Ah, how perceptions change. Not long ago, masks were considered theatrical devices, Halloween disguises and the work gear of doctors and dental techs. In February, as I saw the COVID-19 writing on the wall, I began making and wearing them. At that time, anyone wearing one in public was given weird looks and a wide berth. A few months went by and now, anyone not wearing one is either clueless or a social deviant...

Movement Built On Nonviolence Editor: The success of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was due to the principle of nonviolence. “We must not let violence overcome non-violence,” quoted Diane Nash of the Freedom Riders. We met John Lewis and C.T. Vivian in 2015 on Martha's Vineyard. These heroes and heroines of the Civil Rights Movement knew that they were the precious children of God, despite a worl...

A significant piece of Chatham history is in danger, and it will take a community effort to save it. The full Cape on the shore of Bassing Harbor was built sometime before 1725, one of only four buildings in town from the so-called First Period of American architecture, from 1629 to 1725, and it may in fact be the oldest house in Chatham. A recent architecture study confirmed the age of the home. More importan...

Chatham seniors have been waiting more than a decade for a new senior center, watching patiently while other town departments get new, state-of-the-art facilities. Their turn was supposed to come this past spring, but because of the pandemic, they'll have to continue to be patient. “We're in kind of a holding pattern,” said council on aging chairman Barbara Segall. In the spring, selectmen postponed a number o...

ORLEANS — There’s an old-timey feel about the town’s commercial wharf at Rock Harbor, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Instead of enjoying end-in docking like the nearby area for charter boats, fishing vessels may have to tie up side to side. There are no floating docks for easy access; ladders are required to carry on equipment. The narrow channel between the Orleans and Eastham sides of the harbor ...

ORLEANS — F.W. Webb won’t build a 38,000-square-foot commercial building on the site of the old Underground Mall on Route 6A. Chief Operating Officer Bob Mucciarone confirmed Monday that the project will be withdrawn from review by the zoning board of appeals, and that last week’s denial by the Old King’s Highway Regional Historic District Committee will not be appealed. Asked if the company would try to fin...

Not only will the students at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich have a new building to check out on their first day of school, but they’ll also have a new way of doing pretty much everything, as will students at Nauset Regional High School in Eastham. The new routines are part of the districts’ plans for the reopening of schools, which they must send to the state no later than Aug. 14. The ori...

Several Nauset Regional School officials were discussing the district's school reopening plan Aug. 6 when a bat flew into the meeting room at the Eastham Town Hall. "Like I said, things are changing at all times," Superintendent Tom Conrad said as the bat flitted around the room. "Just give us a minute because it's dive bombing us," one woman said to the audience of parents and educators tuned in to the vir...

Baker Freezes Reopening Plan Citing a surge in parties like the one in Chatham where at least 13 people may have contracted COVID-19, Gov. Charlie Baker Friday announced a freeze on the state’s economic reopening plan, new restrictions on public gatherings, and new enforcement of those rules at parties – even ones on private property. “There have been many reports of pool parties, birthday parties, holiday ...

Family legend says I took my first steps on a beach. It was well documented with photos as I was a first child and grandchild. In all the pictures I am smiling and laughing. Obviously walking in wet sand and water was the best thing ever. I still feel that way, these few years later. OK, maybe it’s a few more years than a few. Even as a tiny tyke I collected pebbles and shells. I dug for mole crabs in the ...

William “Bill” McClellan Jr. of Chatham, age 79, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2020.             Bill graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1959. After spending a year fishing out of Harwich and Chatham, he went to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, graduating with a marine engineering degree in 1963. Bill went on to work in the Merchant Marines for 23 years, obtaining his Chief Engineer License for...

ORLEANS - Jeff‘s battle with cancer ended on July 13, 2020, which was fitting as 13 was his lucky number. He was 69 years old.         He leaves behind his partner Pam Banas of Orleans; his daughter Jenata Spencer of Arlington, Virginia; sister in law, Joan Keene of Weymouth; sister, Carol Edmunds of Richmont, Texas; sister, Priscilla Drollett( Frank) of Plymouth; and brother, Glenn Spencer (Peggy) of Quincy; ...

Michael H. Ward, age 76, died peacefully at home on July 30th, 2020. Born July 1st, 1944, he was the beloved son of the late A.J. Ward and Anna Mary (Murray)Ward.               Mike grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and eventually moved to Boston before settling full time in Chatham. Mike taught English at the college level for several years. In 1980 he became a certified Transactional Analyst and was a psychother...

October 15, 1964 - July 9, 2020           CHATHAM - Kara Leanne Sissell was born October 15, 1964, in Boston and through the compassionate guidance of Boston Childrens' Services, she was adopted by Sherleene Funk Sissell and William E. Sissell Jr. on December 15, 1964. Her family and friends in Chatham called her Leanne, but because her name was difficult to say in Spanish, she went by Kara professionally and ...

BREWSTER - Astrid Nakashian McLean, 72, of Brewster crossed into the end zone on Friday, July 24, 2020.  Her loving partner of 17 years, Fred Byrne, was by her side.  She fought a short, but courageous, battle with cancer.      Astrid, who wanted simply to be named “Jane,” was born on September 7, 1947, in White Plains, NY.  She was the daughter of Dr. Meran and Astrid Nakashian.  Her father was a family docto...

    Joshua Nathaniel Briggs Wordell passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 27, at his home in Chatham. Josh was born on January 15, 1977. He was 43 years old.  He was the beloved son of Nathaniel and Joy Wordell. He leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whom he adored!  He felt especially close to his Uncle Jon Wordell, who predeceased him in 2019, his Aunt Toni Wordell of South Chatha...