Two women seated in front of a bulletin board

Jessica Rogers and Kristi Eldredge

Council on Aging Happenings

Two new staff members have recently joined the team at the Council on Aging.

Kristi Eldredge began started work as the new receptionist on August 28th. Kristi has a wide array of administrative and customer service experience including service as the Principal Account Clerk in the Town of Orleans' Treasurer/Collectors Office, as an administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper for Old Cape Sotheby's, and as a substitute teacher for Nauset Regional Schools.

Jessica Rogers started as the Council on Aging's Program and Communications Coordinator this week. Jess' professional background includes work as a rental agent and blogger for Leighton Realty, an early education teacher and Program Coordinator and Program Administrator for Transition Centers, Inc. and Community Connections. Jess is an active member of our community who served on the Chatham365 Task Force and is a current member of the Monomoy Regional School Committee.

With the return to full staffing at the Council on Aging the facility will once again be open to the public Monday through Friday beginning October 1st.

Chatham Center for Active Living

On September 13th the Select Board accepted the recommendation of the Council on Aging Board of Directors and voted unanimously to change the name of the Chatham Senior Center to the Chatham Center for Active Living. The name received the most votes in a survey of five suggested names for the facility.

The facility renaming is the first step in re-branding programs and services offered by the Council on Aging to reflect the community's desire for more programming geared to younger 55+ adults.

Suicide Awareness Month

According to the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition we lose 35 Cape & Island residents to suicide each year. For each death by suicide it is estimated more than 30 people are affected.

In recognition of the wide-spread impact of suicide on our community, the Select Board proclaimed September Suicide Prevention Month in Chatham.

If you or a loved one are experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with trained call takers for free, confidential emotional support.

wooden cut out of house with brown paper tag reading "For Rent"

Board of Health Action

With rising concerns over the impact of short-term rental properties to neighborhoods and our community in general, the Board of Health has begun discussions on regulating the use of such properties.

The Board of Health is using the work done in Orleans as a starting point for addressing the issue here. Discussion of draft regulations will continue at its next meeting on Monday. You can attend the 4 p.m. meeting at the Town Office Annex, 261 in person or participate in the meeting remotely.

Tour of Godfrey Windmill October 4, 2022

Outline of house in black with Equal Housing Opportunity in black below

Affordable Housing Opportunities

The Cape Cod Ready Renter Program is holding an Affordable Housing Lottery Information Session on Monday, September 19th at 6 p.m. in Conference Room A, Yarmouth Town Hall, 1146 Route 28. Participation is also available virtually through Zoom. The meeting will provide information on the affordable housing opportunities offered through the Program.

The Cape Cod Ready Renters Program is currently accepting applications for its General Wait List for over 40 existing affordable rentals in Yarmouth, Dennis, Barnstable, Orleans, and Falmouth. To request an application email Mary Waygan or call 508-398-2231 ext. 1275.

Applications are also being accepted for two affordable apartments at 319 Main Street, Hyannis. A one bedroom and a two bedroom unit are available. Applications are available from Mary Waygan and are due by November 3, 2022 and must be submitted to Plymouth Redevelopment Authority, 26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02630.

Volunteer for BOCH CERT

The Brewster Orleans Chatham Harwich Community Emergency Response Team (BOCH CERT) accepts applications for volunteers throughout the year. Members receive training to support our community's disaster response and in support of our citizens at events such as mobile food pantry distributions, vaccination clinics, and at our Annual and Special Town meetings.

If you are interested in joining the growing ranks of BOCH CERT or want more information, visit the organization's website.

Fish Pier South Jog Replacement Project

The contract to complete the Fish Pier South Jog replacement project was recently awarded to MAS Building and Bridge. The work includes replacing the bulkhead along the South Jog embayment and filled pier, adding a pedestrian walkway along the west side of the lower parking lot, replacing the deck and stairway at the for code compliance at the Wharfinger's Building and Fishermen's Monument, and providing upgraded electrical and water services to the South Jog.

Due to fishing activity at the Pier, construction of the decking and stair portion of the work is scheduled to begin in October with the bulkhead portion of the project beginning in December. Completion of the in-water work is contractually set by April 14, 2023 prior to the onset of spring/summer fishing season with completion of all phases prior to Memorial Day weekend.

Next Select Board Meeting - Sept. 20, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.

All are welcome to attend and participate in our open and public meetings. The agenda for each meeting is posted 48 business hours prior to the scheduled meeting time and can be accessed through the Select Board’s webpage.

Attend in-person at the Town Office Annex, Large Meeting Room. Join the meeting on-line or participate by phone by dialing 1-508-945-4410 and entering Conference ID 203 386 491#.

I. Minutes
September 13, 2022

II. Public Announcements and Agenda Item Requests

III. Consider Amendment(s) to Water Conservation Restrictions

IV. Public Comments on Business Agenda

V. Business Agenda

A. Sales on Town Property; Special One Day Alcohol Permit; Entertainment Permit; Oktoberfest [Jenn Allard]

B. Summer Residents Advisory Committee (SRAC) 2022 Report [Jamie Meehan, SRAC Chair]

C. Proposed County ARPA Ordinance 22-24; Letter of Support

The Mainsheet

The name of our e-newsletter was selected from submissions by our community.
In nautical terms a mainsheet is the line connected to the boom which allows a sailor to control the speed of a boat. We think that is fitting for an e-newsletter that can be used to quickly send out important information to our community or at a more leisurely rate for less pressing matters. It reflects Chatham’s maritime history, is reminiscent of the front page of a newspaper, and it is a fun play on Main Street, where you go to be part of all that is happening in Town!

Town of Chatham website www.chatham-ma.gov