|
|
|
|
|
|
A Little Magazine
by and for the
Residents of Southport
Number 15
May 2011
|
|
|
|
|
Mothers' Day
| |
Mothers are powerful people. They are there at the beginning of our lives, when we are most malleable, and for good or ill, they get first crack at helping to shape the people we will become.
I had a good mother. Until she died last January, at 94, she was always 'there,' not next door, but as a part of my life. In the last weeks of her life, as I watched her grow weaker and fade away, I tried to recall what she had done to make me feel loved and secure and happy as a child. There were lots of things, of course, but perhaps the most important was that she paid attention--she talked to me and she listened when I talked. We had long conversations sitting on the front porch swing. Or better yet in the backyard, in the dark, under the stars.
As a kid, I didn't fully grasp what she was up to; I was just thrilled to have an adult pay attention. But she knew what she was doing--molding me into the person she wanted me to be. She liked to say, "Be the boy your mother thinks you are." Well, for the most part, it worked. Thanks, Mom, for paying attention. Those conversations helped to make me who I am.
Children are egocentric, thinking that a parent's only purpose in life is to attend to their every need. Only later do we become aware of our parents' needs and the debt we owe them. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins has written a wonderful poem that expresses this unequal relationship profoundly--and with humor. It's called "The Lanyard." Listen to him reading it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EjB7rB3sWc
Finally, my usual pitch. The SVV Team would be strengthened by the addition of a few more people who want to participate by writing, interviewing, taking pictures, etc. A monthly contribution is not required; now and then is fine. One-shot items are very welcome. If you would like to contribute to SVV, let me know. And by all means, send me your ideas and stories and suggestions.
David Kapp, Editor
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Finishing Grandma's Butterfly Quilt
as told to Betty Kayes by Barbara Webber
| |
Barbara Webber moved to Southport 11 years ago and became one of our first Southport Quilters; she brings a lot of quilting experience to our group. We were all so pleased when she was able to complete a beautiful quilt that her grandmother had begun in the 1930s. I asked her to share the story of that special family quilt with us. Here is what she told me. Betty Kayes
________________________________________________________________________
"I became interested in quilting due to the influence of my Grandmother, Ida Mae Webster Spence, born in 1873, a descendant of Daniel Webster. I remember her coming to dinner every Sunday, always bringing some sewing or crocheting with her. I especially recall a little basket filled with butterflies made from very colorful fabrics.
"Grandma would sew the butterflies onto white fabric and then embroider lovely colorful stitches around them. She told me that she was making them for a quilt for me, but as a young girl it didn't mean much at that time. Many years later, however, when my husband George and I moved to Southport and were trying to downsize, I decided that I just could not part with my box full of butterflies.
 | |
Barbara Webber and her daughter Sally display the butterfly quilt begun by Barbara's mother, completed by Barbara and now passed on to Sally. |
"Now as luck would have it, some Southport residents decided to form a quilting group, and we were so fortunate to have Betty Kayes as our teacher. Of course I brought my butterflies to a meeting to ask Betty if she had any ideas as to what I should do with them. Her excitement, along with that of the other quilters, was so inspiring that I had to do as they suggested: 'Finish the quilt.'
"Betty recommended that we go to Heartbeat Quilts in Hyannis, where we could find reproductions of fabrics from the 1930s, which we needed for the quilt. The owner, Helen Weinman, was so delighted that I had brought the butterflies with me that she left her office to help me choose fabrics. Although the fabric chosen was not my first choice, I followed Helen's advice and am very happy that I did so.
"I love the finished quilt, as it brings back so many lovely memories of my Grandma. The quilt has now been passed on to my daughter Sally as a memento of her family heritage. Quilting at Southport has been a fun adventure."
The butterfly quilt will be one of several antique quilts on exhibit at the
Southport Quilters' annual "Show and Tell" on Tuesday, May 31 2011.
|
|
Gettysburg
by Rick Farren
Commemorating the 150th annivsary
of the beginning of the Civil War,
on April 12 , 1861 | |
At last I sleep among the brave
A shallow hollow is my grave
No marching bands, no cheers and hugs
Just hummingbirds, and skittish bugs.
My country's honor to defend
My sheep and horses left to tend
My heavy pack and musket wait
Over by the garden gate.
My golden buttons shine so new
Against the dark of Union blue
What caused this strife is now my quest
And I must try to do my best.
The rain is falling oh so hard
As we charge up hills and through a yard
Balls and powder fill the air
My mind can't fathom I'm really there.
The cries increase as colors fly
The drifting smoke obscures the sky
The pain is great as I stumble and fall
Taken down by a mini ball.
I wasn't brave, just one of the group
This hallowed ground now holds my troop
Brothers yes, in death we lay
Union Blue and Confederate Gray.
Rick Farren, 2010 |
Thoughts from Life's Adventures to Nowhere by Joe Marino
| |
There is a certain point in the year that can't be described. It's been called many things, such as 'down in the dumps,' 'sad faces,' and the one most used, 'melancholy.' The last one is descriptive of severe depression, and should be avoided by all who read this column.
Scientists have done studies on the effects of low light or, in the case of parts of Alaska, no light for six months at a time. The results are that they came up with ways to show light and brighten those areas where people could be affected by low light syndrome.
Now, I told you all that to let me elaborate on what happens when we come out of this funk. It is called the spring season of the year. It is that magical time when we see the trees burst into their vibrant colors, and the crocuses push magically through the last remnants of the frost that held us hostage during the winter months. People become more active in the preciousness of the warming days and, without knowing it, they shed the doldrums of the winter grays, as well as their heavy coats, gloves, and snow suits. They become free to enter into the season of shorts, tank tops, and light sweaters they carry until evening breezes cool the air.
 Now I told you all this for a reason! This is why so many say 'yes' to a spring wedding. It is warm and probably not going to snow or rain on that Saturday in May or June, and the sun will keep the day longer for the enjoyment of those assembled. I would be willing to bet that there are many more weddings being held in springtime than at any other time of the year. If you ask the participants, well, they would use the phrase-'Spring is in the air.' I'm sure that there are other reasons, but this is the one that we choose to use as a popular explanation. One of the other reasons could be because there was low light, or no light during the long winter months. I leave it up to you; take your pick.
I find this a spirited time of my life and I can now commend any that have made into their seventh decade or beyond. Their wisdom is great and they can now relate all the good and evil that has gone into their lives. The evil is not talked about very much, but the good is what makes the young start out on their adventures of knowledge building. We are the result of the long winters and wonderful springs. Those of us who are fortunate enough to still be with our partners are applauded. We give the young the hope that they too can survive the world and someday give the spring message to another generation wise enough to listen.
I still have hopes and dreams. I am often reminded of my girlfriend Katherine Hepburn in the movie "On Golden Pond." You know, when she tries desperately to bridge the gap between the young and the old. I'm now 'the old poop,' but I still look for the two pair of shoes under the bed, and I still carry that springtime urge to go another year, now that the sun is warming the earth and my tired bones. My hope for you all is the same. May you all be here next spring when the crocuses break through the frost and gloom of winter, and may your wisdom of the seasons be heeded.
For now, be well, and may your God bless you...Joe |
DAYTRIPPING
Adventures in Glassblowing
by Karlyn Curran | |
 | | Chihuly's Ikebana Boat |
Are you fascinated by glassblowing?
If not, perhaps you haven't seen the best! Dale Chihuly is the artist who revolutionized the art of blowing glass and turned it into an internationally recognized art form. Working with a team of glassblowers, he creates huge installations that are made of hundreds and even thousands of individual pieces. His most recent exhibition, "Chihuly: Through the Looking Glass," is at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts through August 7.
I had the opportunity to preview part of this collection on a recent visit to the MFA. What I saw took my breath away! Three of Chilhuly's installations are displayed in the public courtyard of the new American Wing of the museum, and an additional nine can be seen in a special exhibit in the Gund Gallery below it. Most spectacular is the "Lime Green Icicle Tower," a 42-foot, 10,000-pound sculpture comprising 2,400 pieces of glass. It captures and reflects the natural light in the glass-enclosed courtyard and is its focal point. It is jaw-droppingly stunning! Installations in the gallery are sometimes large enough to fill an entire room. They include a collection of chandeliers, a Persian wall, and a more than 60-foot long installation of purple reeds and birch logs.
|
| | Chihuly's "Reeds" |
Admission to the museum is $18 for seniors and there is no additional fee for the Chihuly exhibition. It will take less than an hour to view the exhibit and while you are at the MFA, you can also see at least part of the new American Wing. Lunch in the courtyard is relaxed, delicious and only moderately expensive.
Chihuly's creations are displayed in over 200 museums worldwide, in temporary exhibits such as the one currently in Boston, and commercially in places like the Bellagio Casino lobby in Las Vegas. His only permanent museum-like exhibition opened last summer on Beach Drive on the waterfront in St. Petersburg FL. It showcases an array of the most famous examples of his work.
I also had the good fortune to see this exhibit in February. Some of the visual treats included a wall of large orange three-dimensional shapes that combine to evoke a sunset, a room-sized garden of glass, Ikebana groupings, and a wooden boat filled with and surrounded by beautifully patterned large glass balls.
Snowbirds who winter on the west coast of Florida could spend an enjoyable afternoon in St. Pete by going out to lunch and seeing the Chihuly Collection. There are several restaurants within walking distance. I ate lunch outdoors at a little café on the waterfront just two doors down from the museum.
CLOSER TO HOME, in Sandwich, are the Sandwich Glass Museum, Pairpoint Glass and other shops that feature blown glass and have glassblowing demonstrations. The studio of glass artist Michael Magyar is also located Sandwich, at 470 Route 6A. Although his work is not on the level of Chihuly's, it is beautiful in its own right.
I became acquainted with Magyar's work last fall when he and stone sculptor David Campbell mounted an exhibition at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. Featured were twelve pieces that Michael and David had designed and produced together over a 12-month period. Michael gave a gallery talk to a group of Southporters who were there on a walk-a-bout. He impressed me with his creativity and passion.
On Thursday, June 9, Southport residents will have an opportunity to go on another walk-a-about, this time to Michael's studio and gift shop. He will demonstrate the art of glassblowing and offer commentary as he works. Visiting his shop and studio might be an enjoyable way to get acquainted with the art of glassblowing.
|
|
For Mr. Farren,
A Close and Friendly Option
by Brent Runyon
| |
Note: Rick Farren has been an enthusiastic and valuable writer for Southport Village Voices since its inception in May 2010. Over the past year, he has contributed a number of poems and short stories and an interview. (You will find another one of his poems in this issue of SVV.) Rick has been receiving treatment for cancer for two years, most recently at the Clark Cancer Center at Falmouth Hospital. On April 1, 2011, The Mashpee Enterprise published an article about his experience; it is reprinted here with the permission of the editor, Brian Kehrl.
Richard P. Farren (Rick) was the first patient to receive radiation treatment at the Clark Cancer Center at Falmouth Hospital. Mr. Farren, a Mashpee resident, was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer two years ago, after a checkup for a persistent cough.
A doctor at Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston told him he had a six-millimeter tumor in the middle of his chest, which would be treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Told he would need daily treatment and tests in Boston, he responded, "Can't this be done in Hyannis? I cannot drive four hours every day." He was told he could get the same care at Cape Cod Hospital.
After his treatment, the cancer moved to his adrenal gland, and then to his left hip. The cancer, which has metastasized in his body, is now stage four, the most severe form of cancer. "Every time we get a new one, we just blast it, and start treatment all over again," Mr. Farren said. "My doctor told me I'll be around for many years to come."
Now Mr. Farren has found treatment even closer to home at Falmouth Hospital, where he was the inaugural patient on February 22. His total travel time, including radiation treatment, is only 45 minutes, he said. The radiation treatment itself takes about 10 minutes, he said.
Mr. Farren has become a very vocal supporter of the local treatment options. "I can't say enough about Cape Cod Healthcare," he said. "Everybody knows your name. It's like 'Cheers.' I've been absolutely thrilled with the care from the doctors and the nurses and the technicians," he said. In Boston, he said, the treatment is the same, but it lacks the personal touch. "It's a cattle call in Boston. You're just another number. I would dissuade anyone in their right mind from going to Boston," he said.
Mr. Farren reports that in spite of the three rounds of chemotherapy and eight rounds of radiation treatment, the side effects have been minimal. He has experienced some nausea, a slight thinning of his hair, and exhaustion. "By 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon I'm kind of beat," he said.
The aversion to commuting comes from the fact that traveling to Boston every day was part of Mr. Farren's routine for many years. Mr. Farren and his wife moved to West Falmouth in 1996 from Brockton, where he was a vice president at John Hancock. After the move, Mr. Farren commuted to Boston via Bonanza Bus for five more years.
The commute afforded Mr. Farren with some time. "I try to never waste a minute of my time," he said. Mr. Farren used his commute to write three published children's books, one novel, and 14 unpublished mystery novels. "Lately, in the last couple of years, the cancer diagnosis has kind of impeded my forward motion, but I keep my eyes wide open," he said.
He is also a part-time employee at the North Falmouth Hardware Store, where he works whenever it is convenient for him, thanks to his understanding employers. Now 72, he and his wife Ann, enjoy spending time with their three children and four grandchildren. They had four children, but lost their youngest son to cancer when he was three.
|
|
Southport PAR-TEE
by Margaret Dhionis | |
Ladies, there is one hope that we all share,
A hole in one at Southport, but that's pretty rare.
So every Thursday we all play
And think that maybe today's the day
That the ball, of which I am very fond,
Will not find its way into the pond.
For every time you're in a fix
It's always on the blessed six.
You think about the perfect drive,
Which you just hit on hole number five.
And you were happy on number four
As you were writing down a good score.
Before that, you remember with glee
The beautiful par you made on hole three.
Now we're at hole number two,
You stand on the tee and look at the view.
Taking your stance you hit the drive
Hoping your score will only be five.
High in the air and then with a plop
You watch your ball land quite near to the drop.
Of course it rolled across the path
You hope it stopped at the edge.
But no--there it is, under the hedge.
You place your ball and add a stroke
Thinking this game really is no joke.
Now with the right club in your hand
You swing--you look-oh no, it's in the sand.
Shaking your head you begin to mutter
For now you'll need more than a putter.
At last you finally reach your goal
Watching that little ball drop into the hole.
On holes nine and one
Do we really have fun?
Another ball will probably be lost
Oh well-so what did it cost?
Usually it's a ball that's dirty and old
Not one of those we treat like gold.
On seven if you can hit high and far
There's a very good chance you'll make par.
And now our favorite hole--number eight
With its fairway so wide and so straight.
You take up your stance
Giving the flag a quick glance.
Of course the wind now starts to blow
But we all know how to hit the ball low.
You swing and hit--too high--too fast
And then while watching all aghast
You see the ball hit the path and take a great jump
Then land in an area that looks like the dump.
Oh well, you take it all in stride.
We love this game and enjoy the ride.
Golf is such a wonderful sport
Especially when played at our own Southport. |
|
Southport (Canine) Profile: Marty
by Lynn Vigeant
| |
 I am a purebred Coton de Tulear, a rare breed classified as a toy. I was born on a farm in Millis, a little town just south of Worcester, but my ancestors came from Madagascar. I weigh eleven and a half pounds and I am large for a Coton. When I moved in with Dick and Lynn, my hair was down to the floor and I looked like a cotton ball with black eyes and a nose. Coton means cotton in French, and that's what I feel like because I have hair rather than fur.
After living on a farm with my breeder, I became a shop dog for Lynn. My job was to charm customers and to warn everyone when the UPS truck came. I've retired as a shop dog but I still hate that UPS truck and remember to warn everyone when it is near.
I love children and am partial to little girls. My worst vice is barking too much. The first word I learned when I came to live with the Vigeant's was 'Quiet!' I am almost nine years old and have no health problems. Cotons are known to live a long, healthy life.
I like lots of long walks so I'll probably see you around Southport if you like to walk, too. I may even bark at you. But don't be frightened; I'm a friendly dog.
More On The Coton De Tulear
The Coton de Tulear developed on the island of Madagascar and is still the island's national dog. The Coton's ancestors were brought to Madagascar in the 16th and 17th centuries aboard pirate ships. Tulear is a port city on Madagascar. The cottony coat of may be the result of a single gene mutation. This small, friendly dog caught the fancy of the Malagasy royalty and they were the only people allowed to keep Cotons. Dr. Robert Jay Russell discovered the breed in Madagascar and brought the first ones to America in 1973; he coined the phrase the Royal Dog of Madagascar and the name stuck. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coton_de_Tulear |
|
May Brown Bag Lunch
featuring
Author Jim Coogan | |
 Jim Coogan grew up in the Town of Brewster and is the author of seven books about Cape Cod. At the May 13 Brown Bag Lunch program he will be talking about his new book, Cape Odd: Strange and Unusual Stories About Cape Cod, which he wrote with Jack Sheedy of Dennis. He'll also discuss his award winning book, Sail Away Ladies: Stories of Cape Cod Women in the Age of Sail.
Mr. Coogan, a former high school history teacher, is well known on the Cape as an entertaining and informative speaker and as a regular columnist for the Cape Cod Times. He and his wife Elizabeth live in Sandwich.
May 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch and program: $6.50.
Sign up in the Information Room |
|
PHOTOGRAPHS
| |
Pastabilities
Five Mashpee High School seniors will receive $1,000 scholarships on May 19, thanks to the work of the Southport Residents Scholarship Committee
and the generosity of Southport residents.
 | |
The Southport Residents Scholarship Commiittee, with Jane Day, Mashpee High School Principal: Standing (l. to r.) Dan Riley, Roland Laferte, Art Wagner, Jane Day, Ed Larkin, seated Julie McDevitt. The committee is looking to add a member or two. If you're interested, let one of the current members know. |
 | |
Ruth Henderson displays her raffle prize, a painting by Forrest Pirovano. |
 | | Chef Roland created a delicious buffet. |
 | | Art Wagner and Roland Laferte (and others) sold an amazing $1,575 worth of raffle tickets. |
A Royal Bride Gone Astray?
 | | Charlotte Greenfield apparently lost her way to Westminster and ended up in the Village Center. |
Easter Egg Hunt
Thanks to the Marino Family for sponsoring the annual
Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Roy Roberts
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributors to Southport Village Voices
May 2011
| |
 Karlyn Curran moved to Southport from New Jersey a little over seven years ago. She has a daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren in Falmouth and two sons, a daughter-in-law and another grandchild in near Hanover, NH. After her husband passed away and she retired from her teaching career, she moved to New England to be closer to her children. She loves Southport and Cape Cod. Even more than that, she loves her family and being a "hands-on" grandma. She caught the travel bug from her husband and this has resulted in a chronic condition.
 Rick Farren was born in Boston but spent most of his childhood on his family's farm in Westchester County, NY. His parents helped shape his love of writing and adventure. His father, a sportswriter and newspaper reporter, encouraged him to learn a new word every day and to write a story using the new words every week. His mother was a stunt pilot who taught her children never to be afraid to try something new and exciting. Rick's lifelong love of reading was influenced by A Child's Garden of Verses, westerns by Zane Gray, Grimm's Fairy Tales, Longfellow's poems, and stories of pirates on the high seas. Rick served in the US Air Force and retired from a career in the banking and financial services industry. He and his wife Ann, a former nurse, raised four children in Brockton. They moved to West Falmouth in 1996 and to Southport in 2009. Rick is an active member of the Monument Beach Sportsmen's Club, the Cape Cod Writer's Center, and the Falmouth Theater Guild. He enjoys writing stories for his and Ann's grandchildren, golfing, mystery writing and community theater.
 David Kapp and his wife Billie, moved from Connecticut to Southport in November 2009. David retired from a career as a university library administrator, after working in the libraries at Brandeis University, Harvard University, and the University of Connecticut. He was a building consultant for the planning of a number of major university libraries and was, for many years, the editor of Connecticut Libraries. Billie enjoyed a career as an educator and social sciences consultant. Their son and daughter live in Hawaii, and they have one grandson.
 Joe Marino Born in Boston, raised in Milton--the adopted son of Joseph and Rose (Grasso) Marino. Had my first business at 22--Hell of a mechanic--lousy business man. Ten-year span of working for others, but always felt that I should try again. Second time met with success. Married for 47 years to Carmela--alias Carmen, or to her family MA! Proud father of four sons--a foster son and foster daughter, two girls, eleven and ten, that stayed with us a lot after their dad died. There were other kids that had bumps in their lives that stayed with us on occasion, one even graduated high school while with us. Have always loved sports--horses--the ocean--fishing. You name it I've tried it. Retirement is not one of my stronger adjustments--wish I had taken my wife's advice about seeking out adoption records sooner. Have been fortunate to find family members and add them to my life. Love my involvement in Kiwanis--allows me to do things for and with youth and this can be the secret to staying young in spirit.
Thanks to our other contributors to this issue...
Margaret Dhionis
Brian Kehrl
Billie Kapp
Betty Kayes
Roy Roberts
Brent Runyon
Lynn Vigeant Barbara Webber |
|
|
