Barnstable County Commissioners Welcome District Attorney, Receive Update from Children’s Cove, Honor Regional Leader
May 7, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – At their meeting this morning, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners heard updates from Cape & Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois and Children’s Cove, approved key financial items supporting countywide services, and celebrated a significant civic recognition with the announcement of the 2025 Mercy Otis Warren Cape Cod Woman of the Year.
District Attorney Rob Galibois Briefs Commissioners
Cape & Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois briefed the Commissioners on law enforcement priorities and expanding public safety efforts across the region. He announced the launch of a new Child Emergency Response Team, a coordinated initiative with prosecutors, victim advocates, law enforcement, Children’s Cove, and the Department of Children and Families, designed to deliver rapid, comprehensive support in cases of suspected child abuse.
Galibois also highlighted the region’s leadership on human trafficking prevention, noting a recent two-day statewide conference in Hyannis that drew over 200 participants and 38 expert presenters, including representatives from federal and state agencies. The event built on ongoing outreach and partnerships with the hospitality and transportation sectors.
Addressing the opioid crisis, Galibois reported a 25 percent drop in non-fatal overdoses and a 35 percent decline in fatal overdoses between 2023 and 2024, following implementation of a policy to seek pretrial detention for fentanyl traffickers. He concluded by raising concerns about a $3.4 million funding gap between his office and a comparable western Massachusetts district, despite a higher caseload on the Cape. Commissioners expressed strong support and committed to advocating for equitable state funding.
Children’s Cove Marks Child Abuse Prevention Month
Jacob Stapledon, Community Engagement and Education Program Manager at Children’s Cove, presented an overview of the organization’s outreach during April, recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
More than 1,200 students in the Monomoy and Mashpee school districts took part in digital safety and online mindfulness sessions led by national speaker Richard Guerry, focused on gaming, social media, and healthy digital habits. Parents and caregivers also attended forums aimed at supporting safe tech use at home. Stapledon noted a growing awareness of AI among young students, many of whom described exposure to harmful online content.
The Teen Task Force, a peer education program, enabled high schoolers to lead safety conversations with younger peers. Children’s Cove also participated in the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Conference and offered programs in collaboration with local Girl Scouts.
Commissioners commended the department’s trauma-informed approach and its long-standing commitment to protecting children. Commissioner Mark Forest remarked, “If we want to really, as a society, have a real impact in reducing that prison population, if we want to have a real impact in terms of reducing the rates of incarceration, then this is where we should really be spending our resources… I obviously appreciate everything that you do, and I know this board does as well.”
Patti Lloyd Announced as 2025 Mercy Otis Warren Cape Cod Woman of the Year
Also during the meeting, Judy Scarafile of the Mercy Otis Warren Cape Cod Woman of the Year Award Committee announced Patti Lloyd of Yarmouth Port as the 2025 recipient of this distinguished honor.
Lloyd is a well-known leader in Cape Cod’s tourism and hospitality industry, having most recently served as Vice President of Sales for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. For over three decades, she has championed the Cape as a destination while actively volunteering for causes ranging from cancer awareness to youth empowerment.
The Commissioners enthusiastically endorsed the committee’s selection, recognizing Lloyd’s contributions to the region’s economic vitality, civic life, and community spirit. Commissioner Mark Forest added, “Patti has been an incredible advocate for Cape Cod and in many ways, our ambassador. Her advocacy and passion have brought countless people to the Cape. She’s incredibly deserving of this award.”
She will be formally honored at a public ceremony on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 PM at Tales of Cape Cod, located at 3046 Main Street in Barnstable Village.
Charter Review Committee Begins Five-Year Evaluation
Commissioner Sheila Lyons provided an update on the Barnstable County Home Rule Charter Review Committee, which convened in April. Chaired by Assembly Speaker Randi Potash and supported by legal counsel Lauren Goldberg, the committee is reviewing the charter’s language and organization to ensure it aligns with current operations and future goals. Chair Lyons emphasized that this effort is administrative in nature and does not seek to alter the structure of County government. The review is expected to conclude by the end of the year.
Financial Actions Support Infrastructure and Operational Stability
The Commissioners voted to issue $1.84 million in General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes to Unibank at a favorable interest rate of 4.450 percent. They also approved no-cost, time extensions for 20 ARPA subrecipients, helping ensure continuity of regional projects focused on public health, infrastructure, and economic recovery.
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 www.capecod.gov.
