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The U.S. Navy has announced plans for the commissioning of the new USS Nantucket, scheduling a Nov. 16 ceremony for Charlestown Navy Yard. The Freedom-class littoral combat ship, built in Wisconsin, is a "mission-tailored surface combatants that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments," the Navy said. It's the third commissioned ship named after the grey lady of the sea. A screw steamer named USS Nantucket served in the 20th century as a Mass. Maritime Academy training ship, and an 1862 iron armored coastal monitor named Nantucket was built in Boston and saw action in the Civil War.
TOWN
OF FRANKLIN
Mon.
Sep. 16
7:00pm
Tues.
Sep 17
Franklin
Housing Authority Agenda
4:30pm
Weds.
Sep 10
Economic
Development Subcommittee Meeting
5:45pm
7:00pm
Thurs.
Sept 5
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:00pm
TOWN
OF MEDWAY
Mon.
Sep. 16
6:00pm
Design
Review Committee Meeting
7:00pm
7:00pm
Tues.
Sep 17
7:00pm
Weds.
Sep 18
Energy
& Sustainability Committee - Cancelled
7:00pm
Zoning
Board of Appeals Meeting
7:30pm
Thurs.
Sep 19
Capital
Improvement Planning Committee
7:00pm
Economic
Development Committee meeting-CANCELLED
7:00pm
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:30pm
STATE HOUSE
AND BEYOND
Sliding around the figurative abacus beads and closing the state's financial books would normally be the primary task for the Legislature this time of year, but in 2024 it's just one item among many with big decisions ahead. Lawmakers are about six weeks past their frustrated departure from formal sessions with most major work unfinished, and while they have since checked off a few of the less controversial proposals, deals remain out of reach on many of the bigger topics. Gov. Maura Healey does not want to wait for the so-far-intractable talks on clean energy legislation to turn a corner, and her decision to stick the siting and permitting reforms found in those bills into her closeout budget ramps up the pressure on House and Senate Democrats to salvage at least something on that front. Of course, legislative leaders in recent years have been in no rush to finish their work on the routine spending bill -- even when doing so forfeited sizable interest the state could have earned with quicker action -- and there's little indication they'll display more urgency this time around. Healey's spending bill has lots of money for MassHealth, but an administration official said none of that relates to the hundreds of millions of dollars committed to help new operators of Steward Health Care hospitals. The crisis is far from over even though new owners are lined up; the sales are supposed to close by Sept. 30, and health care regulators are bracing for "additional bumps in the road." The Health Policy Commission will get a chance Thursday to review the first formal material change notices for those sales, which could shine a spotlight on any remaining pressure points.
Steward is not the only slow-burning issue that's far from a resolution. The emergency assistance shelter program continues to endure massive strain even after lawmakers and Healey implemented a slew of tighter restrictions on eligibility and length of stay. As the weather grows colder -- and more people with nowhere left to turn are exposed to the elements overnight -- calls will likely grow for more state action. A state commission tasked with recommending changes to the system meets Monday, a few hours before municipal, faith and anti-homeless leaders hold another rally demanding the Healey administration change course. And at the Cannabis Control Commission, which has been wrought with upheaval for months during the long suspension and then ultimately firing of Chair Shannon O'Brien, regulators will try to move forward at the same time that O'Brien asks the state's highest court to overturn her termination.
Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024
GARCIA ON 4: Rep. Garcia of Chelsea talks with Jon Keller to mark the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, covering issues of concern like immigration policy, health care, and the MCAS ballot question. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
KEATING ON 5: Congressman Keating is on "On The Record," hosted by Sharman Sacchetti and Ed Harding. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
WOOSOX HALL INDUCTION: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus will be officially inducted into the Worcester Red Sox Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class. Augustus helped to entice and clear the way for the Boston Red Sox AAA affiliate team to move from Pawtucket, R.I., to Worcester during his time as city manager. Augustus joins two other inductees: former WooSox owner Larry Lucchino and WooSox hitting coach (and former Red Sox catcher) Rich Gedman. Congressman McGovern attends. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Polar Park, 100 Madison St., Worcester)
Monday, Sept. 16, 2024
AUCHINCLOSS AT NE COUNCIL: Congressman Auchincloss addresses the New England Council at a "Capitol Hill Report" breakfast. The congressman will discuss his legislative priorities and economic growth in the region in a fireside chat with New England President and CEO Jim Brett. (Monday, 8:30 a.m., The Hampshire House, 84 Beacon St., Boston)
CHILD CARE ROUNDTABLE: U.S. Sen. Warren hosts a roundtable discussion with parents at a Malden Head Start to talk about child care. ABCD CEO Sharon Scott Chandler, Head Start VP Flossy Calderon, and Lynn officials Jim Cowdell and John Walsh participate as well. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Location upon RSVP to press@warren.senate.gov)
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Hazardous Materials Mitigation Advisory Board, housed in the Department of Fire Services, meets virtually. Agenda includes votes on new hazmat technicians. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
CCC DIRECTOR SEARCH: Executive Director Search Subcommittee of the Cannabis Control Commission meets to go into executive session to "consider or interview applicants for employment." (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
WATER SUPPLY: Water Supply Protection Trust meets virtually. Agenda includes a fiscal 2024 end-of-year report, a review of the fiscal 2025 workplan and budget, and a hiring update. Other items deal with range enforcement and forestry. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
STRETCH CODES: Department of Energy Resources holds a public hearing on minor proposed changes to stretch and specialized codes, dealing with commercial and residential sections. Officials say the updates are based on feedback gathered over the past year and a half. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Register)
FRAMINGHAM NURSES COMPLAINT: Framingham Union Hospital nurses file complaints with state and federal agencies citing dangerous conditions that they say jeopardize the safety of patients admitted to the hospital and call for intervention by Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. The nurses hold a press conference about the filed complaints, which they say include reports from the last nine months that "highlight significant deficiencies in staffing, hospital policies, allocation of technology, and a deliberately punitive management culture that is resulting in dangerous delays in the administration of needed medications and treatments, preventable patient falls and other complications, including preventable sentinel events." (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Lincoln St. outside Framingham Union Hospital, Framingham)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
SPRINGFIELD RECOVERY PROGRAM: Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gullini announces a $20,000 grant to the Michael J. Dias Foundation for Chris and Brian's House, a sober living community. As part of the foundation's $500,000 capital campaign to build a women's recovery home and program, Gullini will pledge a minimum of $10,000 from his drug forfeiture account. (Monday, 11 a.m., 115 Mill St., Springfield)
STONE MILL LOFTS: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, U.S. Rep. Trahan, Lawrence Mayor De Pena, WinnDevelopment, MassHousing, and local delegation members attend ribbon-cutting ceremony for Stone Mill Lofts, new housing in an iconic historic building. (Monday, 11 a.m., 72 General St., Lawrence)
APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL: Apprenticeship Council holds its quarterly meeting. Agenda includes a welcome and grant announcement from Undersecretary Josh Cutler, several reports and an update on the release of a strategic plan. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
EMERGENCY HOUSING COMMISSION: A special commission tasked with recommending changes to the state's emergency assistance housing program meets. Members plan to hear presentations on work authorization and employment, and metrics for "temporary respite centers" -- the Healey administration's rebrand of overflow sites, which now have a five-day stay limit. The agenda also calls for a "deep dive discussion" on long-term system planning options and the commission's next steps. Lawmakers and Gov. Healey created the special commission while steering more funding to the emergency shelter system, which has been overwhelmed by more than a year of record demand. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 157 | Agenda and Access Info)
UMASS ATHLETICS: Athletics Committee for the UMass Board of Trustees meets remotely. Agenda includes "informational items" introducing the UMass Lowell athletic director, 2023-24 campus highlights and a UMass Amherst athletics update. There's also an executive session, including to "discuss strategy with respect to the litigating position of the University." (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
RIGHT TO SHELTER RALLY: Advocates rally in support of the state's right to shelter policy in the face of tightening restrictions on emergency family shelter. On Aug. 1, the Healey administration began limiting many families to only five days of shelter at the four state-funded overflow shelter sites, and if a family chooses to stay at an overflow shelter they lose access to longer-term emergency assistance shelter for six months. "These policy choices are leaving many children and families awaiting EA shelter placement with no safe place to stay," says a flier from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Homes for All, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, and UUMass Action, who are organizing Monday's action asking the governor to rescind the shelter policies. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., Embrace Memorial, Boston Common, Boston | More Info)
WORCESTER POLICE/FIRE GAME: Worcester Fire and Police departments face off in their third annual charity baseball classic, with proceedings going toward the families of fallen Worcester firefighters. Treasurer Goldberg attends. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. (Monday, 6:05 p.m., Polar Park, Worcester | Info and Tickets)
DCR GOLF COURSES: Department of Conservation and Recreation closes its Ponkapoag Golf Course from Monday through Wednesday for improvement work. This comes ahead of a similar closure on Sept. 30 at the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course. DCR says that planned improvements include upgrades to greens, deep tine and core aerification, plug removal, application of sand-compost mix, and turf seed slicing in two directions. (Monday, Ponkapoag Golf Course, Canton)
STUDENTS AT WHITE HOUSE: Coalition for Student Wellbeing, a Massachusetts group working to elevate youth perspectives to educate, advocate, and collaborate with decision-makers around student mental health and wellbeing, will participate in a roundtable discussion at the White House, the group said. (Monday)
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024
QUINSIGAMOND VOTER REGISTRATION: Quinsigamond Community College holds a voter registration drive coinciding with National Voter Registration Day. The event, which runs through 3 p.m., also features workshops on 2024 ballot questions, voting rights and how the state Legislature works. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 670 West Boylston St., Worcester)
'FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW' FESTIVAL: Fierce Urgency of Now Festival brings together young professionals, especially young adults of color, to address quality-of-life issues. The event is organized by City Awake, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation's young professional network. Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, Housing and Livable Communities Undersecretary Nikko Mendoza, and Chamber CEO Jim Rooney participate in the opening ceremony. "Young residents have expressed that affordable housing and quality job opportunities are crucial for them to stay, play, and work in Greater Boston," organizers say. "Our speakers will offer valuable insights and share experiences that could play a pivotal role in addressing these issues and inspiring the next generation to remain and contribute to our vibrant community." Other sessions deal with allyship, fraud safety, ocean conservation, wellness, financial empowerment, building community, paving paths for women of color, redlining, joining a public board or commission, and pathways to careers in Boston's arts, culture and creative sectors. The day wraps up with a "backyard bash" on Boston Common from 5 to 7 p.m. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Suffolk University, Sargent Hall, 120 Tremont St., Boston | More Info)
TEMPORARY SPORTS BETTING LICENSES: Gaming Commission holds public hearing via teleconference on proposed regulations dealing with applications for leave to obtain renewed temporary sports betting licenses. "The revised version of 205 CMR 219.04 provides more clarity surrounding the temporary license renewal process and aligns the language of the regulation with the Commission's intent to provide the IEB with three years to complete a durable suitability investigation of sports wagering operators," the commission said in its hearing advisory. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Dial (646) 741-5292, Participant Code: 111 572 3522)
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY: AAA Northeast and Salem city and school officials hold an event focused on school transportation safety. Discussion topics include a school bus camera pilot program and AAA's efforts to promote safe driving near schools. Attendees include Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, Salem Public Schools Superintendent Steve Zrike, Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller and Rep. Manny Cruz. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Witchcraft Heights Elementary School, 1 Frederick St., Salem)
NUTRITION SECURITY: Caree Cotwright, director of nutrition security and health equity at the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, visits Project Bread as part of a national listening tour about MyPlate, which is designed to help people eat better. A panel discussion will explore addressing nutrition security through the health care system. There will also be a presentation on the Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) program. (Tuesday, 10:15 a.m., 145 Border St., East Boston | Register)
LOTTERY COMMISSION: State Lottery Commission meets. Agenda includes votes on a five-year extension of the Lottery's lease at 383 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, and a three-year contract with extension options for procurement of a retail sales management system from Georgia-based Scientific Games, LLC. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Call (781 917 6057) or email gpolin@masslottery.com for access | More Info)
MASS 250 KICK OFF: Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll host a kick-off for Massachusetts 250, a tourism initiative meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and events that took place in Massachusetts. A new MA250 banner will hang outside of the State House, there will be a ride with Paul Revere and other historical reenactors, and a fife and drum corps followed by a speaking program. The administration will also announce grants meant to support organizations promoting Massachusetts's Revolutionary War history. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Bulfinch Entrance Front Steps, State House)
PUBLIC GARDEN ENTRANCE: Arlington Street entrance to the Boston Public Garden reopens. The area, which includes the George Washington statute, has been closed since September for upgrades, including restoring the two child fountains. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Public Garden Boston)
TOP STATES FOR BUSINESS: Mass. High Tech Council hosts CNBC's Scott Cohn, the creator of the network's Top States for Business rankings, to discuss the 2024 rankings. Massachusetts was pegged at the 15th position overall in 2023, but has since dropped to 38th overall in 2024. The Bay State also ranked 44th for infrastructure, 38th for workforce, 40th for economy, 40th for business friendliness, and 49th for cost of doing business. Massachusetts also lost its top spot in the technology and innovation category, falling to third. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., Register)
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING: Committee for Supportive Housing Production and Services, part of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness, meets virtually. Agenda includes an update on the Affordable Homes Act. For access, contact Pearl Chan at pchan@cedac.org or 617-727-5944 ext. 100. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)
REVOLUTION 250TH COMMISSION: State Commission on the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution meets at the State House, following Tuesday morning's kickoff of the Massachusetts 250 tourism initiative. Commission's agenda includes an update from the Office of Travel and Tourism, updates and announcements from commissioners, and discussion of ideas for future meetings. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | Livestream)
ELECTRICAL CODE: Electrical Interpretation Code Committee of the Department of Fire Services meets remotely. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
SUBSTANCE USE NEGOTIATIONS: Lawmakers on a conference committee tasked with forging a House-Senate compromise on legislation dealing with substance use disorder treatment hold their first official meeting. Both branches approved bills (H 4758 / S 2921) this summer expanding the state's response to the opioid crisis, but top Democrats have yet to agree on a final proposal. Lawmakers appeared particularly divided over whether the bill should authorize overdose prevention centers, where individuals could use drugs they acquired themselves without fear of legal repercussions and receive medical intervention to prevent fatal overdoses. Conference committees typically vote to move their talks behind closed doors soon after convening. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Location TBD | Agenda)
WESTMINSTER GROUNDBREAKING: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus attends the groundbreaking for the construction of 50 units of 100 percent affordable senior housing in Westminster. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Senior Center, 69 West Main St., Westminster)
BIRD POND DAM: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about dam repair and removal alternatives for Bird Pond Dam in Walpole, which is categorized as a "high hazard potential" dam. Officials say the dam has no identifiable owners but is in need of repairs. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Walpole Library Community Room, 143 School St., Walpole | More Info)
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
UMASS ADMIN, FINANCE: UMass Board of Trustees' Administration and Finance Committee meets remotely. Agenda includes a report from UMass President Marty Meehan. Action items deal with a quarterly capital report, approving a utility easement at UMass Boston, and authorizing submission of the university's fiscal 2026 budget request. There's also an executive session, including to "consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property." (Wednesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
ROCA CHELSEA GROWTH: Leaders of Roca, a group that works to support high-risk young men and women, host a discussion about the organization's growth and impact. Speakers will also discuss the "complete interior rebuild" of Roca's Chelsea program site and administrative headquarters. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., 220 Second St., Chelsea)
SMALL BIZ TRAINING: A small business training camp and reverse contracting matchmaker event is hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Massachusetts District Office. Small businesses and contractors will have the opportunity to network with bigger companies and government agencies looking for vendors. The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office participates. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Tip O'Neill Federal Building, 10 Causeway St., Boston | Register)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission holds its annual Emerging Issues Forum, which features a session about AI and the impact on retirement. Evan Horowitz, of the Center for State Policy Analysis, gives a presentation called, "State of the State of Massachusetts." There will also be legislative updates and an administrator roundtable. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough | More Info and Register)
MUNI MANAGEMENT: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association hosts its annual "boot camp," designed for new administrators and assistants, as well as department heads and professional staff planning to move into town manager or administrator roles. Sessions include management 101 roundtables, considering career opportunities, having difficult conversations and collective bargaining. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Sharon Community Center, 219 Massapoag Ave., Sharon | Register)
UMASS STUDENT AFFAIRS: UMass Board of Trustees' Committee on Academic and Student Affairs meets remotely. Agenda includes a report from UMass President Marty Meehan, and a discussion about student life and campus engagement. Members will go into executive session to deal with matters about awards of tenure and honorary degrees. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
GEMINI TOWNHOMES: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, Springfield Mayor Sarno, Home City Development CDC, MassHousing, and local delegation members attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Gemini Townhomes, 40 for-sale residential properties. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 89 Morris St., Springfield)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets and could vote on whether to confirm career public defense attorney Sarah Hamilton to a Superior Court judgeship. There are no other pending nominees and no council hearings scheduled for Wednesday. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
MASSDOT BOARD: MassDOT Board of Directors meets. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Boston | More Info)
HEALTH CONNECTOR ELIGIBILITY: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a webinar about the annual renewal process. Members will learn how to better understand their eligibility notice, update their online applications, and receive help keeping or changing coverage. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
RURAL POLICY: Rural Policy Advisory Commission meets virtually. Agenda includes a discussion about the Affordable Homes Act and accessory dwelling units by right in rural municipalities. Rep. Blais and Sen. Mark give an end-of-session update. There's also a presentation about the Farmland Action Plan from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets virtually. Agenda includes a Q2 performance report for Mass Save, new programs for the low-income sector, and key performance indicators for the draft 2025-2027 plan. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
GOLDBERG, HEALEY MEET: Gov. Healey and Treasurer Goldberg hold their monthly private meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Room 227)
NORTHAMPTON NURSING HOME: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus attends the groundbreaking for a substantial rehab of a former nursing home that will create 60 affordable family apartments. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Prospect Place, 737 Bridge Road, Northampton)
AMHERST WATER TREATMENT PLANT: Town of Amherst hosts a topping-off ceremony for the Amherst Centennial Water Treatment Plant. Located in Pelham, the plant will provide up to 1 million gallons daily of treated water to the Amherst water system. "This project will improve resiliency of the Amherst drinking water system for community residents and businesses in and near the Town of Amherst," officials say. The facility was financed by state and federal resources. Speakers include Town Manager Paul Bockelman, Town Council President Griesemer and Superintendent of Public Works Guilford Mooring. Shuttle service will be provided to the plant. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Park behind Pelham Library, 2 S. Valley Road, Pelham)
NEWTON CORNER PLAN: MassDOT holds the second group meeting for the Newton Corner Long-Term Planning Study. The team will "review the existing conditions of the study area and outline issues, opportunities, and constraints," officials say. (Wednesday, 4 p.m. | Register)
OFFSHORE WIND COMMENT PERIOD: Massachusetts Interagency Offshore Wind Council closes a period of public comment on its draft Offshore Wind Strategic Plan's recommendations, including the strategies and actions intended to achieve the plan's goals. Energy & Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper established the council in April 2023 to develop a plan for the sector that Massachusetts hopes will provide a major economic boost while also providing an avenue for the state to live up to its carbon emission reduction commitments. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., More Info)
HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Massachusetts Office on Disability holds a virtual workshop about navigating the reasonable accommodation and modification request process for housing. The workshop is intended to help residents with disabilities -- as well as advocates -- regardless of whether they're renters or homeowners. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. | Register)
EV INFRASTRUCTURE: MassDOT holds an open house at its District 6 Headquarters about the agency's Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan, which officials say is required through a program tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. MassDOT says it plans to strategically deploy EV charging stations and create an "interconnected network to facilitate reliability" across the state. "Massachusetts will receive significant federal funding over five years to support the construction and operation of Direct-Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations along major highway corridors as designated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)," officials say. "Public involvement throughout the duration of the Plan's implementation is essential for understanding community interests, needs, and sentiments." (Wednesday, 6 p.m., 185 Kneeland St., Boston | More Info)
SOUTH COAST RAIL: MBTA General Manager Phil Eng meets with people from communities to be served by South Coast Rail to provide info on "the extensive testing process currently underway project-wide and the overall project status, milestones, and timeline." Also participating are Assistant General Manager for External Affairs Angel Donahue-Rodriguez, Assistant General Manager/Chief of Engineering and Capital Sam Zhou, Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan and South Coast Rail Program Executive Karen Antion. Media availability will follow the meeting. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer St., Taunton)
ANDOVER MASSDOT PROJECT: MassDOT holds a public hearing on proposed reconstruction in Andover on Route 133 (Lowell Street) from Shawsheen Road to Route 28 (North Main Street). The projects includes a new shared path for pedestrians and bicyclists, stormwater drainage system upgrades, traffic signal replacements, pavement resurfacing, and new signage, among other efforts. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Memorial Hall Library, Memorial Hall, 2 N. Main St., Andover | More Info)
WILMINGTON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a virtual design public hearing on a proposed bridge replacement in Wilmington. The project deals with the bridge that carries Route 129 (Lowell Street) over I-93. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info and Register)
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024
GROUP INSURANCE COMMISSION: Group Insurance Commission meets virtually. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)
MENTAL HEALTH COUNCIL: Statewide Mental Health Advisory Council meets virtually. Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle gives an update. There will also be an update on suicide prevention treatment and services for DMH clients and non-affiliated Bay Staters. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
UMASS GOVERNANCE: UMass Board of Trustees' Governance Committee meets remotely. Agenda includes approval of the 2024-25 officers and committee leadership. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
MASSPORT BOARD: Massport Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info)
UMASS TRUSTEES: UMass Board of Trustees meets remotely. Agenda includes a report from UMass President Marty Meehan and reports from the standing committees. Consent agenda deals with endowed professorships, changes to the capital projects list, approval of a utility easement at UMass Boston, submitting the university's fiscal 2026 budget requests and tenure. Trustees will also tackle an item involving the Department of Defense and exclusion from personnel clearance requirements. There's also an executive session dealing with awards of honorary degrees. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
OPIOID TASK FORCE: Opioid Task Force of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office meets, hosted by DA Ryan. For access information, contact Sarah.Lamson@mass.gov. (Thursday, 10 a.m.)
SENATE: Senate plans to meet without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: Health Policy Commission Board meets and reviews Steward Health Care's market transactions and sales. The HPC says it has received a notice of material change for Lifespan's proposed acquisition of Steward's St. Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital. Regulators' initial review of sales takes 30 days; if the HPC chooses to then pursue a more rigorous full review, the process can take roughly six months. Deals on Steward's Massachusetts hospitals are supposed to close by the end of the month. Commissioners will also review key findings from the upcoming 2024 Health Care Cost Trends Report, and get an overview of the HPC's new Behavioral Health Workforce Center that was created with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Livestream)
SELECT BOARD ASSOCIATION: Massachusetts Select Board Association holds its annual fall program webinar. Attendees will learn how to motivate community members to participate in civic life. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | More Info)
SMALL BIZ RESOURCES: A Latino access to capital and small business resources matchmaker event is held in Spanish. It's hosted by the Small Business Administration Massachusetts District Office, Massachusetts Northeast Small Business Development Center, and the City of Lawrence. Small businesses will learn about available resources to start, grow and expand. (Thursday, 3:30 p.m., Northern Essex Community College, Lawrence Campus, 45 Franklin St., Lawrence | Register)
SOX FOUNDATION HONORED: Mass. Law Reform Institute presents the Boston Red Sox Foundation with the Catalyst for Change Award, which MLRI describes as its highest honor. Bekah Salwasser, the foundation's executive director and Red Sox executive vice president of social impact, and David Friedman, the team's executive vice president of legal and government affairs and legal counsel to the Foundation, accept the award. Friedman previously worked for Senate President Robert Travaglini and Attorney General Martha Coakley. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., Boston | More Info)
MONSON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public hearing on a bridge replacement project in Monson, involving Stafford Hollow Road over the New England Central Railroad line. Officials are considering adding accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Monson Free Library, 2 High St., Monson | More Info)
DONNELLY AWARD: Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston presents its second annual Brian J. Donnelly Award for Leadership in Public Service. The 2024 award will be presented to Kathleen O'Toole, the first female commissioner of the Boston Police Department. Jim Brett of the New England Council, who won the award last year, will introduce her. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Omni Parker House, 60 School St., Boston)
BELLINGHAM BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed bridge replacement project in Bellingham, involving Maple Street over I-495. Officials are planning to add bicycle accommodations. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Bellingham Town Hall, 10 Mechanic St., Bellingham | More Info)
MASSACHUSETTS DAY: Massachusetts State Exposition Building welcomes visitors during the Eastern States Exposition, better known as The Big E. Thursday is Massachusetts Day at the Big E, which started Friday, Sept. 13 and runs until Sunday, Sept. 29. As the oldest of the six original state house replicas representing each New England state along the "Avenue of States," the mission of the Massachusetts Building is to showcase Massachusetts agriculture, commerce and tourism. "From farm-fresh foods to handcrafted goods, it's where the best of our communities that hail from all over the state come together to promote and sell their local products," Lt. Gov. Driscoll said. Food options include lobster rolls and Finnish pancakes, and products for sale include honey, maple syrup, candles, soaps, chocolates, jewelry, photography, wine, and more. The backyard of the building features a beer garden. (Thursday, The Big E, West Springfield)
Friday, Sept. 20, 2024
HISPANIC HERITAGE BREAKFAST: Gov. Healey, Boston Mayor Wu and Boston Police Commissioner Cox headline the El Mundo Boston Hispanic Heritage Breakfast, at which "the top elected leaders in Massachusetts engage in lighthearted – and often hilarious – commentary on the Latino community, its contributions to the city and state, and their many lovable quirks," organizers said. The sold-out event is dedicated to local Latino law enforcement officers and veterans. (Friday, 7 a.m., Boston Park Plaza, 50 Park Plaza, Boston)
GOLDBERG IN LYNN: Treasurer Goldberg attends groundbreaking ceremony for the Lynn Pickering Middle School. (Friday, 10 a.m., 70 Conomo Ave., Lynn)
ALLIED HEALTH WORKERS: Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions meets virtually. Agenda includes monitoring interviews, application reviews, and vote dealing with attestation forms for licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
ENDICOTT COLLEGE FORUM: Rita Colwell, a Beverly native and the first woman to helm the National Science Foundation, leads a forum at Endicott College called, "Oceans, Climate, and Pandemics: Lessons From Cholera and Related Vibrios." A microbiologist and marine scientist, Colwell "will talk about climate change and her experience as a woman scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries in microbiology and its relationship to the environment and public health," organizers say. There will also be a Q&A session. Event is free and open to the public. (Friday, 3 p.m., 376 Hale St., Beverly | Register)
UNEMPLOYMENT REPORTS: Preliminary August and revised July unemployment rates will be released by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Labor force and job estimates for Massachusetts will also be released. July's 3.5 percent jobless rate was up 0.3 percentage points over June's revised rate. State officials said in August that July's labor force participation of 66 percent was the highest rate since September 2020. (Friday)
