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Massachusetts has officially exercised its eminent domain powers to seize St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton, Gov. Maura Healey's office said Friday, days before Steward Health Care's hospitals are poised to transfer to new operators. The governor's office said that as part of the legal process to take the hospital, Healey declared that if St. Elizabeth’s were to close, "it would create a public health emergency due to the large volume of patients currently served by the hospital and the resulting disruption to the delivery of medical services in the region." But a key Steward lender signaled Friday afternoon it would fight Healey's "unconstitutional use of eminent domain."
TOWN
OF FRANKLIN
Mon.
Sep. 30
Sustainability
Subcommittee Meeting
5:00pm
Weds.
Oct 2
Veterans
Coffee social
10:00
am
5:00pm
Friends
of Franklin Library Meeting
6:30pm
Master
Plan Update Committee Meeting
6:30pm
Thurs.
Oct
3
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:00pm
TOWN
OF MEDWAY
Mon.
Sep. 30
Veterans'
Services Metrowest Dist. Meeting
9:00am
6:00pm
Tues.
Oct.
1
Mass.
Strategic Health Group Board
1:00pm
Board
of Assessors Meeting 10/1/24
4:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
Weds.
Oct.
2
Parks
Commission Meeting - Tour of VFW
3:00pm
Zoning
Board of Appeals Meeting
7:30pm
Thurs.
Oct.
3
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:30pm
STATE
HOUSE AND BEYOND
Monday is the targeted closing date for the Steward Health Care transactions, and the health care landscape is about to shift with six hospitals in position to move forward under new owners. Gov. Maura Healey on Friday announced the state had seized St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton using eminent domain powers. As part of the legal taking and to keep the hospital open, Healey declared that if St. Elizabeth's were to close, "it would create a public health emergency due to the large volume of patients currently served by the hospital and the resulting disruption to the delivery of medical services in the region." The governor's office on Friday also signaled that the ownership transfers "are expected to go into effect on October 1."
A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved the sales in early September, though Steward's lenders and creditors still need to hash out disagreements over how $17 million in sales proceeds should be divided. The Department of Public Health on Sept. 24 approved emergency determination of need applications to transfer ownership of Morton Hospital in Taunton and St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River to Lifespan, Holy Family Hospital with campuses in Haverhill and Methuen to Lawrence General Hospital, and Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton and St. Elizabeth's in Brighton to Boston Medical Center. The Health Policy Commission announced it had completed its review of the Steward sales on Friday afternoon, with regulators saying they do not need to embark on a more comprehensive analysis that could have taken six months. The HPC did not detect any red flags, it said, and the "initial reviews did not uncover evidence that these transactions are likely to significantly increase health care spending or negatively impact market functioning."
"To the contrary, HPC found that the proposed acquisitions offer a critically important opportunity to maintain access to services for the patients of these institutions while offering real opportunities to improve quality and stabilize the health care market," the commission said Friday. The HPC is still reviewing the proposed sales of Steward's physician network. Massachusetts has committed $417 million over a three-year period to support the hospitals as they transition to new owners, on top of $72 million the state agreed to spend to keep the hospitals open through August and September during bankruptcy proceedings. Lawrence General plans events Tuesday in Haverhill and Methuen to mark its expanded presence in the Merrimack Valley.
House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka haven't been meeting face to face since formal sessions ended for the year on Aug. 1, but Mariano signaled this week that communications lines between the branches are still open with regard to the major bills they couldn't agree upon in late July. Passage of a popular economic bond bill could provide campaign trail fodder for incumbents looking to point to accomplishments, but that bill and other major legislation remains hung up in closed conference committees. Mariano signaled he's open to taking up major bills before or after the Nov. 5 election, upping the odds for significant legislating in lame-duck sessions later in the year.
Since formal sessions ended, the branches have reached agreements on key bills, but eight more weeks has not been enough time to get Democrats on the same page on economic development, substance use, climate and energy policy, health care oversight and prescription drug bills despite overwhelming support in both branches for those bills. As the calendar flips to October, the House and Senate seem content to continue meeting in twice-weekly informal sessions that are usually brief and poorly attended. There is just one committee hearing so far on the Legislature's October calendar, which will come Oct. 10 and explore investments in public higher education. If the Legislature suddenly decides to adhere to deadlines, it could also act in October on a final fiscal 2024 supplemental budget to enable the comptroller to file his annual state financial report by its Oct. 31 due date.
Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024
BALLOT QUESTIONS ON "KELLER": Evan Horowitz, executive director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at the Tisch School at Tufts University, talks with Jon Keller on "Keller At Large" about his group's analysis of the pros and cons of the five questions on the statewide Massachusetts ballot. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
LOUIJEUNE "ON THE RECORD": Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune is the featured guest on WCVB's "On The Record" program. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
"CITY LINE" WITH KAREN HOLMES WARD: Boston College professor Dr. Vanessa Prosper, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu and Melissa Hector of the Boston Public Health Commission, and Cristina Ayala and Dawn Saum of the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence are guests with Karen Holmes Ward on the weekly "City Line" program. (Sunday, 12 p.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
DEATON IN DEDHAM: John Deaton, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, attends Dedham Day. (Sunday, 1 p.m., 131 Eastern Ave., Dedham)
STEWARD BANKRUPTCY HEARING: U.S. Bankruptcy Court holds virtual hearing regarding the sale of Steward Health Care's Massachusetts hospitals. Judge Christopher Lopez in early September approved the hospital sales, while setting aside $17 million as Steward's creditors and lenders argued over how some of the sales proceeds should be divided up. Boston Medical Center, Lawrence General Hospital and Lifespan in court filings this week warned the ongoing dispute over the $17 million could stymie the deals from going forward, even as the sales are expected to close on Monday. To access the hearing, dial 832-917-1510 and enter code 590153; or visit https://www.gotomeet.me/JudgeLopez. (Sunday, 2 p.m. Eastern Time)
RED LINE FULLY REOPENS: MBTA is set to fully reopen the Red Line's Braintree branch after a closure of more than three weeks for track work. (Sunday)
BUTTIGIEG IN BOSTON: U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is the special guest at a Kamala Harris brunch fundraising event in Boston hosted by Bryan Rafanelli and Mark Walsh. Buttigieg is participating in "his personal capacity," according to the event invite reported by Politico. (Sunday, Boston)
Monday, Sept. 30, 2024
FIRE SERVICE COMMISSION: Fire Service Commission meets. Agenda includes votes on credentialing and re-credentialing, as well as general issues and updates from the Department of Fire Services. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
MEDIA COVERAGE OF TRANS ISSUES: Queer Equity Institute and GLAAD hold virtual press briefing on the "politicization of the transgender community" aimed at members of the press who are "covering campaigns and candidates that endanger the community for political gain." Speakers include Minnesota state Rep. Leigh Finke, Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, and journalist-activist Raquel Willis. "This briefing will spread awareness on the undercurrent of hate being used by community opponents to radicalize and mobilize voters, and what that means for the safety and security of the transgender community," organizers said. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Registration)
SUICIDE PREVENTION: Veterans' Services Secretary Santiago moderates a roundtable discussion to mark National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, featuring Dr. Matthew Miller, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs director of suicide prevention. Other speakers include Dr. John Bradley, mental health service director for the VA Boston Healthcare System; HomeBase addictions services director Dr. René Lento; and Donald Purington, David Odenweller, and Lynette Gabriella of the EOVS SERVE and SAVE outreach teams. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428)
OPERATIONAL SERVICES WEBINAR: Operational Services Division holds a webinar to review services that are available through professional consulting services contracts. The contracts deal with energy, climate action and facility advisory services; management consultants, program coordinators and planners; and environmental and consulting services. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Register)
MERRIMACK RIVER: Sens. Tarr of Gloucester and Kennedy of Lowell join other state and federal lawmakers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire at the Lowell Wastewater Treatment Plant to discuss current and potential future initiatives, challenges, technologies and strategies to improve the Merrimack River's water quality. Aaron Fox, the utility's director, hosts the visit. "Over the past year, the river has been impacted by the discharge of millions of gallons of untreated wastewater due to episodic overflows caused by major rainfall events," Tarr's office said. "While progress has been made to reduce the untreated flows into the river, it is important that further gains are made; however, doing so presents major technological, infrastructural, and financial challenges." (Monday, 2 p.m., 451 First Street Blvd., Lowell)
WOODHOUSE HONORS GOV. BAKER: Former Gov. Charlie Baker receives the inaugural Woodhouse Leadership Award -- named for Brig. Gen. Enoch "Woody" Woodhouse, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen of World War II -- at a dinner hosted by the Hanscom Federal Credit Union Charitable Foundation. Brig. Gen. Woodhouse and Hanscom FCU CEO Peter Rice present the award to Baker for his "exceptional dedication to veterans and their service, acknowledging the legacy of the famed Tuskegee Airmen -- approximately 16,000 service members who were the first Black aviators and support staff in U.S. military history." The event also features a performance by Ronan Tynan, an Irish tenor singer and Paralympic gold medalist. Other attendees include former First Lady Lauren Baker of the Wonderfund, former Rep. James Brett of The New England Council, and Gold Star families. (Monday, 4 p.m., Blue Hill Country Club, 23 Pecunit St., Canton)
BOSTON ALCOHOL LICENSES: Boston's Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion and the Licensing Board holds a webinar about the new law giving the city 225 more alcohol licenses. The majority of the licenses are restricted to 13 ZIP codes, with the aim of boosting economic development in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, East Boston, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain and the South End. (Monday, 4 p.m. | Register)
RED LINE HI-RAIL: The MBTA holds a virtual public meeting on its project to build a hi-rail access tunnel along the Red Line for work vehicles. For now, the only access tunnel is at the Charles/MGH station for high-rail vehicles, which the MBTA says are work trucks "equipped with a hydraulic set of train wheels and rubber tires, allowing (them) to operate on railways and surface streets." The MBTA says a new tunnel "will enable shorter and less frequent Red Line shutdowns, faster commutes, and bring the MBTA closer to a state of good repair." (Monday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
MASSCOSH FETES CAMPBELL: MASSCOSH recognizes AG Campbell with a public leadership award at its 48th annual Celebrating The Movement Awards. CLOSED PRESS. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., 1250 Mass. Ave., Dorchester)
C3 GRANTS: Department of Early Education & Care holds another information session about upcoming changes to the Commonwealth Cares for Children program. Funded at $475 million in the budget, the program supports child care providers across Massachusetts. (Monday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)
STEWARD SALES: The sales of Steward Health Care's Massachusetts hospitals are targeted to close on Monday. A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved the sales in early September, though Steward's lenders and creditors still need to hash out disagreements over how $17 million in sales proceeds should be divided. State health regulators this week approved emergency determination of need applications to transfer ownership of Morton Hospital in Taunton and St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River to Lifespan, Holy Family Hospital with campuses in Haverhill and Methuen to Lawrence General Hospital, and Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton to Boston Medical Center. Massachusetts has committed $417 million over a three-year period to support the hospitals as they transition to new owners, on top of $72 million the state agreed to spend to keep the hospitals open through August and September during bankruptcy proceedings. (Monday)
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024
POST COMMISSION: Certification Subcommittee of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission meets. Agenda includes a draft plan for recertification, good moral character and fitness for employment in law enforcement, and public comment. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 84 State St., Suite 200, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
BOSTON HOUSING FUND HEARING: Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell holds a hearing on his proposal for a $150 million housing development fund. The fund would jumpstart construction for more than 30,000 units that have been permitted but are not yet being built, with the aim of "working with developers to turn a portion of planned apartment units into forever-affordable condos." Worrell estimates the proposal would create 5,000 affordable condos, with the city subsidizing 25 percent of the cost upfront to developers. "This development fund creates an opportunity to tackle the housing crisis, while reducing the residential taxpayer burden and creating pathways to generational wealth," Worrell said in a statement. "This fund will make it easier for developments to get started amid the high costs of construction and financing to meet the needs of our residents now." (Tuesday, 10 a.m., City Hall, Iannella Chamber, 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
NEW ERA AT HOLY FAMILY - METHUEN: Lawrence General Hospital holds dual ribbon-cutting ceremonies to mark the day that Holy Family -- once part of the bankrupt Steward system -- becomes a part of Lawrence General. Ceremonies on both Holy Family Hospital campuses -- Methuen at 10 a.m. and Haverhill at 2 p.m. -- will "mark the launch of a new regional health care system for the Merrimack Valley" and "the preservation of these vital community assets." Federal, state, and local officials have been invited. Lawrence General CEO Dr. Abha Agrawal is available for interviews after both ceremonies. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 70 East St., Methuen)
PROBLEM GAMBLING: Department of Public Health's Office of Problem Gambling Services holds a stakeholder listening session in Everett, including discussion about strategies to reduce the harms of problem gambling. Officials are looking for input "on the continued development of programs and services regarding problem gambling, in order to promote health and racial equity." (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Everett | Info and Registration)
DIGNITY ALLIANCE CHAMPIONS: Dignity Alliance Massachusetts holds an awards ceremony for Sen. Lovely and Rep. Stanley, who they're honoring as "legislative champions." The group is recognizing Sen. Lovely for her "consistent support of DignityMA endorsed legislation" and her "advocacy to increase the personal needs allowance for nursing home residents." They are recognizing Rep. Stanley due to his leadership on bill reforming the state's long-term care system that was recently signed by Gov. Healey. Sen. Jehlen, who was the lead Senate sponsor of the long-term care bill, and Rep. Balser, who formerly chaired the Elder Affairs committee, will join in presenting the awards. Four other lawmakers who are not seeking reelection, will be also recognized for their years of supporting legislation backed by DignityMA, the group says. Those receiving awards are Reps. Balser, Garlick, Khan, and Sen. Pacheco. (Tuesday, 10:45 a.m. Room 428 | Virtual)
PLYMOUTH VETERANS CENTER: Volunteers of America of Massachusetts holds a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of its new Plymouth Area Veterans Center in collaboration with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services. Expected attendees include Veterans Affairs Secretary Jon Santiago, Reps. Fernandes, Muratore and LaNatra, Plymouth Town Manager Derek Brindisi, and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Naples. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 20 North Park Ave., Plymouth)
MBTA CLIMATE ACTION: Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the MBTA host a virtual event exploring how the transit agency is "taking climate action seriously" and what the impact will be for riders and communities. Speakers include Lynsey Heffernan, the MBTA's chief of policy and strategic planning; Kat Eshel, the MBTA's senior director of climate policy and planning; Caroline Bean; the MBTA's director of climate and sustainability planning; and Eric Bourassa, the MAPC's transportation director. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Register)
CITY AWAKE NETWORKING: City Awake, the young professional program of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, holds a networking event for Boston undergrad and graduate students and professionals. City Awake looks to help future leaders in Greater Boston as they get involved with business, civic and cultural communities. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., 265 Franklin St., Boston | Register)
CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY: Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority meets remotely. Agenda includes an executive director search update and an executive session to "consider or interview applicants for employment or appointment by a preliminary screening committee if the chair declares that an open meeting will have a detrimental effect in obtaining qualified applicants." (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
NEW ERA AT HOLY FAMILY - HAVERHILL: Lawrence General Hospital holds second of two ribbon-cutting ceremonies Tuesday to mark the day that both Holy Family campuses become part of LGH. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 140 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill)
KENDALL SQUARE ASSOCIATION: Kendall Square Association holds its annual meeting celebration featuring keynote speaker, MIT President Sally Kornbluth. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Walker Memorial, 142 Memorial Drive, Cambridge)
ITALIAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION: Speaker Mariano serves as the master of ceremonies at the annual Italian Heritage Month celebration. This year marks the heritage month's 25th anniversary with a theme of celebrating Boston as "Capital of Italian Creativity." Consul General of Italy in Boston Arnaldo Minuti is among the hosts, and this year's honorees are Mary Ann Esposito, Emilo Bizzi, and Michael Colomba. "All are welcome to attend" the free after-hours event, which features refreshments, according to an event notice in the Post-Gazette newspaper. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., House Chamber)
MADARO RECEPTION: Unopposed next month in the First Suffolk District, Rep. Madaro of East Boston looks to bump his campaign account up with a fundraiser where requested contributions range from $25 up to $1,000, although it's "complimentary" for seniors. Madaro co-chairs the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn - Boston Logan Airport, 100 Boardman St., East Boston)
MBTA TRACK IMPROVEMENT: MBTA holds a virtual public meeting on its Track Improvement Program designed to make repairs needed to eliminate speed restrictions. It's the latest forum for MBTA riders to learn about the program and ask questions. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)
CENTERVILLE SEWER PROJECT: Barnstable Department of Public Works holds a public information meeting regarding updates to the sewer expansion plan in the village of Centerville. The meeting will address the North Phase of the project "which is anticipated to construct sewers in portions of Route 28 Old Stage Road Shootflying Hill Road and the vicinity of Mother's Park." (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Barnstable Adult Community Center Room, 825 Falmouth Road Hyannis)
FRAUD ROADSHOW: As part of its "Fall Fraud Roadshow," the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation hosts a session about identity theft, fraud and scam protection. "Learn how thieves get your data, what to do if you become a victim, and how to protect your privacy, your pocketbook, and your identity," the agency says. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave., Reading | Registration)
VP DEBATE: Vice presidential nominees Democrat Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio face off in a debate hosted by CBS News. It's moderated by "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan. A recent WBUR/CommonWealth Beacon poll found that 58 percent of likely voters in Massachusetts had a favorable view of Walz, compared to just 28 percent for Vance. Meanwhile, 31 percent of voters had an unfavorable view of Walz, compared to Vance at 61 percent. Both Walz and Vance were in Boston last month for the International Association of Fire Fighters Convention. (Tuesday, 9 p.m., CBS)
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
BALLOT QUESTION BREAKFAST: North Shore Chamber of Commerce holds a ballot question breakfast forum. Speakers who are in favor and against the questions will discuss how the questions will impact members' businesses and finances. Auditor DiZoglio will discuss the question allowing her office to audit the Legislature. Deb McCarthy of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and Ed Lambert of the Mass Business Alliance for Education will discuss the question to eliminate MCAS as a graduation requirement. (Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., Misselwood Events at Endicott College, 407 Hale St., Beverly)
FIRE TRAINING COUNCIL: Massachusetts Fire Training Council meets. Agenda includes a fiscal affairs report, legislative update, Department of Fire Services update, and a Firefighting Academy report. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., One State Rd., Stow | More Info)
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: Caucus of Women Legislators and the Ellie Fund hold a breast cancer awareness panel discussion focused on "inequities in breast cancer care and access to treatment, particularly for women of color and underserved communities." Caucus vice chairs Rep. Barber and Sen. Miranda give opening remarks. Attendees are urged to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there will be a group photo at 12:10 p.m. on the Grand Staircase. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 428)
WINTER ENERGY COSTS: Massachusetts Municipal Association's MunEnergy program, which aims to help municipal governments "stabilize energy costs and simplify energy management," holds a one-hour fall Zoom meeting about winter energy costs and "what winter weather and climate change will mean for energy markets." (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Registration)
CLEAN WATER TRUST: Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees meets, with Treasurer Goldberg as chair. Email masswatertrust@tre.state.ma.us for access info. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. | More Info)
BLIND VENDORS: Massachusetts Elected Committee of Blind Vendors meets remotely. (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
"ART OF CLIMATE ACTION": Massachusetts College of Art and Design hosts Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer for a panel discussion entitled, "The Art of Climate Action: Creativity at the Forefront." Organizers say the event "will explore the role of the creative economy in addressing climate change." Other participants include Michael Bobbitt of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Spencer Glendon of Probable Futures, and MassArt President Mary Grant. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to a private viewing of "Displacement," MassArt Art Museum's newest exhibit exploring the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and ecosystems. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., MassArt's Tower Auditorium, 621 Huntington Ave., Boston)
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
GAMING COMMISSION TOUR: Gaming Commission tours two program sites of the Metro Boston Regional Hospitality Consortium to observe workforce development programs funded through a grant program. The Community Mitigation Fund grant program is administered by the commission to help communities mitigate the impact of the construction and operation of casinos in the state. The fund has awarded nearly $57 million in grants since its inception in 2015, $18 million in the last funding cycle. (Thursday, Tour 1: 9:30 a.m., Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, 38 Ash St., Boston | Tour 2: 10:15 a.m., International Institute of New England, 2 Boylston St. 3rd Floor, Boston)
RESCUE TEAM: The Region 4 Steering Committee of the Massachusetts Technical Rescue Coordinating Council -- the Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team -- meets. Agenda includes appointing an assistant team leader, water rescue standby options, and overview of operations. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Northampton Fire Station, 26 Carlon Dr., Northampton | More Info)
PROBLEM GAMBLING: Department of Public Health's Office of Problem Gambling Services holds a stakeholder listening session in Springfield as officials seek input on developing programs and services to tackle the harms of problem gambling. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Springfield | Register)
HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE: Senate plans to meet without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
STATE REHAB COUNCIL: Executive Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Zoom)
CONSTRUCTION CAREERS: A construction career fair gives attendees an opportunity to learn about job opportunities and network with employers. Organizers signaled they're looking to spotlight opportunities for all city residents, including women and people of color. The event runs through 6 p.m. (Thursday, 3 p.m., Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury | Registration)
BOSTON ENERGY ASSISTANCE: City of Boston holds a Community Resource Fair event "focused on reducing energy bills and pursuing energy efficiency resources." Attendees can apply for LIHEAP fuel assistance through ABCD, enroll in Boston Community Choice Electricity, and learn about other resources. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., BCYF Mattahunt, 100 Hebron St., Mattapan)
HYDE PARK ARTISTS: Thirty-fifth members' exhibition of the Hyde Park Art Association features the work of 40 local artists. Artworks will be judged and refreshments will be provided. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Scollay Square Gallery, City Hall, 3rd floor, Boston)
ASIAN COMMUNITY FUND GALA: Asian Community Fund Gala, with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu offering the keynote. Organizers say it's the "the only philanthropic fund in MA dedicated to developing, strengthening and supporting AAPI community power." The fund has given more than $1 million since 2022 to 81 AAPI-serving nonprofits. About 450 people are expected, including Reps. Tram Nguyen, Vanna Howard, and Erika Uyterhoeven. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Westin Copley, 10 Huntington Ave, Boston)
EV OPEN HOUSE: MassDOT holds an open house focused on its electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plan, which is required under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The public will have time to weigh in and ask questions after a presentation. MassDOT officials say the plan will "strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and will establish an interconnected network to facilitate reliability across Massachusetts." The state is poised to 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." (Thursday, 6 p.m., Pollard Memorial Library, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell | More Info)
FITCHBURG SAFE ROUTES PROJECT: MassDOT holds a virtual informal meeting on its proposed design for Memorial Middle School in Fitchburg, as part of the Safe Routes to School project. The project involves pedestrian and bicycle improvements. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)
Friday, Oct. 4, 2024
MMA LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds local breakfast meetings in Ludlow and Peabody to "discuss the latest activity in the Legislature" including this year's budget, the housing law, wage equity measures, and the status of unfinished Beacon Hill business like clean energy siting and permitting, the economic development bill, and Gov. Healey's Municipal Empowerment Act. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Ludlow Mill 10, 68 State St., Ludlow | Peabody City Hall, Wiggin Auditorium, 24 Lowell St., Peabody)
WOMEN'S HEALTH: Boston Public Health Commission presents the inaugural EmpowerHer Black Women's Health Conference, which will focus on addressing "persistent inequities" in health outcomes among Black women. Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of BPHC, delivers opening remarks alongside Mayor Wu and Health and Human Services Secretary Walsh. Sessions deal with trailblazers in women's health, cervical health, managing personal finances, and the future of Black women's health. The conference runs through 5 p.m. (Friday, 10 a.m., Boston University Trustee Ballroom, One Silber Way, Boston | More Info )
AMBULANCE, WHEELCHAIR VAN RATES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a virtual public hearing on ambulance and wheelchair van services provided by MassHealth. The regulatory updates deal with the effective dates for the rates. Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
LATINO POLICE: Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association holds its annual Awards and Recognition Program. Individuals will be honored who made "outstanding contributions to the field of law enforcement and their communities." (Friday, 7 p.m., Framingham State University, The Forum-McCarthy Center, 100 State St., Framingham)
