Primary election 9/6

From Marion Bonoldi, Town Clerk –

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The State Primary will be held on Tuesday, September 6 , 2022

Polls will be located at the Council of Aging Center, 1 Icehouse Road and will be open from 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.  

Vote by mail applications must be completed by August 29, 2022 at 5:00 PM.  All completed vote by mail ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office or the green drop box on Janes Ave by close of polls (8PM).  No vote by mail ballots will be accepted at the polling location.

In-Person Early Voting

Location : Medfield Town House, 2nd Floor Hearing Room, 459 Main Street

Saturday, August 2711:00AM – 5:00PM
Monday, August 298:30AM – 4:30PM
Tuesday, August 308:30AM – 7:30PM
Wednesday, August 318:30AM – 4:30PM
Thursday, September 18:30AM – 4:30PM
Friday, September 28:30AM – 12:00PM

The VOTES Act signed June 2022

  1. Beginning July 22, 2022, the voter registration deadline for all elections and town meetings will be 10 calendar days before the date of the meeting or election.
  2. Local election officials will still be required to hold in-person registration sessions on the last day to register to vote, which for any Tuesday election will now be a Saturday, but the registration session will end at 5 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.
  3. As in 2020, the Elections Division will be mailing Vote by Mail applications at least 45 days before every regular state primary, state election, and presidential primary. The applications will be sent to everyone registered to vote by the 60th day before the election who has not already applied for a ballot. The applications will be pre-addressed to the local election office and postage pre-paid. Unlike previous years, family members are now allowed to request an early Vote by Mail ballot on a voter’s behalf, as they currently can with absentee ballots. Similarly, family members are now permitted to return an early Vote by Mail ballot for the voter as well.
  4. Changes deadline to apply for vote by mail ballot from 4 days to 5 business days prior to the election.
  5. For most elections, all ballots will still have to be returned by close of polls on Election Day. Beginning with the 2022 State Election, ballots will be able to arrive up to 3 days after Election Day for biennial state elections only. This means that ballots mailed from inside the country can be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received by 5 p.m. on the Friday after Election Day. Again, this is only for biennial state elections, which are the November federal elections held in even-numbered years.
  6. Requires early voting in person for presidential primaries, state primaries and state elections.
  7. 150 Foot Rule – Beginning with early voting for the September 6th State Primary, the 150 foot rule prohibiting campaigning around polling places will be extended to early voting sites as well. This means that there shall be no campaigning for or against a candidate or question on the ballot for that election within 150 feet of the entrance to the early voting site during voting hours. Signature gathering of any kind will also be prohibited during the voting hours.

Call Governor to ask he sign the climate bill

Ask the Governor to sign the climate bill –

This summary is from Environment Massachusetts –

Logo
With major climate and clean energy legislation moving through Congress, this is a big week for climate action. And it could get even bigger. In Massachusetts, there’s a bill on Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk that would help make our homes and businesses more energy-efficient and put more electric vehicles on the road. But Gov. Baker only has until Thursday night to act on the climate bill — and he hasn’t said yet whether he’ll sign it into law or veto it. We need to show the governor that there’s broad support for the commonsense climate policies in this bill. Whether you’re a municipal official, small business owner, civic leader, or concerned citizen, your voice can make a difference.

Will you call Gov. Baker today and ask him to sign the climate bill into law?

Here’s the number to call: (617) 725-4005

When you call the Governor’s office, you might speak with a live person or you might be directed to voicemail. Either way, you should keep your message short and sweet. Here’s what you can say:

Hi, my name is _______ and I live in ______ (your town). I’m calling about the climate bill, House Bill 5060. I’m asking Governor Baker to sign this bill into law. [You can add a sentence or two about why the bill matters to you.]

Once you make the call, reply to this email and let us know how it went!

Thanks for taking action. With your help, we can take a big step toward a cleaner, healthier, and safer future.

Sincerely, Ben Hellerstein
State Director P.S. After you call Gov. Baker’s office, share our tweet and help us spread the word!
Wait a minute. This all sounds familiar. Wasn’t there a climate bill on Gov. Baker’s desk a couple of weeks ago?

In a word, yes. The Massachusetts House and Senate passed a climate bill on July 21 with broad, bipartisan support. The following week, Gov. Baker sent the bill back to the Legislature with suggested amendments. Legislators then passed a revised version of the bill, adopting some of the governor’s amendments while rejecting others.

The bill that’s currently on Gov. Baker’s desk reflects a compromise between the governor’s vision for climate legislation and the efforts of House and Senate leaders. This bill would take several important steps toward powering Massachusetts with 100% clean energy. If signed into law, it will:

* Ensure that 100% of the cars sold in Massachusetts are electric vehicles by 2035.

* Allow up to 10 cities and towns to adopt local policies requiring new buildings to use fossil-fuel-free heating and appliances, an important step toward safer, healthier homes and businesses for everyone.

* Require the owners of large buildings — such as offices, apartment buildings, hospitals, and universities — to disclose their energy use each year, in order to help identify the biggest opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

You can help make sure this bill becomes law by calling Gov. Baker’s office today!

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Livington Taylor at Bellforge Arts Center 9/3

From Stacey David, Director of Marketing & Communications, Bellforge Arts Center sdavid@bellforge.org

Livingston Taylor by Mim Adkins 2017

BELLFORGE ARTS CENTER BRINGS LIVINGSTON TAYLOR LIVE TO MEDFIELD

(Medfield, MA): The Bellforge Arts Center is pleased to announce Livingston Taylor Live in concert on September 3, with openers Ash & Eric. Doors open at 3:00 pm, with opening acts starting at 4:00 pm and Livingston Taylor performing at 6:00 pm. General admission tickets are $35. A limited number of VIP tickets, which include a pre-concert cocktail reception with Taylor, are offered for $100. A variety of food and drink options will be available for purchase during the afternoon.

The outdoor concert will be held at the new Bellforge Arts Center on the former Medfield State Hospital campus. For tickets and more information, visit www.bellforge.org/livingston.

Livingston Taylor Live is one of many concerts, festivals, and events organized by Bellforge for the summer. For more information about the Bellforge Arts Center, including a schedule of free upcoming programs and events, please visit www.bellforge.org.

# # #

The Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex being built on the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Bellforge currently offers outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events, along with over 200 miles of nature trails and outdoor recreation space. Once fully renovated, the center will also offer visual and performing arts studios, arts education, a 300-seat performance venue, and more.

Select Board Office Hours this morning 9-10

Select Board Office Hours this Morning

I hold regular monthly office hours at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. 
Residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters.
Residents can also have coffee and see the Council on Aging in action (a vibrant organization with lots going on).

Bellforge Arts Center COMEDY FESTIVAL 8/13

From the Bellforge Arts Center’s Stacey David, Director of Marketing & Communications, sdavid@bellforge.org

BELLFORGE ARTS CENTER ANNOUNCES VANYALAND COMEDY FESTIVAL

Roger Gordy photo

(Medfield, MA): The Bellforge Arts Center and Vanyaland are pleased to bring you their first ever Comedy Festival, a free event on Aug 13 from noon to 7 pm, showcasing popular Massachusetts comedians Brian Glowacki, Ken Reid, Will Smalley, Nick Ortolani, Emily Ruskowski, Shaun Connolly, Rob Crean, Tiny, Brieana Woodward, Andrew Mayer, and Jason Greenough. 

The Comedy Festival will offer not only a great line up of artists, but also a variety of food options for purchase from ThankQue BBQ, and a full bar featuring Patrón Tequila, all at the site of the new Bellforge Arts Center on the former Medfield State Hospital campus. Free tickets can be found online at https://bit.ly/BellforgeComedy. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the outdoor event. The rain date for the festival is Aug. 14.

The Comedy Festival is one of many free concerts, festivals, and events organized by Bellforge for the summer. For more information about the Bellforge Arts Center, including a schedule  of upcoming programs and events, please visit www.bellforge.org.

# # #

The Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex being built on the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Bellforge currently offers outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events, along with over 200 miles of nature trails and outdoor recreation space. Once fully renovated, the center will also offer visual and performing arts studios, arts education, a 300-seat performance venue, and more.

Vanyaland is an online magazine covering music, film, TV, and comedy for “culture-forward” individuals looking to discover a definitive news, lifestyle, and entertainment source in their city and beyond.

BELLFORGE ARTS CENTER FALL DANCE FESTIVAL 9/11

From Bellforge Arts Center’s Stacey David, Director of Marketing & Communications, sdavid@bellforge.org –

BELLFORGE ARTS CENTER ANNOUNCES FALL DANCE FESTIVAL

(Medfield, MA): The Bellforge Arts Center announces a fall Dance Festival on Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 5:00 pm. This free event will showcase performances by Festival Ballet Providence, Pantos Project, BoSoma Dance Company, and more, plus interactive workshops in a variety of dance forms including Hawaiian hula, Irish jig, Simdaca Moov (African fusion), and others. Plus, attendees can browse our Dance Open House booths to learn more about area dance studios, companies, available classes from preschool to adult, and dancewear products. This family-friendly event is open to all. For more information, or to apply for booth space if you are a dance studio, company, or dance-related retail shop, visit https://bit.ly/BellforgeDance.


The Bellforge Dance Festival is one of many free concerts, festivals, and events organized by Bellforge for the summer. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy this outdoor event. For more information about the Bellforge Arts Center, including a schedule of upcoming programs and events, please visit www.bellforge.org.

#

The Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex being built on the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Bellforge currently offers outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events, along with over 200 miles of nature trails and outdoor recreation space. Once fully renovated, the center will also offer visual and performing arts studios, arts education, a 300-seat performance venue, and more.

Select Board 8/2/2022

  1. To join online, use this link:
    https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/81250089206?pwd=T0k3YzJzQWRoeDY5aS9HRUE1WC9mZz09
    a. Webinar ID: 812 5008 9206
    b. Password: 808096
  2. To join through a conference call, dial 929-436-2866 or 312-626-6799 or 253-215-8782
    or 301-715-8592 or 346-248-7799 or 669-900-6833
    a. Enter the Webinar ID: 812 5008 9206
    b. Enter the password: 808096
    The packet with meeting materials for this meeting is available at this link:
    https://www.town.medfield.net/DocumentCenter/View/6475/BOS-Meeting-Packet-August-2-2022
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
MEETING
NOTICE
Posted in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A, §§18-25
This meeting will be held in a hybrid format. The Board of Selectmen will attend in person and
members of the public may attend in person. In addition, members of the public who wish to
participate via Zoom may do so by joining by one of the following options:
1. To join online, use this link:
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/81250089206?pwd=T0k3YzJzQWRoeDY5aS9HRUE1WC9mZz09
a. Webinar ID: 812 5008 9206
b. Password: 808096
2. To join through a conference call, dial 929-436-2866 or 312-626-6799 or 253-215-8782
or 301-715-8592 or 346-248-7799 or 669-900-6833
a. Enter the Webinar ID: 812 5008 9206
b. Enter the password: 808096
The packet with meeting materials for this meeting is available at this link:
https://www.town.medfield.net/DocumentCenter/View/6475/BOS-Meeting-Packet-August-2-2022
Board of Selectmen
Board or Committee
PLACE OF MEETING DAY, DATE, AND TIME
Chenery Hall, Medfield Town House
Remote participation available through Zoom Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Agenda (Subject to Change)
Call to Order
Disclosure of video recording
We want to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving around the globe in defense of
our country
Appointments
1. Town Clerk, Marion Bonaldi:
a. Discuss early voting schedule for State Primary September 6, 2022
b. Request that the Board of Selectmen vote to sign the election warrant for State
Primary September 6, 2022
c. Request that the Board of Selectmen vote to appoint election workers for early
voting and election day
d. Request that the Board of Selectmen vote to delegate the authority given to them
in Section 13 of Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2022 (VOTE Act) to detail sufficient
number of police officers or constables for each building that contains the polling
places for one or more precincts at every election therein to preserve order and to
protect the election officers and supervisors from interference with their duties
and to aid in enforcing the laws relating to elections to the Chief of Police.
2. Chief Carrico to provide a quarterly update on department of operations
3. Chief Guerette to discuss Special Police Officers and request the appointment of retired
Police Officer Christine DiNatale as a Special Police Officer
4. Director of Public Works Maurice Goulet to discuss ongoing drought and water
conservation restrictions
5. Public Hearing regarding the Medfield Community Choice Aggregation Plan and
proposed changes to the plan
6. Public Hearing for the following Solicitor License Applications:
a. Trinity Solar - Justin Diamand
Discussion Items (Potential Votes)
7. Discussion and evaluation of Town Administrator’s FY2022 goals
8. Discussion of Town Administrator’s FY2023 goals and vote to approve Town
Administrator’s FY2023 goals
9. Discussion of Board of Selectmen’s FY2023 goals
10. Discussion of maintenance and care of the Chapel and Infirmary, leased by the Cultural
Alliance of Medfield
11. Discuss the number of members of the Board of Selectmen
Action Items
12. Vote to approve proposed charter for a Dog Control Bylaw Committee
13. Vote to approve a contract with the UMass Boston Collins Center for a compensation and
classification plan, to be funded by a $25,000 grant received from the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Community Compact Best Practices Program
14. Board, committee, and individual appointments and reappointments per listings attached
to the meeting agenda
15. Vote to approve lease, Power Purchase Agreement, and PILOT Agreement with Solect
for the solar project at the DPW Town Garage
16. Vote to authorize the Town Administrator to sign a contract for auditing services with
Melanson for Fiscal Year 2022
17. Vote to sign the SMOC Low Income Water Assistance Program Contract
Citizen Comment
Consent Agenda
18. Medfield Cultural Alliance requests a one day, all-alcohol license for August 4 and
September 9 from 5pm - 9pm for the Bellforge Arts Center for a small fundraising event
19. Medfield Cultural Alliance requests permission to hang a Bellforge banner on the fence at
the Medfield State Hospital entrance
20. The Trustees of Reservations is partnering with Coolidge After Midnite for a Scary
Movie Night at Rocky Woods and request a one-day beer/wine permit for the event on
Friday, July 29 from 6PM-11PM with a rain date of July 30
21. Jack’s Abby Brewing requests a one day beer/wine license for August 10th for their
annual staff outing in Rocky Woods from 3PM–7PM
Meeting Minutes
May 4, 2021
October 1, 2019
August 29, 2019
Town Administrator Updates
Next Meeting Dates
August 30, 2022
Selectmen Reports
Informational
● Town of Medfield Board of Appeals Chapel Hill Condominium Trust - Withdrawal of
Appeal
● Memo from the Medfield Planning Board re: recent updates and community planning
efforts
● FIOS TV Programming Change
Name
Recommended
Action Term
Current Term
Expires
Medfield State Hospital Development Committee
Todd Trehubenko Reappoint 1 year 2022
Johnny Martinez Reappoint 1 year 2022
Patrick Casey Reappoint 1 year 2022
Gus Murby Reappoint 1 year 2022
Chris McMahon Reappoint 1 year 2022
Kristine Trierweiler, Ex Officio, Non Voting Appoint 1 year
Medfield Energy Committee
Penni Conner Reappoint 1 year 2022
Cynthia Greene Reappoint 1 year 2022
George Whiting Reappoint 1 year 2022
James Redden Reappoint 1 year 2022
Andrew Jarrell Reappoint 1 year 2022
Emily Lowney Appoint 1 year
Fred Davis 2023
Hildrun Passas 2023
Paul Fechtelkotter 2023
Robert Winograd 2023
Megan Sullivan 2023
Jim Nail 2023
Alec Stevens 2023
Patricia Pembroke 2023
Amy Colleran, Ex Officio, Non Voting Reappoint 1 year 2022
Kristine Trierweiler, Ex Officio, Non Voting Reappoint 1 year 2022
Osler P. Peterson, Ex Officio, Non Voting Reappoint 1 year 2022
Historical Commission
David Temple, Co-Chair 2023
Seth Meehan, Co-Chair 2024
Maria Baler Reappoint 3 years 2022
Joe Opiela Reappoint 3 years 2022
Kirsten Poler Reappoint 3 years 2022
Doug Whitla 2024
Peter Fletcher 2024
Thomas Connors, Associate Reappoint 1 year 2022
John Thompson, Associate Reappoint 1 year 2022
Board of Registrars
Margaret Vasaturo Reappoint 3 years 2022
Jennifer Keating 2024
Donna Young 2024
Marion Bonoldi, Town Clerk
Title Name Term Ends Reappoint
Sergeants Daniel J. Burgess 2022
Connor Ashe 2022
Police Officers Michelle Manganello 2022
Michael Downing 2022
Robert G. Flaherty 2022
Wayne Sallale 2022
Joshua Souza 2022
Paul Treggiari 2022
Garrett Ledbetter 2022
Terrence Teehan  2022
Daniel Neal 2022
Francis Thisse 2022
Animal Control Officer Jennifer Cronin  2022
Robert LaPlante 2022
Lori Sallee 2022
Charles River Natural Maurice Goulet 2022
Storage Designees Kristine Trierweiler 2022
Community Gardens Committee  Neal Sanders 2022
Betty Sanders 2022
Constable for Election Marion Bonoldi, Town Clerk 2024
Constables and Keepers of the Lockup Daniel J. Burgess 2022
Connor Ashe 2022
Michelle Manganello 2022
Michael Downing 2022
Robert G. Flaherty 2022
Wayne Sallale 2022
Joshua Souza 2022
Paul Treggiari 2022
Daniel Neal 2022
Francis Thisse 2022
Garrett Ledbetter 2022
Ray Burton 2022
Thomas LaPlante 2022
Stephen Saulnier 2022
Sandra Cronin 2022
Thomas Hamano 2022
Paul Jordan 2022
Lori Sallee 2022
Robert LaPlante 2022
Individual Appointments
Title Name Term Ends Reappoint
Individual Appointments
Special Police Officers Ray Burton 2022
Thomas LaPlante 2022
Stephen Saulnier 2022
Sandra Cronin 2022
Thomas Hamano 2022
Paul Jordan 2022
Lori Sallee 2022
Robert LaPlante 2022
Contract Compliance Officer Kristine Trierweiler 2022
Director of Grave Markers for Veterans Frank Iafolla 2022
Fair Housing Officer Kristine Trierweiler 2022
Field Driver and Fence Viewer Gary Pelletier 2022
INSPECTIONS
Building Commissioner Gary Pelletier 2022
Alternate Building Commissioner Donald J. Colangelo, Jr 2022
Alternate Building Joseph Doyle 2022
Alternate Building John Mee 2022
Alternate Building Donald J. Colangelo, Jr 2022
Plumbing John A. Rose, Jr.  2022
Alternate Plumbing Robert Piersiak 2022
Electrical William A. Cooke, Jr.  2022
Alternate Electrical Michael Giampetro 2022
Alternate Plumbing James Coakley 2022
Inspector of Animals Jennifer Cronin 2022
Keepers of the Town Clock  David P. Maxson 2022
Local Auction Permit Agent Brittney Franklin 2022
Local Water Resource Management 
Official  Maurice Goulet 2022
Measurer of Wood and Bark  James Allhouse 2022
Medfield MBTA Advisory Board Designee Kristine Trierweiler 2022
MAPC Three River Sarah Raposa 2023
Municipal Census Supervisor  Marion Bonoldi, Town Clerk 2024
Title Name Term Ends Reappoint
Individual Appointments
Norfolk County Advisory Board  Gustave H. Murby 2022
Parking Clerk and Hearing Officer  Marion Bonoldi, Town Clerk 2024
Police Matrons Sandra Cronin 2022
Jennifer A. Cronin 2022
Pound Keeper Jennifer A. Cronin 2022
Public Weigher James Allhouse  2022
Rep to Regional Hazardous Waste 
Committee  Maurice Goulet 2022
Right to Know Coordinator Chief Carrico 2022
Sealer of Weights and Measurers James Allhouse 2022
Superintendent of Insect Pest Control Edward M. Hinkley 2022
Town Greeter Joseph E. Ryan 2022
Town Historian Richard DeSorgher 2022
Tree Warden Edward M.  Hinkley 2022
Veterans Service Officer Mark Bryson 2022
Zoning Enforcement Officer  Gary Pelletier 2022
MAPC Tric Sarah Raposa 2023
Traffic Supervisors Joanne O'Rourke 2022
Angela Brown 2022
Lisa Visser 2022
Jennifer Disinger 2022
Carmen Nazario 2022
Jennifer Disinger 2022
John A. Rose, Jr
2022
Tri-County Regional School Committee

Assistant Town Administrator, Nicholas Milano moves on and up – selected last night by Milton Select Board as their next Town Administrator

Read the Patriot Ledger article about the stiff competition Nick bested to get the job. Medfield has benefited hugely from Nick’s tenure here, and this Select Board members wishes him well in his next work.

From the Town of Milton website

Nicholas Milano Selected as the Next Town Administrator

POSTED ON: JULY 28, 2022 – 12:10PM

Image of Town Seal

The Milton Select Board is pleased to announce its unanimous selection of Nicholas Milano to be the next Milton Town Administrator subject to contract negotiations.

Mr. Milano currently serves as Assistant Town Administrator for the Town of Medfield, MA.  His prior experience includes service as a Senior Policy Analyst for the Boston Municipal Research Bureau; as Executive Aide to the Mayor of Marlboro, MA; as Project Coordinator for the Massachusetts School Building Authority; and as a Legislative Aide in MA.

Mr. Milano earned his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and holds a Master of Urban Affairs Degree from Boston University.  He also earned a Certificate in Local Government Management and Leadership sponsored by the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Suffolk University, he was a John William Ward Fellow while a student at Boston Latin School. 

Please join in congratulating Mr. Nicholas Milano on his selection as the next Town Administrator.

Bellforge presents 100 Thousand Poets for Change – 12-3PM on 8/6

From Stacey David, Director of Marketing & Communications, Bellforge Arts Center –

 
 
BELLFORGE ARTS CENTER ANNOUNCES 100 THOUSAND POETS FOR CHANGE EVENT
 
(Medfield, MA): The Bellforge Arts Center announces “Change to Heal, Heal to Change” on Aug. 6, from noon to 3:00 pm, an afternoon of storytelling and poetry on the ways change affects us: personal change, social change, climate change, change for growth, living in change, awakening through change. This spoken word event is one of the 100 Thousand Poets for Change (100TPC) worldwide events promoting peace, sustainability, and justice and calling for social, political, and environmental change. Award-winning slam poets, storytellers, and spoken word artists will share their commitment to environmental and social justice issues, including:
Jackson Gillman, a talented mime, actor, songsmith and storyteller, and the recipient of the Oracle Award at the National Storytelling Network. He has featured at the National Storytelling Festival multiple times, and has been Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center.
Thea Iberall has been called “a shimmering bridge between heart and mind.” An inductee into the International Educators Hall of Fame, she writes stories and poetry that springboard from the personal into emotional truths around climate change, racism, and discrimination. Thea is a member of Northeast Storytellers and is on the leadership team of the Jewish Climate Action Network.
Jamele “Harlem 125” Adams is a celebrated and high-energy slam poet whose TEDx Talk on “Race. Love. Freedom.” electrified audiences. He believes that with “love – inclusion – trust” no one will be left out, and our ability to come together amongst different beliefs is limitless.
Betsy Johnson, local poet and storyteller, will share poems on journey, transformation, lessons we teach our children, Alzheimer’s, and grounding.
Teddy Lytle is a performance artist and poet who co-founded Spectrum Theatre Ensemble, a neurodiverse theatre company. He has produced a number of solo shows focused on destigmatizing mental health and addiction and exploring how people and communities can change for the better.
Deana Tavares will share poems about moving through adversity towards healing oneself and the world, weaving in the topic of hope. She is a creatively fluid exhibiting visual artist, published poet, singer/songwriter, and actor. She is an Arts Connect International 2021 Ripple Grant recipient. 
Change to Heal, Heal to Change is one of many free concerts, festivals, and events organized by Bellforge for the summer. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy this outdoor event. People are encouraged to register as well, for event updates, at https://bit.ly/BellforgePoets. For more information about the Bellforge Arts Center, including a schedule  of upcoming programs and events, please visit www.bellforge.org.
 
# # #
 
About 100 Thousand Poets for Change: 100 Thousand Poets for Change (100 TPC) has organized over 5,000 poetry, art and music gatherings for the cause of Peace, Justice, and Sustainability across the globe in the last 10 years. Poets have come together year after year to lead and promote poetry readings, without any preconditions or censorship, where participants speak out for causes nearest their hearts. In the process, oppressions, exploitative practices, biases, and abuses of many kinds have been highlighted—whether based on gender, race, class, or religious affiliation, color, territory, language and cultural tradition, or any form of differentiation whatsoever. For more information, visit 100tpc.org.
 
About the Bellforge Arts Center: The Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex being built on the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Bellforge currently offers outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events, along with over 200 miles of nature trails and outdoor recreation space. Once fully renovated, the center will also offer visual and performing arts studios, arts education, a 300-seat performance venue, and more.

Gov signs budget – town looks to get $267K more this year from state

See the town Cherry Sheet for FY2023 here – https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/reports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=CherrySheets.CSbyProgMunis.MuniBudgFinal

FY2022 we got $8,116,943 from the state

FY2023 we will get $8,384,126, or $267,183 more (a 3.2% increase).

This alert below came this afternoon from the Massachusetts Municipal Association –

Governor Signs FY23 Budget  

Supports Key Municipal Aid and School Funding   

And Offers Amendment to Important Retiree COLA Language   

Please Thank Your Legislators and Ask Them to Accept  the Governor’s Amended COLA Language  
July 28, 2022  

Dear Osler L. Peterson,  

This morning, Governor Baker signed a $52.7 billion budget, including each of the increases in municipal and school aid accounts for which the MMA has prioritized throughout the process.   

The Governor also signed 153 of 194 of the outside sections of the budget and has returned a key section with an amendment for the Legislature’s consideration.   

As enacted by the Legislature, Outside Section 134 would allow retirement boards that have accepted Section 103 of Chapter 32 to award a cost-of-living-adjustment of up to 5% to retirees, rather than the current limit of up to 3%.   

In response to concerns voiced by the MMA, specifically related to the lack of decision-making authority on a potentially large expense for municipal budgets, the Governor returned this section with amended language (for the full language, see Attachment S, Returned with Amendments, Section 134). The amended language provides that if a local or regional retirement board chooses to adopt this provision, municipalities would have the authority to accept or reject its decision. There is further clarifying language regarding situations that involve a county retirement board with more than one participating municipality. For those regional systems, 2/3rds of the participating municipalities would need to approve the higher COLA. In addition, the Governor’s amended language would provide important clarification that the potential 3-5% increase would apply only on the approved base, not the entire pension. This would eliminate some lack of clarity in the current language. The Governor’s amendments would provide critical municipal oversight for this costly provision.    

The provision now returns to the Legislature, which can accept the Governor’s proposed amendment, insist on its original language, or propose different language. If the Legislature insists on its own language, or proposes different language, the provision would return to the Governor, who would have 10 days to sign or veto the provision. With formal legislative sessions ending on July 31, a veto after that date would kill the provision, an outcome that is unlikely, since the Governor is likely to support a 5% COLA for state retirees.

Please contact your legislators and ask them to accept the Governor’s amendments to Section 134 (via Attachment S).  

Please also be sure to thank your legislators again for the important and significant increases in key accounts for municipal and school funding, all of which were included in the budget signed by the Governor:  

$63 million (5.4%) increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid, for a total of $1.23B, which is $31.5 million more than originally proposed Nearly $6B for Chapter 70 School Aid, Including doubling the increase for minimum aid districts from $30 per pupil to $60 per pupil

$440M for Special Education Circuit Breaker, an increase of $67M from FY22

$5.5M for Rural School Aid

$45M for PILOT for state-owned land, a 29% increase from FY22

$20M transfer from FY22 surplus for the Community Preservation Trust Fund

If you have any questions, please contact MMA Legislative Director Dave Koffman at dkoffman@mma.org or MMA Senior Legislative Analyst Jackie Lavender Bird at jlavenderbird@mma.org.  

Please Call Your Legislators Today to  Thank Them for their Support of Key Local Accounts and Ask Them  to Accept the Governor’s Proposed Language Regarding the Retiree COLA Provision   

Thank You!!
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