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Archived Page 193

January 30, 2011 - February 5, 2011

February 5, 2011 - Under all that snow where the tops of the fence posts are lies the Southborough Community Gardens.

Auction

Pilgrim Church Southborough will be hosting a Silent Auction on March 20th 2011 to benefit the mission trips program.   They have awesome Red Sox tickets, and Patriots pre-season tickets and Cape/vacation homes (for a week) as well as gift cards for local businesses.   This year they have 38 teens and 9 adult chaperons going to the Chicago area to work in food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and with local churches in need of repairs to their food pantries.  

Winter weather advisory remains in effect until 10 pm est this evening,
A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 10 pm est this evening.
Locations, southwest and south central Massachusetts as well as portions of northern Connecticut and northern Rhode Island.
Hazard types, brief period of snow and sleet at midday followed by freezing rain this afternoon and possibly into early this evening.
Accumulations, up to 1 inch of snow followed by a glaze of ice accretion up to a tenth of an inch.
Timing, light spotty wintry precipitation has already overspread the region at midday and will become more widespread as the afternoon progresses.
Impacts, untreated roads will become slippery this afternoon and evening.
Winds, southeast up to 5 mph will become northeast.
Temperatures, upper 20s to lower 30s.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter weather advisory is issued when snow and/or ice is forecast to develop in the affected areas, but accumulations are expected to be light. Any snow or ice would make driving and walking difficult, but not impossible, on untreated roadways and sidewalks. When temperatures are below freezing, motorists need to be especially careful on bridges and overpasses where slippery spots can easily develop.
 

February 4, 2011 - www.hopnews.com has been reporting all the roof collapses that have occurred in Hopkinton over the past week.  Today the roof on this horse barn collapsed.  Fortunately the two horses were able to be led out safely from their bottom floor stall area.  Other collapses in town were at the Hopkinton DPW barn, a private garage and a greenhouse at Weston Nurseries.  Last week not far from Hopkinton the old Glen Maura indoor Riding ring on Olive Street collapsed.

Public Safety Advisory

On Potential Roof Collapses

Dangers Associated With Heavy Snow Loads on Roofs

Over the past 36 hours, there have been over 70 reports of roof collapses or buildings with potential structural damage from the weight of snow and ice loads on roofs.  While these incidents have occurred throughout the Commonwealth, the majority have taken place in eastern Massachusetts.  In many instances, homes and businesses have been evacuated as a result of collapses or safety concerns resulting from indications of structural weaknesses.  In a normal winter season, there may be a handful of such events, making this season, with its heavy snowfall, extremely unique.  The current severe roof load conditions are the result of the recent prolonged cold weather and repeated snowstorms.  Short periods of rain that get absorbed in the snowpack on roofs have also made matters even worse.  Compounding the situation is the short-term weather forecast of potentially two more snowstorms in the next week.

Homeowners, tenants, and businesses need to be cognizant of the danger posed by heavy snow loads on roofs, and the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses.  In some instances, the risks posed by accumulated snow on roofs can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs of both commercial buildings and homes.  Because temperatures are expected to remain cold for at least the next few days, and more snow may fall as early as this weekend, efforts should be undertaken now to safely remove snow from roofs. 

Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of structural collapse.

Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.

Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of structural collapse.

Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.

Lower roofs, where snow drifts or accumulates from higher roofs are also vulnerable.  Some potential signs of imminent roof collapse.

·         DO’s

·         Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.

·         Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.

·         Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.

Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.

Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.

Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building. 

Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades—those too will do some damage to your roof.

·         Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.  Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.

·         Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.

·         Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores.

·         If you don't hire professionals, at least have someone outside with you in case anything does go wrong

·         DON’T’s

·         Unless approved by a registered professional engineer, don’t add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof.

·         Don’t use a ladder since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.

·         Don’t use electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.

·         Don’t use open-flame devices to remove snow and ice.

According to Meteorologist Tony Petrarca, a cubic foot of dry snow weighs about seven pounds, while a cubic foot of wet snow weighs anywhere from 12 to 18 pounds. So, if it's possible, hire someone to help with all of the snow clearing.

·         Sagging roofs

·         Severe roof leaks

·         Cracked or split wood members

·         Bends or ripples in supports

·         Cracks in walls or masonry

·         Sheared off screws from steel frames

·         Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles

·         Doors that pop open

·         Doors or windows that are difficult to open

·         Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling

·         Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

·         Make sure you smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

·         Check your outside fuel and dryer exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device. Never use your oven for heat.

·         Clear snow away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

·         Space heaters need space, so use them in a 3-foot circle of safety; free of anything that catch fire. Space heaters are not designed to replace your central heating system; they are only designed to provide a little extra heat on a temporary basis. So be sure to turn them off when you leave room or go to bed at night.

·         Clear snow away from downspouts so water has a place to go.

·         Do not be tempted to use a heat gun or open flame torch to melt the ice; the risk of starting a fire is huge.

·         If you feel you are in immediate danger, get outside and call 9-1-1.

·         DO’s

·         The same tips apply.  However, if you are going to use a snow blower, make sure that it has been approved by a structural engineer to be used on a roof, and that the blower is set to a high level above the roof so as not to damage roof membrane.

·         Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.

·         Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.

·         Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.

Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.

Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.

Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building.

Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades—those too will do some damage to your roof.

·         Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.

·         Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.

·         Many of the same apply - added

·         Sagging roof steel – visually deformed

·         Severe roof leaks

·         Cracked or split wood members

·         Bends or ripples in metal supports

·         Cracks in walls or masonry

·         Cracks in welds of steel construction

·         Sheared off screws from steel frames

·         Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles

·         Water puddles where it never has before

·         Doors that pop open

·         Doors or windows that are difficult to open

·         Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling

·         Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

·          

·                                 Call your local building or fire official.

·                                 If there is imminent danger, evacuate the building and call 911.

·         Many fire departments have regional technical rescue teams available to local departments in case of collapse.

·         Massachusetts Task Force 1 is an Urban Search and Rescue Team in Beverly.  The team is comprised of Police, Fire, EMS and Civilians who respond to major disasters under a contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently there are 150 people on the MATF-1 team.

Space Weather News for Feb. 4, 2011
http://spaceweather.com

GEOMAGNETIC STORM: A solar wind stream hit Earth during the late hours of Feb. 4th, sparking a G2-class (Kp=6) geomagnetic storm.  Sky watchers in Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, Alaska and perhaps even northern-tier US states such as Maine, Minnesota and Wisconsin, should be alert for auroras on Friday night.  The best time to look is during the hours around local midnight.

SPACE WEATHER ALERTS:  Would you like a phone call when geomagnetic storms erupt?  Sign up for Space Weather Phone: http://spaceweatherphone.com (New: A text version of the alert service is now available.  Check out http://spaceweathertext.com )
 

February 9 – Natural History of New England Cottontails, Barnstable – As part of the Cape Wildlife Center's winter speaker series, Dave Paulson, MassWildlife biologist, will talk about the natural history of the New England Cottontail. The free talk is at 6:30pm at the Wildlife Center's facility at 4011 Main Street (Rte 6A), Barnstable Village. For more information, call the Center at (508) 362-0111 or www.humanesociety.org/cape.

February 10-13 – Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition, Worcester – This annual show is held at the DCU Centre in Worcester. DFW staff will be on hand to sell licenses and offer recreation information.  More information about the show is at www.sportshows.com or call (603) 431-4315.

February 12 – Merrimack River Eagle Festival, Newburyport/Amesbury – A free, full day of outdoor and indoor activities celebrating Bald Eagles sponsored by MassAudubon and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Watch eagles from viewing hot spots, see a falconer with a live eagle, enjoy nature games and activities indoors.  Visit DFW’s Biologist Pat Huckery at the Chain Bridge who will be scanning the skies and ice floes for eagles! Call MassAudubon at 978-462-9998 or go to www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Joppa_Flats

February 16 – Living With Coyotes, Nahant – A talk on coyotes will be presented by DFW's Laura Hajduk, Furbearer Biologist, by invitation of the Nahant Board of Selectmen. A question and answer period will follow. Information will include coyote behavior and natural history as well as tips on keeping pets safe and keeping coyotes wary of people. The talk will begin at 7 pm at the Nahant Town Hall, 334 Nahant Road.

February 24 –27 – Springfield Sportsmen’s Show, West Springfield – DFW staff will be on hand to sell licenses and offer information on the Angler and Hunter Education programs and wildlife -related recreation. Information on the show is at:  www.osegsportsmens.com/html/springfield.html.

February 3, 2011 -  The Trottier roof was shoveled off earlier today.

February 3, 2011 - St. Matthew's Church on Highland Street is all tucked in with snow and ice.  The youth group will be collecting soup this weekend during Super bowl weekend.

Algonquin Regional High School looking for a new Assistant

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

The Northborough – Southborough Union #3 and the Northborough-Southborough Regional School District are seeking a dynamic educational leader to work with the Superintendent in the areas of curriculum, instruction, personnel, and finances, beginning July 1, 2011.  Candidates must be licensed (or eligible for licensure) as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent in Massachusetts.  Candidates should have a minimum of a Master’s Degree and at least three years leadership experience in an educational setting.  A detailed job description is available upon request. Salary for this position will be competitive, depending upon experience.

Qualified applicants need to submit, by 4 p.m. February 18, 2011, a cover letter which describes experiences, education, and other qualifications for this position, a current resume, three (3) recent letters of recommendation, all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and a photocopy of Massachusetts licensure to:

Charles E. Gobron, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Northborough-Southborough Public Schools

53 Parkerville Road

Southborough, MA  01772

For more information Click here

Contributed photo:  Dylan Foley, Algonquin Varsity Wrestling 2011.

Winter Scavenger Hunt
Sponsored by Drumlin Farm

Tue, Feb 08, 2011 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Instructor: Drumlin Farm Staff - '
Audience: Family (suitable for children ages 4 - 10 yrs)
Fee: Adults $8.00m/ $10.00nm, Children $8.00m/ $10.00nm
Registration is required.

Keep your eyes and ears open for the smaller signs of winter. Join us as we follow the trails of voles or mice beneath the snow, and look for signs of larger animals like deer and rabbits... and don't forget to bring along your flashlight to help you look into the corners and crevices of the barn!

Up to three children per adult. Fees apply to all participants, both adults and children. "Backpack babies" (under 12 months and carried in a backpack or sling) are welcome free of charge, but please mention these participants when registering.


Things You Should Know:

-Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is a dynamic environment. Occasionally we may make programmatic changes to take advantage of new opportunities or to maintain the safety of the visitors and the animals we care for.

-Children should be the age indicated by the start of each program.

-Programs include time indoors, as well as outside, and will run rain or shine; please come dressed comfortably for our outdoor adventures! If severe weather occurs please call our cancellation line by dialing 781-259-2200 (then press 2, then 3). If your program is not mentioned, it will take place as scheduled.

-In programs where there is a farm to food connection, snacks from the farm may be incorporated.

Instructions and Directions: Please check in at the Admissions Window to find out where your class will meet. Program will include some time indoors as well as outdoors, and will run rain or shine; please come dressed comfortably for our outdoor adventures!


Register by mail: program registration form. (PDF 66K)
Register by phone: with a credit card by calling 781-259-2200.
For your own security, DO NOT send credit card information via email.


For more information, contact:

Drumlin Farm
208 South Great Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
drumlinfarm@massaudubon.org

 Trottier School Closed

Thursday February 3 Trottier Middle School will be closed for removal of snow from the roof.

February 2, 2011 - Southborough Fire Department responded to alarms at the Trottier Middle School and found that there might be a problem with the roof.  Town officials, Facility Managers and School officials were notified and responded to the site.  No further update on the condition of the roof.  Meanwhile, Southborough Fire responded to a mutual aid call to a confirmed building collapse at the UPS building at 203 Flanders Road in Westborough.  There has been a rash of commercial building collapses this week and especially with today,s weather.

February 2, 2011 - A blast of Graupel came through on the heels of today's storm.  It is also called small hail, soft hail, or snow pellets.

Winter weather advisory in effect until 1 am est Thursday.
The NWS in taunton has issued a winter weather advisory for freezing drizzle and snow, which is in effect until 1 am est Thursday.
Locations, all of southern new england except the cape and islands.
Hazard types, freezing drizzle and snow
Accumulations, ice accumulations less than one quarter of an inch and snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches.
Timing, freezing drizzle should continue through about 10 pm. Light snow will start falling between 8 and 10 pm and come to an end between 1 and 2 am.
Impacts, precipitation from earlier today and continuing freezing drizzle will freeze on exposed areas, resulting in slippery roads and sidewalks. Then an inch or two of snow on top of that will further contribute to slick roads.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter weather advisory is issued when snow and/or ice is forecast to develop in the affected areas, but accumulations are expected to be light. Any snow or ice would make driving and walking difficult, but not impossible, on untreated roadways and sidewalks. When temperatures are below freezing, motorists need to be especially careful on bridges and overpasses where slippery spots can easily develop.
 

February 2, 2011 - Clean up took a variety of ways in this storm.

February 2, 2011 - The team played Blackstone Valley Technical School Monday night.

Algonquin Regional High School

Southborough K - 8

The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough will be closed
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 because of the snowstorm and the difficult driving conditions.

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School

Norfolk County Agricultural High School

School will be Closed Wednesday, February 2nd All Activities are cancelled.
 

February 1, 2011 - More treacherous driving with still another day of it to come.

Winter storm warning remains in effect until 1 am est thursday,
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 1 am est Thursday.
Locations, central Massachusetts, mainly near and south of the mass pike.
Hazard types, heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain.
Accumulations, 2 to 6 inches of snow with the highest amounts most likely near the Massachusetts turnpike. One to two tenths of an inch of glaze also possible.
Timing, areas of very light snow, sleet and freezing drizzle will continue this evening. Steady snow will redevelop between 1 and 5 am from west to east. The snow will be heavy at times during the morning commute, then will change to sleet and freezing rain by late morning. Its possible that the precipitation could change to all rain for a brief period in the afternoon. Any mixed precipitation will change back to light snow by evening before ending Wednesday night.
Impacts, moderate to heavy snow will impact the morning commute. Snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour are expected through mid morning resulting in very hazardous travel conditions. The heavy snow combined with one to two tenths of an inch of ice accumulation could further strain weaker structures and tree limbs. A few power lines may also be downed, resulting in isolated power outages.
Visibilities, one quarter mile or less 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.
 

February 1, 2011 - Icicles reach almost to the ground at St. Mathews Parish church.