Barnstable County Announces Region-wide Helpline to address COVID-19-related Questions

10 Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers prepare to begin taking calls next Tuesday

For Immediate Release 

January 15, 2021 – Barnstable, MA. The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment announced today the launch of a regionwide helpline to respond to COVID-19 related questions starting Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 8:00 a.m.

10 Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers have been trained to answer questions about COVID-19, such as how to get a COVID-19 test or how to help someone navigate the three-phased approach to vaccination.  

“Staff at Barnstable County are beginning to be inundated with questions, especially from residents who are confused about when and how they can get a vaccine,” said Barnstable County Communications Manager Sonja Sheasley. “What our region needs right now, especially our elders who might not be comfortable with email or social media, is to be able to connect with a kind voice on the other end of a phone line who can help clarify information about the vaccine rollout. Through the generous help from the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers, we are making this happen.”

The MRC helpline team can also walk residents through more complex questions, directing them to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments. Volunteers cannot provide individual clinical advice or a diagnosis through the helpline. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are symptomatic, call your health care provider.

Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps Director Diana Gaumond said, “Much of the MRC’s mission is to engage our local communities in times of emergency, to strengthen public health and preparedness. This mission includes helping people navigate complex information during this pandemic.”

The helpline will be taking calls beginning next Tuesday, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-774-330-3001.

Barnstable County wants to ensure residents that a coordinated response is taking place in our region. We remain committed to encouraging all citizens to wear a mask, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet, and wash hands for at least 20 seconds. For more information, COVID-19 case counts, testing, and vaccine information visit http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org or http://www.mass.gov

CRITICAL DELIVERY SERVICE

The MRC would also like to remind residents that Critical Delivery Service is still available to our senior citizens and people who are considered high risk for COVID-19. Since April 29, 2020, the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), in service to the Barnstable County Incident Command COVID-19 response, has provided a free service delivering prepaid groceries to seniors and people at higher risk for infection. MRC volunteers pick up pre-ordered, prepaid groceries from food stores offering curbside pick-up options and deliver to residents in all 15 towns of Barnstable County. More information about this free service is available at ccmedicalreservecorps.org or call 508-556-7161 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Press Contact: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Manager | (508) 375-6896 | Sonja.sheasley@barnstablecounty.org

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Closings

The Brewster Town Offices and Brewster Recycling Center will be closed Monday, January 18, 2021 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.

The Brewster Recycling Center will be open Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to alleviate any inconvenience.

When Can I Get the COVID Vaccine?

State of Massachusetts

• Has a vaccine distribution plan with 3 phases. See the State website for details:https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine
  • Phase One is underway now. It includes health care workers, long term care facilities, corrections, and first responders (police, fire, EMS) are now receiving their first of 2 vaccines.
  • Phase Two will include people who have 2 or more of certain chronic illnesses, those 65 or older, and certain people who work in education, transit, sanitation, public works and others.
  • Phase Three will provide vaccines to all remaining members of the public.

Barnstable County

• Offers a website titled “When Can I Get Vaccinated”: https://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/covid-19/when-can-i-get-vaccinated

Summer 2021 Kayak Rack Lottery Applications Available

The Town of Brewster is now accepting applications for the 2021 kayak rack lottery.  Applications can be downloaded below or obtained in the lobby of the Natural Resource Department at 1657 Main Street.  Applications are due by March 1, 2021 and should include a $25 check made out to the Town of Brewster.

Rack locations include: Linnell Landing, Saints Landing, Mants Landing, Paines Creek, Long Pond, and Upper Mill Pond.  Space is limited and not every application will be awarded a rack spot.  Selections are made based on a computer generated random lottery. For any questions see the Information and Regulations below or please call 508-896-4546.

• Annual Kayak Rack Lottery Application
• Annual Kayak Rack Regulations & Information
• Bi-Weekly Kayak Rack Lottery Application
• Bi-Weekly Kayak Rack Regulations & Information

Cape Cod Business Economic Impact Survey #3

The Cape Cod Commission and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce have issued a third Business Economic Impact Survey, continuing our efforts to better understand local businesses’ needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Please Click Here for Survey  The results of the first and second survey are both posted on Data Cape Cod. Your feedback will be used to understand the economic impacts of the pandemic on our region.

Cape Cod and Islands Commission on the Status of Women Launches Survey

The Cape Cod and Islands Commission on the Status of Women (CCICSW) has launched an online survey to assess the needs of women in our region.

The mission of CCICSW is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women across Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The Commission stands for fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the full enjoyment of life for all women throughout their lives. The purpose of CCICSW is to advance women toward full equity in all areas of life and promote rights and opportunities for all women.

This survey is a way for CCICSW to hear from women to better understand the needs and concerns of women and families in our region, especially during this time of COVID19 and the movement for racial and social equality. All information collected is anonymous and is used to help CCICSW prioritize our regional legislative advocacy.

To access the survey, please visit: CCICSW Survey 2020

For any questions regarding the survey or CCICSW, please contact: CCICSWinfo@gmail.com 

Brewster Delegate Elected Assembly of Delegates Deputy Speaker

The 17th Session of the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates held its first meeting of the new Session on Jan. 6, 2021. In its first actions, the Assembly elected Barnstable Delegate Patrick Princi as Speaker and Brewster Delegate Mary Chaffee as Deputy Speaker.

Speaker Princi has served in the Assembly since 2012. He is a probation officer, has led projects to address homelessness, was a legislative aide on Beacon Hill and a commercial shell fisherman. He has served the town of Barnstable on the Community Preservation Committee, Economic Development Commission and Barnstable Charter Commission. Speaker Princi received the Cape Cod American Red Cross “Hero Award for Community Service.” He is a graduate of Saint Michael’s College.

Deputy Speaker Chaffee has served in the Assembly since 2017 and is the Chair of Brewster’s Select Board. She served as a Navy nurse for 26 years, where she was promoted to the rank of Captain. She is the author of dozens of publications, was a policy analyst attached to the Pentagon, and interned in the office of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye. Deputy Speaker Chaffee completed two bachelor’s degrees at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and received a PhD from the University of Maryland Baltimore. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts School of Law Dartmouth.

The Assembly of Delegates is the legislative arm of Cape Cod regional government. It was established through the Barnstable County Charter passed by the State Legislature in 1988. Each of Cape Cod’s 15 towns elect an Assembly Delegate every two years. County government also includes an executive branch, the Board of Regional Commissioners.

Assistant Operations/Pro-Shop Manager Captains Golf Course

Brewster seeks qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Operations/Pro-Shop Manager for the Captains Golf Course. The position performs administrative and supervisory work to assist the Director of Golf Operations in the management of two town owned 18 hole golf courses. Duties include, but are not limited to; manages, supervises, and maintains a reputable Pro-Shop, properly staffed and featuring quality merchandise and services; supervises tournaments and games, including scheduling, posting information and rules, recording scores, and determining winners;  assists in budget preparation, submits bi-weekly payroll for staff, attend Golf Commission meetings; recruit, hire and trains staff, assign personnel to responsibilities and supervises scheduling; maintain effective public relations.

Bachelor’s degree in related field with a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience in golf course operations, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

This is a full-time, Grade III Personnel Bylaw position, with an annual starting salary range of $60,000 - $80,000. Applicants should submit cover letter, resume, and Town employment application to Susan Broderick, employment@brewster-ma.gov. Deadline 4pm on 1/29/21. For full job description, click here.  EEO/AA

Open Burning Season Starts January 15

Open burning season in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts begins on January 15, 2021 and ends on May 1, 2021. In order to conduct an open burn residents must obtain a permit from the Brewster Fire Department.

Permits may be purchased Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at fire headquarters. Due to the COVID pandemic the following process shall be used until further notice.

• Permits will be available in the outer front lobby of fire/rescue headquarters located at 1673 Main Street (behind Council-on-Aging)
• Residents shall legibly fill out the two part application and leave a copy and the $10.00 permit fee in cash or check made out to the Town of Brewster in the secure lock box located on the table.
• When burning residents shall follow all Commonwealth of Massachusetts open burning regulations and the daily call in process identified on the application.

Please be aware that the outer front lobby is under video surveillance 24 hours a day.

The Brewster Fire Department retains the right to suspend burning during unacceptable weather conditions and revoke the permits of those individuals violating State open burning regulations. We respectfully request all residents take the time to read the safety precautions and rules regarding open burning and to be considerate of your neighbors and the environment when conducting these fires.

Remember!

Burn Safely, Burn Responsibly!

Cape Cod Commission and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Launch Third Survey of COVID-19 Business Impacts

Survey seeks to better understand the impacts of COVID-19 following the peak season

For Immediate Release (January 6, 2021) – Continuing an economic impact discovery effort that began this spring, the Cape Cod Commission and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce have issued a third online survey to Cape Cod business owners.

The first two surveys, conducted in May and August, provided critical information on immediate impacts to the region’s business community and insight on the support necessary for businesses to adapt. The third survey seeks to better understand the impacts of the pandemic over the course of the year and includes specific questions about fall and winter impacts.

Results will reveal more about changes to operations, revenue as compared to 2019, impacts to the workforce, and both financial and non-financial needs. Business owners will have the opportunity to provide critical insight on how operations might differ in 2021 due to the pandemic.

Data collected will inform the Cape Cod Commission’s economic resiliency planning efforts, which includes development of a regional economic resilience plan to address identified needs, and direct technical assistance to businesses by the Commission and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

Survey data collected to date can be leveraged by businesses, towns, and other organizations in grant applications and reports, as it documents the initial impacts of the pandemic as well as impacts felt during Cape Cod’s peak summer season. 

Responses are held confidentially, and results are reported out in aggregate. Business owners from throughout the region, including past survey participants, are encouraged to respond. The survey will be open through January, with results expected to be published in February.

The Cape Cod Businesses: Economic Impacts of Covid-19 survey is available here: https://cccom.link/ImpactSurveyJan2021
View results of the first survey: https://datacapecod.com/business-impact-survey
View results of the second survey: https://datacapecod.com/second-business-impact-survey/