Pepperell Select Board hosting workshop on climate change

PEPPERELL » Local officials are trying to figure out how to help improve climate conditions.

The Pepperell Select Board will be hosting a remote public meeting at 10 a.m. Jan. 16 with one focus being soliciting input on climate-related topics and how the town can help reduce the impacts.

This meeting comes two months after the Select Board approved the establishment of a Climate Change Council, which is meant to advise the board on local environmental issues and take actions that would help Massachusetts reach its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. the winners of its two essay contests involving themes of American history.

Three students were chosen as winners of the Patriot’s Pen Contest, which asked kids in grades six through eight to write an essay between 300 to 400 words and answer the question, “What is Patriotism to Me?” Keegan Mossey, an eighth grader attending Hawthorne Brook Middle School in Townsend, won first place and a prize of $100. Marc Payette, a seventh grader also attending Hawthorne Brook, placed second and won $70. Bernadette Towne, a sixth grader attending the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Still River, placed third and won $40.

The winners will be presented their prizes at an Open House and Awards Ceremony at the Townsend VFW Post Function Hall in June.

The other contest, the Voice of Democracy Competition, featured three high school student winners