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Archived Page 192

January 23, 2011 - January 29, 2011

January 29, 2011 - the Cordaville Triangle Park is almost not seen from the road these days.

Southborough Tidbits:

Southborough Police said goodbye to Officer Bob Nelson who moved onto the Stow Police department and Detective Meredith Lobur who has moved to the Provincetown Police Department.  Meredith started the pet food pantry in town and was the first domestic abuse detective for Southborough.  We will also be saying goodbye to our fire chief, John Mauro at the end of this year.  The Northborough Southborough Schools will also be looking for a replacement when Ewa Pytowska Assistant Superintendent retires to go back into the teaching profession at the end of this school year.

Selectmen earlier this year chose Paul Morin to the Southborough Housing Authority until the May elections to replace the late Charles Brewer.  Mr. Morin was the top vote getter between the Housing Authority and the Selectmen.  Mr. Morin and the other candidates, Eric Hanslip and Marianna Surette were all advised to place their name on the ballots for the May election.

The Patel’s have closed their Colony Market store and moved everything to their Fitzgerald’s General Store at the Southville Road location. 

The last day to pull nomination papers out for Southborough Public Office is noon March 18, 2011.  You need 44 registered voter signatures.  The last day to file those papers will be 5:00 PM March 21, 2011. 

Selectmen voted to increase the tax on hotel rooms but refused to increase the meals tax.  Both Selectmen Bill Boland and John Rooney expressed thoughts that an increase in the meals tax would directly affect town residents and local businesses while it would only indirectly affect few on the room tax.  At the same meeting, Selectmen denied issuing a liquor license for the convenience store located at 42 Turnpike Road saying there was little parking and an abundance of liquor stores already in that area.  Representatives from Panzano Market and Turnpike Liquors both voiced concerns that they would lose business.

Budget hearings have begun.  An ominous prediction that the town will be $1.1 million short was predicted by Brian Ballentine, Finance Director.  He predicts that either there has to be drastic cuts in budgets or that there may be a nearly eight per cent increase (including a prop 2 ½ override).  This would represent a significant increase in taxes. 

The DPW and Water department have presented a Water system Capital plan and would like to replace a 1999 pickup and a one ton utility dump.  The capital request is for $315,000.  Talk about a warrant article for Legacy farms came up.  Legacy farms in Hopkinton will add to the traffic woes at Southville Road and Route 85. There may be some mitigation for route 85 in town.  For more information on Legacy Farms click here.   Selectwoman Bonnie Phaneuf also asked DPW director Karen Galligan to look into the possibility of expanding days the transfer is open so as to not cost more but have more days for usage.  Karen is looking into the possibility and will get back to selectmen.

Phil Rinehart gave a presentation on his FY 12 budget.  He explained that costs have varied with elevator maintenance and that they now have the library HVAC in their budget vs. the Libraries.  There should also be more frequent pumping of septic systems in several town buildings and that the cost of maintenance has increased 17%.

Fire Chief John Mauro presented his FY12 budget which will be his last.  Equipment has increased maintenance costs, salaries do not reflect contract negotiated items, there is tuition reimbursement for fire department members and that OT, stipends and holiday pay all are projected to increase.  The fire department will also be requesting a replacement vehicle.

Police Chief Jane Moran presented two budgets.  One included the Quinn Bill funding and the other without.  She stressed that overtime has increased and that they have to fill the two vacancies and a Lieutenants position.  There are increased computer repairs and that they should be designating a disease control officer.  The Chief also proposed a capital outlay that includes a copier machine, gun cleaning machine and a fax machine.  

The preliminary Northborough Southborough School budget was proposed at a meeting of the Northborough Southborough School Committee by Dr. Gobron.  The budget calls for $18 million represents a.  An increase of 2.69 percent over last year.  Dr. Gobron estimated a decline of fourteen students and no staff cuts anticipated.  The Northborough Southborough School Committee will be meeting Monday January 31, 2011 at the Trottier School Library at 7:30 PM with the Southborough Selectman and Advisory Committee.

The Zoning Board of appeals granted the Gulbankian's a permit for utilizing the machine shop for more than just bus engines earlier this week.  The popular local farm had been the site of a florist shop, bus depot, and machine shop for years before neighbors earlier this year complained when after an absence of buses the farm leased its property to an outside company.   The town tried to shut them down earlier this year with a cease and desist order because they didn’t have a permit to operate multiple businesses and the repair of the antique engines.  The family has seen lots of frustration with lawyers and many meetings with town boards.  The ZBA granted the permit with stipulations that they screen the lot, limit hours of operation and pave the parking lot.

The Southborough police station is once again in the news as resident and volunteer on the Police station committee Nancy Vargas has filed a complaint that she had been withheld information, emails and meeting info on the proposed Southborough Police station.  Ms Vargas had advocated for an historic renovation of the current Southborough Police station while fellow committee members wanted to recommend a new police station.  No matter what the current Southborough Police Station is of ill service and not up to standards for a police station in this day and age and something must be done to improve conditions.  The planning process has gone on way too long and had started years ago under Chief Weber and town planner Vera Kolias.   As a result of the complaints, volunteer committee members, town employees, Board members and others have had to go through training as new guidelines were prepared to meet the complaint issues on the public open meeting laws.

Tracey A.L. Ingle of Ingle Law in Southborough has been elected 2011 president of the Massachusetts chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray in December helped Worcester’s Becker College continue its plan to be at the center of making the videogame sector in Massachusetts a major priority by announcing the establishment of the Massachusetts Video Game Institute, which will be housed at Becker.

At an event held by Becker in its Southborough satellite campus, Murray announced that details of the institute would be crafted over the next 90 days and launched officially in the fall of 2011. The institute would be used to be the home base for the various sectors in Massachusetts that have a stake in seeing the videogame sector grow – academia, government and business.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Important Snow Removal Information

January 29, 2011 -  A lot of residents have been complaining about the ice dams.  If you have an older roof seriously consider raking the snow off.  Snow rakes are pretty hard to come by right now and average $40 to $90 dollars at hardware stores but can save a lot on the damage the buildup of ice can do to a roof or ceiling.   Also the damage can get worse if snow is left on the roof and we get a heavy rainstorm allowing the remaining snow to weigh even more on the structure.  Several businesses including the Hopkinton DPW barn (scroll down page) have collapsed in the past few days.

Don't miss it !!! To order tickets, email: TrottierTickets@charter.net Subject line: "Talent Show Tickets", number of tickets and any preferences on February 28th, from 6:30-8:00pm, or Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning, March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th from 7:30-9:00 am No email requests for tickets will be accepted on March 4th, 2011 Tickets are $10.00 on-line or $15.00 at the door Proceeds of the Talent Show will be used to update and expand the collection of the Trottier Middle School Library Media Center   Please arrive by 6:30 p.m. to pick up or purchase tickets on the day of performance

Don't miss your chance to see a great show and to support our community!

Auditions are on January 31, 2011 and February 1, 2011 at 6:30pm at the Trottier Middle School Auditorium Please email either Mrs. Pini or Mrs. Lunder for an audition appointment as soon as possible.  The subject line should read: 2011 Talent Show Audition Request.  In the body of the email please include the name of the participant(s), contact information and the talent.   Thank You.

Applications

January 29, 2011 -

January 29, 2011 - Friday night ARHS JV Basketball vs. Milford. JV girls at Milford, ARHS remains undefeated in league play, won 54-44.

January 28, 2011 - A Southborough News reader sent in these cute storm photos. The dog's face is priceless.

Space Weather News for Jan. 28, 2011
http://spaceweather.com

DOUBLE BLAST:  This morning, a spectacular double eruption on the sun produced the strongest solar flare of the year so far (an M1-class event).  Plasma clouds produced by the event are expected to miss Earth, so no geomagnetic storms are in the offing.  Today's edition of http://spaceweather.com highlights movies captured by SOHO and the Solar Dynamics Observatory.

STRANGE LIGHT PILLARS:  A photographer has recorded extraordinary pillars of light shooting into the night sky from a corn mill in Nebraska.  The tall luminous columns were capped with nested V-shaped tops that distinguish them from ordinary urban light pillars.  Check http://spaceweather.com for must-see photos and an explanation of the icy phenomenon.

TEXT MESSAGES FROM THE SUN:  Would you like a text message when the sun flares and geomagnetic storms erupt?  Sign up for our new alert service, SpaceWeather Text: http://spaceweathertext.com .

 

January 27, 2011 - So much snow is building up around town yet so pretty.

Representative Levy Elected Freshman Class President

Rep. Steven L. Levy (R-Marlborough) was elected Class President by his fellow freshman legislators last week.

At a meeting held last Thursday evening, Rep. Levy and three other new State Representatives were elected to the honorary positions of class officers. The other officers include Rep. Jerald Parisella (D-Beverly), Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica), and Rep. Russell Holmes (D-Boston) who were elected Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

“This is a great honor,” said Levy on his election. “I am hopeful that as a freshman class, we will be able to have a significant impact on shaping policy this legislative session.” With thirty-eight freshmen, the class represents almost one-fourth of the House of Representatives.

Levy wants his fellow freshman Representatives to “remember why we were elected”, and hopes to keep them focused on putting “the needs of our constituents and the citizens of the Commonwealth above partisan politics.”

Steven Levy represents the 4^th Middlesex District consisting of Marlborough, Berlin and Pct. 1 of Southborough.

              Tumble with the T-hawks                                                                                    

WHAT:    Gymnastics camp

              run by the Algonquin gymnastics team and coaches

WHO:      boys and girls grades K thru 5

WHERE:  ARHS Gymnastics Gym

WHEN:    February vacation – Tuesday thru Friday,

                     February 22^nd- 25^th 9am-11am

                  Gym Show Finale Friday at 10am

Come learn new gymnastics skills or perfect old ones with the high school gymnastics team and coaches.  You can soar over the vault, swing on the bars, balance on the beam and flip on the floor!!  Guaranteed fun plus you get a really cool t-shirt!!!

************************************************************************

Camp Application

NAME:  ____________________________________________________ M___ F____

ADDRESS:  ___________________________________________________________

PHONE: ___________­­___________________________________________________       

EMAIL: (Please print clearly)________________________________________________

GRADE:  ___________                     T-shirt size   YS   YM   YL   AS   AM   AL

I, Parent/Guardian agree, by enrolling my son/daughter, that he/she is physically and mentally able to participate in all of the Camp’s activities. In case of medical emergency and I cannot be reached, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the staff to hospitalize and secure medical treatment for the child. I understand that my medical insurance is expected to cover my child for injuries. I agree not to hold the ARHS Gymnastics Camp, its management and staff, and/or ARHS, its management and staff, responsible for any athletic, dental, or bodily injury that may occur to my son/daughter while attending Camp. I realize and acknowledge that ARHS is not sponsoring this Gymnastics Camp.

              (Parent or Guardian Signature)                                                             (Parent or Guardian Printed Name)

TUITION: $75 registration    (Checks payable to ARHS Gymnastics Boosters)

MAIL by February 11^th TO:  Mary Ellen Duggan (Gymnastics Booster Rep).

                                               47 Fisher St

                                               Northborough, MA 01532

Any questions, contact Mary Ellen Duggan – meduggan62@gmail.com

                                                                     508-393-1819 or 774-258-1500

Please make note anything which may affect your child’s participation__________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Monthly Meeting with talk by Frances Clark Refuge Plants for Refuge Wildlife

Please note that this meeting has been cancelled due to a forecast snowstorm. Stay tuned for information about rescheduling of this talk

For many of us naturalists, wild animals tend to trump plants in their interest and importance.  However, wild plants provide essential food and habitat for the animals living in our refuge.  See how plants support our favorite birds, mammals, and even insects in the wetlands, fields, and forests of our watershed.  You will find that native plants are not only intriguing and beneficial but also beautiful,  enhancing our knowledge and enjoyment of  nature throughout the seasons. You will also hear about the premier plant conservation organization in our area, the New England Wildflower Society and the role they play protecting wild flowers throughout the region by combining both "in situ" and "ex situ" conservation tools.

Frances Clark, is principal of Carex Associates specializing in botanical inventories, natural resource planning, and education.   She has conducted several botanical inventories in the SUASCO watershed and beyond and authored the SUASCO Watershed Biodiveristy Plan in 2000. She teaches at the New England Wild Flower Society where she has just stepped down from being the Chair of the Board of Trustees. She enjoys leading field trips throughout the area for a variety of organizations.

The Friends' monthly meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the new Visitor Center at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, 680 Hudson Road in Sudbury, MA (Google Map). A short business meeting and refuge update is followed by our featured speaker.

Sunday, January 30, 10:00 - 11:30 AMNature Day Hike with a Refuge Ranger

Join a refuge staff member for a walk of the refuge and learn about our local wildlife. Bring your binoculars, your bird and track guides and warm layers. If you don’t have binoculars or guides, we will have some available as well. Please meet in the lobby of the Visitor Center at 680 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA.

Thursday, February 3, 4:00 PMRefuge Staff's Volunteer Appreciation Day

It's that time of year when the refuge staff would like to give back to all of you for your many, many hours of hard work and dedication you have contributed to the refuge complex. They are hosting a specia  volunteer appreciation day just for you on Thursday, February 3rd, at 4pm. It will be held at the Visitor Center at Assabet River NWR, 680 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA.

Refuge staff will provide all of the food and fun, you just need to show up! They will also be awarding prizes based on each individual's volunteer hours through September 30, 2010. If you have not been submitting your timesheet, there is no way for them to know how many hours you have earned, so please do submit them ASAP.

This event is for new and long-time volunteers, so come mingle with old friends and make new ones! The staff would love to see you and hope as many people can attend as possible. If you haven't been able to volunteer this past year, that's okay, please still join us to celebrate! Please RSVP to Susan Russo (phone: 978.443.4661 x 34, email: Susan_J_Russo@fws.gov) by January 27th if you plan on attending and how many people will be in your party.

Friday, February 4, 1:30 PMWinter Film Series

Is it too cold for you? Come inside and watch the documentary “Manufactured Landscapes” on February 4th inside the Visitor Center at 680 Hudson Rd, Sudbury, MA. Popcorn will be provided!

In this 2006 documentary, photographer Edward Burtynsky travels the world observing changes in landscapes due to industrial work and manufacturing (Running Time: 80 minutes).

Friends of the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough will be closed all day today, Thursday, January 27, 2011, because of the intensity of the present snow storm and the dangerous driving conditions

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School is cancelled due to the snowstorm

Norfolk County Agricultural School is Closed Today due to the Snow Storm

Winter storm warning remains in effect from 4 pm this afternoon to 10 am est Thursday,
A winter storm warning remains in effect from 4 pm this afternoon to 10 am est Thursday.
Locations, most of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts.
Hazard types, heavy snow.
Accumulations, 8 to 12 inches of snow.
Timing, light snow will begin near the south coast and in providence by 2 pm, before lifting north into the boston metro area by 4 pm. It will become steadier between 4 pm and 7 pm, with the heaviest snow expected between 9 pm tonight and 5 am Thursday. Snow should end by mid to late Thursday morning.
Impacts, roads may become snow covered and slippery, especially tonight when the snow falls heavy at times. This will be a wet snow near the coast, which may result in a few downed tree limbs and isolated power outages.
Winds, north 10 to 20 mph.
Temperatures, in the upper 20s to around 30.
Visibilities, one quarter mile at times.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
Travel will be slow at best on well treated surfaces, and quite difficult on any unplowed or untreated surfaces.
 

Winter storm warning in effect from 4 pm Wednesday to 10 am est Thursday,
The NWS in taunton has issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow, which is in effect from 4 pm Wednesday to 10 am est Thursday. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect.
Locations, south central Massachusetts into northeast Massachusetts. This includes the boston metropolitan area.
Hazard types, heavy snow.
Accumulations, 6 to 10 inches of snow.
Timing, light snow is expected to develop early Wednesday evening. Snow will pickup in intensity Wednesday night falling moderate to heavy at times. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible from 9 pm Wednesday until 5 am Thursday. The snow should come to an end from west to east by mid to late Thursday morning.
Impacts, snow will cause untreated roads to become snow covered and slippery Wednesday evening. This is especially true later Wednesday night when the snow falls moderate to heavy at times.
Winds, north 5 to 15 mph.
Temperatures, in the upper 20s.
Visibilities, one quarter of a mile at times.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter storm warning is issued when an average of 6 or more inches of snow is expected in a 12 hour period, or for 8 or more inches in a 24 hour period. Travel will be slow at best on well treated surfaces, and quite difficult on any unplowed or untreated surfaces.
 

Firefighters Respond to Chimney Fire

January 24, 2010

Firefighters responded at 2:09 PM to a report of a possible chimney fire on Lynbrook Road. Temperatures were in the single digits at the time of the call.  Firefighters arrived to find fire possibly burning in the chimney.

Tower 21 was set up to the chimney, which was difficult to access from the ground.

A blockage was cleared in the chimney. Damage did not extend outside of the chimney.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on Mount Vickery Road

January 24, 2010

Firefighters responded to a Mt. Vickery Road home at 11:12 PM for a chimney fire - the second one of the day.

A chimney clogged with creosote built up enough heat to ignite the creosote.  Arriving firefighters found a red-hot chimney connector pipe, and light smoke in the house. The fire was extinguished in the wood-burning appliance, as well as the chimney. Damage was confined to the chimney. No injuries were reported.

All fire apparatus cleared the incident at 12:31 AM

The Recovery Connection
New Policy
For Activities during Meeting Times

To all members and meeting goers,

At The Recovery Connection's last community meeting that took place on Wednesday, January 19th there was a discussion followed by a vote about activities taking place during the time in which the meeting room is being leased. The outcome of that vote was that all activities were allowed to take place such as the television, computer access, and ping pong so long as the proper level of respect is maintained. If you have any questions regarding this change in policy please feel free to see one of the staff members.

Thanks,

-The Recovery Connection staff and members
 

January 25, 2011 - The Southborough Post Office suffered some severe damage from a broken water pipe today.  In this cold weather it is imperative that the heat remains on, ceiling tiles or cabinet doors are left open to heat.  No heat in hidden spaces can oftentimes end up in a water disaster.

January 25, 2011 Sunset is setting on Northborough Road.

January 24, 2011  Canada Geese rest in the deep snow in Westborough along Flanders Road.

January 24, 2011 - Brothers and Sisters of cubscouts also joined in on the derby races.

January 24, 2011 - Fay School signs are almost not seen with the huge snowbanks that line the intersection of route 85 and 30.

Census Return Reminder

UNRETURNED CENSUS FORMS ARE OVERDUE

Verified and Signed 2011 Census Forms must be returned to the Town Clerk. Failure to do so shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in the removal from Town rolls. All Southborough residents must be accounted for regardless of age.

WINTER PARKING BAN 2010/2011

There will be no parking on any public way in the Town of Southborough from 12 midnight until 6:00 a.m. and furthermore, there will be no parking on any public way during any snowstorm in the Town of Southborough. Vehicles parked will be towed at the owner’s expense (according to the Town’s Code).

This Ban will be in effect from December 1, 2010 through March 15, 2011.

Illegal parking during unusual storms occurring before or after the Ban will be dealt with according to Section 152-6 of the Code of the Town of Southborough.

A Cappellooza 2011 with the Clark Bars

Event: A Cappellooza 2011 with the Clark Bars
Description: An evening of A Cappella with the Clark University group “Clark Bars”, Algonqapella, Ladies First, and Soulfege
Date: Thursday Jan 27
Time: 7:00
Place: ARHS Auditorium
Cost: $2.00A Cappellooza 2011 with the Clark Bars

January 23, 2011 - Scouts from troop 2766 sing and dance to sell Girl Scout Cookies while below they sold muffins, bagels, drinks and yes, cookies for the hungry scouts at the Pinewood Derby Saturday.

Southborough Library  website:  Click here

Senior Center Activities

Southborough meetings

January 24 to January 28, 2010

James Howard Traweek, 66, of Southborough, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at Lutheran Healthcare in Worcester, where he received the most loving and personalized care his last months of his life. He was the husband of Dean (Traynor) Traweek for the past 38 years. Jim graduated in 1994 from the University of Washington, Phi Beta Kappa, and completed two masters degrees there, one in South Asian studies from the Jackson School and the second in teaching English as a second language. Jims love of travel, spirituality, and languages are well known to his family and many friends. He earned numerous FLAS scholarships to pursue studies in Sanskrit, Hindi, Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, and spent the 1993-94 year in Lahore, Pakistan, studying Urdu intensively. In a desire to teach overseas following graduation from the UW, Jim attended teaching programs at Seattle Pacific University and Trenton State College to obtain his teaching certifications in elementary education, bilingual education, Hindi, Arabic, Urdu, anthropology, economics, history, and political science. Unable to teach abroad due to the emergence of his Parkinsons disease while he was only in his forties, Jim taught at the University of Washington and at North Seattle Community College from 1994 until he retired in 2002. He will be remembered as one of the true free spirits of his generation. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his siblings, Jack Traweek of Michigan and Florida, Marilyn Inserra of Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Jesse C. and Olive K. (Layman) Traweek, and a sister, Sarah Meyers Pate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to the American Parkinsons Disease Association (APDA), National Young Onset Center, 25 North Winfield Road, Winfield, IL 60190 or to Lutheran Healthcare, 26 Harvard St., Worcester, MA 01609. Arrangements are under the direction of Morris Funeral Home (www.MorrisFuneralParlor.com), 40 Main St., Southborough.

Chester Thomas Walenski, 84, of Ashland, passed away, Wednesday, Jan. 19, at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham. Born in Medway, he was the son of the late Joseph and Martha (Bastek) Walenski, and husband to Anne Marie (Tierney) Walenski for 57 years. A resident of Ashland for 53 years, Chester was employed as an electronic technician with Raytheon Co. in Waltham for 42 years, retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Ashland Fish and Game and a longtime parishioner and usher at St. Matthew's Church in Southborough. Mr. Walenski served his country honorably with the Navy during WWII. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons; Stephen J Walenski and his wife Nancy of Canton; and Robert T. Walenski of Ashland; two brothers; William Walenski and his wife Margaret of Framingham; and Francis Walenski and his wife Marilyn of Holliston; and two sisters; Alice Walenski and Sophie Young, both of Framingham. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Jan 24 at 10 a.m. in St. Matthew's Church in Southborough with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. www.mataresefuneral.com

Wind chill warning in effect from midnight tonight to 9 am est monday,
The NWS in taunton has issued a wind chill warning, which is in effect from midnight tonight to 9 am est monday. The wind chill watch is no longer in effect.
Locations, southwest New Hampshire, central and western Massachusetts and hartford county Connecticut.
Hazards, dangerously cold wind chill values.
Wind chill values, 25 to 35 degrees below zero.
Winds, northwest 5 to 10 mph.
Temperatures, 10 to 25 degrees below zero.
Timing, late tonight through mid morning Monday
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A wind chill warning is issued when the wind chill index is likely to fall to -25 degrees or colder for at least 3 hours. A wind chill index below -30 can bring about frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. Outdoor exposure should be limited. If you are heading outdoors, dress in layers and keep your hands and head covered to protect against frostbite
 

MEMA’s PET SAFETY TIPS FOR THE WINTER MONTHS

FRAMINGHAM, MA – “As the harsh winter months settle in, it is important that you think about keeping your pets safe from all of the dangers that the season can present,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency  (MEMA) Acting Director Kurt Schwartz.  “MEMA offers some tips to help insure your pet’s safety.”

·        Do not leave your pet outdoors when temperatures drop below freezing. Dogs need outdoor exercise, but take care not to keep them outdoors for lengthy periods of time during very cold weather.  Pets that are mostly indoors need time to adapt to cold temperatures by building up a thicker coat and toughening their footpads for ice and snow. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.  Dogs and cats are safer indoors during all sorts of extreme weather.

·        Care for your pet’s feet. If your pet walks on salted or chemically treated areas, be sure to wash its paws after your walk.  Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove these irritants as soon as your dog is off the road.  Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of their coat length.  If your dog frequently lifts up its paws, whines or stops during walks, it may be demonstrating that its feet are uncomfortably cold.

·        Wind-chill is a threat to pets, even those protected by shelters.  Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to both sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat.  The floor should be elevated a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The entrance of the doghouse should be turned to face away from prevailing winds, and the entrance should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.

·        Pets who spend a greater amount of time outdoors in the winter need more food.  Maintaining warmth depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to ensure the water is fresh and not frozen.  To prevent your pet’s tongue from freezing to its feeding or drinking bowl, plastic, rather than metal food and water bowls are preferred.

·        Never leave a pet locked inside a car during extremely cold weather.  Cars can actually act like a refrigerator, holding in cold air, putting your pet at risk.

·        Be leery of frozen bodies of water. Always keep your pets on a leash when walking them near suspected frozen bodies of water.  The ice may not be sturdy enough to support your pet.  If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt to rescue your pet yourself; call 9-1-1 or go for help.

·        Antifreeze and de-icing chemicals can be hazardous. Many types of antifreeze have a sweet taste that can attract animals.  Always store antifreeze out of reach and clean up spills. Antifreeze made with propylene glycol can actually be swallowed in small amounts and not injure pets, wildlife or humans.

·        Warm automobile engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked vehicles can attract small animals, which may crawl under the hood seeking warmth.  To avoid injuring hiding animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them off before starting your engine.

For additional information about keeping your pets safe, go to the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART) website at www.smart-mass.org.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Winter Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Follow MEMA updates on Facebook and Twitter.