☀ Magnetic pull on lobster worries

In partnership with

Good morning Cape Cod. This is The Cape Coddah, the weekly newsletter that’s as sweet as this second September summer.

In this week’s Cape Coddah:

• Tommy’s Place for kids battling cancer

• Lifeguard reflects on 40 years

• Events and live music

  
  Let’s get to it.

THE DIGEST

Will new law turn the housing tide? 🏠

The Affordable Homes Act promises to inject $5.16 billion into housing across Mass over five years. At a ceremony held at the former Governor Prence Inn in Orleans, state reps were giddy over this landmark legislation.

The Act aims to create, preserve, or rehab 65,000 housing units statewide. For Cape Cod, where the median home price hits $800,000, it offers hope. The bill includes provisions for affordable rentals, homeownership opportunities, and allows accessory dwelling units by right.

Orleans' Governor Prence redevelopment project was highlighted as a model. While the Cape's housing crisis isn't new, local officials see the Act as a chance to make significant progress, provided towns partner wisely with developers.

State leaders emphasized that implementing the bill is now the priority, viewing it as a crucial step in addressing Massachusetts' longstanding housing challenges. Read the full story.

A word from our sponsor

Magnetic pull on lobster worries 🦞

BOEM's upcoming Gulf of Maine wind lease auctions are causing quite the buzz - and not just from the turbines. Lobstermen worry about potential impacts of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from undersea cables on lobster migration and reproduction. However, scientists say current evidence doesn't show major issues but call for more research.

Key studies found subtle behavioral changes in lobsters near existing cables, but no significant migration barriers. Ongoing surveys in New England will monitor lobster populations before and after turbine installations. One lab study showed high-intensity EMFs could affect larval lobsters, but used much stronger fields than expected from wind farm cables.

Researchers stress the need for continued studies as cable sizes and numbers increase with offshore wind development. They aim to address fishermen's concerns while supporting the transition to green energy. Read the full story.

Cape haven for young cancer patients 🩺

Tommy's Place in Falmouth offers a special getaway for kids battling cancer. Founded by Tim O'Connell, it provides vacation homes where young patients and their families can escape the stress of treatment.

This week, five-year-old leukemia patient Olivia Ennis won their lottery to stay at the Falmouth house. The property features rooms designed to let kids be kids, from a movie theater to a Taylor Swift-themed space.

O'Connell's inspiration came after lending his Martha's Vineyard property to a patient's family. Tommy's Place now operates a second home in Centerville, extending their mission to provide moments of joy for families facing tough battles. Read the full story.

@THECAPECODDAH

📸 @mycapecod25 | 📍 Sandy Neck Beach

Tag @thecapecoddah to get your photos in the Coddah!

Veteran life guard still making waves 🌊

Gordon Miller, a 63-year-old lifeguard, has spent 40 years safeguarding Cape Cod's beaches. Originally from rural Tennessee, Miller found his calling on the coast after first seeing the ocean at 19.

Overseeing 20 lifeguards across three National Seashore beaches, Miller's always on alert, even off-duty. His philosophy background informs his approach to the job, which he sees as more than just rescues - it's about being a role model, especially for young Black beachgoers.

Miller notes how great white sharks have changed beach dynamics, with deep water rescues becoming rare. Despite his age, he has no plans to retire, aiming to return for his 41st season next May. Read the full story.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Freshroll doubles down in Mashpee 🍣

Freshroll, the Asian street food joint just opened its second Mashpee location, right in the heart of Mashpee Commons. Mashpee locals Channa and Chhay Chou are the folks behind the counter, dishing out family recipes from their Cambodian roots.

The menu's packed with veggie-friendly options like fresh rolls stuffed with green apple and avocado, plus sushi, soups, and noodle bowls. They're even pouring out boba tea for those looking for a sweet sip.

The Commons owners are pretty stoked about their new tenant, seeing Freshroll as a tasty addition to their health-conscious offerings. Read the full story.

CIVIL NEWS

Cape’s quiet primary day 🗳

Cape Cod saw low voter turnout for the state primary, with only about 20-27% of registered voters participating across towns. Morning voting was slow as molasses, with poll workers often outnumbering voters.

Key results include:

- Thomas Moakley led Arielle Faria in the Democratic race for state representative of Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties.

- Republican Mathew Muratore held a slim lead over Kari MacRae for state senate in Barnstable and Plymouth.

- All four candidates for Barnstable Board of Regional Commissioners will advance to the general election.

- U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren won her primary easily, while John Deaton emerged victorious in the Republican senate primary.

Clerks noted the slow start, with some attributing it to the convenience of mail-in voting. Read the full story.

PET OF THE WEEK

👋 Meet: Teddy
🐾 Labrador Retriever
🎂 1 years old
♀︎ Male
Available to adopt at MSCPA-Cape Cod

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Friday

• 2024 Eastham Windmill Weekend (Fri-Sun)

• MEG4N: Unauthorized Musical Parody @ The Art House, P-town

• Line Dancing w/ Salty Boots @ CC Beer, Hyannis

• The 39 Steps @ The Cape Playhouse, Dennis

• Annual Nickerson Family Reunion @ Orleans Rd, N. Chatham

Saturday

• Seaside LeMans, S. Yarmouth

• Daniel Meservey Sr. Memorial Car Show @ Chatham VFW

• Antique Auto Show & Picnic @ Cataumet Schoolhouse, Bourne

• Click! Photography Conference @ CCCC, W. Barnstable

• Ice Cream Social @ W. Yarmouth Library (1:30-2:30)

• Poetry Slam @ Hyannis Public Library (2:15-3:45)

• Movie Matinee: Belfast @ Brewster Ladies Library (2-4)

• Family Arts Festival @ Cape Symphony, W. Barnstable

• Chatham Fall Craft Festival @ Chatham Community Center (Sat & Sun)

• Island Queen Sunset Cruise @ Falmouth Heights Rd, Falmouth

• Comedy Night @ Skippy’s Pier One, Yarmouth

Sunday

• Sandy Paws Rescue Meet n’ Greet @ Naukabout, Mashpee

• Climate Change Trail Walk @ Woods Hole

• Rededication of 1928 Memorial Arch @ Thacher Hall, Yarmouth

• 1st Annual Dance Festival @ Cotuit Center for the Arts

Live Music 🎸

Friday

• Adam Hanna @ CC Winery, E. Falmouth (4 PM)

• Barry Hynes @ The Sand Dollar, S. Dennis (5 PM)

• Ry My @ Perks Beer Garden, Harwich (5 PM)

• Chris LeBeau @ CC Coffee, Mashpee (6 PM)

• On the Rocks @ Grumpy’s Pub, Falmouth (6 PM)

• The Skivvies @ The Art House, P-town (6:30 PM)

• Walk of Shame @ Tomatillos, Sandwich (7 PM)

• A Night at the Movies @ Lucas Hall, W. Falmouth, (7 PM)

• Sol y Canto @ Cultural Center of CC, S. Yarmouth (7:30)

• Mr. Gotcha @ The Lanes Bowl & Bistro, Mashpee (8:30)

• Phelix’s Yacht Rock @ The Sand Dollar S. Dennis (8:30)

• Karaoke @ Jack Rooney’s, Harwich Port (8:30)

Saturday

• Liam & Johnny @ CC Winery, E. Falmouth

• Cobb’s Hill Concert Series @ Unitarian Church of Barnstable (5 PM)

• Josh Friedman @ Perks Beer Garden, Harwich (5 PM)

• The BUZZTONES @ The Pilot House, Sandwich (8-11)

• Jose James @ Payomet PAC, Truro (7 PM)

Sunday

• The Invincible Casuals @ Wellfleet Beachcomber (5-7:30)

• Tom Rush @ Payomet PAC, Truro (5 PM)

• Cla da Bossa Nova @ CC MOA, Dennis (4 PM)

• Music without Borders @ Unitarian Universalist, P-town (5 PM)

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

If Your Appliances are Dirty They Aren’t Cleaning Anything!

• Let the viral ACTIVE cleaning tablets do the hard work for you!

• ACTIVE cleaning tablets clean, descale, deodorize, and protect your investment!

• These tablets Work! Just see the over 140,000 Five Star reviews on Amazon!

Save 20% on ACTIVE Tablets!

WEATHER

Friday

76 🌡️ 61 | 🌤 | 💧0% | 💨 NE 9 mph

Saturday

71 🌡️ 59 | 🌤 | 💧 25% | 💨 W 9 mph

Sunday

73 🌡️ 55 | ☀ | 💧 9% | 💨 NW 15 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 67ºF

LISTING OF THE WEEK

47 W Yarmouth Rd, W. Yarmouth, MA
Asking $649,000
4 🛌
2 🛀
1,326 square feet
0.82 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 a lifeguard.