Cinco de Mayo Celebration Unites Community

For the first time in history, a celebration was held in honor of Cinco de Mayo in nearby Daleman. "New England is becoming more diverse, and this is reflective of that," said organizer Maria Diaz, a 3rd generation American who says she's lived in Daleman all her life, and was thrilled to finally share the festivities with fellow Latino-Americans. In organizing the festival, Diaz says she has the Internet to thank. Though it is growing, there isn't a large Latin community in Daleman, but Diaz didn't let that deter her from organizing the event. She emailed other Latino friends and had them email their friends and eventually formed the New England Latino-American Webring. Through that, they were able to get the word out. People came from all over New England to partake in the festivities, and the results were well worth the effort!

The Prom is a pivotal moment in the life of any teenager, but Capeside High managed to up the stakes of this rite of passage this year by holding it on a beautiful yacht and taking the senior class out to sea! The results were a stunning success. A record percentage (94%) of seniors turned out for the prom, many curious to see what a shipboard prom experience would be like. Even a few CHS alumni showed up to join younger dates at the prom, including Warren Geary ('00) who accompanied his date Mary Beth Dennis, and Gretchen Witter ('98) who accompanied Dawson Leery. The experience is one most seniors say they'll never forget, as the nostalgic moments begin to pile up as Capeside High winds toward graduation on May 16th.

Congratulations are in order for Mitch and Gale Leery, who welcomed her daughter Lillian into the world on April 25, 2001. Lilly weighs 8 lbs., 6 ounces, and is named after Gale's friend Lillian Potter who passed away some years ago. It is the second child for Mitch and Gale; their son Dawson will be graduating from Capeside High this year. Capesiders might remember Mrs. Leery from her days as a local television journalist; Mitch Leery currently works as a football coach at CHS, and Gale now runs Leery's Fresh Fish, a popular local eatery. Welcome to the world, Lilly!

Senior Ditch Day is nothing short of a sacred tradition at Capeside High. And though the school, like most high schools, does not officially sanction the unofficial holiday, most students with acceptable attendance and grades, do not face consequences for "ditching." That prospect may change next year, if the Capeside Sheriff's Department has its way. Capeside Sheriff John Witter admits, "Sure, I took off Ditch Day way back when… but times are changing. Used to be you'd take the day off and go fishing, or head to the city, take in the sights… nowadays, that's not enough." According to the department, 18% of students participate in some type of illegal activity on Ditch Day, up 4% from last year, and 10% from the year before that. Such activities usually range from underage drinking and illegal drug use to so-called Scavenger Hunts that require players to steal public property such as street signs. "It is in the students' best interest to stay in school," affirms Sheriff Witter. The Department is still in talks with the school, so whether or not students will be able to take off "Ditch Day" in the future remains to be seen.

Capeside Sheriff John Witter has issued a warning to local bars and clubs in the Capeside area regarding upcoming "Ditch Day". The message? Likelier than not, seniors will be taking the day off, and at least some of them will seize the opportunity to put those fake IDs to use. "Ditch Day is up there with St. Patrick's Day and New Year's for the highest numbers of bars cited for serving alcohol to minors," said Sheriff Witter. He advised that the owners of the establishment are responsible for making sure their staff is educated on how to identify a false driver's license or other identification. "You'd be surprised how many people don't even compare the photo ID to the person holding it," Witter explained, "and 9 out of 10 fake IDs are actually someone else's real ID - all they have to do is look at the person holding it and see if it's the same person." Although students can technically be picked up for skipping school on Ditch Day, it is not common practice to do so unless they are caught breaking the law during their time off.

Arts Center Serves Vital Purpose

The Capeside Community Arts Center, which has been used in the past as a place for teens and adults to experience art in the form of galleries, performances, and classes - but this week, the CCAC has opened a Children's Workshop, which operates during the afternoon hours between 3 and 6 PM. "It's great for parents," said one happy mom at the opening day festivities, "because you're not just dropping the kids off at the sitter's after school." Many agree. As concerns grow that with the economic recession, funding for children's arts programs will fall by the wayside, the time was ripe for such an idea to come to fruition. Participating children will be provided with a well-rounded arts education in areas including sculpting, painting, drama, dance, music, and more. The Center will foster existing talents and help the children to find their "niche" - an area they enjoy and would like to focus in. And as for the kids… we asked one kindergartener her favorite part… Her response? "Fingerpainting!"

A.I. Brooks, the reclusive filmmaker who recently surfaced in Capeside, which became his final resting place, was honored today when the city council voted to rename Tennessee Avenue "Brooks Avenue." The late filmmaker was best known for his films "Turn Away My Sweet," and "A Kiss Before Midnight." The city council said that although he has no family members to present the honor to, they will still hold a small ceremony to commemorate the name change for any who wish to attend. Close friend and Capeside High senior Dawson Leery said he was thrilled to hear that at least, after death, Mr. Brooks was awarded "some modicum of the respect he had earned in his lifetime."

Water Worries

Are you concerned about the safety our local drinking water? With the release of the movie "Erin Brockovich," a story which centered around the legal issues of high levels of Chromium 6 found in the water supply of Hinkley, California, there has been increasing public concern about the safety of water everywhere… including right here in Capeside. The chromium levels in Capeside's water supply have always been well below the established limit . But testing methods have improved, and a new test was run for Chromium 6, specifically, and as anticipated, the levels were recorded as negligible. So you can rest assured, Capeside drinking water is, and always has been, safe. If you have questions about this issue, call the Capeside Water Quality office.

It's tourist season again in Capeside, but tourists expecting to spend Spring Break chilling out on Capeside's beach had hoped not to be chilling quite so literally. The recent Nor'easter took both locals and tourists by surprise, and those who were hoping to catch the spring thaw here saw their vacation plans fade as sightseeing buses stayed parked to wait out the storm and beaches were closed for fear of possible flooding. Said one traveler, "I knew it would probably still be cold, but I didn't think it would be snowing in March!" Another vowed, "Next year I'm definitely going to Florida." In spite of the inclement weather, tourism is at an all time high. Hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts are filled to capacity and local shopkeepers say they're doing well by selling out on cold-weather items such as boots, sweatshirts, and jackets. Still, the tourists and the townies all seem to agree on one thing… we're ready for spring!

Capeside officials signed into law today a bill which stipulates that using cell phones while driving is illegal within Capeside City Limits. Supporters say the bill will help prevent the growing number of traffic accidents which have increased with the popularity of cell phones, while opponents claim cell phones have been unfairly scapegoated. The bill also does not make separate provisions for speaker phones or headsets, and it is unclear at this point whether such devices will be considered illegal or not. One resident who favors the bill said, "It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction. People shouldn't talk on the phone while they're driving. Period." But another Capeside resident had a different view. "It's unfair," she complained, "because it doesn't address people who eat, put on makeup, read, or talk to their friend in the seat next to them while driving. And where do you draw the line. If a person is distracted while driving, that's a danger no matter what the cause. And if a person can drive and talk safely, they shouldn't be punished for the offenses of other more careless drivers."

The Daleman mall, closed for renovations for over a year, has finally reopened its doors, to the relief of many a mall patron, since the entire Cape Cod region isn't exactly known for its shopping plazas. Though most residents agree they prefer the relative dearth of multiplexes and chain stores because it keeps the old New England flavor to the town and keeps tourism up for people who come to escape such modern conveniences. But the closure of the mall at Daleman has reminded locals of late of the inconvenience of this old fashioned lifestyle. "I had to schlep all the way to Providence just to buy my kid designer jeans," lamented one Mom. New mall hours will be 10 am - 8 pm Monday through Friday, 10-9 Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday.

This year's senior trip for Capeside High was intended to be a ski trip - an excursion to a nearby winter wonderland. But the seniors got a little more winter than they bargained for when they ended up snowed in just outside Glidden - and they were forced to spend the night there instead of at the planned ski resort location! Fortunately, there is no shortage of skiing in this particular locality - so the senior trip festivities are able to continue pretty much as planned. Reports say they will be returning to Capeside on schedule as well. We hope they're all having a blast!

Every week, the library at Jordan Junior High School fills with young faces. Not all that unusual for a junior high school - except it's not Monday morning. Or Tuesday morning. In fact, it's Saturday! And most of the kids aren't old enough to even attend junior high. So why are they there? The volunteer-run Inner City Reading Council is providing workshops for kids who are not reading at the appropriate grade level. "Illiteracy is a growing problem," comments Tobey, a high school senior and one of many volunteers who spends his weekend nights helping teach kids to read, "we need to do everything we can to get these kids not only to be able to read, but to learn to love it." A noble goal!

Many a head turned at City Hall yesterday when they saw the seventeen 7th graders from Mrs. Glenn's English class at Jordan Junior High. No, they hadn't committed any crime - in fact, just the opposite. The students were at City Hall to receive a commendation from the Mayor for their Martin Luther King, Jr. Day project. In memory of Dr. King, students were asked to each write their own "I Have a Dream" speeches. At a school assembly, each student read a speech that reflected the values of nonviolence, peace, and civil rights that Dr. King espoused. Their speeches made such an impression that the Mayor decided to honor the students for their efforts in continuing the work of a man who the Mayor described as, "one of the greatest leaders of our time." The "dream" speeches can currently be seen posted in the halls of Jordan Junior High.

In a small town like Capeside, it's not every day that the big folks from Hollywood show up in town. But a little-known fact is that just one such individual has always called Capeside his home! A.I. Brooks, well-known years ago for such films as "Die, Die My Sweet" and others. Though he has lived in relative obscurity for the past 20 years or so, teen filmmaker Dawson Leery has begun work on a documentary on Brooks' life. He hopes the documentary will "make more people aware of what a talented man we have right here in Capeside." Perhaps Brooks isn't done making movies after all!

They say there's no place like it! And apparently, most New Englanders agree… as proven by the ever-present traffic jams up and down I-95 as the "season" approaches. Over Thanksgiving weekend, for instance, traffic was bottlenecked from the Throgs Neck Bridge all the way to Providence! Though traffic was 30% slower than last year, there were fewer injury accidents reported - 21 as compared with 56 last Thanksgiving. But as the end of the year approaches, police are gearing up for more traveler headaches. "Everybody's always going someplace else," asserts Deputy Doug Witter, "people going out of town, people coming into town… which equals disaster on the roads." And for those planning air travel, that can be even worse. Flights are delayed by an average of 1 ½ to 2 hours - and wintery weather often leaves travelers stranded in crowded airline hubs far from their final destination. Best advice for travelers? When flying by plane, plan as few stopovers as possible - that way you're less likely to wind up stranded in Chicago on your way to California! And if you're going to be on the road… bring some good music, and leave plenty of extra time!

Events at a recent so-called "rave" have brought to light new issues we would like to think Capeside is immune to - the dangers of illegal drug parties. The concept of a "rave" is not exactly new. For years, city officials have struggled unsuccessfully to handle the growing problem of such events. Late at night groups of teens gather in underground basements, in out of the way warehouses, in abandoned buildings to experiment with drugs and dance or "bounce" to a pulsating electronic rhythm without thinking about the consequences of such debauchery. Well, Capesiders learned a lesson in all-too-real consequences when one student whose name we won't print here, fell victim to a drug overdose, leaving her classmates to ponder such actions. Sheriff John Witter is investigating the incident, but he says "police intervention rarely puts a stop to these types of parties..." Maybe the lessons learned here in Capeside will.

While most Capesiders spend Thanksgiving close to home, in the past few years there have been increasing numbers of tourists and locals alike doing the Turkey Day unthinkable - dining out! And while in the past, many of our local restaurants have closed for the holiday, full books of reservations indicate that this year is going to be different. Local establishments remaining open for the holiday include The Bass (hey, if Turkey's not your thing, perhaps fresh seafood is!), Entre Nous (for some "Merci"-giving!), and Barry's Bar & Grille for a traditional feast! Noticeably absent from the list is Leery's Fresh Fish, but owner Gale Leery says "Dining out has become the norm for us here... We wanted to have a special Thanksgiving just with our family this year." Makes sense to us! And one more thing… Dunkin' Donuts has announced they will be open 24 hours as per usual, even during the Thanksgiving holiday. So if you're nodding off after all that poultry, and you're craving some coffee & sugar…you know where to go!

Hey... was that Frankenstein? Nope! Just our esteemed Principal Peskin dressed up for Capeside High's annual Haunted High event, sponsored by the CHS Community Club. The event provides all sorts of Halloween scares, haunts, and costume contests, plus classroom to classroom trick-or-treating, providing kids ages 5-12 with a fun and safe Halloween experience, even if their parents are unable to accompany them. For the past 4 years, Haunted High has drawn a huge following, as parents don't have to worry about the many dangers nowadays facing trick-or-treating at strange houses. "It's not the same world we grew up in," says Peskin, "safety is now a big concern. Our hope is to provide safe grounds for the Halloween fun everyone should get a chance to enjoy." And as for the costume contest? Most original costume winner, Molly McCormack came dressed for the weather - so to speak. "Partly cloudy with a chance of rain," explains Molly when asked about her blue pajama ensemble, cotton ball belly, and watering can. Suffice to say, a good time was had by all.

The Capeside Youth Athletic League is off to a rousing start! With seven sports, 18 teams and a roster including some of Capeside's most promising young athletes, it's sure to be a phenomenal season. Though softball has finished up for this season, it will be gearing up again come this March, so be sure to sign up early. In the meantime, football has already begun at Capeside High as well as in the CYAL's new independent league. Soccer is just beginning, so get those applications in. We're still looking for a few good coaches for the boys', girls', and co-ed leagues, so interested parties should contact the league. Next up - swimming, followed by hockey and basketball. And with the softball league in spring also comes tennis! So don't delay! Participate in the best youth sports league in New England!

In spite of a lack of funding, Capeside high teens were undaunted in their quest to resuscitate the ailing Capeside High online newspaper, CapeNet. Last year, poor traffic and even poorer student reviews caused the paper to shut down in what they thought was a permanent agenda. However, Capeside students were not so willing to let go of their favorite site. They spent the summer combing Capeside for sponsors to help them with their cause, and put together an independent, revamped publication. But don't expect the same site you saw last year. "This is NOT your father's Capenet," said Jeremy James, a senior at Capeside High School and the editor in chief of the new CapeNet. "We no longer have the very restrictive school rules to answer to." Does this mean CapeNet's become Capeside's newest tabloid? "Not at all," says news editor Dawson Leery. "We're still a legitimate paper - we're just reporting the news from a student's perspective instead of from the teachers' perspectives." In addition, the school has opted to allow the students to continue to use the "capesidehigh.com URL" out of "fairness," according to Principal Peskin. "Since we are not using that domain at present, we decided to allow the kids to continue to use it, though we could not afford to provide them with funding this year." The revamped CapeNet launches on October 18th so be sure to bookmark the new site @ www.capesidehigh.com.

Time was when it was easy to tell a "tourist" from a "townie." They shopped differently than we did. (Well, they shopped!) They actually visited our historic monuments (bet you didn't know we had any!). Most of all, they mysteriously disappeared as summer drew to a close. But the summer of 2000 has come and gone, and some of those faces are still sticking around. Longtime resident Arthur Brooks blames the "urban crime and overcrowding. Those people just want to get out of the city!" And thanks to recent town renovations as well as such upscale hangouts as the Yacht Club (now open year round), such displaced city folks are finding it easier to make a home of our coastal hamlet. In the past two years, record number of displaced city folk hailing from everywhere from New York City to Providence to Boston, have moved in -- and it appears they're here to stay. "I think it's great -- it adds a little diversity to this place!" said local Gale Leery, who recently returned to her Capeside home after spending some time in Philadelphia. But Brooks disagrees. "They're gonna dirty up this place like they dirtied up the cities," says Brooks. Either way, it's sure to make for some interesting talk in town.

This year’s "Dive In" Event, sponsored by the New Rialto movie theater, was a treat for teens and adults alike! As the summer comes to a close, many turned out for this last chance at an evening on the beach, and the opportunity to watch, appropriately, Jaws on the big screen right above the ocean! Many teens and a few adults admitted to never having seen the movie and describe the event as an "unforgettable" experience. For others, like Capeside High senior Dawson Leery, the movie wasn't new, but the scenario was. "I've seen Jaws a few times," smiles Spielberg afficionado Leery, "but even I have never had a beachfront view of it!" The event drew in even more than the anticipated crowd, assuring its annual return, and proving there's a market in Capeside for such experimental events. If you missed out, be sure to check it out next year!

CAPESIDE SCHOOL BOARD BEING INVESTIGATED...

Supporters of 1999 -2000 CHS Principal Howard Green are being invited to attend a local meeting at the Church of the Nazarene this coming Monday night at 7:00 p.m. Off the heels of several School Board Members resignations, question is being raised as to whether a task force should be formed to investigate Mr. Green's sudden dismissal as CHS Principal this spring. When asked to comment, Principal Green only said that he still has fond memories of Capeside and would consider returning to work at CHS.

FOURTH OF JULY ON WALDECK ISLAND

Celebrate "Earth Day" every day! Did you know that helping the environment can not only be rewarding on its own merits, but can help you get to know your neighbors and best of all, help you save money! How? Join the Capeside Clean Air Project! Part of the City of Capeside's "environmental initiative," CAP is dedicated to helping Santa Monica residents improve their air and water quality -- and consequently their quality of life. By learning about recycling, composting, organic gardening and the various local environmental resources available, you too can be a part of the solution instead of the problem! The not-for-profit organization is looking for volunteers as well as full time staff members so get involved! It's YOUR city. Let's keep it clean and safe!

Capeside.net update

Well, springtime is here - and there's nothing like Spring in Capeside! And along with spring comes Spring Break, Passover, Easter, and perhaps most important of all: Spring Cleaning! OK, so maybe that's not the most "fun" part of spring. But think about it! Isn't it time to clean out those closets? Get the car washed? Scrub down the kitchen? But why are we more inclined to pursue these mundane tasks once the Vernal Equinox rolls around? We came up with several possible answers. One is the obvious - warm weather certainly makes it easier to get the garage in shape, and to take care of the garden… but you don't need warm weather to clear out the attic! Or do you…? Recent studies suggest that a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, which actually may, in small degree, affect the majority of the population. The principal behind SAD, is that sunlight provides us with a type of nourishment - something we can't get from anything else, which provides us with energy, and for some, happiness in and of itself. And in winter, we "shut down" to some degree. Almost like plants, we are dependent on the sun for our growth, and when we're subject to less solar exposure, our bodies suffer. So next time Mom insists you clean your room, don't look at the calendar - blame the sun!

Business is Booming!

For a while there, it looked like Capeside was headed the way of so many northeastern coastal tourist towns…they enjoy a period as the hottest stop on the New England tour, only to fall prey to overexposure, and economic meltdown. Usually this happens when travelers start to get a "been there, done that" feeling because a town has nothing new to offer. But this year, some major changes in town have kept us from falling victim to that fate. New restaurants like The Bass and Entre Nous have complemented new lodgings, such as Potter's Bed & Breakfast, and new establishments are sprouting up every day. Leery's Fresh Fish, for example, is scheduled to open any day now, and for the kids, the Capeside Arcade has reopened for business. This all bodes well, as we begin to approach the all important summer tourist season. Keep your fingers crossed, but this looks to be a prosperous one!

All in a Day's Work...

Reporter Sherry Eisler may not have been in this business long, but she sure has found her way around fast! Having worked her way up from her internship at WKWB News, Sherry learned the ins and outs of the news business fast, and her superiors were quick to pick up on her eager energy. "They told me they knew I was going to make it in this business," Eisler told us, "and their confidence helped boost mine!" Sherry credits her mentor, Gale Leery, with teaching her the fine points of news reporting. "Gale is such an inspiration to all of us hopeful young women out there trying to get into the business," says Eisler. "She certainly has come a long way," says Leery, former reporter and anchor of WKWB News. Sherry's reporting will hopefully begin to generate attention outside of Capeside, as her report on Principal Green's departure is likely to be picked up by some regional affiliates. We'll see, but if Sherry's past is any indication, there's nothing she can't do!

Controversy In Capeside?

The Northern Lights were an unusual phenomenon for Capeside…but some might say the throes of a controversy that pits parents against students, parents against each other, and students against each other is even more of a freak of nature for our fair haven. The controversy began when student Matt Caufield defaced, ironically, a Unity-inspired mural painted by junior Joey Potter, and was, for his actions, expelled. While many students felt the expulsion was justified, most parents saw it differently. Matt's father, Richard Caufield, one of Capeside's most well-known faces for his business ventures and his charitable contributions, claims the decision is one based more on politics than on "justice," and plans to make his voice heard. An emergency PTA meeting has been scheduled for this coming Wednesday night, and the parents are expected to demand that the school board seek Principal Green's resignation. How it will all turn out is uncertain, but undoubtedly the issues will divide the community for some time to come.

Capeside High has "Unity!"

Well, you saw it here first. Although many people were doubtful that high school students would be able to overcome their differences enough to share their deepest feelings in a public forum and "unify," they were proven wrong this week. Capeside High's "Unity Week" program has attracted local, even national attention for its bold approach to confronting the seeds of racism, homophobia, and other less publicized forms of prejudice. Principal Howard Green, new to Capeside High this year, stressed the importance of a student body that interacts with each other in a supportive and positive manner. "A lack of understanding of each other's differences breeds intolerance," said Green, "and intolerance breeds hatred. And what kind of learning environment is that?" Of course, we have yet to see whether the experiment will have lasting effects, but for the time being the response was overwhelmingly positive. Green added, "I hope Capeside High will emerge as a leader in this arena, creating a model for other schools in New England, and all around the country."

Northern Lights (& Capeside High) Put on a Show

Capesiders were treated to not one, but two spectacular performances tonight. One was the result of weeks of hard work by the students and faculty at Capeside High School, and the other, a miraculous act of nature usually reserved for our neighbors to the North. The Northern Lights, also known as the "Aurora Borealis" create a stunning and spectacular display produced by a high-vacuum electrical discharge and powered by interactions between the sun and earth. The light is glow from atoms and molecules in the atmosphere of the earth. Although the northern lights are normally only visible at very high latitudes, such as those found in Canada and Alaska, on extremely active days the auroral oval may expand to more southern latitudes. Hence those of us up late enough and paying close attention, were treated to a stunning display right outside their bedroom windows!

A display of a different kind was on stage at the Capeside Community Center, where Capeside High's rejuvenated Drama Club performed Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park to a packed and excited audience. The show was worth the anticipation - fine performances by lead actor Pacey Witter as well as supporting cast members Dave Facelli and Ann Glenn created a strong ensemble. The show was well directed by veteran CHS director Mr. Broderick. Cast members also were quick to credit his assistant director Andie McPhee for her work on the project as well. Kudos to all for a job well done!

A Welcome Change

Who says Capeside townies don't have a taste for fine food? Ever since the popular Ice House restaurant burned down last year, Capesiders have wandered Main Street in search of food, drink, and a pleasant atmosphere. Some feared that worst - that without the signature burgers, fries, and milkshakes, we would see a drop off in the average locals' dining out and instead opt for TV dinners at home. But we've proven naysayers wrong! In the absence of the oceanside burger joint, Capesiders have instead begun experimenting with fine dining, with such restaurants as The Bass and Entre Nous turning healthy profits, even during the tourists' "off-season." The Bass serves fresh seafood in a pleasant atmosphere, while Entre Nous provides a taste of Paris right here in Capeside! Don't forget to make reservations, as both restaurants are often booked up to several days in advance! And if you're just looking for a cup of coffee and sandwiches, Mollye's Café is still open for business!

GET READY FOR HOMECOMING!

They may have a ten year losing streak behind them, but the years of bad luck have not deterred Capeside High schoolers and football fans alike from getting out there and showing some Homecoming support for the Capeside High Minutemen every year… and it's getting to be that time! The game will take place this Saturday, followed of course by the coronation of this year's Homecoming King and Queen, who will have the honor of representing their high school at the Homecoming Parade down Main Street the following week! And of course, we'll be looking forward to seeing the results of this year's charity auction, sponsored by the Capeside High Cheerleading Squad. We're sure the captain of the squad will be anxious to "meet" this year's winner! Don't miss out on all the excitement… show your support for our local school sports at Capeside High this weekend! And who knows? With new coach Mitch Leery leading the team, this could be the year Capeside's luck turns around! "Go Minutemen!"