WELLFLEET — The Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater announced on May 5 the cancellation of its 2020 summer season, in recognition of “the need to take a proactive stance to slow […]
UNEASY BEING GREEN
Wellfleet Farmers Market to Open
The Wellfleet Farmers Market will be the first to open on the Outer Cape this season, on Wednesday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to noon. Like other local greenmarkets across […]
ECONOMY
Local Banks Rush to Get Funds for Small Businesses
Second round of SBA payroll loans could be gone in days
Editor’s note: This story has been updated as of Saturday, May 2. PROVINCETOWN — The $310 billion that was added to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) by Congress last week […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Can Commercial Boats Survive Social Distancing?
Charters, ferries, and whale watch boats will need to reduce capacity
Another week has gone by, and we are still living in a world where social distancing is very much a part of our day-to-day lives. At this point, it’s time […]
PROVINCETOWN 401
Funicular Going Up
Doubled cost of project to be covered by $4.5 million loan
PROVINCETOWN — Construction on the long-planned inclined elevator that will link the Bas Relief Park to the base of the Pilgrim Monument is set to begin on May 18. The […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
With Fishing on Hold, a Bivalve Bonus Appears
In a spring like no other, sea clams are a welcome sight
Spring has been a very confused season so far. As I write this, snow is falling in the western hills of Massachusetts as well as my winter home in the […]
ECONOMY
Creative Business Ideas for Summer Survival
Dining tables on Commercial Street, a lottery for rooms, beer trailers
PROVINCETOWN — Business owners are getting creative with plans for surviving what has been a devastating spring and will be a slow summer.
ECONOMY
Relief Is Slow for the Self-employed
Three programs could help; none is quick
Update: On Thursday, April 16, the Small Business Administration stopped accepting PPP loan applications because the $349 billion appropriation was exhausted. Congress is currently negotiating over an extra $250 billion […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Early Start to a Season in Doubt
The view from the water of a changed world for fishermen
As we begin another season on the waterfront, it would be an understatement to say its start, if it ever happens, won’t look like any other previous season’s start. Our […]
ECONOMY
Provincetown’s Theme Weeks Mostly Canceled
Months of uncertainty spell doom for tourist draws
PROVINCETOWN — The calendar of events that structures summertime in Provincetown has been nearly wiped clean. Bear Week, Family Week, and the Provincetown International Film Festival have all been suspended […]
ECONOMY
Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Crisis Relief Now
SBA loan programs are complex; advice from experts is simple
PROVINCETOWN — The Small Business Administration (SBA) has given birth to twins. Two huge, messy loan programs with complex instructions and chaotic rollouts have been dropped on its doorstep — and […]
RESILIENCE
Local Food Producers Search for Ways to Serve and Survive
Right now, generosity and hyperlocal service are top strategies
WELLFLEET — With restaurants closed, fishermen have lost their usual income. But the people who grow, harvest, and market Outer Cape crops from land and sea are experimenting with strategies […]
DISASTER HELP
How Workers and Businesses Can Find Relief
Rescue funds include loans and expanded unemployment benefits
PROVINCETOWN — More than $600 billion of the $2 trillion federal financial rescue package that became law last week will go to beefing up unemployment benefits and small business loans […]
PANDEMIC
Health Center Funds Dwindle as Patients Stay Home
OCHS puts losses at $1 million per month
PROVINCETOWN — No clinical services to patients have been canceled since Outer Cape Health Services last week furloughed or laid off nearly half its staff because of lost revenue caused […]
LODGING
Health Board: Short-term Rentals Should Stop
Hotels are mostly closed; only ‘essential travel’ is permitted
PROVINCETOWN — The board of health is directing short-term rental property owners in Provincetown to refrain from renting their properties, at least through the end of April. Hotels and guest […]
