Pepperell receives MIIA Health & Wellness Award
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association presented the town of Pepperell with a fiscal 2025 Health & Wellness Award recognizing it as its Best Newcomer during Connect 351 at MIIA’s Annual Business Meeting on Jan. 24.
Pepperell was recognized for quickly building a strong culture of employee wellness after joining the Health Benefits Trust in July 2024. The town’s wellness committee launched a range of accessible programs, including art therapy, self-care workshops, onsite fitness opportunities, and walking challenges, designed to encourage broad participation across departments. Led by Wellness Champions Tracie Looney and Staci Padovano, these early efforts fostered connection, collaboration, and employee engagement, laying the groundwork for a sustainable, long-term approach to workplace well-being.
“Staci and Tracie were early advocates for these programs,” said Pepperell Town Administrator Andrew MacLean. “Their enthusiasm brought along others and in less than two years we have improved morale and a stronger sense of team. Importantly, staff are getting to know colleagues from other departments that rarely interacted before.”
“Pepperell’s early commitment to wellness shows how quickly a culture of well-being can take root,” said MIIA Executive Vice President Stanley Corcoran. “Strong wellness programs support healthier, more engaged employees and stronger organizations.”
Townsend Democrats to caucus
TOWNSEND — On March 14 at 10 a.m., Townsend Democrats will convene in Room 2 at Town Hall to caucus and elect three delegates and three alternates to represent Townsend at the 2026 State Democratic Convention on May 29-30 at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Townsend who are 16 years old by Feb. 19 may vote and be elected as delegate or alternates during the caucus. Youth (ages 16 to 35), people with disabilities, veterans, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/caucus.
Convention delegates will convene to endorse candidates for statewide office ahead of the September Democratic primary. Those interested in learning more about and getting involved with the Townsend Democratic Town Committee are encouraged to attend this caucus.
Contact Josh Shaine at Josh_Shaine@yahoo.com or 978-597-0977.
League of Women Voters to hold Town Meeting preview
WESTFORD — The League of Women Voters of Westford and the town will host a Town Meeting preview on Thursday, March 19, to educate residents about items on the meeting warrant. The preview will be held virtually at 7 p.m. Residents can register for the event at tinyurl.com/ATMpreview2026.
Westford voters can directly impact how the town is run and how tax dollars are spent by participating in Town Meeting, which will be held Saturday, March 28, at 9 a.m. at Westford Academy, 30 Patten Road. All registered voters may attend, speak and vote. The voter registration deadline for Town Meeting is Wednesday, March 18, at 5 p.m.
During the virtual preview, town officials will go over each of the 22 articles on the warrant. More details about Town Meeting can be found at westfordma.gov/Town-Meeting and westfordma.gov/891/Town-Moderator.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization — open to all — that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information, go to lwv.westford.org.
