Franklin Town MA
11-30-2025 4:19am

People, Power, and Politics

Pushing back against federal criticism over higher education costs, state education officials touted a report Tuesday that confirms Bay Staters with degrees from Massachusetts public colleges and universities earn significantly more than those with only high school diplomas. Five years after earning an associate's degree in Massachusetts, individuals typically earn $20,000 more annually compared to those with high school diplomas, according to a state Department of Higher Education report. The figure rises to $30,000 for those with a bachelor's degree from a public university.

FRANKLIN

We are grateful to Steve Sherlock/Franklin Matters, for sharing the following summary:

Hopefully you and most Franklin folks enjoyed the holiday week. It went by quickly. The Turkey Trot set a record with the largest registrations and the FHS football team lost to KP. No significant Town meetings happened last week with the short holiday week.

This first week of December has a couple of key meetings. The Town Council gets to set the tax rate, approving a drop in the rate from $11.62/$1000 to $11.42/$1000. This is due to the continued significant rise in assessed real estate valuations. The average residential single family property assessment has increased from $679,400 to $731,400.

The charts will be updated to show the inverse relationship between the tax rate and property valuations. When they go up, as they have for the past many years, the rate goes down. When the valuation decreased (think recession 2008), the rate increased.

The Council also gets the inside scoop on the revenue forecast for the next 5 years. This was shared in August 2025 and with the new Council on board, is intended to bring them up to speed with this info so they can understand what room for decisions they may have.

For those who thought that the Council vote to rescind their approval of the 444 East Central project would suddenly end the project, sorry that didn’t happen. They should note that the ZBA did close the public hearing at their Nov 20 meeting. The ZBA also recommended for their attorney to draft the summary letter as ‘for approval’. Don’t get too alarmed, logically it makes more sense for a “No” vote against the recommendation to approve than it does for a “Yes” for to deny.

The ZBA will review and discuss the ‘draft’ letter at their remote only session this Thursday, Dec 4 [at 6 pm]. Their next session (Dec 18) should have the formal vote on the decision and on the variances requested. The Conservation Commission also meets remote only on Thursday, and will continue to work on the 444 East Central project.

The decision on the 444 East Central project is on schedule to be filed with the appropriate authorities by year end. At which time, appeals may start. When those will end is open to speculation.

THe HO scale train town exhibit of Franklin circa 1932 gets expanded to include the Mill Store and Franklin Paint with the official opening scheduled for Saturday, Dec 6. It is scheduled for display through January 2026.

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 11/28/25, 8:30 PM ***

Planning Board Meeting - meeting Cancelled

Monday, December 1 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12012025-2016

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group

Tuesday, December 2 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-2023

Franklin Cultural Council

Tuesday, December 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-2027

BOARD OF HEALTH MEETINGS

Wednesday, December 3 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2030

Town Council Meeting / Tax Rate Hearing

Wednesday, December 3 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2031

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, December 4 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-2029

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, December 4 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/534?fileID=6990

Zoning Board Of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting (Zoom Only meeting)

Thursday, December 4 Time: 6 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-2026

*** Looking back at the week that was ***

No significant Town meetings happened last week with the short holiday week.

The Turkey Trot set a record with the largest registrations. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/over-1000-registrations-for-franklin.html

The FHS football team lost to King Philip:

Podcast episodes you may have missed

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html

MEDWAY

Medwayma.gov no longer  readily supports 'cut and paste.' Visit the site directly for current information.

STATE HOUSE and BEYOND

Initiative petition supporters are shepherding an ambitious agenda and their next checkpoint on the way to the November 2026 ballot is Wednesday. Municipal clerks have been certifying signatures gathered by ballot campaigns and the signatures will be delivered to the state elections division, leading to an official announcement of which questions will be presented to the Legislature for consideration on their way to the 2026 ballot. The post-Thanksgiving period on Beacon Hill is also a time when state officials begin gathering revenue forecasts for next fiscal year. This December will also bring recommendations from a council set up to weigh new graduation standards now that voters in 2024 agreed to end high stakes MCAS exams. On the health care front, Massachusetts again has its eyes on Washington where the Trump administration is working on a health care proposal and states are closely monitoring talks over a potential extension of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. The House and Senate plan to continue meeting in informal sessions through December and can get negotiations going on cannabis legislation (H 4187 / S 2749) that has cleared each branch by sending those bills to a six-person conference committee for resolution. December is also supposed to be the month that the Cannabis Control Commission finalizes regulations governing social consumption of marijuana in licensed settings. After five days of no public events, Gov. Maura Healey returns to the limelight to join others for the annual State House "tree lighting" event Monday at 5 p.m. BILLS ON HEALEY'S DESK: A bill awaiting Gov. Healey's signature would strengthen protections for public transit workers who experience violence on the job (H 4645). Healey also still has a number of local bills before her that lawmakers steered her way Wednesday. Those include an act extending residency requirements for members of the regular police or fire departments and fire alarm division of the city of Newton (H 2335); relative to the town of Richmond Free Public Library (H 4154); authorizing the town of Acton to increase the residency limit for members of its police and fire departments (H 4168); and a sick leave bank for Jeanne McCarron (H 4624).

Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025

GOV. HEALEY: Gov. Healey has no public events scheduled.

LYNCH ON 5: WBZ-TV runs an "encore edition" of the weekly political talk show "Keller at Large" with former political analyst Jon Keller. Massachusetts AFL-CIO, President Chrissy Lynch joins to discuss organized labor's push for new state taxes and its relationship with the Trump administration. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WCVB-TV)

TRAHAN ON NBC: Congresswoman Lori Trahan joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard for the channel's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down" segment. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

"ON THE RECORD" | Everett Mayor-Elect Robert Van Campen is the featured guest with "On the Record" hosts Sharman Sacchetti and NewsCenter 5 anchor Ben Simmoneau. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Channel 5)

Monday, Dec. 1, 2025

BRISTOL MOSQUITO CONTROL: Bristol County Mosquito Control Commission holds a meeting. Agenda includes public comment, an update from the Office of Vehicle Management and an update on pesticide license renewal. (Monday, 7 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

EQUIPMENT CODE: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations' Equipment Code Committee meets. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Access)

CHARLES RIVER TASK FORCE: Charles River Task Force holds a public meeting. Agenda includes a discussion of preliminary recommendations for the task force's final report, along with a discussion of public hearings, update on focus groups, and a discussion of a Nov. 6 site walk. The Charles River Task Force on Equitable River Access is tasked with making sure environmental justice principles are considered when making decisions impacting the Charles River between the Longfellow and Eliot Bridges. (Monday, 9:30 a.m. | Register | Agenda)

RALLY FOR BALLOT QUESTION: Supporters of a ballot question hike across the Charles River and to the State House for a rally. The measure would steer sales tax revenue from sporting goods like golf clubs, RVs and camping gear into a new "Nature for All Fund." The petition’s goal is to conserve and restore land and to protect sources of drinking water, rivers, coasts, lakes, farms, streams and forests. Funds could also be used to support land and natural resources with “indigenous cultural significance” and the measure would create a public oversight board to sign off on expenditures from the fund. Supporters of the campaign say they have collected more than 100,000 signatures, exceeding the required 74,574 required to move forward on the path to the 2026 ballot. Hikers will depart from the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Charlestown office at 9:30 a.m. with backpacks full of petition sheets and host a rally on the State House steps at 10:30 a.m. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., 10 City Square, Boston)

MEDICINE SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on adopting emergency regulations tied to rates for medicine services. The change would add correctional facilities as eligible providers and set a monthly rate of $269.99 per member for pre-release case management services. EOHHS expects the change will cost $108,000 annually. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

CORRECTIONAL FACILITY SERVICES: MassHealth holds a public hearing on emergency regulations tied to correctional facility services. MassHealth has created a new correctional facility provider type, enabling services like case management for eligible juveniles before they're released. (Monday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)

HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (11 a.m., House Chamber | Calendar TBA)

SENATE: Senate meets in an informal session. (11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Agenda TBA)

MASSHEALTH ADMINISTRATIVE, BILLING REGS: MassHealth holds a public hearing on proposed amendments to administrative and billing regulations that would take effect on April 10, 2026. One change would ensure Massachusetts complies with federal regulations dealing with prior authorization. Other provisions would update payment conditions for providers and referral exemption requirements for primary care and clarify that providers participating in managed care must adhere to performance standards outlined in contracts. (Monday, 1 p.m. | More Info)

SENATE ART COMMITTEE: Senate Art Committee meets to review the process for choosing busts for the Senate Chamber and how to select an artist. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Virtual)

CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY: Massachusetts Convention Center Authority's Designer Selection Panel meets. Members will discuss design service proposals and next steps. (Monday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

COPLEY SQUARE TREE LIGHTING: Boston Parks and Recreation Department hosts the annual Copley Square Tree Lighting. This year’s event also marks the reopening of Copley Square Park, which has been under construction since July 2023. Guided tours of the park will be available from 4-5 p.m. The celebration includes appearances from Santa Claus and Rudolph as well as entertainment including the Boston Children’s Chorus, Emerson College’s a cappella group Symphonic and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Joelle James. Visitors can also participate in holiday arts and crafts led by local artists. After the event, attendees can have cookies and take pictures with Santa. (Monday, 4 p.m., 560 Boylston St., Boston)

STATE HOUSE TREE LIGHTING: Gov. Maura Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll host the annual State House tree lighting. The event is free and open to the public. Media is required to RSVP. (Monday, 5 p.m., State House Front Steps and Great Hall)

MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government solicits written testimony on local bills related to Westborough and Westwood's charter, and permitting in Revere. (Monday through Friday)

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

BIOTECH SUMMIT: Boston Biotech Summit takes place featuring panel discussions among industry leaders on topics like capital flows, policy shifts and Boston’s ecosystem outlook. Panelists will also discuss investment, development and leasing of lab and GMP facilities as well as aligning tenant preferences with construction and design for lab space. There will be networking opportunities for attendees. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., Boynton Gateway 495 Columbia St., Somerville | Tickets and More Info)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations' Administrative Code Committee meets. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Access)

ENERGY SUMMIT: New England Power Generators Association hosts the New England Energy Summit in partnership with The Dupont Group. Alex Fitzsimmons, acting undersecretary of energy for the U.S. Department of Energy, will be the keynote speaker. The event will feature discussions among industry leaders, end users and policy makers on the financial market and policy impacts on energy, AI and data centers as well as improving wholesale and retail market alignment. There will be a fireside chat with Thad Hill, former CEO and president of Calpine, and Gordon van Welie, CEO and president of ISO New England. The event includes a CEO roundtable discussion featuring Sherman Knight, CEO of Competitive Power Ventures; Curt Morgan, CEO of Alpha Generation; Justin Trudell, CEO and president of First Light Power; and Sarah Wright, founder and managing partner of Hull Street Energy. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., The Colonnade Hotel 120 Huntington Ave., Boston |Tickets)

GAMING COMMISSION: Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a hearing on changes to regulations dealing with sports wagering vendor initial licenses and registrations, and the duration of renewal terms. The commission is looking to increase the initial term from three to five years, and increase the renewal date from the third anniversary to the fifth anniversary. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

DTA PITTSFIELD ADVISORY BOARD: Department of Transitional Assistance's Pittsfield Advisory Board holds a public meeting. Agenda includes DTA's local director updates, the board's statewide updates and board members' organization information sharing and updates. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., More Info and Agenda)

RENT CONTROL SUPPORTERS MEET: Supporters of the proposed ballot initiative that would limit annual rent increases to no more than 5% gather before turning in signatures to the Secretary of State to qualify the measure for the 2026 ballot. Homes for All Massachusetts, the coalition backing the ballot initiative, says they collected more than 124,000 raw signatures, exceeding the 74,574 signature requirement. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., State House Ashburton Park Entrance)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board holds a public meeting. Agenda includes a commissioner report, deputy commissioner update and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a hearing on bills related to personnel. Bills on the agenda add paths to professional licensure for teachers, increase the salaries of substitute teachers and several bills address high transportation costs for school districts. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Livestream)

OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LAUNCH: The governor's office holds a launch event for the Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention. The new office within the Department of Mental Health is focused on "statewide coordination and implementation of innovative, evidence-informed, data-driven, and trauma-informed strategies to advance the promotion of behavioral health and prevention of mental health conditions, including substance use disorders." The office is leading a statewide assessment about current behavioral health initiatives. (Tuesday, 1:15 p.m., Grand Staircase)

MEET BOSTON ANNUAL MEETING: Meet Boston hosts its annual meeting. Organizers say more than 400 hoteliers, restaurateurs, attraction and event executives will attend. They plan to discuss upcoming events, sports tourism and recent challenges and successes in the industry. Discussion topics include details about the recent MICHELIN Guide selections in the area, the new Greater Boston Sports Commission, Frostival and a “Supplier Diversity” effort with Conan Harris & Associates set to launch in early 2026. The event will also offer updates on 2026 events like the FIFA World Cup, the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and the return of Tall Ships. Mayor Michelle Wu and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are expected to give remarks. Martha Sheridan, CEO and president of Meet Boston, will moderate discussions with local hospitality and sports leaders. Media are asked to RSVP in advance, the event is not open to the public. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., InterContinental Boston 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston)

LAMPSON BROOK FARM BOARD: Lampson Brook Farm Board of Directors meets. Agenda includes a discussion with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance about how to move the board's mission forward. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES: Division of Marine Fisheries holds a public hearing on emergency regulations tied to permitting of the commercial striped bass fishery for 2026. Officials want to limit permit endorsements in the new year to individuals who had permits in 2024 or 2025; require the permit holder to be present during commercial striped bass fishing; make the permit non-transferable; and update the "control date" for permits. Written comments can be submitted through 5 p.m. on Dec. 12 to marine.fish@mass.gov. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

GLOUCESTER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting about a proposed moveable bridge replacement project in Gloucester, involving Route 127 (Western Avenue) over the Blynman Canal. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

NORTH SHORE AND MERRIMACK VALLEY HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: The annual North Shore and Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive returns with a live broadcast tour featuring 14 locations. Organizers say the drive is expected to collect thousands of toys and dollars over the three-day event. The drive will be traveling to several locations each day including restaurants, senior centers and local businesses. Each stop will offer refreshments, a place to gather, performances from students and musicians. There will also be guests available for interviews like local elected officials, including Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, and members of the police and fire departments. Santa Claus will visit each location and Mrs. Claus will be joining at surprise spots. (Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., Capitol Diner 431 Union St, Lynn | More info and Livestream)

DTA BOSTON/QUINCY ADVISORY BOARD: Department of Transitional Assistance's Boston/Quincy Advisory Board holds a public meeting. Agenda includes DTA's local director updates, the board's statewide updates and board members' organization information sharing and updates. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., More Info and Agenda)

FOOD POLICY COUNCIL: Massachusetts Food Policy Council meets. Agenda touches on the Massachusetts Legislative Food System Caucus, Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, officer and committee reports, and program and council member updates. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

PRIMARY CARE: Primary Care Task Force meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Executive Committee of the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council holds a public meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Register | More Info)

MASSDOT BOARD: MassDOT Board of Directors meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Boston | More Info)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Toiya Taylor to the Probate and Family Court. She's currently the first assistant clerk magistrate for the Dorchester Division of Boston Municipal Court. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

FIRE TRAINING COUNCIL: Massachusetts Fire Training Council meets. Agenda includes a fiscal affairs report, and legislative and Department of Fire Services updates. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy will also present on the new application process for recruits. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 1 State Road, Stow | More Info)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Frances Dallmeyer to the District Court. She's a solo practitioner with nearly two decades of experience representing clients in criminal defense and family law issues. She's been a bar advocate since 2006. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber| Livestream)

OB3 HEALTH CARE IMPACTS: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation hosts a webinar on impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill on health care in Massachusetts. The webinar will provide an overview of the subsidized coverage landscape in Massachusetts, and provisions in the law that will impact Medicaid and marketplace eligibility and financing. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND REHAB COUNCIL: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind's Rehabilitation Council holds a public meeting. Agenda includes updates from the commissioner and on the budget, programs and services and dashboard. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Agenda and Access)

LIFE SCIENCES INVESTMENT COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's Investment Committee meet. Members will vote on the BioBoost Award and an additional funding request for fiscal 2025 research infrastructure. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

WOMEN'S NETWORK DISCUSSION: The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network hosts a discussion titled “Women Shaping Boston’s Cultural and Conservation Landscape.” WCVB anchor Antoinette Antonio will moderate a panel discussion among leaders of regional cultural and conservation institutions focused on their evolving priorities, role in the community and contribution to local tourism and economy. Panelists include: Stephanie Brinley, CEO and president of Zoo New England; Carole Charnow, CEO and president of the Boston’s Children’s Museum; and Vikki Spruill, CEO and president of the New England Aquarium. Press and media should RSVP. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., PwC Office 101 Seaport Blvd., Boston)

GOLF COURSE IMPROVEMENT: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about the Leo J. Martin Golf Course Improvement Project. DCR's project team plans to present plans for improvements to the Weston course over the next 12 to 16 months. According to DCR, the proposed scope for the project includes additional cart paths, tree planting, a new course-wide irrigation system and new greens at four locations. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register | More Info)

MASSDOT WORCESTER IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed project in Worcester to boost pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Pleasant Street. The project involves rebuilding existing sidewalks, constructing new sidewalks and bike lanes, and adding pedestrian crossings with ADA-compliant curb ramps. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., West Tatnuck Elementary School, 300 Mower St., Worcester | More Info)

SIGNATURE FILING DEADLINE: Initiative petition supporters need to file at least 74,574 certified signatures with Secretary of State William Galvin's office by Wednesday. Once the signatures are verified, the proposal will be sent to the Legislature in January 2026 for its consideration on or before the first Wednesday of May 2026. If the Legislature does not enact a proposal, proponents must gather 12,429 additional signatures from registered voters by July 1, 2026, to place the proposed law on the November 2026 ballot.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

ACIP MEETING: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices holds a two-day meeting. Thursday's agenda includes discussions on vaccine risk monitoring evaluations, vaccine schedule history, the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, and vaccine schedule considerations. New laws in Massachusetts have enabled the Department of Public Health to disentangle state vaccine policy from ACIP recommendations. Gov. Maura Healey and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein have repeatedly rebuked U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's statements on vaccines, including claims linking childhood immunizations and autism. "We urge the ACIP to systematically monitor emerging data on vaccine safety, consult with leading experts, and update guidance based solely on high-quality evidence," Goldstein wrote in a public comment to ACIP members on Nov. 22. "We encourage the federal government to robustly support the multiple systems that track vaccine safety, to rigorously analyze the data for any credible safety signals, and to share findings widely, with substantive evidence and recommendations made public. Routine childhood vaccinations are responsible for significant gains in human life expectancy and major declines in childhood illnesses, hospitalizations, and mortality." (Thursday, 9 a.m., CDC Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia | More Info)

CHIA HEARING: Center for Health Information and Analysis holds a public hearing on new reporting requirements for hospitals, physician organizations and parent organizations, stemming from the 2025 hospital oversight law. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

NORTH SHORE AND MERRIMACK VALLEY HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: The annual North Shore and Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive returns with a live broadcast tour featuring 14 locations. Organizers say the drive is expected to collect thousands of toys and dollars over the three-day event. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Aubuchon Ace Hardware 114 County Road, Ipswich | More info and Livestream)

EARLY ED ADVISORY COUNCIL: Advisory Council on Early Education and Care meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

SMALL BUSINESS STRONG: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Strong initiative holds a free event for small businesses to meet one-on-one with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office. Attendees can learn how to get SDO certification. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 265 Franklin St., Boston | Register)

HOUSE ETHICS TRAINING: The House Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement holds a mandatory ethics training for all House staff members. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)

BCYF NORTH END: A groundbreaking ceremony is held for the new BCYF North End Community Center. Boston Mayor Wu attends. (Thursday, 11 a.m., 475 Commercial St., Boston)

HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Calendar TBA)

SENATE: Senate meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Agenda TBA)

BOSTON CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: The City of Boston celebrates the lighting of the official 2025 Christmas tree from Nova Scotia Canada. Mayor Michelle Wu will host the celebration along with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. The Pointer Sisters will headline the event with performances from Nova Scotia artists Matt Andersen and Maggie Andrew as well as Disney on Broadway’s Belinda Allyn and the Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses. Pre-show entertainment includes performances by Boston Police Officer Stephen McNulty, Origination, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Joelle James and Taste of Ireland. This year’s tree is a 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Ronald and Claire Feener from Lunenburg County in Nova Scotia. The celebration will be followed by the lighting of trees on Commonwealth Avenue Mall. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Boston Common)

PARK DESIGN LISTENING SESSION: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a listening session about the Leo M. Birmingham Park design. The project team plans to present preliminary conceptual design options for a new 3.5-acre passive park directly adjacent to a portion of the Leo M. Birmingham Parkway in Brighton. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register and More Info)

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING: The Boston Experimental Theatre Company and the Massachusetts Temporary Protected Status Committee host a screening of a documentary about more than 1 million protected status families across the U.S. at risk of deportation and family separation. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with members of the National and Massachusetts TPS Committee. Admission is free but RSVPs are encouraged. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Tsai Auditorium at Harvard University 1730 Cambridge St., Cambridge| RSVP)

MASSDOT MATTAPOISETT IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed project in Mattapoisett, which involves reconstructing Main Street, Water Street, Beacon Street and Marion Road between Tobey Lane and Route 6. The project covers about 1.39 miles, with MassDOT planning to build new concrete sidewalks and replace drainage and water distribution systems, among other goals. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Old Rochester Regional High School, Auditorium, 135 Marion Road, Mattapoisett | More Info)

MASSDOT SOMERVILLE/CAMBRIDGE PROJECT: MassDOT holds an open house on a proposed project to reconstruct McGrath Highway (Route 28) between Broadway in Somerville and Third Street in Cambridge. Officials say they want to remove the McCarthy Overpass, replacing it with a "surface boulevard-style roadway with at-grade signalized intersections." MassDOT says the project "focuses on improving community connectivity between neighborhoods and accommodation for all roadway users." (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Somerville High School, Lower Cafeteria, 81 Highland Ave., Somerville | More Info)

GRAFTON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed bridge replacement project in Grafton. Officials want to replace the 149-foot long, three-span bridge that carries Shrewsbury Street (Route 140) over the MBTA/CSX railroad. MassDOT says the new bridge will have "11-foot travel lanes, a 9-foot buffered bike lane and 5.5-foot concrete sidewalks on both sides." (Thursday, 7 p.m., Grafton Town Hall, 30 Providence Road, Grafton)

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

MHA WOMEN LEADERS CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association holds its 2025 annual women leaders health care conference. Aimee Brewer, president and CEO of Sturdy Health, will moderate a panel with Yvonne Hao, CEO of Flagship Pioneering; Dallas Ducar, executive vice president of donor engagement and external relations at Fenway Health; Lindsay Gainer, president and CEO at MGB Medical Group; and Dorosella Green, an Aspen Ideas Health Fellow. (Friday, 8 a.m., Westin Seaport | Register)

ACIP MEETING: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices holds the second day of its meeting. Agenda includes a presentation and discussion on the hepatitis B vaccine. Members are expected to vote on delaying the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine until one month after delivery, after ACIP punted on a decision at its September member. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said it will continue to recommend universal hepatitis B vaccine at birth. "Among children born during 1994–2023 in the U.S, it is estimated that hepatitis B vaccination averted nearly a million hospitalizations and 90,000 deaths," DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein wrote in a public comment to ACIP members on Nov. 22. "Universal administration of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, regardless of maternal hepatitis B status, serves as an essential safeguard that protects newborns when they are most vulnerable to exposure. The birth dose protects against the risks of infants being exposed to hepatitis B due to a missed maternal infection or to an undiagnosed infection from caregivers or other members of the household." (Friday, 8 a.m., CDC Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia | More Info)

QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY: Board of Registration in Medicine holds a public Quality and Patient Safety Committee meeting. Agenda includes publicly addressing the Patient Care Assessment program structure, a new board logo and the committee's division newsletter and staff changes. An executive session follows at 9 a.m. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Agenda and Access)

MUNI COUNCILLOR TRAINING: Massachusetts Municipal Councillors' Association holds a training session for newly elected councilors. All city and town councilors are also invited, organizers say. MMCA President Brendan Sweeney and Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine give welcome remarks. Sean Cronin, senior deputy commissioner of the Division of Local Services, presents on "city budget and state finance 101." (Friday, 9 a.m., Cyprian Keyes Gold Club, Boylston, 284 E. Temple St., Boylston | Register)

NORTH SHORE AND MERRIMACK VALLEY HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: The annual North Shore and Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive returns with a live broadcast tour featuring 14 locations. Organizers say the drive is expected to collect thousands of toys and dollars over the three-day event. (Friday, 9 a.m., Hilton Senior Center 43 Lafayette Road, Salisbury | More info and Livestream)

WORCESTER CHAMBER'S 150TH: Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce holds its 150th annual meeting. Consul General of Canada in Boston Hon. Bernadette Jordan will give a keynote speech. Program agenda includes the election of officers and directors of the chamber and an update on its "Recruit, Retain and Incubate" agenda, according to organizers. Registration and networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and programming runs between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. (Friday, 11:30 a.m., DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester | More Info)

JUSTICE-INVOLVED WOMEN: Panel on Justice-Involved Women meets. Agenda includes a vote on the 2025 annual report. Members will also discuss goals and priorities for 2026. (Friday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

USS CONSTITUTION TREE LIGHTING: USS Constitution hosts its annual tree lighting ceremony. The event is free and will include a visit from Santa Claus with photo opportunities, music, ship tours and remarks from the ship’s commanding officer. There will also be the evening colors, a ceremony marking the lowering of the American flag at sunset, which is scheduled for 4:12 p.m. (Friday, 3 p.m., Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston)

SEAL OF BILITERACY REGULATIONS: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education solicits public comment on regulatory amendments to delete references to the "competency determination" in the criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes Massachusetts high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English, which used to be based partially on the MCAS exam. Following the passage of last year's ballot law that decoupled the MCAS exam from the "competency determination" standard tied to graduation, the department is revising its laws. (Friday, 5 p.m. deadline)

COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government accepts written testimony through Dec. 5 on three bills. H 4751 sponsored by Rep. Donaghue amends the Westborough’s town charter. H 4752 proposed by Rep. Giannino would allow the city of Revere to establish penalties and liens for rooming house and certificate of fitness ordinance violations. H 4753 sponsored by Rep. McMurtry would amend the town charter of Westwood. Testimony should be addressed to House Chair Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis and Senate Chair Becca Rausch and submitted via email to muni.committee@malegislature.gov or postal mail. (Friday, 5 p.m. | More info and Livestream)

COMPETENCY DETERMINATION REGULATIONS: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education solicits public comment on regulatory amendments to delete references to the "competency determination" in the state's definition of "transcript." The change is part of the department's efforts to update state laws following last year's ballot law that decoupled the MCAS from a diploma in Massachusetts. (Friday deadline)

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