Holbrook mileage reimbursement raised

Town employees who use their vehicles for municipal business will get a boost in their mileage reimbursement come September. Holbrook selectmen recently approved an increase from the current 37.5 cents per mile to 49 cents per mile. The increase, while substantial, still won't equal the amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Service. "A lot of towns have gone up to the federal rate of 58.5 cents, but Holbrook decided to make it 49 cents," said Town Administrator Michael Yunits. Since no money was set aside to cover the increase in reimbursement, each department will have to cover it with the funding it received for the year. - Christine Legere

FUTURE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY - Quincy resident Martin E. Aikens is one of four recent appointees to the governing board of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund. A graduate of Harvard University's Trade Union Program, Aikens has worked for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 in Boston since 1971, most recently serving as the business agent overseeing hundreds of electricians employed by renewable energy contractors. He coordinated installation of photovoltaic panels at IBEW's training center in 2002, implemented a solar energy training program in 2003, and, in 2005, oversaw the assembly and installation of the wind turbine on IBEW's property along the southbound side of the Southeast Expressway in Dorchester. In addition to Aikens, Governor Deval Patrick appointed Linda S. Plano of Boston, Paul F. Nace of Gloucester, and Jennifer Zschokke of Southborough. The panel will also include four administration designees; the ninth seat is drawn from the board of directors of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The governing board, chaired by Commissioner Philip Giudice of the Division of Energy Resources, will hold its inaugural meeting in September. The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust is made up of money collected through a monthly charge on utility customers' electric bills known as the systems benefit charge. - Christine Legere

BIRD WALK LAUNCHES SERIES - Mass Audubon will sponsor walks through the Assawompsett Ponds important bird area in Lakeville and the Hockomock Swamp important bird area in the Bridgewater area, led by Wayne Petersen, one of the state's foremost bird experts, from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 13. Participants will meet at the commuter parking lot on Route 106 in West Bridgewater, immediately west of Exit 16 from Route 24, and then travel by car to the two bird areas. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and comfortable walking shoes. This is the first event of the fall Conservation and Nature Series of the Taunton River Watershed Campaign. The Conservation and Nature Series will offer a total of 13 events this fall, including outdoor trips, programs on natural history and ecology, and training opportunities for residents and town employees in the 43 communities that make up the Taunton River Watershed. - Christine Legere