6206351f-203c-4cbb-b232-a00cfb3545ff Tax Collector/Treasurer Staff Kirsten Henshaw (Treasurer / Tax Collector) 413-684-3811 ext 3 khenshaw@windsormass.com 1890 Route 9, Suite 5 Windsor, MA 01270 Meetings Tuesdays 10am-noon or by appointment khenshaw@windsormass.com Hired by the Select Board for a 3 year term. Description The Treasurer is responsible for managing all town moneys, disperses all cash, manages debt obligations and banking relations. Administers group insurance and is responsible for payroll, pension and retirement systems. The Tax Collector is responsible for overall administration for local taxes. Information Related Services Pay Windsor Town Fees

72d2ca92-4424-4e91-8073-5a587bb0f07e Library Members Katherine Richter (Library Director) 413-684-3811 #6 windsordirector@cwmars.org Trustees Ben Harelick - term expires 2025 Stacy Litke - term expires 2026 Erin McLaughlin - term expires 2027 Meeting Agendas and Minutes Library Trustees agendas Library Trustees minutes Library Hours Mondays 5 - 7:30pm Wednesdays 2 - 7pm Saturdays 10am - 1pm Windsor Free Public Library Town Offices 1890 Route 9 Windsor, MA 01270 Follow the Windsor Library on Facebook Windsor Library Director is a paid part-time town position. Trustees are elected by the town in the town elections for 3 year terms. Description The Windsor Free Library located at the Town Offices is part of the CW MARS Library System and with your library card, you are able to access materials: books, dvd’s, cd’s, etc. from other libraries in the Central and Western areas. Growing the Board of Trustees The Windsor Free Public Library is looking to add 4 more people to our Board of Trustees. We meet over Zoom, they work with Katherine the Director on various library related topics and here is a link to check out exactly what a Trustee does . CW MARS is a diverse library consortium made up of over 100 member libraries primarily located in Central and Western Massachusetts. CW MARS is an acronym that stands for C entral and W estern MA ssachusetts R esource S haring. It is the largest of nine library consortia in Massachusetts and includes academic, public, and special libraries of all sizes, from tiny towns with populations under 500 to large urban libraries with many branches. CW MARS hosts and supports the technology needed to power our shared online library catalog and library staff software Questions About the New Catalog Experience? Search for what is available online in the "GALE" system. But be sure to come by the library first to get access. 15 minute video highlights some of the reasons students use Gale resources. Starting July 1st, 2025, statewide research databased offerings will be reduced. Learn about your options here . This is a list of of databases that WILL continue to be available. This is a list of discontinued offerings that will NOT be available. Upcoming Events TBD Financial Literacy Enrich is an accessible digital financial learning platform that’s available at no cost to Massachusetts residents from the State Treasurer’s Office . Patrons can sign up for a free account and gain access to personalized education paths designed to help them feel more confident managing their money and planning for the future. Enrich offers a host of interactive tools, including courses, articles, and quizzes, that help users get a clear picture of their financial health, develop a personalized action plan, and track their progress over time. There are hundreds of courses, tools, and interactive exercises covering a wide range of topics, from teaching children about financial wellness, to living comfortably in retirement. Enrich meets patrons where they are with an easy-to-navigate and mobile-friendly interface, plain language, and a variety of learning formats. The site is also translatable into English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, and French. Massachusetts Financial Literacy Suggestions Financial Calendar Financial Reading List ages 3-12 Financial Reading List ages 13-1 8 Financial Reading List 18+ Suggested links 5 Best BPL Online Resources for High School Students BPL: Explore Additional Research Resources BPL: Explore Museum passes available ( full list [pdf]) MassMOCA Arrowhead Berkshire Museum Chesterwood The Clark Art Museum Hancock Shaker Village Magic Wings The Mount Norman Rockwell Museum Springfield Museums The USS Constitution Ventfort Hall National Trust for Historic Preservation Information Library Trustees agendas Library Trustees minutes Related Services

5f1a3391-16ff-4f87-8994-e7d412486c72 Parks & Recreation Members Megan Anello Brock Anello Sarah Christensen Barbara Connors (Chair) 860-965-6594 Rocco Errichetto Kelly Harper Frank Levesque Katie Richer (Secretary) Jazzmyn Tulluch Parks and rec email: Windsorparksandrec@gmail.com Meetings We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. via zoom. Appointed by the Select Board. Description The Windsor Parks & Rec Committee is a volunteer led group that seeks to set up events and activities for all ages in Windsor. Annual events include Halloween Trunk or Treat, Movie Nights in the Park, and kickball games during the summer. 2022 was a big year for the Town Park! In June, we built a new Bears Playground which has become a much enjoyed place for families, homeschool groups and neighbors of all ages. There is also a chess/checkers table that was installed by Friends of Windsor as well as a new soccer net for all ages to enjoy. Check back for updates on winter activities including a new ice skating rink! We consider the Windsor Town Park as our home base and we invite you and your family to enjoy this wide open space at your leisure. There is currently a baseball diamond, small shed, and pavilion with picnic table that is open for public use. If you would like to hold an event at the town park, please get in touch. The Parks & Rec Committee is always looking for additional volunteers who wish to help make our community even better. Come join our fun group! Information Parks & Recreation Agendas Parks & Recreation Minutes Related Services Parks: What and Where?

785f1339-9d0f-4a76-bdf3-1429aadd4793 Town Hall Rental The Town of Windsor has a historic Town Hall building that is available for rental. Monetary Guidelines - Mar 2023 [pdf] - Some usage of the Town Hall is free, and the fees for other uses are described here. Town Hall Rental Contract - Mar 2023 [pdf] Please submit rental information to the Windsor Town Administrator at WindsormassTA@gmail.com . Related Services Related Boards & Departments

518e52b5-2124-4721-9542-8e848f11e20f Request for Abutters List If you need a list of the abutters of your property (i.e., property parcels that are adjacent to yours), then fill out the form below and send it to the assessor. You may need this list if you are, for example, requesting a variance or special permit from the zoning board. Request for abutters list [pdf] Related Services Related Boards & Departments Assessor

f3b72a29-1f3c-41e8-bd33-dd9117052816 Apply for Permits The Town of Windsor has adopted online permitting through the Berkshire Online Permitting System. Contractors and homeowners must set up an account in order to apply for permits as listed below. Board of Health Permits: Permit system , instructions [pdf] and fees [pdf] Building Permits: Permit eyes system Building Permit Fees Voted and Accepted at the June 1, 2020 Annual Town meeting Full list of building, electrical, and plumbing/gas permit fees [pdf] Related Services How & What to Get Inspected Related Boards & Departments Board of Health Inspections

28e087dd-0d23-4f5a-b703-b39d72fef8f8 Assessor Members Robin Wadsworth, MAA (Assistant Assessor) 413-684-3811 x2 413-684-3806 (Fax) rwadsworth@windsormass.com 3 year term expiring 2026 Hours, Meetings & Contact Hours @ Town Offices Wednesdays: 10am - 2pm Meetings As needed and posted 1890 Route 9, Suite 4 Windsor, MA 01270 The Assessor is appointed by Select Board. Description The Assessor is responsible for preparing the annual property tax base, which includes identifying all taxable real and personal property, its ownership, full and fair cash value*, and usage classification. This requires maintenance of an extensive database on each property in the community, which must be reviewed annually for changes in property description, ownership and condition. It also requires an annual analysis of market conditions to adjust values. The assessors must submit values for review by the Department of Revenue every three years. *Full and fair cash value has been defined as 100% of a property’s “fair market value”, which is the price an owner willing to but not under compulsion to sell ought to receive from one willing to but not under compulsion to buy. Full and fair cash value is the applied constitutional and statutory standard, which protects the property owner’s right to pay only his or her fair share of the tax burden. The Assessor is also responsible for: Identifying and calculating annual “new growth” increase in the levy limit under Proposition 2 ½ and obtaining certification of the amount by the DOR. Setting the tax rate and fixing the property tax levy. This requires the preparation of a tax rate recapitulation summary of proposed valuations, expenditures and revenues for the year. Committing taxes to the collector with a warrant. This requires the preparation of a commitment list of all parcels and accounts, their owners and values, and all other information needed to send the tax bills. The commitment fixes the tax liability of the taxpayer and the warrant authorizes the collector to collect the taxes. Reviewing and acting on applications for abatements and exemptions. This includes notifying the taxpayer of the decision and the collector and accounting officer of amounts abated and exempted. It also includes participating in appeals to the Appellate Tax Board. Assessing and committing separately motor vehicle excise and administering the abatement process for that excise. Overseeing the overlay account which is the annual reserve for abatements and exemptions. Information FY 2025 Property Values Sorted by Owner [pdf] Sorted by Parcel ID [pdf] Sorted by Street [pdf] Abatement information and application form Other Information Assessor's Tax Maps [pdf] Online map query [link] Current Fiscal Year real property information is available at windsor.patriotproperties.com . For full information on Chapter 61 Current Use Tax Programs and application forms, click here . Applications are also available in the Assessors' office. Agendas and Minutes Board of Assessors Agendas Board of Assessors Minutes Related Services Change Your Mailing Address Forms & Documents for Town Activities Motor Vehicles Excise Taxes Property Taxes Request for Abutters List Tax Abatement & Exemption Applications

f632eba4-f83d-4267-906f-d6ad6644d3f0 Transfer Station Disposing of your trash and recyclables in Windsor requires an annual "car sticker", and there are fees to dispose of various items. Car stickers cost $75 annually and are available from the Town Clerk during their office hours along with a check payable to "Town of Windsor". New stickers are required by July 1 each year. You will need to fill out and can send this form [pdf] to: Transfer Station Permit 1890 Route 9, Suite 2 Windsor, MA 01270 Special Collections for 2025 Shared services [pdf] – tires, electronics, mattresses, flourescents, batteries, thermostats Holiday Recycling Reminders See guidance [pdf] Holiday string lights [pdf] NEW "tag" system to replace bags (November 2023) In an effort to reduce the introduction of unnecessary plastic to the waste stream, Windsor is discontinuing the sale of the blue/green garbage bags for the pay to throw program. We will now sell tags to be affixed to the trash going into the compactor. Each tag costing $1 entitles you to throw 33 gallons of trash (the amount you could previously get into a large blue bag.) You can choose to use large plastic bags, or you can use paper or other options. If you have 50 pound feed bags, dog food bags etc. two of them are equivalent to the 33 gallons. We still have quite a few of the smaller bags if you want to use them until they run out. This program has been successfully introduced in neighboring towns and residents have been pleased with having options to plastic bags. The tags will continue to be sold at the two general stores. A page of five stickers for $5. Simply attach the tag to whatever bags you choose to use. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the tags [pdf] Swap Shop (Windsor Mall) One person's junk is another's treasure! Visit the Swap Shop when you visit the Transfer Station. Drop off stuff you don't need and find a treasure. Kids welcome! Food Composting (NEW - May 2025) Details here [pdf]. Summary: What we accept Meet & Bones Dairy & Eggs Bread & Grain Nuts & Seeds Fruits & Vegetables Coffee Grounds & Tea What we DO NOT accept Anything other than food including: Compostable Plastic & Bags Stickers & Labels Oil in Bulk Trash & Plastic Paper & Cardboard Twist Ties & Staples or Rubber Bands Sharps You can bring medical sharps (hypodermic needles, epi-pens, syringes, etc.). There is a sharps container inside the "mercury shed", or ask the attendant. Medication Disposal Not at the transfer station, but available at the Police station (lower level of Town Offices). Peel off or scribble over personal id info and drop the meds in the secure box. Don’t keep old meds around the house. It’s easy to dispose of them in the secure box. Information about Recyling and Trash "Beyond the Bin" website that lets you find the best way and place to donate or recycle items that don't get collected by Windsor. Learn more about book collection [pdf] in big blue box Windsor Recyling Guide [pdf] MassSave Fridge/Freezer hauls working refrigerators and freezers - and pays you $75 Western Mass recycling tips [pdf] Composting Why Should I Compost [pdf] Compost made easy [pdf] Earth machine outreach pre-orders 2025 [pdf] Pre-orderes open June 4. Distribution July 26, 2025. 6 minute video created for NBSWMD explaining composting from home [YouTube] Disposal Fees In addition to the car sticker, there are fees for disposing of all items (except recyclables). Household Garbage Tag stickers are required for disposing in Compactor - available for purchase at Friendly Fred's and Sangar General Store. Attach tag to each 33 gallon bag of garbage or equivalent. Page of 5 stickers - $5 Large Items Bicycle - $5 Wooden Chair - $5 Upholstered Chair - $20 Sofa - $45 Rug - $20 Box Spring - $25 Car tires - $6 Pickup truck tires - $15 Larger truck tiers - $80 Big tractor tire - $150 Commercial truck tire (6-18 wheeler) - $220 White Goods - $15 Note: Mattresses and box springs are no longer allowed - instead, they must be brought to the Dalton Transfer Station for recycling at $40 each. Note that any mattress that is soiled, wet, has bugs or human fluids and can not be recycled will have a significantly higher charge for disposal. Please read details here [pdf]. 7/29/25 Note about tire price changes: The cost to the town of disposal of tires continues to rise so we must reluctantly raise the charge to residents to drop off tires at the transfer station. The cost of larger ply tires like tractor tires see the most significant increases as they must be delaminated to process. We continue to recommend that where possible residents ask the dealer where they buy new tires to dispose of the old ones, as dealers have lower costs than individual towns. Demolition Materials Per Barrel - $5 6' Pickup - $75 8' Pickup - $90 One Ton - $165 Dump Truck - $365 Related Services Related Boards & Departments Transfer Station

d8f4e08c-da62-4a77-b5f2-accf57f22f0a Master Plan for Windsor The Planning Board appointed the Master Plan Steering Committee in November 2021 to develop a Master Plan for the Town. After an extensive process—including a survey distributed throughout the Town and answered by nearly 20% of adult residents—the Plan is being finalized and anticipated to be released in late November 2022. Documents The Master Plan (Nov 2022) [pdf] Wild & Scenic Westfield River Stewardship Plan [pdf] Master Plan Survey Results [pdf] Related Services Related Boards & Departments Planning Board

dd8ab326-b8bd-4319-a46e-9c9bf64cb2e1 Motor Vehicles Excise Taxes The Town of Windsor requires that an "Excise Tax" be paid for motor vehicles that are owned by town residents. This Motor Vehicle Excise Tax is assessed on a calendar year basis (January-December). The valuation of the vehicle is determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles using the manufacturer’s recommended retail price when new multiplied by the applicable percentage: In the year preceding the year of manufacture: 50% In the year of manufacture: 90% In the second year: 60% In the third year: 40% In the fourth year: 25% In the fifth and succeeding years: 10% Excise tax rate is $25.00 per thousand of valuation. Excise taxes are prorated on a monthly basis. The annual excise due on a vehicle registered after January 1 will be reduced by one-twelfth of the full year’s excise for every month prior to the month in which the vehicle was registered. The minimum an excise bill may be is $5.00. Abatements are available if during a calendar year ownership of a motor vehicle is transferred by sale or otherwise and the registration is cancelled or transferred to another vehicle. Both actions are necessary to qualify for an abatement. Abatements may be requested up three years following the year to which the excise relates. Proof of ownership transfer and registration cancellation or transfer will be requested. The minimum an abatement may be is $5.00. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Why am I still getting an excise tax bill when I no longer have that car? You must always either transfer or cancel your plates when you no longer have a vehicle. For as long as your plate is active, you will receive an excise tax bill. REMEMBER: It is important that the bill for a vehicle you no longer own is NOT IGNORED. Interest and fees may accumulate and result in non-renewal of license and/or registration. When am I entitled to an excise tax abatement? You are entitled to an abatement on your excise tax when you DISPOSE OF THE VEHICLE and either CANCEL or TRANSFER YOUR PLATES to a new vehicle. The Assessors’ office requires that you present the proper documentation along with an Application for Abatement for an abatement to be granted. If the plate is lost, you must file for a lost plate receipt with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Who is entitled to an excise tax exemption? Chapter 60A, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws provide excise tax exemptions for vehicles owned by certain disabled individuals and veterans, ex-prisoners of war and their surviving spouses and certain charitable organizations. Please contact our office for further details on eligibility. Related Services Tax Abatement & Exemption Applications Related Boards & Departments Assessor

Learn about Artists in Windsor An impressive number of talented and creative artists live in Windsor. We host a description of some of their work and link to their sites when available so you can learn more and support them. See our artists' work! ( Submit items for this page to the .) Webmaster Likes Birds (Emily Bunnell) Digital Painting Tiny Gouaches (Emily Bunnell) Gouache plein air paintings Family (Emily Bunnell) Graphite Drawing Garden cosmos and morning glories (DJ Drumm) Eco printing is the transferring of pigment from flora and fauna onto fabric, paper and other materials. Eco print on raw silk noil Glorious Sunflower (DJ Drumm) Eco printing is the transferring of pigment from flora and fauna onto fabric, paper and other materials. Eco print on 140 lb. watercolor paper. Ann Koczela - Recreated with old barn wood, unused copper, old dishes, repurposed light into solar Loving to take challenges: “I take what others throw away and build something out of the ordinary." With old wood, broken dishes, chicken wire, old copper and PVC pipe, I crafted stunning structures, proving waste could become art. Each project cleans the earth, one creation at a time. I don’t just recycle materials— try to recycle with imagination, proving that with vision and effort, anything could be repurposed into something extraordinary. My goal is to inspire people to do the same. Ann Koczela - Recycled glass shower door & dishes for greenhouse Loving to take challenges: “I take what others throw away and build something out of the ordinary." With old wood, broken dishes, chicken wire, old copper and PVC pipe, I crafted stunning structures, proving waste could become art. Each project cleans the earth, one creation at a time. I don’t just recycle materials— try to recycle with imagination, proving that with vision and effort, anything could be repurposed into something extraordinary. My goal is to inspire people to do the same. Ann Koczela - Reused old stained glass, sculpting with chicken wire & broken mirrors Loving to take challenges: “I take what others throw away and build something out of the ordinary." With old wood, broken dishes, chicken wire, old copper and PVC pipe, I crafted stunning structures, proving waste could become art. Each project cleans the earth, one creation at a time. I don’t just recycle materials— try to recycle with imagination, proving that with vision and effort, anything could be repurposed into something extraordinary. My goal is to inspire people to do the same. Jane Lyon Jewelry Hand cast zamak necklace Zamak is 94% zinc, 3% copper, 3% aluminum. No rust or tarnish Jane Lyon Jewelry Hand cast zamak bracelet Zamak is 94% zinc, 3% copper, 3% aluminum. No rust or tarnish Jane Lyon Jewelry Hand cast zamak earrings Zamak is 94% zinc, 3%copper, 3% aluminum. Hypoallergenic Peter Reed Carry Goods Waxed Canvas and Bridle Leather Totes Peter Reed Carry Goods Stage 1 - Horween CXL leather Carry-On Peter Reed Carry Goods Horween CXL Valet and Hand Saddle-Stitched Minimalist Wallet Constance Talbot High Hollow Pottery Constance Talbot High Hollow Pottery

What is MVP 2.0? Where We Are in the Process Updates and Press Climate Change in Windsor? Our Priority Population Preparedness Priorities MVP 2.0 Core Team Community Engagement Events What is MVP 2.0? Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness 2.0 (MVP 2.0) is the second round of a Massachusetts grant program to fund local projects that will benefit disadvantaged community groups expected to be more affected by climate change than the general population in the coming years. Factors such as income or social inequality play roles in why certain groups will be more affected than the general population. The selected project should build upon each town’s initial Municipal Vulnerability Plans [pdf] and build social resilience. As part of a pilot group, the Town of Windsor was awarded $95,000 in grant funds in Fall 2023 to identify a population in town that would be more affected by climate change than others. Our focus was to create climate change resilience in our community with an emphasis on social and environmental justice. The end goal was to help individuals cope with the impacts of climate change on their lives here in Windsor now and into the future. The Windsor MVP 2.0 Core Team spoke with community members to identify issues in our town and region and, with their help, selected a project that would benefit those populations who have historically been inadequately engaged in the town-improvement process.Over two and a half years of work led to the creation of the Windsor Educational Forest. Where We Are in the MVP 2.0 Process Windsor was one of 32 municipalities across the State to participate in the MVP 2.0 pilot program. Beginning in Fall 2023, Town Administrator, Madeline Scully, identified key community members to manage this process. The MVP 2.0 Core Team underwent Environmental and Social Justice Training, reviewed the 2020 Windsor Hazard Mitigation Plan, identified priority issues and which populations will be most negatively impacted by climate change, and held several engagement events to develop a clear picture of vulnerabilities in our community. As of November 2026, the Core Team completed the MVP 2.0 Process. With our remaining grant funds, we transformed the 100 acres of forested land encompassing the Town’s naturally-capped landfill into an educational forest. The Windsor Educational Forest (WEF) aims to inspire current and future generations through diverse forms of learning to be stewards of their forested communities and preserve the environment of Massachusetts and beyond in the face of climate change challenges. The WEF provides a site for climate/environmental experts to educate students and the public on climate change mitigation strategies, skills, and how to be better stewards of our local and regional forested environment. A rustic structure and trails enable both the study of the habitat, and a site for public education on the impacts of climate change, while also serving as a passive recreation opportunity for the community. This Forest provides a living classroom and laboratory for testing and gathering data for students, researchers, and partners. The interdisciplinary educational forest encourages exploration of the complex connections between human activities, land use, and forest ecosystems. By studying forest health, habitat conservation, ecosystem services, and carbon sequestration, this site fosters understanding of how human actions impact natural processes. The Town of Windsor, the Windsor Educational Forest Committee, and The Partners Advisory Board collaborate to provide outdoor-focused learning programs for residents and the Western Massachusetts community. Updates and Press Press February 27, 2025: Windsor MVP 2.0 Seed Project Selection Tool - Initial Project Plan February 24, 2025: Resilient Windsor Educational Forest Project Community Q&A - Presentation December 7,2024: Town Administrator Newsletter - Resilient Windsor Educational Forest FAQs December 1, 2024: Berkshire Eagle - "Windsor is planning to revive its long-closed landfill as an educational forest " November 20, 2024: Windsor Educational Forest Partners Meeting - Presentation October 7, 2024: Community Dine and Discuss - Windsor Priorities Selection Presentation Climate Change in Windsor? Have you noticed that the seasons haven’t been the same since you were a kid? This “weather weirding” has become the new normal – more severe storms, longer heat waves, and multiple freeze-thaw cycles in the winter that damage our dirt roads. Hear long-time Windsor residents share their stories of how the climate in town has changed over the years. Madeline Scully Peter Reed Val Kohn Our Priority Population When Windsor participated in the original MVP grant, organizers placed emphasis on infrastructure upgrades to protect against climate change damages. The MVP 2.0 grant asked towns to focus on projects that will specifically help vulnerable populations, with special care taken to identify groups that have frequently been overlooked such as low-income or non-English speaking neighborhoods. The Windsor Core Team identified students and young adults (“Youngers”) as our project’s priority population. Youngers have grown up hearing of the devastating effects climate change will have on the world they will inherit. Through our TAKE CHARGE! Student Climate Challenges Forum on April 24th, we sought input from students and young adults from central Western Massachusetts. Why Youngers? We recognize students and young adults as valuable stakeholders for our MVP 2.0 project. While being the most affected by the long-term effects of climate change, they are also most up to the challenge of making changes to improve the world around them. Well-Educated on the Threats of Climate Change: In interviews with Wahconah students, the MVP 2.0 Core Team found them to be well-educated on the threats of climate change to their community and abroad. In the discussions, they spoke to both inland flooding due to severe storms and coastal flooding due to rising sea levels. They talked of “weather weirding” with hotter summers, more severe storms and changing patterns of weather. They articulated the dangers invasive species due to changing weather patterns as well as the increased threat of forest fires due to drought conditions and increased tree deaths as a result of pest infestation such as the Emerald Ash Borer. Students feared species extinctions as weather patterns impacted populations that could not adequately adapt to climate change. Collaborative: Students are adept at working in a collaborative environment. Current school models encourage collaborative learning which helps the students develop listening skills, brainstorming, project planning and achieving consensus. Creative and Forward-Thinking: Youngers tend to be more creative and forward-thinking and less set in their ways than many adults. They are often open to consider alternative ideas and concepts, and adept in imagining possible benefits of untested technologies that may counter climate change impacts. Activists: Throughout modern history, Youngers have proven to be effective activists for change. They will inhabit the world of the future and they must cope with the impacts of climate change the longest. Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (2020) Priorities and How Windsor has Addressed Them Between 2019 and 2020, Windsor received a grant through the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program. As part of the grant process, the Windsor MVP group created the Windsor Hazard Mitigation Plan to identify specific challenges resulting from climate change. The identified top priorities to be addressed were inland flooding caused by undersized/obsolete culverts, summer heat waves, severe warm and cold weather storms, and power outages. Click on each identified priority below to see how the Town of Windsor addressed these issues in round one of MVP. Replace Culverts on River Road, Cheshire Road, and Flintstone Road: Led by Town Highway Superintendent John Denno, Windsor has replaced three failing culverts on River Road with new open bottom culverts that meet Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards. These new enlarged culverts prevent major blockages and allow more water to pass through during the increasing number of severe storms, where in-land flooding is more likely. In addition, the enlarged culverts allow wildlife to move freely through the culvert and minimizes ecological impacts on flora and fauna populations. The Town has completed preliminary work for the replacement of the Flintstone and Cheshire Road culverts. Through additional grants and the use of Chapter 90 funds, these projects have not had a significant impact on the tax levy. Funding is needed for further culvert replacement projects. By engaging in the MVP 2.0 process, Windsor gains access to apply for this new round of culvert replacement funding. Old River Road culvert: undersized, not wildlife friendly New River Road culvert: connects habitats, free-flowing Aggressively Pursue Tree Trimming in Conjunction with Eversource: Highway Superintendent John Denno continues to work with the Windsor tree warden, Mark Hauge, and Eversource to ensure proper preventive trimming is completed on a regular basis. These preventative measures minimize the impact of severe storms on the Town’s power grid. Denno and Hauge also work together to address the sections of Town where the fiber network is on Verizon-only poles. Windsor’s updated Town Hall including a new generator, heat pumps, new kitchen Upgrade Town Hall to Serve as an Emergency Center during Heat Spells, Severe Storms and Power Outages: Led by Chairman Stu Besnoff, the Green Committee successfully pursued grants to insulate and upgrade the Town Hall. The kitchen in the Town Hall now boasts a new high efficiency electric induction stove with a convection oven. In addition, a large generator was installed at Town Hall. As a result, the building can now serve as an emergency heating, cooling and triage center with clean water and food preparation space during power outages. Residents are able to charge electronic devices when their power is out and can shelter there temporarily. Due to the Town Hall’s age and size, it is unable to be used as a full emergency shelter, as the Town cannot install showers for residents to use during emergency situations. However, Windor’s Senior Outreach Coordinator Jessica Buoymaster created an extensive network of friendly residents willing to help their neighbors in times of need. The Green Committee’s project also extended to the Town Offices and Highway Department’s garage. These two buildings and the Town Hall have been insulated to decrease heat loss, the garage roof has recently been replaced to further decrease heat loss, and heat pumps were installed in the Town Hall and Town Offices. With yet another Green Committee grant, a solar array was installed at the Town Offices that now provides 83% of the electricity used in that building including running the heat pumps and the electronics for the town municipal fiber network. Ensure the Town Well is Able to Provide Clean, Plentiful Water: Town Animal Control Officer and general good-neighbor, Dave Melle and a group of energetic and dedicated volunteers rebuilt the spring house that provides clean well-water to the Town Hall. The new structure is monitored regularly. Monitor All Beaver Dams and Install Beaver Deceivers Where Appropriate: The Highway Department and Conservation Commission collaborated to identify and monitor beaver dam sites. Without proper preventative measures, in-land flooding and damage to roads and private property may occur. To mitigate beaver activity, a “beaver deceiver” helps drain water away from the dam and trick the beaver into thinking its structure is complete. This allows beaver populations to continue to thrive in Windsor’s waterways. Highway and the Conservation Commission jointly procured grants to install beaver deceivers where needed. Establish a Process for Wellness Checks and Identify High Risk Individuals and Families: In collaboration with the Council on Aging, Senior Outreach Coordinator Jessica Buoymaster established a wellness check protocol that ensures the safety and monitoring of residents in need of such services. In addition to these wellness checks, Buoymaster expanded her role to provide residents with access to: * Brown-bag food program for low-income elderly/disabled residents and farmers market coupons (age 60+) * Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) for fuel assistance and weatherization, if qualified * Grants to assist for past-due bills, mortgage payment, and septic tank maintenance * Alzheimer's Memory Café and day programs through The Ralph J. Froio Senior Center in Pittsfield * Individualized assistance for residents with payment plans with various utilities companies (electric, phone, etc) * CHP Mobile Health (Big Orange Bus) to include wellness checks and flu and covid boosters * Berkshire Harm Reduction Mobile RV Outreach through the Harm Reduction Bus program. Buoymaster continues to provide much-needed support to any Windsor resident living with difficult situations. If you are in need of social services support or know a Windsor resident who could use a hand, contact Jessica Buoymaster (413-329-4364 or buoymasjessica@gmail.com) Educate the Public on Proper Shelter-in-Place Procedures Senior Outreach Coordinator Jessica Buoymaster, in conjunction with the Windsor Board of Health, provides training on proper procedures for sheltering in place. This extends to both weather and illness-related events. Ensure the Availability of Affordable Internet Access to All Residents: With vast amounts of time and effort, Doug McNally led the Municipal Light Plant Board (MLPBoard) and Town through the completion of the Town-owned fiber optic network project. This high-speed internet service allows all connected Windsor residents to access extremely fast internet at a reasonable price. To date, nearly 80% of homes in Windsor are connected to the fiber optic network. Bond payments for this project are fully covered through a portion of Connect America Funds grant and residents’ subscription fees. To further support residents who have not yet subscribed to the town fiber optic network, several town buildings including the Town Hall, Town Offices, and the Town Park on Peru Road all offer visitors free access to this high-speed internet. This asset became crucial for many residents once the Pandemic hit and forced employees and students to work from home. The MLP Board oversees the operation of the network and continues to work on the next steps to enable all residents to effectively utilize the network. Under the federal Digital Equity Grant, the Board will continue to pursue ways to assist those who originally chose not to connect to the network and revisit their decision if they so choose. The Digital Equity Grant will soon allow Windsor to offer residents classes on how to effectively use the internet for accessing medical services, shopping via the internet, and many other life changing services available to more internet-savvy users. In addition, those in need may be able to acquire a free network device. Meet the MVP 2.0 Core Team Jessica Buoymaster Senior Outreach Coordinator My name is Jessica Buoymaster. I am the Senior Outreach Coordinator in Windsor, MA and help provide assistance and support to any Windsor resident in need. I conduct well being checks and home visits. I also make sure that the income eligible ones access fuel assistance (BCAC), food program discounts on utility bills, and farmers market coupons. I can also research and manage available grants to help with the past due bills and mortgage payment. I have a special interest in mental health and memory care through my involvement with the Alzheimer's Association. I provide access to residents for the memory cafe and day program through the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center in Pittsfield. To further provide care to town residents, I organize CHP bus visits for the town for wellbeing checks and flu and covid vaccines. I also organize the Harm Reduction bus visits through the Berkshire Harm Reduction Mobile RV Outreach Program. I joined the MVP 2.0 Core Team because of my work as the Senior Outreach Coordinator, as this role provides critical information regarding the particular needs of the older population in town. Knowing “Olders” specific needs, I identify the dangers of climate change for food access, transportation, heat and cooling issues, and other medical issues. My jobs are very important to me for the caring and well being of the elderly population and them knowing I'm always here. John Denno Windsor Highway Department Superintendent I have resided in the quaint town of Windsor for most of my life. I was raised on North Street, along with my three sisters. In 1992 I took a break from the Northeast and ventured south for several years. About 19 years ago I returned to Berkshire County, purchased land in Windsor, and built a log cabin where I reside with my wife Colleen, who is an LPN. I have made a longstanding career out of operating heavy trucks, and heavy machinery since 1986. I worked for a few years in the construction business, operated super heavy haul trucks, hauling superloads all over the United States, Mexico, and Canada. I was also the owner/operator of Denno Transportation. I started working for the Town of Windsor as a driver/operator/laborer in 2014, and in July of 2018 I became the Highway Superintendent. I have a three-man crew, a fleet of 4, soon to be 5 large trucks, a town pickup truck, a new grader, loader, backhoe, zero turn mower with trailer, and a lot of useful equipment to enable myself and my crew to keep the town's properties and roads in very good condition. Here's a behind the scenes look of what I do from day to day as the Superintendent. I am involved with a team in writing grants, replacing vulnerable culverts that are at risk of failing, coordinating with many engineers and construction companies to design and replace culverts, and repair bridges. Management of beavers and the many dams around town, cleaning up the destruction that they cause, and working to minimize more damage and flooding. I work to improve the town's infrastructure, as well as keeping the town roads safe and accessible throughout the four seasons. I also enjoy my volunteer work as a First Responder and Firefighter, serving for about nine years. Liz Lounsbury Windsor MVP 2.0 Core Team Coordinator; School Committee Representative My name is Liz Lounsbury and I am the Windsor MVP 2.0 Core Team Coordinator. In this role, I am responsible for the development of regional partnerships, community relationships and the direction of the Team’s activities. I am the point of contact for community members who wish to know more about our project progress. I am also responsible for promoting the MVP 2.0 process in town, in the region and across the State. I am proud that the Core Team’s hard work in the MVP 2.0 pilot has promoted Windsor as the premier example of this process across the state of Massachusetts. After moving to Windsor in 2019, I jumped in to serve the town as the School Committee Representative for the Central Berkshire Regional School District, a position that I never anticipated holding, but greatly enjoy today. I am honored to represent students’ best interests across the seven district towns and provide a strong voice for the smaller Hilltowns. On the school committee, I serve in the following roles: * Chair of the Safety & Wellness subcommittee * Policy subcommittee member * Superintendent Evaluation subcommittee member * Health and Wellness Advisory representative I have loved Windsor’s natural beauty and good-natured neighbors since the day my family moved in and hope to use opportunities like the MVP 2.0 program to help the community for many years to come. My goal is to create a vibrant and resilient rural town that my son will cherish when he has his own family some day. Doug McNally Municipal Light Manager; Planning Board member; MVP 1.0 Co-Chair I am Doug McNally and I served on the Select Board from 2015-2023. I am currently on the planning board, serving as chair. As Municipal Light Plant manager, I continue to oversee the operation of the town fiber optic internet network. I also represent the town’s interests on the following boards: * Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and Chair of Commission Development Committee * Berkshire Regional Transit Authority as Chair of Board and member of the Finance Committee * Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District as Vice Chair of Board. In addition, I also oversee the ongoing operation of the transfer station. * Wired West Board as Chair. Wired West is the cooperative of six towns that share services for the financial and operational aspects of a town-owned network. * Wild and Scenic Westfield Committee. I am the BRPC representative to this board, but along with town appointed rep Jim Caffrey, advocates for Windsor. Madeline Scully Town Administrator My name is Madeline Scully and I am the Windsor Town Administrator, a position I have held since its creation 2023. Prior to that, I served as the Town Clerk for several years, where I helped to modernize town operations. I am the person that residents call if they have any questions or issues for any topic related to living in Windsor. I spent a fabulous childhood in Windsor, so when the opportunity presented itself upon retirement, I moved back and bought back my childhood home. There is no other place like Windsor, Massachusetts and I am committed to helping Windsor remain a vibrant, rural community. Community Engagement Events The MVP 2.0 Core Team held several community engagement events in 2024 to gather community input to help identify issues affecting Windsor and Western Massachusetts in general. These events allowed us to hear concerns of local Youngers and the community as a whole. See what we've been up to and what's to come! Trunk or Treat October 26, 2024 – Windsor Town Park We joined in at the scary Trick-or-Treating event hosted by the Windsor Parks and Recreation Committee. The Windsor MVP 2.0 team partnered with the Highway Department to hand out treats next to the Department's big dump truck. Sadly, the weather was too windy to announce our project to the attendees, but lots of excited children had plenty of fun! Windsor Families Dine and Discuss October 7, 2024 – Windsor Town Hall Over a pizza dinner, the MVP 2.0 Core Team hosted local families and residents for a discussion of our team's identified MVP 2.0 priorities for Windsor and asked residents to help select seed project ideas. For our small town, the event was well-attended, with approximately 15 attendees beyond the Core Team. Many attendees were older community members and one younger family including a first grader. Liz Lounsbury provided a short presentation on the work we have done for the last year and explained each of the nine priorities. After explanations of our priorities and a round of discussion for each, attendees selected their top three priorities. The top four selected priorities selected by residents were * Fire and EMT shortages * Culverts and bridges to mitigate inland flooding and road damage * Uncapped/naturally-capped landfill * Dirt/gravel road maintenance With these top priorities identified, Liz discussed project ideas for the top four priorities and allowed for discussion of additional project ideas. To finish the evening, we invited attendees to select their preferred projects. Neighbor Day Potluck September 28, 2024 – Windsor Town Park In partnership with the Parks and Recreation Committee, the Windsor MVP 2.0 Core Team set up a table to advertise our Windsor Family Dine and Discuss. The team distributed flyers to attendees and allowed them to help narrow down our list of 9 priorities by adding a sticker to priorities they were interested in the MVP 2.0 grant possibly addressing. Core Team members also helped to tear down invasive plant species that had overgrown parts of the Windsor Town Park and helped to install a horseshoe pit near the playground. Native American Artifacts and Birds of Prey Sponsored by Windsor MVP 2.0 and Windsor Free Public Library August 25, 2024 – Windsor Town Hall Native Americans revered birds of prey for their majestic appearance as well as for their hunting prowess. To invoke the spirit of these powerful predators, Native peoples followed the ancient tradition of wearing or carrying bird of prey feathers. They also admired the subtle beauty of raptor feathers, from the black-and-white tail feathers of juvenile golden eagles to the wing feathers of hawks and falcons, patterned with arrowhead-shaped markings. The strong connection between raptors and Native Americans was reinforced throughout this program. It combined LIVE birds of prey with authentic artifacts, many of museum quality, and both explained and showed how different Native American cultures transformed natural materials into objects of beauty and drama. Crafts displayed at this program ranged from shields and headdresses to clothing and jewelry. The MVP 2.0 Core Team elected to sponsor this event due to our focus on preservation of native species and the identified importance of raptors to a healthy regional ecosystem. Julie Ann Collier introduced audience members to five predatory birds native to Massachusetts: the American kestrel, the peregrine falcon, the red-tailed hawk, the barred owl, and the great horned owl. Collier excitedly educated the audience on the peregrine falcon’s come-back since its near-extinction by the 1970s. However, she warned of the dangers of pesticides and loss of habitat due to climate change on American kestrel populations; Without intervention, the species will likely not be seen in Massachusetts in the next few generations. She emphasized the importance of invested communities who push for the protection of all these beautiful birds. Council on Aging Coffee Social June 12, 2024 – Windsor Town Hall Local Seniors shared tales of past weather events and responded to queries about perceived changes in weather patterns. This resulted in all members having an increased awareness of climate change and how it may impact their lives and life in Windsor in the future. Noted changes included: * Fewer really big snowstorms and a significantly smaller snowpack * More frequent ice storms * Multiple Winter thaws which wreck gravel roads * Earlier last frost in Spring and later first frost in Fall * More extremely hot days in summer and longer hot spells * General weather weirding: Winter weather starts later and lasts into spring; more frequent strong windy days in late spring and summer * Impact of invasive species, weeds and pests * The attendees also identified how these changes have created specific challenges in their lives including winter ice storms and freeze thaws increase risk of icy conditions raising risks of ice caused falls; more frequent power outages with strong winds and ice; and general mobility issues both for walking and driving in bad weather. TAKE CHARGE! Student Climate Challenges Summit April 24, 2024 – Wahconah Regional High School During this “dine and discuss’ event, each invited group had the opportunity to present information on either what their group had recently done or a climate change- related topic of interest to their group. After the presentation section, we held the “dine and discuss” segment with dinner from a local pizzeria. Attendees broke into small groups to discuss the 4 following questions: * What is your biggest personal concern about climate change? How will this play out in your lifetime? * What is the top climate change challenge that you see as affecting Western Massachusetts? * What is something the community could do RIGHT NOW that would improve the climate outlook for this region? * How would hearing of a project focused on climate challenges in Windsor affect how often you visit the town or choose to live in Windsor? This very successful engagement event not only allowed the MVP 2.0 Core Team to gather relevant information from regional groups who are active in conservation and climate change-related projects, but more importantly began what we hope to be long lasting relationships that had not previously been developed between Windsor and local groups. Take Charge! Green Umbrella Presentation Take Charge! Team Earth Week Student Engagement at Wahconah April 23 and 24, 2024 – Wahconah Regional High School Over two days, Doug McNally and Liz Lounsbury provided information about MVP 2.0, climate change, and the upcoming TAKE CHARGE! Climate Challenges Summit. We asked students to answer 2 questions on a decorated posterboard: * What can we do TODAY to help our community TOMORROW? * What is your biggest climate change fear? This event was a great opportunity for the MVP 2.0 Core Team to hear from local students and resulted in 43 total responses from students. We specifically focused on our target demographic of students/young adults to uncover their concerns which could prompt MVP 2.0 project ideas based on their responses. Unlike the more targeted groups to attend the TAKE CHARGE! event, this gave a broader view of students’ thoughts about climate change issues in their lives. We specifically gathered this groups’ input because they experience unique, but similar challenges experienced by Windsor’s Youngers. For our first question “What can we do today to help our community tomorrow?”, we received 24 responses spanning 5 general topics: individual/societal shift, land stewardship, recycling efforts, education, and conservation. For our second question “What is your biggest climate change fear”, we received 19 response spanning 6 general topics: ecological change, natural disasters, industrial effects, water scarcity, temperature change, and inaction.