As news about the coronavirus pandemic dominates the airwaves and new cases are discovered here on Cape Cod, many of us, sheltering in our homes, have taken to reading as a comfort and a pastime. As of last week, Yellow Umbrella Books was still open for business, although by press time it may be shuttered. “We’re going on a day-to-day basis to see what we can do,” owner Eric Linder said in a telephone intervie...

Almost every day I walk outdoors. Many of the places I walk are places I return to again and again for different reasons. Some are simply close by and easy choices when time is tight. Some are seasonal. I have my favorite spots for watching for spring migrants and I know where I’ll often find the first blooming mayflowers. There’s a spot where brown creepers sing and a place where big black racers stretch o...

During the COVID-19 emergency, public health officials are encouraging people to enjoy time outdoors, as long as they’re still observing social distancing precautions. But let’s face it...how many walks around the neighborhood can a person take? Enter Geocaching, the outdoor treasure hunt that allows users to explore conservation areas and other public lands, stretching their legs and exercising their brains. ...

Keeping kids both occupied and happy when everyone is stuck at home is a challenge. Even when distance learning kicks in on Monday, there will still be more many hours of the day to fill. Here are some activities, tips and websites for families to consider as they face the prospect of not only days, but weeks of confinement. Get Outdoors While it's best to avoid meeting up with more than a couple people, ...

WEST CHATHAM – Social isolation doesn't necessarily mean staying inside. In fact, getting outside for some fresh air and exercise is an important part of staying well during this current crisis. If you're tired of walking the same beaches and roadways, maybe it's time to explore a new location. The conservation department recently upgraded the little-known Star Bog Conservation Area. Tucked in a residential...

HARWICH – The spring productions of Monomoy Regional High School drama are always a big deal, but their 2020 show might be one of their biggest yet. In less than a week (March 18) a talented cast of singing thespians will bring to life Victor Hugo's timeless tale “Les Mis é rables.” Fans of the show are well versed in the story of convict Jean Valjean, imprisoned for thieving a loaf of bread, who finds himself...

Broadway musical revues can be a popular choice for local theaters and their patrons, with most focusing on the “oldies but goodies.” In the Academy of Performing Arts’ original and brand-new show “Broadway: Then and Now,” first-time director Terrence Brady refreshingly focuses on some newer hits from current Broadway sell-out shows like “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” Some of our readers might remember Bra...

The Chatham Orpheum is expanding its selection of unique cinema with the inception of a new series of films, this one spotlighting local filmmakers and their creations. “There’s always been a creative community on Cape Cod, and we’re excited to finally be able to showcase all these local films and the talent behind them on our big screen,” said Geoff Bassett, operations manager of the theater, who is also assi...

HARWICH – When members of Monomoy Regional High School's Political Action Club attended the Iowa Caucus at the beginning of February, a woman suggested that the students hold their own caucus at school upon their return. Realizing they could make it happen, club members, under the tutelage of teacher John Dickson and with the permission of Principal Bill Burkhead, organized the school's first Mock Caucus for s...

To surf year-round on Cape Cod is to see things differently than many others. Most others. Temperate though our little sandbar may be, this is still New England in winter. Very cold water. “I'm just finishing up a call from Canada.” That's Marc Angelillo of Orleans, globe trotting brand ambassador and year-round Cape Cod surfer. Angelillo estimates there are no more than three dozen hardcores who brave Cape...

March is here and all our little and big springtime dreams are marching right along beside her, if not ahead of her, straight into our imaginations. Thoughts of gardens fill our heads as we gaze out upon dreary landscapes, and all the sprouting that’s going on isn’t helping keep that at bay. Unless you live under a brick basket, you know that all over the world people are trying to make sane choices about ...

As a guidance counselor at Monomoy Regional High School, Sean Burke spends a fair amount of time helping students decide what college they want to attend. A day at WaterWORKS changed some of the conversations to what they want to go to college for. The career day, designed to introduce students to all manner of professions in and around the “Blue Economy,” also prompted another shift in thinking. Burke said...