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.
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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
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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
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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 Offers Testimony on Housing Bills
October 17, 2025
BOSTON – Steve Xiarhos, State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District, offered written testimony today in support two bills pending before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing (committee co-chairs: Senator Julian Cyr and State Representative Richard Haggerty).
Dear Chairs Haggerty and Cyr,
I write in support of H1578, An Act relative to background checks for individuals in Massachusetts housing programs, which I was proud to co-file with House Minority Leader Jones.
This legislation is about public safety, accountability, and protecting vulnerable residents. It establishes a clear and consistent standard for comprehensive background checks for all individuals applying to participate in state-funded or subsidized housing programs. These background checks would include criminal history, identity verification, and other relevant information necessary to ensure that housing programs remain safe environments for residents, staff, and surrounding communities.
As someone who has spent a lifetime in law enforcement, from walking a beat to commanding serious crime scenes, I know that information saves lives. When public housing authorities and partner agencies have the right information, they can make informed, responsible decisions that protect the people we serve and the integrity of our housing programs.
This bill is not designed to punish or exclude those who are trying to rebuild their lives, but about ensuring transparency and safety. The legislation includes provisions for appeal and review, so that individuals with past offenses who have demonstrated rehabilitation can still have their cases considered. We believe in second chances, but we also believe in protecting families, seniors, and children who deserve to feel secure in their homes.
Additionally, this bill calls for improved cooperation between the Registry of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement agencies, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. These partnerships are essential to verifying identity, maintaining program integrity, and ensuring that no one falls through the cracks due to a lack of communication between agencies.
H1578 is a piece of common-sense legislation that strengthens public safety without infringing on anyone’s rights. It ensures accountability while preserving compassion, and it helps to build stronger, safer communities.
I want to thank Minority Leader Brad Jones for joining me in sponsoring this important measure, and I urge the Committee to report H1578 favorably. Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Dear Chairs Haggerty and Cyr,
I write in support of H1579, An Act relative to emergency shelter assistance for Commonwealth residents, which I filed to reaffirm a core responsibility of state government to care for and protect the people of Massachusetts first.
This bill simply ensures that emergency housing assistance, funded by the taxpayers of our Commonwealth, is made available only to Massachusetts residents who are citizens of the United States. It does not eliminate compassion or deny the humanity of anyone, but reestablishes fairness, accountability, and prioritization at a time when our emergency shelter system is stretched far beyond its capacity.
As a former police officer, I have spent decades responding to people in crisis. Between families with children sleeping in cars, veterans with nowhere to go, seniors facing eviction, and victims of domestic violence seeking safety, I have seen firsthand how limited our emergency shelter resources are and how devastating it can be when there are simply no beds left for those who call Massachusetts home.
This legislation is about making sure that our citizens, the people who live here, work here, pay taxes here, and have contributed to our communities, are not displaced or left behind when they need help the most. It is a matter of basic fairness and fiscal responsibility.
At a time when our housing and emergency shelter systems are under tremendous pressure, it is imperative that Massachusetts puts its own residents first. This is especially true for our veterans, families with children, and vulnerable seniors who depend on us for protection and support.
When shelters are full and people are forced onto the streets, our communities, first responders, and public resources all feel the strain. By ensuring that limited state-funded emergency housing assistance is properly prioritized, we help restore order, protect public health and safety, and ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
I respectfully urge the Committee to report this bill favorably and thank you for your consideration of these comments.
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Volunteers keep Veterans Day tradition alive at Mass. cemetery
wcvb.com
Hundreds of volunteers braved rain and a government shutdown to place more than 70,000 flags on graves of veterans.
