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Summer state of mind
Posted on June 29, 2009 by Mark Skala
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It’s not easy getting into summer mode these days. The weather has been less than cooperative and the sun hard to come by. But it is officially summer and we all know how fast it goes but, so I decided I’m not waiting for the weather to put me in a summer state of mind.
On Friday a friend and I went to the Melody Tent in Hyannis to see Susan Tedeschi perform. What a show. My friend Kelly and I knew of Tedeschi but had never seen her perform. Susan and her band put on a terrific performance. And although the sun was out earlier in the day, the heavens opened up and it poured while the show was going on. You could see the rain rushing down the sides of the tent, but it didn’t matter. We were enjoying a Melody Tent show so it had to be summer. We both decided summer was officially underway.
Saturday brought great weather, a long bike ride and an annual cookout at a friend’s house in Osterville. Despite some intermittent clouds summer was on for the group. And we were treated to an amazing rainbow.
I decided then and there I had to take the summer moments where I could and make the best of it.
Memories flood back of a soggy June
Posted on June 22, 2009 by Mark Skala
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This recent spell of bad weather on the Cape reminds me of a June many years ago when I think it rained just ab0ut every day in the month. We seem to be on that pace right now as well.
It was back in 1982 when I was home for summer break from college. Three of my college friends had decided to rent a tiny, two-room cottage in Dennisport for the summer. That shack on Glendon Road had no indoor shower, just a toilet and sink inside. It was steps away from the beach so it appeared the perfect spot to spend a summer break. My close friend rode his bike every day from that spot to the old Harney’s store on Route 134 in South Dennis, where we both worked.
I can still see him on that Elmira Gulch-type bike (it didn’t even have speeds) pedaling away in the pouring rain. When I had access to a car, I would spare him from another rain-soaked ride home. I’d promised the three of them a summer to remember and June was shaping up to build memories of cold outdoor showers and wet clothing that never dried.
Today reminds me of those early summer days in 1982 when the surf pounded and the winds whipped. But the sun did eventually shine and it was a terrific summer — one I will never forget. We forged lifelong friendships and created many happy memories that summer — lounging on the beach, late-night cookouts under the stars, and many trips to Rascals on Route 28 in Yarmouth and the Improper Bostonian in Dennisport.
We look back on that time now and that soggy June does come up, but it was a small price to pay to live here the rest of that memorable summer.
Cape Cod’s neighborhoods
Posted on June 15, 2009 by Mark Skala
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Those less familiar with the Cape tend to think of the more popular areas or more well-known locations when visiting here. Main Street in Hyannis, Chatham’s charming downtown; Provincetown’s eclectic Commercial Street — those are some of the more popular destinations and rightly so. There’s so much to do, see, buy and eat among these three tourist hot spots.
A series of articles in our Register newspaper over these last several weeks, however, has opened my eyes to many out-of-the-way and less-known venues on Cape Cod. Each week for the past five weeks the Register — our paper that serves Dennis, Yarmouth and Barnstable — has been profiling a different village in the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth as part of our “Sense of Place” series.
Several people have commented to me on how much they have been enjoying the series as it has focused on places like Dennisport, Yarmouthport, and most recently South Yarmouth. It is a fun exploration into parts we often take for granted and don’t enjoy nearly enough. It reminds me how fortunate we are to live in such a location with many different villages making up each town.
Dennisport, in particular has undergone more than its share of change — some good, some not. Over the years, it has struggled to maintain its Cape character while trying to attract and keep businesses. When I was young my family often rented cottages in the Dennisport or West Dennis area. We loved going to Seaview Playland in Dennisport; enjoying a breakfast at the Wee Packet or eating ice cream late on a hot summer night at Sundae School.
Dennisport, like many of our “villages” on the Cape, continues to redefine itself. But knowing how each has developed, where each started and what each’s potential can be are key to thriving well into the future. Our series puts so much of that in perspective.
Here’s a link to the latest in the series on South Yarmouth.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/capecod/homepage/x2085757693/A-little-bit-of-everything-in-South-Yarmouth
Cape Baseball League a harbinger of summer
Posted on June 8, 2009 by Mark Skala
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For many Cape Codders, there are various signs of the official arrival of summer — when school gets out; adding 15-20 minutes to travel times because of traffic; planting the geraniums in the garde, you name it.
For me, the official start of summer is the opening of the Cape Cod Baseball League. There isn’t a more perfect harbinger of summer than the sounds of cheers from fans and the bat hitting the aluminum bat. Yesterday marked the annual First Pitch Brunch that launchs the annual premier summer league of college baseball.
The event, graciously hosted by the 99 Restaurants at its West Yarmouth facility, included business items for managers, coaches and players and featured the traditional welcomes. There were the Cape league dignataries, announcement of the annual Cape Leage Hall of Fame induction in November and a special award presented to long-time league vice president Phil Edwards.
Amid the business-like atmosphere, however, I was struck by the fresh young faces in the crowd mixed in some of the more “seasoned” supporters, volunteers and team management. They are some of this year’s talent.
I marveled at how young a few seemed and how out of place they appeared. No doubt, they were a long way from home and the comfortable surroundings of their college buddies. Yet looking at them you see all the hope, promise and pure joy that is Cape Cod Baseball. These young players, for the most part, aren’t tarnished by the lure of expense contracts, big market teams and suspect sports agents.
The official launch of the season is Thursday when Cotuit plays Harwich at 7. Here’s to another exciting season.
More than just about tree in Bewster
Posted on June 4, 2009 by Mark Skala
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Plans to reconifgure a section of Stony Brook Road in Brewster — near the Herring Run — has caused quite a stir lately. Many people have commented to me about all this fuss over a tree and some road changes.
Carol Dumas, our Cape Codder editor, and I were discussing the story this morning. She had a great observation which I share. “The tree is really a metaphor” about the larger issue of what is happening to Cape Cod as many people remember it. I have been amazed at all the attention the plans have attracted — and the outpouring of residents opposed to the plans, which would cut down what is a well-known and beloved tree in the area.
I, personally, am thrilled to see so many people stand up and want to be heard on this issue. It truly is a community issue at its core. Anyone who has driven this area understands the old world Cape Cod charm it still has and recalls that tree lit up at Christmas. It’s part of what makes Brewster so unique. It is a fascinating story to follow. Here’s a link to the latest on the issue.
Back to basics: in the garden
Posted on May 28, 2009 by Mark Skala
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The challenging economic climate has brought many Cape Codders back to basics. For some of us, it’s back to the garden and working the earth.
Ask any garden store or seed shop on the Cape and they will tell you the same thing: there’s been a rush on seeds and plants. People are more interested than ever in planting and growing their own veggies. Some say it is a renewed interest because of the economic climate while others attribute the growing desire to all the attention First Lady Michelle Obama has given to the new White House garden. Some believe everything she touches and does generates interest
Whatever the case, gardening is back and better than ever. Last Saturday, my 13-year-old son and I joined my sister and brother in planting the garden for my 88-year-old father. For years, he has had a wonderfully fruitful garden at his summer home in Dennis. We’ve all enjoyed the fruits of his labor. Countless garden tomatoes and fresh veggies have been shared. But at his advancing age, tending a garden has become somewhat of a challenge. For the last few years, his children and grandchildren have pitched in to keep it growing.
Working the earth last week with my son and siblings as my father watched from the sun deck was more than just about planting seeds and plants, though. We are carrying on a tradition that my 13-year-old will remember long after his grandfather is gone.
For tips on gardening check out this video on our website:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/capecod/news/cape_cod_news/x702314339/VIDEO-Tips-for-starting-a-vegetable-garden
Roll out the welcome mat
Posted on May 22, 2009 by Mark Skala
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Ok, I admit it. I already found myself cursing the tourism season. I was sitting in traffic trying to get over the Sagamore Bridge yesterday afternoon. It was just about 2 p.m. and I thought I would breeze back from a corporate meeting in Needham.
No such luck. The Memorial Day Weekend onslaught was underway and traffic was crawling over the bridge so that it took about 20 minutes to get to this side. As I was sitting there I noticed all the out of state plates — New York, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia to name a few. I had a momentary lapse in judgment and complained to myself. Then, I quickly gave myself an emtional slap on the head.
What was I thinking? I should be welcoming these visitors with open arsm; rolling out the welcome mat. After a long and challenging winter economically, I know it is critical to all of our survivals that we have a good tourism season. We need the visitors and the extra income they bring — and we’ll just have to deal with the delays, longer lines in the stores and traffic issues they also bring.
I know far too many business owners who barely made it through the winter. They are counting on a decent season. That means we year-rounders need to be patient and keep our frustrations in check.
It’s the official start of the season and I want to be among the first to welcome our visitors and invite them to enjoy everything that is unique and special about Cape Cod.
Grads: Keep your chin up
Posted on May 18, 2009 by Mark Skala
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It is one of the most difficult times for those graduating right now from college or high school. At least it is in my memory. I graduated from college in 1983 and things weren’t exactly rosey at that time, but it was nothing compared to what graduates face this year. College and high school graduates entering the workplace face a very uncertain and down job market. High school students preparing for their college experience face a fragile financial aid situation as college costs continue to escalate.
I have a nephew and niece both graduating from high school this year. My nephew will graduate from Sandwich High and my niece from Cathedral High in Springfield. Both are pursuing college paths; one at Catholic University, the other at Springfield Community College. Like so many college-bound kids, they are dealing with incredible costs associated with high education. A recent article on this website pointed out how, for many, financial aid offers won’t be enough. Parents’ savings, retirement funds and investments — like so many of ours — have suffered greatly in this economy.
Those entering ther workforce will be equally challenged. Jobs are disappearing in record numbers as companies scale back expenses to combat shrinking profits and revnues. Here on the Cape so many companies — including my own — have had to scale back and many open positions are not being filled yet now.
But we will weather this economic storm. Things are slowly looking up and graduates should not give up. It may take a bit longer to find work, and it may require a more networking. You won’t land the perfect job right away — but whoever does. The perfect job match might not be there right away, but whatever you do decide to do, give it your all and focus on it. Remember: the first job is a stepping stone to a much longer career path.
Positive response to seasonal daily
Posted on May 12, 2009 by Mark Skala
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We have received a warm reception ever since my company, GateHouse Media, went public last week with our plans to launch a free seasonal daily newspaper on Cape. Advertisers, community leaders, chamber members and others have emailed me, stopped me at meetings or called me to tell me what a smart move we’ve made with this project.
We’ve had enthusiastic support for advertsing and we are clicking on all cynlinders right now as we gear up for a June 23 launch. Cape Cod Day will publish 5 days a week — Tuesday through Saturday — until Labor Day weekend. We’ve been in the planning stages for some time and are putting the finishing touches on a prototype. It’s been an exciting project and am confident it will fill a need on Cape. It will serve as a resource for visitors and vacationers, including those of us who live and play here.
Many have asked me why we would make such a bold move now, when people are hearing so much about the beleaguered newspaper industry. We are not without our challenges, that is for sure. We continue to make tough decisions about expenses during this protracted economic storm. But we are in a bit of a different position from metro daily newspapers. Community, local papers are still very much sought-after because we have unique content you can’t find elsewhere. Our weeklies — the Cape Codder and Provincetown Banner in particular – are weathering the storm, growing readership and doing better than most to stay on course.
We are confident a seasonal daily, which publishes for a specified amount of time during the height of the tourist season, will also fair quite well. We live and work here, know Cape cod and want to share some of our knowledge and insights with visitors and vacationers. We don’t claim to know everything — far from it. But we think our collective years of experience covering and living here will serve us well with our seasonal, free daily.
Utlimately, our readers and customers will be the final judges. Ad I wouldn’t want it any other way. I can’t wait for launch.
Is Fenway right venue for Cape All Star game?
Posted on May 5, 2009 by Mark Skala
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So, the Cape Cod Baseball League has decided to return to Fenway Park for its summer classic, the All Star game. It’s been 22 years since the All Star game was at Fenway, and frankly, I am not sure I care if it ever returned there.
There is something special and magical about the games played on Cape fields. I’ve been to many All Star games and have always enjoyed the entire experience right here on the Cape. There is something unqiue and special about the entire evening — watching the up and coming players perform in front of a packed and admiring audience, seeing neighbors and friends and in general taking in the whole experience. I’m not sure Fenway — as beloved a venue as it is — will have that same appeal.
The league is clearly excited about returning to Fenway. President Judy Walden Scarfile says, “We’re particularly pleased that the players participating will get a taste of what it is like to play in a Major League ballpark.”
Maybe so. But isn’t it also about the fans and their experience. To me, you can’t beat the hometown feel and ambiance of a Cape league field in the height of summertime.
I’m not sure attendance will be what it could be if the game was at a local venue, but maybe I’m wrong. There are tens of thousands of visitors here during the summer and the highlight for many is the All-Star game. I’m not sure that same number will want to head up to Boston to take in the summer classic.
There’s also the economic opportunity the game provides for the host town. All those people coming into town for the evening, often arriving early and taking in the sights as well as dining and shopping. Fenway makes enough money — I would like to see that revenue stay right here on the Cape.
But league officials are clearly closer to the subject than I am and may have insights far beyond my level of understanding.
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