EASTHAM — Some 16 months before the 400th anniversary, plans are well under way to commemorate the Dec. 8, 1620 “first encounter” between Native Americans and European pilgrims. Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of the celebration is an effort to bring the sailing “shallop” Elizabeth Tilley to Eastham for both display and tours.
The vessel, a replica of ones used to transport people and goods from larger ships to the coast in the 17th century, is owned by the Pilgrim John Howland Society of Plymouth. But questions regarding the cost and feasibility of towing and mooring the shallop were raised at a meeting of the town’s 400 Commemoration Committee on July 29.
While an appearance by the Elizabeth Tilley remains a possibility, a proposed bonfire has been definitively nixed by Eastham Fire Chief Kent Farrenkopf. The committee considered several alternatives, including a fire pit and a six-foot-tall burning pyramid, but no final decision was made.
The committee also discussed six programs to be held in conjunction with the Eastham Public Library. Three are designed for general audiences, focusing on the events leading up to the first encounter, the encounter itself, and the memorial commemorating the meeting. Three additional programs will be open to all but feature subject matter tailored for immigrants, young adults, and artists.
A letter had been sent to the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council seeking input for the event, but no response had been received. The 400 Commemoration Committee planned to follow up with a phone call.
Affordable housing lottery
A bump in affordable housing is one step closer to becoming a reality in Eastham. Completion of the Village at Nauset Green — “a brand-new family rental development” at 140 Brackett Road — isn’t scheduled until February 2020, but an initial batch of apartments will be made available this October. Hopeful tenants should submit a pre-application for the housing lottery to be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Orleans-Eastham Elks Lodge, 10 McKoy Road, Eastham. Those selected will then be eligible for the full application and interview process.
Pre-applications must be sent by U.S. mail to Village at Nauset Green, P.O. Box 24855, Philadelphia, PA 19130 and must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 3 in order to qualify. Pick up a pre-application — in English, en español, or em português — at the Eastham Town Hall or at 140 Brackett Road, or download the forms online at villageatnausetgreen.com.
Survey on Eastham cable service
Do you have a strong opinion about your cable provider? Are there matters of local interest you wish were covered on television? Eastham’s Cable TV License Renewal Advisory Committee is all ears — electronically speaking. Take its online survey to give the powers that be your two cents on cable service in Eastham. The short questionnaire also asks how often you tune in to Lower Cape TV and what you’d like to see more of on your local access channels. Access the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/EasthamCable.
Windmill is open once more
As of Saturday, July 27, Cape Cod’s oldest and last working windmill is once again open to the public, although restoration of the exterior shingles will continue through the month of August. The town expects restoration to be fully completed in time for the annual Windmill Weekend — featuring a parade, craft show, and live music — on September 6-8. More information can be found at easthamwindmillweekend.org.
