| The Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation Newsletter |
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| Community News |
March/April 2008 |
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Our Website has a New Look!
We are happy to unveil our new and improved website.
You will find more information on our programs, the ability to download applications, and you can join or renew your membership online! |
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Join the CDC for Lobby Day in Boston!
Save the date - on Thursday, March 27th, CDC Members can join our Board and Staff as they network with MACDC colleagues from across the state, and meet with their legislators at the Statehouse in Boston!
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of CDC's (MACDC), this is an opportunity to discuss topics relevant to the Lower Cape.
Interested? Contact Chris Perry at 508-240-7873 x22 or chris@lowercape.org. | |
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Peter Rice, TD Banknorth and Elizabeth Bridgewater
Balfour Lane Grand Opening
Greetings!
I am an avid NPR listener and during my daily ½ hour commute from Provincetown to Eastham, I love listening to the "This I Believe" series hosted by Jay Allison. It's a national radio project to document the beliefs of everyday people and learn about their core values. I find these audio essays inspirational and have often wondered what I would write if I were to try and articulate my own core values.
I found my answer two weeks ago as I was standing in front of the large crowd of individuals that came to celebrate the completion of the Balfour Lane Condominiums in Chatham. It was an exciting moment and one of deep satisfaction that comes from a job well done. Four Chatham families were about to assume ownership of their brand new homes and they were buying them at a price they could afford. Many people commented on the skilled craftsmanship that went into creating the condos, others were impressed with the layout of the units and still others with the amount of sunlight that streamed into the living rooms through the oversized windows.
What deeply resonated for me, however, was the sense of satisfaction I felt at being on a team that was able to create something of tremendous value to the new owners of the condos and to the community as a whole. From Florence Seldin's first conversation with Ron Rudnick about transforming the building from a commercial space to a residential space, to three years later, attorney Lisa Still working pro bono with the buyers and the CDC to prepare for their mortgage closings, so many people contributed their time, money and hard work to this project.
The excitement of this shared triumph brought tears to my eyes because I believe that teamwork is the essence of building and maintaining a strong community. Individual gifts and talents are enhanced when working in a team environment and often the most valuable results are brought forth through a collaborative effort.
You can help us to continue and to strengthen our mission to build community by becoming a CDC member or by renewing your membership.
Take a minute to look at our new website and read about our programs and accomplishments. Then take a minute to join online - it's the most simple and effective way to show your support for our community.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Bridgewater, Executive Director |
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Grand Opening
at
"The Courtyards", Balfour Lane Chatham
Emily Loomis, Elizabeth Bridgewater and Eric Barness
look on as Florence Seldin cuts the ribbon, officially
completing the CDC's Balfour Lane develoment project.
Thanks to the foresight of Chatham Businessman Ronald Rudnick, the Town of Chatham now has four new homeownership units to add to its stock of affordable housing.
In partnership with the Friends of Chatham Affordable Housing (FoCAH), the CDC renovated the old Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) offices into four 2-bedroom condominiums of 1,000 square feet each. Financial support was received from FoCAH, Chatham Community Preservation Act Funds, donations from the seller and Chatham community members, and a grant from TD Banknorth for energy efficient upgrades. The units are deed restricted to remain affordable in perpetuity to homeowners earning up to 80% Area Median Income.
As listeners munched on cookies and cheese donated by the Chatham Village Market, speakers including State Representative Sarah Peake, Chatham Board of Selectmen Chair David Whitcomb, CDC Board Member and Chair of Chatham's Affordable Housing Committee Florence Seldin, CDC President Ernie Rogers, and Executive Director Elizabeth Bridgewater, spoke about the importance that partnerships played in seeing this project to completion. CDC Housing Development Manager Emily Loomis and contractor Eric Barsness of E.A. Barsness & Company spoke about the nuts and bolts of putting the project together - from gutting the former commercial space to the finishing touches of painting, lighting and hardware.
After the speeches and ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees wandered through the four new units. Each unit varied slightly in its floor plan, but thanks to a grant from TD Banknorth, all came with an Energy Star qualified washer/dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher. The flooring in each unit is bamboo, a sustainable alternative to hardwood. A special venting system helps lower humidity and improve indoor air quality, and each unit has its own large, well-lit basement storage facility.
The Grand Opening was attended by a few of the new homeowners, who closed on their new homes shortly after the event -- many moved in that weekend! The CDC is proud to have given four Chatham households the opportunity to purchase a home in town, and to contribute to the Town's permanent affordable housing stock using green and smart growth principles!
Many thanks to our development team, which includes:
E.A. Barsness & Co., Inc. (General Contractor)
Law Practice of Lisa V. Still
Friends of Chatham Affordable Housing
Peter Rice + TD Banknorth (Green Grant and Construction Lender)
Eldredge Surveying & Engineering
Barbara Matteson + Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank (Mortgage Lender)
Valerie Foster + Chatham Housing Authority (Marketing + Sales)
Philbrook Engineering + Construction
Building Diagnostics
Thomas A. Moore Design Company
Mark T. Vokey Insurance Agency
Ron Rudnick (Donor)
David Oppenheim (Donor)
Town of Chatham Department of Community Development
Town of Chatham, Community Preservation Committee
Nauset Environmental Services
Bill Lyons (Architectural Photographer, Wellfleet) |
Spotlight On:
Teresa Parker,
Spanish Journeys
Specializing in Cultural & Culinary Tours in Spain
Teresa Parker has done what many would love to do - combine a skill and a passion and turn it into a rewarding and successful business.
"Spanish Journeys" takes Teresa's love of travel and cooking and shares that with clients who discover her through the internet. Teresa relies on her website to find individuals and couples who are interested in voyages that are handcrafted to make each one a unique, one of a kind experience.
Depending on the internet to market her business, Teresa had already developed a website that she loved. With her strong marketing background she thought that she was too "advanced" to participate in the CDC's TechSMART project. However, at the urging of a friend, Teresa applied and learned that there have been a lot of changes to online marketing, and that her website needed some updating to bring more visibility to her business.
Working with TechSMART consultant Kristen Utt, Teresa focused on "Search Engine Optimization" techniques to improve the volume and quality of traffic to her website. Teresa reviewed each page of her website to optimize its visibility in search engine results for targeted keywords. The results have been positive! At Kristen's urging, Teresa is now also writing a blog, which further increases her website visibility.
Teresa also benefited from TechSmart's Sarah Robinson, a Certified Financial Planner. Sarah urged Teresa to use QuickBooks for her business, and to compile and categorize a "to do" list to help keep her business on track. Constant Contact, an online email marketing product, is allowing her to easily keep clients up to date on upcoming trips. Both the QuickBooks and Constant Contact subscription were subsidized as part of her participation in the TechSMART program. "It helped not to worry about what portion of (my) budget they came from -now I'm empowered to do it myself!"
Teresa was very pleased that the TechSMART consultants understood marketing and appreciated her style while providing her with technical assistance. Using the techniques that Kristen taught her, Teresa has come to differentiate her business from the other travel and food websites. She is now getting phone calls "I found you on the web"! Teresa Parker and Spanish Journeys can be found at www.spanishjourneys.com.
For more information about the TechSmart program and to learn about eligibility requirements, please contact Moira Noonan-Kerry at 508-240-7873 x13 or moira@lowercape.org. |
Applicants Benefit from Wellfleet's Regional Housing Rehab Program through No-Cost Loans!
The CDC's work to promote and implement the Wellfleet Regional Housing Rehab Program is zinging along with gusto. Our mandate from the Town of Wellfleet -- to deliver and manage a 2007 Community Development Block Grant awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development -- means that some 25 housing rehab projects will be completed by the end of this year in Wellfleet and Provincetown, funded by what are effectively no-cost "loans."
This amazing housing rehab program provides an unbeatable opportunity for year-round residents in both towns to make essential repairs and upgrades to their primary residences, which might otherwise remain below code and in uncomfortable and unsafe condition. Issues of energy conservation, Title V, outdated wiring, rotting timbers, leaking roofs, well replacement, and poor chimney function are among the many needs already earmarked for remedies on behalf of homeowners who have applied and been qualified for rehab funding.
Through public meetings, the press and broadcast media, and scores of phone conversations with homeowners themselves, CDC Housing Rehab Manager Wendy Palliser has been able to reach deeply into both communities to find and encourage eligible residents to apply for rehab funds. These efforts continue, in order to reach everyone who's out there.
Wendy Palliser welcomes your call. She can be reached at our main number - 508-240-7873 - on extension 14. Take this first step - and then spread the word to friends and neighbors alike and assure them that it really is an easy, friendly, and entirely confidential process, with terms you'd be hard pressed to beat.
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First Time Homebuyer Education Classes scheduled:
April 7, 9 & 14th in Eastham.
The Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation is conducting a Homebuyer Education course in Eastham for first time homebuyers. The course will provide information on budgeting, looking for, selecting and purchasing a home, and the local resources that may be available to buyers.
The course will consist of three, three-hour classes. Participants must attend all three classes. Those who successfully complete the program will be awarded a certificate which may make them eligible for certain assistance programs or mortgage products.
Classes are scheduled for Monday, April 7th, Wednesday, April 9th and Monday, April 14th from 6-9 PM at the CDC Offices in Eastham.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required!
Classes are open to any interested individuals or households. A $35 fee ($45 for 2 in household) will cover materials and refreshments. To request registration materials or be placed on the list for future classes, contact Chris Perry at 508-240-7873 ext. 22 or by email at chris@lowercape.org.
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| Housing Program Updates:
News from our Housing Development Program:
Harwich Main Street Extension: The CDC is excited to announce that it has finalized its development team for the 12-unit rental housing project in Harwich.
The Valle Group, based in Falmouth, will be serving as the CDC's Development Partner and General Contractor. The Valle Group, Inc. and its affiliates have been involved in real estate development, construction, consulting, planning, marketing and interior design for a variety of projects throughout New England for over 35 years. The project architect will be A+E Architects, a sustainable design firm based in Brewster. The CDC will be working with a combined legal team of Freeman Davis & Stearns LLC and the Law Office of Lisa V. Still, who has served as the CDC's attorney since 1994. J.M. O'Reilly & Associates, who has worked with the CDC since 1995, will serve as the project engineer.
The CDC is excited to have assembled a team with this level of experience and with a commitment to building safe, attractive, and sustainable affordable housing on Cape Cod.
For more information on these and other Housing Projects, contact Emily Loomis, Housing Development Manager, at 508-240-7873 x23, or emily@lowercape.org.
News from our Property Management Department:
Heaven Must Be Missing Some Angels. . . 
. . .and they are right here on Cape Cod, volunteering their time for the CDC. Gerry Loftus and his crew of carpenters and painters known as Charlie's Angels have taken a break from their work at Habitat for Humanity and can be found on any given day at one of the CDC's properties, maintaining and improving the interiors of apartments.
Joe, Gerry, Bob, Larry, Roger & Mike
These "angels" have steadily repainted almost all of the units at our Wellfleet Apartments and are then moving on to our 8-unit property in Harwichport and finally to Canal House in Orleans. In addition, they are building bike racks for tenants to use, and installing a window in the bathroom of another unit.
The CDC is very grateful for their community service; we consider ourselves very fortunate to have this professional and friendly group partnering with us in our mission to continue to provide affordable and attractive homes on Cape Cod. Thanks, Angels!!
And Thank You AmeriCorp!
Thanks are also due to the AmeriCorps volunteers who winterized two of our units on January 30th as part of their Martin Luther King Community Service Project. These volunteers assessed and remediated leaking windows, insulated electrical outlets and wall switches, and wrapped hot water heaters in an effort to help tenants save money on their heating bills.
For more information on these and other Property Maintenance Projects, contact Deb Shell, Property Manager, at 508-240-7873 x15. |
 Events, Updates and Membership:
Housing with Love Walk :
Walk a Block, Walk a Mile and support the CDC!
For the past fourteen summers, Bob Murray has walked the entire length of Cape Cod, through all 15 towns, to raise money for a variety of housing programs.
His annual 108-mile, seven-day Housing With Love Walk raises money to help
families from becoming homeless, Lisa Still & Gail Eldredge, Celebrity Walkers 2006
to prevent homes being foreclosed on,
to help homeless families access housing, and to help the disabled find decent, safe and affordable housing. Ten housing agencies participate in this Walk and assist families throughout Cape Cod.
This year's walk will take place July 7 - 11th. This is the CDC's 3rd year participating. While we don't expect our walkers to take a week and to walk from Provincetown to Falmouth, we would love it if you would join us at any time on the first three days of the walk and stroll Provincetown through Harwich, or any portions in between. Walkers are asked to solicit pledges to support the CDC's Housing Programs.
We are also looking for "Celebrity" walkers. Do you have a person important to you - a person you think deserves special recognition? With a donation of $500 (tax deductible), friends, family and neighbors can sponsor a person to be recognized as a celebrity walker. Each celebrity and their sponsor will receive a special t-shirt personalized with their names.
For more information on the Housing with Love Walk, contact Chris Perry 508-240-7873 x22 or chris@lowercape.org.
Membership: Join the over 300 individuals and businesses who are members of the CDC! Click here to fill out our online Membership Form and make your contribution today! CDC Membership.
For more information on these events, please contact Chris Perry, Director of Marketing and Membership Services at 508-240-7873 x22 or chris@lowercape.org.
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News from our Small Business Development Program:
Upcoming Workshops:
Email Marketing 101
Date: March 20, 2008
Time: 8:00a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Harwich Chamber of Commerce
Join the Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation's TechTEAM, in collaboration with the Harwich Chamber of Commerce for an interactive learning session on how to use Email Marketing to attract new customers and build loyalty among your existing customer base.
Participants will learn practical tips, tricks and best practices to:
*Build and manage a permission based email list
*Define an email campaign calendar that makes sense for your business
*Create professional looking, compelling emails with powerful subject lines
*Get your emails through the SPAM filters
*Analyze your email campaign reports and interpret the results
*Understand the email marketing tools that are available to you
This session is suggested for small business owners with little to no email marketing experience who would like to drive more traffic to their website, provide customers with an informative newsletter, or get the word out about special promotions.
For more information and registration: Contact Kathy at the Harwich Chamber at 508-430-1165 or via email.
Negotiation Skills: Dealing with Practical Realities and Emotions
Date: March 27, 2008
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Cape Codder Resort, Hyannis, MA
This seminar is part of a series of seminars called Women's Business Exchange, presented by The Community Bank. The series is focused on connecting women business owners with the experts and resources to grow their business. The event will also feature a light breakfast and an opportunity for networking. Speaker: Beverly Ryle, Director of The Center for Career and Business Development RSVP Date: Thursday, March 20, 2008 To register: Online only: The Community Bank
Keeping Yourself Motivated & Focused at Work
Date: April 2, 2008
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Location: CDC Offices
Business owners interested in strengthening their businesses are invited to join fellow entrepreneurs for an in depth discussion about "Keeping Yourself Motivated at Work". Participants will talk about how they set goals, and learn new tools and techniques for prioritizing them. A topic every businessperson could use. Who should attend? Employees, employers and anyone who would like to better utilize their time.
Beverly Ryle, Director of the Center for Career and Business Development, will lead the workshop exploring this approach and its focus on building a relationship with customers.
Cost: $30 per session Class size is limited, so please register early. For more information: Contact Lisa Panaccione 508-240-7873 ext 25 or email: lisa@lowercape.org
Managing Cash Flow - Your Company's Lifeline
Date: April 10, 2008
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: CDC Offices
"Managing Cash Flow" will be a seminar offered by the Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation in partnership with the Eastham and Orleans Chambers of Commerce.
Led by Randy T. Smith, President of Management Financial Services, the seminar will benefit businessowners, managers, new entrepreneurs and others interested in increasing the profitability of their business.
Topics will include: what is cash flow and why it is important, what causes shortages (you will be surprised!) and strategies to improve your cash flow. Learn large ideas for small businesses! Participants will walk away from this program with solid ideas to help navigate the financial future of their business.
One-on-one technical assistance is available by appointment upon completion of the workshop, as well as a line-up of business related seminars on topics such as growing your business, marketing, health insurance, legal entities and business plan writing.
Registration is $10.00. For more information, contact Lisa Panaccione at the Lower Cape Cod CDC at 800-220-6202 ex. 25 or via email.
Managing Conflict in the Workplace
Date: April 28, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Willy's World Wellness and Conference Center in North Eastham
Workplace conflict is inevitable. It can affect productivity and morale, and damage customer relations. Cape Mediation is collaborating with the Lower Cape Cod CDC to teach a proven problem-solving model and practical skills to help deal with conflict between staff, management, and customers.
Who should attend: Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders, Human Resource Personnel, and Customer Service Staff.
Tuition is $150. Registrations received by March 28th will be discounted to $125. Additionally, grants are available to cover half the training fee.
To find out more and to Register, please go to Cape Mediation's website at www.capemediation.org. You can also call the office at 508-240-1717 or via email.
TechSMART Openings Available!
TechSMART, the project dedicated to training and linking clients in the use of Internet technology, has some openings available for interested participants!
Click here to learn more about this exciting program.
For more information and to receive an application: Call Moira Noonan-Kerry, Director of Economic Development, at 508-240-7873 x13 |
| We Need Your Help!
Our Property Management Staff work very hard to keep our properties in tip top shape for our tenants.
We are always interested in donations of the following items:
*Roller arms & Sleeves *Paint Trays and Liners
*Paint Brushes *Paint Brushes
*Interior Latex Paint *6 & 8 foot step ladders
*20 foot extension ladder *Drop Cloths
*Caulk and caulk guns *Joint Compound
*Overhead Light Fixtures *Grab Bars for showers & tubs
*Exterior solar motion detector lights
*Door Mats
*Home Depot Gift Cards (to purchase supplies!)
In addition, the following items would be extremely welcome!
*Lunches for the volunteers (Jo-Mammas, Box Lunch, Dunkin Donuts cards)
*wall cabinets
*base cabinets
*stainless steel sink
*kitchen faucet
*dormitory refrigerator
*toaster oven
*30" electric stove in new condition
We would love to talk to you! Contact Deb Shell, Property Manager, at 508-240-7873 x15. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Congratulations! 
* CDC Executive Director Elizabeth Bridgewater was recognized at the 2008 Cape Cod and Islands Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on March 7th.
Elizabeth received the "Community Service-Individual/Lower Cape" Award for her leadership of the CDC. Read more here.
* Peter Karlson, chairman of the Cape Cod Technology Council, President and Founder of NeuEon and consultant to the CDC's TechSMART program, recently accepted an award from the Cape Cod Chamber and Coastal Community Capital.
The award consisted of a scholarship to the Entrepreneurship Development Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management in Cambridge. Peter's team won for the best business plan - one they created during the weeklong program. Congratulations! |
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Cape and Islands License Plates Benefit the CDC!
Although there are currently 16 speciality plates to choose from when you visit or renew your license place with the RMV, choosing the Cape and Islands License Plate directly benefits the CDC! Visit Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to order your plate and support housing and economic development on the Lower Cape! | |
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