apocryphal or sourced from a Comments section full of panicked Internet Explorer users. You’re either led to believe a coyote is no more harmful than a rabbit in your backyard, or that it’s been crossbred with velociraptor and is just waiting to see where you hide the key.

Their primary vocation is murder, sure, but it’s hard not to give these skulking bastards my sympathy. Coyotes are an army 10,000 strong in this state, waging war on mice and snakes and insects, exterminating the brutes, sticking together. Ugly as it is, it’s killing by design. Our dogs and cats are collateral damage in a lot of ways.

And those howls are basically all theatre—coyotes can’t mean mug or lift up their shirt to reveal the glock stuffed in their pants, so they mark their territory by screaming their damn heads off. Those howls sometimes contain a tenor of tenderness: the babies copy the vocalizations of their parents and join the symphony. How cute.

Out here, winding down another night with my dog and the hydrangea blooms, that matters not at all. Those howls sound like bloodlust, and they sound like they’re getting closer. Better go back inside, just to be safe.

Lhas taste a apso’s like c hicke n

Made:

Banshii clothing

photos by James Joiner

Cape Cod is known for a lot of things – beaches, clam chowder, lobster rolls and fishing chief amongst them. Under the surface, however, a new generation of creativity is bubbling up. We sat down with Banshii clothing’s Heidi WhitneySarles to find out what made her start a hand-made clothing brand in the land of salt water taffy and lighthouse paintings.

I guess the most obvious question to lead with is, why start your own clothing company? Do you have a background in fashion? Also, what inspired the name?

When I was 10 years old, I dreamed of designing clothing like I saw in fashion magazines or on movie stars at the Oscars. Since then, my dream has evolved. I’m still compelled to design and am still deeply inspired by my surroundings, but my goals have changed with education and travel. I studied the textile and fashion industries and was astonished and disenchanted by what I found.

Banshii is a response to the excess, soullessness, and depravity of those industries.

The name came to me while studying world mythologies of which I was drawn mainly to those of my ancestors. In most Irish lore, the Banshee,

or bean-sidhe (woman of the fairy mounds), is a foreteller of death. Less commonly, she is a seer, a seductress on par with fairies and mermaids, and equated with the Irish battle goddess, Morrigan.

My version, Banshii, identifies with the latter interpretation focusing on life, creation, and growth as signified by a powerful, feminine woman who gains her strength from the earth.

What inspires your designs? How would you describe the Banshii style?

My greatest inspiration comes from the natural, the wild, the unbridled energy of the earth. I am charmed by the work of the human hand and like to feature those imperfect details in my designs.

Whether it’s hand-dyed fabric, hand-sewn embroidery, or hand-beaded trim, keeping hand-crafted skills alive and relevant is greatly important.

We like to think that our designs encourage our customers to live an inspired life- no matter what that means to them. Banshii style is all about comfort, freedom, and individuality with a hand-crafted allure.

Are all of your clothes made here on Cape? They’re all made by hand, yes? What’s the design / production process?

With the exception of our t-shirt blanks (which are still made in the United States) all of the clothing and accessories are made right here on Cape. The applique, trim, and embroidery are done by hand, but we do use machines to construct the garments. Even then though, there is no automated process, just local hands cutting and sewing each piece from start to finish.

All designs begin as a sketch and the ones that make it through the initial editing process are then drafted into patterns. We hand-dye small batches of each color in the collection and transfer the graphic detail to the fabric to be hand-sewn. Once the hand-sewn element is complete, we construct the garment.

Are there a lot of people here on the Cape doing what you do?

A lot? No. But there are a mighty few. The Cape is an interesting place to start an apparel business. At first glance, success seems unlikely and the pioneers, crazy. But the Cape has proven to be a warm and welcoming environment for a small, locally produced business to plant its roots. I cannot express how lucky I feel to have met so many like-minded, supportive, and savvy people on the Cape (two of which you see here) without whom I’m sure I would have faced many more obstacles.

Has it been hard to get shops to carry your designs? Where can people find them?

The support here has been amazing and shop owners have reached out to me to include Banshii in their collections. I wouldn’t say this endeavor is for everyone, or that it’s been easy, but when you surround yourself with great people, it makes everything seems less daunting.

Banshii can be found locally at Fisherman’s Daughter Eco Boutique in Chatham, Shift Conscious Clothing Boutique in Hyannis, Mosees in Barnstable Village, and Adlumia in Orleans. We’re also online at banshiionline.com What’s the next step? Do you aspire to grow the brand, and if so, how much?

Absolutely. I would like to expand Banshii’s boutique market domestically to include the West coast, and reach more international customers through our online store. Retaining the homespun appeal and small business ethos is imperative to our self-defined success. Though we aspire to grow, growth at the expense of the environment, public health, or future generations is not considered success to us and will always be thoughtfully measured when making decisions within the company.

Any advice for the unfashionable?

To quote the late fashion legend, Yves Saint Laurent, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Chasing the latest fashion trends is like eating fast food. It satisfies you only briefly and most likely does nothing for your figure. But like real food, well-designed, stylish pieces can flatter your figure and improve your wardrobe for years to come. Knowing and wearing what looks best for your body type, and your personal aesthetic, will go so much farther in defining self-identity than any hollow fashion or cheap trend.

What else do you want our readers to know about you?

In addition to Banshii, I moonlight as a costume designer. I have worked with the Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Boston Opera and now Harwich Junior Theater. My work for the stage can be seen in Anne of Green Gables which opens 7/19 as well as in The Adventures of Paddington Bear opening 7/24 with matinee shows. Come support your local arts!

facebook.com/banshiionline

www.banshiionline.com

Kate Armstong as the Cape Cod bear. James Joiner photo

Cotuit Mosquito Yacht Club. James Joiner photo

Voyeuristic view of Centerville Pies filming for the Travel Channel.. James Joiner photo

Hyannis Farmer’s Market. James Joiner photo

Taming the butterfly. James Joiner photo

Excited for dinner! James Joiner photo

Converse-ational.

Converse-ations

by Amanda Converse My mother has been telling me I should write about being a small business owner for a couple of years now. She believes that it should be an integral part of marketing Shift, my eco-boutique (and baby), located in Hyannis. I have rejected the idea over and over. Partly because I can’t imagine people actually wanting to read what I have to say. Partly because I “don’t have the time.” And partly because it was my mother who suggested it.

Also, if I were to write about the realities of being a small business owner in general--much less a seasonal market, where local residents do not share the wealth of that of the second home owners that overpopulate the area for four months out of the year-- it wouldn’t always be a positive message.

And I have been told time and time again that in order to successfully market my business, I always need to have a smile plastered on my face and something cheerful to say like, “Looking forward to a great season!” and “I made a penny more that what I made last year on this very same day!” So, writing about the roller coaster that has become my life since I opened my beloved store almost three years ago didn’t seem like such a good idea.

But right now, as I sit on the cusp of the busy season of Cape Cod--the one that supposedly makes being a small business owner in this region worth it--I feel as though I have something to say that people should hear.

Don’t get me wrong. In many ways my business is very successful. I have amazing, inspiring, intelligent and creative people who walk in my door everyday. I have learned more than I ever did in college or graduate school. And I feel like I make an impact on this community in some small way.

But it is my bottom line causes me a lot of stress and sleepless nights. And I know I am not alone in this.

Many other small business owners that I am fortunate to call my friends work hard and struggle hard all year round.

You may be thinking ‘well, it is her choice’ (on some levels I could argue that point, but for the most part I accept it). Yes, this is my choice. And I continue to choose it in order to be a part of this community. It is my way of feeling connected and of giving back. It is my way of providing this community with something extremely valuable--a locally owned, beautiful and unique business, with a ton of character where people feel good going to and coming from. A business that directly and indirectly brings dollar bills into this community.

There have been many studies performed all over the country that estimate how much of $1 spent at a locally owned store stays in the local community (45cents-63cents) as opposed to how much of $1 spent at a chain store stays in the local community (13cents-27cents). Regardless of the number you choose to accept, more money stays local when it is spent at a locally owned business.

The simple fact is that every time somebody buys something at J. Crew or Banana Republic or Old Navy, that is a sale that Shift has lost. Every time somebody buys something at Home Goods or Pier 1 Imports, instead of The Little Beach Gallery, Adlumia or Soho Arts Company, that is a sale they have lost. Every time someone eats at the Olive Garden, Chipotle, or Not Your Average Joe’s instead of 586 Bistro & Bar, The Paddock or Harvest Gallery & Wine Bar, that is a sale they have lost. Every time someone goes to Home Depot, instead of Bradford’s Ace Hardware, Mid-Cape Home Centers, or Ford Diamond Electric, that is a sale they have lost.

And trust me. All of these businesses deserve each and every one of those sales. They deserve to do well and they deserve to succeed.

Because they are the people who are supporting all of the other local businesses all across Cape Cod. They are the people that donate to local charities and sponsor your kids’ basketball teams. They are the first ones to step up when there is a crisis or a need in this community. They are your neighbors, and your friends.

Much of the reason I remain on Cape Cod, as a “young professional” is because of the quality of life

here. I believe this community has so much to offer not just in terms of locally owned businesses, but art, culture, intellect, and, of course, natural beauty.

But all of these things can and will go away if they are not patronized. We will all go away. Shift will go away if I don‘t have shoppers. Local museums will shut their doors if they do not have visitors.

Art centers will fade out if people do not attend openings. Local educators will no longer lecture if no one attends their talks. Local bands will no longer be heard if no one is there to listen.

And I am positive that each and every one of those scenarios will affect us all in some way.

So, that’s it. That’s what I have to say.

And here is what you can do: before you purchase something new, consider which locally owned store might stock it; when you go out to eat, choose a local restaurant to patronize; attend community events, go to a lecture at a local museum, support local fundraisers, go to an art opening, or to see a local band play.

This place where we live is special. Let’s not only keep it that way, but let’s also enjoy it while we do.

James Joiner Photography

www.JJamesJoiner.com

facebook.com/jjamesjoinerjr

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Eat:

A few words with Jason Warren of the Osterville Village Café

photos by James Joiner

So you’re fairly new to owning the cafe... What inspired you to buy it, and how has it gone so far?

I guess I’ve always had a passion for food and the restaurant business and would always browse what was out there for opportunities. Nothing serious, just sort of daydreaming. We heard about the Village Café from a friend and things just lined up so we felt it was meant to be. We just passed the one year mark and it’s been great so far. Probably the best part is the people. Our customers have been great and we’ve met some amazing folks. Certainly some of the feedback we’ve received is what helps keep up that passion when the days are long.

What did you do pre-restaurant? Why the switch?

Prior to the café, I worked just outside the restaurant business for an IT company that provided computers for restaurants and hotels. I dealt with many restaurant owners every day, so I had a good view of what goes on in the business. I actually worked in a few restaurants prior to that and got my start in my uncle’s catering business when I was about 14. Ever since then I’ve enjoyed working with food and loved to create and try new things.

I didn’t really one day just decide to make a career switch. It’s always something I’d dreamed about and I certainly wanted to get rid of my long commute. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to be closer to home and everything just worked out.

You guys have some great and unique specials and menu items... How do you come you with them? In you own words, how would you describe the Cafe’s menu?

I enjoy reading cookbooks and food magazines so I do get some new ideas and inspiration from there.

Many of the daily specials are just that. I think of something that morning and put it together. Just combining ingredients and flavors that I know would go well together, and putting it on a sandwich, salad or in a soup. Many of our items are basic café/sandwich shop fare. We just make sure we do the basics really well and then can get creative from there. Keeping it simple and fresh has proven to be key up to this point.

What has bee the best and worst part of owning it thus far?

Certainly meeting some of the people in town has been one of the best things about the business so far.

It’s been more of a bonus than I could have expected. We’ve lived here a while but have just never been involved in the ‘downtown’ scene until now. I simply just love working with food. Some people love to go fishing and I’d rather be in the kitchen. It’s a place where I’m most comfortable. Certainly on the other side, there is a lot of time involved. I’m here seven days a week and there’s always more to do and more I want to do. It’s just a necessary part of the business in order keep up the quality of the product we’re putting out there. So while the long days may be tough, putting in the time and doing things the right way is the only way to go.

If you had one thing about the cafe to say to the people of Cape Cod, what would it be?

First I would like to thank you for reading this little article. Have a great summer, take a moment to breathe it in, enjoy the moment and maybe we’ll see you for a great sandwich along the way.

3 Wianno Ave, Osterville

photo James Joiner

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