Habitat

Kingston resident Karen Rezendes, 37, who is living in an affordable home built by Habitat of Greater Plymouth, has donated artwork for Habitat's annual celebration. An auction of locally created artwork is part of the group's annual fund-raising celebration and continues to be on display at the Independence Mall in Kingston. The auction consists of works created by artists who chose items from Habitat's ReStore in Carver, where donated building materials and other items are sold to support Habitat's activities, to use in their creations.

Town Moderator Patricia Fraizer swears in all members prior to the annual Danvers Town Meeting at Holten Richmond Middle School on Monday night. Photo by Ryan Mooney By Ryan Mooney, Globe Correspondent Following a long opening ceremony - including a group rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" by an assembly of middle school students - affordable housing became one of the top themes of the night among the 138 members present for the annual Danvers Town Meeting at Holten Richmond Middle School.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will host a homeowner information meeting in partnership with Community Teamwork beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Community Teamwork offices, 155 Merrimack St. The meeting will go over the parameters and process for prospective homeowners looking to apply for placement through Habitat. An RSVP is suggested by calling 978-692-0927 or e-mailing info@lowellhabitat.org; walk-ins are also welcome. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell is a nonprofit that works to strengthen families and communities through affordable housing opportunities.

Kingston resident Karen Rezendes, 37, who is living in an affordable home built by Habitat of Greater Plymouth, has donated artwork for Habitat's annual celebration. An auction of locally created artwork is part of the group's annual fund-raising celebration and continues to be on display at the Independence Mall in Kingston. The auction consists of works created by artists who chose items from Habitat's ReStore in Carver, where donated building materials and other items are sold to support Habitat's activities, to use in their creations.

CONCORD, N.H. — More than 50 years ago, New England Cottontail rabbits were plentiful from New Hampshire’s Lakes Region to the Seacoast. Today, wildlife biologists believe there are fewer than 100 of the small brown rabbits in a state that has seen the sharpest declines in New England. Biologists blame the loss of habitat — patches of thickets in younger forests — and they are working across the region to create a hospitable environment for the rabbits. “They’re the poster child for the loss of shrubland habitat,’’ said Steven Fuller, a wildlife biologist...

The introduction of new neighbors is often fraught with anxiety, particularly in a neighborhood like Belmont Hill. That process becomes even more uncertain when none of the new residents walk on two legs. Last summer, nine sheep and five goats moved into a prime spot of Belmont real estate — a location their owner fittingly calls Far Fetch Farm. The livestock are the result of a partnership between Mass Audubon’s Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary and Belmont resident and dog trainer Liz Shaw.

PORTLAND, Maine -- The US Fish and Wildlife Service announced yesterday that it is going to conduct a survey that will determine whether the New England cottontail rabbit deserves federal protection. The decision follows a petition by conservation groups that want the rabbits protected by the Endangered Species Act. The New England cottontail, not to be confused with more abundant Eastern cottontail, has declined in numbers because of predation and loss of habitat from eastern New York to southern Maine.

A group of state and private scientists and biologists are working on a new plan to increase the population of the spruce grouse in Vermont, considered to be endangered in the state. State Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz says the grouse's health is an indicator of the health of the spruce-fir forest, a unique habitat that other wildlife rely on for survival. Although considered common in Canada, Alaska and Maine, the grouse is near the southern edge of its range in Vermont.

Heather Sanson of South Carver won a hand-crafted dollhouse in a raffle at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth's ReStore. The dollhouse will be a present for her 6-year-old daughter, who saw it in the store. Created by a Duxbury donor, the dollhouse features interior lights, a fireplace and a stove, which all light up when the house is plugged in. The raffle was a fund-raiser for ReStore, which sells donated merchandise for 50 to 90 percent off retail price. The store supports the work of the local Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable housing for families.

RE THE US Fish and Wildlife Service’s study into whether to add two kinds of bat affected by white-nose syndrome to the endangered species list (“The Green Blog,’’ Business, July 4): When many Americans lack adequate (or even any) housing and health care, why is the government concerning itself with “bat habitat protection?’’ With so many human needs unmet, why isn’t the government focusing on them? Felicia Nimue Ackerman Professor of philosophy Brown University Providence

The Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity has scheduled its first home and garden show for March 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Travis Roy Ice Rink at Tabor Academy on Front Street. Habitat officials said they are seeking exhibitors for the event, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Admission to the show is free, and there will be a children's area, as well as workshops on energy efficiency, fire safety, gardening, and do-it-yourself projects. Habitat's coverage area includes Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Wareham.

A group of state and private scientists and biologists are working on a new plan to increase the population of the spruce grouse in Vermont, considered to be endangered in the state. State Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz says the grouse's health is an indicator of the health of the spruce-fir forest, a unique habitat that other wildlife rely on for survival. Although considered common in Canada, Alaska and Maine, the grouse is near the southern edge of its range in Vermont.

As the Ipswich River Watershed Association prepares to find a replacement for its executive director, one attribute the organization will look for is something that Kerry Mackin gave it in spades. "We want someone with a passion for the mission," said Art Howe, who will head the search for the new leader of the group that has advocated for the health of the river, which runs for 45 miles northeasterly from Wilmington through Reading, North Reading, Middleton, Topsfield, and Hamilton before reaching Ipswich and the Atlantic Ocean.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will host a homeowner information meeting in partnership with Community Teamwork beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Community Teamwork offices, 155 Merrimack St. The meeting will go over the parameters and process for prospective homeowners looking to apply for placement through Habitat. An RSVP is suggested by calling 978-692-0927 or e-mailing info@lowellhabitat.org; walk-ins are also welcome. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell is a nonprofit that works to strengthen families and communities through affordable housing opportunities.

HABITAT PARTNERS WITH PLYMOUTH GROUP: Allen Hanford of Carver is part of the team from Brush With Kindness, the special-projects program at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, which is partnering with the Plymouth Taskforce for the Homeless in remodeling a kitchen in a home in Plymouth. The kitchen is in a newly purchased duplex that houses eight formerly homeless men and two staff managers. Hanford is chairman of Brush With Kindness. UNION ELECTION: Craig A. Pinkham was elected secretary-treasurer of Braintree-based Utility Workers Union of America Local 369. The Quincy native succeeds...

Heather Sanson of South Carver won a hand-crafted dollhouse in a raffle at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth's ReStore. The dollhouse will be a present for her 6-year-old daughter, who saw it in the store. Created by a Duxbury donor, the dollhouse features interior lights, a fireplace and a stove, which all light up when the house is plugged in. The raffle was a fund-raiser for ReStore, which sells donated merchandise for 50 to 90 percent off retail price. The store supports the work of the local Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable housing for families.

Mattapoisett resident Geoff Smith was a world-class runner in his day, winning back-to-back Boston Marathons in the 1980s. Now he is devoting his running skills to helping others. More than 50 participants in Boston’s Run to Remember today have been guided by him. Smith coaches as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation program, which helps raise money for the organization’s research and treatment efforts. The race today honors police officers statewide, and the proceeds will benefit the Boston Police Runner’s Club charitable programs.

CONCORD, N.H. — Just in time for Easter, state and federal officials have reached an agreement in New Hampshire to help bring back the endangered New England cottontail. The small, brown rabbit depends on dense, tangled, low-growing shrubs in younger forests to survive. Once large trees take their place, the rabbit’s habitat is destroyed. The range of the species has declined by 86 percent during the last 50 years because of habitat loss. Under the agreement announced this week, the state Fish and Game Department will work with private landowners in...

A surge of community support will enable South Shore Habitat for Humanity to finish a project that was vandalized on Nov. 20. Since news of the vandalism was made public, more than $14,000 in cash donations were pledged by individuals and companies, as well as in-kind donations of goods and services from several other firms. "We are so thankful to all who have come forward to help," said Martine Taylor, executive director for the group. "Thanks to the extensive media coverage we have received, the phones have not stopped ringing with offers to help … The outpouring of support is remarkable.