Letters Policy

Letters must include the writer's name, daytime phone number and home address, and can be up to 300 words. Any letter that does not include a phone number for verification purposes will not be considered. The Cape Codder publishes letters that are focused on local events or on issues relevant to the Lower/Outer Cape. Deadline is noon Tuesday (this may change on a holiday week) and letters should be e-mailed to managing editor Donna Tunney at dtunney@wickedlocal.com. Guest commentaries, up to 500 words, are published on a space-available basis. Email the editor or call 774-722-1160 to discuss submitting a commentary.



The Orleans/Eastham Elks Lodge #2572 would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the local Orleans and Eastham businesses and individuals that donated to and supported our Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner, which was held on Thanksgiving Day.

Among our volunteers we had Kathys, Sues and Suzies, Jacks, Jims and Johns, Larry, Mary and a Don and we were graced by Grace!

Over 50 volunteers donated their time to help serve hundreds of sit-down meals, take out dinners and meals delivered to Eastham and Orleans.

The continued community response for this event is heartwarming, very much appreciated and vital to this being a memorable event welcomed by many.

The Orleans/Eastham Elks is a volunteer organization that serves the community in many ways. For more information or to inquire about becoming a member of our Elks family please call the Lodge.

Suzanne Barnhart Eastham On behalf of the Elks Lodge #2572



"Hats off! The flag is passing by!"

Back in the '40's (my era) the Boy Scouts taught proper treatments of the American flag. Very few of them are applied today,

I ask people why they fly the flag. Most answer that they support their country and want to be seen as patriotic. I like that.

Many businesses, however, and I speak of local businesses, pay little or no attention to the big traditions that demonstrate respect for the flag, especially taking it down during a storm.

I write especially today due to the passing of President George H.W.Bush. Many recognize the tradition of flying the flag at half mast, but leave it up during a downpour, wrapped around the pole.

I have asked some businesses why they fly the flag. Are they patriotic, are they proud to be Americans and want to show it? If so, why don't they treat it as if that were true?

One business manager replied that if he owned the flag he could legally do whatever he wanted with it. And that's what he does. He is flying it today, pouring rain and not even at half mast.

Look around as you go from the rotary, around the center, to the Brewster line, if you have the stomach for it.

Sam Sherman