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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Energize Acton
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260301T110000
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DTSTAMP:20260404T122738
CREATED:20260130T130941Z
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UID:10000079-1772362800-1772373600@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Clean Energy Home Tour -- Focus: SOLAR SHINGLES!
DESCRIPTION:Clean Energy Home Tour \nMarch 2026 Focus on Solar Shingles \n“David Martin was top notch! We will be following up with him.” 2023 Clean Energy Tour \n“This went way beyond my expectations!” 2024 Clean Energy Tour \nRegister HERE. \nPeople know about rooftop solar panels and the great long-term savings on electricity bills. But what about SOLAR SHINGLES? Is this the new way to save? Join the Energize Acton March Clean Energy Home Tour and see a house that has been a model for many clean energy innovations\, now including solar shingles! Acton Clean Energy Coach David Martin is delighted to show you this new update to his home and explain how it compares with traditional solar. This house is also unique because it has both a standard mini-split heat pump and a larger heat pump to hot water system. Feel the comfort level for yourself and talk with David Martin about his experience moving the home from fossil fuel heating and cooling to cleaner energy systems. David has experience with a wide variety of clean energy technologies. \nWhen: Sunday\, March 1st with an 11:00am tour and a 1:00pm tour.  \nWhere: South Acton (Address sent unpon registration.) \nThe technologies you will see in this home include: \n\nSolar Shingles\nHydronics whole-house heat pump\nMini-split heat pump\nHeat pump dryer\nHeat pump water heater\nInduction range\nEV and Electric car chargers\nBattery-electric hard tools (lawn mower\, snow blower\, chain saw\, etc.)\n\nThere will be two 1-hour sessions to see the house at 11am and 1pm. \nRegister HERE. \nAfter registration you will receive an email with the house address and specific information about parking\, etc. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Also\, there will be handouts about state incentives as well as background material about the technologies you will see.. \nEnergizeActon.org is co-sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. \nDo you have ideas or a talent you would like to contribute? Please contact us at EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com. The Energize Acton team meets the 1st Wednesday of each month.
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/clean-energy-home-tour-focus-solar-shingles/
LOCATION:Address shared upon registration\, West Acton Village Area\, Acton\, Massachusetts\, US
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://massenergize-wp-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sites/36/Clean-Energy-Home-Tour-March26-B-11-x-8.5-in.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T122738
CREATED:20260310T161308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T161308Z
UID:10000082-1773946800-1773950400@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:From Gas to Induction: Cleaner Cooking for Your Home and Climate
DESCRIPTION:Explore the Wonderful World of Induction Cooktops!\nLearn\, ask questions\, and find out how incentives can help you make the change. \nRegistration at bit.ly/cleaner-cooking.\nYou may have heard more people talking about switching from gas to induction cooking—and for good reason. Induction cooktops offer a cleaner\, safer\, and more efficient way to cook\, while helping reduce indoor air pollution and supporting your home electrification journey. Join Andee Krasner\, of Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility\, to learn more about health impacts of gas cooking and how induction is a comparable alternative.  \nHere’s why induction cooking is gaining popularity across Massachusetts: \nCleaner and healthier indoor air\nGas stoves release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and methane into your home. Recent studies in Europe and the United States indicate that gas stoves have serious respiratory risks\, including increased asthma rates for children\, from the off gassing during cooking and even when the stove is off. (See The Stanford Report\, May 4\, 2024) Induction cooktops produce no on-site emissions\, helping create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. \nFaster\, safer\, and more efficient cooking\nInduction uses magnetic technology to heat your cookware directly\, making it faster than gas and traditional electric stoves. The surface stays cooler\, reducing burn risks and improving safety. \nSave energy and reduce emissions\nInduction cooktops are highly efficient\, using less energy and supporting Massachusetts’ transition to cleaner electricity. They’re an important step toward an all-electric\, climate-friendly home. \nIncentives can help lower the cost\nMassachusetts and local programs offer rebates and incentives that can make switching to induction more affordable than you might expect. \n📣 Curious if induction is right for you?\nJoin our free webinar to learn how induction works\, compare costs\, explore available incentives\, and hear answers to common questions from local experts. \n  \nRegistration at bit.ly/cleaner-cooking.\n. Sponsored by MassEnergize.org and EnergizeActon.org.
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/from-gas-to-induction-cleaner-cooking-for-your-home-and-climate/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://energizeacton.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2026/03/From-Gas-to-Induction-Cleaner-Cooking-for-Your-Home-Climate-8-x-8-in.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T201500
DTSTAMP:20260404T122738
CREATED:20260227T131945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T142218Z
UID:10000081-1774465200-1774469700@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Biosphere Book Club -- Book #2:  Abundance
DESCRIPTION:We Foster Reflections on Climate and Environment!\nOur March 2026 Book is  Abundance\,  by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson.\nPlease register HERE.\nOf all the books that Energize Acton volunteers display at community events\, this book–Abundance\, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson–has generated the most enthusiasm and interest. \nThe blurb that went out with the book calls it a “once-in-a-generation\, paradigm-shifting call to renew a politics of plenty\, face up to the failures of liberal governance\, and abandon the chosen scarcities that have deformed American life.”  Katherine Sypher\, of NPR\, writes\, “The woes of the world can be paralyzing. It was refreshing\, therefore\, to be called to action by Abundance. Well-known journalists and podcast hosts Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argue that\, yes\, we really can build and invent our way to the better future that we want and need.” \nThis title focuses largely on politics and economics\, but it has many connections to climate and environment. We suggest that you approach the authors’ work with an open\, but critical\, mind. As with every Book Club text\, it is great if you can read the book\, but it is not required. The host will prepare a brief outline of the text with key quotes and discussion points constructed in a way that all can participate. The Biosphere Book Club will meet every other month in 2026–January\, March\, May\, July\, September\, and November. In May\, we hope to try for an in-person or hybrid meeting. \nTo whet your thoughts for this month\, here are a few initial questions. \n\nWhat does abundance mean to you?\nDo you or others in your family experience scarcity? E.g.\, related to consumer goods\, healthcare/health insurance\, housing\, childcare\, etc.?\nWhat are the ecological and human costs of material abundance?\nHave you heard of the concept\, “Joy in enough”?\n\nBig questions aside\, pour yourself a cup of tea or other beverage\, have a good time\, and celebrate the written word! \nPlease register HERE.\nEnergizeActon.org is sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. \nWould you like to help EnergizeActon.org? Contact us at EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com. We meet the first Wednesday of each month. However\, there are many non-meeting ways to be involved. Thanks for your support!
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/biosphere-book-club-book-2-abundance-by-ezra-klein-and-derek-thompson/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://massenergize-wp-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sites/36/Abundance-Hoz.-11-x-8.5-in-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T122738
CREATED:20260330T190505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T192122Z
UID:10000083-1776875400-1776880800@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Clean Energy SCHOOL Tour
DESCRIPTION:The Boardwalk School Campus:\nAn Acton Clean Energy Success!\n  \nThis April\, EnergizeActon.org has a special treat—a Clean Energy SCHOOL Tour! \n  \nPlease register HERE. \nWe like to offer home tours\, so that local residents can see how clean energy technology actually works on the ground. It is also an important opportunity for people to ask questions of the host about what worked well\, what might have been challenging\, and what were the costs. However\, seeing clean energy on a larger scale is also incredibly helpful. This event\, co-sponsored with Mothers Out Front Acton\, celebrates the expertise and success of leadership from the Acton-Boxborough School District alongside additional hard work and achievement from Town of Acton staff. Join us and ask how clean energy works in school and municipal buildings. \nThe new Gates and Douglas Schools (commonly known as the Boardwalk Campus) are an amazing accomplishment for the school district. When planners first envisioned the project\, they estimated future energy efficiencies and savings. Well\, the Boardwalk Campus has consistently outperformed ALL those estimates! And this is true even though not every element of the clean energy project was implemented. We invite you to tour the building and see how clean energy choices do indeed work. \nIn 2024\, Mass Save recognized the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District as a Climate Leader for the Boardwalk Campus. Mass Save wrote that the award goes to “institutions that demonstrate excellence in reducing environmental impact and associated costs\, fostering the health and well-being of students and staff\, and implementing effective interdisciplinary sustainability education\,” standards met by Acton “with flying colors.” The school project also won a Green Building Showcase Award\, among other honors. \nThe Acton Exchange writes\, “The building\, which opened in 2022 and has drawn national attention\, includes a fully electric\, commercial-scale kitchen\, enhanced insulation\, ground-source heat pumps\, demand-control ventilation\, and energy recovery. Energy Use Intensity (EUI) goals for the building have exceeded state targets.” \n  \nJoin us to celebrate this success! \nPlease Register HERE. \nApologies\, but this tour is limited to 30 individuals. \nWe will keep a waiting list if we surpass 30 sign-ups.
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/clean-energy-school-tour/
LOCATION:75 Spruce St.\, Acton\, MA\, 75 Spruce Street\, Acton\, MA\, 01720\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://energizeacton.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2026/03/Clean-Energy-SCHOOL-Tour-HOZ.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T122738
CREATED:20260331T200745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T200745Z
UID:10000086-1776884400-1776888000@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Heat Pumps 101
DESCRIPTION:  \nGo Heat Pumps!\n  \nYou may have heard more people in Massachusetts talking about heat pumps—and for good reason. Heat pumps are an efficient\, all-electric system that can heat and cool your home while lowering emissions and improving comfort year-round. Join wonderful Bob Zogg of the HeatSmart Alliance and animated Kit Wu of the Laminar Collective to get an orientation to heat pumps\, how they work\, and how incentives can help you transition to clean energy. \nHere’s why heat pumps are gaining popularity across Massachusetts: \nHeating and cooling in one efficient system\nHeat pumps provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. They’re highly efficient\, even in cold New England temperatures\, and can help lower your energy use. \nLower emissions and a cleaner energy future\nHeating with fossil fuels is one of the largest sources of climate pollution in Massachusetts. Switching to heat pumps helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint and supports the state’s transition to clean electricity. \nComfort\, safety\, and better indoor air quality\nHeat pumps don’t burn fuel inside your home\, which means no on-site combustion and fewer indoor air pollutants. They also provide steady\, even heating and cooling. \nIncentives can cover thousands of dollars\nPrograms like Mass Save offer generous rebates\, 0% interest financing\, and support to help make heat pumps more affordable. Additional programs through organizations like the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center may also be available. \n📣 Curious if heat pumps are right for you?\nJoin our webinar to learn how heat pumps work\, compare costs\, explore available incentives\, and learn how to get quotes from trusted installers. \n  \nApril 22\, 2026\, at 7:00 PM\n Register: bit.ly/heat-pumps-101\nTogether\, we can create more comfortable homes and a cleaner energy future for our communities. \n \nAn Acton Clean Energy Coach explains his heat pump system. (Photo: K. Root Watkins) \n  \n 
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/heat-pumps-101/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://energizeacton.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2026/03/Heat-Pumps-101-Apr26-11-x-8.5-in.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260504T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T122738
CREATED:20260331T184003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T184003Z
UID:10000085-1777017600-1777926600@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Bioblitz! Nature of Acton and Boxborough 2026
DESCRIPTION:Please join the Nature of Acton and Boxborough 2026 Bioblitz this April.\n  \nWe invite you to document and celebrate biodiversity in Acton and Boxborough! Last year 26 participants made almost 1000 observations and identified over 500 species in the Acton and Boxborough area. Let’s make even more observations this year! How does one participate? You just need a smartphone\, the directions below\, and time outdoors between April 24–May 4\, 2026. \nDirections\n\nTo join\, first create an account on iNaturalist on your phone at www.iNaturalist.org.\nThen\, join our Project. You can search for our Project on the Community tab on your phone.\nSearch for Nature of Acton and Boxborough April 2026 or click here:   https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/nature-of-acton-and-boxborough-2026  (Please make sure you are joining the 2026 project\, not the 2025 project!)\n\n  \n \n  \nObservations can be uploaded from April 24–May 4\, 2026.  But the Boston Area City Nature Challenge will only count observations from April 24 to 27\, so it’s important to make observations during that time period as well. For more information about the Boston Area CNC\, visit: https://www.bostoncnc.org/ \nThere are over 2\,000 acres of conservation areas in Acton and Boxborough with a variety of habitats\, such as cattail marshes\, ponds\, open fields and dense forests. These habitats host snapping turtles\, reptiles\, frogs\, insects\, birds\, mammals\, and many plant species. Another 3\,000 acres of private land provides habitat for wildlife\, including two steps outside your door! What kind of wildlife lives here? Let’s find out this April! \nThen snap away at any plant\, animal or fungus you see and get it on our list. Can we break 500 species this year? Who can ID the most? Taking observations of wildlife helps advance science too! According to National Geographic\, “High quality data uploaded to iNaturalist become part of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility\, an open source database used by scientists and policy makers around the world.” \nThis is a fun activity for your family and to celebrate Earth Month.\nThis Bioblitz is a collaboration of people from  the Acton Conservation Trust\, the Boxborough Conservation Trust\, Energize Acton\, and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office\, along with individuals from Green Acton\, AB Steam\, Acton Men’s Outdoor Club\, Congregation Beth Elohim and the Discovery Museum.
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/bioblitz-nature-of-acton-and-boxborough-2026/
LOCATION:Acton/Boxborough Yards\, Parks\, and Conservation Lands\, Acton\, 01720\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://energizeacton.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2026/03/Acton-Boxborough-BioBlitz-2026B-11-x-8.5-in.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
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