Update--Cyanobacteria Advisory Removed For Lower Mill Pond

On September 23, 2022, the Cyanobacteria Advisory at the Lower Mill Pond (Gristmill location and Lower Mill Pond Beach Association Kayak launch area) were REMOVED by the Brewster Health Department in collaboration with the Brewster Ponds Coalition and Lower Mill Pond Beach Association after two weeks of monitoring and water sampling.  The Cyanobacteria algal levels have dropped to a low risk level for swimming and other recreational water activities per observations of the lack of visible blooms in accordance with the MA Department of Public Health recommendations.  Limited monitoring will continue over the next month.   For additional information,  please visit  https://www.mass.gov/guides/cyanobacterial-harmful-algal-blooms-cyanohabs-water or Cyanobacteria Monitoring on Cape Cod - Barnstable County (wpengine.com).

Town Releases Final Draft of 2022 Brewster Local Comprehensive Plan

The Town’s Vision Planning Committee has completed and is releasing a final draft of the 2022 Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP), which will serve to guide land use policy and decisions in the Town over the next 10+ years.  The Committee will hold a joint public hearing with the Select Board and the Planning Board on Wednesday, October 12^th to review and approve the LCP.  The draft LCP, as endorsed by the Select Board and Planning Board, will be presented to Town Meeting on Tuesday, November 14^th for adoption.  The draft LCP (text version) is available in PDF format. A fully formatted illustrated version will be uploaded to the website when prepared, in advance of the public hearing.

For any questions, please contact Ellen Murphy, Vision Planning Committee Administrator, Brewster Planning Office, at (508) 896-3701 x 1168 or brewplan@brewster-ma.gov

Brewster Honors Heroes and Victims of 9/11

Brewster Honors Heroes and Victims of 9/11 from Lower Cape TV on Vimeo.

On Sunday, September 11, 2022, the Brewster Fire Department held its 10th memorial ceremony remembering the heroes and victims who perished in the 9/11 terrorist attacks 21 years ago. The department began hosting the event in 2012, which takes place outside Brewster Fire headquarters.

Fall 2022 Town Meeting Dates Set

Special Town Meeting is scheduled for 6PM on Monday, November 14, 2022, at the Stony Brook Elementary School. The deadline to file citizens petitions for inclusion in the warrant is September 28, 2022 at 4PM.  The warrant will go to print on October 17, and will be available on the Town website shortly thereafter. Hard copies will be available in advance of Town Meeting as well.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Town Administrator’s office at 508-896-3701 x 1100 or townadmin@brewster-ma.gov.

Brewster Cultural Council Seeks Funding Proposals

The Brewster Cultural Council is seeking grant proposals for interesting, innovative, educational, creative or entertaining projects in the Arts, Humanities and Sciences.  Applications are due October 17^th, 2022.  The Council encourages applications from organizations, schools, and individuals. Priority will be given to Town resident applications. 

In the past year, the Brewster Cultural Council funded 13 diverse programs, including free public concerts and performances, reinstated the Brewster Art Show at the Library and, for the first time, worked with two local artists to create an Art in Action display at Brewster Conservation Day.  

Applications and reports are submitted online.  Please see www.massculturalcouncil.org/brewster for an explanation of the process and priorities. For questions, please contact Clare O’Connor-Rice at brewsterculturalcouncil@gmail.com

Additional information about current grant opportunities at the Mass Cultural Council can be found below:

1. Program Guidelines for Cultural Sector Recovery Grant Applications
2. Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Individuals
3. Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Organizations

Fall 2022 Littleneck Harvest and Oyster Sunday Schedule

The littleneck beds off Ellis Landing will be open for harvest for one Sunday only on October 9th. There is a 5-quart limit, and littlenecks must be 1” thick (all seed must be returned to the rock beds). Low tide on October 9^th is at 5:45PM (-0.4ft).

Oyster Sundays will start on October 23^rd at Mants Landing and will continue weekly until stock runs out. There is a 5-quart limit per week.  Please arrive 45 minutes prior to low tide (or sunrise as applicable) to ensure a full limit. Low tide on October 23^rd is at 4:56PM (0.6ft).

Please bring a valid 2022 Brewster taxpayer/resident recreational shellfish permit (purchase permits online here  https://brewsterstickers.townhall247.com/).

For questions, call the Natural Resources department at 508-896-4546

Cyanobacteria Advisory For Lower Mill Pond and Gristmill Dam

On September 13, 2022 the Brewster Health Department, per MA Department of Public Health Cyanobacteria in Recreational Water Board of Health Guidance 2022, posted a Cyanobacteria Health Advisory at the Lower Mill Pond Dam at the Gristmill location due to a visible algal bloom indicative of elevated levels of Cyanobacteria. As a precautionary measure, a second posting was erected at the Lower Mill Pond Beach Association kayak launch area through the collaborative efforts of the Brewster Ponds Coalition and the Beach Association. Testing of the pond will continue on a weekly basis to monitor existing cyanobacteria levels. Until further notice, people and pets should avoid contact with any pond water where a visible algal bloom is present. For additional information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/guides/cyanobacterial-harmful-algal-blooms-cyanohabs-water or Cyanobacteria Monitoring on Cape Cod - Barnstable County (wpengine.com).

Fall Water System Flushing

We apologize for any inconvenience experienced and appreciate the continued cooperation of Brewsters' water customers in this effort to maintain the highest quality potable water possible. If there are any questions regarding this program or if you have any water quality critical equipment, such as medical (dialysis etc.) or professional (dental or medical etc.) please call the Brewster Water Department at 508-896-5454 during regular office hours for details. 

Brewster Fire/Rescue Accepting Citizens Fire Academy Applications

Brewster Fire/Rescue will be hosting a Citizens Fire Academy beginning Wednesday October 19. The seven-week program will meet each Wednesday evening at Brewster Fire Headquarters 1671 Main Street from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Academy participants will receive an inside view of Brewster Fire/Rescue and during each session will acquire information on a distinctive component of the organization ranging from daily administration and operations, staffing, emergency medical services, fire suppression response, motor vehicle extrication, fire prevention, and technical rescue services. Attendees will also obtain CPR and First Aid certification and visit the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Communications Center to become more familiar with the 911 and fire dispatch services our community utilizes. The program is designed to ensure each participant acquires an in-depth understanding of the Brewster Fire/Rescue and the professional life safety emergency services we provide the community.

Each week a new topic will be discussed in classroom settings and participants will also be involved in performing a series of hands-on activities taught by the experienced men and women of Brewster Fire Department.

Participants must be 18 years of age. Participants who live or work in the Town of Brewster will be given preference. There is no program fee.

Applications are available at Fire Headquarters beginning Thursday September 8 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm beginning Thursday September 8 or online at the link below. Space is limited to 20 participants.

To register: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=h8-AmVBu6EWPdH1qCBu3PS_Eimv-ck5Gj_G6g56nxw9UNVdPUjJFNFBJMzdVMlg0OUlYOUdIRDk0Vi4u

Residents may contact FF Gretchen Riley, Fire Prevention Officer Phil Burt, or Chief Moran at 508-896-7018 if you have further questions regarding this exciting opportunity.

New Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Now Available

As of September 1, 2022, updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters are now authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0901-covid-19-booster.html. These updated boosters will be available in MA starting the week of September 5^th.

FAQs:

What are the updated boosters?
The new COVID-19 booster vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are updated versions of the original vaccines. The updated boosters were recently authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC.

Who should get the new booster?  
Anyone age 12 or older who completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination series or received a booster dose at least two months ago should get the updated booster as soon as possible.

Why do I need a booster?  
Staying up to date on vaccines, including boosters, is the most effective way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. While vaccine protection decreases over time, boosters restimulate the immune system and increase vaccine efficacy again. Boosters are an important defense, even if you’ve already had COVID.

When and where can I get a booster?  
Updated boosters will be available in Massachusetts starting the week of September 5, 2022. You can get a booster at many locations across the Commonwealth, including where you received previous vaccines. Locations include doctor’s offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and community health clinics.

Where can I get more information?
You can visit www.mass.gov/covidbooster for the latest information.