Wind Turbine Failure in Bourne / Plymouth Area
November 8, 2025
State Representative Steve Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) has issued the following statement:
While I was in Boston yesterday, I was informed of a serious incident involving one of the wind turbines on the town line between Bourne and Plymouth near Head of the Bay Road.
According to Plymouth Fire Chief Neil Foley, a neighbor called in the early afternoon after noticing one of the three blades on the 300 foot turbine was missing. Firefighters found the detached blade, about 75 to 100 feet long, several hundred feet away in a cranberry bog. Thankfully no one was hurt and the turbine shut itself down as designed.
We were fortunate this happened in an open area and not near homes, but it raises real concerns for nearby families and the environment. These turbines sit close to working cranberry bogs and wetlands. If a blade filled with contaminants breaks loose, it can affect water quality, farmland, and wildlife. Offshore, similar failures threaten marine life, fishing, and tourism. Cape Cod’s natural beauty and economy depend on strong environmental protection.
I have filed or co-sponsored several bills addressing these concerns, including safety, local input, emergency planning, siting near neighborhoods, and recycling turbines when they are no longer in use:
- H.3579 – An Act Providing for a Wind Farm Study
- H.D.4318 – An Act Establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility Program for Offshore Wind Energy Equipment
- H.3479 – An Act Relative to the Onshore Siting of Infrastructure Associated with Offshore Wind Projects
- H.3585 – An Act Establishing a Special Commission to Study the Potential Risks to Cities and Towns from the Onshore Electrical Infrastructure Supporting Offshore Wind Energy Projects
Public safety and environmental protection must always come first. I will be working closely with my colleague State Representative Michelle Badger, who represents the district bordering this area of Bourne and Plymouth, to make sure residents get answers and that this site is cleaned up promptly and safely.
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FOOD PANTRIES AND NUTRITION SERVICES ON CAPE COD
November 3, 2025
Cape Cod is a community that looks out for one another. Across every town, there are dedicated volunteers and organizations making sure that no one goes hungry. Below is a list of local food pantries and programs by town. Please share this information with anyone who may need a helping hand.
⸻
BARNSTABLE
Cape Cod Community College Family Pantry
Building #7 (Grossman Commons Cafeteria)
Tuesdays 12–2 PM, Wednesdays 11 AM–1 PM
Open to all students, faculty, and staff
774-330-4857
First Baptist Church Pantry
486 Main Street, Hyannis
Tuesdays 9 AM–12 PM
508-775-1846
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry – St. Francis Xavier Church
21 Cross Street, Hyannis
Tuesdays and Fridays 10 AM–12 PM
508-775-3073
Salvation Army Pantry and Soup Kitchen
100 North Street, Hyannis
Pantry by appointment Monday through Thursday 10–11:15 AM
Breakfast 8:30–9:30 AM, Lunch 11:30–12:30 PM
508-775-0364
Faith Family Kitchen
154 Bearses Way, Hyannis
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 5:30–6:30 PM
508-775-5073
Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center Pantry
223 Stevens Street, Hyannis
Thursdays 9 AM–6 PM
508-778-1590
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BOURNE
Friends Food Pantry
121 Main Street, Buzzards Bay
Tuesdays 9 AM–12 PM
508-759-3351
Empowerment Center (JBCC)
1015 South Inner Road, Buzzards Bay
Monday and Friday 10 AM–1 PM, Wednesday 1–4 PM
(For those with base access)
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BREWSTER
Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
Brewster Baptist Church, 1848 Main Street
Mondays and Thursdays 10 AM–12 PM
508-240-0694
lcoutreach.org/pantry-hours
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CHATHAM
Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
St. Christopher’s Church, 625 Main Street
Tuesdays 4–6 PM, Thursdays 3–5 PM
508-240-0694
First United Methodist Church Pantry
16 Cross Street, Chatham
Thursdays and Fridays 11 AM–2 PM
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EASTHAM
Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
Eastham United Methodist Church, 3200 State Hwy (Route 6)
Monday 4–6 PM, Tuesday 10–12, Thursday 2–4 PM
508-240-0694
Community Fridge
2500 State Hwy, Eastham (between Town Hall and Police Dept.)
774-801-3229
Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Mobile Pantry
Eastham Elks Club, 10 McKoy Road
2nd and 4th Tuesdays 10 AM–1 PM
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FALMOUTH
Falmouth Service Center
611 Gifford Street
Tuesday 10–12, Wednesday 3:30–5:30, Thursday 10–12, Friday 10–12
508-548-2794
A Place at the Table – St. Barnabas’s Episcopal Church
91 Main Street
Hot lunches Tuesday and Thursday 11 AM–1 PM
508-548-3863
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry – St. Patrick Church
511 Main Street
Tuesday and Friday 10 AM–12 PM and 1–3 PM
508-563-7775
Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Mobile Pantry
Falmouth AmVets, 366 Palmer Ave
1st and 3rd Tuesdays 10 AM–1 PM
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HARWICH
The Family Pantry of Cape Cod
133 Queen Anne Road
Tuesday 10–3:30, Wednesday 10–12, Thursday 10–7, Saturday 9–12
508-432-6519
Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 73 Main Street
Monday 1–3, Tuesday 3:30–5, Wednesday 12:30–2:30, Friday 10–12
508-240-0694
The People’s Fridge – Harwich Community Center
100 Oak Street
508-430-7509
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MASHPEE
Christ the King Food Pantry
5 Job’s Fishing Road
Wednesdays 9 AM–12 PM
508-477-7700
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Food Pantry
483 Great Neck Road South
Tuesday through Thursday 12–4 PM
508-477-0208 ext. 189
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ORLEANS
Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
Orleans Methodist Church, 73 Main Street
Tuesdays 10 AM–12 PM
508-240-0694
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PROVINCETOWN
Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
United Methodist Church, 20 Shank Painter Road
Wednesday and Thursday 10 AM–2 PM
Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP)
Same location
Monday through Friday 12:30–1:30 PM (November through April)
508-487-8331
Crop Swap – Provincetown Library
356 Commercial Street
Open during library hours
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SANDWICH
Sandwich Food Pantry
331 Cotuit Road
Wednesday 10–12, Last Wednesday 6–7:30 PM, 3rd Saturday 10–12
508-888-3816
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
322 Quaker Meetinghouse Road
Thursdays 9:30–12 PM
508-833-1555
Empowerment Center (Non-Base Access)
117 Route 6A
Monday and Tuesday 10–1, Thursday and Friday 12:30–4
774-205-7232
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SOUTH YARMOUTH
Cape Cod Community Food Pantry
845 Route 28, Unit 16 (Lighthouse Landing Plaza)
Tuesday and Thursday 5:30–6:30 PM
508-394-0880
St. David’s Episcopal Church
205 Old Main Street
3rd Wednesday each month
508-394-4222
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WELLFLEET
Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
Our Lady of Lourdes Parking Lot, 2282 Route 6
Monday and Wednesday 3–6 PM, Thursday 10–12 PM
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WEST YARMOUTH
Canaan Church Food Pantry and Community Garden
204 Route 28
508-266-1439
⸻
TRURO
Truro Community Kitchen
Christian Union Church, 27 Shore Road
Deliveries on Tuesdays
508-514-1833
Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
Community Center, 7 Standish Way
Tuesday and Wednesday 10–12:30 PM
⸻
Cape Cod’s food pantries are open and ready to help. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please reach out to one of these local programs.
If you have any questions, please email my office at Steven.Xiarhos@mahouse.gov
Rep. Xiarhos Announces Committee Approval of “Colby’s Law”
October 30, 2025
BOSTON – State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R–Barnstable) is proud to announce that Colby’s Law has received unanimous support from the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and will now move forward in the legislative process.
Representative Xiarhos expressed deep gratitude to House Chair Dan Cahill and members of the Committee for their support, as well as to the Lippincott family and the many friends, advocates, and community members who traveled to the State House in July, testified virtually, or submitted written testimony in support of the bill.
“We did it,” said Representative Xiarhos. “This is a big step forward — turning tragedy into triumph in memory of a young Sandwich man who gave his all. Colby’s Law will help keep the sport of BMX motocross going strong and safer for everyone.”
Representative Xiarhos also thanked his legislative colleagues who co-sponsored the bill and helped make this milestone possible — Representatives Paul McMurtry, Patrick Kearney, Margaret Scarsdale, and Richard Wells, along with Senators Patrick O’Connor and Dylan Fernandes.
“Your support means so much,” added Xiarhos. “Together, we’re honoring Colby’s spirit and making a real difference for riders and families across Massachusetts.”
Colby’s Law would require that organized BMX motocross tracks and events in Massachusetts implement basic safety standards, equipment checks, and emergency response protocols to better protect young riders and participants.
The legislation is named in memory of Colby Lippincott, a young man from Sandwich who lost his life doing what he loved — riding BMX motocross. The bill seeks to promote greater safety standards and awareness within the sport, ensuring that Colby’s legacy continues to inspire others.
FOR COLBY. FOREVER FOURTEEN.
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Representative Xiarhos Supports Legislation to Protect
Children Receiving State Services and in Foster Care
October 22, 2025
BOSTON, MA. – State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) today supported legislation designed to improve communication and coordination among state agencies working with the families of children in foster care or receiving state services.
H4644, An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections, was given initial approval by the House today with a 159–1 vote. Representative Xiarhos said the omnibus bill streamlines the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) reporting requirements, clarifying the role of the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), and transferring the Child Fatality Review Team from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to the OCA.
One of the key components of the bill concerns streamlining DCF’s reporting requirements, of which Representative Xiarhos noted that DCF currently reports to multiple agencies on various topics, but would now only need to submit a single annual report by October 31 each year detailing the agency’s performance during the previous fiscal year. This report would be made available to the public.
According to Representative Xiarhos, information in DCF’s annual report will include information on:
- Case counts, delineated by demographics, placement type, median placement length of stay, and rates of racial disproportionality;
- Case processes and outcomes, including educational well-being outcomes, fatalities, and the rates and timeliness of medical and behavioral health services; and,
- Operational overviews, including caseloads, staffing trends, the department’s budget, and details on any new or ongoing initiatives to improve practices, procedures, and policies.
To promote the educational well-being of children in DCF custody, H4644 establishes an education unit within the department to develop and oversee education policies for children in its care. DCF will also hire an education director to run this new unit.
Representative Xiarhos said the bill also clarifies the role of the Office of the Child Advocate, affirming that it will remain independent of any other executive office, state agency, or commission. The OCA will continue to focus on overseeing services provided to children, advising government officials, and recommending ways to improve those services. The bill also authorizes the OCA to request data from the Trial Court for research purposes and requires that critical incident reports include demographic information about the child involved.
During floor debate, the House adopted amendments to:
- Establish a special commission to study the development of a digital education portfolio system to support the stability and well-being of foster children and youth in the Commonwealth, with a report due by November 30, 2026; and,
- Add members to the Child Fatality Review Team, including the DCF chapter president or designee, along with other members selected by the co-chairs or a majority vote of the team for their relevant expertise.
“Protecting vulnerable children is one of the most important responsibilities we have as public officials,” said Representative Xiarhos. “This bill helps ensure that our state agencies are working together efficiently, sharing information, and doing everything possible to keep children safe, supported, and given the best opportunity to succeed. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to strengthen transparency and accountability in our child welfare system.”
H4644, as amended, now moves to the Senate for its consideration.
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Rep. Xiarhos Recognizes National Move Over Day
October 18, 2025
BOSTON — State Representative Steve Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) issued a statement today recognizing October 18 as “National Move Over Day”:
“Today, the 3rd Saturday in October, is National Move Over Day. The purpose of the day is to recognize laws nationwide (including here in Massachusetts) requiring drivers to slow down and move over on the roadway when there is an emergency vehicle or construction crew on the side of the road.
“These laws a re very important. As a former police officer, I can attest to how dangerous it is for emergency personnel who are pulled over on the side of a busy roadway to do their job. Aside from attending to whatever situation they’re dealing with, such as a serious motor vehicle accident with injuries, they need to keep their own safety in mind. Sadly, there have been many, many examples of drivers who fail to move over and who hit first responders and their vehicles, sometimes with tragic results.
“So, what can you do? First, please make sure you obey the law whenever you’re out driving. It’s very simple — if you see someone on the side of the road, slow down and move over. Give them the room they need to do their job safely.
“Beyond that, I encourage you to support legislation I’ve filed (H.3816) to enhance our existing Move Over Law and provide greater protections for first responders and roadway personnel. This bill would increase fines for violations of the law, make third or subsequent offenses surchargeable for insurance purposes, require repeat offenders to complete a driver education program, and dedicate revenue from fines to support the Blue Star License Plate Program. It also would establish a Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. I believe these are very reasonable protections and I hope they are passed into law.
“Stay safe everyone!”
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Steve Discusses School Safety on Ed Lambert Show WXTK
September 18, 2025
I deeply appreciated the opportunity this morning to join Ed Lambert and the crew live on WXTK to talk about school security and School Resource Officers.
Please listen to the audio clip using the player below:
This is common sense: our children and teachers deserve to feel safe every day in their classrooms. That’s why I filed House Bill 753 – An Act Relative to School Security. Now is the time to speak out and get involved. You can help right now by submitting testimony in support of the bill. A few minutes of your time can make a real difference in making Massachusetts schools safer.
Please send your support to:
- fiona.brucebaiden@mahouse.gov
- emily.reynolds@masenate.gov
- Or by mail to: Committee on Education, 24 Beacon Street, Room 473G, Boston, MA 02133.
When submitting, include “EDUCATION COMMITTEE TESTIMONY” and the bill number (H.753) in the subject line. Be sure to provide your name, organization (if any), and phone number.
Together, we can make this happen. Together, we can make Massachusetts safe for our children and their teachers.
June 17, 2025
Written Testimony of Representative Steven Xiarhos
In Support of Bill H.753 — An Act to Strengthen School Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Hearing Before the Joint Committee on Education
To the Chairperson, Vice Chair, and esteemed members of the Joint Committee on Education:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in full and unequivocal support of House Bill 753, legislation that I have proudly filed to enhance the safety of our schoolchildren, teachers, and staff across the Commonwealth.
I speak to you today not only as a legislator, but as a 40-year veteran of law enforcement, a former Deputy Police Chief, and a seven-year school resource officer. Most importantly, I am the proud father of a current school resource officer who carries on the commitment to protect and serve within our schools.
This bill is born out of lived experience. I’ve been there when threats were made against a school. I’ve helped implement safety plans. I’ve stood side-by-side with school leaders, students, and parents through moments of fear and uncertainty. I know what works—and I know what happens when we fail to prepare.
House Bill 753 focuses on four core priorities:
Protecting Sensitive Security Plans:
Section 1 exempts school safety and emergency response plans from public disclosure under state public records law. This is a critical measure to ensure that the people seeking to do harm cannot access sensitive documents detailing our security procedures and vulnerabilities.
Creating 24/7 School Threat Reporting Lines:
Section 2 mandates the creation of a dedicated, round-the-clock phone line in every city and town for the reporting of threats to school buildings. This gives families, students, and community members a clear, reliable, and immediate way to report concerns—because time is everything in a crisis.
Placing School Resource Officers in Every School Building:
Section 3 calls for at least one trained school resource officer (SRO) to be present in every school building during instructional hours. These officers provide far more than security—they build trust, provide mentorship, and serve as a vital line of defense in the event of a threat. Properly implemented under a memorandum of understanding, SROs enhance the safety and the climate of our schools.
Enhancing Physical Security and Mandatory Training:
Section 4 sets standards for active shooter training, annual safety audits, and recommends physical security upgrades like single access points, reinforced locks, and connected video surveillance systems. These are practical, proven deterrents—and every student in the Commonwealth deserves access to them.
This legislation also tasks the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with helping schools access grants and funding for these measures, recognizing that safety should not be a luxury limited to certain zip codes.
Let me be clear: This bill is not about fear—it’s about responsibility. It is about equipping our schools with the tools they need to respond to today’s threats. We must take every step available to prevent another school tragedy before it happens. The time to act is now.
I urge the Joint Committee on Education to give House Bill 753 a favorable report. As someone who has dedicated his life to protecting others—and who knows the life-changing difference school safety measures can make—I believe this legislation is not only timely, but necessary.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to keeping our schools safe.
Respectfully submitted,
Steven G. Xiarhos
Massachusetts State Representative
5th Barnstable District
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