Dalton Green Committee Hosts Climate Solutions Fair Sunday

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DALTON, Mass.—The town invites community members to its Climate Solutions Fair at the Stationery Factory this Sunday, Oct. 13, at 1 p.m. 
 
Dalton’s environmental consultant, Blue Strike Environmental, will headline the event with a multi-media presentation on the key components of the Climate Action Plan, followed by an information session for community members. 
 
The Green Committee members will also present their draft climate action plan survey. The event will feature survey workshops, during which attendees can provide input on ways to improve the survey.
 
The community survey is part of a broad community engagement strategy to ensure all voices are heard and have access to the resources they need. 
 
The event will also delve into the benefits of electric vehicle ownership and solar power for homes, review state and federal incentives to increase home energy efficiency, and have other environmental conversations. 
 
“The comprehensive outreach survey will help us provide a plan securely founded on the actual wishes and priorities of its residents,” said Bob Bishop, Select Board chair.
 
“I am very pleased with how the Green Dalton Committee is approaching this important task.”  
 
Dalton became a designated Green Community in 2013. It is now working with its environmental consultant, Blue Strike Environmental, and community stakeholders to create a climate action plan. 
 
The plan aims to mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. It will provide a roadmap for the town’s climate action over the next eight to 12 years and align with the state's mandate to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 
 
“Our focus over the coming months is ensuring the plan includes collaboration with community stakeholders, social equity considerations, and ongoing community education,” Green Committee chair David Wasielewski said. 
 
Senator Paul Mark commended Dalton for committing to develop a Climate Action Plan to achieve the state’s climate goals. 
 
The state legislature passed the Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy in 2022. 
 
The goal is to achieve net zero Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050, with interim targets in 2030 and 2040. 
 
Dalton is taking the necessary steps to put this ambitious goal within reach,” Mark said.  
 
“I applaud Dalton for seeking ways to reduce Greenhouse  Gas emissions to improve public health and protect the environment for the next generation,” state representative Smitty Pignatelli added. 
 
The fair’s schedule and additional details, including survey workshop times, are here. 
 
More information about Dalton’s Climate Action plan and the Oct. 13th event here
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Dalton Basketball Court Named for McMahon

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DALTON, Mass. – The Community Recreation Association last week dedicated the newly renovated gym floor in honor of Dan McMahon.
 
The CRA’s program director for more than three decades was recognized in a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by about 60 people on Friday night, just before the start of the youth basketball season.
 
“[McMahon] has created programs that have had a lasting impact, including the Mark Galusha Baseball League, the Just for Kicks Soccer Tournament …, adaptive programs, Just Play Summer Basketball and countless others that continue to define the CRA today,” CRA Director of Operations Dustin Belcher said at the ceremony.
 
“Dan has always led with his heart, putting the families and kids we serve first. He has spent thousands of hours in this building running the Leaders Club, drop-in after school programs, tutoring and family events. The gymnasium has been at the center of his work, whether teaching gym class at St. Agnes Academy, hosting Halloween fun Houses, penny carnivals, summer camp, snow days or school vacation camps. Every child and family who uses this space going forward will feel the impact of his dedication to the community.”
 
McMahon did the honors in cutting the ribbon to formally open the court. He was joined by his family at the ceremony.
 
“Families need to know they can rely on the people guiding these programs, and Dan provided trusted, steady leadership for decades” Belcher said. “It is because of his dedication that the CRA has been able to grow, thrive and serve so many families.”
 
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