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 finished 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. By mid-2025, The MVP 2.0 Core Team will select and complete a climate change focused project that will benefit that priority population.
Our focus is to create climate change resilience in our community with an emphasis on social and environmental justice. The end goal is to help individuals cope with the impacts of climate change on their lives here in Windsor now and into the future.
For the last year and in the coming months, 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 will benefit those
populations who have historically been inadequately engaged in the town-improvement process.
Where We Are in the MVP 2.0 Process
Windsor is one of 32 municipalities across the State participating 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 2024, the Core Team entered Phase 3 of the MVP 2.0 Process. Our community engagement events helped the team narrow down our priorities to address and select a seed project.
With our remaining grant funds, we intend to turn the 100 acres of forested land encompassing the naturally-capped landfill into an educational forest for regional education institutes to conduct research. In addition, the proposed project hopes to develop an education center for local residents to learn valuable climate change mitigation skills to minimize the individual impact. With more severe storms and drought predicted to affect the Hilltowns region, residents can apply these mitigation skills both locally and in their own homes.
Over the upcoming months, the Windsor MVP 2.0 Core Team will meet with vendors and regional partners to bring this project to fruition. It is our hope, training people to be good stewards of our environment and resources will change behavior and result in a more hospitable place to live.
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.
