| The Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation Newsletter |
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| Community News |
Summer 2008 |
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Our Website has a New Look!
We are very exited to unveil our new and improved website.
You will find more information on our programs, download applications, listen to our radio shows and join or renew your membership online! | |
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Notes from Elizabeth
Elizabeth Bridgewater shares thoughts with Govenor Patrick as Emily Loomis looks on.
Greetings!
Many of you already know that Emily Loomis, the CDC's well respected Housing Project Manager, accepted a position in the Boston area with another community development organization. What you might not know is that one of the driving forces behind her decision to leave Cape Cod was the lack of young people her age living and working on the Lower Cape. It's hard not to see the irony in this situation. The CDC's mission is to promote a vibrant and diverse community on the Lower Cape. Among other things, this includes fostering an environment that is attractive to young individuals and families because we believe that the strength of our economy stems from a multi-generational population.
During the last decade, we experienced a major out migration of young people from Cape Cod. This was accompanied by a rapid rise in housing costs that far outpaced the rise in wages. As a recent visitor from South Carolina observed during her first trip here, "homes are where jobs go at night." Without decent and affordable housing, workers will seek jobs elsewhere. And without good jobs, workers can't afford housing. This is especially true for young people who are just getting started on the road to buiding their future and accumulating assets.
Many of you reading this newsletter already know the statistics that tell this tale. But Emily and others young people like her are not numbers. They are real indivudals who contributed to the quality of life in our community through their professional service, their volunteer and civic contributions and their presence in our diverse social circles.
Emily's departure represents opportunity for a new person to contribute to the community by working for the CDC and I look forward to the gifts that this change will bring. But her departure also makes very real the reason one of the key reasons we are addressing the housing needs of the Lower Cape and why we are helping to strengthen the small businesses who provide the majority of jobs in the region. We value our younger population and we are committed to keeping them here.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Bridgewater, Executive Director |
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Lower Cape Cod CDC joins other CDC's at
MACDC's Lobby Day!
CDC Staffmembers Chris Perry, Lisa Panaccione,
Emily Loomis and Elizabeth Bridgewater pose with
Governor Deval Patrick at MACDC's Lobby Day.
On March 27th, CDC staffmembers Elizabeth Bridgewater, Emily Loomis, Lisa Panaccione, Chris Perry and Board Member Jari Rapaport traveled to Boston's State House to join dozens of CDC's from across the Commonwealth and to learn more about MACDC's LIFT Initiative, learn from each other, hear Governor Patrick address the crowd, and meet with local legislators.
The Lower Cape Cod CDC was pleased to have the opportunity to meet, all at one time, Senator Robert O'Leary, Representative Sarah Peake and Representative Cleon Turner and to discuss issues of importance to the Lower Cape Community.
The group was fortunate that Governor Deval Patrick took an interest in the CDC's display and stopped by to chat and take a photo with the staff!
More information on MACDC's LIFT Campaign and photos from Lobby Day can be found on the MACDC website: www.macdc.org. |
Spotlight On:
Sylvie Richard,
Specializing in:
Meet Sylvie Richard, owner/chef of The Outer Crepe in Provincetown. A recipient of the CDC's Micro Loan Program, Sylvie is one of the many local businessowners who operate a seasonal business on the Lower Cape.
Dividing her time between the mountains of Utah and the beaches of Cape Cod, Sylvie spends her winter months as a ski instructor and summer months behind a hot griddle, filling thin "crepes" or pancakes with sweet and savory delectables.
Sylvie's first job as a teenager in Quebec City was working in a "creperie" for a couple from the Brittany region of France. Sylvie felt that this traditional French item, popular in Canada, would receive a warm welcome here in the States. After getting started in one location on Commercial Street, Sylvie moved into her current 2nd floor space and purchased the equipment of a popular Commercial Street eatery that had closed its doors and moved off-Cape.
Recognizing that she needed some additional financial capital to stabilize and grow her business, Sylvie attempted to secure traditional bank financing. When she was unable to access a traditional loan, she turned to the CDC's Micro Loan Program. Upon completing her packet, including a business plan with financial projections, amongst other supporting material, Sylvie's business proposal was approved and she received a micro-loan.
The Outer Crepe is a take out restaurant with outdoor seating for 40 on a deck overlooking Commercial Street. A choice of regular, vegan or gluten free/buckwheat batter crepes is available, ready to fill with delicious sweet or savory fillings to please every palate. The Outer Crepe also serves salads, soups and sandwiches. Open from 9 - 4 for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack, you can visit this unique establishment at 336 Commercial Street. Bon Appetit!
The CDC's Micro Loan program was established with a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through the Town of Chatham. The CDC can provide loans to qualified businesses of up to $40,000. These loans can be used for working capital, real estate for the use of small business, and for machinery and equipment. In addition to the Micro Loan program, the CDC also offers a short-term loan option, where up to $10,000 may be borrowed for a period of a few months to a year.
For more information about the Micro-Loan program and to learn about eligibility requirements, please contact Moira Noonan-Kerry at 508-240-7873 x13 or moira@lowercape.org. |
Update on Canal House ... the CDC's Sober Living Residence
Canal House, the CDC's residential sober living facility, is benefiting from structural and aesthetic rehabilitation and accessibility improvements. The improvements are being managed by the CDC's Housing Development Department.
Canal House is a residential sober living facility that accommodates five men and three women, plus an on-site program manager. The CDC partners with Gosnold of Cape Cod to manage the facility. In the nine years the program has been operating, twenty-nine residents of Canal House have successfully completed the program and returned to the community as productive members.
The main house was built in 1880, and expanded over time to provide over 3,000 sf of living space. The entire property was bought and rehabilitated by the CDC in 1997-98.
"Its great to know that the improvements we're making will allow residents of all physical abilities to feel more comfortable in their home. Accessibility improvements are about more than just complying with the law - they're about empowering people to be increasingly self-sufficient in their own home. It's about dignity and respect, and that's what Canal House is about, too." said former Director of Housing Development, Emily Loomis.
Emily noted that the CDC tries to incorporate accessible design into its new affordable housing projects whenever possible. "The simple inclusion of lever door handles or no-step entryways can benefit everyone from the severely disabled, to a person with a broken bone, to an aging resident who doesn't want to have to move. Even those without disabilities now may experience them in the future, and no one should have to turn away a disabled friend at the door."
At Canal House, General Contractor E.A. Barsness & Company, Inc. has already installed new roofs, re-shingled a portion of the main house, installed a number of new windows, replaced a few doors, and repainted a majority of the trim work. In order to increase accessibility to the building for disabled residents or visitors, E.A. Barsness & Company is currently building an accessible ramp that provides access to all sections of the house, and has relocated a door to facilitate wheelchair access to the men's side.
Property Manager Deb Shell has plans for additional maintenance going forward, and has already coordinated volunteers to paint the inside of the building.
Many thanks to our project sponsors, who recognized the value of this community asset and contributed to our efforts:
Mass Housing Partnership, for an accessibility and rehabilitation grant TD Banknorth, for an accessibility and rehabilitation grant Wildwater Design/Augustus Construction, for donation of accessible ramp designs Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled (CORD), for accessibility consultation Americorps Cape Cod, for volunteer labor
And we can't forget to thank all Lower Cape Cod CDC members, for making the CDC's work possible!
If you would like to know more about Canal House, or know someone who might like to apply to live at Canal House, please visit our website at www.lowercape.org, or contact Jen Rumpza at 508-240-7873 ext.17.
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Foreclosure Prevention Assistance is Available!
Foreclosure Prevention Outreach Center:
The Lower Cape Cod CDC has been named a Foreclosure Prevention Outreach Center under a program awarded to Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) in Hyannis.
Under a grant from the MASS Department of Housing and Community Development, HAC will continue to provide foreclosure prevention counseling as one of 10 Foreclosure Prevention Centers across the State.
The Lower Cape Cod CDC and Homeless Prevention Council (formerly known as the Interfaith Council for the Homeless) will serve as Outreach Centers on the Lower/Outer Cape. Monthly informational seminars and individual counseling will be offered by HAC counselors at the CDC in Eastham and the Council (Interfaith) in Orleans for those unable to travel to Hyannis.
All inquiries are treated with confidentiality!
For more information and to register for Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, please contact Chris Perry at 508-240-7873 x22 or chris@lowercape.org.
Foreclosure Prevention Workshops:
Starting this Fall, the CDC will be offering a 7-part series of Foreclosure Prevention Workshops. Funded by a grant from the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Trust, these workshops will give current homeowners the tools they need to prevent, or to manage, the foreclosure process.
The 7 Workshops will include:
Budgeting: What is a budget? What is the purpose? Budget Busters!
Credit Cards: How to responsibly use your credit cards.
Credit Reports and Credit Scores: What are they are why are they important?
Credit Repair: How can I repair my bad credit? Loan to Own-How to Borrow Money: How much can I borrow? What are the terms & types of loans? Foreclosure Process and Timeline: The How and the Why.
Bankruptcy: What does this mean? Will it save my house?
Watch for the upcoming schedule of workshops on the Events section of the CDC website, or contact Chris Perry @ 508-240-7873 x22 for more information. |
We'd like your participation!
Nominate An Outstanding Individual or Business
for the 4th Annual Gwen Pelletier Award!
Do you know of an outstanding individual or business who has made a difference in our community?
The Lower Cape Cod CDC is seeking nominations for the 4th Annual Gwen Pelletier Award for Excellence in Community Service to the Lower Cape Cod Community. This award will be presented at the CDC's Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2008.
This award was created to honor Gwen Pelletier for her years of service to the Lower Cape Community. It recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations for their involvement and support to the economic diversity of the Lower Cape.
We are looking for local individuals or businesses who have:
· Demonstrated a positive effect on the community or population
· Contributed to a program that improves the livability of the local
community.
· Demonstrated goodwill built by developing collaborative efforts with
local communities and partnerships with other organizations.
· Demonstrated thoroughness in program/project planning & implementation
Past recipients of the award are:
*2007 - Ted Malone, President, Community Housing Resource, Inc.
*2006 - David Willard, Vice President, Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank
*2005 - Award established and presented to Gwen Pelletier. If you would like to nominate an individual or business that you feel meets the nomination criteria, please forward your nomination by October 1, 2008 to the attention of: Chris Perry, Director of Marketing and Membership Services chris@lowercape.org, 508-240-7873 x22 Please include your contact information with your nomination.
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News from our Small Business Development Program:
Upcoming Workshops (thru 12/31/08)
Smart Start Workshop Series: Oct 29th -Nov 6th 2008
Join us and other start-up businesses for the Smart Start Workshop Series. Smart Start is a multi-part interactive program for individuals at the early stages of business development.
Topics for discussion include setting prices, identifying customers, analyzing the competition and financing options. Participants will walk away from this program with a clearer picture of the viability of their business ideas and with the foundation for a business plan.
The Smart Start Workshop Series is taught by a team of experienced entrepreneurs, including Beverly Ryle of the Center for Career and Business Development and Sarah Robinson, Robinson Financial Solutions.
The workshops will take place on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, October 29th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday October 30th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday, November 6th from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
All classes take place at the CDC in North Eastham.
For more information and to register: Contact Lisa Panaccione at the Lower Cape Cod CDC at 508-240-7873 extension 25 or via email.
3rd Wednesday Business Boosters
An All Star Line-Up of Guest Professional offering
Expert Advice for Growing Businesses!
Following are the first 4 of a nine session series starting in September and continuing monthly through May 2009!
Smart Marketing with Chip Bishop
Date: September 17, 2008
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Brewster Ladies Library
Cost: $25.00
Know your market and focus your hard-earned dollars on targeted promotions. Obtain "professional marketing skills" with this dynamic session led by one of the Cape's most respected experts.
Networking with Diane Darling of Effective Networking.com
Date: October 15, 2008
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Harwich Community Center
Cost: $30.00
Learn from the Pro: Establish best practices for promoting your business. Identify and connect with your clients. Maximize visibility for your company.
Selling Online with Kristin Utt, Internet Marketing Consultant
Date: November 19, 2008
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Willy's World Wellness & Conference Center
Cost: $25.00
Talk to the professionals about what rate of return is possible. How to do it, or is it worth doing?
Cash Flow with Randy T. Smith, Management Financial Services, Inc.
Date: December 17, 2008
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: The Annex - 44 Main Street, Orleans
Cost: $25.00
Learn how to build a positive cash flow - this session will explain the business decisions you can make to impact your company's cashflow, and provide tips to help improve the cashflow.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Class materials are provided and light refreshments are available. To register, or for more information, contact Lisa Panaccione at the CDC, 508-240-787 x25 or Lisa@lowercape.org.
For more information on the 3rd Wednesday Business Boosters series of workshops, visit the CDC website at News & Events.
What the Business Development Staff have been up to:
At the invitation of Chatham High School teacher David Alexander, CDC Business Development Specialist Lisa Panaccione spoke to his personal finance class about the CDC programs, as well as about what it takes to run your own business on Cape Cod.
With the help of her son Stephen Allen (a young entrepreneur himself), Lisa educated the students in the basics of starting a small business including, understanding their competition and identifying their target markets.
We look forward to expanding this presentation other area schools. |
Housing Program Updates:
Wellfleet: The CDC was recently selected as the developer for a new construction project in Wellfleet! The project includes rehabilitating an existing 2-bedroom cottage and building 6 new units on land owned by the Wellfleet Housing Authority.
Truro: Under a land lease with the Truro Housing Authority, the CDC will also be managing a new duplex in Truro currently being developed by the Highland Affordable Housing.
In addition, the CDC is currently administering a Housing Rehabilitation Program totaling $750,000 and benefiting residents of the towns of Wellfleet and Provincetown. When the program closes in December, 2008, we anticipate that 29 low and moderate income households will have benefited from these loan funds.
The State of Massachusetts recently obligated over $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to continue the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program in the Towns of Wellfleet and Provincetown - the CDC is excited for the opportunity to implement the program on behalf of those towns. |
Events, Updates and Membership:
CDC Annual Meeting!
Mark Your Calendars for the CDC's 17th Annual Meeting to be held on Thursday, October 23, 2008. More details coming soon!
CDC participates in the 15th Annual Housing with Love Walk!
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.
Bob's annual 108-mile, seven-day Housing With Love Walk raises money to help families from becoming homeless, 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 participated in this Walk and assist families throughout Cape Cod.
Celebrity Walker Scott Kerry
This year's walk took place July 7 - 11th and was the CDC's 3rd year participating in the event.
We would like to thank Celebrity Walkers Gwen Pelletier, former Executive Director of the CDC (who actually biked 100 miles - Chatham to Provincetown! - click here for local newspaper coverage), Scott Kerry of Eastham and Gail Eldredge of Chatham who walked on behalf of the CDC. With their help, over $5,000 was raised for the CDC's Housing Development Program! Many thanks to Stop and Shop Supermarkets of Harwich for the delicious roll-up sandwiches, potato chips and refreshing bottled water served at lunchtime to the walkers on the first day in Truro!
For more information on the Housing with Love Walk, contact Chris Perry at 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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| New CDC Radio Show!
"Community Partners on the Air" aired its first show on May 14, 2008 with guests Nancy Davison and Pam Parker from Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) discussing foreclosure programs available to Cape Cod residents.
Replacing the CDC's previous radio program "Business Builders on the Air" hosted by Moira Noonan Kerry, Director of Economic Development, this new radio show expands it content to include all issues relevant to the mission of the CDC, and of importance to Lower Cape residents and businessowners.
Tune in to WOMR 92.1fm on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and listen in as co-hosts Elizabeth Bridgewater and Christiane Perry interview guests about local projects, programs and issues. Click here here to listen to current and past shows.
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Cape and Islands License Plates Auction benefits CDC!
Bidding recently ended on the Cape and Islands License Plate Auction recently held for plates numbered 1 - 999.
License Plate number 1 sold for $147,000! Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Lower Cape Cod CDC and other non-profit organizations promoting tourism and economic development on Cape Cod and the Islands.
The license plates have raised over 13 million dollars for Cape and Islands based nonprofits over the years.
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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Staff Updates:
 Welcome Jen Rumpza!
The CDC Housing Department has a new addition to the staff!
Jen Rumpza was hired in April as the Housing Project Compliance Coordinator. She hit the ground running with a Spectrum training in Syracuse, New York.
"The training was a good introduction to the regulations I need to follow for all of our projects, but particularly with the Wellfleet Apartments," Jen said. "I am grateful to have had the experience, and to have gotten my feet wet with a thorough and inciteful seminar."
As well as regulating the projects, Jen is the bearer of good news when people qualify and are accepted for all the housing programs, including Canal House, which has three new tenants as of March.
"Canal House is such an amazing project. Giving people the opportunity to better themselves without having to worry about housing is also a reward for us. It's the rewarding part of the job. And I think Canal House gives people a sense of hope and support that maybe they haven't felt often," Jen said.
Jen is looking forward to getting to know the multitude of tenants over the next few months, as well as meeting people working for affordable housing in the community.
A Fond Farewell to Emily Loomis! 
Housing Development Manager Emily Loomis has left the CDC and the Lower Cape to accept a position as a Project Manager at Chelsea Neighborhood Developers.
Emily has been a wonderful asset to the CDC, and we wish her the best of luck in her new job! Good luck Emily - we'll miss you!
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| 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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