Project clearing way for cottontail rabbits 

Dear Write to Know: What is the reason and who is responsible for the extensive tree and brush clearing in the once pristine woods south of Bayberry Hills Golf Course in West Yarmouth, between West Yarmouth Road and the well pumping stations? 

A.L., West Yarmouth 

Dear A.L.: We asked Karl von Hone, director of the Town of Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources, about this work, and he said:

“The project is being fully funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under their New England Cottontail program, with project oversight from The Town of Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources. The goal of the project is to restore the habitat in the focal area to an early successional forest habitat, which the New England cottontail rabbit and other wildlife species thrive in. This habitat has been lost as the result of development and the lack of natural land management through wild (forest) fires.

“Through a combination of treatments, such as prescribed fire and mechanical treatments, we will promote young forest conditions which are declining in New England, but more notably on Cape Cod. The goal of the mechanical treatments, such as the tree mastication work being conducted in Yarmouth, are to promote favorable, less treed and more shrubby conditions for iconic Cape Cod species such as the New England cottontail. Where feasible, prescribed fire is planned to further enhance habitat quality in accordance with the town’s Wildfire Preparedness Plan.

“Through the efforts of U.S. Fish and Wildlife and habitat restoration projects such as this one having been implemented throughout New England, including Cape Cod, the New England cottontail population has started to rebound, resulting in the New England cottontail being removed from the Threatened Species list in 2015. We are very excited to be partnered with U.S. Fish and Wildlife on this project in our efforts to manage our municipal open space.” 


What those letters on Red Sox jersey signify 

Dear Write to Know: On the left sleeve of the Red Sox red short-sleeve jerseys is a patch shaped like a national highway sign with the letters “FL” in the center. What does this indicate? 

A.C., Centerville 

Dear A.C.: The “FL” on the jersey’s patch is for the Florida Grapefruit League, which is home to spring training for a number of Major League baseball teams, including the Red Sox, Astros, Blue Jays, Braves, Cardinals, Marlins, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Phillies, Pirates, Rays, Tigers, Twins and Yankees. These teams train in locations throughout Florida.

There is also the Cactus League in Arizona, where spring training is held for the Angels, Athletics, Brewers, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Padres, Rangers, Reds, Rockies, Royals and White Sox. 

Writing difficulty key to typewriter request

Dear Write to Know: It is getting difficult for me to write at length. Is there a manual portable typewriter out there for me? If you can help, I can be reached at 508-566-6415. 

E.G., Falmouth 

Dear E.G.: Since you provided a phone number, anyone with such a typewriter to give can contact you directly. Good luck. 

Seeking new sources for handcrafted soap  

Dear Write to Know: A local person used to make a handcrafted mint and coffee soap, called “Ill Gotten Beauty,” that I always found at the herbalists on Route 6A in Brewster. However, it is no longer available, and when I ask about it at these shops no one seems to know if it will be back in stock. Does anyone know who it is that makes this great soap, and where I might find it again? Thanks.

P.A.F., Marstons Mills

Dear P.A.F.: We were unsuccessful in finding anyone who sells this product. However, with any luck, the person who makes this soap will read your inquiry and contact us, at writetoknow@verizon.net, with further information. Failing that, perhaps there are readers who know of shops that sell this soap and will write in to tell us. 

Don’t be blue, Staples does sell neon pencils 

Dear Write to Know: I am one of a group of seniors doing coloring. We have been looking for neon pencils. We have been to AC Moore and Michael’s, and also called Staples, but they can’t order them. We need help.

C.P., Hyannis

Dear C.P.: When we checked with Staples there were at least five packages of Ticonderoga Neon 10 pack pencils available at the Hyannis store and many more packages at their Falmouth location. Cost is $4.69.

Also, amazon.com sells a wide variety of neon pencils, including a pack of 60 neon pencils for $18.49, plus shipping. Visit www.amazon.com and type “neon pencils” in the top search box for availability. 

Seeks some patterns to knit doll’s clothing 

Dear Write to Know: I have some great yarn for knitting doll’s clothes, but need some patterns. Does anyone have any they’d like to share? If so, please call 603-595-9909. 

J.B., Nashua 

Dear J.B.: Hopefully, you will receive some calls as well as some patterns. 

Mid-Cape woodworker can also repair china  

Dear Write to Know: Do you have a contact on Cape who repairs Hummel figurines? Thank you. 

M.L., South Dennis 

Dear M.L.: Stephen Harry of Stephen Harry Woodworks in Yarmouth Port repairs china and said he would be able to help. You can call him at 978-394-2554. 

Three sources to try for replacement seats  

Dear Write to Know: I would like to know if there is someone on Cape Cod who is capable of replacing rush or cane (not sure which) on dining room chair seats. 

L.P., Harwich 

Dear Write to Know: My Hitchcock chair needs rush seat repaired. Is there anyone on Cape that does this? 

J.B., Harwich

Dear L.P and J.B.: Here are three possible sources: Cindy Olotka, who has been a seat weaver (cane, rush, Danish cord, etc.) in Centerville for 15 years, 508-775-1467 (home) or 508-274-7378 (cell); Barbara Dunn of Dunn Seat Weaving and Wicker Repair, 2499 Main St., Brewster, 508-896-2688; and Donna Rickman of Wellfleet Chair Caning, at 508-317-2279 or email at seatweaving@aol.com. 



To R.M.: We continue to receive suggestions on sources to replace your 1968 VW Beetle convertible top. N.W. wrote in to suggest Sport Imports of Cape Cod in North Falmouth, which specializes in old foreign cars, from general repairs to restoration, as well as a few convertible tops. You can also try Kevin Kovach of Upholstery Design, at 508-430-7486, or Josh Bennett of Bennett’s Motor Works, at 508-838-6990, who specializes inVWs and Audis. Both businesses are located at 151 Queen Anne Road in Harwich. 

To T.W., Plymouth: On finding someone to replace a missing strip on your leather bag, we heard from R.M., Eastham, who went to Canterbury Leather, located at 2 Jeremiah Square in Orleans, to have similar work done, and found that not only did they make the repair in about 20 minutes, but did so at a very reasonable price.


To submit a letter 
