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Articles by Leah Garritt
Town To Host Youth-Focused Event For Substance Use Prevention Month
The Town of Sandwich is slated to host a free community event on Friday, October 16, that will focus on youth substance use, including prevention, education and resources. The event, which will be held at the Center for Active Living from 5:30 to7:30 PM, will feature a keynote speech on youth substance use and other activities. According to a news release from the town, the event will provide an opportunity to learn more about youth substance use and the resources that are available to address it.
Village Green Developers Seek To Delete Condition For Wastewater Management
The Sandwich Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday, October 13, considered a new request from the developers of the Village Green housing project. The request, which sought to delete a wastewater management-related condition of the site’s comprehensive permit, was ultimately tabled for later deliberation. Attorney Jonathan D. Fitch, acting as the legal representative for Village Green developer Paul Cleary, submitted the request on October 2.
Veterans Find Healing At Alliance Equestrian Center
The Heroes in Transition organization recently held an “Equine Warrior Weekend” event at Alliance Equestrian Center in Sandwich, where four veterans and service members spent an immersive weekend riding and caring for horses. A nonprofit organization founded in 2009, Heroes in Transition (HIT) works to support military veterans in need. The Equine Warrior Weekend is one of 15 total programs designed to build community and improve the quality of life for local veterans.
Early Voting Starts On Saturday. Here’s What You Need To Know.
Early voting for the November 3 state election will begin on Saturday, October 17, allowing Sandwich residents to cast in-person ballots from that date until October 30. All early voting will take place at the Center for Active Living on Quaker Meetinghouse Road. Voting hours will be 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, October 17; 11 AM to 3 PM from Monday, October 19, to Friday, October 23; 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, October 24; and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM from Monday, October 26, to Friday, October 30.
Select Board Approves New Alternate Member For ZBA
At a meeting on Thursday, October 8, the Sandwich Select Board unanimously accepted a nomination for a new Zoning Board of Appeals alternate member. Sandwich resident William F. Pitman will now be allowed to participate in all ZBA meetings and deliberations. A graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, Pitman holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics.
Nye Museum Plans To Install Year-Round Outdoor Restroom
The Benjamin Nye Homestead and Museum is planning to add an outdoor portable restroom to the museum property, which will be available year-round for public use. The museum’s community outreach and program manager, Robert L. Ward, petitioned the requisite $2,800 in funds from the Visitor Services Board at a meeting on Tuesday, October 13. Although the Nye Museum has a staff restroom indoors, Ward said, the building is not always open to the public.
Sandy Neck Snack Shack Owner Sentenced In Federal Court
Sandwich resident Patrick Van Cott, 64, was sentenced on Wednesday, October 7, for a fraud scheme involving the theft of food and kitchen equipment from Plymouth Public Schools. He was sentenced to six months in prison and a subsequent two-year supervised release period. He was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and a yet-to-be-determined amount in restitution.
Regional VP Of Stop & Shop Join Meals On Wheels Route
On Thursday, October 8, Sandwich resident and regional vice president of Stop & Shop Andrea Nickerson joined the Meals on Wheels team at the Sandwich Nutrition Site in Forestdale to assist with the day’s delivery route. Nickerson was welcomed onto the site by Susan Marancik, the director of Sandwich Council on Aging and the president of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands (ESCCI).
Community Preservation Committee Weighs $180K Request For Housing Funds
At a meeting on Monday, October 5, the Sandwich Community Preservation Committee considered a request for $180,000 in funds that was submitted by the Community Health Center of Cape Cod for community housing. Karen L. Gardner, the CEO of the Community Health Center of Cape Cod, appeared before the committee to advocate for the request.
One Year After Opening, Mr. Bob’s Has Built A Special Space In Sandwich
For most restaurant owners, a combination of leisurely service and zero employees would be nothing short of a nightmare. For Joshua Cole and Dominga Ruiz-de Jesus, the proprietors of Mr. Bob’s on Route 6A, it is the most important part of the business.
16th Annual SandwichFest Takes Over Town
The sixteenth iteration of SandwichFest took place on Saturday, October 3, attracting crowds of Sandwich residents and visitors. This year’s festival ran from 10 AM to 3 PM and featured 82 vendors, a food court and a costumed dog parade. SandwichFest, which began in 2011 as a Chamber of Commerce fundraiser, has become an autumn tradition for the town.
No Bidders Appear At Carluccio’s Liquor License Auction
The doors of the establishment formerly known as Carluccio’s Trattoria were opened for a public auction on Tuesday, September 29. The auction, which offered up the annual liquor license previously held by Carluccio’s, ultimately did not attract a single bidder. Long-time auctioneer Edward Smith was present to facilitate the bidding process, seated in a booth by the window. Property owner Walter Murray was also in attendance, along with his wife, Marianne Murray, and his son, Ryan Murray.
Demolition Debate Continues For Historic Canary Street House
Builder Rick Anderson appeared before the Sandwich Historic District Committee on Monday, September 28, to continue the pursuit of an authorized demolition for a house at 21 Canary Street. The matter was discussed at the previous meeting on August 11, during which Anderson and Historical Commission chairman Rich Claytor engaged in a verbal sparring match over the house’s proposed demolition.
Sandwich Sustains Minimal Storm Damage From Nor'easter
The recent nor’easter storm brought wind and rain sweeping along the coastline, but the town of Sandwich did not sustain any major damage. Official Facebook accounts for the Town of Sandwich, the Sandwich Fire Department and the Sandwich Police Department posted several preparation messages ahead of the storm’s arrival, as well as status updates throughout the weekend.
Town To Construct New Viewing Platform At Sandwich Boardwalk
The construction of a new viewing platform was proposed to the Historic District Committee at their meeting on Monday, September 28. Located directly across from the Sandwich Boardwalk, the platform would be oriented to overlook the osprey nests and built to honor the memory of former Select Board member Mike Miller. “Right now, there’s a series of memorial benches [in the proposed location],” Director of Community Development Leanne Drake explained to the committee.
Select Board Grants Seasonal Liquor License To Fork Selah Boss
The soon-to-open Jamaican restaurant Fork Selah Boss obtained a seasonal alcohol license from the Town of Sandwich on September 24. The license will permit the sale of all alcohol types on the restaurant premises from April 1 to January 15 each year. Manager Kemroy Jarrett appeared before the Select Board to represent Fork Selah Boss LLC.
9th Annual LPGA Charity Tournament A Success In Sandwich
A large crowd of local golf fans headed to the Sandwich Ridge Club on September 11 to watch the Legends of the LPGA perform in the ninth annual iteration of the tournament known as the BJ’s Charity Championship. The single-day tournament, which raised $5.3 million in sponsorship money for the BJ’s Charitable Foundation, was presented by consumer goods corporation Kimberly-Clark. It featured 28 legendary LPGA players and four younger LPGA players sorted into two-woman teams.
Sham Rods Car Club Celebrates Season’s Penultimate Show
On Tuesday, September 22, the Sandwich Middle High School parking lot was taken over by around a hundred classic and performance vehicles as the Sham Rods Car Club presented the summer’s penultimate car show. The show, which is held on every weather-permitting Tuesday evening from May to October, typically features anywhere from 150-200 vehicles ranging from pre-war classics to ultra-modern speed machines.
Board Denies Permit Modification For Village Green Development
The parking lot was full and cars lined the street outside the Sand Hill Community Center. Inside, Sandwich residents packed tightly into the Board of Appeals meeting room—many standing against the walls—to hear the verdict on the Village Green developers’ request for a substantial permit modification. The formal request was made by developer Paul Cleary and his legal representative, attorney Jonathan Fitch, at the Board of Appeals meeting on Tuesday, September 23.
Rec Department Forum Contemplates Changes To Pickleball Play
More than 50 pickleballers piled into a meeting room at the Center for Active Living on September 16 for an open forum hosted by the Recreation Department. The meeting was held to address an ongoing debate over the town’s court reservation system, which has created a growing divide between those who favor the current system and those who would prefer full-time open play sessions.
Sandwich Recreation Committee Looks To Fill Three Vacant Seats
The Sandwich Recreation Committee currently has three vacancies available to be filled by town residents. The vacant seats accumulated over the course of the past two years, Recreation Director Tricia MacDonald said, due to the departure of several members who had either completed their terms or exited the committee for “personal or professional reasons.” The most recent addition to the committee, Cole Bateman, was added in spring.
SPD Officer Causes Car Crash, Gets Placed On Administrative Leave
Sandwich Police Officer Matthew Cotter has been placed on administrative leave after striking a citizen’s parked car with his own vehicle at approximately 9:30 PM on Friday, September 11. According to a statement from the Sandwich Police Department, the incident was reported by the owner of the parked car, who said that a vehicle had driven through the bushes of her Grand Oak Road residence before hitting her car.
Off-Duty Sandwich Police Officer Arrested On OUI Charge After Crash, Placed On Leave
Sandwich Police Officer Matthew Cotter has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly striking a citizen’s parked car with his own vehicle at approximately 9:30 PM on Friday, September 11. Cotter’s arraignment in Barnstable District Court has been delayed while he seeks treatment.
Canal Plant Owner Holds First Community Meeting For Battery Energy Storage System
A sizable crowd gathered at the Center for Active Living on September 3 to attend a community information meeting about the new battery storage project at the Canal Generating Plant. The meeting was organized by JERA Americas, the owner and operator of Canal Generating since 2022, as part of their public outreach effort for the project.
Sandwich Zoning Board Of Appeals Approves Lo Adoro Relocation
Lo Adoro Italian Market has been cleared to move from its current location at Russell’s Corner, 132 Route 6A, to 22 Jarves Street. The relocation was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday, September 8, marking the conclusion of a two-month-long permitting journey. Proprietor David Whynot originally submitted a single application to the board on July 17, proposing to move his business to 22 Jarves Street.
Fire Department Receives Funding For Peer Support, PFAS-Free Equipment
The Sandwich Fire Department recently received $50,000 in legislative funding from state Senator Dylan A. Fernandes (D-Plymouth and Barnstable), who appeared at the Cotuit Road station to present the check on September 3. The majority of the money will be used to purchase a new set of PFAS-free firefighting gear, with a smaller amount allocated to the SFD peer support team. Fire Chief John J.
Sandwich Brings Short-Term Rental Survey Back Online
The Town of Sandwich has relaunched its Short-Term Rental Survey, which will remain open from September 8 to October 30. The survey was originally posted on July 27, but was taken down due to a technical error in one of the questions. Prior to being removed, the survey garnered over 300 responses within a couple of days. The revamped survey contains the same questions as the original version, asking both residents and local business owners to share their opinions on short-term rentals in town.
Sandwich Voters Take To The Polls For Primary Election
Despite some inclement weather, Sandwich voters made a steady appearance throughout voting hours on Tuesday, September 1. Unofficial election results from the Town Clerk’s office indicate 4,955 of Sandwich’s 17,790 registered voters cast ballots for a total turnout of 27.85%. Of the ballots cast, 3,348 Democratic ballots were cast and 1,607 Republican ballots were cast. Democratic Races Democratic voters favored Edward J.
Sandwich Launches Sign Pilot Program To Encourage Safer Driving
On Monday, August 31, the Town of Sandwich began a residential sign pilot program as part of an ongoing initiative to encourage safer driving. The Slow Down—In Our Town public safety campaign, which is run by a partnership between the Department of Public Works and the Sandwich Police Department, began in June. This is the second summer that the campaign has taken place.
Fire Department Participates In NOAA Hazardous Weather Test
The Sandwich Fire Department recently participated in a Hazardous Weather program test organized by the National Weather Service. Titled “Validating Operational Multilingual Communication and Effective Service,” the experiment took place as part of National Preparedness Month. The program is run by the National Weather Service, which is working in conjunction with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to complete the test study. According to a statement from Fire Chief John J.
Board Of Appeals Overturns Tree House Parking Lot Decision
At a deliberation meeting on Wednesday, September 2, the Board of Appeals overturned the issuance of a building permit for the newly constructed parking lot at 2 Coast Guard Road. The ruling favored appellant Irene Davis, a Town Neck resident who submitted the original appeal against the building permit on July 21, citing an alleged violation of zoning bylaw. Both Davis and her legal representative, Attorney Paul Revere III, attended via Zoom.
What’s The Big Dill? Sandwich Pickleballers Continue Reservation System Debate
Several members of the Sandwich pickleball community attended the Select Board meeting on August 20 to voice their opinions on the town’s court reservation system. This Select Board appearance has been in the works since approximately the third week of July, when a user on the Sandwich Pickleball Facebook group expressed interest in gathering a group to present their case. The first person to broach the topic of pickleball at the August 20 meeting was Brian Wallace, a 50-year resident of Sandwich.
Village Green Clear-Cutting Deemed Substantial Modification To Site Permit
At a meeting on Tuesday, August 25, the Sandwich Board of Appeals considered a request for modification of the comprehensive permit pertaining to 76 Route 130 and 55 Pimlico Pond Road, the site of the Village Green housing development. The request was submitted by Village Green’s developers following the unauthorized clear-cutting work recently executed at both the Village Green site and another parcel of land located at 78 Route 130.
SipJack Coffee Spreads Caffeine And Community In Sandwich
The little black SipJack Coffee truck has become something of a hidden gem in Sandwich, offering a taste of West Coast coffee culture in a staunchly East Coast town. Now, in its third year of operation, the coffee truck is hitting its stride. Proprietor Carol Brenner started the SipJack Coffee business in 2023, after moving to the Cape in 2020 to be closer to Massachusetts-based family.
Tree House Provides Rebuttal To Parking Lot Appeal
At the Board of Appeals meeting on Tuesday, August 26, Town Neck resident Irene Davis and her legal representative, Paul Revere III, appeared again to discuss Davis’ appeal of the new parking lot at 2 Coast Guard Road. At this meeting, Attorney Jonathan Silverstein represented Tree House Brewing Company. Prior to opening the item, board chairman Chase Terrio noted that Town Counsel Amy Kwesell was present as well.
Sandwich's New Voting Equipment Faces First Test In State Primary
The town’s new voting equipment will be put to its first real test during the upcoming state primary elections in September. Although the equipment was purchased earlier this year and used for the first time during the local election on May 7, the state primaries will mark its first major election.
Sandwich Adds Second Shellfish Type To Aquaculture Roster
The Sandwich Department of Natural Resources recently added quahogs to its aquaculture program, marking a new species in the program’s growth repertoire. The program, which is managed by the town’s Department of Natural Resources, aims to cultivate stock for Sandwich residents while also repopulating natural shellfish populations. The town first began buying and raising shellfish seed in 2017, purchasing spawned seeds from several different shellfish hatcheries.
JERA Americas Proposes New Battery Storage System At Canal Station
At a Select Board meeting on Thursday, August 20, JERA Americas proposed the installation of a new battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Canal Generating Station. The project, titled “Canal Energy Storage,” would be JERA Americas’ first battery storage system built on US soil. JERA Americas, the US-based subsidiary of Japan’s largest energy company, purchased the Canal Generating business and power plant in 2022.
Captain’s Bar And Grille Relinquishes Liquor License
Captain’s Bar and Grille voluntarily relinquished its year-round liquor license to the town on August 18, nearly two weeks after a hearing on August 6, during which proprietor George Gossios appeared before the Select Board and requested permission to keep the license as he attempted to rebuild the restaurant. The official statement of relinquishment was delivered by Gossios’s legal representative, attorney Cristopher Kirrane, who sent a letter to Town Manager George H.
Fire Department Extends Residency Requirement For Employees
The Sandwich Fire Department (SFD) has extended its employment residency requirement to 60 miles from the town border. The extension was announced recently in conjunction with a newly opened firefighter/paramedic job opportunity. Previous guidelines required SFD employees to live within 10 miles from Sandwich High School, but Fire Chief John J. Burke said the expanded residency radius will provide more housing opportunities for the Fire Department’s employees.
Sandwich Historic District Committee Approves Sandwich Marina Harborwalk
During a meeting on Tuesday, August 11, the Historic District Committee approved the Sandwich Marina Harborwalk project. Originally conceptualized in 2024, the harborwalk aims to improve safe road access and pedestrian accessibility in the area of the marina. The latest proposal for the boardwalk was presented by structural engineer Cole Bateman of the engineering and consulting firm Tighe and Bond.
Town Neck Resident Files Formal Appeal Against Tree House Lot
During a meeting on Wednesday, August 11, the Board of Appeals held a hearing for an appeal of a decision of the building commissioner. The appellant, Town Neck resident Irene Davis, submitted the appeal in response to the recent creation of a parking lot at 2 Coast Guard Road. Both Irene and Darrell Davis are named as appellants on the formal appeal document.
Proposed Demolition Of Historic Canary Street House Sparks Conflict
A debate over historical preservation arose during the Historic District Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 11. The controversy centered around a residence at 21 Canary Street, which the homeowners wish to demolish and rebuild. Property owners Kenneth and Nancy Carpenter first applied for a certificate of appropriateness on June 22, with contracted builder Rick Anderson representing them in front of the committee.
Sandwich Select Board Considers Cancelling Captain's Liquor License
At a meeting on August 6, the Select Board held a hearing to discuss the future of the liquor license currently held by Captain’s Bar & Grille. The license, which permits year-round alcohol sales on the premises, has not been exercised since its renewal in February of 2026. Captain’s proprietor George Gossios and his legal representative, attorney Christopher Kirrane, attended the hearing in person. Town Council Brian Riley also attended the meeting via Zoom. Town Manager George H.
One Killed, Three Hurt In Head-On Car Crash In Sandwich
A man died after a head-on crash involving two vehicles Sunday night on Farmersville Road, according to Sandwich police. The crash occurred at about 8:50 PM near 87 Farmersville Road. Police said officers arrived to find a 2011 Toyota Prius and a 2017 Toyota RAV4 with serious damage, particularly to their front ends. The Prius was occupied by one man, while the RAV4 had three occupants.
Route 130 Ophthalmology Practice Changes Hands
The business formerly known as Associated Eye Surgeons on Route 130 in Sandwich has transferred ownership and become Eye Doctors of Cape Cod, a new ophthalmology practice owned by Dr. Lauren W. Bierman, MD. A graduate of the Tufts University medical residency and fellowship program, Bierman brings half a decade of private-practice experience to her new business.
Twin Acres Expands Vegan Repertoire
Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe has expanded its vegan ice cream menu with four new dairy-free flavors, bringing the shop’s total number of vegan options to eight. The new flavors—chocolate pudding, peanut butter chocolate cookie, cold brew and black raspberry chunk—are sourced from FoMu, a Watertown-based company specializing in plant-based desserts. Twin Acres owner Suzette Cohen said the shop decided to explore new vegan options after running into issues with some flavors from a previous supplier.
Seabiscuits Food Truck Builds A Following At The Sandwich Marina
A new food truck operating under the name Seabiscuits Sandwich Bar recently opened at the Sandwich Marina. Located in the winter storage lot, the truck serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a farm-to-table focus. After months of hard work, Seabiscuits owners Andie LaRochelle and Mac Corbin finally have their food truck up and running.
Village Green Developers Ordered To Halt Unauthorized Site Work
Two land parcels at 76 Route 130 and 55 Pimlico Pond Road, both designated for housing development, were recently clear-cut and observed undergoing construction-related work without a building permit. The work, which was not authorized under the developers’ Comprehensive Permit for the properties, resulted in three cease and desist orders from the Sandwich Building Department—one verbal and two written.
Sandwich Prepares For State Primary Elections
Sandwich voters will weigh in on several contested federal, state and county races when they head to the polls for the state primary, which is Tuesday, September 1. Democratic voters will choose nominees for Congress, district attorney and Barnstable County commissioner, while Republican voters will decide the party’s nominee for governor. On the Democratic ballot, incumbent US Senator Edward J. Markey is facing US Representative Seth W.
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