April activities at Barnstable County illustrate the County's involvement in every aspect of community life, providing services to residents and towns across Cape Cod. Explore a summary of major events below.

Supporting Affordable Housing Continuing to address the pressing need for affordable housing, the County granted $1,100,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the construction of 61 units of affordable rental housing at 3 Jerome Smith Road in Provincetown. $300,000 of Barnstable County HOME funds were also awarded for the redevelopment of the Henry T. Wing School in Sandwich. 

Human Services Outreach 

Responding to the community's needs, the Department of Human Services launched an online Behavioral Health Needs Assessment in April. This initiative seeks to gain insights into the behavioral health landscape for children, youth, and young adults, to support development of a more targeted and effective support system.

In addition, Children's Cove promoted April as both National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, collaborating with partner organizations to raise awareness about these critical issues and emphasizing community support. 

Educational Events and Public Safety Training  

The Barnstable County Human Rights

Advisory Commission held its annual Spring Human Rights Academy, fostering discussions on social justice and inclusion among 60 students from across Cape Cod. 

The County’s Cape Cod Center for Public Safety Training provided training sessions to firefighters in Eastham and Mashpee. 

In April, the Master Gardeners Association of Cape Cod announced, "Evenings in the Garden," a free event series starting in May 2024, aimed at educating and inspiring gardening enthusiasts.   

In April, the 2024 Cape Cod Household Hazardous Waste Collections Season Schedule was introduced. This Cape Cod Cooperative Extension initiative provides a safe and convenient disposal option for items that could otherwise endanger people, pets, first responders, and local drinking water supplies. 

(Image: above Yarmouth Town Libraries' Adult Services Librarian, Phoebe Acheson looking over sewering for Yarmouth)

Environmental Stewardship in Action  

Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center, a division of the Department of Health and Environment, continued to celebrate its 25th anniversary with an ongoing library tour, where visitors can explore curated books on wastewater topics and watch screenings of the documentary “Waste No Water”. 

In April the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension unveiled plans to transform underutilized land into the Barnstable County Research & Demonstration Farm. This project aims not only to cultivate crops but also to cultivate knowledge, serving as an educational hub for sustainable horticulture practices across the region. 

AmeriCorps Cape Cod, in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers, organized the 23rd annual Canal Clean Up initiative on April 20, rallying volunteers to preserve and protect the vital waterway.  

The Barnstable County Dredge Crew completed dredging projects in Barnstable in the Cotuit Approach Channel, in Bourne Pond in Falmouth and at Great Pond in Falmouth. They also began dredging in Allen Harbor, Harwich. These projects are crucial for improving navigation, beach nourishment, and for increasing tidal flow. 

National County Government Month  

In April, Barnstable County embraced National County Government Month with the theme "Forward Together", engaging residents through educational videos, quizzes, and a children's coloring book. These resources are still available at www.capecod.gov/CountyMonth2024

The County's celebration included a photo contest, with winners announced mid-April. Susan Evans clinched first place with "Nobska Light at Dawn" a. Sarah Cabe's "Sagamore Bridge in Winter" earned her 1st Runner Up, Susan Evans also secured 3rd Runner Up for "Low Tide at Skaket Beach." In the Student Category, Keala McCarthy's "Lifeguard Winter Scene" took first place, while Hanna Thornton's "Greys Beach at Sunset" and Garrett Keenan's "Fire Trucks" were 1st and 2nd Runner Up respectively. All winners will receive certificates at the next Commissioners Meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.   

Shown above: In the Student Category, Keala McCarthy's 'Lifeguard Winter Scene' took first place for Barnstable County's photo contest.

Updates on the Cape Cod Canal Bridge Program  

Progress continues to be made within the Cape Cod Canal Bridges Program, marking significant milestones in funding, outreach, and public engagement.  There is an upcoming Open House on May 13, 2024, at the Bourne Veteran’s Memorial Community Center, (12-3 p.m.) and evening (5-8 p.m.) where residents can participate and share their insights. 

These updates represent just a few of the initiatives and activities at Barnstable County.  Read Featured News to find out more.