BOSTON — The state Registry of Motor Vehicles is reminding residents that, beginning May 7, anyone traveling by plane domestically or entering certain federal facilities will need an RMV-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport. The RMV encourages everyone seeking a REAL ID to go online to Mass.Gov/REALID to learn what documents are needed.
“May 7 is almost here, and we remind everyone to check your wallets and make sure you and your family members have the credentials that you need, depending on your travel plans,” Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said in a statement. “We want to make sure everyone is cleared for takeoff.”
The fee to obtain or renew a REAL ID-compliant credential is the same as obtaining or renewing the equivalent non-compliant credential:
■The fee for renewing a non-commercial standard or a REAL ID driver’s license is $50.
■The fee for renewing a Mass ID is $25.
■The amendment fee for upgrading to REAL ID credential before an existing credential’s expiration is $25.
■Customers with a less than five-year stay in the U.S. pay a pro-rated fee.
In-person appointments can be scheduled by visiting the RMV’s Online Service Center at Mass.Gov/myRMV or, if you are a AAA member, at northeast.aaa.com/automotive/registry-services/massachusetts.html.
Documents that residents are required to bring to their in-person REAL ID appointment include:
■Proof of lawful presence.
■Two proofs of Massachusetts residency.
■Proof of a full Social Security Number (SSN).
Customers who have had a name change since the issuance of a birth certificate, passport or other lawful presence document will need to show the reason for the name change by presenting documentation like a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court document. These required documents must be original or certified versions.
Customers are eligible to renew up to one year in advance of the expiration date printed on their license or ID. Customers who already have a compliant credential may renew online as long as they have not had a name change.
BOSTON — The state Department of Transportation, in collaboration with global nonprofit Fundación MAPFRE, is launching the third annual roadway safety public service contest for Massachusetts high school students.
The contest, which was launched in 2022 as part of Fundación MAPFRE’s Look Both Ways Program, seeks to help students raise awareness with their peers and underscore the importance of being safe while driving on roadways across Massachusetts.
“Engaging young drivers in safety education is a crucial step in our mission to enhance road safety, and we look forward to seeing the innovative ideas that students will present this year,” Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt said in a statement. “Their participation is vital to our efforts to create a future free of roadway injuries and fatalities.”
“While statistics show a decline in road-related fatalities among young drivers over the past several decades, it remains the leading cause of death for that group,” Jaime Tamayo, chief representative of Fundación MAPFRE in the United States and CEO of MAPFRE USA, said in a statement. “It is inspiring to watch students deliver a serious message in creative ways to reinforce the importance of safe driving habits. This contest represents a great example of how peer-to-peer engagement can encourage change.”
To enter the contest, high schools can visit fundacionmapfre.org/en/look-both-ways/. The deadline for contest submissions is Friday, March 21. Students with the winning submission will work with the Boston Creative Communications Agency to produce the spot, which is anticipated to air in the spring. Additionally, the winning students’ school will receive a $3,000 prize provided by Fundación MAPFRE.
Graduate and undergraduate students residing in the Franklin County towns of Ashfield, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Conway, Deerfield, Gill, Greenfield, Hawley, Heath, Leyden, Monroe, Montague, Northfield, Rowe or Shelburne may apply for scholarships of up to $5,000 through the Fred W. Wells Trust by March 20. Efforts related to health and agriculture are also eligible for funding.
Last year, $367,273 was awarded in academic scholarships, and health and agricultural grants. Of that, $295,451 was allocated toward academic scholarships, $53,867 for health grants and $17,955 for agricultural awards.
Through his will, longtime Greenfield resident and businessman Fred W. Wells has provided scholarships and grant awards to Franklin County residents for generations. Established in 1946, his trust sought to aid students in obtaining higher education, provide for the care of the sick and aged particularly in rural areas, and support the advancement of agriculture.
Awards are based on guidelines established by the trust. Student applicants, or their parents, must have resided in one of the listed towns for at least two years prior to the application date. Those pursuing agricultural or mechanical fields are especially encouraged to apply.
Applications are available at the 16 eligible town offices and high school guidance offices, Franklin County branches of Greenfield Savings Bank, or at wellstrustscholarship.com.
Students and alumni of Mohawk Trail Regional School in Buckland have until April 1 to apply for a Carl H. Nilman Scholarship for college or graduate school.
The late Carl H. Nilman was a Buckland resident who directed the income earned from the trust fund he established be used for awarding scholarships for higher education or training.
Students of any age who are graduates of Mohawk Trail Regional School and who were living in one of the district’s member towns at the time of graduation (Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Hawley, Heath, Plainfield, Rowe and Shelburne) are encouraged to apply. Applications are available online at bit.ly/3TLF2H6 and in person at the school.
For more information about requirements, call Mohawk Trail Student Services at 413-625-9811, ext. 1503.
This spring, the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District is collaborating with the towns of Leverett, Montague, Northfield and Warwick to hold special recycling collections for blocky Styrofoam packing material.
The collection events will occur each Saturday in April from 9 a.m. to noon (April 5, 12, 19 and 26). These events are only open to residents of Leverett, Montague, Northfield and Warwick.
These special recycling collections will only accept white blocky packing material and coolers made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS or PS No. 6), commonly known as Styrofoam. Foam items must be clean and dry. Before bringing materials to the collection, the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District advises residents to remove any tape, labels, cardboard or wood.
These collections will not accept food-related Styrofoam items such as cups, plates, bowls, trays, egg cartons or takeout containers. Other items that will not be accepted include wet/dirty materials, No. 4 (LDPE) foam packaging material, foam insulation board (XPS) or packing peanuts.
Each of the four towns’ transfer stations will host these special collections. A transfer station permit is not required, but these events are only open to town residents.
The collection locations are: Leverett Transfer Station, 5 Cemetery Road, Leverett; Montague Transfer Station, 11 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls; Northfield Transfer Station, 31 Caldwell Road, Northfield; and Warwick Transfer Station, Garage Road, Warwick.
The Polish Junior League of Massachusetts will be awarding scholarships to college students of Polish heritage. Scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate students, and one scholarship will be given to a graduate or returning student.
Application information and forms may be obtained at polishjuniorleaguema.org/applications. The deadline to apply is May 1. Selectboard is based on financial need and academic achievement.