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Four people have joined in leadership roles at the Cape Cod housing organization.

HYANNIS, MA — Housing Assistance recently announced four new leadership appointees whose experience spans finance, nonprofit development, property management and executive operations.

“From growing our housing pipeline to deepening community partnerships and navigating complex funding streams, we are continuing to build a team that is focused on expanding access to safe, stable housing for year-round residents on the Cape,” said CEO Alisa Magnotta. “We are excited to welcome our new team members who each bring particular skills, passion and a shared commitment to our work.”

As Housing Assistance takes on more housing projects and partnerships, these appointments reflect a continued investment in the infrastructure needed to support the organization, officials said.

Appointees include:

Allison Bresette, Executive Assistant – Bresette has joined the organization as executive assistant to the CEO. She has worked in nonprofit communications, community outreach and executive support for over a decade, with previous roles at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Barnstable, the Cape Cod Regional STEM Network, Cape Cod Community College, and Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University.

Marc Haslbeck, Chief Financial Officer – Haslbeck brings more than 30 years of experience in insurance, real estate, lending, valuation, development and operations, including leadership roles in both the U.S. and Europe. At Grand City Property, a subsidiary of one of Europe’s largest real estate companies, he helped manage financial strategy for more than 100,000 apartment units. Haslbeck holds a German business degree from Listschule Halle in insurance, finance, and economics and a bachelor’s degree in business management and administration from Middle Tennessee State University.

Tracy LaBonte, Director of Philanthropy – LaBonte joins the Philanthropy team as a key partner to Vice President of Development Christa Danilowicz with a background in nonprofit fundraising and community outreach. As a Cape Codder with deep local roots, she comes to Housing Assistance after leading development at Cotuit Center for the Arts and serving as director of community relations at Benchmark Senior Living. LaBonte serves on the board of Cape Cod Senior Resource Group and oversees its Charitable Giving program. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Brendon Parker, Senior Director of Residential Property Management – A licensed construction supervisor, Parker brings over two decades of experience in residential construction, renovation and restoration on the Cape. He previously owned and operated his own residential construction company. In his new role, Parker oversees the operations of Housing Assistance’s residential rental portfolio, including property maintenance, tenant services and long-term planning to support the organization’s expanding housing footprint.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued an Air Quality Alert for Ground Level Ozone, from 11 AM to 11 PM EDT Wednesday.

An Air Quality Alert means that Ground Level Ozone concentrations within the region may approach or exceed levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Currently, ozone levels are at moderate levels.

Air is unhealthy for sensitive children and adults, such as those with asthma, lung or heart disease, and older adults. Sensitive children and adults should limit prolonged outdoor activity.

For some at-risk groups, including older adults, children, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions (i.e. asthma, COPD, heart disease, etc.), it’s important to know where to find air quality information and updates and when to limit outdoor exposure and/or wear a mask that filters fine particulates.

The U.S. Air Quality Index, or AQI, is EPA’s tool for communicating daily air quality. It uses color-coded categories and provides statements for each category that tell you about air quality in your area, which groups of people may be affected, and steps you can take to reduce your exposure to air pollution. It’s also used as the basis for air quality forecasts and current air quality reporting.

If you want to check the AQI for a different region (these widgets are set to indicate real-time air quality for Barnstable), visit AirNow.gov.

The following graph shows air quality trends for our area:

The ranges of numbers in the Air Quality Index (AQI) range refer to PM 2.5 (PM is for particulate matter), or fine inhalable particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These particles, which are 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair, are a primary component of wildfire smoke and can:

Exposure to elevated PM 2.5 levels may cause:

On days when the air quality is orange, red, purple or maroon, the American Lung Association recommends the following:

If you experience new or recurring symptoms that worry you, speak with your healthcare provider. For non-urgent concerns, you can reach out to the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA to get your questions answered on the impact wildfire smoke has on the lungs.

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July 24, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – The Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC), a division of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, has been awarded a $2.8 million grant from the Gates Foundation to establish the first U.S.-based ISO 30500 testing platform for non-sewered sanitation systems—commonly known as “reinvented toilets”.

These advanced, self-contained systems are designed for areas lacking centralized sewer infrastructure and play a vital role in improving public health and environmental conditions in underserved communities around the world. This initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #6: ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.

As part of the project, MASSTC will hire and train three new staff members: a certification testing coordinator, a system operator, and a temporary lab assistant. These team members will conduct performance testing, manage operations, and ensure compliance with international standards.

“This puts us on the global map,” said Vice Chair Mark Forest. “MASSTC is no longer just a Cape Cod leader—it’s now part of an international effort to address one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges.”

Testing is expected to begin in early 2026, with support from the Gates Foundation and in collaboration with NSF International. This is an important step in bringing the reinvented toilet systems to the U.S. market in the coming years.

MASSTC was selected by the Gates Foundation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene team, which recognized the Test Center’s 25+ years of technical expertise and its proven track record in wastewater technology testing. While the certification has global significance, it could also directly benefit Cape Cod by providing alternatives to traditional septic systems and supporting housing development on smaller lots and in environmentally sensitive areas.

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, public health, 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.

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 www.capecod.gov

HYANNIS, MA — Cape Cod's first Shake Shack will open next week at a popular shopping center.

The restaurant will open July 30 at The Landing at Hyannis with a 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony.

Situated directly in front of a community green space, with ample patio seating, the location offers both outdoor and indoor dining options. To mark the occasion, guests will receive a custom Shake Shack beach towel on opening day.

Shake Shack will donate $1 for every sandwich sold at the Hyannis Shake Shack on opening day to The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, a local non-profit dedicated to providing free food, clothing and hope to anyone in the community in need.

“There is something for everyone to enjoy at Shake Shack’s new location at The Landing at Hyannis,” said Lindsay Desmettre, Senior Director of Leasing at WS Development. “Whether guests are looking for an on-the-go bite before hopping on the ferry to an island retreat, or a relaxed family meal, Shake Shack is the perfect dining destination for locals and visitors alike.”

The restaurant joins a list of openings and scheduled openings at The Landing since 2024, including Whole Foods, J.Crew Factory, Nordstrom Rack and Warby Parker.

Shack Shack opened in 2004 in New York City’s Madison Square Park, and has expanded to over 570 locations system-wide, including over 370 in 34 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 200 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.

In late 2024, Shake Shack also started offering burgers on Delta flights out of Boston for first-class customers on specific routes.

This summer, join Pain D’Avignon in celebrating 33 unforgettable years of artisan baking, culinary innovation, and community spirit with an unforgettable evening under the stars.

On July 20th, Pain D’Avignon will transform the patio of its Hyannis location into a vibrant open-air stage for the Summer Soirée, a night of live music, dancing, fine cuisine, and perfectly paired wines from around the world.

The evening marks the highly anticipated return of Perry Rossi & the “En Fuego” Orchestra, featuring a special performance by Chantal Joseph, Cape Cod native and acclaimed R&B vocalist. A graduate of Barnstable High School and a Pain D’Avignon alum, Chantal was twice voted Best R&B Performer by the Pittsburgh City Paper. Her voice channels the soul of the greats, while infusing every note with a contemporary rhythm all her own.

“Chantal brings soulful & powerful sounds of the greats of yesteryear, but adds a perfect touch of modern rhythm,” says Pain D’Avignon COO Mario Mariani. “Together with Perry Rossi & ‘En Fuego,’ it is going to be a night to remember.”

The celebration will also introduce guests to Executive Chef Jorge Lugo, who will present an exclusive multi-course menu for the evening. Drawing on the freshest seasonal and local ingredients, Chef Lugo’s creations will be thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines curated from global vineyards.

Event Details:Pain D’Avignon, 15 Hinckley Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601To reserve your table, call (508) 778-8588$150 per guest – All-inclusive (food, wine, tax & gratuity)

Spaces are limited for this one-night-only experience. Join us as we toast to the past 33 years—and to the many more still to come.