The Cape’s rich heritage of public libraries and independent bookstores has not escaped the notice of one bestselling author who frequently visits friends on the Cape and will soon give a talk here. “I’m particularly struck by how many thoughtful readers of books seem to live in the towns of Cape Cod,” Andrew Dubus III said in an email interview last week. “I’m also struck by its volume of public libraries and...

First impressions of Rob Sennott, the retired publisher of The Barnstable Patriot who died last week at 74, were lasting. He looked as tall and solid as a New York skyscraper, and his deep voice echoed the rumble of the city's subway. When wife Toni and he arrived to take charge of one of New England's oldest weeklies, it was as if the Chrysler Building had settled its Art Deco eminence in a much flatter lands...

Everyone probably has a list of people they wish they could thank over and over again; people who made a difference in their lives, helped them through troubled times and eased their way. I am fortunate that my list is long, filled with mentors and advisors, family and friends that helped me find the right paths to walk when all seemed dark and foggy. As a young child missing my dad after my parents split up, ...

How does an author write nearly 90 books? That’s an average of almost two each year, if you consider that Martin W. Sandler of Cotuit did not publish his first book until he was in his 30s. The answer is that, in addition to having loads of talent, Sandler writes for nine hours a day, seven days a week, in his office, which is on the second floor of his home. During an interview in his sunny living room las...

Chatham Elementary School Each month, students and staff at Chatham Elementary School come together to celebrate their collective successes, efforts, and community spirit, as part of the school’s PBIS program (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). These celebrations are called Proud To Be A Shark events, and the activities range from student performances to special guests. To honor National Poetr...

When I was a kid back in the '60s, my mother bought a set of humorous, supposedly motivational, posters she stuck up around the house. One had Uncle Sam pointing at my younger sister and me from the bathroom mirror telling us he wanted YOU to put the cap back on the toothpaste tube. He also pointedly wanted us to pick up our rooms.  There was a poster reminding us to put away our clothes and one telling us ...

“This show is what our theater is all about,” said Nina Schuessler, producing artistic director of the West Harwich theater and director of this show, as she welcomed the opening night audience. And she’s right, the Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre and “Tuck Everlasting” are a pair that are sure to embrace full houses this spring. The play, based on the book by Natalie Babbitt adapted by Mark J. Fr...

An event that has become an ongoing part of the Cape’s musical calendar essentially without benefit of advertising or publicity beyond word of mouth, and that has raised thousands of dollars to benefit local human service agencies, is returning to Brewster on Wednesday, April 10. Now in its 15 th year, the Full Moon Open Mic, the creation of Orleans resident and musician David Roth, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. ...

When my children were young there was a song on Sesame Street that they sang incessantly. I don’t remember all the words, but it started with the line, “Sing, sing a song…” and I find myself humming, if not singing, that simple ear worm of a tune at this time of year. Spring is the time for singing in the natural world. One could argue that singing comes to all as naturally as breathing. It’s probably not too ...

Organization Marking 40 th Year In the state of Massachusetts almost one in three women has experienced rape, physical violence, and stalking by a partner. Nearly 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men have been the victims of non-rape sexual assault. In 2008 domestic violence was declared a public health emergency in the state. These facts, courtesy of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, are...

What if you had the option of living forever—would you choose to do so? That is one of the questions posed by the play “Tuck Everlasting” that will be performed at the Cape Cod Theatre Company, Home of the Harwich Junior Theatre, on weekends from March 29 to April 20. “I love the story of ‘Tuck Everlasting,’” says the play’s producer and director Nina Schuessler, who has also served for 23 years as the comp...

March and April may be spring months in other areas but here they tend to be more of a teaser than a pleaser. One day is cold and snowy and the next is balmy and bright. I never know which clothes to wear or throw in the car. I do know that putting my hat and gloves away too soon will not be to my advantage. Just this past week we’ve had a little bit of beautiful weather full of singing birds and blooming croc...