ORV baits will be distributed in select locations of Plymouth and Barnstable Counties a helicopter likely will not be available for use this spring All baits are expected to be distributed by ground The goal is to have all baits distributed by May 16th distributing these baits in raccoon habitats over the next two weeks Partners include Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service These baits are meant to be distributed in areas where terrestrial rabies vectors (for example, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes) frequent, and away from areas where domestic animals and people are likely to find them. The baits are typically not harmful to people or pets, but if a bait is found, please call (877) 722-6725 to report where it was located we ask that you obey your town’s leash law as every bait that is picked up and consumed by a dog is one that is considered a lost dose—a dose that could have gone to an unvaccinated raccoon Thank you for your cooperation on this important project! Please follow the Cape Cod & Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force Facebook page for the latest information about rabies in southeast Massachusetts Check out this local news coverage of the ORV distribution efforts at CapeCod.com The Kentucky Derby is a bucket list event for many people celebrities flock to historic Churchill Downs to watch the Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Weekend in Louisville has welcomed celebrities that run the gamut from the late Queen Elizabeth II and former President Richard Nixon to Olympians including Bode Miller Super Bowl Champions have also made an appearance along with numerous other famous faces from movies both of which are hosted by Louisville families and raise money for a variety of charities Don't have a ticket to one of the fancy soirees Matthew Glowicki and Kathryn Gregory will cover all the glamorous red carpet appearances Follow along for live feeds from the Kentucky Derby Eve celebrity galas in Louisville attendees young and old crowded the dance floor at the Revel at the Races party as Diplo blasted Doecheii's recent single "Anxiety over the speakers Some outfits suggested partygoers came straight from the Churchill Downs track Guests filtered in and out with Tito’s cups and cans of Celsius moving between the outdoor bar and dance floor 'I came unprepared': Content creators hit Revel at the Races red carpetContent creator Allison Kucharczyk and former NFL defensive end Isaac Rochell said they loved the culture and atmosphere in Louisville around Derby Allison said she bought her hat locally and is excited for her Derby outfit while husband Isaac said he still has no idea what he’s wearing for tomorrow's race color and then I was like 'I have to find a good hat for it,'" Kucharczyk said of choosing her Derby Day outfit on the Revel at the Races red carpet TikTok star Alix Earle said she’s also excited to break out her hat for tomorrow’s race and feels more confident about placing a bet on her return trip to the Derby "I feel like last year was listening to like what everyone else was saying so just like sticking to my gut for now," she said I'm going to see how I feel in the moment." Heidi Montag said she’s relying on Amazon this year for her Derby and Oaks outfits “The Hills” star was in head-to-toe items from the online retailer for Sports Illustrated’s Revel at the Races party Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis and Wan'Dale Robinson Both said they haven’t finalized their Derby picks yet and will rely on friends and “vibes” to make their decisions tomorrow Sports Illustrated's Revel at the Races party began welcoming guests ahead of 11 p.m., including former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne red carpets at the Barnstable Brown and Unbridled galas were winding down Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men fame took the stage at the Barnstable gala to sing "Come Together" by the Beatles and Joey Fatone sang the Green Day hit "Basket Case." David Bakhtiari and others also attended the gala The NFL players brought a package of Oscar Meyer bologna to the red carpet saying they may need a snack and some protein later Also appearing at the party were country stars Travis Tritt and Brantley Gilbert Gilbert said he's never attended before but is excited to be in Kentucky for the party and to support the cause Singer Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men said "it's been a minute since I've been here are a house divided over their Derby picks but said they were happy to be back at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala stars continued to parade the red carpet at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala Dannielynn said wearing her mom's dress to the Barnstable party is the “closest she can get to a hug" from her mom Patricia Barnstable-Brown appeared with her two granddaughters while actors Tracy Morgan and Wilmer Valderrama were also spotted at the Barnstable event Following Morgan on the red carpet was country music star Dierks Bentley He was in town a few months ago to do a signing for his whiskey and said he loved being here and meeting his fans and it’s from the Green River and it’s good stuff,” he said adding it’s cool to have his bourbon featured at the Barnstable party Country music star Mickey Guyton appeared on the red carpet at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala just before 9 p.m "I get really emotional seeing how happy they are" on the track Actor Blair Underwood also made an appearance He brought his sister and his wife Josie and said he loves coming back to Kentucky for the Derby "This party is laid back and easy and fun and … it raises money for a good cause," Underwood said a former contestant of The Voice and a country music artist is making her first appearance at the Barnstable party and the Derby so she was honored to be at a party that benefits such a good cause Fellow Voice alum Billy Gilman walked the red carpet with his partner saying his green jacket and his partner's jacket were channeling the musical "Wicked." No Derby favorite for Unbridled guests Jack Hues and Warren MoonJack Hues lead vocalist and co-founder of Wang Chung who is set to take the Unbridled stage later tonight he's not much of a gambler and doesn't have a Derby favorite Hues has been asked before if he has his eyes on any particular horse in the Run for the Roses Former NFL quarterback Warren Moon is an Unbridled regular and is marking his 24th Kentucky Derby he said he's also undecided on a Derby winner “The hospitality of the people here in Louisville they do a great job of welcoming everybody from all over the world," Moon said "… Some of my closest friends in the world I met here at Derby.” Catherine Barnstable-Brown and her father Christopher stopped on the red carpet at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and talked about the charity component of the party The University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center has raised $21 million for diabetes research over the years Numerous celebrities coming to the party this evening also have a connection to diabetes including actor Tracy Morgan and Olympian Simone Biles Guests were arriving at the gala as of 8:30 p.m., and a lengthy list of stars is expected Kentucky Derby 1970 winning jockey Michael Manganello (aboard Dust Commander) is betting on Coal Battle he said on the red carpet of the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala "I'm rooting for Coal Battle," Manganello said Manganello's 1970 victory was an upset, according to the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame which said "the margin of victory was five lengths thanks largely in part to Manganello's rail-hugging ride." Guests at Unbridled Eve will be able to bid on dozens of items at a silent auction with proceeds benefiting a handful of area charities Guitars signed by Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney are among the items up for auction Courier Journal reporters got a sneak peek inside Patricia Barnstable-Brown's home in the Highlands where the star-studded Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala will take place this evening The lofty display cake was made by Adrienne and Co. It's not edible — the inside is styrofoam — but it makes for a popular photo op for party attendees and there are plenty of other edible treats around Attending the gala has become a tradition for Holland who often spots celebrities ogling her towering creation More: 'Runs in the family:' This Louisville-area bakery makes the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala cake Mickey Guyton and Scott Stapp were among other celebrities in attendance at the charity event WESTBOROUGH — Manuel Rivera knows what people think that autism will keep someone from participating in the activities that he or she wants to do The senior at Barnstable has a message for those doubters "I won't let autism take over me," Rivera said He is a living example of that can-do attitude Rivera came with a large family contingent to the DoubleTree in Westborough for the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Annual Awards Banquet Rivera was one of three high school players to be presented with the Coach Paul Costello Courageous Player Award whose mother passed away when he was nine years old He is one of 11 siblings with five — including him — boys and six girls Rivera was a perfect candidate for the football team "People always said I should do football because of my size," Rivera said He had experience in unified basketball and track but did not come out for the football team until last August Barnstable football coach Ross Jatkola said he knew Rivera but did not talk to him about football at first "We would talk about video games," Jatkola said and became immersed in the culture of the program just from our conversations in the past," Jatkola said "I knew there wasn't going to be anything that stopped him from everything he wanted." As good as joining the football team was for Rivera Jatkola felt the team benefited the most from Rivera's presence "Right from the beginning when I introduced him to the team in the locker room you could see how excited they were to have him on the team," Jatkola said "He was such a positive influence on our program more than we were on his life What he brought to the program was much more of an impact than what we were able to do." Rivera holds down a job at the Stop and Shop in Hyannis The signature moment of Rivera's time as a player for the Red Hawks came in a 30-0 win over Falmouth on Thanksgiving Jatkola said his assistants were hoping to get Rivera in the game Even the students in attendance were chanting Rivera's name to the delirious delight of the crowd and sideline It was what happened next though that made Jatkola just as proud which is a formation that you don't see every day who won the Kevin Houston Award for best Barnstable player in the Thanksgiving game it was that moment that made Jatkola wonder "What if Manny started his career as a freshman?" and next fall will help along with the coaching staff he gave a speech to accept the Courageous Player Award and called joining the football team "one of the greatest decisions of my life." Adam Kurkjian covers high school sports for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at akurkjian@gannett.com and follow him on X at @AdamKurkjian Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans May 2, 2025Anna Nicole Smith's daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead, is gearing up for another Kentucky Derby weekend with her father, Larry Birkhead And she looked like her mom's twin while wearing Smith's old dress at a red carpet event the night before stepped out together for the Barnstable Brown Gala in Louisville 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬  Larry took to Instagram with a carousel of snaps from the event held at actress Patricia Barnstable Brown's hilltop mansion he shared details about Dannielynn's stunning black gown for the evening "Kicking off @kentuckyderby weekend with Dannielynn The Barnstable-Brown Gala," the doting dad captioned his update "Dannielynn is wearing Anna Nicole’s dress that she wore 21 years ago to this same event She said she chose the dress because it was her Mom’s and 'super cool.'" Smith died from an accidental overdose when Dannielynn was just 5 months old The now 18-year-old's resemblance to her famous mom was undeniable in Larry's snaps Larry's Instagram followers showered the father and daughter with praise "Stunning," as another fan exclaimed the 2003 Barnstable Brown Gala is where Larry and Smith first met "It's funny how one event can change your life," he told People of the fateful meeting "And that's what this party did for me If I had not been there that night and had that connection how different my life would have been if I hadn't met Anna and had our daughter." On Sunday, Larry and Dannielynn will don their Kentucky Derby best as they watch the annual race at Churchill Downs. Attending the event has been a tradition for the father and daughter for years and fans always look forward to the photos Next: Pamela Anderson Debuts Bold Hair Transformation at Red Carpet Event As Cape Cod’s much anticipated beach season gets underway Barnstable County’s Department of Health and Environment is preparing to monitor the region’s marine and freshwater beaches—just as we’ve done for more than 30 years Ensuring residents and visitors can enjoy the Cape’s waters safely there are also a few emerging environmental health considerations beachgoers should be aware of Barnstable County’s beach water quality monitoring efforts were formalized and expanded following amendments to the Clean Water Act Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administered through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) our team samples and analyzes water at over 350 marine and freshwater beaches weekly—more than 4,300 samples per season A beach posted closed to swimming does not mean you cannot still enjoy walking on the beach Freshwater Ponds: Monitoring Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Barnstable County partners with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) to monitor freshwater ponds for cyanobacteria—commonly called blue-green algae some species can produce toxins like anatoxin that pose serious health risks to people and pets Learn more and stay updated:APCC Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program >>> While the risk to casual beachgoers remains low the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has been increasingly detected in wild birds and coastal environments globally—including North America According to a recent review in Science of The Total Environment beaches can become contaminated with avian influenza viruses through bird droppings Barnstable County continues to monitor emerging public health risks and will provide updates as needed throughout the season. For more information about Avian Bird Flu, please visit our ‘Bird Flu on Cape Cod’ webpage>>> From monitoring bacteria and cyanobacteria to staying ahead of emerging risks like avian influenza Barnstable County and our partners work hard to ensure Cape Cod’s marine and freshwater beaches remain safe and welcoming for everyone Days after the federal government abruptly stripped AmeriCorps Cape Cod of its funding, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners has voted unanimously to fully fund the program for the rest of the service year ensuring uninterrupted services across the Cape The three-member commission made the decision on May 1 during an emergency virtual meeting, which attracted 101 participants, including current and former AmeriCorps Cape Cod members Many emphasized the program’s critical role in disaster response commissioners and participants also discussed options for sustaining the program beyond this year — potentially as a county-run initiative — and exploring legal action “The commissioners are united in our commitment to continue AmeriCorps Cape Cod’s service to the region,” said Commission Chairwoman Sheila Lyons Longstanding legacy of serviceAmeriCorps Cape Cod is an 11-month residential service program affiliated with the national AmeriCorps initiative the program has placed 580 members in roles supporting environmental protection disaster preparedness and other regional needs Current program member Lydia Rheinhardt described some of the diverse projects undertaken this year to help service partners across the Cape including town conservation and school departments the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and the International Fund for Animal Welfare or knee-deep in poison ivy with land trusts pulling bittersweet and trying to avoid ticks,” she said “We serve with the DCR doing prescribed burns and alongside IFAW carrying 300-pound dolphins across the beaches We've taught kids about the aquifer here on Cape Cod we've installed osprey nests and we've cleared a lot of herring runs to prepare for the herring and so much more." AmeriCorps Cape Cod has operated alongside a separate AmeriCorps at the Hyannis-based YMCA Cape Cod, which lost its federal funding in mid-April. That program’s seven members, who were preparing YMCA Camp Lyndon in Sandwich for summer for nowBarnstable County has covered about half of the AmeriCorps Cape Cod budget federal grants covered the remaining funding Barnstable County Administrator Michael Dutton explained that AmeriCorps Cape Cod is one of many programs eliminated nationwide "A little over 80% of the state and national programs have been cut and of that roughly 98% of the state programs have been cut," he said "So far there appears to be no particular rationale for the cuts." AmeriCorps Cape Cod program manager Misty Niemeyer said Massachusetts has joined more than 20 states in filing a lawsuit against the federal government to restore funding the county’s current budget is sufficient to keep the program running The surplus is partly the result of a smaller team this year ‘A lifeline’ for Cape communitiesBarnstable County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Chip Reilly was among many who spoke up in support of the program emphasizing the vital role AmeriCorps Cape Cod plays in both conservation and disaster response Mark Kasprzyk, land manager for the Falmouth Conservation Department called the program "invaluable," and warned that its closure "would be a grave loss to the Cape Cod community." Commissioner Mark Forest stressed the need for both immediate action and long-term planning “We need to find a way to continue this program and keep things moving,” he said “Obviously we need to get through this year and then we can focus on how we strategize for the following year this is clearly a two-pronged effort here."Commissioner Ron Bergstrom also voiced strong support for getting the program through the current year while also holding out hope for a federal reversal "admitted that they've made a mistake and gone back on some of their decisions and hopefully this will be the case now." "I'm all in support of continuing this program under whatever auspices we have to use." How to helpThe commissioners urge residents to contact members of the state's delegation in Congress to share how the program has benefited their communities and to ask for restoration of federal funding Sen. Elizabeth Warren can be reached at 202-224-4543 or www.warren.senate.gov Sen. Edward Markey can be reached at 202-224-2742 or www.markey.senate.gov Rep. Bill Keating can be reached at 202-225-3111 or via https://keating.house.gov For updates, visit: www.capecod.gov/americorps Heather McCarron writes about climate change, environment, energy, science and the natural world, in addition to news and features in Barnstable and Brewster. Reach her at hmccarron@capecodonline.com Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.  Talk about a party worthy of the world-famous Kentucky Derby Super Bowl Champion Aaron Rodgers and country superstar Dierks Bentley arrived at the home of Patricia Barnstable-Brown as guests of her annual Derby Eve gala The guest list included more than two dozen celebrities each stepping from their limousine into a scene straight out of a Hollywood film "This party is glamorous but at the same time laid back easy and a lot of fun," actor Blair Underwood told the Courier Journal on the red carpet "I brought my wife and my sister with me this year I can't wait for them to experience this weekend in Louisville." More: Yung Gravy, Richie Sambora and more walk the red carpet at the 2025 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala The annual celebration held the evening before the Kentucky Derby welcomed hundreds of guests with a giant neon sign that glowed from the front yard of the Highlands neighborhood mansion announcing "Barnstable Brown Party." Various tented bars and an elevated dance floor flanked the driveway leading up to the hostess' home A silver race horse surrounded by a towering stack of disco balls and a performance artist covered in gold paint hinted at the jubilant atmosphere waiting just inside the front door "There is nothing like this party that I have ever been to," said singer Billy Gilman "And also it's the best concert you've ever been to in your entire life." Barnstable-Brown literally opens nearly every room in her home to her guests plus has giants tents erected in her backyard it doesn't take long for the unimaginable musical mash-ups to get started and the dance floor to spring to life Kentucky native and winner of the NBC's "The Voice" Jordan Smith kicked off the evening followed in rapid succession by other musical guests including Lee Brice and Taylor Reece Tritt (Travis Tritt's daughter) followed by Shawn Stockman of Boys II Men who belted out the Beatles' "Come Together." former NSYNC band member Joey Fatone was up next singing his high energy version of Green Day's "Basket Case." More: Sports Illustrated Revel at the Races party brings big names to Kentucky Derby 2025 Next it was country music's Brantley Gilbert's turn on stage actress Selma Blair chatted with Larry Birkhead and his daughter Dannielynn wore the same dress her mother wore to the party when she met Birkhead ― a stunning sleek black floor length gown embellished with rhinestone straps across the back "Wearing this dress is as close as I can get to a hug from my mom," said Dannielynn Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and her husband stopping to chat with fans and take a photo Other notable celebs scattered among the crowd included Wilmer Valderrama Nappy Roots members Floyd the Locsmif and B This year is the 36th year for the Barnstable Brown Gala. The party that is recognized by Condé Nast as one of the "Ten Best Parties in the World" and a highlight of the Kentucky Derby Weekend has raised over $21 million for diabetes research and support and is a major force behind the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky More: What is 2025 Kentucky Derby post time tonight? Race start time, horses, odds, TV schedule "I know what it's like to have highs and lows I support this cause to save as many lives as possible." Barnstable-Brown has not only raised millions to fight diabetes but has done it by creating a party so unique that world famous guests can't imagine a better way to start their Kentucky Derby experience "This is a party that is hard to describe," Fatone told the Courier Journal I know I also want to be at the Barnstable Brown Party Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com A new fire station is on the horizon for the Barnstable Fire District voters face the final step: whether to approve $35.2 million to build the station Voters will weigh the project at the district’s annual meeting, which takes place May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Pat Flynn Conference Room in the east wing of the old Barnstable County jail building, located within the Barnstable County complex There are two final chances to hear from district officials and ask questions Nirvana Coffee is sponsoring a "Coffee with the Chief" on May 3 the Barnstable Village Association will host a presentation at St The fire station project is outlined in Article 18 on the fire district's annual meeting agenda The proposal calls for demolishing the 2,000-square-foot Barnstable Water Department office structure Moving operations to Phinney's Lane will provide ample space to meet the fire department's needs with about 2.5 acres to build a station that can house the fleet of vehicles and boats — some of which are now stored off site — plus existing staff and anticipated staff additions Why a new Barnstable fire station is needed"We have outgrown our current location due to our need to increase staffing to meet the increase in calls," said Barnstable Fire Chief Chris Beal Beal said the department has no room left for expansion and has reached capacity in areas like lockers indoor apparatus space and administrative areas "Our current station is also lacking in current firefighter safety standards in many areas," he said This includes insufficient space to store gear and properly separate clean from dirty gear. Separating dirty gear is a critical safety issue, according to the International Association of Firefighters because toxins can contaminate storage areas The station also fails to meet accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act covers about 14 square miles along the Cape Cod Bay side of Barnstable including around 2,200 residences in Barnstable Village and Cummaquid Beal noted a shift in the origin of most department calls toward the nearby industrial park in the Independence Drive area south of the Mid-Cape Highway and north of Route 132 "The proposed location of the new fire station places it in a strategic location enabling us to maintain a 6- to 8-minute response time to all our response area," Beal said "the new location and design will allow us to grow in the future as our call volume continues to grow as the development of the industrial park continues." is "growing by leaps and bounds," and the fire district needs to be proactive about this growth to prepare for an expected increase in calls for service we will have over 1,000 apartments in the industrial park area This area also has a significant amount of acreage that potentially could be developed for a variety of purposes," he said As with many Cape Cod communities dealing with housing and new construction "we are working through this housing crisis with a sense of urgency and trying to have the foresight to grow appropriately to meet the changing and growing needs of our residents and visitors." In addition to the industrial park — home to Cape Cod Potato Chips and the Vineyard Wind substation — the fire department also covers three courthouses and the county’s headquarters The $35.2 million voters will consider on May 14 would fully fund the construction “creating a turnkey fire station upon completion that is projected to serve the Barnstable Fire District for the next 50 to 75 years.” What it means for district property ownersIf voters approve the project the fire district will issue one or more municipal bonds to cover the cost paid over 30 years at a projected interest rate of 5% property owners in the fire district would pay an estimated $0.40 for every $1,000 of assessed property value That rate would gradually decrease over the life of the bonds the homeowner could expect to pay about $400 in the first year What happens to the water department?The fire district will use part of the $35.2 million to temporarily relocate the water department during construction while officials continue evaluating its permanent location "One possible option is to renovate the current station and move them in there but we need to have the building evaluated and a cost to renovate for their needs completed before any final decision is made," he said Another vote on the water department's permanent location is likely in the next year or two 2025) — It is Derby Week in Kentucky and that means dozens of celebrities are heading to Louisville’s Churchill Downs — many of them spending Friday night at the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala The gala benefits UK HealthCare’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center to help combat a disease that disproportionally affects Kentucky The center was established in 2008 by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable along with their late mother they pledged the initial funding to support the center in memory of Patricia Barnstable Brown’s husband who passed away in 2003 from complications of diabetes “Support from the Barnstable Brown family has allowed for rapid growth of the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center The need for specialized care is greater than ever,” said Simon Fisher director of the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center “The number of patients seen at the Barnstable Brown has doubled in the past few years Each year we are seeing nearly 25,000 Kentuckians receive specialized medical care at Barnstable Brown.” The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala internationally recognized as the “premier” Kentucky Derby gala and counted among the “Ten Best Parties in the World” by Condé Nast is proud to announce the celebrity lineup for its 36th annual gala The star-studded bash is held at the Louisville Kentucky home of Patricia Barnstable Brown “Our historic 36th year will be extraordinary,” said Patricia “We’re so excited to celebrate with all of our friends!” UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and Kentucky’s top hospital ranked by U.S we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors pharmacists and other health care professionals UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky (LEX 18) — The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala has announced the celebrity lineup for its 36th annual gala at Patricia Barnstable Brown's home in Louisville the gala has raised and donated over 21 million dollars benefiting the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky Report a typo "It was emotional because the last time I saw that dress was on Anna," Dannielynn's father Larry Birkhead tells PEOPLE of the dress his daughter wore to the 2025 Barnstable Brown Gala Liz McNeil is an Editor at Large at PEOPLE Larry Birkhead/Instagram; Jeff Snyder/FilmMagic The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners authorized the county to use surplus dollars to fund AmeriCorps Cape Cod through August This comes after AmeriCorps Cape Cod learned it was among many AmeriCorps programs across the country to have its funding cut by the Department of Government Efficiency The Barnstable County Commission called an emergency meeting that took place Thursday More than 100 people attended the virtual meeting many to express their support and gratitude for AmeriCorps Cape Cod AmeriCorps Cape Cod is an 11-month residential community service program funded half by the county and half through federal grants Members help out with conservation projects public health outreach and youth education AmeriCorps Cape Cod member Lydia Reinhart attended the meeting to give people a sense of what AmeriCorps members do “We spend early mornings with the shellfish departments or knee-deep in poison ivy with land trusts,” she said “We serve with the DCR [Department of Conservation and Recreation] doing prescribed burns and alongside IFAW [International Fund for Animal Welfare] carrying dolphins across the beaches Massachusetts is currently one of more than 20 states that are suing the Trump administration to restore funding for AmeriCorps programs But at least until the end of this year’s program on Cape Cod the county will provide funds to keep the program going “The general fund budget for the AmeriCorps Cape Cod program can fully absorb the impact of an early grant termination without jeopardizing program operations,” Barnstable County Administrator Michael Dutton said AmeriCorps Cape Cod program manager Misty Niemeyer said she had not received a reason for why the program was cut “There's no consistency in the types of programs cut so it's kind of thought right now that it was fairly random and it's not a reflection at all on our program,” she said Cape Cod’s Emergency Preparedness Director was among the many people to speak at the meeting about their support for AmeriCorps Cape Cod when Hurricane Lee appeared to be headed for Cape Cod 'we might have to open shelters here in a hurry,' I called the program director and said can you squeeze me in so we can do some quick training for the AmeriCorps members?’” he said those members were trained and ready to deploy.” The county is urging residents to reach out to their elected representatives and ask that funding for AmeriCorps Cape Cod be restored Fire up the spotlights and roll out the red carpet Patricia Barnstable-Brown has released her 2025 Kentucky Derby Eve party guest list and it's a stunner Recognized by Condé Nast as one of the "Ten Best Parties in the World" and a highlight of Kentucky Derby Week the star-studded Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala returns for its 36th year with another celebrity-filled guest list carefully curated by Barnstable-Brown to include an exciting and eclectic mix of the who's who from the world of sports "Everyone always wants to know what Aaron Rodgers is up to," Barnstable-Brown said of the former New York Jets quarterback "I know exactly what he's doing and where he will be on Friday "Topping previous year's lists is never easy but take a look at who is coming this year," Barnstable-Brown More: Churchill Downs launches four fashion contests for Kentucky Derby Week 2025. How to enter The gala has become famous for its spontaneous music mashups while men dressed in tuxedos and women in sequined drenched ballgowns piled onto the dance floor Travis Tritt and Kid Rock took the stage together delivering an electrifying performance of “All Summer Long.” And with so much musical star power headed to the 2025 event it's anyone's guess who will jump onto the backyard stage to perform More: Simone Biles, Livvy Dunne will command 'Riders Up' for 2025 Kentucky Derby, Oaks Described as "The best house party in Kentucky" by Chris Barnstable-Brown the importance of the event reaches beyond the celebrities who attend the annual pre-Kentucky Derby soirée the Barnstable Brown Gala has donated more than $21 million for diabetes treatment and research from the proceeds of the annual party to be able to throw a great party each year and to be help so many people," said Barnstable-Brown "I give so much thanks to the sponsors and are incredible party guests who make this possible Here is the celebrity guest list for the 2025 Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala: Reach Features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com Information from Cape Cod Regional Government – Assembly of Delegates MA — The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates has declared a housing crisis voting to advance a resolution that calls on Cape Cod’s government to take a leadership role in developing regional solutions The measure supports Administrator Michael Dutton’s efforts to continue a shared regional housing office providing services to towns and calls on him to create a working group of housing and municipal leaders to recommend more actions the County can take “This place we call home—the one so many of us were lucky to be born into or found and fell in love with—is slipping through our fingers,” said Deputy Speaker Dan Gessen of Falmouth who introduced the resolution “A family today must earn more than double the average income just to afford the price of an average home emphasized the importance of supporting local towns: “This is about helping towns where they find a lack.” “We’re not building our way out of this,” said Mashpee Delegate Michaela Wyman-Colombo “I think it’s important to look at the environmental concerns we have and not replicate the problem that brought us here to begin with so we don’t end up with housing that’s still unaffordable and a worse environment.” “We don’t need another study,” said Brewster Delegate Karl Fryzel this working group is going to need to take some action in the short term I’m encouraged and I will support this.” Truro Delegate Sallie Tighe reiterated this sentiment Delegates voiced widespread support for the measure representing a vote of 79% to 21% in an Assembly where delegates’ votes are weighted by their town’s population “ said Barnstable Delegate Frank Fredrickson who cast the sole opposing vote but expressed support for advancing the shared housing office initiative “There’s a shortage of housing and the County needs to assist our communities without being too bureaucratic,” said Frederickson “I see this working group delivering real policy solutions “This resolution does not solve the crisis on its own but it does one thing that those in power often struggle to do: admit that we have a problem The Assembly will now present the resolution to the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners for their consideration ABOUT THE ASSEMBLY OF DELEGATES The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates is the legislative branch of Cape Cod Regional Government enact ordinances and appropriate the County’s annual operating and capital budgets the Barnstable County Commissioners voted in favor of Assembly Resolution 2025-06 on Housing in Barnstable County reviewed third quarter financial reports from the Finance Director and Register of Deeds and approved letters to federal legislators in support of continued funding for AmeriCorps Cape Cod.  Commissioners Support Assembly’s Housing Resolution was passed by the Assembly of Delegates on April 17 acknowledging the region’s housing crisis and expressing support for regional solutions The Board of Regional Commissioners voted in favor of the resolution welcoming the Assembly’s engagement and noting its alignment with efforts already underway through Barnstable County’s Department of Human Services.  “This resolution expresses broad support for a regional housing approach that our Human Services team has been advancing for some time,” said Commissioner Mark Forest “The Shared Housing Services model was developed last year and has gained support through collaboration with town leaders and housing advocates.”  Commissioners reflected on how the resolution reinforces the County’s existing direction “Look at all the housing units that have been constructed due to Barnstable County’s help and this Board’s commitment,” said Commissioner Sheila Lyons not just more studies that sit on shelves.”  The Commissioners also reflected on the need to balance development with environmental stewardship “This isn’t about being opposed to affordable housing,” said Commissioner Forest sustainable choices that respect the limits of our landscape while meeting the urgent needs of our residents.”  including $11 million in ARPA funds and support for local shelters Commissioners also pointed to the Shared Regional Housing Office pilot which provides technical assistance to towns like Yarmouth working to convert underused land into affordable housing.  “The service Yarmouth received through this program has been outstanding,” said Commissioner Forest “Communities across the Cape have expressed interest in continuing and expanding this model.”  The Board expressed appreciation for the leadership of former County Administrator Beth Albert and Human Services Director Joe Pacheco towns are stepping forward with renewed energy,” Commissioner Forest said “This resolution helps solidify that momentum.”  the Board emphasized the importance of coordination in developing a working group “We value collaboration and want to ensure that stakeholder engagement reflects shared priorities and follows existing County processes.”  “This is exactly the kind of regional initiative envisioned when the County Charter was created,” Commissioner Forest said “We’re proud to be moving forward together.”  Register Meade Provides FY2025 Third Quarter Real Estate Update presented third quarter revenue results for FY2025 reporting that the Registry has met its budgeted revenue estimate of $13.5 million with several months remaining in the fiscal year While overall real estate transaction volume continues to slow a trend consistent with broader market conditions revenue remains buoyed by high property values and several large commercial transactions Register Meade noted that although March revenue came in slightly below the prior year the Registry remains cautiously optimistic about spring activity and is closely monitoring April and May figures to assess whether recent dips are short term fluctuations or indicators of a broader market adjustment He emphasized that strong pricing has helped offset lower transaction counts Finance Director Provides FY2025 Third Quarter Financial Update Finance Director Carol Coppola presented the County’s financial results through March 31 noting that overall fiscal performance remains strong and stable The County is managing $75.8 million across 160 active funds including 80 grants totaling $55.5 million Revenues and expenditures in the General Fund are tracking within expected ranges with interest income significantly outperforming projections reaching $847,000 year to date against a $250,000 budget Coppola emphasized that while some revenue streams others including state reimbursements and investment earnings are bolstering overall results She also noted that most departments remain under budget and praised the collaborative efforts between Finance and department leaders she discussed the establishment of a $13.9 million Revenue Stabilization Fund and ongoing efforts to adopt long term financial forecasting tools Commissioners expressed appreciation for the transparency and depth of the financial update noting that strong fiscal management supports confidence in the County’s regional leadership.  Commissioners Urge Federal Support for AmeriCorps Cape Cod Today the Barnstable County Commissioners also unanimously voted to send letters to U.S Senators Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Bill Keating in support of continued funding for AmeriCorps Cape Cod The Commissioners emphasized the program’s vital contributions to the region and community service projects across all 15 towns The letters highlight both the economic and civic value of AmeriCorps members and urge federal leaders to protect this long-standing partnership that delivers direct measurable benefits to Cape Cod communities.  About Barnstable County Regional Government of Cape Cod: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County Learn more at www.capecod.gov.    Media Contact: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Coordinator (508) 375-6896  sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission proudly hosted the annual Spring Human Rights Academy Approximately 70 students from eight schools across Barnstable County came together for the event entitled “Student Wellbeing: Supporting a Healthy School.” The spring event provides an opportunity for student clubs to showcase the projects they have worked on throughout the academic year Student representatives Ayesha Shafi of Mashpee Middle-High School and Mari Keleshian of Sturgis Public Charter School welcomed participants and encouraged them to use their voices for good Executive Director of Sturgis Public Charter School greeted the students at the Sturgis 529 Main Building and emphasized how integral human rights are to student learning Students then shared and discussed their strategies for fostering healthier school environments and preventing bullying were key themes from Monomoy Middle School students Equity Teams from both Sturgis East and Sturgis West highlighted ways to keep students connected including the use of mailboxes and hosting “Food for Thought” lunch discussions Students from Cape Cod Academy shared peer mentorship and community service initiatives along with strategies to strengthen relationships with teachers Students from the Riverview School and the Riverview GROW program began by sharing their international celebrations Riverview students further emphasized the importance of kindness and Falmouth—launched efforts to provide feminine care products in school bathrooms Falmouth High School students also shared their outreach to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Students from Sandwich Middle-High School presented peer leadership strategies and mental health initiatives such as body-positive sticky notes on mirrors and distributing small pick-me-up cards Students from Mashpee Middle-High School highlighted multiple projects “Blankets for the Homeless,” the “Who We Are” immigrant legacy project Student leader Ayesha Shafi of Mashpee Middle-High School received the inaugural Susan L Quinones Humanitarian Award in recognition of her consistent efforts to make the world a more welcoming place for all A highlight of the day was a movement and breathwork session led by Ayanna Freedom Food was generously provided by The Casual Gourmet and Palio Pizza ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at  https://www.capecod.gov/ MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Dominguez-Santos, Human Rights Coordinator, leslie.dominguez-santos@capecod.gov The Barnstable County Sheriff's Office has placed an employee on administrative leave after a data breach was detected, according to Sheriff Donna Buckley Buckley's office said she learned about the data breach on April 22 The breach appears to be an intentional act by the employee now on leave and not due to a failure of "digital or cybersecurity safeguards." The employee sent an email to their personal email account according to a statement from Buckley's office on Thursday The email contained a spreadsheet with the names and social security numbers of one current and over 100 former Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office employees The office is notifying affected employees as well as the state Attorney General's Office "Because this matter remains under investigation we cannot comment further at this time," reads the statement The Sheriff's Office is at Joint Base Cape Cod in Bourne and includes the Barnstable County Correctional Facility and a regional 911 communications center for fire and police departments the sheriff operates the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Civil Process Division for Barnstable County Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.       MA) – The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission proudly recognizes Ms Ayesha Shafi of Mashpee Middle-High School as the inaugural recipient of the Susan L Created in memory of the late Barnstable County Human Rights Coordinator this award honors a young person actively engaged in advancing civil rights Shafi received the award during the Human Rights Academy on April 15 Ayesha Shafi exemplifies student leadership and a deep commitment to community service she serves as President of the Student Council Vice President of the National Honor Society she will attend the University of Pennsylvania Beyond her academic and extracurricular excellence Shafi has served for three years as the Student Representative to the Human Rights Academy and is Vice President of the school’s Human Rights Club Her contributions include participating in the “Who We Are” Immigration Legacy Project and serving as a Student Representative to both the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the Mashpee Inclusion & Diversity Committee Shafi was nominated for the award by MMHS educators Debra Troyanos and Aphrodite Troyanos “We can’t imagine a candidate more qualified for this award,” they said “She is a fierce advocate for social justice Quiñones Humanitarian Award was established by her husband persistent advocacy for human rights and social equity across Barnstable County ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/ MA — With measles outbreaks reported in several U.S states and spring break travel on the horizon the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is urging the community and healthcare providers to take proactive steps to ensure MMR (Measles and Rubella) vaccinations are up to date—particularly for those who are traveling or may be unvaccinated the CAPE Public Health Collaborative is working alongside the Barnstable County Public Health Nursing Division to host a series of regional MMR vaccination clinics in the coming weeks “Many adults aren’t sure whether they received the two-dose MMR series or if their childhood vaccinations are still effective,” said Dr Shared Services Program Manager with the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment talk to your doctor—and know that it’s safe to get another dose of MMR vaccine.” Measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in communities with gaps in vaccine coverage With increased travel and international tourism even a single undiagnosed case can trigger local transmission and remains the best defense against measles Two doses of MMR vaccine offer the best protection and is 97% effective at preventing infection While no cases have been reported in Massachusetts to date individuals traveling domestically or internationally to areas with measles transmission should review their immunization status An updated schedule complete with registration links is available online at: www.capecod.gov/MMRvaccine O’Neill continued: “These clinics are a great opportunity to ensure you’re protected especially if you’re not sure about your vaccination history.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that: MMR Vaccination Guidance for Immunocompromised Individuals Additional measles information for residents and providers can be accessed on our website at www.capecod.gov/measles. Residents with questions about eligibility and/or the online registration process can contact the Barnstable County Public Health Nursing Division at (508) 375-6617 ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT   Established under a Special Act of the Legislature in 1926 the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment (BCDHE) provides regional public health and environmental health services throughout the 15 towns comprising Barnstable County The Department manages several environmental and homeland security grants funded through state and federal resources The Department’s primary mission is to protect public health and the environment and promote the physical and mental health and well-being of Barnstable County residents MEDIA CONTACT:  Bethany Traverse, Health Communications Coordinator, bethany.traverse@barnstablecounty.org Martha Rockwell Swindler's voice shook as she stood at the podium during a recent Barnstable School Committee meeting to speak about what she considers pervasive racism that has permeated the Barnstable Public school system for the last 20 years I fear that speaking the truth today will affect my job status regardless of my past as a dedicated employee for over 30 years," said Rockwell Swindler during the public comment session at the Feb Rockwell Swindler teaches English at Barnstable High School On Jan. 29, Rockwell Swindler had launched "Petition to be an Anti-Racist School System" urging the public to sign if they are looking for accountability "I stand here today to put a mirror to you because our students deserve more I stand here today to call attention to this systemic racism and its negative effects on the entire school population," said Rockwell Swindler told the School Committee Superintendent Sara Ahern did not immediately return the Times' request for comment for this story Rockwell Swindler said the School Committee and school leadership has done little to end racism and asks school officials to support and retain staff of color and asks the School Committee ensure that a culture of inclusion is cultivated by hiring and supporting staff of color in leadership and teaching roles The document also calls for accountability for what Rockwell Swindler described as the "unjust firing" of Associate Principal Hope Taylor "We call for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the firing of Mrs a distinguished leader and the only Black woman in a leadership role at Barnstable," reads the petition was a direct result of systemic racism that cannot be ignored." Taylor was one of three staff members who were accused of leaving two students behind after a Belle of the Ball prom dress selection event on April 6, 2024 at the John B. Hynes Veterans Convention Center in Boston The outing was a school-sponsored field trip on a school bus Rockwell Swindler's petition also calls for the district to implement a robust anti-racism curriculum and provide ongoing professional development for all staff The petition asks the district to examine unconscious bias and the unequal treatment of students of color Former Barnstable High School art teacher Maria Reid also told the School Committee she experienced racism as a teacher and saw Black children and children of color face racism regularly We need it more than anything in the world right now," said Reid staff of color have not been rehired or were involved in volatile situations out of their control and pushed to early retirement "(Banda) was a highly regarded and published chef who was a culinary arts teacher and was forced out by old school white teachers and administrators," said Rockwell Swindler "And the associate principal was solely punished for an event with four adults present Rockwell Swindler also hopes the district will re-examine the elimination of college preparatory classes and the former Barnstable Red Raiders logo which she said was approved by Wampanoag Tribe elders Barnstable investigated for racism in 2006During Rockwell Swindler's speech she also mentioned the New England Equity Assistance Center at Brown University report The report grew out of a request made by then-Superintendent of Schools Thomas McDonald asking for an independent assessment of the district to help meet the emotional and academic needs of all students "We have been investigated formally and been told we were acting in a racist way and through too many superintendents we did little about it," said Rockwell Swindler the Equity Center's team interviewed administrators was to develop a comprehensive plan that would include ongoing professional development and improvement in inter-school and inter-department coordination and student transitions investigators cited concerns such as district-wide cultural competence including staff taking a colorblind approach to diversity and teacher expectations for students of color The report said the uneasiness with acknowledging difference hurts students of color It prevents teachers from recognizing the varied needs and resources for learning that their students have It also inhibits teachers from making proactive efforts to engage students of color who may be having difficulties using culturally responsive teaching methods and employing a culturally inclusive curriculum "It can also cause staff to draw incorrect conclusions about some social behaviors of students of color and English language learners," the report says "This uneasiness with diversity is likely to be related to the low expectations many staff appear to hold for students of color and for English language learners." investigators said bullying and inter-group relations at village elementary schools was also problematic Danielle Hill of Hyannis is a parent of children attending Barnstable High School She also spoke during public comment during the School Committee meeting and said many of the concerns identified by investigators in the report continue to be an issue in 2025 "The reason why we are pointing this out is because our children are experiencing these microaggressions," said Hill "Representation matters when it comes to long-term outcomes academically." Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. Reach her at rdevaney@capecodonline.com Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. Provincetown held the first of four Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine clinics for anyone who is unvaccinated An updated schedule complete with registration links is available at: www.capecod.gov/MMRvaccine recently gathered at the Former Municipal Fire Training Site in Barnstable for a site visit during ongoing environmental drilling and monitoring well installation This work is part of an ongoing investigation into PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at the site The data collected will provide critical insight into the extent and nature of the PFAS plume and guide future remediation efforts to protect public health and Cape Cod’s environment MassDEP Southeast Regional Office• Jacqueline Brabants Chief – Site Management/C&E Section• Steven Gougherty To learn more, visit: www.capecod.gov/pfas-mitigationFor questions, contact Paul Ruszala, P.E. at paul.ruszala@capecod.gov Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala: Celebrities stun on red carpet at 2025 Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala Dannielynn attended the Friday night party with her dad who met Smith at the same event more than 20 years ago Smith previously wore the dress ― a stunning sleek black floor length gown embellished with rhinestone straps across the back ― to the Barnstable gala 21 years ago "She said she chose the dress because it was her Mom's and 'super cool.'" Follow The Courier Journal's live Derby Day coverage here MA) – The Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory is proud to announce that it has been certified by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental protection for the analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water This achievement positions the laboratory as one of only five in Massachusetts equipped to conduct PFAS testing a vital step in addressing the region’s growing concerns over water contamination.  commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of human-made compounds found in a wide range of consumer products These chemicals have been linked to various health risks Due to their persistence in the environment PFAS contamination has emerged as a significant public health challenge.  the Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory will play a critical role in monitoring PFAS levels in local water sources This capability is essential for ensuring compliance with evolving state and federal drinking water regulations and providing municipalities and private well owners with reliable data to safeguard public health.  “Achieving PFAS certification is a major milestone for our laboratory and for Barnstable County as a whole,” said Dan White Director of the Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory “This certification allows us to provide accurate timely testing services to help communities and homeowners identify and mitigate potential PFAS contamination in their drinking water.”  The availability of in-County PFAS testing will offer significant benefits for Cape Cod residents Homeowners with private wells will have access to reliable and affordable testing services without the need to send samples out of state municipal water suppliers and environmental agencies will be able to conduct more frequent monitoring enabling faster response to potential contamination events and improving long-term water quality management efforts.  The cost for PFAS testing and analysis is $265 This price covers the analysis of 18 PFAS compounds including six that are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) Results are available within 15 business days.  For more information about the Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory, PFAS, and PFAS testing, as well as other analytical services provided, please visit www.capecod.gov/waterlab ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: Established under a Special Act of the Legislature in 1926 The Department’s primary mission is to protect public health and the environment and promote the physical and mental health and well-being of Barnstable County residents.  ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD:  Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe Learn more at www.capecod.gov.    Barnstable, MA – (November 12, 2024) – The Barnstable County Registry of Deeds is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website. The updated site, which is accessible at www.barnstabledeeds.org, is now integrated into the comprehensive capecod.gov domain This enhancement not only aligns with Barnstable County’s branding but also represents a significant advancement in user experience By integrating with capecod.gov, the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds’ website is now part of a comprehensive platform that offers a unified experience for users. The previous URL, www.barnstabledeeds.org, will remain active indefinitely and will continuously redirect users to the enhanced site within the capecod.gov domain “The roll out of our new home page is the culmination of a multi-year effort to provide easier access to information for the taxpayers of Barnstable County,” said John F Register of Deeds.  “We were able to track customer inquiries and put the information they were regularly requesting front and center Please take special note of our Consumer Notification & Title Fraud link This is a service provided by the Registry free of charge that will notify you in the event a document is recorded in your name It is a valuable resource in a time where fraud schemes The website continues to offer free access to online indexes and recorded documents consistent with previous offerings.  The Barnstable County Registry of Deeds encourages users to explore the newly redesigned website and provide feedback to assist in the ongoing enhancement of our services ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS: Barnstable County was founded in 1685 and encompasses the land and the 15 towns that make up what is popularly known as Cape Cod.  The Barnstable County Registry of Deeds contains the over three centuries of real property ownership history for Cape Cod On January 30, 2025, Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment issued a public health advisory to heighten awareness around avian influenza. Read the press release here >>> Also, on January 29, 2025, the following release was issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health: State Officials Provide Updated Guidance on Suspected Avian Flu Cases Reported Across Massachusetts It’s important to note ‘highly pathogenic avian influenza’ and ‘Bird Flu’ are used often interchangeably as they refer to the same disease The wild bird H5N1 genotype was found in both the Louisiana patient who died after exposure to a sick backyard poultry flock and a Canadian teen who was hospitalized in November It appears that this genotype could be more hazardous to humans and is also dangerous to other animals California has reported a few house cat deaths in animals exposed to raw pet food and raw milk While the majority of human H5N1 infections in the USA to-date have been mild It essential that the public understands best practices on how to prevent spread of this disease Click on any of the items below to jump to that topic If you encounter a dead bird while walking or collecting trash at the beach, you should first notify your town’s Animal Control Officer for next steps You should never attempt to dispose of a bird carcass without wearing disposable gloves Following safe collection with appropriate personal protective equipment the carcass should be double-bagged prior to placement in a regular garbage receptacle Bird Flu is a disease caused by certain Type A flu viruses that usually spreads between birds Some of these viruses can cause serious illness and death in domestic poultry including chicken Avian influenza A viruses have been isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds around the world These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds and shorebirds (ducks and sandpipers) worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species Wild birds can be infected with avian flu viruses without getting sick they can shed avian influenza viruses in their saliva Susceptible domesticated birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds Although highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (commonly known as the bird flu) has been a public health concern for years recent developments have heightened media attention and public awareness 67 people in the United States were diagnosed with H5N1 bird flu resulting from animal to human exposures (there have been no cases of human-to-human exposure) an exposure source could not be identified a Louisiana resident died from their infection marking the first H5N1 bird flu death of the current outbreak in the United States there have been no known human cases of H5N1 in Massachusetts the disease is widespread amongst bird populations nation-wide making it essential that safety measures are taken to prevent spread of this potentially deadly disease Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or H5N1 commonly known as ‘bird flu’ was first found in wild birds on Cape Cod in the beginning of February 2022 Transmission in wild birds has increased in winter months when waterfowl congregate together in search of unfrozen pond water and food The disease does NOT pose an immediate health threat to people unless they have close it does spread easily among wild and domestic birds There have been numerous detections of H5N1 in wild birds in Barnstable County The natural reservoir for H5N1 is wild waterfowl (geese H5N1 is considered widespread in Massachusetts waterfowl and has infected scavengers like raptors and mammals USDA has reported several instances of avian influenza (H5N1) in Massachusetts in domestic poultry There have been no detections in commercial poultry farms in Massachusetts to-date Detections have only been found in backyard (personal) flocks The list below sorts detections starting with the most recent: the risk to the public from bird flu outbreaks is low; however because bird flu viruses have been known to infect people sporadically (again it is possible that human infections with these viruses could occur It is important to note there has been no known human-to-human spread of bird flu CDC Infographic: How Infected Backyard Poultry Could Spread Bird Flu to People H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC You should be vigilant about protecting your flock, and/or any domestic avian pets, from bird flu. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is named that way due to its deadly effect on poultry. Prevent exposures to your flock by following MDAR guidance including: Learn more about biosecurity to protect your poultry at USDA Defend the Flock may show one or more of the following signs of HPAI H5N1: If you notice symptoms in your poultry flock, report it immediately to your local health department AND Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at www.mass.gov/reportpoultry or by calling (617) 626-1795 Immediately call your local health department AND report to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources the H5N1 virus was found to have mutated to infect and transmit between dairy cows No infected cows have been identified in Massachusetts or New England Genetic analysis suggests that after a cow was infected by wild birds (likely through water or feed contaminated with bird feces) the virus then mutated to be able to spread within herds There is currently no evidence that wild birds are continuing to infect dairy cattle Concerningly, H5N1 virus has been found in the milk of infected cows, posing a risk to dairy ranchers Workers should be especially vigilant for signs of illness in their animals and wear protective gear if animals are sick Nearly all of these infections have been mild with symptoms like conjunctivitis (pink eye) pasteurization has proven to effectively kill H5N1 virus thereby eliminating risk to the pasteurized milk supply or consumers Even before H5N1 public health has strongly discouraged drinking raw milk due to its risk for transmitting infectious diseases The recommendation NOT to drink raw milk is even stronger now Although bird flu viruses mainly infect and spread among wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry some bird flu viruses can infect and spread to other animals as well Bird flu viruses have in the past been known to sometimes infect mammals that eat (presumably infected) birds or poultry skunks; farmed mink; stray or domestic animals cats or dogs) go outside and could potentially eat or be exposed to sick or dead birds infected with bird flu viruses or an environment contaminated with bird flu virus While it’s unlikely that you would get sick with bird flu through direct contact with your infected pet For more information visit: Bird Flu in Pets and Other Animals | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) People who have had direct contact with infected or potentially infected animals including sick animals that might have eaten bird flu-infected birds should monitor their health for fever and symptoms of infection If you develop any of these signs or symptoms during the 10-days after your exposure to an infected or potentially infected animal, call the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences Division of Epidemiology at (617) 983-6800 The on-call epidemiologist is available during normal business hours for emergencies and to answer questions regarding case investigation and implementation of control measures Discuss your potential exposure and ask about testing isolate as much as possible until test results come back and/or you have recovered from your illness Wild Care, Inc. is a wildlife rehabilitation center in Eastham that treats injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife for release: If you find an animal in distress, call: (508) 240-2255 PLEASE NOTE: An individual dead wild bird does not generally require testing or removal removal/disposal of dead birds from the environment is a good practice to help reduce environmental contamination and potential exposure to other birds and mammals No single entity is responsible for the removal/disposal of dead birds; it is dependent on the municipality and the landowner For information about how to safely dispose of a dead bird or animal, please visit: Found a Dead Wild Bird? Here’s What To Do Next (usda.gov) The following guidance was created by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources for animal control officers responding to avian influenza mortality events & public inquiries The guidance is equally applicable to other workers who risk encountering a sick Mass.gov: Recommendations Aim to Support Public Health, Agriculture, and Wildlife Amid Ongoing Monitoring Efforts Situation Summary of Confirmed and Probable Human Cases Since 2024 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Mass.gov: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Reporting and Response Information Information about Avian Influenza and How it Can affect Birds and Mammals, Including People Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Avian Influenza Information Page CDC: Avian Influenza in Birds, Causes and How it’s Spread CDC: What Causes Bird Flu Infections in Humans Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources | Biosecurity: Protecting Your Backyard Flock Infographic: Found a Dead Wild Bird? Here’s What To Do Next (usda.gov) Infographic: Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Health Inspection Service: Avian Influenza Information Page Department of Homeland Security | Ask the Expert: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Viruses Cornell Labs: Avian Influenza Outbreak: Should You Take Down Your Bird Feeders? | All About Birds HPAI Information for Animal Control Officers | Mass.gov Guidance for Animal Control Officers Responding to Avian Influenza Mortality 2022–2024 USDA: Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Avian influenza | American Veterinary Medical Association CDC: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus–Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations Pan American Health Organization (PAHO): H5N1 in the Americas Dashboard  Poultry Regulations in Massachusetts by Town 2025 – Recent increases in avian influenza (bird flu) cases across the United States have raised concerns about the risk to both domestic and wild animals HYANNIS – As positive bird flu cases are reported in local wildlife by Eastham-based Wild Care and state health officials Barnstable County’s contract epidemiologist urges residents to be safe MA – The increase in avian flu cases represents the biggest the U.S Although Massachusetts has no known human cases County webpage provides current Cape-specific information to protect residents pets and poultry amid nation-wide bird flu concerns January 30 MA) – The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment […] February 19, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County Department of Human Services has contracted with Barrett Planning Group LLC for the development of a survey to better understand the County’s local and regional housing needs. The survey, which can be accessed online at www.capecod.gov/homesurvey, is a requirement of the HOME Consortium’s Consolidated Plan Results of the survey will help the Barnstable County HOME Consortium (a group represented by all 15 Cape Cod communities that works to create and preserve affordable housing) allocate future funding under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program This federal grant program is provided to state and local governments specifically for the creation and preservation of affordable housing for low-income households “Input from our communities really matters to us” states Renie Hamman “The results of the survey will help us identify the most pressing regional housing needs.” 2025. All responses are completely anonymous and confidential ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DERPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES The mission of the Department of Human Services is to plan, develop, and implement programs that enhance the overall delivery of human services in Barnstable County and promote the health and social well-being of County residents through regional efforts that improve coordination of services. For more information, visit us at: https://www.capecod.gov/departments/human-services ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at http://www.capecod.gov MEDIA CONTACT: Renie Hamman, Barnstable County Department of Human Services HOME Program Manager | renie.hamman@capecod.gov | (508) 375-6622