Earth Day returning but will be spread out
A socially distanced celebration is in the works for the Common.
» Earth Day returns to town April 24 (rain date April 25).
It will be a modified event this year. Due to gathering regulations, events will spread throughout town. Come to Townsend Common from 9 a.m. to noon to purchase a map for $5 to see where all the activities are being held. Map sales support future Earth Day celebrations and Townsend’s recycling efforts.
Crafters will be set at home and at designated areas. Vendors and businesses have joined in, and many nonprofits will be set up to discuss their missions, too.
Celebrate “saving the Earth” by participating in numerous recycling drives; free paper-shredding at the common parking lot, sponsored by Tammi Wayman of eXp Realty; electronics drop-off at St. John’s Church (there is a cost); returnable bottles and cans collected by Boy Scouts Troop 10 at Townsend Rod and Gun Club; gathering of eyeglasses by the Lions Club in the common parking lot; and textiles and clothing being accepted by the North Middlesex Regional High School
If unsure of where the nearest Community Center is located, please visit w w w. m a g o o d n e i g h - bor.org.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is often the last resort for families who are in temporary financial difficulty and do not qualify for federal and state fuel assistance programs such as LIHEAP.
The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division pays the energy provider directly for households whose gross income falls between 60% and 80% of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household size of 4 would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $75,202 and $100,268 to qualify. This campaign year’s Fund disbursement is $300 per eligible household per heating season.
“We want Massachusetts households in need to know that they can still request assistance with their energy bills even now that warmer weather has arrived,” said Marie McCabe, Chairperson of the 2021 Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign and Customer Service Representative at North Attleboro Electric Department. “We encourage all those who are going through a rough patch due to the pandemic or another crisis to look to the Fund as a potential source for help.” McCabe added that the easiest way to determine if a household qualifies is to visit the Fund’s website at www.magoodneighbor.org.
The Fund’s distribution award letter will also serve as qualification for the Mass Save Enhanced Insulation Incentive for customers of a Massachusetts
investor-owned utility. Specifically, the offer provides qualified customers with no-cost insulation, as well as other no-cost energy savings measures.
The Fund’s 35th annual “Give The Gift of Warmth” campaign is a cooperative effort between the Fund’s 19 sponsoring energy companies, the general public and the corporate community to raise $500,000 and help an anticipated 1,500 households.
The campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families, local corporations and foundations for support and has raised more than $22.5 million and assisted over 91,250 households since its inception in 1985.
Massachusetts residents and businesses that wish to donate to the Fund are encouraged to use the green Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills. Some energy companies offer an ‘add a dollar’ program which allows customers to contribute on their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more.
Anyone can also donate with a credit card online at w w w. m a g o o d n e i g h - bor.org. Donors can also simply mail a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund”, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021-1408.
Participating energy companies support their respective customers’ generosity through various giving programs.
For more information about how to apply for the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, visit your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call 800-3343047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or 800-262-1320 if you live in area code 413.