A hearty welcome to the holiday season! Unlike last year, we’re able to move about with much more freedom as the pandemic—fingers crossed—continues to subside. That’s certainly good news to everyone at SKIP, where we’ve been able to resume the indoor community dining that’s been part of our mission from the first meal we served nearly 30 years ago.

In this season of giving, I’m reminded of our good fortune in having such a devoted team of volunteers, staffers and board members. The extended SKIP family reaches across the country, when you consider the generous donations we receive from just about every state in the union.

Your signature generosity and that of the Outer Cape community is on display each December, when we hold our “Souper” Saturday. This festive fundraiser is made possible by the restaurants donating delicious soups, the volunteers who ladle those soups for guests and even the pianist whose music warms arrivals as they come in from the cold. This year’s “Souper” takes place on December 4, 11:30am to 2:30pm, in the heart of Provincetown at Tin Pan Alley, 269 Commercial Street, across from Town Hall.

I’m happy to report that, because SKIP has fulfilled its primary goal of meal preparation and distribution so well, we’re now able to expand our community footprint. We’re conducting outreach in such areas as health monitoring, assistance to local food pantries and referrals for an array of social services.

So like many soup kitchens across the country, we’re about a lot more than, well, just soup. And, as Martha Stewart might say, that’s a good thing.

As you can see, SKIP has emerged from the pandemic’s greatest challenges and continues its important contribution to the Outer Cape community. Your help makes that possible, and there’s no better time of year to acknowledge your generosity than in this season of giving. On behalf of my fellow board members and everyone at SKIP, I wish you and yours a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

My very best wishes,

Phil

SOUP'S ON!

We are happy to announce that our annual Holly Folly fundraiser, SOUPER SATURDAY, takes place on Saturday, December 4th from 11:30 to 2:30 at TIN PAN ALLEY, 269 Commercial St.!! 

We missed all of you last year and are looking forward to serving up over 20 soups donated by our community businesses. Soups are just $8 a cup at TPA, or for $15 you can get a takeaway quart of soup at the Firehouse (256 Commercial St.).  For more information, and for a list of soups, check out our website.

​skipfood.org/soupersaturday

This year, thanks to generous donations, we have a fantastic

GRAND TASTE OF TOWN RAFFLE worth over $1000, that's what makes it so GRAND! You'll be able to taste your way through town with gift certificates to 13 restaurants! Tickets are $10 each, 10 for $50, or 25 for $100. All proceeds go to SKIP!

Congratulations to long-time volunteers Brian O'Malley and Andi Sawyer! Brian and Andi got married this past September 19th at the Beachcomber's Club. They kindly asked guests to give donations to SKIP as their wedding presents. We recently sat down with the newlyweds to find out more!

What brought you to Ptown?

Brian- The water!! And the intent to make the community a part of the community. Brian was working in Boston and wanted to be in a place where “I could be a part of the fabric”. 

Andi- She came here “by accident”. Living near Portland, ME, she visited for an anniversary, staying in an apartment at 539 Commercial Street above Fanizzi’s. She proceeded to fall madly in love with Provincetown. She retired and moved here in 2012 and then moved to Anthony Street.

Past careers?

Brian- Brian came here in 1973 as a medical student. He spent his entire medical career in Provincetown. He worked at the local clinic for two years and subsequently started practicing out of his house on Commercial Street in 1980. He and his late wife, Dr. Wilsa Ryder, continued their practice, the Provincetown Medical Group, on 30 Shank Painter, two doors down from SKIP. Brian has also been chairman of the board of health and medical director of Seashore Point and its predecessor, the Cape End Manor.

Andi- A residential broker for 23 years, and a kitchen designer prior to that. She is a passionate artist who always makes time to paint. Andi has a selection of her new work on display at the Bakker Gallery.

What do you love most about Ptown?

Brian- “It is far enough away from the United States without having a passport”. “It is deliberately inclusive” and he loves the spirit of the community.

Andi- “Finally living in a place in my life where I am comfortable in my own skin”. She always felt inadequate and now feels “not to be embarrassed to be me”. This is reflected in everything she does.

How did you hear about SKIP?

Brian- Wilsa Ryder (Brian’s deceased wife) was a big supporter and Brian sponsored a meal in her name after she passed away. 

Andi- David Garten (a good friend) asked her to an orientation six years ago. She loved the people, and the socialization aspect!

Thanks to Brian and Andi for being dedicated SKIP volunteers!

Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP) thanks Matt King and the Provincetown Food and Wine Festival for their donation of over $1,000. They not only did a raffle for SKIP at their Grand Wine Tasting but they also gave SKIP a percentage of their profits. What a great way to support our community!

On Saturday night, December 4, there are two events that will benefit SKIP. You can enjoy either or both of them and help SKIP at the same time.

• At 8pm, the Provincetown Business Group (PBG) is donating a portion of the profits from "Holly Folly Follies" at Town Hall to SKIP.
• At 10pm, the Crown and Anchor is donating the admission fee to "Ho! A Holiday Dance Party" to three local non-profits and SKIP is one of them.

Please support these events that are benefitting SKIP!

For those of you that prefer to take out your SKIP lunch, you can now bring your own bag! The Ptown Health Department is now allowing guests to bring in their own reusable bags for take away meals. Bagging must be done at the table after the service line as the bags cannot be placed on the service line. SKIP encourages you to bring your own bag, as this will help us cut down on the expenses in packaging. Thanks in advance & remember: BYOBag!!

DECEMBER 1: Health Program - 11:30 to 1:30 @ SKIP

DECEMBER 4: Souper Saturday @ Tin Pan Alley - 11:30 to 2:30

DECEMBER 4: Holly Folly Follies @Town Hall - 8pm

DECEMBER 4: Ho! A holiday Dance Party @Crown & Anchor - 10pm

DECEMBER 15: Health Program - 11:30 to 1:30 @SKIP

www.skipfood.org/events

HEALTH PROGRAM

The Program involves health monitoring by a registered nurse for any SKIP guest who wants it. A nurse will be on-site to check blood pressure, review medications and answer health-related questions. The program is completely confidential for every participant. It will begin on Wednesday, December 1, and will continue on the first and third Wednesday of each month during SKIP’s season. The nurse will be available from before lunch at 11:30am until 1:30pm on those days. 

HOMELESS PREVENTION COUNCIL

The Homeless Prevention Council has office hours in Provincetown from 10 - 2 daily at the Provincetown United Methodist Church. For more information, please refer to their website. www.hpccapecod.org/provincetown-community-support

TRANSPORTATION

Are you physically unable to get to SKIP? We are looking to expand our meal service by offering delivery to those who need it. Please call the SKIP office at 508-487-8331 to let us know about your special need. 

CROP SWAP IS UP AND RUNNING

It is a program sponsored by the Ptown Health Department, the Ptown Public Library and SKIP. Crop Swap is Ptown’s source for fresh, uncut fruits and vegetables and is open year round. Anyone may donate fresh fruits and vegetables, and all are welcome to take what they need. All fruits and vegetables are free. Please bring your own bag.

Crop Swap is located in the Ptown Library, 356 Commercial Street, to the left as you enter the front doors. Hours are:

Mondays & Fridays: 10-4:30

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: 10 - 7:30

Saturdays & Sundays: 1 - 4:30

There is a refrigerator for perishable items and shelves with bins for non-perishables, such as potatoes and squash. Be sure to take advantage of this valuable resource. 

GINA LARKIN, Executive Chef| HILARY McHUGH, Office Coordinator |

DIDIER CORALLO, Dishwasher/Utility Person |