☀️ Deputies receive awards

Plus: Sax & Seafood

Author

Cape Coddah
May 17, 2024

Welcome to the 158 new readers this week!
The Cape Coddah now has 1,565 subscribers.

Good morning Cape Cod and happy Friday. A user on a Cape Cod forum recently raised the question; Are there Cape residents who have never been off-Cape?

In this week’s Cape Coddah:

  • Tide power

  • Airport plans a no-go

  • Sheriff’s deputies awarded

  • Events and live music


    Let’s get to it.

THE DIGEST

Whistleblower sparks $24.3M settlement 🩺

Cape Cod Hospital is writing a hefty $24.3M check to settle false Medicare claims. The feds claim the hospital was fudging the rules around heart valve replacement procedures to improperly bill Medicare for years.

Apparently, not enough doctors were properly evaluating patients or documenting their findings before green-lighting the surgeries. The hospital admits some of those shady doctors are now out the door, and they've tightened up compliance under new leadership.

The case was sparked by a former cardiologist who says he got fired for calling out the hospital's profits-over-patients practices. He'll be taking home a cool $4.3M payout for blowing the whistle that led to this massive settlement. Read the full story.

Sweet tide power 🌊

The Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative just scored a federal license to test tidal turbine prototypes that harness the power of the tides. Their prime testing spot? The swift-moving waters of the Cape Cod Canal.

While offshore wind is currently stealing the spotlight, this tidal tech could be the region's next big climate game-changer. The mini turbines may only generate around 30 kilowatts during trials, but they'll prove if this moon-driven energy can realistically flow into New England's power grid.

The nonprofit has spent years laying the groundwork, building out a pre-permitted test platform in Bourne to make R&D quicker and cheaper for developers. Some federal funding is even rolling in to help companies put their prototypes to the test over 30-day stints.

Sure, a full-blown tidal power plant isn't realistic for the canal's cramped quarters. But the region's rip-roaring currents between the Islands could be perfect for producing serious megawatts in the future. Read the full story.

Commission craves comments 🎤 

The brain trust over at the Cape Cod Commission just released their 2024 blueprint for keeping the Cape’s finances shipshape. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a 5-year plan that tackles housing, jobs, infrastructure and more, but they want the public’s input before charting the course.

Take advantage of the 21-day public comment period to ensure the CEDS doesn't miss any critical issues like workforce needs or canal bridge replacements. The commission is even hosting virtual town halls and an in-person meet-up for live feedback. Read the full story.

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📸 @bob_amaral_photography | 📍 Chapin Beach, Dennis

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Airport plans crash and burn 🛩️

Despite pleas from Chatham Airport officials, voters overwhelmingly rejected a new approach zone map and funding for electric vehicle charging stations at the George Ryder Road airfield.

The map debate really took off, with critics claiming it would enable rampant tree removal and even usher in large commercial jets. Airport brass insisted it was merely an FAA-mandated formality reflecting current flight patterns. But the "no" votes landed at 306-158, grounded by fears of industrialization and property devaluation.

As for the EV chargers, the $440K price tag proved too steep despite rebates. Residents questioned the need for airport chargers at all when downtown could use the juice. Read the full story.

AROUND THE CAPE 🗞️

Senior citizens - don’t miss out on your discounts.

New Hampshire kids make their annual visit to the Cape.

Brewster gives the thumbs up for former Sea Camps plans.

West Chatham finishes new playground, pickleball courts almost done.

Former West Harwich Schoolhouse begins transformation to apartments.

Is your backyard suitable for turtle nesting?

AutoCamp Cape Cod in Falmouth kicks off partnership with Hilton.

Centerville driver charged after fiery crash in Hyannis.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Sax & Seafood 🎷

Jazz is coming back to Hyannis! The Roadhouse Café, the Cape Cod institution known for its live tunes and stellar seafood menu, is getting a new lease on life after sitting dark since 2020. New owners recently scooped it up for $715K and are prepping to reopen the South Street spot once they lock down that all-important liquor license.

For over 40 years, the Roadhouse hosted jazz greats like Tony Bennett while dishing out locally-sourced seafood hits from its massive menu. Under its new management team that also runs nearby Torino, the iconic venue is gearing up to bring back that signature sound and taste of Cape Cod summers. Read the full story.

Fighting cancer & thrifting 🛍️

Cape Cod's oldest thrift shop is thriving in its new Sandwich digs. The bright, airy Cape Cancer Thrift Shop feels more like an upscale boutique packed with gorgeous donated gems. But the real prize? Every penny from sales benefits local cancer warriors via Dana-Farber and Cape Wellness Collaborative.

The all-volunteer staff, many survivors themselves, can't get enough of surrounding themselves with kindred spirits while giving back. And locals are catching on that these aren't your average musty thrift finds - it's a feel-good treasure hunt that directly helps neighbors battling cancer. Read the full story.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

THE ISLANDS ⛴️

Bill Belichick adds another Nantucket home to his portfolio.

Martha’s Vineyard getting anxious about island weed supply.

Adult summer camp on Martha’s Vineyard.

Oh Captain, my captain! Steamship Authority suffering from low staffing.

PETA trolling ferry riders with “Go Vegan” ads.

MV painter wins $1M Jaws lottery game, but only takes home $650K.

JAWS star Susan Backlinie remembered after passing.

26th Annual Nantucket Wine & Food Festival in full swing.

Mindy Kaling hopes to retire on MV.

Underwater power cable to Nantucket back on the grid.

Netflix filming an adaptation of Judy Blume’s, “Forever” on MV.

CIVIL NEWS

Deputies awarded for saving lives🏅

At a ceremony on Tuesday, four Barnstable County Corrections deputies were honored or going above and beyond the call of duty. Joseph Gorgone, Robert Maxwell, Kimberly Haberl were recognized for preventing inmate self-harm incidents, and Deputy David Joseph for resuscitating a neighbor, giving the family time to say goodbye. The entire office also earned props for their response during the Bristol County Jail riot last year. Read the full story.

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PET OF THE WEEK

Meet: Hades
Pit Bull Terrier
1 Year Old
Neutered Male
Available to adopt at MSCPA-Cape Cod

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Live Music 🎸

Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

WEATHER

Friday

61 🌡️ 52 | 🌤️ | 25% | 💨 NE 14 mph

Saturday

55 🌡️ 51 | 🌧️ | 84% | 💨 NNE 12 mph

Sunday

55 🌡️ 50 | ☁️ | 25% | 💨 NNE 14 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 51.1ºF

LISTING OF THE WEEK

346 Long Pond Dr, South Yarmouth, MA
Asking $653,000
4 🛌 
3 🛀
2115 square feet
0.34 acre lot

Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

THANKS!

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