Brewster flats in on a beautiful summer day at low tide with the text Town of Brewster Bayside Bulletin overlayed

Issue 11 | June 2026

From the Manager's Desk

This year, for the first time in 15 years, the Town asked voters to approve a general operating override to support our ongoing commitments to providing the high level of service that our residents have come to expect. We greatly appreciate the trust that residents have placed in us by approving this override at Town Meeting and in the local election last month.

Fundamentally, as Brewster's largest year-round employer, this supplemental funding is needed to ensure that we can continue to recruit and retain exceptional staff. Several terrific Town employees are highlighted in this newsletter, having been recently recognized by their peers for consistently going above and beyond. If you see them around town working on your behalf, please make sure to say hello and thank you!

This month marks the one-year anniversary of our monthly newsletter. We hope it has been a helpful resource for you. We remain committed to sharing out information that is timely, accurate, and relevant. We also continue to monitor and evolve our communications strategy to try to meet residents where they are.

We host monthly office hours at various locations around town to give residents an opportunity to meet with members of the Select Board and Town Administration in a more informal setting. We hope to see you there! Residents are also invited to email our office with any questions, comments, or feedback at townmanager@brewster-ma.gov.

There are plenty of other opportunities to be involved and provide your perspective.

Peter Lombardi

Town Manager

A white building with a walk way and greenish landscaping around the image is of Brewster Town Hall

From the Manager's Desk

Department Profile

Water Department

Meet Our Team

Paul Anderson

Water Superintendent

Project Updates

Stony Brook Elementary School Playground

Sea Camps Spotlight

Summer Events!

Getting to Know Your Select Board

Laurel Labdon

In Focus

Public Service Awards

Important Dates

CPC Plan Update Survey

Water Restrictions

Juneteenth Celebration

Seasonal Items

Beach & Recycling Center Permits

Community Pool Information

Department Profile

Water Department

The Brewster Water Department consists of 13 water works professionals who maintain all the infrastructure associated with the delivery of safe drinking water, and sufficient fire flow for the town. The public typically visit our office to pay bills, request final meter reads for the sales of homes, request the mark out of water mains and service lines, inquire about water quality concerns, and discuss large projects needing water supply.

Our mission statement is “Protect and provide a reliable supply of the highest quality of water at the most reasonable price. Assure customer satisfaction by understanding the needs of the community and meeting those needs through superior service”.

Meet Our Team

Paul Anderson

Water Superintendent

Years with Brewster: 16

Q: What is one of your favorite things about your position?

Teamwork. I enjoy working with my team at the Water Department as well as the larger team consisting of other departments, administration, and the various boards and committees that contribute to our continued success.

Brewster is a special place. The town government mirrors the unique culture of the community creating a partnership that is rare.

Q: What is one of your favorite things about Cape Cod?

September

DEP Sanitary Survey

The Department of Environmental Protection recently conducted a Sanitary Survey of the Brewster Water Department. This survey is conducted every three years and is a comprehensive evaluation of the management and operations. It evaluates financial longevity, emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, and focuses on current critical concerns like cyber security status.

The survey consists of an extensive evaluation of existing policy and procedures and a tour of all facilities (wells, treatment facilities and storage tanks) to ensure they are in compliance with both federal and state requirements. We are waiting for the final report but are assured that the operations meet or exceed all requirements.

Upcoming Events

Brewster Water Department will be attending the Antique Fair & Classic Car and Truck Show at the Drummer Boy Park on June 27th (9AM-3PM) and Brewster Conservation Day at the Sea Camps Bay Property on July 11th (9:30AM-1:30PM).

Educational materials, water bottles, and other water related items will be available and the Superintendent will be present to answer questions from residents.

A blue and yellow ocean ship themed elementary school playground with slides and climbing

Project Update

Stony Brook Elementary School Playground

The new Stony Brook Elementary School playground opened on Monday, May 18, 2026. After approximately 8 months of construction, including some weather and material-related delays, the Stony Brook Playground was substantially completed at the end of May. There were lots of smiles, cheers and gratitude as students entered the playground for the first time. There are still a few outstanding items that need to be completed including the seal coating of the basketball court, which will take place towards the latter part of summer.

The new fully accessible playground includes rubberized surfacing, new play structures, swings, interactive play units, a basketball court, trees and vegetation, foul ball netting protection, and stormwater infrastructure. In conjunction with this project, the Public Works Department will be installing some new drainage and guardrail on the hill above the playground area in June to protect our long-term investment in the new playground and surfacing.

The Playground Project was made possible with significant contributions of time, energy and funding by the Nauset Youth Alliance, the Brewster Community Preservation Committee, the Brewster School Committee, the Town of Brewster and the Brewster Whitecaps. An official ribbon cutting was held scheduled for June 2 before Stony Brook Elementary School’s 2026 Field Day.

We look forward to continuing to see and hear kids enjoying the playground for years to come!

Sea Camps Spotlight

Summer Events

There will be no shortage of activities this year on the Sea Camps Bay Property. Back for another summer, the Recreation Department will welcome almost 300 kids to the property for the Summer Rec Program starting in late June. The program includes a wide variety of fun activities for children in pre-K through 7th grade. Additional programs offered by our Recreation Department at the Bay Property this summer will include: swimming lessons, summer archery, kids' art lab, sunset yoga and sound bath, and outdoor pick-up basketball.

On Saturday July 11, the 15th Annual Brewster Conservation Day will be held at the Bay Property. This family-fun event is hosted by the Department of Natural Resources in partnership with Brewster Conservation Trust and Brewster Ponds Coalition. There will be over 30 exhibitors that together celebrate our community's natural resources and coastal habitat.

The Recreation Department will also be hosting 3 free family-friendly events at the Bay Property:

DJ Dance Party - Thursday, July 23 at 6pm
Family Movie Night: Hoopers - Friday, August 7 at 8pm
Touch-A-Truck - Friday, August 21 at 5pm

Check out the Recreation Department website for more information.

Laurell Labdon with cotton candy pink hair wearing a pink sweater

Getting to Know Your

Select Board

Meet Laurel Labdon

Elected May 2026

Q: What is one thing you wish the public knew about the Select Board?

I wish residents knew exactly how hard members of the Select Board work on behalf of Brewster. Each member of the Board serves as liaison to many committees on top of their responsibilities as a Select Board member. This ensures that every member of the Board has a broad understanding of everything that is happening in Brewster. From housing, water quality and emergency services to recycling, historic sites and the alewife population, the Select Board is dedicated to overseeing EVERYTHING that makes Brewster the gem of the Cape. I am excited to start my work as a Select Board member and work to keep Brewster a place where people can live, work and thrive.

Q: What is one of your favorite things about Brewster?

It is almost impossible to pick just one of my favorite things about Brewster. Besides the ponds, the Brewster flats and ice cream at sunset…my favorite thing about Brewster is when the beautiful, old oak trees along 6A start leafing out when Spring FINALLY arrives and makes a canopy over the road. It has always been a sign of renewal, history and the beginning of summer for me. As a child I climbed those trees and swung from their branches and they are an immovable symbol of my idyllic childhood growing up in Brewster. Those trees still make me smile as I am shaded from the sun as I go under the canopy of their magnificent leaves every Spring.

Office Hours

The Select Board hosts office hours the 1st Wednesday of each month at rotating locations. A different Select Board member takes part each month with either our Town Manager or Assistant Town Manager. The Select Board can also be contacted by email at selectboard@brewster-ma.gov.

In Focus

Public Service Recognition

For the second year, we are honored to announce the recipients of the Public Service Award, created last year to recognize some of the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who serve on Brewster’s many boards, committees, and commissions. Their participation and thoughtful consideration of the myriad decisions that come before them throughout the year helps shape the Town of Brewster.

Three individuals have been chosen for their substantial contributions to the Brewster community. First, for Environmental Impact, Dr. Kimberley Crocker Pearson, for her exemplary leadership and community advocacy on the Conservation Commission, Board of Health and as Chair of the Natural Resources Commission. Thank you, Kim, for your invaluable contributions across all three roles!

Next up, to Greg Levasseur the Facilities Impact Award, for his years-long service advocating for cost savings and high-quality construction as the Nauset Regional High School Building Committee chair. Thank you, Greg.

Lastly, for Community Character Impact, Peter Johnson, for his leadership in protecting and preserving Brewster, on the Community Preservation Committee, Recycling Commission, and while serving as Brewster Conservation Trust President in collaboration with the Open Space Committee. Thank you, Peter!

Thank you to each of you for all you do for Brewster!

Group picture of 4 staff and 4 department heads for the public service recognition

Brewster is really lucky to have an outstanding team of employees. Working in local government gives us an opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on our community.

For the past three years, the Town has acknowledged and thanked a handful of our top performing employees at Annual Town Meeting, which happens to occur during Public Service Recognition Week.

This year, our staff was once again given the opportunity to nominate their colleagues for exceptional performance. The following four individuals have been recognized.

Mimi Bernardo

Finance Director

Since 2019

Mimi is known by her colleagues as a hard worker, supportive supervisor, and kindhearted person. She ensures open communication and a willingness to support staff in every department.

Throughout the recent (and large) software conversion and working on the budget in a new format, Mimi continues to take the time to answer any question presented to her with care, time and accuracy.

While change is not easy, and it doesn't always go smoothly, Mimi ensured that staff was properly supported for the software conversation. Despite any challenges, Mimi maintains a positive attitude and demeanor and for that staff nominated her to be recognized.

Jimmy DeWitt, Public Works Equipment Operator

Since 2004

Jimmy will be retiring this coming January with 23 years of service to the Town - quite an achievement. Jimmy started his service with the Town as a Truck Driver, held the position of maintenance mechanic, master mechanic and finally to his current position as Transfer Station Operator.

His dedication to this department is unmeasurable. No matter what the task was he met it head on until completed with the best interest of the Town in mind. His dependability is unmatched, never refusing anything asked of him whether during regular hours or answering the phone at 2 a.m. you knew he would be there.

Jimmy is that employee that always went out of his way to lend a helping hand to his fellow employees and he has been a mentor to new employees, helping them any way he could along the way.

Examples of Jimmy’s hard work, dedication, and positive work attitude and work ethic are endless and will be greatly missed once he retires - his shoes will be hard to fill.

Dean Smith, Firefighter / EMT

Since 2016

Dean exemplifies the hallmark of the Brewster Fire Department - a willingness and eagerness to help others. Always willing to lend a hand and share his knowledge with others, Dean is known for his work ethic and dedication to the Department and the Town.

If you know Dean, you know he is a helper, through and through. The whole of the Brewster Fire Department is grateful to have him as part of the team.

Tom Flynn in a striped golfing polo and hat

Tom Flynn, Captains Golf Course Foremen

Since 1993

For over 30 years, Tom has been a key member of Captains Golf Maintenance Team. As he nears retirement, his coworkers believe it would be appropriate to recognize Tom for a job well done.

Tom is a pillar of the Captains Golf Maintenance team, always bringing a positive, encouraging attitude. He is willing to help and instruct his coworkers and he strives to make Captains a better place - for the members, guests, and his coworkers.

Community Preservation Plan Resident Survey

Earlier this month, the Town hosted a virtual forum to help inform updates to Brewster's Community Preservation Plan (CPP), a roadmap that will guide how the town allocates its Community Preservation Act funds in local open space, historic preservation, community housing, and outdoor recreation over the next 5 years.

Residents are asked to complete a short survey by Friday, June 26 - thank you in advance for sharing your perspective!

Please visit https://tinyurl.com/BrewsterCPP to complete the survey.

Watch the Virtual Form

Mandatory Water Restrictions

As of May 1, the Water Commissioners imposed mandatory restrictions on outdoor watering due to on-going drought conditions and low monitoring well levels.

These mandatory restrictions establish an alternating (odd/even) schedule for outdoor watering based upon house number and calendar date. Properties with odd number street addresses may water on odd number calendar days and properties with even number addresses may water on even number calendar days.

More information is available online, including approved uses.