editor@southboroughnews.com

Archived Page 187

December 19, 2010 - December 25, 2010

Blizzard warning in effect from noon Sunday to 6 pm est monday,
The NWS in taunton has issued a blizzard warning, which is in effect from noon Sunday to 6 pm est Monday. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect.
Locations, all of Rhode Island except block island and all of eastern Massachusetts except cape cod and the islands.
Hazard types, heavy snow and potentially damaging winds, with considerable blowing and drifting of snow and near zero visibilities. Scattered thunderstorms with snow.
Accumulations, 15 to 20 inches of snow.
Timing, light snow will start in the early afternoon and become heavy by evening. Very heavy snow will fall throughout Sunday night with up to 2 to 4 inches per hour likely at times. The snow will taper to flurries early Monday afternoon. Winds will peak from late Sunday afternoon through much of Monday.
Impacts, extremely dangerous travel conditions will develop by Sunday evening. Strong winds will combine with the snow to create blinding conditions with near zero visibility at times Sunday night. Widespread power outages are expected during the height of the storm Sunday night from both the strong winds knocking down power lines and the weight of the heavy snow. Shoveling should not be done by anyone with heart conditions.
Winds, northeast to north winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts as high 50 to 60 mph especially along coastal rhode island and coastal Massachusetts from late Sunday afternoon through much of Monday.
Temperatures, will range from the mid 20s to lower 30s.
Visibilities, one quarter mile or less at times.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A blizzard warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts over 35 mph are expected with considerable falling and/or blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities will become poor with whiteout conditions at times. Those venturing outdoors may become lost or disoriented, so persons in the warning area are advised to stay indoors.
 

December 25, 2010 - Find the chevy truck?

Rte 9 west at Rte 85	Southville Road at River Street	Route 9 looking eastbound at Rte 85	Rte 9 at the old White's Corner now Coldstone Creamery, Starbucks and Tomasso's Restaurant	Southville Road being plowed

 

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Winter Weather

A winter storm in New England can range from a moderate snowfall over a few hours to a Nor’easter, bringing blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts several days. People can become stranded in their automobiles or trapped at home, without utilities or other services.  The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or the entire region for days, weeks or even months.  Storm effects, in New England, include large snow accumulation, extremely cold temperatures, heavy, wet snow or icing on trees and powerlines, roof collapses, coastal flooding and beach erosion.  Winter storms are also deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the actual storm.  The major causes are automobile or other transportation accidents, exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion, ‘freezing to death’ and asphyxiation from improper heating sources.  House fires occur more frequently in the winter due to lack of proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources, like unattended fires and space heaters. As with most potential disasters: preparedness, monitoring the Media and common sense can minimize the danger to you and your family.

Those who already have an All-Hazard Emergency Supply Kit, as MEMA continues to suggest, should be in fine shape already.

Before a Winter Storm threatens

·        Know the terms used by weather forecasters:

o    Winter Storm Watch – Be alert, a storm is likely.

o    Winter storm Warning – Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.

o    Blizzard Warning – Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.  Seek refuge immediately.

o    Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.

o    Frost/Freeze Warning – Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops or fruit trees.

·        Everyone should have supplies which would prepared them to survive on their own for at least three days.  There should be some non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights and extra batteries around the house, along with a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio in case of power outages or other emergencies caused by a winter storm.

·        Additional items that should be included on your Winter Weather Supply List are a freshly-stocked first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, non-perishable foods (those that require no refrigeration such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts), a non-electric can opener, water (one gallon per person, per day), baby-care items, extra blankets, sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.

·        Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off.  Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room livable.  Be sure the room is well ventilated.

·        Make sure your home is properly insulated.  Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.

·        Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.

·        To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.

·        Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.

·        Know how to shut off water valves.

·        If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold.  A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.

·        Suggested items for a Winter Emergency Car Kit include a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic first-aid kit, necessary medications, a pocket knife, booster cables, a blanket or a sleeping bag, extra clothes (including rain gear, mittens and socks), non-perishable foods, a non-electric can opener, sand for generating vehicle traction, tire chains or traction mats, a basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver), a tow rope, a container of water and a brightly colored cloth to serve as a flag, if necessary.

·        Ensure that your tires have adequate tread and keep your gas tank at least half-full.  Plan long trips carefully, listening to the latest weather reports and road conditions.

·        Travel during the day, and if possible, try to take someone along with you.

Winter Emergency Supply Kit

·        Flashlight and extra batteries

·        Portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries

·        First-aid kit

·        Essential prescription medicines

·        Non-perishable Food

·        Non-electric can opener

·        Water (one gallon per person/per day)

·        Baby items

·        Extra blankets and sleeping bags

·        Fire extinguisher

Family Emergency Communications Plan

Develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), and have a plan for getting back together.  Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the ‘family contact’.  After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance.  Make sure everyone knows the name, address and telephone number of the contact person.

Winter Emergency Car Kit

·        Flashlight with extra batteries

·        Charged cell phone

·        Basic first-aid kit

·        Necessary medications

·        Pocket knife

·        Blankets or sleeping bags

·        Extra clothes (include rain gear, mittens, socks)

·        High-calorie, non-perishable foods (dried fruits, nuts, canned food)

·        Non-electric can opener

·        Container of water

·        Shovel

·        Sand for generating traction

·        Tire chains or traction mats

·        Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

·        Tow rope

·        Brightly colored cloth to utilize as a flag

Auto Safety Steps

·        About 70% of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles.

·        Keep your gas tank full.

·        Install good winter tires with adequate tread. 

·        Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. 

·        Check your windshield wiper fluid and keep your gas tank at least half-full. 

·        Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. 

·        Travel during daylight hours, and if possible, take another person with you.

·        If a blizzard traps you in your car, pull off the highway.  Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from your radio antenna or window.

·        Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are more likely to find you.  Do not set out on foot, unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.

·        Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.  When the engine is running, open the window slightly for ventilation.  Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.

·        Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.  In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation.  Huddle with passengers.

·        Take turns sleeping.  One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

·        Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

·        Be careful not to waste battery power.  Balance electricity energy needs: the use of lights, heat and radio.

·        At night, turn on the inside light so work crews and rescuers can see you.

During a Winter Storm

·        Dress for the season, wearing several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing.  The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

·        Mittens are better than gloves.

·        Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.

·        Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

·        Be careful when shoveling snow.  Over-exertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter.

·        Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose.  If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.

·        Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.  If symptoms are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove any wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages, if the victim is conscious.  Get medical help, as soon as possible.

After the Winter Storm

·        Roads to allow plowing operations to proceed smoothly.

·        Help dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.

·        Avoid parking too close to corners, allowing Public Safety vehicles and plows to maneuver safely.

·        Be aware of children playing in the streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large snowdrifts.   Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing operations and traffic.

·        Clear exhaust vents from Direct Vent Gas Furnace Systems to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

·        Never run automobile until exhaust pipe has been cleared of snow.

·        Make sure backup generators are well ventilated.

·        Take your time shoveling.  Avoid overexertion.

·        Use care around downed power lines. Assume a down wire is a live wire

From the Southborough News

Winter storm watch in effect from Sunday afternoon through monday afternoon,
The NWS in taunton has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon.
Locations, eastern and south central Massachusetts, all of Rhode Island except block island, and northern Connecticut.
Hazard types, heavy snow, strong winds and low visibility.
Accumulations, potential for 6 or more inches of snow.
Timing, accumulating snow will arrive by Sunday evening and continue into Monday afternoon.
Impacts, untreated roads will be snow-covered and slippery. Low visibility and strong winds will make travel difficult with near-blizzard conditions possible.
Visibilities, one quarter to one half mile possible at times.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter storm watch is issued for the potential of accumulating snow of 6 or more inches in a 12 hour period, or 8 or more inches in a 24 hour period. Anyone traveling in the next 24 to 36 hours should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to modify travel plans should winter weather develop.
 

December 24, 2010 - Robert holds up an Christmas tree ornament that was specially etched for the winning family and anonymously donated to the Southborough News.  In addition the Braccio family has donated their winnings and added to it for a donation to be presented to the Southborough Youth and Family services and the Southborough Food Pantry to go with the match from the Southborough News.  Thanks everyone for a very nice contest.

December 24, 2010 - Above the First Community Church of Southborough on Southville Road announces their candlelight service while below, St. Matthew's on Highland Street was packed with worshipers attending the annual pageant mass.

St. Matthew’s Church

Christmas Eve - Friday, December 24

9:00am Confessions in the Parish Center
4:00pm Mass - Church (Children's Pageant)
4:00pm Mass - Parish Center
5:30pm Mass - Church
5:30pm Mass - Parish Center
10:00pm Mass - Church

Christmas Day - Saturday, December 25

7:30am Mass - Church
9:00am Mass - Church
11:00am Mass - Church
(NO 4pm Mass on this day)

Sunday, December 26 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

7:30am, 9:00am, and 11:00am
(NO 6pm Mass on this day)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First Community Church

Tracking Santa on NORAD

December 24, 2010 - The Southborough Recreation Department would like to let residents know that the ice rink is not yet ready. Check the hotline over the Christmas break.  508-485-0710 press 8.  They will also be  posting a sign at the rink when/if it can opened.

December 24, 2010 - ARHS hockey team took on Leominster Wednesday night but fell 4 - 0.

December 22, 2010 - Lisa and Matt Braccio and family of Oregon Road took the top honors with 57 % of the vote.  Adam and Jessica Phaneuf and family of Parkerville Road south took second place with 35% of the vote and the Aker family of Flagg Road came in third with the remaining homes tied for fourth. They can be located along Southville Road and Harris Drive.  There were many more houses lit up for the season around town that did not participate this year, hopefully next year there will be more entrants but drive around town and enjoy all the lights.  Thanks all for a fun time.

Thanks to all who sent in photos and thanks to all the Southborough News readers for voting.

Learn About E-Readers at the Southborough Library, Tuesday, January 11, at 7:00 p.m.

 The Southborough Library will host a program about e-readers and downloading books to personal digital devices on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Southborough Public Library, 25 Main Street, Southborough, MA.
E-reader sales have tripled this year, and as devices like Sony’s e-reader, Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook become more popular, the library can help out. Did you know you can enjoy downloadable books on loan with your library card?
At this event, BestBuy will raffle off an e-reader device. Please plan to join us at the Southborough Public Library for an evening with e-readers. This is free and open to the public – bring a friend or neighbor. Please visit or call the Library at (508) 485-5031 to register or for more information about this or any program at the Southborough Library.

The Marlboro Senior Softball is starting their 2011 Indoor Softball Season on January 3, 2011 at the  Fore Kicks II sports facility in Marlboro.

            We will be playing a 12 week schedule on Monday and Thursday mornings. We have a limited amount of open dates if anyone is interested in playing to find out what Senior Softball is all about. This is our spring training in getting ready for our regular season which starts in April as soon as fields are open. In our regular season we play mornings from May to Sep on either Monday or Wednesday mornings.

Indoors we have no age limit but for our regular season in the spring you must be 55+ for men and 45+ for women by December 31, 2011.  We have a limited number of openings for our regular season teams so if anyone is interested in playing indoors or in our regular season should contact Fred Scerra at (774) 249-0143 or e-mail at marlsrsoftball@verizon.net as soon as possible..

Voting Closes at 8:00 PM Wed, Dec. 22, 2010

Here are five homes decorated for the season.

House # 1	House # 2	House # 3	House # 4	House #5

Click the Southborough Forums vote

Algonquin Regional High School Event

12/22 Algonquin Music Showcase, 7:00pm

On The Road

December 21, 2010 - Southborough's new Tower 21 is officially on the road as of yesterday.

Fire Log

Sunday 12/19/10

00:13 SMOKE SCARE, ODOR OF SMOKE GLENWOOD RD 

    E22  CAPT HUBLEY     FF KANE         FF WILLS        FF NAVAROLI

    E23  LT DANO

16:27 EMS CALL HILLTOP DR 

    A28  FF PIERCE       FF NEAL

    C30  FF STRONG

Monday 12/20/10

05:39 VEH ACCIDENT W/INJURIES TURNPIKE RD 

    A28  FF PIERCE       FF NEAL

    E23  FF ASPESI       FF STRONG

08:30 PLAN REVIEW - COMMERCIAL ST MARTIN DR 

    C27  CAPT MAURO

10:00 TRAINING - FIRE MAIN ST 

    HQ2  LT SADOWSKI     FF RICE         FF ROACH        FF FRANKS

12:13 RESCUE, EMERGENCY MEDICAL CALL BUFFALO RU 

    A28  FF RICE         FF ROACH

13:30 SMOKE DETECTOR, RESALE MAIN ST 

    C27  CAPT MAURO

14:00 PROPANE INSPECTION CLIFFORD ST 

    C27  CAPT MAURO

15:00 PLAN REVIEW - SMOKE DETECTOR BANTRY RD 

    C3   CAPT MAURO

21:22 VEH ACCIDENT W/INJURIES CHESTNUT HILL RD 

    A28  FF ROACH        FF RICE

    E23  LT SADOWSKI     FF FRANKS       FF HOGAN

23:35 VEHICLE ACCIDENT, GENERAL CLEA TURNPIKE RD and CRYSTAL POND RD

    A28  FF RICE         FF ROACH

    E23  LT SADOWSKI     FF FRANKS (More Fire Log)

Southborough Recreation Current Events & Programs:

REGISTER NOW FOR NEXT RAP SESSION
_________

Free Skate
schedule for St. Mark's
_________

OPEN GYM
December 28, 29, 30
9:00am-12:00
TROTTIER GYM
$2/pp drop in
_________

DECEMBER VACATION CAMP
12/28 - 12/31
9:30 - 12:00
K - Grade 3
___________

Recreation Commission Meeting
January 6, 2010, 7:30pm, Rec Office

ICE RINK STATUS: CLOSED
(We are hoping to open the rink, Thursday, 12/23!!)

December 20, 2010 - Kind of sneaking in the back door from the ocean, this storm has dumped nearly a foot of snow down the Cape Cod way and inches more east of us.  Watch for slippery roads during tomorrow's early commute.  Accidents from slipping and sliding the roadways kept firefighters and police busy tonight.

Here are five homes decorated for the season.

House # 1	House # 2	House # 3	House # 4	House #5

Click the Southborough Forums vote

LUNAR ECLIPSE:  For the first time in many years, northern winter is beginning with a total lunar eclipse.  On Dec. 21, 2010, the date of the northern winter solstice, the full Moon will pass through Earth's shadow, turning the lunar orb a delightful shade of coppery-red. Sky watchers in North America are favored with an overhead view as the eclipse unfolds on Tuesday morning between 02:41 am and 03:53 am EST. Visit http://spaceweather.com for full coverage of the event including live webcasts, observing tips, and a look at the surprising connection between lunar eclipses and Earth's climate.

SOMETHING NEW: Spaceweather.com is proud to announce SpaceWeather TEXT, an innovative alert service that turns your cell phone into a real-time space weather monitoring system. Subscribers receive text messages announcing X-class solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and CME impacts as they are happening. Learn more at http://spaceweathertext.com .
 

December 20, 2010 - Forget something to dress up the tree or home for the Christmas holiday? Wolf Hill Farm will be open one last day on Thursday from 10 AM to 4:00 PM.  You can find the farm at 30 Jericho Hill Road in Southborough.

December 20, 2010 - A Redtail Hawk awaits dinner.

Check out Sparkle's new trailer for her and author Dayna Hilton's new book Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Click the Book

December 20, 2010 - Score 61 to 23 over Holy Name.

December 20, 2010 - Holy Name squeaked by ARHS varsity Girls Basketball team 66 to 63.

Got a great Christmas Display? Contest

There is still time to get your photo in, it's all for a good cause.

The Southborough News will begin its First Annual Holiday Lighting Display contest.  If you have a house that you think is worthy of this award, send it in JPEG form to editor@southboroughnews.com If I receive at least five photos, I will post the photos and set up a polling message on the Southborough Forums.  The top three winners will each get a $25 gift certificate to keep or donate to their local charity.  The Southborough News will then match it with two $30 gift certificates (one for the Southborough food pantry and one to the Southborough Youth and Family services - in time for the holidays) So join in and let's help out in a fun way.

1. Send Jpeg photo to editor@southboroughnews.com

2.  All photos must be in by 6:00 PM December 20, 2010

3.  A poll for the photos will be placed at that date on the Southborough Forums

4.  Votes will be closed and tallied December 22, 2010 and winners announced

5.  Gift Certificates will be awarded to the top 3 vote getters.  The top vote winner will also be     receive a specially engraved tree ornament with the family name engraved on it.  This award has been donated anonymously for the contest.

December 19, 2010 - Checking out the ice skating rink at Woodward School to make sure if it is all set. But no it will need some more time.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS from the Town House

Holiday Hours

Town House will be closed Friday, December 24th, Monday, December 27th, and Friday, December 31st.

Transfer Station will be closed Friday, December 24th and Saturday, December 25th.
Transfer Station will close at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 31st and will be closed Saturday, January 1st.

Northborough Southborough School Notes

Dec 23:  half day for students

Dec 24 - 31:  Winter Vacation 

Senior Center Activities

Southborough Library  website:  Click here

Southborough meetings

December 20 to December 24, 2010