editor@southboroughnews.com

Archived Page 169

August 15 2010 - August 21, 2010

August 20, 2010 - Southborough Seniors enjoy a nice evening out at their annual BBQ at the Senior Center.  Senior Center officials say it couldn't be done without the help of all the special volunteers and they say thank you.

Southborough Summer Nights

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

The Southborough Police Department would like to advise its residents of an
upcoming traffic advisory:

The Summer Nights festival will occur at Neary School on
Sunday, August 29th at 5:00 p.m. with a rain
date of Monday, August 30st at the same time.

Parkerville Road will be posted "No Parking" on the east side.
There will be designated "drop off" and "pick up" areas at Lundblad Field.
There will be parking both at the Neary and Trottier school lots.
However, the access road between the schools will be closed to through-traffic.
When exiting you will be directed to exit either via Parkerville Road or
Deerfoot Road. No cars will be allowed to enter either site until all
vehicles have exited after the fireworks have ended.
This is to ensure pedestrian safety.
Thank you for your patience and have a safe and enjoyable evening

Second Case of EEE in a Horse from Worcester County in 2010

BOSTON — The Department of Public Health (DPH) today reported a three-year-old horse from Lancaster has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The EEE infection was confirmed by the State Laboratory Institute today. He developed symptoms on August 12 and died the following day. A horse from Warren, also in Worcester County, was diagnosed with EEE earlier this summer.

A Rhode Island resident was diagnosed with EEE this past weekend and was likely exposed to the virus in the area of Southeastern Massachusetts designated as high risk. EEE is usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is a serious disease in all ages and can even cause death in some cases.

"These horse cases bring our attention to the risk of human disease," said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria. "Historically, Worcester County has been an area of low, but not zero, risk for EEE while WNV presents a greater risk. What this emphasizes is the need for people to take precautions against mosquitoes no matter where they live in Massachusetts."

All arbovirus positive results from 2010 can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.

Residents can play an important role in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes. Following are DPH guidelines:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

·        Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.

·        Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

·        Apply Insect Repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

·        Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

·        Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

More information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph. Information about WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV

Space Weather News for August 20, 2010
http://spaceweather.com

SPACE STATION AURORAS: With solar activity on the rise, August 2010 has been a good month for auroras. There have been sightings of Northern Lights as far south as Wisconsin and Iowa in the United States, and some fine displays of Southern Lights over Antarctica. Some of the best pictures so far have come from Earth orbit, where astronauts have a front-row seat for geomagnetic storms.  Visit http://Spaceweather.com for latest images from the International Space Station.

SPACE WEATHER ALERTS:  Would you like a call when geomagnetic storms erupt at your latitude?  Sign up for Space Weather Phone: http://spaceweatherphone.com
 

SAVE SEPTEMBER 26 FOR THE BIG MOE

It's not too early for families, friends, and youth groups to mark their calendars for September 26, 2010, and join the fun at the 14th annual Massachusetts Outdoor Expo (Big MOE) held at the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club grounds in Sturbridge from 9 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. The Big MOE, sponsored by the Facts About Wildlife and Nature Society (FAWNS), is a free, family-oriented event celebrating outdoor skills, nature, art, and wildlife.

This all-day event is free, thanks to co-sponsors Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Hamilton Rod and Gun Club, The Weatherby Foundation, and the Worcester County League of Sportsmen's Clubs. Sportsmen's clubs, locally-based, outdoor related businesses, and other conservation groups sponsor a variety of skills stations, craft tables, and other exhibits relating to wildlife and the outdoors. The Big MOE is the perfect opportunity to introduce young and old to outdoor skills and activities.

The Big MOE is also in need of enthusiastic, outdoor oriented volunteers willing to assist at several skills stations or to host a skill station. Clubs and other conservation organizations wishing to host a skill station or assist others at an existing station are welcome. For more information, visit www.fawnsociety.com or contact Gary Zima, (508) 389-6314.

Debris falling from the bridge on the MA Pike Westbound closes lanes and Route 85.  Earlier this evening officials closed Route 85 under the MA Pike bridge for a short period of time.  Westbound traffic along the pike was also closed due to the possibility of decking damage after debris from above rained down on Route 85. Lanes were re-opened on both the Pike and Route 85 around 9:30 PM Wednesday night.

August 18, 2010 - A Hummingbird hangs onto the feeder.

August 18, 2010 - The ZBA overturned the cease and desist orders of the Southborough Building Inspector and will let Gulbankian brothers return to work on their engine repair shop as long it is only on Bus and/or antique car engines.  Another ZBA hearing on the Gulbankian businesses will be heard August 25.

Summer Ends With a Bang in Southborough

Southborough – The Summer Nights Festival has become an end of the summer tradition in the town of Southborough.   Last year, over 2000 residents came out to enjoy free entertainment and fireworks under starlit skies, and to catch up with friends before the start of the new school year.  This summer is expected to end with a bang as well when folks turn out for the seventh anniversary of this locally funded event.

The festival, a partnership between the Summer Nights volunteer committee and the Southborough Recreation Department, begins Sunday, August 29^th at 5:00 pm at the Neary School.  There are many fun activities for children such as the popular “Bubble Romp”, pony rides, moonwalk, obstacle course, fire truck slide and face painting. Older kids enjoy the challenge of the Rock Climbing Wall and for those not afraid to get wet, there is a dunk tank.  The Dance Revolution is a new attraction added with tweens and teens in mind.  It is recommended that parents pack towels or a change of clothes for children who want to go in the Bubble Romp or for anyone being dunked in the dunk tank. 

The musical band “The Infractions” will entertain the crowd once again this year thanks to the generous support of three area legislators.  In response to a plea for funding for the band back in June, Doreen Ferguson, Director of Southborough Recreation received a call from the office of State Representative Danielle Gregoire.  Ferguson was informed that Representative Gregoire, Representative Carolyn Dykema and Senator Jamie Eldridge would collectively be donating the funds needed to secure the band.  The Summer Nights Committee was elated to receive such a generous and unexpected donation.   

Folks wishing to purchase food at the event will choose from a variety of tasty options including pizza from Domino’s, sandwiches from Quizno’s, sushi and chicken wings fromYama Zakura, ribs and sausage sandwiches from Mr. Jack’s Catering and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.  Dessert options include ice cream from The Creamery and typical carnival fare such as fried dough, pretzels, cotton candy and slushies.

The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display over the Neary Field at dusk, sponsored by Capitol Group Properties and the Friends of Southborough Recreation.  Other key supporters of the event include St. Mary’s Credit Union and Brendon Properties, Fay School, Southborough House of Pizza, Middlesex Saving Bank, Tomasso Trattoria and Italian Market, Long Cadillac Hummer Saab, Choice Car Wash, Wellen Construction, Yama Zakura Restaurant and Mamas n Divas Nail Lounge.

All areas will be blocked off from traffic so that parents and children can roam safely from one activity to the next.   The fireworks will begin around 8:15pm.  Folks are encouraged to bring chairs or a blanket to set on the lawn for the display. 

Admission is free and parking is available at the Neary School parking lot off Parkerville Road with overflow parking available at Trottier Middle School parking lot via the Deerfoot Road entrance.  A rain date of Monday, August 30^th has been set. 

To make a donation to Southborough Summer Nights, contact Robin Martin at 508-333-1221.  For all other information about the event contact Southborough Recreation at 508-229-4452.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards ride

Sunday - August 22

Ride Type: Cue Sheet, Arrowed
Times and Routes: 9:15 for 58 mi. and 9:30 for 45 & 25 mi.
Leaders: Brian Sullivan (617-851-2938), Julie Sullivan (978-562-5666)
Description: Complete your weekend with this scenic ride through apple country. We start from Honey Pot Hill Orchards and travel through back roads that cover Stow, Harvard, Bolton and Berlin. Along the route you will see beautiful views and working farms. All routes are hilly but worth the climbs for the views and descents. The long ride will pass Bolton Orchards [27 miles] and Berlin Orchards [39 miles] for food and water. Medium ride will pass Bolton Orchards. At the end of your ride, refreshments will be served compliments of Honeypot Hill Orchards.
Start: Honey-Pot Hill Orchards, 144 Sudbury Road, Stow MA (map) (map)
Directions: Directions From Route. 2: Take the Route. 62 West exit, then go 7 miles into Stow and watch for our signs on Route. 62. Directions From Route. 128: Take the Route. 20 West exit, (Exit 26) for 5 mi. to Route. 27 North for 3.5 mi. to Sudbury center - straight through lights for 1/3 mi., then bear left onto Hudson Road (leave Route. 27) for 3.3 mi., then right onto Sudbury Rd. for 2 mi. to our orchard. Directions From Route. I-495: Take the Route. 62 East exit, (Exit 26) for 5.5 mi. into Stow and watch for our signs on Route. 62. If you are not from our area and you need directions to Honey-Pot Hill Orchards, call us at: 978 562-5666.
 

August 15, 2010 - Family members from Somerville MA and Minnesota take photos of relatives gravestones at the Old Burial ground in Southborough.  They are looking for family members of the Newton Family of Southborough.  They would love to get in contact with living members of the family if they are still around the area. Contact editor@southboroughnews.com to be put in touch with each other.

Southborough meetings

August 16 to August 20, 2010

Southborough Library  website:  Click here

Senior Center Activities

Computers:  We now have two computers in the hall before you enter our main room that are now hooked up to the internet. You will be able to read e-mail and look up information as well as play some fun card games. Feel free to sit down and use the computers. Let us know if you would like any help.