Editor:

At the end of almost every non-fiction book about animals, the last few pages will remind you that habitat loss is the primary cause of wildlife extinction. You will learn that many animals require multiple acres of contiguous habitat in order to survive, that loss of biodiversity is a threat to the health of our planet, and that we as a species must preserve habitat to prevent mass extinction.

On Cape Cod, the average habitat patch size is approximately 20 acres, and there aren’t many of them left. The site where developers want to build 242 rental units in North Harwich is approximately 36 acres. This acreage has miraculously remained untouched for over a century. It is a perfectly functioning ecosystem with everything from apex predators to amphibians, reptiles, bats and many species of birds of prey. It is not uncommon to hear several species of owls calling out simultaneously or to see an osprey overhead holding onto its catch. The forest contains lady slippers and beech trees which indicate a forest's final stage. It is full of threatened and vulnerable species. Its proximity to the Herring River and the fact that it has several vernal pools within it make it a singular place.

 According to the POV4 developers’ plan, only 42 percent of this 36 acres would remain undisturbed. Clear-cutting over one half of a 36-acre 100-year-old forest would result in immediate, drastic habitat destruction. It would fragment a rare, mature, contiguous ecosystem. By removing so many acres of trees and vegetation, the developers would reduce the remaining wildlife’s options for nesting, foraging and acquiring shelter. This is unnecessary environmental destruction on a huge scale. While there are lots of options for where housing can go, there is only one 36 acre, 100-year-old-plus forest with vernal pools near the Herring River. This may be its last Earth Day before bulldozers start popping box turtle shells back there. Our state and local officials cannot claim to be environmentalists while supporting this. My advice, skip the last couple of pages of every animal book and go outside...Cape Cod wildlife, see it while you can. It's going fast.

Sherri Stockdale
North Harwich

Editor:

I am writing in support of Meredith Fry for the Chatham select board. I have known Meredith for over 20 years, and my connection to Chatham spans nearly five decades — 10 years as a full-time resident during my school and college years, and nearly 30 more as a summer resident. While I am not eligible to vote in this election today, I care deeply about the future of this town and the people who call it home year-round.

Meredith’s commitment to Chatham is not theoretical, it’s personal. She and her husband raised their children here, with her daughters attending Chatham Elementary and Middle School, and her son going on to graduate from Monomoy Regional High School. She understands firsthand the needs of families, students and residents because she has lived them.

As chair of the park and recreation commission, Meredith has demonstrated thoughtful, practical leadership, balancing community input, fiscal responsibility and long-term planning. She has been directly involved in improving town resources and ensuring that Chatham’s public spaces continue to serve both residents and visitors in a responsible way.

At a time when important financial decisions are being debated, Meredith has shown a measured and responsible approach. She recognizes the need to support full-time residents, but also understands that lasting solutions require careful analysis, broad consensus and fairness to all taxpayers.

This election presents a clear choice about the kind of leadership Chatham needs — steady, experienced and grounded in the realities of this community. Meredith Fry has already demonstrated those qualities through her service, her family roots and her commitment to doing what is right for the town as a whole.

Cindy Brown Fitz
Chatham and Driftwood, Texas

Brewster is fortunate that Bruce Semple, a highly qualified candidate, is running for select board. I know Bruce and I trust Bruce. He is competent and kind, which I believe is an important combination. I can’t think of a better candidate for this challenging role.

Bruce’s volunteer engagement in our community is unsurpassed. He’s helped implement water protection activities as president of his neighborhood association. Bruce volunteers with the Brewster Ladies’ Library, Mass Audubon and Habitat for Humanity. He served on the town’s energy and climate committee, and has served as a Brewster election worker.

Bruce Semple is a team player with a real ‘can do’ spirit. He works hard at everything that he takes part in and treats everyone with respect. On May 19 I’m voting for Bruce Semple for Brewster select board.

Katie Miller Jacobus
Brewster

Editor: 

It is with great respect for Chatham citizens that I write to encourage everyone to vote on May 14th and to consider voting for Carol Gordon for Select Board.
Carol is the outstanding candidate: well-informed and smart, caring, committed, and courageous. Her manner is respectful and thoughtful, but she will surprise you in how she supports citizens' voices being not only heard, but welcomed. She has proven it over the years, most recently in advocating for an affordable housing program addressing Chatham's needs that is safe and available to singles, families, and the elderly, and, importantly, planned to fit into the existing neighborhood.

Carol knows a lot about neighborhoods. Her leadership over the past 26 years as founder and president of the South Chatham Village Association has been exemplary in bringing together a neighborhood which has grown and flourished while holding on to its identity and links to the past and aimed to enhance quality of life, fostering community, and acting as a collective voice for local concerns. 

Carol brings extraordinary energy and a sense of joy in looking forward to representing ALL of Chatham. She is a great listener. High on her list of concerns in guiding the future is protecting Chatham's unique natural resources, fostering strong stewardship of finances, ensuring potable water quality and quantity, maintaining a vital economy, preservation of Chatham's fishing industry and maritime heritage, promoting the co-existence of tourism and residential uses, and enhancing greater trust in our local officials, boards and committees.

She won't disappoint you. Her fresh perspective, experience, energy and enthusiasm will be good for Chatham. 

Gloria Freeman
Princeton MA (formerly of Chatham)

Editor:
We are recent graduates of the Chatham Police Department Citizens Academy. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Chief Anderson, Detective Sergeant Massey and all members of the Chatham Police Department for providing us with a comprehensive 11-week course on the functions, training, duties and responsibilities of the department.

We also wish to thank the citizens of Chatham and their elected representatives for making this valuable opportunity available to us.

The academy has been held annually, beginning each January, for the past 18 years. It is open to residents of Chatham and the surrounding communities. The course is engaging, fun and highly instructive. Topics range from constitutional law, OUI investigations to professional ethics, along with many others. All speakers were well-prepared and knowledgeable.

Some of the most enjoyable sessions included hands-on experiences, such as demonstrations of the shared police/fire drone, modern policing technology and radar enforcement.

This course gave us a deeper understanding and appreciation of the professionalism of the Chatham Police Department, as well as the organizational structure that supports its work.

We highly recommend that others consider enrolling in the Citizens Academy when it begins again in January 2027.

Thank you again to the Chatham Police Department and to the citizens of Chatham for this outstanding experience.

Frank DeFilippo
Joe and Nickie Lisella
Peter Malaguti
John Malaguti
Mary Lanctot
Barbara Yates
Charles Simmons
Rita Russian

This open letter was addressed to the Chatham Select Board.

Editor:

Who do I want working for me?

My dentist is a junkie for all things teeth-related. His excitement over new technology and procedures is delightfully nerdy. The benefit? Excellent dental care.

My accountant joyfully babbles in numbers. She lights up around percentages and thinks in quarterlies. The benefit? A big refund.

My bicycle mechanic is a master of balance. He repairs what’s broken and hands you a bike if you need one. The benefit? A smooth ride.

Then there’s Randi Potash. 

Randi’s idea of a good time is watching reruns of town board meetings. She volunteers for the riskiest and most challenging issues — think ZBA. Her long service on the human services committee and her leadership as deputy and speaker of the Barnstable County assembly of delegates speak to the depth of her commitment. I’ve watched her advocate for safety, for our elementary school and for the many everyday issues that shape Chatham.
 Randi doesn’t just show up — she prepares, listens and does the work. She understands how local government functions and, more importantly, why it matters.

The benefit? The best person for the job is already ready to serve.

Vote for Randi Potash.

Valerie Twomey Mowbray
Chatham

At the May 2024 Town Meeting, Brewster voters approved a Comprehensive Plan for the Long Pond property that included both community housing and a wastewater treatment facility on a 10-acre wooded parcel. At the time, residents were clearly assured—both in the warrant and verbally—that no project would proceed without first securing voter approval to fund a feasibility study.

That assurance has not been honored. The feasibility study is now moving forward without the promised opportunity for citizen approval. Articles 28 and 29 seek to restore that decision-making authority to voters and provide a chance to reconsider how this environmentally sensitive land should be used.

This is not an argument against affordable housing or infrastructure improvements. Brewster has a genuine need for both. Rather, it is an argument for patience, rigor and prudence. However, the proposed site raises serious concerns that warrant more careful study.

The parcel lies within Zone II, the recharge area for wells that supply much of our town’s drinking water—widely regarded as among the best in New England. Expert analysis suggests that treated effluent could, over time, migrate toward these wells.

Before moving forward, Brewster should take the time to conduct thorough, transparent analysis and evaluate alternative locations that may better balance housing needs with environmental protection.

I urge residents to support Articles 28 and 29 and insist on a more cautious, informed approach. A decision of this magnitude deserves not just careful thought, but complete confidence.

Brewster has always prided itself on stewardship—of its land, its water and its community. Let us honor that tradition by taking the time necessary to fully understand the risks before making an irreversible choice.

Caution is not obstruction. It is responsibility.

Peter A. Schaible
Brewster

Editor:
On behalf of Namequoit Sailing Association in Orleans, I would like to thank you for the generous grant bestowed to us. These funds will allow two Cape Cod public school children to learn the lifelong sport of sailing and gain an appreciation of our fragile waters. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. 

Eileen Smith
Namequoit Sailing Association
Orleans

Editor:

With Earth Day close by, isn't it time that we finally agree that climate change is real and dire? I spent three days walking on Harding's Beach collecting plastic bags and deflated balloons. Three bags later I wondered will we ever give up our dependency on oil? Do we care about the ocean and the life it holds? I sadly think we don't. Our roadsides are littered with plastic and a "mountain" of plastic sits at the bottom of the ocean! It strangles sea life. Each year I hope I'll see less trash and more urgency towards saving our fragile earth. But so far, I don't.

Thank you. 

Juliet Brown
West Harwich

Editor:
I am pleased to offer my endorsement of Brian Phillips for Select Board.
He brings a rare and valuable combination of lifelong local perspective and forward-thinking vision. As the only candidate who was raised in Chatham, he possesses a deep-rooted understanding of the community, its character and the qualities that continue to make it an iconic place to reside.
 His values are grounded, thoughtful and closely aligned with those of the residents who care deeply about preserving Chatham’s integrity while thoughtfully guiding its future. Brian has demonstrated a genuine and passionate commitment to public service through his consistent attendance at meetings and his careful attention to community issues.

Equally important, Brian represents the next generation of leadership—with fresh insight, energy, and an earnest, long-term commitment to living and contributing meaningfully to Chatham.

Brian will serve with integrity, diligence, and a sincere dedication to the best interests of the town and its citizens. He has my full support.

Michael Hall
Orleans

Editor:

It may be of interest to your readers and the Atwood House Museum that Alice Stallknecht did create a remarkable painting of a woman — but in oil.

The painting depicts Doris Lindo Lewis, then of South Yarmouth, as Eve, surrounded by small images of Cain and Abel. The painting includes two biblical symbols — an apple representing Genesis and a rose representing Christ. The two may also suggest Alpha and Omega.

J. Denis Glover
Chatham

Editor:

Many thanks to Erica Strzepek, education and program manager at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, for welcoming 17 students from Monomoy Regional High School last week. This wonderful, admission-free opportunity gave writing students a chance to study, observe and delve into a wide and wonderful variety of art works. Students wrote or will write poems, stories and reflections inspired by the art; many of these writing pieces will be published in our annual magazine, Sandscript. Thanks also to the two museum docents who answered questions and shared their knowledge, insight and experiences with us. The museum is truly a special place that deserves everyone's support.

Lisa Forte Doyle
Monomoy Regional High School

Editor:

I strongly support Bruce Semple for Brewster Select Board. I served three terms on the Brewster Select Board. It’s a demanding job and works best with members who have the experience and skills to serve in our town’s best interests. Bruce has those.

I can attest to how difficult, both physically and mentally, being on the select board can be. Not just the long meetings, but the number of them. Being on the select board requires you to be a liaison to nine to 10 committees. That is a lot of meetings to attend in a month.

I’m voting for Bruce Semple because I know he’ll show up and he’ll be prepared. I personally witnessed this as he was on the energy and climate committee for which I was the select board liaison. Bruce will participate effectively in meetings where decisions are made that affect Brewster residents. He has shown his ability to do that in the numerous community activities in which he’s involved.

Bruce Semple is the best qualified candidate for Brewster Select Board. 

Cindy Bingham
Brewster

Editor:
I am writing to encourage Chatham residents to vote for Meredith Fry for Select Board on May 14. Meredith has demonstrated her commitment to the town over the past two decades on the Park and Rec Commission, including serving as chair in recent years, deeply involved in key issues of concern to year-round as well as summer residents, from beach safety to increasing recreation opportunities and access for all ages. Having been a summer visitor as a child and then raising her own children here, Meredith is steeped in the community and devoted to preserving and enhancing Chatham’s many assets. 

I have known Meredith for over 50 years and can vouch for her upstanding character, work ethic, creativity, and ability to work with others to get things done. She will be a tremendous asset to the Chatham Select Board.

Thank you.

Lindsey Plexico Schwartz
Cohasset/Chatham

Editor:

It boggles my mind that the leadership of the town of Brewster is considering clear-cutting a 10-acre swath of pristine woodlands in the CCSC Long Pond property to put in a dense multi-family housing complex and sewage treatment plant. To add insult to injury, this is in a Zone II wellhead protection area!
 Is this the same town that has for the last couple of decades diligently protected its drinking water supply and town waterways by purchasing undeveloped land surrounding its wellheads, wetlands and ponds? Is this the same town that has to this point dodged the "sewer bullet" that so many of our neighboring towns haven't? Wouldn't it be folly to squander our precious natural resources when we haven't fully investigated alternative locations and options for dense public housing?
 Town leaders insist they are following the will of the voters in proposing this housing in the midst of the 110-acre assemblage of pristine woodlands on Route 137. We purchased the CCSC so that the properties would not be developed. Why do our town leaders think this is not development?
 I know I am not the only voter who feels that we were never given an option to conserve the 70-acre pond property in its entirety. We have a chance to rectify that situation at Town Meeting on May 4.
 Please come and vote an enthusiastic YES on Articles 28 and 29 to preserve the entire undeveloped CCSC Long Pond property for ourselves and future generations.

Debra Johnson
Brewster

Editor:

I first met Randi Potash a few years ago when she took over as chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the ZBA as we call it. She asked me, as chair of the historical commission, to attend a meeting with her and her vice chair to discuss historic preservation and the ZBA Bylaw (Never happened in the 20 years I have been on the historical commission).
Why…the ZBA usually hasn’t given me, the historical commission nor historic preservation much attention when they hear applications for variances or special permits. Randi Potash wanted to change that, to help stem Chatham loss of historically significant properties.

 How could we, working together, find a way to change the ZBA bylaw? Change it, to allow consideration of historical preservation, during formal ZBA hearings. To minimize the impact of the changes proposed are to the historical integrity of the property and impact to the history of Chatham’s sense of place. Not going to be an easy task, changing a ZBA bylaw to take in consideration historic preservation, but Randi wanted to try.

 To me, this shows Randi Potash’s commitment to Chatham’s history, the people and how she can use her outstanding talents, imagination (thinking outside the box), and background to uniquely serve all the residents of Chatham as a new member of the select board.

Vote Randi Potash, May 14.

Frank Messina
Chatham

Editor:

This election for the open seat on the Select Board is about integrity, honesty and transparency. It is about who will work best with and for the citizens of Chatham while making decisions in the best interest of Chatham as a whole. There is a clear choice and that is Carol Gordon.

 Carol has spent her entire life in service to others as a nurse, personal trainer, author, small business owner and community developer, evidenced by the creation of the South Chatham Village Association 26 years ago. Her record speaks for itself: she consistently brings people together for the common good, by listening and gathering all the information necessary to create positive outcomes. She will do the same for all of Chatham.

 Chatham is changing in big ways and not necessarily for its betterment. Smaller affordable homes are being replaced by massive homes, changing the face and character of our town forever and increasing the demands on our infrastructure, precious resources and quality of life. Carol promotes more input from our citizens about these important issues and more attainable housing for a workforce that has been locked out of affordable housing parcels.

 Carol has no personal agenda and is beholden to no one but the citizens. Think long and hard about how Chatham is changing, about what is at stake, and what is in Chatham’s best interest. Then vote on May 14th for Carol Gordon.

Pat McClure
South Chatham

Editor:
Less than 380 North Atlantic Right whales swim in our oceans. Now, one of their best protections is at risk. 

Boat strikes are the second leading cause of death for Right whales. The Right whales’ dark bodies and lack of a dorsal fin makes them extremely hard to spot in the murky waters off of the coast. There is a way to prevent collisions: slowing boats down during seasons when right whales are around is proven to reduce the risk of boat collisions for these whales. However, NOAA is considering rolling back a 2008 rule that restricted speeds for the largest boats off our coast. 

These large ships aren’t the only boats that can injure or kill Right whales, and boat strikes continue to pose an existential threat to the species. We need to continue to enforce effective regulations, not roll them back. If you care about these whales, I urge you to tell NOAA to keep Right whale protections strong in the comment period, open until June 2. 

We must protect Right whales for their intrinsic value in our oceans as well as for future generations to enjoy these whales. 

Lauren Minichiello
Boston