EXTRA...

Mashpee "Praying Indians" Meetinghouse Reopened; Memorial for homeless held in Hyannis; Bourne searching for Superintendent; Ptown may get another ferry; Christmas tight

TODAY's quote: "To become a praying town meant salvation for Indian tribes,"  Jessie (Little Doe) Baird said, in that it protected them in war and gave them rights that the colonial governments did not afford to non-converted tribes.

Additional ferry service to Provincetown explored

The Provincetown Public Pier Corp. has received a letter from Lake Express, LLC, a privately owned and operated marine transportation company based in Milwaukee, Wis., that is interested in exploring the possibility of operating a high-speed passenger, auto and freight service that would include Provincetown...

"Our initial research suggests that Provincetown may be a community that could benefit from supplemental ferry service to Massachusetts proper," the letter states. Lake Express is not proposing to supplant any existing ferry operators... Broadsider.
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Mashpee Old Indian Meetinghouse Reopened
In the past three centuries, the Old Indian Meetinghouse has been a gathering place, a church, a spiritual stronghold for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, a tool for Christianizing Wampanoags, and a source of great controversy past and present. But on Saturday it was a cause for celebration for a broad cross-section of Mashpee. In some cases, it was an inspiration for better days ahead... It is one of the only Indian meetinghouses remaining in the state, one of dozens built in the effort to convert Native Americans in New England to Christianity during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was part of Mashpee becoming a "praying town"... Mashpee Enterprise.

Bourne School Board Meets With Superintendent Search Groups
Voters ask why during a recession

Bourne's School Committee sat Monday, ready to listen to three organizations that were vying for the job of assisting that committee with its search for a new school superintendent, replacing Edmond W. LaFleur who announced he is retiring as of June 30.

As the members discussed what they wanted to learn from the search experts, board member Christine Crane noted that several residents had asked her why, in the midst of a budget crisis, they would even think about hiring search consultants rather than undertaking the search themselves... Bourne Enterprise.
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Hyannis service marks death of nine homeless

"He was an actor. He was a comedian and he was one hell of a cook. He was a nice, nice man. For those of you who knew Frank, know he is in heaven now..."

In a dark room in the Hyannis Federated Church Parish Life Center Monday night, well over 100 people held lit candles in honor of those lost to the streets. Nine decorated wreaths lined the stage.

Each year since 2002, the community has gathered to remember the lives of people who died on the streets of Cape Cod. The event is one of more than 120 staged in communities across the country on the first day of winter, which is the longest night of the year... Register.
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NEW WORDS for TODAY: Christmas tight and Jingle Bowels

Christmas tight: The period of time after Christmas and New Years where the clothes you wore prior to the holidays that fit well, all of a sudden are a little tighter than they should be.

"I got this new dress shirt for Christmas. I went to wear it with my favorite work pants, but they are a little Christmas tight now."

Jingle bowels: Gastrointestinal woes following a night of holiday overindulgence

"Someone spiked the eggnog and Justin spent copious porcelain time after waking up with a wicked case of the Jingle Bowels." - Source: Urban Dictionary.