The Chatterbox

“Pops Goes the Summer” is on the horizon, as impossible as it may seem—just a week and a day away. In case, this may have slipped into the recesses of your mind, as it nearly did mine, this is a wakeup call for this annual crowd pleaser, which is expected to bring in the vicinity of 10,000 people. The concert is free and open to all, with attendees asked to bring blankets, beach chairs, and perhaps a picnic. Reserved seating, garden seating, and tables for groups of 10 may be purchased by calling the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce at 508-548-8500.  Garden seating is $20 and provides access to preferred viewing and the ability to purchase beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the night. Tables start at $450 and many options are available. Gates will open at 5 PM. Broadway artist Jodi Benson will perform with the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Jung-Ho Pak, beginning at 7 PM and concluding with the captivating Atlas fireworks display with all the enhancing accouterments. This is such a stirring evening. The generous sponsor this year is the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank. Many good wishes to the guest conductor, to the benevolent, whom I know will enjoy this honor to the fullest. Make plans for a splendid time.
Somehow, each summer of late, I hit a bump in the road, which puts a “slow down” on my daily life, and this was no exception. Missing out on some of the many pleasures of the season is not my first choice. One of these was the Falmouth Hospital Auxiliary Fashion Show, which is so well done by this group and a major fundraiser for their cause. The chairman, Jeanne McDonald, along with the co-chairmen Romy German (also a model) and Ann Vitullo did an outstanding job for this annual event. Accompanied by the music of Andrea McCarthy, and the commentary by Donna Foley, the Rosie Cheeks’ delightful fashions were modeled by Marjorie Brown, Dawn Champagne, Pat Cowan, Jean Estes, Barbara Read, Jean Rocheleau, and Susan Wing. From all reports, this was an enjoyable afternoon for a worthwhile cause.
The passing of “Mr. Landfall” was yet another loss of a well-known member of our community. No doubt David Estes was best known for his founding of the still-popular waterside dining spot, but that was just one of his contributions. He gave freely and willingly of his time and knowledge to the school committee and other town functions. David was the epitome of affability, a people person to like, whose game of golf was so vital to him. Sympathies from me to his lovely wife, Ginny, and his family.
I need to make further comment on the standing-room-only funeral of Ray Peterson. Many of these services are by the book, with little time given to the personal aspects of the life of the deceased. The Rev. David Calhoun of the John Wesley United Methodist Church was able to capture the essence of this man of many facets, giving us all some insight into the parts of him we may not have known. Even with my limited hearing, I understood each and every word he uttered. Matthew Cohen’s tribute to this grandfather was so touchingly well done and he managed ’til the end to speak clearly and with so much heart. Many folks were duly impressed by this entire service and felt it to be an appropriate sendoff for Ray.
Bits and pieces ...hats off to the hat lady, Kathleen Koch, for being named “Employee of the Year” in the Barnstable County Correctional Office. This gal has done well, no matter what task comes her way ...would have so liked to be part of a dinner party with Jack and Annette Kowalski, Peter and Patty Lawrence, and Marilyn and Joe Hanley, rehashing fun times, people we knew ,and share some laughter ...another one would have been with David and Barbara McPhelim, Ellie and Jack Durkin, and Bea and Ron Diani. Time limits are frequently bummers ...being a guest at the Chart Room on an early Monday evening made you wonder, for the place was packed at 5:30 PM with a waiting line, all trying to take advantage of the beautiful sunsets on one of the best summer nights, the food, and the ambiance. Brief table visits from the man himself, David Jarvis, leave you with a smile. Rarely meet anyone I know there but I did see Joe Richards and Jay McCardle– people I rarely encounter ...and briefly listen to the great Eddie Scheer for just a few moments ...get-well wishes to Anthony Ferreira as he recovers from a pedestrian accident that sent him to a Boston hospital and back here to recuperate ...leave it to Frank Iannetti, who always has a story to tell—fishing in northern Maine he felt a heavy drag on the line and had some difficulty in pulling in his catch, which turned out to be a 12-pound lobster. He swears this is not a fish story.
Birthday wishes to Nancy Naatz, a gal who enjoys her games of bridge ...one of the hardest-working people I ever knew, Bob Hewitt ...so many fond memories of Bobby Keating ...never  can quite place the youthful Patty Sullivan as a grandmother ...the Clipper Ship Captain, John Alves ...not only a jolly good fellow, but one of the most likable anywhere, Matt Gould ...an activist in keeping East Falmouth alive and well, Ben Moreland ...a helpful salesperson, as I remember, Glendora Wise ...fortunately I have had pictures to watch Terry Lyn Martin become an adult ...great volunteer, Betty Strange ...a daughter to be proud of Shelley Souza and her son, the baseball player who has often been a star, Christopher Souza ...here is one mighty fine woman, Betty Bailey ...blessed with a talented voice, Carol McKenzie ...her son, the chef, Carl Bohnert ...a transplanted Falmouthite, Bruce Illgen ...Bob Whelden has had more than his share of hurdles to climb ...the attractive gal now living in Virginia Kara Martinsens Owen ...native of our town and a Clipper man, John Haddad ...Ann Jarvis, always ready with a smile and a friendly greeting ...a truly charming and interesting woman with an impressive background, Alice Tow ...used to look for George DeMello in the road race ...part of Town Hall days of yore, Shirley Waggoner Eisenman ...a happy surprise to learn that Kathy McGowan is now a married lady—so many good wishes are sent her way ...at one time he called Famouth home, Dana Dufur ...Patty Lamirande just sparkles and is a real joy ...and Robert Bacon, an original at Wise Living.
Also ...a super school secretary, Donna Domingos ...a restaurateur, innkeeper, and fun guy to know, Swanee Swanson ...Shirley Baker, with so much goodness in her heart ...see where the man took the big step—congratulations to Johnny Seay ...my former neighbor, Sherm Goodell ...Heather Paine, who was a bright star in Town Hall ...the shortie who was long on vocals, Cathy Frayer ...his daily visits were a plus, John Barter ...on occasion I see Jim Miller to wave to in the summer months ...there is a lilt in her name, Barbara Walz ...the judge, Roger Champagne ...Bob Bidwell was a true gift to the Falmouth Historical Society ...with his name, he should have been an opera singer, Tony Caruso ...wishing good health to Brad Munroe ...personality plus, like so many in her family, Kelly Pacheco Taranto ...Debbie Lee is such a warm  receptionist ...see Peg Jeglinski at the polls ...retired military officer, Anthony Solomine ...years have passed since I have seen Walter Stone of Popponesset ...a man who is willing to work for his beliefs, Eric McLaughlin ...Greg Contos of the beach committee ...successful man in the hotel biz, whose wedding I so well remember, John Klumph ...a bright young woman I once worked with, Eileen Haskins ...my neighbor in the days of our youngsters, Ted Macdonald ...Ginny Waight used to stop in my old stomping grounds on occasion ...Gary Botelho is one handsome man ...not the greatest of years for Jean Schaumburg ...still remember Richie Di Paolo ...one of those valuable caregivers, Debra Johnson ...and a familiar name although it has been some time since I have seen Lois Atkinson.
This is anniversary time for Avis and Marvin Grosslein, who have been married for 55 years, and whose happiness I wish in spades, as well as to that successful couple still so good together, visible to us all after 26 years, Roland and Patty Lamirande. And to my dear friends, Carolyn and Mark Woods on their 18th, who still have that glow of devotion that radiates to us all with the warmth they share.