“I spent many years in Central America dealing with destruction — when I retired I became involved with construction,” said Joe Towle, a Maryknoll Priest who lives in Harwich Port, during a lunch break at the Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod’s recent building project on Paul Hush Way off Tubman Road in Brewster. Having dealt with the harmful products of corrupt government, criminal activity and poverty in seve...

Some people are showing up in local emergency rooms after experiencing chest pains for many hours, or abdominal pains that have lasted for days. Over concerns about COVID-19, they’re ignoring symptoms that demand immediate attention, putting themselves at greater risk, experts say. “Waiting isn’t smart,” Cape Cod Healthcare CEO Michael Lauf said in a recent news conference. “We don’t want to see people adverse...

When you honk your horn Friday nights to honor medical, fire, and police personnel for their dedication, save a toot for the folks at Chatham Village Market and at Friends’ Marketplace in Orleans. They and their colleagues at the local chain supermarkets and convenience stores have become essential workers, by their deeds and by declaration of the governor. “We’re the only grocery store in the town of Chatham,...

CHATHAM — Social distancing is a public health necessity right now, but for people of all ages, it’s bringing feelings of isolation and loneliness. For seniors who might be away from friends or family, that social separation can take a particular toll. But with some basic technology and some simple steps, it’s possible for seniors to connect with grandkids, friends and neighbors, and help’s available to learn ...

Prevention The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus. Wash your hands frequently, practice cough etiquette, stay home when possible and maintain social distancing. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick and www.mass.gov/covid19 . If You Think You’re Sick The key symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever, a cough and shortness of breath. Find an ...

“She’s back.” That’s what people are saying about Jenn Mentzer, who was appointed general manager of the Chatham Wayside Inn effective Feb. 24. A well-known figure for decades in Chatham’s restaurant scene, Mentzer has spent the past 11 years as director of the catering division of Mac’s Seafood, based in Wellfleet. One quiet morning about halfway through her third week on the job at the Wayside, Mentzer ca...

The question of where the town’s new senior center should be built has been dragging on for so long that some seniors question if they will even be alive when the building is completed in two, three or more years. “Will I live that long?” asks Barbara Segall, who will turn 84 this summer. Segall chairs the town’s seven-member council on aging board. “We’ve been waiting 10 years for a facility.” Right now, t...

With a global pandemic threat, the struggling stock market and divisive politics in Washington, you might be forgiven for feeling a bit anxious lately. Add to those worries the problems of ordinary life, and those feelings might be overwhelming. According to information posted by the National Institute of Mental Health, it’s important to remember that stress is a natural reaction. “Occasional anxiety is an ...

HYANNIS — Sandy Wycoff, owner of Chatham T Company, has been chosen for the 21 st annual Abraham Penn Community Award for excellence in service to the customer and service to the community. Named after the founder of Puritan of Cape Cod, the award was given at a reception on Jan. 29 at Puritan of Cape Cod’s Hyannis store by members of the Penn family. The nomination came from Mary Cavanaugh, execu...

“I just try to make them happy,” says Linda St. Pierre, the chef at the Harwich Senior Center. Lunches are served on a varying schedule at the Harwich, Chatham and Orleans Senior Centers and chefs in all three towns know how to keep the senior diners happy and healthy. St. Pierre has been cooking lunches and dinners at the Harwich Senior Center for 10 years now, and she knows many of the seniors by name as ...

News headlines about the novel Wuhan coronavirus seem to get a bit more frightening each day, and the number of infected people is increasing, as is the geographic spread of the illness. But a review of the facts can help put the risk in perspective. Coronaviruses, so named because of their crown-like shape when viewed under a microscope, are nothing new. They often cause respiratory illnesses or the cold, and...

Preschool Screening Chatham and Harwich elementary schools provide integrated preschool programs that are designed to meet the requirements of the special needs preschool population as well as other preschool children from the community.  Chatham Elementary School will conduct its annual early childhood screening, by appointment only, on Wednesday, March 18. Parents interested in having their child attend...