Newsletter

Edition 13

Key Highlights from August 2024



Welcome to the Barnstable County News Round Up. As we bid farewell to summer, Barnstable County remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing public safety, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering community engagement. Throughout August, the County has been actively involved in a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its residents. Below is a recap of key events and accomplishments from the past month, along with a preview of upcoming activities.

Barnstable County's Bond Rating Upgrade to AA+

Barnstable County’s general obligation (GO) bond rating was upgraded to AA+ by S&P Global Ratings, as announced at the County Commissioners' meeting on August 28, 2024. This upgrade reflects the County's strong financial management, adoption of robust financial policies, and efforts to address long-term challenges like retirement liabilities and PFAS remediation.

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Broadband Needs Assessment: Addressing Connectivity Challenges

At the latest County Commissioners meeting, Steve Tupper and Dave Talbot presented the latest findings from the Broadband Needs Assessment for Cape Cod. The report, funded by federal Fiscal Recovery Funds, revealed challenges such as poor service quality, high costs, and limited competition, despite high advertised speeds. The assessment recommends expanding fiber infrastructure, improving mobile coverage, and advocating for digital equity across the region.

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Update on Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Areas

In August, the Assembly of Delegates received an update from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on the Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Areas. This presentation provided important insights into the potential development of wind energy projects in our region and their implications for the Cape Cod community. The full presentation can be watched on YouTube: Watch the BOEM Update.



Overdose Awareness Event: A Tribute to Lives Lost

In a poignant tribute, the Barnstable County Department of Human Services held the 2024 Overdose Awareness flag and lawn sign event on the grounds of the Barnstable Superior Courthouse. Seventy-two purple flags were placed, each representing a life lost to substance use disorder in the previous year. This event underscores the ongoing need for advocacy, resources, and mental health support for those affected by substance use disorder. Read more...

Community Conversation on Racism on Cape Cod

On August 18th, a panel discussion on racism in the Cape Cod community took place at the Federated Church of Orleans. The event featured insights from Leslie Dominguez-Santos, Human Rights Coordinator for Barnstable County, along with other notable panelists. The discussion tackled pressing issues of racial inequality and community responses. Read more...

Shellfish and Water Quality: Insights from Experts

In August, Abigail Archer and Josh Reitsma, Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialists at the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, shared their expertise on the role of shellfish in maintaining the health of Cape Cod’s estuaries during an interview on WCAI. They discussed the integration of shellfish into nitrogen mitigation plans, which is crucial for managing water quality in the region. Listen to the interview.

Hurricane Season Preparation

Cape Cod has officially entered the peak of Atlantic hurricane season, and Barnstable County shared a video aimed at helping residents stay safe. The video highlights the importance of preparedness and provides practical tips for securing homes and ensuring safety during potential storms. Watch the video.



Upper Cape School Garden Ribbon Cutting and Farm Tour Highlights Local Agriculture and Education Initiatives

On August 29, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Mashpee Middle-High School for its community garden, followed by a tour of local farms organized by Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod (BFBLCC) program. The event emphasized the importance of connecting students and the community with local agriculture and fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable farming. Supported by a $94,865 Buy Fresh grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and a $750,000 grant from the USDA, the initiative aims to enhance local food access and education through 2025.

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Pictured above: Vice Chair of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners, Sheila Lyons, celebrated the significance of local agriculture and sustainable farming at the ribbon cutting ceremony at Mashpee Middle High School. Next to Commissioner Lyons is Consuelo Carroll, Outreach Coordinator at Mashpee Public Schools.

Mental Health Clinician Opportunity at Children's Cove Announced

Children’s Cove, a department of Barnstable County, is hiring a Mental Health Clinician to support children who have experienced trauma. This role offers meaningful work, a flexible schedule, competitive pay and benefits. Apply now at Apply to Children's Cove

Barnstable County IT Helps Expand Wellfleet’s Fiber Optic Network

Since 2012, Barnstable County IT has collaborated with the Town of Wellfleet to develop a municipal fiber-optic network. Recently, the project advanced with new connections to LeCount Hollow, White Crest Beach, and Cahoon Hollow beaches, funded by a 2023 State Municipal Fiber Grant. This phase aims to enhance public safety and connectivity for beachgoers and Town staff, thanks to design and technical support from Barnstable County IT. Read more...

Upcoming Events

Waste No Water Library Tour Stop in Woods Hole featuring Anne Giblin

Date: September 9, 2024

Location: Woods Hole Public Library

Details: The Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Technology Center (MASSTC) is hosting a series of events to engage the public on wastewater management. The next stop on the tour will feature Anne Giblin, Senior Scientist and Director of the Marine Biological Laboratory’s The Ecosystems Center, along with a screening of the documentary 'Yellow Tide'.

Oral Rabies Vaccine Distribution (ORV)

Date: September 9-13, 2024

Details: The ORV bait distribution will take place across Cape Cod to mitigate the spread of rabies. Aerial operations will begin on September 10th and last approximately 3-4 days, with ground operations running from September 9th to 13th.

Emergency Preparedness Fair

Date: September 21, 2024

Time: 12 PM to 2 PM

Location: Harwich Community Center

Details: Join us for an Emergency Preparedness Fair where families can learn how to stay safe during emergencies. The event will feature demonstrations, resources, and practical advice on creating survival kits, with displays from Barnstable County, Outer Cape Health, and Police/Animal Control. Attendees can also enjoy a fire safety demonstration and a VNA bike helmet giveaway.

Town of Barnstable's Safety Day

Date: September 25, 2024

Time: 1 PM to 5 PM

Location: Barnstable Adult Community Center

Details: The 3rd Annual Barnstable Adult Community Safety Day will feature several Barnstable County programs. Attendees can engage with Public Health Nurses, SHINE, and Substance Use programs, as well as learn about flood preparedness and nutrition education.

Master Gardeners Present Autumn Joy Symposium

Date: October 5, 2024

Location: Harwich Community Center

Details: Garden enthusiasts are invited to the Master Gardener Autumn Joy Symposium, where expert advice on fall gardening will be offered, including winter care for hydrangeas. Sessions on dahlias, succulents, and cold-weather vegetable gardening will also be featured. Registration is open now. Tickets are $25. Register online at https://mastergardenerscapecod.square.site

"Buried in Treasures" Hoarding Workshops: Fall 2024

Start Dates:

Monday 9/9/24: Brewster Council on Aging, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Tuesday 9/17/24: Sandwich Center for Active Living, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Thursday 9/19/24: Barnstable Adult Community Center, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Friday 9/27/24: Wellfleet Adult Community Center, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Details: These free, multi-week workshops are designed to help those struggling with compulsive acquiring, saving, and hoarding. Participants will receive a free copy of Buried in Treasures, support from peers, and strategies for decluttering and achieving long-term goals. The workshop meets for 2 hours per week over a 16-week period. For more information or to sign up, call (774) 330-3001.

Medicare Open Enrollment Information Session

Dates: October 15 - December 7, 2024

Where: Various locations throughout Cape Cod and Islands

Time: Check local listings for specific times

More Info: Medicare Open Enrollment

These activities highlighted above exemplify Barnstable County's ongoing efforts to engage the community, promote public health, protect the environment, and support local initiatives, making a significant difference in the lives of Cape Cod residents. To read about more Barnstable County initiatives, visit News and Resources at capecod.gov.