Provincetown News for July 2009

This month's episode features an update of the sewer back up, events and how Provincetown did over the 4th of July weekend. Varla Jean, Miss Richfield, Dina Martina and more...also, other summer fun in Provincetown.

Provincetown News Bullets

• Tourism is down in Provincetown. Over the Fourth of July Weekend, all sectors of business reported weak performance. Retail, restaurant, transportation (ferry, bus and plane), entertainment, art galleries and hotels overwhelmingly concur that the combination of the poor economy and rainy weather in June has impacted Provincetown.
  
  
• The town sewer backed up over the Fourth of July weekend and created a mess along the entire length of Commercial Street. Homes and businesses were awash in raw sewage. It even seeped out of manhole covers. Beaches were closed, businesses impacted and some renters had to switch their accommodations at the expense of the owners. There has been a huge loss in revenue due to this incident. It is reported that a cell phone flushed down the toilet in the East end triggered a valve failure which caused the system to back up. The town has disinfected the streets with bleach.
  
  
• 14 arrests were made over the 4th of July weekend. 12 males and two females were arrested for disorderly conduct and assaulting an office. One incident involved a knife attack in the Stop and Shop parking lot.
  
  
• The Secret Garden Tour will take place this weekend from 10AM-3PM. The tour will guide walkers to 12 secret gardens in Provincetown. The cost is $30.

For questions please email Michael.dubour@century21.com

The Fourth in Provincetown to go off with a Bang!

Thanks to a combination of 124 businesses and individuals, the Independence Day pyrotechnics spectacular, will shoot off over the bay Saturday night.

Through a fundraising effort led by Rick Murray, co-owner of The Crown and Anchor Inn, close to $46,350, the cost of the fireworks was raised to pay for the display. In addition to the contributions from donors, the Visitor Services Board gave $5,000. Stop and Shop will provide food to feed the extra police officers needed to help keep order in the crowd that can blossom to over 50,000 sparkler gawkers.

The only thing that will stop the show is rain or fog. This was the case a few years ago when a rain storm threatened to cancel the celebration. The show started a few minutes before heavy rains and clouds moved in. The grand finale exploded through thick clouds giving the viewers an interesting perspective.

Have fun this weekend and please refer to last week’s entry or July’s video news (link on home page of http://www.mikedubour.com) for a list of events and parties.

Thanks for reading and email me at michael.dubour@century21.com if you have any questions.

The Fourth of July is here

The Fourth of July is here! This week I provide a list of events for you to choose from in Provincetown for the festive weekend. In addition, I’ve included all events in June and July including The Portuguese Festival which starts today.
FOURTH OF JULY

The parade starts down Commercial Street around noon. You can get a pretty good view from almost anywhere along the parade route.

Fireworks start over the bay at dusk. The display is pretty good for our little seaside town so I hope you can make it.

The Art House Theatre

• Varla Jean Merman and the Mushroomheads, Tuesday thru Friday at 8PM.. a special Varla film festival starts at 7:30 PM
  
  
• Miss Richfield is Tuesday through Sunday at 10PM
  
  
• Blanche Survives Katrina… Thursday-Sunday 8:30 PM
  
  
• Suzanne Whang… Wednesday through Sunday 7PM, no show on the 4th.

The UU Meetinghouse

• Hedda Lettuce with Eat Me at 10PM all weekend long
  
  
• Mimi Gonzalez starts July 5th at 8:30 PM

The Crown and Anchor

• Kate Clinton Thursday through Saturday at 7PM
  
  
• Illusions Drag Spectacular is all weekend at 7:30 pm
  
  
• Dina Martina is whacked all weekend at 9PM
  
  
• Thirsty Burlington performs all weekend at 10:30 PM
  
  
• Independence Day Dance Friday and Saturday at 9PM
  
  
• On Tuesday, catch Ryan Landry’s Willie Wanker and the Hershey Highway.

The Boatslip

• Special extended Tea Dance from 4-11PM on Saturday. This is also a great spot to watch the fireworks.

The Post Office Cabaret

• James
  
  
• Jackie Beat
  
  
• Naked Boys Singing

The Vixen and AHOUSE

• Dancing all weekend

David Flower’s features Summer Camp

• Pier Dance Saturday from 3-8PM
  
  
• Hangar Party at the airport Sunday from 8PM-1AM
  
  
• Sunset cruise Monday 5-9PM

Remember to check your ferry or flight times and reserve your ticket if you haven’t yet. Allow for heavy traffic if you are driving here. For more information check mikedubour.com. Other events for the remainder of June and July include:

June 25-28th The Portuguese Festival and Blessing of the Fleet. This includes dancing, singing and food. There is also a parade!

The Art House

• Two Boys in a Bed on a Cold Winter’s Night, weekends in June
  
  
• ANT June 26-28th
  
  
• Jen Kober June 29-30th

July 11th there will be an auction to raise money to help renovate the library

July 11-18 is Bear Week

July 12th is the secret garden tour

June 20th its the 10K Dog Run Dog owner and pooch run

July 22-26 is Girl Splash

Please come to Provincetown and enjoy yourselves. Summer is fleeting. Email me at Michael.dubour@century21.com for more information.

Provincetown News for June 2009

Provincetown News Update

The summer rental season is upon us and so is a scam. If you are seeking to rent a vacation home here on the Cape, make sure you are renting directly from the owner or realtor representing the owner. Criminals looking to make quick cash have advertised homes for rent on Craigslist that they do not own. There are no reported victims as of yet. However, this could potentially cost vacationers thousands of dollars if they fall for it. Always try and validate the owner’s name by visiting the town website and checking the Assessor’s database.

A newly renovated town hall isn’t the only jewel Provincetown is seeing unfold. Recent work has uncovered numerous items from the past. A beer can from the 1950’s, a copy of a 1937 Cape Cod Colonial newspaper which headlined a story on Adolph Hitler’s actions and four signatures from workers who signed their names in the belfry in 1886.

The historic town hall which was built 123 years ago, is undergoing massive renovations after being deemed unsafe last year.

As a side note, there was an advertisement for a four bedroom summer cottage in the 1937 newspaper. The selling price…$2500.

The off road beach access to Race Point Beach South was temporarily closed due to the hatching of Plover chicks. Expected closures will also take place as eggs hatch along other ORV routes to Race Point Beach. If you use these roads, you may be able to use Race Point North roads most of the summer as nesting activity in this area is very minimal.

Piping plovers are on the endangered species list and the nests are monitored daily by the National Parks Service biologist. Once the chicks leave the nest, the roads are re-opened.

If there are unexpected closings, permit holders will be allowed to park for free at Herring Cove Beach, Race Point Beach and Head of the Meadow Beach. Recreational vehicles that are self contained will find parking accommodations at Race Point Beach and The Province Lands Visitor Center.

Provincetown residents have consistently used more water than the town’s allotted daily 850,000 gallons. This over usage may cause the state to enforce a water ration on the town.

Any rations would be a detriment to the hospitality industry which is a cornerstone of the economy. It will also impact homeowners and businesses seeking to expand their water capacity for additions or development. Provincetown gets its water from three wells in Truro. Alternative well fields are being sought out as a back-up water supply.

Remember the old saying… water is a precious resource here in Provincetown, please use what you need and waste none.

Austin Knight, a Provincetown Selectmen, broke his arm this past Tuesday as he was working on a home in the center of town. He was taken to Cape Cod hospital and is doing ok.

The class of 2009, the smallest graduating class in the state, marched through light rain to shake hands and grab diplomas last Friday. The ceremony took place at The Pilgrim Monument where the 23 graduates and over 400 attendees were sheltered under a large tent. The commencement address was delivered by State Representative Sarah Peake. Good luck to all graduates.

Thanks for reading and if you have any ideas, please email me at michael.dubour@century21.com.

Finback Whale on Provincetown Beach

This week, I posted pictures of the Finback Whale which washed ashore on Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. Click over to michaeldubour.com to check them out

A New Season Begins

The Memorial Day holiday in Provincetown proved to be a promising kick off to the summer season.

Business owners reported that the weather, although a bit gloomy at times, cooperated to make conditions ideal for tourists.

Retail shop and restaurant owners said that this was a very busy holiday weekend. Although the economy is slow, visitors seem tired of bad news. Provincetown provided a breath of fresh air and a chance to get away from the negative media. Most purchases were small, like t-shirts, ice cream cones and bric-a-brac items. But, folks were buying nonetheless.

Even though the holiday is over, the past week was also very busy. The true test of the summer economy will start July 1st with Independence Day holiday. Last year, restaurants, retail shops and entertainment did very well, while galleries struggled. Some galleries have been replaced with retail shops so it will be interesting to see how the newcomers fare.

Send an email to Michael.dubour@century21.com or call 508-789-1107 if you have any questions or to contribute. Thanks for reading and come back next Friday. Have a happy summer.

Provincetown News for May 2009

This month, you'll see town election results, new businesses that will open this season, a quick tour of The Pilgrim Monument and Memorial Day events.

Spring in Provincetown

Ballot Questions Pass

Provincetown voters approved five ballot questions in this week’s election.

Property taxes will increase in order to fund the Recreation Department, the town’s sidewalks and roads will be repaired, storm drains will be maintained, a new ladder truck will be purchased and a new street sweeper will be purchased.

New Businesses Come to Provincetown

Post “rented” signs over the majority of vacant retail space on Commercial Street. What could have potentially been a disastrous look for Provincetown this summer has been averted. An unusually large number of retail spaces have been rented by new businesses in spite of economic times.

Here’s a list of newcomers to support this year.

Wabi Dumplings is opening a take out food service only at 206 Commercial Street. This eatery will be owned by the chef from Victor’s in the West End, but no need to worry, he will not be quitting his night job.

The Caribbean Corner will open at 269 Commercial Street, directly across from town hall. There will be a full liquor license. This restaurant is actually moving from a smaller location, all meals are cooked to order. The food is absolutely delicious, but, put on your patience cap as the preparation takes time.

Townsend Lobster will open in the former Clem and Ursie’s building on Shank Painter Road.

The Brass Key will open its “Shipwreck Lounge” to the public.

The former Commons Guest House Restaurant and Level has a new owner. This summer the businesses will be called The Waterford.

New galleries include the J. Lucas Gallery at 437 Commercial Street, Julie Heller East at 465 Commercial Street, Portraits by Storm Cloud at 346 Commercial Street.

Numerous artists have rented the sheds on MacMillan Pier for the season as well. Look for watercolor paintings, drawings and knitting shops.

Garden Renovations, a nursery, has opened on the corner of Nelson Avenue and Race Point Roads.

Melt will open at 199 Commercial Street. This store will offer facial creams and other skin care products.

Klymaxx Unlimited will open at 207 Commercial Street and sell skin care products, cosmetics and fragrance.

A jewelry store will be opening at 280 Commercial Street. The name has not been announced.

Recycled Retriever, a pet supply store specializing in green products, will open at 322 Commercial Street. Bring your pets on May 14th from 5-8PM for an opening party.

Yates and Kennedy will be opening a retail store selling t-shirts, home furnishings and gifts at 368 Commercial Street.

We wish all these businesses good luck in their first summer. Hopefully, day trippers and vacationers who want to save money and stay local, will come here and support our economy. Nudge and hint Bostonians, New Yorkers and folks from Providence.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be on vacation next week, but will supply some photos for you to enjoy so come back. In the meantime, send me an email if you have questions or comments mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Ongoings in Provincetown

Have you been to the breakwater in Provincetown? This is at the rotary and just next to The Provincetown Inn. Next year at this time, you may be seeing newly built homes set on the 3.5 acre property formerly owned by the Murchison family. The gate house will be a new home, the main house will be tastefully renovated and five newly constructed homes will appear. The town has granted the owner permission to develop the land. Town officials feel the owner, Clifford Schorer, has been more than helpful throughout the process.

Residents will vote on five ballot questions in next week’s annual election on May 5th. The outcome will determine whether the town will fund The Recreation Department, if the town will purchase a $628,000 fire truck, $125,000 for a street sweeper and $50,000 on street repair/sidewalk maintenance. Town moderator Irene Rabinowitz and Selectman David Bedard are running unopposed but will appear on the ballot. The polls are located at The Veterans Elementary School gym and open 7AM until 7PM.

The Outer Cape Choral will hold “A Concert for Peace” at the UU Meeting House on May 8th and 9th at 7PM. The concert includes Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Mass in the Time of War.” The concert is free both nights.

Provincetown News for April 2009

This month we cover the annual town meeting, parking permits, Route Six lane reduction project, summer entertainment line up and more.

The Latest Scoop

The boats are coming back to the bay, stores are starting to open and weekend tourists are stretching their winter legs on Commercial Street. Nothing screams “the season has begun!” like the opening of Cafe Heaven, Spiritus Pizza and The Red Inn.

Provincetown business owners report that there is no shortage of employees looking for work this summer. Restaurants, guesthouses and retail shops have fully staffed all positions. They are not experiencing the shortage of workers encountered last year due to the issues with the H2B visa program. The jobs are being filled by a mixture of international students and Americans laid off looking for work. In some cases, family members are working to help support businesses in order to cut costs.

The economy is a big concern for local businesses this summer as the recession continues. Due to the largest national unemployment rate in 26 years, there is anxiety on Commercial Street about who will be coming here to spend money. Three separate guesthouse owners told me that previous customers are calling and looking for work. The customers who were previously six figure salaried professionals are offering their services to clean rooms, wait tables or work reservations.

Townsend Lobster and Seafood has purchased the building formerly occupied by Clem and Ursie’s restaurant on Shank Painter Road in Provincetown. Mac’s Seafood of Wellfeet will be part owner of the property; however the business will operate exclusively as Townsend Lobster. There are no details on the selling price of the property other than that it was sold for significantly less than the $2.5 million listed price. Townsend Lobster which is located on Fisherman’s Wharf will be open for business on June 15th.

Items recovered from an April 2007 jewelry store robbery was returned to the store’s owner. Thirty one pairs of earrings, eight necklaces, fifty seven rings and two gold pendants are back in the store’s inventory. The three thieves were apprehended by police soon after the crime and are still in jail.

The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod is a co-sponsor in a health forum being held at The Provincetown Theatre on May 8th at 2PM. The guest speaker will be John Auerbach the Commissioner of Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Issues to be discussed include program changes for health organizations and funding. The event is free and open to the public. 

Next week, I’ll check in with The Vixen, Post Office, Art House and Crown and Anchor to see what’s on the menu for entertainment this year.

Thanks for reading and check back next week. This blog is updated every Friday. If you have questions send me an email mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Town Meeting Results

The Provincetown annual town meeting took place Monday, April 6th at the Veterans Elementary School. There were over 40 articles on the agenda and the meeting adjourned Monday to be continued and finished Tuesday evening. 301 voters turned out for Tuesday’s meeting.

Residents approved some articles in the meeting that will essentially raise their taxes. These were limited to basically preserving jobs, purchasing needed equipment and repairs to roads and sidewalks.

All articles that passed were:

• Fiscal year 2010 budget
  
• A proposition 2 ½ override to continue funding the Recreation Department.
• The purchase of:
  - Street sweeper
  - Fire Department ladder truck
• Road and sidewalk maintenance
• Drain maintenance
• Greenhead fly control
• $180,000 of Land Bank funds will be used to purchase 2.29 acres on Browne Street for a community garden.
• Phase 3 sewer expansion
• Create regional school committee
• Floodplain bylaw
• Changes to the bylaws in growth management
• Community Preservation Acts
  - $2 million to fund the second phase of the town hall renovation.
  - Allocate $100,000 towards the $250,000 purchase of a small parcel of land as a park.
  - $150,000 to renovate a 15 unit affordable rental project at 83 Shank Painter Road
  - $800,000 to build 32 units of community housing at 35 Race Point Road

Voters rejected the following articles:

• Automated parking meter purchase (this would adversely impact meter maid positions)
• Marijuana policy (increase the fine from $100 to $300 if found in possession)
• Eliminate term limits

The following items were postponed:

• Change in medical benefits for retired town employees
• 1% real estate transfer tax when selling your property.
• Mooring fees for Provincetown Public Pier Corp.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend. I wish a Happy Easter to those who celebrate the holiday. Email me with any question mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Annual Town Meeting and Parking Stickers

Get your town stickers if you live here or if you own property as a second homeowner. The parking meters have become active for the season. Effective April 1st, you must pay to park at the meters if you do not have a permit. Stickers cost $50 for residents, $90 for non-resident property owners and $250 for non resident stickers. Permits are free to seniors 59 years and older. You will now be ticketed if you do not have a sticker. 2008 stickers will be valid until April 15th.

To get a permit, you must go to the police station Monday-Friday 8AM-3PM. The office is closed for lunch 12:30-1PM. You must present a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration. All outstanding parking tickets must be paid in order for you to get a sticker.

If you are not in town and need your permit mailed, send a check, copy of your license and registration to:

Provincetown Parking Department
26 Shank Painter Road 
Provincetown, MA 02657

Make checks payable to “The Town of Provincetown.”

Finally, town meeting is fast approaching. This Monday, April 6th at 6 PM, voters will have lots to decide. The meeting will be held at The Veterans Elementary School. To see a complete list of agenda items click here.

Come back next week, thanks for reading and play it safe. Email me questions at mike.dubour@verizon.net.

A Short Entry This Week ...

The end of the first quarter is approaching quickly. April is emerging from the fog and that means the start of prep season here in Provincetown. Prep season is defined as the two months leading up to Memorial Day, the official kick off of our season. During that time, stores, restaurants and galleries scramble to hire seasonal workers and stock inventory that they hope will sell.

Seasonal workers are now searching for their summer digs. In towns like Provincetown, they are competing with the vacationer. Of course, when it comes down to it, the accommodations for a seasonal worker are more comparable to steerage on the Titanic. Let’s just hope this ship doesn’t go down.

There is fear amongst some business owners that this summer may be much slower than usual due to the economy. However, three rental agencies that I spoke with have reported strong seasonal and weekly rental bookings in July and August. Guest house owners are reporting strong reservations for the summer as well. This will translate into cash on Commercial Street. The only week that is consistently down is 4th of July. This ultimate week for circuit boy fun is no longer an official circuit party and rentals have been impacted.

Well, as Varla practices her show and Dina Martina smears her makeup, save your pennies and bring them to town this year. Keep Ptown, your town for fun. If you haven’t rented your vacation getaway, ya better hurry...seriously. As the economy forces New York and Boston boys to vacation here, the best places are getting snatched up. If you are buying, however...the market belongs to you.

Remember, play it safe and send me an email if you have any questions, mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Provincetown Monthly News March 2009

Late Winter News

There seems to be a lot going on here this week. 

A local fisherman has proposed to make an area at MacMillan Pier used as free tie-up for recreational boaters. There is 300 feet of space along the parking lot that can be used to house boats while their owners and guests spend money in restaurants and shops along Commercial Street. The cost to create the area is estimated at around $1700.

Provincetown School Superintendent Jessica Waugh will retire at the end of this school year. She started her career with the Provincetown school system as a reading teacher 29 years ago. She was promoted to Curriculum Coordinator, Professional Development Director and MCAS Coordinator in 2004. Waugh has also served as Principal since 2008. A search for a new superintendent and principal are underway.

Provincetown is still working to balance its municipal budget. The teacher’s union agreed to freeze wages and save the town roughly $81,000. This still leaves the town $79,000 in the red. Additional funds may be raised by freezing the salaries for department heads and union personnel. The Finance Committee is also working on closing the budget gap.

The annual town meeting for Provincetown will be held on Monday, April 6th at 6 pm.
Agenda items include the budget, town hall renovation, sewer expansion, town vehicle purchases including a fire truck and sweeper, new parking meters, zoning issues, the recent marijuana law and three animal control articles. Town Warrants are available for review prior to the meeting.

Three lots on Browne Street may become community gardens. The 2.29 acre site would be divided into 50 garden plots. The Land Bank would fund the purchase and fund the maintenance of the site. The gardens will be an article at the town meeting on April 6th and is being submitted by the Conservation Commission.

The renovations for town hall are on schedule. Besides a large amount of rot being discovered and removed, the project is on budget. In Early March, steel channels and supports arrived that will be installed to make the building sound. A heating and air conditioning unit is expected to be installed across Bradford Street behind the Bas Relief.

The town hall will also be painted its original color as part of the renovations. Paint samples were removed and analyzed by historic paint consultants. The trim will be a cream color, windows and doors a deep reddish blue and the building itself, sage.

If you are looking for things to do:

WOMR features “Winter Benefit Film Series” every Thursday at 7:30pm at The Schoolhouse.

Counter Productions at The Provincetown Theatre presents “The Effect on Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds” through March 29th.

It’s “Sunday Salon” at The Provincetown Theatre hosted by John Thomas.
March 29th and April 12th at 2PM

Thanks for reading and check back next week for “Provincetown Monthly” video news. Play it safe and send me an email at mike.dubour@verizon.net if you have any questions.

Provincetown Update

Things to do in mid-March

In consideration of WOMR’s 27th birthday, The Schoolhouse Gallery, located in the same building as the radio station, is hosting a party March 20th from 6-8 PM. Artists are encouraged to submit artwork that is valued between $100-$1,000. 20% of all work sold will benefit WOMR. Visit www.womr.org for more details.

The Norman Mailer Writers Colony will open May 18th. Located in the late author’s Provincetown home, aspiring writers will be offered fellowships to attend special workshops and programs on location. Application deadline is March 20th. Visit www.nmwcolony.org for more information.

The Fine Arts Work Center will feature paintings by artist Jason Mones through March 11th. 

Cape End Inn features free movie nights. Movies are relatively new as they are not released to video, but no longer in theaters. Start time is 7 PM Monday-Thursday and 8 PM Friday-Sunday, free popcorn, full bar and pub fare.

Winter Reading Series at The Provincetown Theatre. Various material. $5 donation.

Monday nights at The Mews is open mic. Starting at 8PM.

Late Winter Report

March is right around the corner and that means spring is practically here.

The budget issue that Provincetown has been facing is now a little smaller. The Visitor Services Board will contribute $77,000 to the town, thus closing the overall budget deficit to $150,000. The rest of the cuts are expected to come from the School Department.

The Cape Cod Year Rounder’s Festival will not be held again until repairs to town hall are complete. This event is usually held the second Saturday in March and features arts, crafts, museums and the town’s various organizations. Renovations are expected to take up to two years. 

The sewer system may be extended to the Beach Point area. Based on a possible environmental benefit, the State Department of Environmental Protection and the Provincetown Health Agent have urged the town to get a sense of residents’ interest in a hook up. The extension of the sewer system to this far East End of Provincetown will also generate revenue for the town.

An increase in water bills for Provincetown homeowners is on tap. Selectmen and the Water and Sewer Board voted a 40% hike for the lowest water users and a 2% jump for large commercial properties. The proposed increase will be discussed at a public hearing on March 12th.

Provincetown’s finest now has a new sergeant. Officer Thomas Steele was promoted after serving eight years on the force. Steele will replace Sergeant Phil Suchecki who has retired. 

There is a strong chance that Provincetown will be the recipient of a $2 million grant which it will use to repave Commercial Street. The Board of Selectmen voted to hire and engineering firm to develop applications. The cost of this process is just over $16,000. The grant will be awarded in July. If Provincetown does receive the money, a test strip will be repaved this fall and main construction will start in 2011.

Trash collection in Provincetown may soon be curbed. Last month the Board of Selectmen put forth the idea that trash collection should be eliminated. Voters, however, overwhelmingly refused to change the current trash collection procedure last year.

A group of Eighth graders at Provincetown High School managed to raise over $3,000 to buy a new ladder fire truck for the town. Although this falls far short of the needed funds to purchase a new vehicle, the students planned and executed fundraising efforts themselves. 

That’s it for this week. I hope your winter is going well. If you have any questions, please email mike.dubour@verizon.net. Play it safe and come back next week.

Winter Recess

I’ll be back next week to provide more info about Provincetown. In the meantime, please enjoy the pictures from my February 19, 2009 ptown blog entry at michaeldubour.com.

Provincetown Monthly News February 2009

Cape Goes Red

Provincetown has turned its monument red. Not literally, but in time for Valentines Day weekend, the monument is awash in red spotlights. The illumination of the tower is actually being done for awareness of heart disease and The American Heart Association as part of the “Cape Goes Red.”

Outer Cape Health laid off eight employees in late January. Two part time nurses, the Human Resource Director and various administrative staff.

Guesthouses and hotels that are open year round are reporting that President’s Day Weekend is going to be busy. Occupancy is up and rooms have been booked for the holiday weekend.
A new police officer joined the force in late January. He moved from Western Mass and will be full time. He now resides in Provincetown.

There’s not much else happening here this week. Come back next week and check out the monthly video news blog “Provincetown Monthly” for February.

Have fun and play it safe. Send me an email at mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Budget Cuts, Brrr and Then Some

Wow. We’re already one month into the new year. That went fast. So Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend, who is playing anyhow?

It seems that Provincetown is not immune to budget deficits and recession issues. A $900,000 budget deficit was narrowed to $780,000 by conventional cuts and the town is seeking ways to balance the budget. The town is actively seeking creative ways to fill the gap. The Board of Selectmen have come up with ideas such as closing the Recreation Department, no longer offering free trash pickup in the winter, cutting the hours for the library for the winter or an unpaid furlough for town workers. The goal is to avoid layoffs during this recession.

If you live in Provincetown you may notice that your water bill has increased. As soon as this April, your water bill can increase anywhere from 10-13% from where it is now. The jump in the rate is due to a projected $266,000 deficit in the water enterprise fund. This fund is the entity that operates the finances for the water department.

The weather has been beyond cold so far this winter. In mid January, the combination of a frigid 12 degrees and wind gusts of 20 miles per hour, adjusted the wind chill to minus two degrees. This is colder than normal. A Providence Rhode Island weather station reported that there has been 18 inches more snow this year to date than last year.

The weather was so cold in fact, that it broke pipes at the administrative offices of the Provincetown Fire Station on Shank Painter Road. The ceiling and walls are damaged, bathrooms a mess and office equipment ruined. Repairs are being made.

The US Coast Guard would like to issue a warning to mariners due to the cold weather. Be sure to wear a wet suit, have proper safety equipment on board, and inform the coast guard of your trip. Always be sure to wear a life jacket and be warned that hypothermia sets in rather quickly if you are to fall in the cold water.

Penny for your thoughts? Well, you may not think a penny is worth saving these days but the students at Veterans Elementary School in Provincetown do. Through their efforts $650 worth of pennies were raised as part of “Pennies for Peace.” The pennies will be cashed in and money sent to schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan for supplies. All grades participated and students were encouraged to bring in their pennies from home. They started saving the copper in October.

Have you ever wanted to run for public office? Here’s your chance. Nomination papers are now available for Provincetown’s May Election. Positions open are Selectmen, Town Moderator, School Committee, Board of Library Trustees, Housing Authority and four positions on the Charter Enforcement Commission. All candidates must file nomination papers by 6pm March 17th with the town clerk. Good luck.

The $1.7 million dollar phase one repairs of town hall are moving along with no major snags. However, there have been areas of extreme rot and mold found and removed. These are unplanned repairs but according to town officials were expected and planned for.

Provincetown is looking to hire a new Tourism Director in the wake of the unexpected resignation of Lisa Bowden. The position was filled by Bowden in 2008 and she left citing personal reasons. So far, the town has received over 39 applications for the full time position which pays roughly $40,000 per year.

If you rent your home be sure to get your rental certificate from the Board of Health. Starting this year, there will be strict and high fines levied on any residential homeowner who rents and doesn’t have a certificate. The cost for the certificate and inspection is $150 for the first year and $60 each year thereafter for two years. The new fines are $100 for the first day, $200 second day and $300 for every day thereafter until the homeowner conforms.

You are now up to date for happenings in Provincetown. If you have a question, send me an email at mike.dubour@verizon.net. Play it safe.

Provincetown News for January 2009

Mid January in Provincetown

Bundle up from head to feet in winter attire if you dare brave Commercial Street. The winds are howling, houses are shaking from the gusts and fireplaces are alive with dancing flames. The bay is pretty cool with whitecaps holding a winter festival of their own.

This winter, the businesses in Provincetown have really expanded their offerings of things to do for townies. This is great for those who have been impacted by the recession and will be sticking around all winter.

Monday. The Mews is the place to be. Coffee House at The Mews brings out singers and songwriters from all over. Ron Robin, owner of The Mews, even flies talent in from New York City, courtesy of Cape Air. This open mic night is a benefit for WOMR radio in Provincetown, is hosted by local luminary Peter Donnelly and Provincetown’s east end café, Wired Puppy, provides free coffee. There is no reason not to go.

Tuesday. The Wellfleet Movie Theatre is open and playing first run movies. The last scheduled flicks of the day are usually around 7PM. 

Wednesday. Bistro at The Crowne Pointe offers 2 for 1 entrees. What an affordable way to dine and relax in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere. Fine dining made available for all. Ain’t the off season great?

Napi’s Restaurant will host an open mic night of it’s own every second Wednesday through June. An open donation is requested to help with the costs. Celebrity writers are expected to be featured.
Thursday. Back at The Mews it’s 2 for 1 entrees. The atmosphere, friendly staff and great food make this another fun and cheap night out.

Friday. Michael Shays, Bayside Betsy’s and Fanizzi’s all offer affordable fish fries.

Saturday. Joe Mama’s at The Art House will start airing award winning movies from the past. There is no schedule as of yet, however, this is a great place to hang out with friends and chill, catch a movie and a bite to eat. 

The A-house is open for dancing.

Counter Productions at The Provincetown Theatre offers plays. You can plan on the run occurring the last two weekends of each month. 

Sunday. Get out of bed and get to Fanizzi’s or Michael Shays for an amazing brunch.

Comfort food at Bayside Betsy’s is where you can crash any diet. Delicious southern food, served up starting at only $9.95 is a nice way to end the weekend. If you desire a bit more fine dining, than Bistro at the Crowne Pointe offers Italian specials.

It appears that the owners of the building where George’s Pizza is located will resume the practice of making pizzas for us. They had rented the restaurant to a group that did not pay taxes for the past four years and were, shut down. They are expected to open in February.

That’s it for this week. Have fun, play it safe and send me an email if you’d like mike.dubour@verizon.net.

The First Week Ends

A year of change is falling on Provincetown.

The restaurant industry has been impacted immensely. Clem and Ursies, Level and The Landmark restaurants will most likely not re-appear on the menu of dining choices next summer. It is pretty definite that these eateries are gone and tables cleared for good. But spontaneous resurrections have been known to happen in the Provincetown restaurant scene.

The year round pizza joint, George’s Pizza, was closed due to non payment of taxes back in November. It is rumored that the doors will open soon and home deliveries will be made. It’s fun to sit at the full bar and enjoy a drink, meet townies and weekend visitors and indulge in tasty food. Or you can sit by the window and watch locals trudge down Commercial Street. This is a winter favorite for many of us, so it will be nice to get it back.

Joe Mama, the restaurant that was located at The Aquarium Mall in Provincetown and made famous this past summer for Panini sandwiches and great tasting bagels, has been seriously busy since moving to The Art House and filling in at the Frappo space for the winter. They’ve been so busy with breakfast, lunch and dinner that they have run out of food a few times and had to close…much to the dismay of their fans. As a side note, Rick, the owner of Joe Mama, will be screening old movies throughout the winter. Hey… it’s something to do.

A bit of old news… Stop and Shop has taken over the Grand Union space. What a coat of whitewash will do. There is also something that just seems more organized about the Provincetown grocery store…the intangible. At some point this year, some say next month, some say next fall, Stop and Shop will absorb the vacant retail space to the left, facing the store. This was the area occupied by a Provincetown gym, a liquor store and most recently a store to buy beach items.

Counter Productions, located at The Provincetown Theatre, will be producing one play each month of the winter. Local Provincetown talent will make up the cast. This month the play, “Philadelphia, Here I Come” will be featured. You can visit www.counter-productions.org for more information. BTW auditions are held monthly for those who would like to try acting in the New Year. 

A personal observation: I’ve met a lot of folks who made the decision to move here in 2009.

Surprisingly, the age demographic is wide. After seeing an influx of the more mature crowd enter the Provincetown population over the past six years, I’ve met twenty five year olds who want no part of hum drum jobs, guys and gals in their thirties who are achieving the dream of moving here and retirees who finally stepped out of the corporate world. It seems that the allure of Provincetown is still strong.
I’ll touch base next week and let you know what’s going on. Check back here on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. 

Have a great weekend and play it safe! Email me feedback at mike.dubour@verizon.net.