Solar Energy Workshop for businesses

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Solar energy for your business will be presented by the Center for Ecological Technology (CETsm) on Thursday, March 22 from 8 – 10 a.m. at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. Chris Vreeland, a registered professional engineer, will be the featured speaker. The workshop fee is $25. Pre-registration is required. Skyrocketing energy costs and concern about the effects of fossils fuels on our health and environment are leading many businesses to conserve and seek local, clean sources of energy. Solar hot water systems have been installed on homes, schools, public buildings and businesses in the Berkshires, and the interest continues to grow. Grants and tax incentives are available to help offset the cost of investing in solar energy and other renewable technologies. Those who attend will find out if a renewable energy system is a good fit for their business. Attendees will learn the basics of using energy from the sun to create electricity or heat water. They will learn how solar panels work, the components of a solar electric or hot water system, how to determine what size system is needed, whether they have a good site and how to gain additional benefits through energy efficient improvements. Mr. Vreeland will provide an overview of financial incentives available from Massachusetts and the federal government and will summarize a rebate program offered by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to help homeowners and small businesses pay for renewable energy systems. Pre-register through CET at 413-445-4556 ext. 25, cynthiag@cetonline.org or nancyn@cetonline.org.
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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