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Tag: the economy

  • Divided panel calls for shift away from natural gas

    Divided panel calls for shift away from natural gas

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    BOSTON — A divided state commission is calling for more aggressive steps to shift Massachusetts away from its reliance on natural gas for energy, but it’s not clear if state lawmakers will take up any of the proposed changes.

    In a report to the state Legislature, the Gas System Enhancement Working Group takes more steps to shift the state’s utilities away from installing gas infrastructure in the state. In some cases, the changes include only those to one or two words in the state laws on fixing gas leaks.

    But the panel, which included state regulators, environmental groups, labor leaders and representatives of utility companies, was unable to reach a consensus on many of the proposed regulatory changes.

    One proposal called for a shift from “replacement” to “repair” of leak-prone natural gas lines, which proponents argued would save ratepayers money and accelerate the state’s transition from fossil fuels to wind, solar and other renewable energy. But the utility panelists voted against in opposition, arguing that it would compromise safety and exceed the working group’s mandate.

    “A shift in policy that prioritizes repair over replacement does not reduce the risk that leak-prone pipes pose to people, property, and the environment,” they wrote in a summary of the report. “Both cast iron and cathodically unprotected steel will continue to pose concerns as they age.”

    The panel was created under a 2014 state law that requires utilities to track and grade all gas leaks on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being most serious, and immediately repair the most hazardous.

    The panel’s report noted that Massachusetts gas companies are spending more than $800 million a year installing new gas mains to replace aging leak-prone pipes. The new pipes have a lifespan of 50 years and will be paid for by energy consumers in the form of higher rates, they noted.

    But the report’s authors said estimates suggest utilities will spend $34 billion on new gas infrastructure, which would not be fully paid for until 2097. They noted that as more properties are retrofitted with heat pumps to replace gas, fewer customers will be on the gas distribution system.

    “However, that gas system will still have the same number of miles of pipe, with the same fixed maintenance costs,” Audrey Schulman, a panelist and director of the Home Energy Efficiency Team, a Cambridge nonprofit, wrote in a summary of the report. “These maintenance costs will be shouldered by fewer and fewer gas customers, making the customers overall gas bills increase.”

    Schulman said the state is “wasting money and time now by installing long-lived combustion infrastructure, while knowing that combustion is going away.”

    “Instead we are investing significantly and actively in the gas and electric system at the same time, without thinking through how to synergize the work to reduce the cost and increase the speed,” she wrote.

    “It is as though we are taking out a mortgage to replace the foundation on our horse’s stable, even after we’ve ordered an electric car,” Schulman added.

    Massachusetts utilities are under increasing pressure to employ alternatives to natural gas to comply with requirements of a climate change bill approved last year that requires the state to reduce its emissions to “net-zero” of 1990 levels by 2050.

    Meanwhile, environmental groups have been prodding the state to force utilities to move away from new natural gas infrastructure as the state seeks to diversify its energy portfolio to include solar, wind and other renewable sources of power.

    But industry officials argue the state will continue to need natural gas for a large portion of its energy, even as it turns to more renewable sources.

    Roughly half of New England’s energy comes from natural gas, according to ISO New England, which oversees the regional power grid.

    Critics have also noted the pocketbook costs to consumers from replacing natural gas infrastructure in homes and businesses.

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • History Happenings: Feb. 10, 2024

    History Happenings: Feb. 10, 2024

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    On this day in 1876, Moulton & Morey’s had something new! Lambrequins. Made of Japanese patented felted fabric, they were perfect imitations of “brocades of Lyons and Silk Damasks of Paris at 1/6th the price.” A lambrequin is like a…

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  • Keller Williams to pay $70M to settle real estate agent lawsuits nationally

    Keller Williams to pay $70M to settle real estate agent lawsuits nationally

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    LOS ANGELES — One of the nation’s largest real estate brokerages has agreed to pay $70 million as part of a proposed settlement to resolve more than a dozen lawsuits across the country over agent commissions.

    The agreement was filed Feb. 1 with federal courts overseeing lawsuits in Illinois and Missouri. It also calls on Keller Williams Realty Inc. to take several steps aimed at providing homebuyers and sellers with more transparency over the commissions paid to real estate agents.

    ”We think it’s a tremendous victory for homeowners and homebuyers across the country,” said Michael Ketchmark, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuits.

    The central claim put forth in the lawsuits is that the country’s biggest real estate brokerages engage in practices that unfairly force homeowners to pay artificially inflated agent commissions when they sell their home.

    In October, a federal jury in Missouri found that the National Association of Realtors and several large real estate brokerages, including Keller Williams, conspired to require that home sellers pay homebuyers’ agent commission in violation of federal antitrust law.

    The jury ordered the defendants to pay almost $1.8 billion in damages. If treble damages — which allows plaintiffs to potentially receive up to three times actual or compensatory damages — are awarded, then the defendants may have to pay more than $5 billion.

    More than a dozen similar lawsuits are pending against the real estate brokerage industry.

    Moving Keller Williams out from under that cloud of litigation and uncertainty motivated the company to pursue the proposed settlement, which would release the company, its franchisees and agents from similar agent commission lawsuits nationwide. The company based in Austin, Texas, operates more than 1,100 offices with some 180,000 agents.

    ”We came to the decision to settle with careful consideration for the immediate and long-term well-being of our agents, our franchisees and the business models they depend on,” Gary Keller, the company’s executive chairman, wrote in a companywide email Thursday. “It was a decision to bring stability, relief and the freedom for us all to focus on our mission without distractions.”

    Among the terms of its proposed settlement, Keller Williams agreed to make clear that its agents let clients know that commissions are negotiable, and that there isn’t a set minimum that clients are required to pay, nor one set by law.

    The company also agreed to make certain that agents who work with prospective homebuyers disclose their compensation structure, including any “cooperative compensation,” which is when a seller’s agent offers to compensate the agent that represents a buyer for their services.

    As part of the settlement, which must be approved by the court, Keller Williams agents will no longer be required to be members of the National Association of Realtors or follow the trade association’s guidelines.

    Two other large real estate brokerages agreed to similar settlement terms last year. In their respective pacts, Anywhere Real Estate Inc. agreed to pay $83.5 million, while Re/Max agreed to pay $55 million.



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    By Alex Veiga | Associated Press

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  • Council mulls senior, veteran tax work-off programs

    Council mulls senior, veteran tax work-off programs

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    To help homeowners age 60 and up and veterans of all ages lower their property tax bills, the City Council is considering an ordinance to create senior and veteran property tax work-off programs.

    If the City Council adopts state legislation, the administration could then establish programs to allow seniors and veterans to volunteer their services to the city in exchange for lower property taxes.

    To do this, the City Council must first accept two provisions of state law. The council is scheduled to take this up at its next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

    Communities in the region that already offer senior tax work-off programs include, but are not limited to, Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Boxford, Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, Marblehead and Middleton, according to various municipal websites. Some towns such as Middleton and Swampscott offer both senior and veteran tax work-off programs.

    On Cape Ann, Rockport and Manchester-by-the-Sea offer the ability of seniors to volunteer to be able to reduce their taxes, while Essex and Gloucester do not.

    Councilor at-Large Jason Grow, Councilor at-Large Val Gilman and Ward 2 Councilor Dylan Benson co-sponsored the order to enable the creation of the senior and veterans tax work-off programs before the council’s three-member Ordinances and Administration Standing Committee on Monday, Feb. 5. The committee unanimously recommended the move.

    Grow told the subcommittee senior homeowners could volunteer in exchange for an abatement at a rate of 125 hours or $2,000.

    “It’s basically minimum wage up to $2,000,” he said.

    The senior tax work-off program would be for those 60 and up. There was a recent change in the legislation to allow for “the proxy possibility” for seniors who are infirm or unable to do the volunteer work to appoint someone to do it for them in exchange for the tax abatement, Grow said.

    The enabling statute for the veteran tax work-off program makes it eligible for any veteran with no age restriction. This would allow for the establishment of a program for veterans that offers up to a $1,500 tax reduction in exchange for volunteer hours.

    The council’s responsibility would be to accept the state legislation and it would be up to the administration to establish the parameters of the program, such as how much its funded, how many volunteers would be recommended, and what the maximum abatement might be, Grow said.

    The reason to bring this forward was because property taxes continue to be a burden, especially on seniors.

    “We have a program of abatement in the assessors’ office currently that seniors can take advantage of,” he said. “This is just one more opportunity for seniors and veterans to take advantage of volunteering in the community for whatever roles the administration determines is acceptable for this, and take that money off of their taxes and help with the annual expenses of living in Gloucester.”

    Gilman, who serves as an ex-officio member of the Council on Aging, said they have been talking about doing a better job about communicating to Gloucester residents about the repertoire of benefits and cost savings available to them.

    “Because the cost of aging in place has become more demanding and it’s a big concern for seniors,” she said.

    Gilman said she looked online to see what other communities were doing to help seniors save, and one of them was the tax work-off program. Nearly 100 municipalities in Massachusetts doing this. She shared the idea with the Council on Aging “and the response was very positive.”

    Benson said he has seen the positive impact of the senior tax work-off programs in other communities.

    Lynn, Salem, Amesbury, Beverly, Newburyport and a number of area towns already have senior work-off programs, and Newburyport and Amesbury offer both veteran and senior tax work-off programs.

    The reason he thinks this will help senior is because “it’s not forcing anyone to do anything, it’s an incentive and it’s an ability for seniors and veterans to have another way to reduce their property taxes,” Benson said.

    Ward 4 Councilor Frank Margiotta, a member of Ordinances and Administration, gave the proposal “kudos.” Ward 3 Councilor and subcommittee member Marjorie Grace asked Benson what types of work seniors were doing.

    Benson reiterated the council was only adopting state legislation and it would be up to the administration to enact the program.

    However, in other communities, Benson said the work involves clerical volunteer hours to do things like scanning documents, greeting people in City Hall, beach cleanups or helping out at a senior and veterans centers.

    Ward 5 Councilor Sean Nolan, the council vice president and chair of the subcommittee, noted that in Rockport, people would adopt fire hydrants to maintain or shovel out.

    “There is a lot places for people to give their expertise,” Nolan said.

    Grow added state legislation states such programs should not take away jobs or staffing.

    With the three-member committee recommending the order’s adoption, the City Council is scheduled to take up the matter under committee reports at its meeting on Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., in the Kyrouz Auditorium in City Hall.

    Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@gloucestertimes.com.



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    By Ethan Forman | Staff Writer

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  • Small book, big comfort: Woman shares her faith by handing out ‘Keep Calm and Trust God’

    Small book, big comfort: Woman shares her faith by handing out ‘Keep Calm and Trust God’

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    HAVERHILL — Elaine Barker never leaves home without several copies of her favorite faith-based book stuffed into her pocketbook.

    It’s a very small book that has attracted a big following, mostly due to Barker, who after discovering the little red book she began handing out copies to people she encounters and are willing to share their burdens and worries.

    A devout Catholic whose life is immersed in spirituality and has an unshakable faith in God, Barker says the 70-page “Keep Calm and Trust God” has not only become her daily reader, but it has also brought comfort to those she’s given it to.

    Since 2015, she’s handed out more than 500 copies and just received another shipment of 25. She uses the book as a vehicle for sharing her faith.

    “Every morning before I leave my bedroom I kneel down and I open the book to a random page and read it,” said Barker, 87, a long-time All Saints Parish member. “It seems there is something there that I’ve read before and gets me through the day. It’s like a spiritual daily vitamin.”

    Written by Jake Provance and his father Keith Provance, “Keep Calm and Trust God” contains just 12 short chapters, each offering spiritual guidance for those struggling with concerns such as anxiety, depression, regret, stress and fear of the future. The authors don’t bog down the reader with wordy responses, but instead ask the reader to turn to prayer while citing biblical passages that relate to each area of worry and emphasizing to the reader to “Trust God.”

    Barker shares her faith in many ways, but never to the point where she sounds like she’s preaching or forcing her faith onto anyone. Chances are if you bump into her, she always has a kind word or two and will always end a conversation with “God bless you” along with a hug.

    “A few months ago they passed one million in sales,” she said. “And last month they sold 40,000 copies. The authors just can’t believe the way their book has sold.”

    Back in 2015, Barker was shopping at the CVS in Lafayette Square and was perusing the book rack when she spotted the little red book.

    “I bought a copy and when I got home I glanced at it then set it aside with my other Christian books,” she said. “When the pandemic hit, I needed something to bring me comfort so I went to my stack of books and sitting at the top was this book. I picked it up and read a few chapters that talked about stress and worry.”

    The words inside carried such meaning that Barker returned to the CVS but the copies were all sold out.

    “I contacted the distributor and ordered five copies,” she said. “I was so touched by the effect it had on my life that I gave out the copies to people I ran into and who talked about COVID and its effect on their lives. I told them I have a book that could take some stress out of their lives. So I ordered 25 more copies and gave them out over the next few months.

    “I can be anywhere, such as a store, a Chamber event, a celebration or a cemetery and since I’m a good listener, I focus on what people are saying as people love to talk about their problems. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to.”

    She has encountered mostly positive reactions from people she hands copies to. The opportunities are everywhere as she attends so many local events, including Chamber of Commerce events, awards and recognition programs, festivals, church gatherings and more. As a member of the Haverhill Exchange Club, you’ll find her at their weekly luncheon meetings. If there’s something happening around the city, Barker is usually there bringing her own style of light and happiness into a room.

    “When someone has a problem, or there’s a sickness, or they have a family member they are worried about, I just listen,” she said. “And when the opportunity arises, I’ll tell them you seem very stressed and worried and that I have this wonderful booklet I’m sure can help you. I only give them out to people who talk about having a problem and I feel the book can help.”

    While attending a bridal conference in North Carolina in 2022 as part of her work with her company Paper Pot Pourri, a custom maker of stationary, she was in a cafe at her hotel and noticed an elderly man who appeared to be alone and lonely.

    “I saw that he had a pile of books and that one had the word Jesus on the cover,” she said. “I struck up a conversation and he told me about a problem with a family member who had attempted suicide. I told him I have a wonderful little book and will you accept it? Since then I continue to receive text messages from the man.”

    She said she carries several copies in her pocketbook, just in case.

    “It’s not that I go looking for people to hand them to, it just happens,” she said. “This book helps me to accept the trials and tribulations in life.”

    Barker’s faith in God has brought her on many pilgrimages, including to a village called Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which she visited in 2022.

    “I prayed a lot and climbed Apparition Hill while hobbling with a cane due to foot surgery the year before, and which has since healed,” she said. “I also submitted prayer petitions from people I know and who requested certain prayers.”

    She’s been to the Holy Land twice to visit the place of Jesus’ birth and crucifixion and other holy sites, and last year she visited religious sites in Italy.

    Barker said she initially purchased the books for the retail price of $4.99, but for the past four years she obtains them at a discount from Keith Provance, who lives in Oklahoma.

    “I often write to him to tell him about situations that led to my handing out a copy,” she said. “During one phone conversation I reminded him that he’d included a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, who was born in Haverhill, and over time he’s learned a lot about Haverhill’s history, which I’m happy to talk to him about.”

    “This little book speaks to common things people struggle with and is written in such a simple way that it doesn’t overwhelm the reader,” she said.

    “It’s very easy to understand. I also like the sayings from well known people. I have other books but I’m not addicted to them as I am to this book and the message it brings to me. It doesn’t solve all problems, but it helps understand and accept things. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we must accept, and of course God is always here to help us.”

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    By Mike LaBella | Staff Writer

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  • North Shore news in brief

    North Shore news in brief

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    Music

    Feb. 26, 7:30 pm.,  award-winning a cappella jazz quintet  ‘Vox One’  at the ‘Recital Hall, 71 Loring Ave. Blues, funk, gospel, and folk. Their own brand of vocal music. Lush voicings, complex reharmonizations and inspired improv. Tickets $15/$10 seniors/free for college students and under 18. Free for Salem residents on March 1. Purchase at www.salemstatetickets.com           

    Theatre

    Feb. 23-25 and March 1-3 — ROE, a play by Lisa Loomer, at Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts. 356 Lafayette St/.Cuts through the headlines and rhetoric with clever, shocking, and poignant portrayal of the two women at the center of the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling,  Recently updated script through the 2022 Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health decision. Mature audiences. Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets:$15 /$10 seniors/free for college students and under 18. Free for Salem residents on March 1. Purchase at www.salemstatetickets.com 

    Art and abolition with  Charlotte Forten  

    Join Salem’s own abolitionist, writer, and educator, Charlotte Forten, Salem State’s first African American graduate, for a special craft time at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty St., Salem, during February School Vacation Week, Thursday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. With clay, wood, and colors, kids and their caregivers will contribute to building a 3D miniature city of gratitude for the freedoms and comforts long fought for during Charlotte’s lifetime. Spend the morning with Charlotte making mini foods and other goods, while learning about her life along the way. The event is FREE, but registration is encouraged to ensure availability of craft materials. Space is limited. Visit essexheritage.org/events to register!

    Marblehead Museum free program for school vacation

    Marblehead Museum is hosting a free new program — Sugar and Spice: Sweet Treats of the 18th Century.’ — a drop in event on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Jeremiah Lee Mansion.  Guests can visit the mansion kitchen to help Culinary Historian Melissa Vickers as she prepares 18th century gingerbread, lemon drops, march-pane, and pepper cakes. Learn history through food and the availability and accessibility of sugar and spices in Colonial New England, including how and where sugar was produced, the many uses of today’s favorite “sweet” spices, and what types of flavorings were common before vanilla became a pantry staple. Visitors are also  welcome to tour of the mansion’s first floor, free of charge during this program.

    School to sea program 

    On Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6:45 p.m., Abbot Public Library and Salem Sound Coastwatch present Carly McIver to discuss Salem Sound Coastwatch’s School to Sea program in a hybrid event taking place at the library and online via Zoom. The library is temporarily located at the Eveleth School. 9 Maple St, Marblehead. For information/registration, visit the library newsletter site ay: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/9A5X8Zx/AbbotLibraryNewsletter

    Abbot Public Library movie screenings schedule 

    The Abbot Public Library, temporarily located at the Eveleth School will present these movie showings in February: on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. for teens, and on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. for children and 1 p.m. for adults. Check out the schedule, then check the event calendar at: https://abbotlibrary.org/events/ to for the names of the films, The Eveleth School is located at 9 Maple St, Marblehead. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Abbot Public Library.

    Thursday, Feb. 22, 4 p.m. – Teen Movie Screening

    Saturday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m. – Children’s Morning Movie

    Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m. – Midday Movie Matinee for Adults, Program Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

    Thursday, Feb. 22, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Special Teen Movie Screening. In 1965, two 12-year-olds fall in love at a summer camp. They run off together into the wilderness, but an unexpected event leads to various friends and adults forming a search party to find the youths before calamity strikes.

    Saturday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m. — Children’s Morning Movie

    NMYO Youth Symphonic Summer Program

    The Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras (NMYO) will hold its fourth annual summer music program the week of July 29 – August 2, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 River Rd, in Topsfield. Sessions include small and large ensembles, jazz, pops, fiddling, traditional & concert band, symphonic works, and lots more! Youth musicians, with at least two years of instrument study with a private teacher and the ability to read music, can register. NMYO welcomes its current members and also any student musician in the area looking for an opportunity to play music with others this summer,” Led by NMYO’s outstanding conducting staff and guest teaching artists, young musicians will enjoy a valuable musical experience and a fun opportunity to keep up their skills during the summer break from school. For information/registration, register by June 21 at: nmyo.org. Those who register before April 15 receive a $25 discount. Questions? Email info@nmyo.org or phone Executive Director Terri Murphy at 978-309-9833.



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  • Poll: Voters object to right-to-shelter funding

    Poll: Voters object to right-to-shelter funding

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    BOSTON — A majority of Massachusetts voters don’t support the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for migrant housing, according to a new poll by a conservative group, which is renewing calls to update the state’s right-to-shelter law.

    The poll, commissioned by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, found that 53% of the 788 registered voters surveyed oppose the use of public funds to provide emergency housing for asylum seekers under the shelter law.

    At least 90% of Republicans who responded to the poll said “no” when asked about taxpayer funding for migrant shelter, while 62% of unenrolled or “independent” voters opposed the spending. At least 30% of Democrats also oppose it, according to the poll.

    “What is clear from this poll, the migrant crisis is at the forefront of voters’ minds and the solutions to date are not satisfactory,” the Fiscal Alliance’s spokesman Paul Craney said. “While the governor continues to spend valuable taxpayer money on the right to shelter benefits for newly arrived migrants, a majority of the voters disagree with this decision.”

    A majority of those surveyed, or 79%, said they wouldn’t accept a migrant family into their home in response to a question about Gov. Maura Healey’s call for homeowners to “sponsor” asylum seekers in need of temporary housing.

    Ninety-six percent of Republicans say they wouldn’t sponsor a migrant family, while 82% of unenrolled voters and 68% of Democrats said they also wouldn’t provide housing to migrants, pollsters said.

    Massachusetts has seen an unprecedented influx of thousands of asylum seekers over the past year amid a historic surge of immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border.

    Healey declared a state of emergency in August and deployed the National Guard to help deal with the influx of migrants. Her administration also set a 7,500-family cap on the number of people eligible for emergency housing in October.

    Under the “right-to-shelter” law, Massachusetts is required to provide emergency housing to homeless families, but critics say the law was never designed to provide for a large migrant population.

    To date, the state has opened four large-scale “overflow” sites for families, including one at the Cass Recreational Complex, in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood. There are also smaller emergency shelter sites in hotels and motels in about 90 communities, including Salem, Methuen and Andover.

    But more than 600 families are on a wait list for emergency housing, according to the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

    Healey has estimated that the state will spend up to $2 billion to support emergency shelter for homeless families and migrants through the end of the next fiscal year.

    Despite requests from Healey and members of the state’s congressional delegation for federal funding, the Biden administration has only provided about $2 million to the state for emergency shelter and other migrant needs.

    But Healey has also refused to consider changes to the right to shelter law, arguing that other states without similar policies are also seeing large numbers of migrants.

    Republicans and conservative groups also argue that the state’s hodgepodge of “sanctuary” policies are encouraging migrants to relocate to the state.

    The number of people encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border last month was expected to exceed 300,000, a record high, according to the latest Department of Homeland Security figures.

    The poll found nearly 65% of voters blame President Joe Biden and Congress for inaction on the migrant crisis. But pollsters say the data also shows that Healey’s favorability has taken a hit as the migrant crisis drags on.

    “Voters may blame Washington for the migrant crisis but they are not satisfied with some of the policies being proposed on the state level for how to deal with the issue,” Craney said.

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com



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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Londonderry’s warrant articles to be finalized at Friday night and Saturday morning deliberative sessions

    Londonderry’s warrant articles to be finalized at Friday night and Saturday morning deliberative sessions

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    LONDONDERRY — With the deliberative sessions in Londonderry coming up, there are some specific items that warrant attention.

    Londonderry’s deliberative session is split into two separate sessions, both at Londonderry High School, 295 Mammoth Road. The school board will be meeting Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. and the town deliberative session will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.

    Between the two deliberative sessions, a total of 34 warrant articles that will be discussed.

    The school district’s most pressing matters are the Moose Hill Building’s addition and renovation warrant articles.

    Article 2 asks the town to authorize $23.1 million to design and construct additions and renovations to Moose Hill School. It also would authorize the School Board to apply for and accept any federal or state aid available for the project. The article was supported unanimously by the School Board and supported 6-1 by the Budget Committee.

    Article 3 would only be applicable if Article 2 passed. It would be for the district to raise $11.1 million for the creation of an all-day kindergarten program. This would include outfitting additional classrooms for kindergarten and creating more programming. The article was supported 4-1 by the School Board, and supported 4-3 by the Budget Committee.

    These two articles are meant to address the current overcrowding at Moose Hill School. In addition to a lack of classrooms, Londonderry is one of a handful of towns in New Hampshire not offering all-day kindergarten.

    On the town side, Article 2 would be an amendment to the town charter that would change how the town fills its treasurer position.

    If Article 2 passes, the position would be filled each year by the Town Council with a recommendation from the town manager. If it doesn’t pass, it would continue to be an elected position with a three-year term.

    The Town Council recommended approval 4-1, but the budget committee voted against it by a 4-3 vote. This article would require no money to be raised and would have no impact on taxes paid in town.

    Article 3 would authorize a loan for a water extension project to High Range Road. The total amount needed to fund the project is $25.8 million, but through funds from different sources, the town would need to raise a total of $215,000.

    The town would receive $20.8 million from sources including the state, the Department of Environmental Services, and others. An additional $2 million would come from the American Rescue Plan Act, and a final $2.9 million would come from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. This project was unanimously recommended by both the Town Council and the Budget Committee.

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    By Katelyn Sahagian | ksahagian@northofboston.com

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  • Supermom In Training: My favourite natural cleaners

    Supermom In Training: My favourite natural cleaners

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    When I got pregnant 10 years ago, I suddenly found myself reevaluating everything about my lifestyle- what I ate, what I drank, and how I cleaned my house. I love a clean, disinfected house, but I was very leery of all the chemicals, especially now that I was incubating this little human.

    So here are a few of my favourite natural cleaners that work just as well as their chemical-laden counterparts.

    Vinegar. Vinegar is an amazing thing. It’s fantastic for streak-free windows and mirrors, and despite the initial smell, it doesn’t linger. It disinfects too. I clean my bathroom and kitchen counter surfaces with it. I also boil a cup of water and a tablespoon of vinegar in the microwave, then it wipes down super easily.

    Homemade dryer sheets. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oils in a jar. Throw in 4-5 fabric scraps, then when needed, wring them out and throw them into the dryer with your wet, clean clothes. The vinegar naturally takes away the static cling, and the essential oil will make your laundry smell just as fresh as dryer sheets or fabric softener (without all the man-made crud).

    Baking soda. Toss those abrasive cleaners into the garbage and instead opt for a box of baking soda. Cheaper and just as effective, it will clean soap scum in the tub, remove build-up in the sink, and will get taps super shiny clean. You can also use baking soda as a natural alternative to toothpaste.

    Olive oil. Get rid of those cans of furniture polish, which are filled with unhealthy chemicals, and instead get a beautiful sheen on furniture with a drop of olive oil and a soft rag. Or, mix some olive oil, raw sugar and a few drops of essential oils for a natural body scrub.

    Fruit peels. Don’t throw out those apple and orange peels – put them into a pot with some water and your favourite spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, thyme, etc.), and simmer. You’ll get the aromatic benefits and it will also add some much-needed humidity to the air, especially in winter.

    – Jennifer Cox

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  • Parenting 101: Sticking to New Year’s resolutions

    Parenting 101: Sticking to New Year’s resolutions

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    The New Year is the perfect time to set some goals. With a fresh start before us all, we should all take a little time to reflect on the past year and see where we can make improvements in the upcoming months. So here are a few tips on sticking to New Year’s resolutions:

    – Write them down. I like to put them on the corkboard in my office or in the kitchen at our command centre. Writing them down helps us to not only remember our resolutions but to keep them on our minds in the coming weeks when resolutions can get pushed to the wayside or forgotten all together. 

    – Make resolutions that are attainable. Don’t try to take on too much all at once. For example, you may like to lose 30 pounds in 2018, but start by setting a goal to lose 10 pounds. Setting too high of a goal may frustrate you right off the bat. 

    – Give yourself time to achieve these goals. You’re not going to transform your lifestyle into a healthy one overnight. Break down your resolutions so that you can achieve them in steps. Want to eat healthier? Add one new superfood to your diet each week. By the end of February, you’ll have added eight new healthful foods to your food plan, and that’s great!

    – Get a buddy system going. You’re not the only one who has vowed to join an exercise class or the gym this year, so find a friend who you can workout with. Having someone to work at these resolutions with will make it all the more fun.

    – Reward yourself! It shouldn’t be all work, work, work… plan a few rewards for yourself throughout the process of attaining your resolutions. If you’ve been working at shedding 10 pounds and you do, you should allow yourself an indulgent dessert from your favourite dessert cafe. Allowing yourself to have a few rewards along the way will make it all the more graitfying to reach your goals.

    – Jennifer Cox

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  • Capital City Sunday: GOP medical marijuana proposal, Wisconsinites’ tax burden still near historic low | News – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Capital City Sunday: GOP medical marijuana proposal, Wisconsinites’ tax burden still near historic low | News – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    MADISON (WKOW) — Wisconsin Repubicans have unveiled a new proposal to establish a medical marijuana program in the state.

    The bill would limit the drug to only those who are severely ill with chronic diseases like cancer. Smokeable marijuana would not be allowed.

    The proposal also regulates medical cannabis growers, processors, and testing laboratories, and requires the state to establish five state-owned dispensaries to grow and sell medical cannabis products.

    Cannabis lawyer Jason Tarasek worked closely with lawmakers in Minnesota to hone the state’s adult-use cannabis bill that legalized recreational marijuana in the state. He said this week that he sees similarities between Wisconsin’s proposal and Minnesota’s initial medical marijuana program that was established in 2014. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has indicated this proposal is based on Minnesota’s program.

    Tarasek said that their initial program was similarly restrictive, but has loosened in recent years to include other conditions such as autism, intractable pain, and sleep apnea. 

    “Like everything with marijuana, it is very controversial when it’s first introduced, the stigma is real around marijuana,” he said. “I think it’s interesting to watch these states come online, and I’m certain that if the medical marijuana program is introduced in Wisconsin, as intended, society will see this…

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  • Lawmakers may revisit issue of drivers smelling of marijuana | Police Fire Court – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Lawmakers may revisit issue of drivers smelling of marijuana | Police Fire Court – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    When leaving a meeting at Prince George’s Community College on the night of Dec. 12, the Rev. Robert L. Screen and his wife were shocked when a car drove past them smelling so strongly of marijuana that they both noticed it even with their windows rolled up.

    The couple had just left the MD Route 210 Traffic Safety Committee, an organization that Screen founded, when the car drove past. Screen carefully put some distance between him and the other car, as it sped off down the road.


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  • Gift Guide 2023: Beautiful gifts for house and home

    Gift Guide 2023: Beautiful gifts for house and home

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    Winter can be long and there’s no better feeling than being curled up at home all comfy and cozy. Here are some great gift suggestions to combat cabin fever and make home truly where the heart is.

    If you know someone who loves pizza, then they need the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven. It will transform any kitchen into a pizzeria. It allows you to craft artisanal 12-inch pizzas in just five minutes or less. It reaches 700°F, which is the optimal temperature for achieving irresistibly crispy crusts and delicious melted cheese. It’s engineered with active cooling technology, making it ideal for indoor use. 

    For those who love to curl up with a great cup of coffee, consider Reunion Coffee Roasters. Reunion Coffee Roasters, a Canadian brand, is one of the original members of Fair Trade Canada. In addition to strict sustainability and ethical business practices, Reunion is proud to offer a selection of coffee beans that have been fair trade certified. For every bag of Privateer Holiday Giving Coffee sold, Reunion will plant a tree in Sub-Saharan Africa through our partnership with Trees for the Future. This coffee also provides clean drinking water through the Honduras Coffee Growers Clean Water Project. 

    House of TL’s Hand Set Duo is a great luxe gift or great host/hostess gift that smells incredible. The brand, which got its start in luxury hotels and restaurants, is now widely available online. The winter gift set features a gorgeous and fragrant Castile Hand Wash and Hand & Body Cream in Houseblend (a spa-like fragrance that uses nine different essential oils). The brand is Canadian and full of natural, safe ingredients.

    Kilne, a Canadian cookware company, recently announced their newest launch: The Everything Pot + Steamer Bundle (available in Peppercorn, Meringue, and Sage hues) and The Dinnerware Set (a new category for Kilne, with products available in Caviar and Salt).

    The Salton Egg Bite Maker is ideal for busy households. The company partnered with Get Cracking (Egg Farmers of Canada) to create this amazing tool that makes the perfect egg bites. It’s ideal for little chefs to experiment with breakfast or make a fun snack.

    The IKEA 2023 Holiday Gift Guide is specially curated with meaningful gift inspiration that spotlights their affordable must-haves for the season. The products range from new home smart products to design for décor lovers and so much more. A few favourites: BETTORP, which is two products in one and includes both an LED lamp and a wireless charging station; CHILIFRUKT, a sculptural vase which can also be used to water plants; and LINDSVÄRMARE, a cozy throw designed by social entrepreneurs.

    Linen Chest has a wide range of festive items to brighten anyone’s holiday decor or tablescape. From ornaments, throw pillows, and an assortment of mugs, to the Maxwell & Williams Merry Berry Collection of dishes and servingware, there is something for everyone. 

    – JC

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  • Gift Guide 2023: Beauty products for everyone on your wish list

    Gift Guide 2023: Beauty products for everyone on your wish list

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    This holiday season, help everyone on your gift-buying list put their best faces forward with these great ideas.

    From the Immortelle Divine Collection for your mom to the Grooming Collection for your favourite brother, L’Occitane has something for everyone. Even for your kids’ teachers, indeed we are sure they will like the Hand Cream Holiday Classics or the Travel Sets. They’re pretty much ready-to-go presents for everybody to enjoy and pamper themselves.

    Know someone who colours their hair? Then get them Function of Beauty PRO’s patented Adaptive f3 Bonding Complex. The changing of seasons is a favourite excuse for a fresh look, but less loved is the damage that comes with the new ‘do. This product offers healthy and on-trend hair that targets hair’s unique damage to relink broken hair bonds (with damage resulting from hair colouring included!).

    BKIND recently launched two limited-edition holiday nail polish sets. These collections contain festive and trendy colors for the holiday season: the Festives – Nail Polish Collection offers a beautiful selection of three festive and glamorous colours. You will find En Beau Fusil, a rich and velvety forest green, French Beige, a soft and delicate beige, and 24K, a transparent polish filled with golden shimmers. The Holiday Essentials – Nail Polish Collection is made up of three classic colours for the holiday season. In this set, you will find Bichon, an opaque white, pure as snow, Glacial, a silvery gray, and Leo, a classic rich red.

    When you don’t know what to get the beauty lover in your life, wrap up Slipssy, a pillow cover system made with GlideTex technology that helps prevent sleep wrinkles, bedhead, and hair loss, releasing up to 80% of facial tensions. With its double layer system, the Slipssy fits perfectly under a regular pillowcase, elevating their nightly routine with a touch of elegance, simplicity and comfort. 

    There’s a flavour for absolutely everyone with Hooker Lips glosses and balms. Think: buttercream frosting, fried bacon, dill pickle (one of their best sellers!), and so many more. All ingredients in Hooker Lips are paraben-free, petroleum-free, and BHA-free. 

    Give the gift of stronger, and healthier hair this season with The Strength Cure Holiday Ornament set from Pureology. Miniature travel sized versions of their strength-building products are perfect as a stocking stuffer!

    The Holiday Limited Edition Sky High Mascara Makeup Gift Set from Maybelline is the perfect gift for the lash enthusiast on your list. From volumizing wonders to lengthening miracles, Maybelline New York’s Sky High Mascara and Primer will ensure lashes are the star of every holiday gathering. It’s the ideal present for the beauty lover in your life, or perhaps a little indulgence to keep for yourself and make your lashes the talk of the town.

    The Makeup Essentials Gift Set from L’Oreal features the Le Khôl Eyeliner that can be easily applied with its pencil tip, the Voluminous Mascara for a lash look with classic volume, and the Colour Riche Lipstick in share Fairest Nude. These gift sets are so good that you’ll be stocking up on two of each — one for you and one for your best friend, of course! 

    Beauty lovers will rejoice over the gift sets from the clinical skincare brand Peter Thomas Roth. The Gift of Bright Eyes is a limited-edition three-piece kit of full-size bestselling Hydra-Gel Eye Patches helps lift, firm, and hydrate the look of the face and eye area. It includes 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Patches, FIRMx® Collagen Hydra-Gel Face & Eye Patches, and Water Drench® Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches.

    NYX makes it easy to sleigh the holidays with the NYX Professional Makeup Holiday gift sets. Their wide range of holiday gift sets includes everything from primer sets to lip sets, with year-round favourites along with special holiday items and even a few surprises.

    For the ultimate beauty destination, get a gift certificate to MAKA. All MAKA beauty, aromatherapy, and perfume products are formulated and manufactured on-site in the workshop adjoining the boutique. MAKA offers high-quality and innovative vegan products, while being respectful of the planet.

    If you’re buying for someone who has a penchant for skincare, then get them a gift set from The Ordinary. They have a wide range of collections for skincare, haircare, and more, all beautifully packaged and ready to give.

    Burt’s Bees puts soft skin first, and this holiday season, they have slews of festive gift sets, like their Mistletoe Kiss gift set, the Hand Cream Trio Holiday Gift Set, and lots of others. Get one for everyone on your list.

    There is no hassle to replenish skincare products with Blair + Jack! Blair + Jack offer a subscription service so there’s no worrying about running out of skincare products. On a monthly basis, Blair + Jack will send all the products needed to keep your skin looking its best. There’s also a 10% discount by signing up for the Subscription Service at checkout.

    The Body Shop makes holiday gifting a breeze with gift sets for everyone on your list. The Body Shop Cherries and Cheer Gift sets are packed with The Body Shop limited edition warm and juicy body care. The Unwind and Rest Sleep Intro Gift set is crafted with a blend of lavender and vetiver essential oils to relax the body and mind before bedtime. Finally, The Body Shop’s Slather and Lather Body Butter Gift Set has five of their bestselling body butters.

    – JC

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  • A Strong Jobs Report Makes Big Rate Cuts Unlikely in 2024

    A Strong Jobs Report Makes Big Rate Cuts Unlikely in 2024

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    By Randall W. Forsyth

    Updated Dec 09, 2023, 12:13 pm EST / Original Dec 08, 2023, 6:30 pm EST

    There’s good news and bad news on the U.S. economy.

    Continue reading this article with a Barron’s subscription.

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  • Gift Guide 2023: Ways to give back this holiday season

    Gift Guide 2023: Ways to give back this holiday season

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    It’s been a tough year and many families are feeling the pinch. Why not gift something to someone that makes a bigger impact? Here are some unique ways to give back to others this holiday season.

    For 23 years now, the Montreal Science Centre’s Foundation’s mission has been crucial: to help future generations discover, understand, and appropriate science and technology to build their future. To continue its work, the Foundation relies on donations from both companies and individuals alike. Over 90% of the funds raised annually by the Foundation are reinvested in the financing and development of permanent exhibitions and school programs at the Montréal Science Centre. They offer free tickets to school groups and organizations in underprivileged areas. For the 2023-24 school year, over 4,000 tickets have already been distributed, allowing more than 1,000 special needs students to experience their Science Centre on the Road program in their classrooms.

    As the holiday season approaches, the Montreal SPCA has gift ideas on the shared theme of solidarity with animals. You can help animals in need by purchasing children’s books, a calendar for the whole family, and clothing featuring their star rescue dog, Angie. Your donation could also be matched, in honour of a loved one. “2023 has been a busy year!” said Laurence Massé, executive director of the Montreal SPCA, in a media release. “We rescued animals affected by forest fires, found creative ways of responding to rising numbers of abandoned animals and conducted large-scale public awareness campaigns. From January through October, 12,070 animals came through our shelter and benefited from one of our programs.” 

    This year’s Collectible Starlight Bear comes just in time for the giving season. In partnership with Toys”R”Us Canada, Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada recently introduced Speedy, the 15th Anniversary Collectible Starlight Bear, which was designed, from the ears to the paws, by 6-year-old Christopher, who was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). Speedy was inspired by Christopher’s love for race cars and Drive For Smiles – one of his favourite Starlight Canada events where he rides in super cool cars! Knowing that strength can be found in our uniqueness, the rainbow tie represents acceptance of all. Speedy’s dangly limbs symbolize Christopher’s own arms and leg being stuck in extension at birth, while the bright blue eyes are representative of AMC awareness. Proceeds from the sale of Speedy will help Starlight Canada continue to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families, just like Christopher’s. You can purchase Speedy at any Toys”R”Us Canada or Babies”R”Us Canada store or online at toysrus.ca.

    As the holiday season approaches, Breakfast Club of Canada is launching its new Fuelling The Future with a nutritious breakfast campaign to highlight the importance of nourishing the potential of tomorrow’s adults, especially in a difficult current economic context. The campaign, which will also be broadcast across Rogers Sports & Media’s platforms as part of the ALL IN program, will run until December 31st. With the year drawing to a close, in Canada, one in three children is still at risk of going to school hungry. Demand and need for breakfast programs continue to grow, but for the time being, the Club will have to continue supporting existing programs due to the rising cost of food. To find out more about the campaign and donate, click here.

    – JC

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  • Gift Guide 2023: Cookbooks that make great gifts for foodies

    Gift Guide 2023: Cookbooks that make great gifts for foodies

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    Cookbooks are not only great reference books to have on hand in the kitchen – they can also be displayed like decorative accents too. And with so many celebrity chefs releasing cookbooks right before the holidays, there are lots of great titles to gift this holiday season.

    Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Mediterranean has more than 125 delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that are all about making everyday cooking super exciting with minimal fuss – all while transporting you to sunnier climes. You’ll find recipes to empower you to make incredibly delicious food without copious amounts of ingredients, long shopping lists, or loads of washing up. And 65% of the recipes are meat-free or meat-reduced, and all offer big, bold flavor.

    From vegetable-forward dishes to full vegetarian meals, eating plants is more than just good for us. Michael Smith’s Farmhouse Vegetables cookbook was inspired by the bounty of his culinary farm at the Inn at Bay Fortune, and between the covers he shares everything that he has learned about vegetable cookery including ideas, techniques, and recipes. Whether leaning into eating more vegetables or going meat-free a few days a week, this book is full of unique, flavour-packed recipes where vegetables are always the star.

    In Mary’s Kitchen by Mary Berg is a cookbook of 100 all-new recipes guaranteed to become a stress-free sidekick in the kitchen. These uncomplicated but delicious recipes come with tips and tricks to produce flavorful results every time. It’s a must in every kitchen library.

    Poppycooks is a number-one bestseller across the pond for good reason – it puts airfryers to very good use! TikTok superstar and professional chef Poppy O’Toole provides recipes with fantastic flavours and ideas. In these pages are 100 easy, fool-proof, and incredibly delicious air fryer recipes that won’t break the bank. 

    – JC

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  • Supermom In Training: 5 Places to go in November

    Supermom In Training: 5 Places to go in November

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    On an episode of Suburban Parents Talk, we discussed things to do in November. There’s just something usually dreary about this month – it’s sandwiched between Halloween and the holidays, the weather is unpredictable, it feels too late to do fall stuff but too early to do Christmasey stuff. It made me think of some easy, fun things to do during this blah-ish month – here are 5 places to go in November.

    Markets. We love fruit and veggie markets. We live on the South Shore where there are a lot of cute little one-off shops in farming areas, but we also love Atwater and Jean-Talon markets. It’s a great opportunity to pick up fresh, delicious produce and homemade goods, plus it’s always wonderful to support local too.

    Mall walking. We hit Promenades Saint-Bruno this week and all the holiday decorations are up, sales are happening, but there aren’t any crowds (yet). Take advantage of this quieter shopping time to wander the mall, get an ice cream or a cappucino, and maybe even get a headstart on holiday shopping.

    Hikes. November always has its random warmer days, so soak them in by going on a nice family stroll. There are lots of parks, both big and small, to explore. Seek out a new one you’ve never been to: Beaver Lake, Lakeshore, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Mont Saint-Hilaire, etc.

    Last picking of the season. Yep- there’s still fresh produce out there to be picked and enjoyed. So, don’t let them spoil – get your hands on the last of the apples, pumpkins, squash, and cauliflower. 

    Library. Reading is a great way to pass the time when it’s cold and blustery outside, and what better time to get back into the habit than now? Frequent your local library and keep a rotating collection of great titles at-hand. 

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Supermom In Training: Instilling gratitude in children

    Supermom In Training: Instilling gratitude in children

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    I am grateful. I am soooo grateful. I have a warm and wonderful home, and a partner to share my life with, and I have a beautiful and healthy little boy who literally makes my heart sing every single day. I was thinking about a church homily I heard once about planning for the future but also finding a balance living in the present as well, and taking stock in what you do have in your life. I try to do that every day, numerous times a day. And I want to teach my son gratitude.

    That entails being observant. When we’re surrounded by his toys and books and things, we often stop to look around us and pause to see how lucky we are that we have so many toys. I want my son to realize how much we have (and it’s too much, really).

    We also look at what’s going on around us, and we talk about how can we help these people in any way possible (we recently gathered loads of clothes and toys for donation). We reflect on our own blessings and, again, how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads, food on the table, etc.

    We acknowledge when we receive gifts by writing thank-you cards or even making artwork for the person. My son is quite popular with the church-goers of my parish, and they would frequently pick up little cars and trucks for him. And we would always go home and make them something for the following Sunday to thank them. We’d talk about how nice it was for that person to stop and take time to think about our bean. And I think he genuinely feels lucky to receive these little gifts.

    We buy for others, together. If we know it’s someone’s birthday, the bean always helps me choose the gift. Yes, I may encounter the requests to buy him something too, but I’m adamant about not doing so, because he has to learn that we do for others. And he’s usually very good about it.

    We stop and thank people. Food vendors and store employees. We hold doors for people. We wave “thank you” when cars let us cross the street. If there’s one way to raise a conscientious, thoughtful child, it’s by teaching gratitude. Every day.

    How do you teach your child gratitude?

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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