If you’ve ever walked the Eddy Bay Trail, you already have a connection to Albert “Chip” Parisi, a world traveler, raconteur, and veteran Brewster Conservation Trust volunteer.
The trail, which leads to the highest bluff in Brewster, offers stunning views of Cape Cod Bay. It took shape under Chip’s stewardship at a time when the trail needed developing and Chip needed a project. After the unexpected loss of Carol, his wife of 44 years, Chip was receptive when BCT asked him to serve as the land steward of the Eddy Bay property, and with chain saw in hand, he cut trees, cleared paths, and found a way forward for himself as well as for all the hikers who would follow.
Today, a bench at the scenic overlook is dedicated to Carol’s memory. And Chip Parisi is forever dedicated to the care and preservation of the Eddy Bay trail.
“It was something I was able to do with Carol in mind. We were outdoors people. We enjoyed gardening and hiking. It just fit perfectly. And the more I got involved in it, the more I appreciated the commitment and dedication of so many other volunteers, doing something that they enjoyed, for the benefit of the community, ” says Chip.
Today, the Eddy Bay trail firmly anchors Chip to Brewster, but that wasn’t always the case. Raised in Glen Rock, New Jersey, and a three-sport athlete in high school, Chip aspired to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. But imperfect eyesight redirected that ambition in the direction of Muhlenberg College, where he met Carol. (Score one for the Universe!)
The couple married and had two daughters as Chip’s career continued forward. Early roles with the US Army Reserve and the banking industry left him qualified for a position with the fast- growing Digital Equipment Corporation. Over the years he had multiple assignments, eventually serving in Singapore as head of human resources for DEC’s Pacific region, working in 13 countries, from Japan to Australia.
“I’ve seen a lot of the world and learned a lot from it,” says Chip. And yet, when it came time to retire, it was Brewster that called to him.
Cape Cod had long been a vacation destination for the Parisi family, and Chip’s parents built a home here in the 1960s. So, there was no better place than Brewster for Chip and Carol to turn to when planning their retirement. The couple moved here in 2000 and began making many friends, playing tennis and golf, and enjoying their children and seven grandchildren.
About his work over the years as a BCT volunteer, Chip has this to say, “I just loved it. I really did,” he says. “It gave me a lot of appreciation for what the Trust does, the people who lead it, and the people who volunteer to do the work. I just feel very committed to it. It’s a labor of love; I get a thrill every time I am on the trail.”
“I would like everyone to know how much I appreciate being part of such a very active and committed and beneficial organization. It’s my honor and pleasure to be a small part of the Brewster Conservation Trust.”
Back atcha, Chip.