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- ☀️ Gov visit, grandparents & living on the edge
☀️ Gov visit, grandparents & living on the edge
Plus: Your guide to fresh seafood
Good morning Cape Cod. This is The Cape Coddah, the weekly newsletter that’s like that first sip of morning coffee—smooth, awakening and rich with flavor.
In this week’s Cape Coddah:
Cape kids raised by grandparents
Animals rescued in Harwich
Events and live music
Let’s get to it.
THE DIGEST
Hard ice cream and harder questions 🍦
Governor Maura Healey's visit to Four Seas, the historic Cape ice cream shop turned contentious when she was confronted by protesters troubled by offshore wind projects. The protesters voiced concerns about three wind farms planned for Barnstable, with worries about beach damage, high-voltage cables, and threats to the water supply.
Healey defended the projects, emphasizing the need for renewable energy and assuring residents of the transmission lines' safety. The governor also faced questions about housing issues and migrant policies, highlighting the unique challenges facing Cape communities.
Despite the tense exchange, Healey committed to continuing the conversation and pointed to potential benefits like a $42.3 million renewable energy project for Barnstable High School. Read the full story.
“Grandfamilies” on the rise 📈
Carla Koehl, executive director of the Cape Cod Foster Closet, uncovered a startling statistic: one in ten children on the Cape and Islands is being raised by grandparents, far exceeding state and national averages. This phenomenon, often hidden due to social isolation and shame associated with parental drug abuse, poses unique challenges for these "grandfamilies."
Many grandparents face financial strain and lack access to resources typically available to foster parents. The Cape Cod Foster Closet is working to address these issues by providing supplies and developing a helpline to connect grandparents with support services. This situation challenges the perception of Cape Cod as a wealthy retiree haven, highlighting a pressing need for tailored social services to support these multigenerational families. Read the full story.
Living on the edge 🌊
David Moot recently purchased a beachfront Eastham cottage for $395,000, a bargain basement price. The catch? The house sits just 25 feet from an eroding cliff, and will likely be claimed by the sea within a decade.
Rising sea levels and more intense storms are threatening billions of dollars worth of oceanfront property. Scientists predict that within 50 to 100 years, some coastal communities may be underwater. In Nantucket, the shoreline is receding by up to 12 feet annually.
For now, new owners like Moot are enjoying their slice of paradise, knowing it comes with an expiration date. This situation raises important questions about the future of coastal real estate and how we'll adapt to a changing climate. Read the full story.
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📸 @tjasaowen | 📍 Wellfleet
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Stanley Cup Visits Brewster 🏒
The Stanley Cup made a special appearance on the Cape over the weekend, thanks to Paul Fenton and his son P.J., both members of the Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers. Paul, a Springfield native and former NHL player, is now Senior Advisor to the General Manager for the Panthers. P.J., following in his father's footsteps, played for Cathedral High School and UMass-Amherst before becoming a scout for the Panthers.
The Fentons celebrated their victory with family and friends at Captain's Golf Course in Brewster, partaking in the traditional drinking from the Cup. This visit brought a touch of hockey glory to Massachusetts, albeit in Panthers colors rather than the familiar Bruins' black and gold. Read the full story.
AROUND THE CAPE 🗞️
It’s going to be fun to stay at the YMCA in Falmouth.
NBA Championship trophy makes appearance at Cape wedding.
19-year-old charged with OUI in deadly crash on Sagamore bridge.
Would you stay in a Rice Krispies themed hotel room?
Pete the Peacock back home safe after a strut around town.
Chatham Bars Inn takes #1 in list of best waterfront hotels.
Cape woman gives birth in Cape traffic.
LOCAL BUSINESS
From boat to table 🎣
Cape Cod offers many options for seafood lovers looking to purchase fresh catch directly from local fishermen. Here's a guide to some of the best sources:
1. Scallop Boats: Poor Boy Fisheries and Midnight Our are popular scallop boats that sell their catch directly to consumers.
2. Lobsters: In West Yarmouth, Jon Tolley sells freshly caught lobsters from his home at 23 Iroquois Blvd, typically from 4-6 pm.
3. Oysters and Quahogs: Big Rock Oyster is a wholesaler where locals can purchase fresh oysters and quahogs.
4. Fish Markets:
- The Chatham Fish Cooperative offers flash-frozen fish caught at sea, with pickups available mid-to-outer Cape.
- Macs Seafood has multiple locations known for fresh products.
- Andreas Fish Market in West Yarmouth will steam lobsters for free.
- Friendly Fisherman's in Eastham is known for its fish market and restaurant.
5. Farmers Markets: Some fishermen sell their catch at local farmers markets. The Bass River Farmers Market is one option.
6. Online Orders: The "Lockdown Seafood Cartel" Facebook group offers weekly fish orders with pickups in Brewster or Wellfleet.
For those interested in exploring more options, the Massachusetts retail boat lookup service can provide additional information on local fishing boats selling directly to consumers.
THE ISLANDS ⛴️
Some Tisbury residents not feeling the proposed boat yard.
31-year-old man died nearby Ladies Beach last Saturday.
Here’s where to find bioluminescence in Nantucket.
Oak Bluffs looking for a new source of high quality H2O.
Karberg resigns position as Nantucket Airport manager.
Your guide to this year’s MV Ag Fair.
CIVIL NEWS
Animals rescued from Harwich home 🚨
The Animal Rescue League of Boston, in collaboration with local cops, conducted a animal rescue operation in Harwich. More than 20 animals of various species were removed from a home on Queen Anne Road as part of an ongoing investigation. The operation involved the ARL’s Law Enforcement Department, Harwich Police Department, and Dennis Animal Control.
While details of the investigation remain confidential, officials stated that the rescued animals require different levels of care. The Animal Rescue League's veterinary and shelter staff are now working to ensure the animals' safety and well-being. Read the full story.
PET OF THE WEEK

👋 Meet: Skippy
🐾 Chinese Sharpei
🎂 4 years old
♀︎ Male
Available to adopt at MSCPA-Cape Cod
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Friday
Pop-Up Native Plant Market @ Chatham Community Center
53rd Annual Festival for the Arts @ CC Creative Arts, Chatham (Fri-Sun)
Cemetery Walking Tour @ Falmouth Museum on the Green
Lucky 13 FACB @ Cultural Center of CC, S. Yarmouth
Art in the Park-Oars in the Stores @ Kate Gould Park, Chatham
Saturday
CC RailFan Day @ CC Central RR, Hyannis
Donate & Declutter @ W Parish Family School, W. Barnstable
CraftFest Cotuit @ Cotuit Federated Church
Red River Beach Fires @ Red River Beach, Harwich
Buzzards Bay Food Truck Fest @ MA Maritime Academy
30th Annual Blast from Past Car Show @ Patriot Square, S. Dennis
Wampanoag Heritage Day @ Heritage Museums, Sandwich
33rd Annual Falmouth Walk @ Town Hall Square, Falmouth
Mermaid Festival @ Calhoon MOAA, Falmouth
Comedian Christine Hurley @ Sea Crest Beach Hotel, N. Falmouth
Family Movie Afternoon @ Sandwich Public Library
Sea Star Olympic Games @ CC Children’s Museum, Mashpee
Sunday
Feet over Front Street 5K @ Harbor Hotel, Provincetown
Shark Art CC @ Mashpee Commons
Live Music 🎸
Friday
KC & the Sunshine Band @ CC Melody Tent, Hyannis
Art Ensemble of CC @ Devil’s Purse Brewing, S. Dennis
Northern Lights Music @ Oliver’s Planck Tavern, Yarmouth Port
Super Soulshine @ Hog Island Beer, Orleans
Whiskey Princess @ Smith Family Beer Garden, Hyannis
Saturday
2nd Annual Outer Cape Music Festival, Eastham (Sat & Sun)
Cruel Summer (T-Swift Tribute) @ Naukabout, Mashpee
Kerosene Heater Band @ O’Shea’s, W. Dennis
Ashley McBryde @ CC Melody Tent, Hyannis
Littlestar @ Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit
Sumertime Jazz with Mozelle @ Wellfleet Preservation Hall
Woods Hole Cantana Consort @ Church of the Messiah, WH
Grab Brothers @ Hog Island Beer, Orleans
The Leafy Greens @ Smith Family Beer Garden, Hyannis
Sunday
The Late Bloomers @ CC Winery, E. Falmouth
Cape Symphony Orchestra @ CC Melody Tent, Hyannis
The Invincible Casuals @ Wellfleet Preservation Hall
Matt Nakoa Band @ Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit
Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.
WEATHER
Friday
75 🌡️ 64 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 E 6 mph
Saturday
77 🌡️ 66 | 🌥️ | 5% | 💨 SE 7 mph
Sunday
76 🌡️ 65 | 🌥️ | 16% | 💨 ESE 9 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 68ºF
LISTING OF THE WEEK
470 River View Dr., Chatham, MA
Asking $875,000
4 🛌
3 🛀
2,353 square feet
0.91 acre lot
Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading The Cape Coddah today. If you found something useful or entertaining, please share it with someone who loves fresh seafood.