Thursday, May 28, 2009

Memorial Day in Sandwich

My husband is always telling me that our kids have no idea how lucky they are to live the life they do. We live in Sandwich Village, which in itself is pretty great. But we don't live on Old Main Street, or in one of those fabulous old sea captain's mansions that surround the neighborhood. In fact, the houses on our street (all 10 of them) were built after 1960. So not particularly historic!

The reason we think our kids are so lucky, is because they get to grow up in a real-life Norman Rockwell painting. From our house our kids can (and do) walk to school, the ball fields, a tennis court, the library, all the downtown museums, the boardwalk and Town Neck beach. But the best of all is being able to walk to a parade.

Last week we anxiously awaited the arrival of Memorial Day. Not just because it marks the 'official' start of Summer on the Cape, or because it means a day off from school and work, but because we get to witness American patriotism at it's best: The Sandwich Memorial Day Parade.

Everyone loves a parade, but I think Sandwich does it best. The Memorial Day parade in Sandwich is steeped in tradition, rich in pomp and circumstance, and offers just enough candy-throwing to generate squeals from the little ones!

With our nation still at war, marking a National holiday such as Memorial Day takes on added significance. Listening as the school band plays The Star Spangled Banner; Watching the wreaths being placed at each of the war memorials; Feeling the reverberation in your chest during the "Rendering Honors" gun salute; Tasting your first mini Tootsie Roll of the season. These are the sensory experiences we anticipate and enjoy each Memorial Day in Sandwich.

The parade in Sandwich can't claim to be the largest Memorial Day parade in Massachusetts, and probably wouldn't even get the distinction of being named the smallest, but it's got heart. The citizens of Sandwich who come out each Memorial Day to witness this annual march are not only honoring the men and women who bravely served our country, but are also preserving their memory and history for generations to come.


God Bless America, and God Bless Sandwich!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

My First Time

Here we go!

Captain's log stardate o52709.1

Okay, so I honestly don't think I've ever seen an episode of Star Trek, but this is the first thing that came into my mind as I begin this Wonderful, Wacky World of Blogging. This, from someone who's probably only visited 3 blogs in my life!! This should be interesting... for everyone!

I've been coming to the Cape my whole life, spending every summer at my parent's cottage on Ellis Landing in Brewster. My husband and I were married in 1996 at Northside Church and had our reception at Ocean Edge, both in Brewster. We moved here permanently 10 years ago, settling in Sandwich. We have 3 young children, all lucky enough to be born here, (thus making them "Native Cape Codders"). Our oldest son is entering the 3rd grade this fall, our daughter will start Kindergarten, and our youngest son is in pre-school, all at the Wing Elementary School in Sandwich. I am currently on the Wing PTA board, serving as PTA Secretary. See what we're up to by visiting: http://www.htwingpta.org/ .

I was recently an active member of the Sandwich Women's Club as well, and served for several years in various board positions. The SWC are a dedicated group of hard-working women who strive to serve the greater good for our community. Check out their website at: http://www.sandwichwomensclub.org/

Currently, I am serving on the Sandwich Beach Advisory Board for the Town of Sandwich. This 7 member committee will work under the direction of the Sandwich Recreation Department, and will serve as a sounding board to the Town on policy and compliance issues for all Town salt and fresh-water beaches. I am optimistic that my 10+ years experience in Environmental Compliance will bring a level of professionalism to this committee. Also, my "homework" of having to go to the beach will be an added benefit!! Visit the Sandwich website to see what's new in town: http://www.sandwichmass.org/

My "mission" for this blog is to share my favorite sites, places and things in Sandwich, MA and throughout the Cape. Sooooo, If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air; Quaint little villages here and there; You're sure to fall in love with My Cape Cod. This will be purely bias and highly subjective, but I'm open to suggestions and welcome any advice from my faithful followers - if I ever get any!!

Enjoy, and remember that all seasons on the Cape are the best!


Thanks for listening....