Solar Workshop Planned

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PITTSFIELD - The Center for Ecological Technology will hold a workshop on solar energy for the home or small business on Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (check in at 6) at the Berkshire Athenaeum at 1 Wendell Ave. Chris Vreeland, a professional engineer, will be the featured speaker. Registration is required and a donation of $10 is suggested. Energy costs and concern about the effects of fossils fuels on our health and environment are leading many Berkshire businesses and homeowners to conserve and seek local, clean sources of energy. Interest in solar energy systems for homes, farms, schools and businesses is continuing to grow. Grants and tax incentives are available to help offset the cost of investing in solar energy and other renewable technologies. This workshop is designed to help participants determine if solar energy would be a good fit for their situation. Attendees will learn the basics of how solar hot water and photovoltaic panels work, the components of a solar energy 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. Vreeland will provide an overview of financial incentives available from the state and the federal government and will summarize a rebate program offered by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. To register or for more information, call Cynthia Grippaldi at 413-445-4556, Ext. 25, or e-mail to cynthiag@cetonline.org. CET is a non-profit energy and resource conservation organization that has served Western Massachusetts since 1976. It receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. This workshop is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and Energy Federation Inc.
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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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