The Chatterbox

Here we are, launching another “Christmas by the Sea” weekend in our Town of Towns. Things are popping up around us like firecrackers on the 4th of July. Certainly one of the big draws is the traditional Christmas Parade, which travels from the Falmouth Mall and continues to the Village Green. The bands, the colors, the creative floats, and the proud marchers all add up to the magnificent gathering near the ending point, where the Falmouth Historical Society’s Julia Wood House holiday spirit prevails. This year the parade’s theme is “Home for the Holidays,” and the Wood House has decorations, courtesy of members of the Falmouth Garden Club. The historical society also has a float entry, depicting local characters returning home throughout the years. Some you might see are fishermen, whaling crew, servicemen, and college students. The Wood House will be open from 1 to 4 on Sunday, with open houses to follow from December 8 through 11 from 3 to 6 PM.
When I think back to the days when Highfield Hall was nearing extermination and compare it with what it is today, I am so very grateful to all those who worked so hard in that rescue effort. Admittedly, I haven’t seen anything near what has been offered, but the beauty of Bill Hendel’s exquisite crèches from around the world is at the top. However, that display went up this Tuesday. Admission is $5. To learn all about the happenings, times, and dates at the hall, go online to: www.highfieldhall.org. Just walking through this magical phase is wonderment.
Then, there is our own little theater, Highfield Theatre, a treasure unto itself, where a “Holiday Celebration” will be presented to round out the weekends. It is narrated by Cleo Zani, with music directed by Steve Edwards. Two shows—one at 4 PM tomorrow and the other at 4 PM on Sunday Dec. 7 —will be filled with fun holiday songs and stories. Tickets are $12 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Children under 12 are admitted for free.
Bits and pieces …Happy am I to know that my former digs, across from my loving neighbor, Francis Eastman, are now warmly occupied by Cipperly Good …St. Barnabas’s annual Christmas Fair is tomorrow from 9 AM to 2 PM, with luncheon from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, along with a silent auction, crafts, gift baskets, baked goods table, jewelry, and more …a big thank you to Dr. Devin McManus, who earns high honor in my Book of Medical Supermen …returning to JML after five days at a city hospital was like a magic potion for me—made that much more so by the decorated room awaiting me—all done by my girls …reading about the death of my good friend and spiritual guide over the years, Bill Workman, I felt the skip of a few heartbeats. I heard from him twice a year, and his impact on my life will long be remembered …Mara Fitzgerald is a role model we could all learn from. The best of luck to you, Mara …an old-fashioned Christmas fair is planned for 9 AM to 2 PM tomorrow at the First Congregational Church. No Early Birds. Among the treasures, shoppers will find hand-crafted gifts and decorations, greenery, country store, silent auction, raffle, bargain basement of books, linens, jewels, “Junque,” kids’ fair, and chowder and lobster rolls ...our very own John Salerno stopped in, on a fly-away weekend to play at Ted Kennedy’s; happy day for me, and Ted, too.
Late birthdays still for the very attractive Julie Donahue …a valiant woman, Connie Bostwick …years given to orthopedic medicine, Dr. Thomas Gregg …the multi-talented Tom Pucci …a credit to his late dad, Bill Estes …Mike Pacheco has his own brand of charm …what a force she has been in my life, Catherine McCann …one of the gifted Johnsen Brothers, Jeff …Part of a great-looking duo, Janice Page ...my favorite dental technician, Michelle Petrone …Mr. Fireworks—Falmouth’s loyal supporter, Steve Pelkey …Kathy McEvoy from some fun days …Gratitude to Tom Goux for the Greater Falmouth Mostly All-Male Chorus and the Notescapes …Andy Ross, you are one of a kind …so supportive when I needed her to be, Addie Drolette …Once my neighbor, Kathy Mello …and Priscilla Bond, garden club able leader and a plus for the community ...also Woods Hole backbone, Katharine Woodwell …sports-loving David Creighton, a fine son, father, mate …Falmouth’s Mrs. Music, Lin Whitehead …Mashpee attorney Jeremy Carter …master chef with a friendly way about him, Bob Cook …one of our town’s pros, Brian Dale …having a “living” birthday, Charles Ledig …Rotarian and past president, Wade Crews …my nephew Terry Baker, who goes the extra mile …the fellow with the super sense of humor, Johnny Fay …part of my son’s education, teacher Diane Kowalski …Nancy Vidal, one very nice lady ...and Dick Lopes is kindness personified …still looking so youthful, Emily Walsh …the impish Tom Franey …handsome woman, Petra Finnell …my dedicated hairdresser for many years, Carol Leger …only met Beverly Muller one time …Jo Al Peck is at one of the Mega Stores …first among female Rotarians, Hazel Tavares …likable fellow, Mike Donovan
…Also Susan Garner, a cordial receptionist …a lonely one this year, Bob Whitham …still looking good, Ned DeWitt …a Guild performer in days gone by, Rick Swarzkopf …The Big Zee, Bill Zammer who doesn’t let back surgery slow him down …with her good old Irish name, Marge Flaherty …a glamour girl most of her life, Ellie Morrison …Mr. Carpet Barn with his ready smile, Charles Alferes ...the Duffany twins, Jeff and Dan …their proud aunt, Kip McAdams …top drawer school leader, Ann Bradshaw …never let her large family get her down, Regina McEvoy …the epitome of a gentleman, Charlie Dodson …scientifically minded, Bruce Tripp …the pro at Falmouth Sports Center, Bill Wixon …know Maggie Gilbrook is enjoying her little one …boatyard entrepreneur, Leo Cohen …someone I could never forget, Lisa Martin …Buzz McLaughlin and I may have something in common …younger than her years, Mary Jane Thomas …have only seen Jane Silva a few times since Papa Pete’s closed
...Also Don Cross of the beautiful voice …dedicated to the Chart Room, Mary Fitzgerald …well-liked Gloria Hamill …Claire Pokraka has a wealth of personality …active wherever she is, Doris Weeks ...the lively Carol Piazza …and Freda Edmed, my onetime next-door neighbor.
Happy 60th to Larry and Charlotte Harlow—a couple we spent their honeymoon with and lots of fun at an Army-Navy game. Thirty big wishes to Steve and Simone Paltz and many more to both couples who have made the Winners’ Circle.