The announcements posted below are submitted to Boxborough News by organizations in Boxborough and surrounding towns. These announcements are posted here as submitted by the organization; they are not written by the Boxborough News team, nor are they vetted for accuracy or edited. Please use the contact information listed in the announcement for any questions about the content of the announcement. Submissions are posted at the discretion of the Boxborough News editors. To submit an announcement to Boxborough News for posting on this page, email boxboroughnews@gmail.com. 

Route 111 Bridge Update

As was noted in the lookahead and progress report email issued on June 13th, night work will begin on Sunday, June 22nd. For the purposes of this project, the overnight shift is defined as running from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Once overnight work does begin, it will run from Sunday night through Thursday night. Noise levels will not reach the level of the stage one demolition completed earlier this spring. This night shift will address stage 1 superstructure work including the placement of retaining wall concrete and setting of steel beams for the new bridge deck. 

More info at: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5450/I-495_Route-111-Bridge-Replacement-Update---Reminder_-Night-Work-Begins-June-22nd 

eBook Holds Wait Time Increasing in the Future

In March, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order that would dismantle federal agencies created by Congress, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Executive Order led to the loss of hundreds of grants for state libraries and museums. The State has looked at other funding sources and is able to keep the statewide interlibrary loan service (CommCat) and continue to support the summer reading programs. However, cuts had to be made to the funding for eBook content and database subscriptions. It will lead to even longer wait times for ebooks and greatly reduced database offerings starting in July 2025. If you would like to learn more about the situation or have questions about the Library's operation, please feel free to contact Peishan Bartley at the Library.  

Boxborough Receives Public Safety Health Grant from MIIA to Support First Responders’ Heart Health

Boxborough, MA – May 28, 2025 – The town of Boxborough has received a $3,141.00 grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) Health Benefits Trust’s new Public Safety Grant program that provides advanced cardiovascular and metabolic health screenings for local first responders. The goals of the program are to help detect early signs of heart disease and improve long-term health outcomes.

Courtney Hernandez, Wellness Manager at MIIA, noted that standard risk modeling often does not identify those at increased risk. “Our goal is to give communities like Boxborough the tools to change that trajectory through preventative care using clinically advanced methods that go far beyond typical wellness screenings,” Hernandez said.

Boxborough will use the funds to participate in the Full Onsite Metabolic Screening Program, which offers in-depth biomarker testing, cardiovascular imaging, stress testing, and personalized consultations with clinicians and nutrition experts. The program, which is open to MIIA Health Benefits Trust member communities, is implemented in partnership with Sigma Tactical Wellness and Quest Diagnostics.

"The Boxborough Police Department continually stresses the importance of officer wellness as the health and safety of our personnel is paramount,” said Boxborough Chief of Police John Szewczyk. “We are grateful to MIIA and Sigma Tactical Wellness for providing this tremendous opportunity.”

Stan Corcoran, Executive Vice President of MIIA, added, “Public safety professionals face demanding, often stressful conditions in service to their communities. At MIIA, we believe it’s essential to support their health and well-being with evidence-based tools. This program is one way we can help reduce risk and give these individuals the same care and protection they provide to others.”

MIIA is a membership service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a mission-driven, member-led nonprofit, MIIA focuses on providing Massachusetts municipalities and other governmental entities with insurance coverage alternatives, quality risk management, and wellness programs.

For over four decades, MIIA has proudly supported its members in their efforts to build stronger communities, foster safer work environments, and implement programs that promote the health and well-being of their employees. For more information, visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.

Beyond boxborough

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $9.5 Million to Electrify Public School Buses

Funding will support electrification efforts in eight school districts across the state

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $9.5 million in funding for eight school districts and private transportation providers as part of the third round of the School Bus Deployment program. This initiative, led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), supports communities in replacing diesel-powered school buses with electric alternatives.

The MassCEC School Bus Deployment program provides both financial support and hands-on technical planning assistance to ensure a smooth transition for school districts. The program also focuses on supporting high-need and environmental justice communities.

“Electric school buses are an example of how we can improve public health across the state,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper. “MassCEC’s School Bus Deployment program not only funds new vehicles, it provides school districts with the necessary support and expertise to switch to electric. Our goal is to ensure every community reaps the benefits of this critical transition.”

“Students and school districts deserve a less polluted environment than is currently the case with diesel bus fleets. The growing shift to electric buses represents a transformative opportunity to modernize transportation while cutting costs as well as creating a learning opportunity for students and communities,” said Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “MassCEC supports two-thirds of the electric school buses in the state, enabling communities to pilot innovative solutions, gain hands-on experience with electric vehicle technology, and lay the groundwork for long-term fleet electrification across the Commonwealth.”

MassCEC School Bus Fleet Deployment Round 3 Grant Awards:

• Acton-Boxborough Regional School District - $1,432,952

• Beacon Mobility supporting Ipswich Public Schools - $1,100,000

• Beacon Mobility supporting Salem Public Schools - $1,300,000

• Beverly Public Schools - $1,459,000

• First Student, Inc supporting Fitchburg Public Schools - $1,604,255

• Highland Electric supporting Amherst-Pelham Regional School District - $500,000

• Highland Electric supporting Hingham Public Schools - $500,000

• Mercedes Cab supporting Cape Cod Regional Technical School - $1,998,264
  
  

“Transitioning to electric school buses is a meaningful investment in the well-being of our students and the future of our communities,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “This program showcases what’s possible when we prioritize sustainability and equity in our investments, and I’m grateful to our partners at MassCEC and MassDEP for leading this important work.”

To date, the MassCEC School Bus Program has awarded more than $27.5 million to school districts and consultants, leveraging more than $100 million in external funding. MassCEC is now accepting proposals for Round 4 of the program, with applications due by June 13, 2025 at 4pm ET. Selected applicants will be eligible for up to $2.5 million in funding per project to support electric school bus deployment and associated costs, along with access to technical consulting services.

For more information about the School Bus Deployment Program, and to apply for Round 4 funding, visit www.masscec.com.

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded nearly $800 million in programs and investments and attracted more than $2.8 billion in private and public funds.