Most of the 85 children in Provincetown’s recreation program this year don’t know how to swim, according to Recreation Director Brandon Motta. In 2020 (the most recent year for which […]
Next Generation
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Abortion Access Is Unclear on Cape Cod
Nearest clinic with comprehensive care is 110 miles away
HYANNIS — Relying on a June 28 statement from Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC), the Independent reported two weeks ago that abortion services are not available anywhere on Cape Cod. That, […]
MEET THE MAKER
Behind Cape Cod’s Outermost Roast
John Simonian brews a career from love of a good cup of coffee
EASTHAM — John Simonian starts every day with a good cup of coffee. Then he goes to work making coffee for the rest of us. He’s not a barista. He’s […]
A LONG FIVE MILES
Regulars and Newbies Run Wellfleet’s Annual Road Race
Siblings Max and Rachel Aronow take the gold
WELLFLEET — The conditions were perfect Sunday morning for the 48th annual Wellfleet 5-Mile Road Race. At least that’s what Robert Blakeslee, who has participated in the race for the […]
PHOTOGRAPHY
Peter Hujar Reveals the Truth Behind the Joke
A small show of the late photographer’s work exposes the valences of camp and drag
In the 1960s and ’70s, before they were a tragedy, gay men were a joke. Because gay men are tastemakers and cultural aristocrats, the joke was a good one — […]
ON THE PATH
Truro Seeks Safer Routes for Cyclists
Survey finds support for a separate bike and walking path along Route 6
TRURO — Nurzhijit Kopzhassar, who lives and works in Provincetown, frequently travels to Wellfleet by bike to see a friend who lives there. He cycles along Shore Road (Route 6A) […]
COMMON GROUND
An Eastham Farmer Tends the Future of His Fields
Bob Wells finds ways to build up the soil and share his land
EASTHAM — The fourth-grade students from Mrs. Howard’s class at Eastham Elementary School marched across the street to Redberry Farm on the morning of June 21. There, they met farmer […]
PERFORMANCE
Improv Is About Everyone in the Room
Outer Cape troupe fills a gap in the local comedy scene
IMPROVincetown’s June 16 show began with an unusual advisory. “Normally at a show, you’re told to turn your phone off,” announced improv troupe member Katie Pentedemos. “But we want you […]
ADDICTION
Experts Seek Solutions as Opioid Crisis Worsens
Needed: more methadone, testing a toxic drug supply, and supervised injection sites
PROVINCETOWN — Seventy-nine residents of Barnstable County died of opioid overdoses in 2021. That’s three more than in 2020 and marks the second-worst year on record after 2016, when 81 […]
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Abortion Services Still Missing on Cape Cod
The nearest clinic is more than 90 miles away
WELLFLEET — Ever since the Women’s Health Center in Hyannis closed in 2008, abortion services have not been available anywhere on Cape Cod. The nearest abortion clinics are more than […]
SENIOR OF THE YEAR
Mary Abt Calls the Community to Song
A teacher who shows students ‘a beauty you can’t see or touch’
PROVINCETOWN — Every Thursday afternoon, the hallways of the Council on Aging are filled with song. Follow the sound to its source and you’ll find Mary Abt and a handful […]
AQUACULTURE
On the Flats, Wellfleet Sticks by Its Productivity Rules
After going unused for over a decade, a shellfishing grant is forfeited
WELLFLEET — Luene Grady and her son Schooner forfeited their shellfishing grant in February. That’s because they had not used it for growing oysters or clams for over a decade, […]
SOCCER
Lovati, Leone, and Norman Are the Breakers’ Core
The Wellfleet soccer club is distinguished by its diversity
EASTHAM — For the Wellfleet Breakers Soccer Club, the playing field is reshaped every summer. Each year, the team welcomes local players new and old, be they college athletes or […]
LONGING
A Journey Back to Portugal With Sonia Bettencourt
The award-winning fadista channels heartbreak, joy, and her home country in song
PROVINCETOWN — At the start of each performance, Sonia Bettencourt, dressed to the nines, takes center stage with a warm smile. But as soon as she opens her mouth, she […]
JUNETEENTH
For Queer Men of Color, a Homecoming in Provincetown
Lamb Rahming has designed a weekend of coming together
PROVINCETOWN — “Queer people of color deserve nice things,” says Lamb Rahming, the man behind Men of Color Weekend, which happens this year from June 16 to 20. It coincides […]