Live! on Main with Hopkinton Town Clerk, Connor Degan

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Dog License Reminder

Dear Residents,

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays. I want to remind you that it is that time of year again, dog licenses are available for the 2017 calendar year. All dogs over 6 months of age are due to be licensed for January 1st, 2017 (all 2016 licenses expire on December 31st). Licensing must be done before March 31st, 2017 to avoid paying a $25 late fee. You may license your dog online, by mail (using the stub at the bottom of the annual census), or in person right here at the Town Clerk's Office. The fee is $15 per unaltered dog and $10 for all spayed/neutered dogs. Please remember to show proof of rabies vaccination and certificate verifying if your dog is spayed or neutered. Please call us at 508-497-9710 or email us at townclerk@hopkintonma.gov  so that we can answer any questions you may have about licensing your dog. I hope to hear from you all soon.

Warm Wishes to you all for the New Year,
Connor B. Degan
Town Clerk

Melinda Ann Hitchcock DePorte, age 77

Melinda Ann Hitchcock DePorte, age 77, of Hopkinton, MA passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016. Melinda was born on June 18, 1939 in Glens Falls, NY to Patricia Blake Hitchcock and John Dayton Hitchcock. As a child she enjoyed playing with her brothers in their sandbox, which her father filled with real seashore-sand. She performed plays on her porch with her friends, designed and water-colored clothing for her paper-dolls, and read lots of books. She liked watching her brother Peter sell candy from the front-yard “store” he made from orange crates, and eating Peter’s candy bars with her brother Chris. Melinda also took pleasure in being a bit rebellious, climbing the forbidden maple trees in the yard, sliding down the snowy hills of the school yard across the street past her 5:00 p.m. curfew, and engaging in teasing with her brothers.

In 1958, Melinda married her high school sweetheart, Michael. They raised two children, Catherine Elizabeth (Cathy) and Rebecca Anne (Becky) and lived in many places: Minnesota, California, England, Illinois, and New Hampshire. Melinda was passionate about children, education, creativity, music, public radio and television, animals, and nature. She took writing classes, attained a certificate in child care, worked in daycare, and volunteered at a drug and alcohol crisis intervention center.

Melinda was incredibly supportive of her daughters, encouraging them to pursue their interests. She ensured that her daughters were provided many cultural and educational opportunities, including theater, opera, classical music, and regular readings from the encyclopedia at dinner time –when they would have much preferred watching Beverly Hillbillies. Melinda was an excellent cook and valued good nutrition. This meant that Cathy and Becky did not get to learn the pleasure of white bread, or Chef Boyardee, or desserts after dinner. Melinda assured them that if they drank Coca-Cola their teeth would rot and Becky tested this by putting one of her baby teeth in a Dixie cup of Coke. Melinda was right.

In recent years, Melinda lived in a wonderful assisted living community, Golden Pond, where she was elected to be president of the resident council. She swam at the local YMCA, participated in activities at her residence, read, wrote, listened to public radio and music, and spent time with friends. She was especially pleased about her weekly visits from her daughter Cathy and said that this past Mothers’ Day, spent with both Cathy and Becky, was the happiest day of her life.

Melinda loved being with her grandsons, Matthew and Jesse. She enjoyed all children, reading to them and listening to them. She was a story-writer and a story-teller. Often she told stories about her children, her grandchildren, her nephews and niece, or the children she worked with at the daycare centers. She wrote stories for children, including two favorites, “Bella the Raindrop” and “Gus the Greedy Octopus.” She also wrote poetry (including one poem that was published) and was working on her memoir.

Melinda was a warm, kind, generous person who always looked out for those less fortunate or who might just need someone to listen or provide a hug. When she lived in Boston, she’d walk through Harvard Square and empty her wallet into the hands of street people who she knew by name.

Melinda is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Terry Robinson and Cooke Harvey, her brothers, Peter and Christopher Hitchcock, her grandsons Matthew and Jesse Robinson, her Aunts Elizabeth Barron and JoAnn Blake, her nephews Ted, Dan, and Jonathan Hitchcock, her niece Katy McManus, and many cousins and dear friends –all of whom she loved deeply. She was predeceased by her children’s father, Michael, and her beloved dogs Finny and Sam. However, she is now with them telling stories and grumbling about how her parents never got her that chemistry set she wanted when she was nine.

A celebration of Melinda’s life will be held at Golden Pond, 50 W Main Street, Hopkinton, MA at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 15th. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Melinda’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com 

Lewis J. Busconi, 89

Lewis J. Busconi, 89, entrepreneur, animal-lover, and horse racing enthusiast passed away at home on Saturday, December 24, 2016. Lovingly known as Lew and Luigi, he was born in Hopkinton and was the son of Guisseppe and Giuseppina (Negri) Busconi.

A Navy veteran of World War II, Lew began his career as an accomplished businessman after serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was a self-made developer of many successful real estate ventures. He owned and operated Patten’s Plumbing and Heating in Hopkinton and later Boston West Management Company and Green Hill Stables in Berlin.

Lew’s hard-working nature was only outmatched by his kindness. He was a member of St. Joseph the Good Provider Church and enjoyed watching horse races in Saratoga, New York and spending time in Florida. Like all good Italian-Americans born and raised in the age of Sinatra, Lew loved listening to jazz and dancing.

Lew’s zest for life is carried on by his loving wife, Michelle T. (Gauvin) Busconi; two daughters, Celeste Busconi-Cambria and her spouse, Lorraine of Shrewsbury and Kaitlyn Barba and her husband, Matthew of Boston; two step-children, Kenneth Cosco, Jr of Marlborough and Cathi Cosco of Newton; his sister, Mary Lou Blanchard of York Beach, ME; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

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Staying Safe Online While On-the-Go this Holiday Season

For most Americans, the holidays are a time for traveling to see loved ones near and far. Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or automobile, chances are you will have at least one connected device in tow. Mobile devices have become an almost essential tool for us all as we travel. We use them to help us navigate a new city, to board a plane with mobile boarding passes, and to share photos of our trip on social media.

However, for as often as Americans rely on their mobile devices, most are not thinking about the risks associated with connected devices nearly enough. This holiday season, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is urging everyone to keep their cybersecurity at the top of their list as they use their phones, tablets, and other connected devices while on the go. Below are simple ways to better protect yourself online and avoid cybercrime while you are traveling.

Avoid free Wi-Fi networks. Though convenient, free Wi-Fi networks – like in some airports, hotels, train stations or cafés – are often used by cybercriminals to access your online accounts and personal information. Before connecting, confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate. Never conduct sensitive activities, such as online shopping, banking, or sensitive work, using a public wireless network.

Lock down your login. Always opt to enable strong authentication when available, especially for accounts with sensitive information including your email or bank accounts. A strong authentication helps verify a user has authorized access to an online account. For example, it could be a one-time PIN texted to a mobile device, providing an added layer of security beyond the password. The White House recently launched the “Lock Down Your Login” campaign to encourage all Americans to enable stronger authentication. Visit www.lockdownyourlogin.com  for more information.

Guard your mobile device. To prevent theft and unauthorized access or loss of sensitive information, never leave your mobile devices unattended in a public place. Keep your devices secured in taxis, at airports, on airplanes, and in your hotel room.

DHS is committed to helping Americans secure their online lives. Please visit the Stop.Think.Connect. Toolkit for more online safety resources including the Cybersecurity While Traveling Tip Card, Mobile Security Tip Card, and Best Practices for Using Public Wi-F- Tip Card. For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect .

Guest Blog Post From The Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.Connect .™ Campaign

Philip J. Neri, 63

HOPKINTON - Philip J. Neri, 63, died Friday, December 16, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Helen C. Tyczenski.  Mr. Neri was born in Torrington on January 30, 1953, son of the late Americo and Elizabeth “Betty” (Tomala) Neri, and had been a Torrington resident before moving to Hopkinton 25 years ago. He was a graduate of the former Sacred Heart Grammar School and Torrington High School. During his high school years, he played on softball and football leagues. Mr. Neri was a former police officer with the Torrington Police Department and had more recently been employed as a security officer with Cisco Systems. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and sports. Philip will be remembered for his wonderful subtle sense of humor.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Helen, include two daughters, Kristen Marisa Neri of Christchurch, New Zealand, and Jessica Irene Neri of Washington, D.C.; two brothers, Mark Neri and his wife Karen, and Barry Neri, all of Torrington; three nieces, and a nephew.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 23, 2016 at 10:00a.m. from Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington, to Sacred Heart Church, 116 Grove St., Torrington, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00a.m. Burial will follow in New St. Francis Cemetery, Torrington. Friends may call Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home.  Local arrangements were entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church St.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, 540 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT 06790 or to Covenant Health 100 Ames Pond Dr. #102, Tewksbury, MA 01876.

New Digs for Parks and Rec

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Barbara (Laitinen) Fleming, 84

Hopkinton – Barbara (Laitinen) Fleming, 84, of Hopkinton passed away Thurs. Dec. 8, 2016 at home. She was the wife of the late John J. Fleming, Jr. who died in 2015. 

She was born in 1931 in Lynn, the daughter of the late Robert R. Laitinen and Gladys (MacInnis) Laitinen. Barbara was a graduate of Peabody High School class of 1949. A resident of Hopkinton for the last two years, she had previously lived Hopedale, Milford, and Beverly.

Barbara had been a bookkeeper at a Boston manufacturing company for five years prior to her marriage to John in Shreveport, Louisiana on January 23, 1955. Their first home was a trailer they towed behind their car in the course of John's employment as a traveling salesman. Following this adventure they settled in Kenner, LA to start a family before returning to Beverly, Massachusetts in 1963.

Mrs. Fleming led Girl Scout Troop 283 in Beverly for several years organizing camping trips and service projects as well as cultural and industrial learning experiences for the girls until moving with her family to Vernon, Connecticut in 1971.  There Mrs. Fleming resumed her career as a bookkeeper, working at Economy Electric in Manchester, CT before moving to Milford, Massachusetts with her family in 1974. Mrs. Fleming then joined the former Parker Products in Holliston and worked another ten years as a bookkeeper through its acquisition by Harmony Foods.

Following her retirement, Mrs. Fleming attended Dean Junior College in Franklin and volunteered at Milford Regional Medical Center in Milford. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Milford and St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church in New Symrna Beach, FL where she enjoyed many Winter seasons in Florida with her husband.

She is survived by two daughters Gail E. and her husband David Kemp of Ormand Beach, FL and Kathleen C. and her husband Roderick Towner of Hopkinton, and four grandchildren Jessica B. Kemp, Ryan D. Kemp, Roderick F. Towner and Timothy F. Towner. She was predeceased by a son John J. Fleming III.

There are no public visiting hours. 

A Celebration of Life with Eucharist will be held Sat. Dec. 24, 2016 at 10 AM in the Trinity Episcopal Church, 17 Congress St., Milford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Cedar St., Milford.

Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 17 Congress St., Milford, MA 01757.  Arrangements under the direction of the Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, Milford. www.bumafuneralhome.com

Reprinted with permission from www.BalanceYourSuccess.com

A Christmas Story

by Dr. Arthur P. Ciaramicoli (Please log onto HopNews Friday, December 23 at 6:00 pm for  Live! on Main, a live webcast with Dr. C as our guest.)

It has been several years since my Dad’s passing but there is one Christmas gift he gave that I remember more than any other.  Years later I still feel enormously grateful for the gift he gave me that never faded, never worn out and never failed to be a gift that sustained me throughout my life. I hope all parents will remember the meaning of this story as you contemplate what to give your children this season.

When I was 9 years old I asked for a Lionel train for Christmas. I wanted that train so much that I couldn’t think of anything else. I dreamed about it day and night, imagining what it would look like speeding along its miniature track. Nobody else in my neighborhood had a Lionel. I would be the first to own one, and that I believed would make me special.

On Christmas morning I woke up when it was still dark and tiptoed past my sleeping brother. The stairs creaked in our apartment so I stayed on the edges, hoping to keep the magic moment to myself. A light was on in the kitchen and I peeked in to see my father sitting at the table, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. He looked up at me, something shifted in my heart and I knew there would be no train under the tree.

Without a word I ran into the living room and stood before the Christmas tree. Blinking back tears and still believing in miracles I hoped the train would just suddenly appear before me. Maybe I missed it, I thought, picking up boxes and shaking them. Maybe it’s in a closet or maybe it’s outside on the porch.

“Arthur.”  My Father’s voice was gentle as he kneeled down next to me. “We could not afford the train. I’m sorry, because I know how much it meant to you.”

He put his hand around my wrist and squeezed, a gesture he used only when he was discussing issues of the utmost importance. “You may not understand what I am about to say now, but someday you will” he said. “On this Christmas morning, with just you and me in this room, I would like to give you a gift far greater than anything money can buy. I want you to know that I will always love you. No matter what happens in your life, I will always be with you, believing in you, supporting you, cheering for you. No father could ever love a son more than I love you, and that love will never rust or need repairs-it will always be yours, now and for the rest of your life.”

I must have given him a look of doubt and perhaps confusion-How can love make up for a Lionel?-for he squeezed my wrist tighter and leaned toward me. I breathed in the familiar, bittersweet odor of Chesterfields and Maxwell House coffee, mixed with plenty of sugar and cream. “Believe me  Arthur,” my father said, “this will come to mean more than any other gift I could give you, I promise you that.”

This Christmas, many years later, it is still the best gift I could have ever received. His love, even after he is gone, lives inside me in a very powerful way. Try to give the gift of eternal love this season, it is truly everlasting.

Connect with me on Twitter @DocAPC

Arthur P. Ciaramicoli, Ed.D.,Ph.D.

Author of The Stress Solution: Using Empathy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Anxiety and Develop Resilience

Bullet Strikes Vehicle on Route 495 - Suspect Not Located

12-19-2016 – At approximately 5:24 p.m., the Massachusetts State Police responded to a report of a vehicle that was struck by a bullet while traveling on I-495 in the Milford area. The motorist initially believed his vehicle had been struck by a rock. After pulling off I-495 onto Route 126 in Bellingham, he examined further and learned the projectile apparently was a bullet.

Troopers from the State Police Barracks in Millbury responded to investigate and confirmed that the projectile was a bullet. Troopers and additional State Police resources, including the State Police Air Wing, conducted a search of the area, including roadways and overpasses. The primary search area was along I-495 from Milford to Marlboro. No suspect was located. State Police Crime Scene Services troopers responded to process evidence from the car. A follow up investigation will be conducted by the State Police – Millbury Barracks. Press Release

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Mass State Police, FBI, DHS Monitoring Berlin Killings

December 19,2016 -- The Massachusetts State Police, through our Commonwealth Fusion Center, are monitoring developments in Berlin following today’s attack. If our federal partners at the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation determine there is information relevant to police agencies in the United States, such as any nexus between the attack and persons or groups in the US, that will be communicated to us. We would then take further investigative actions to determine if any nexus to Massachusetts exists. At this point there is no information that suggests any such nexus. As always, troopers will remain extremely vigilant. Members of the public are reminded to immediately contact police if they observe anything or anyone suspicious or seemingly out of place for their surroundings. Press Release.

NOTE: Last Wednesday, Police Officer John Moran faced a disciplinary action by his Chief in front of the Board of Selectmen. Officer Moran chose to have it open to the public, which is his right.

This reporter covered the meeting, largely the charges and the remedy, but not Officer Moran's response that he read aloud, which we just received after more than one attempt. That is here. Robert Falcione, Editor.

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                           "Metrowest Rapist" -- Suspect in 2003 Hopkinton Assault Pleads Guilty           

WOBURN – December 16, 2016 -- Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Hopkinton Chief of Police Edward Lee have announced that Marcelo Mota, 37, currently housed in MCI Gardner, pled guilty on Wednesday, December 14, in Middlesex Superior Court in connection with a 2003 armed assault inside a Hopkinton woman’s home. Mota pled guilty to armed burglary, armed assault in a dwelling, assault with intent to rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and two counts of threatening to commit a crime. Judge Laurence Pierce sentenced the defendant to 20-24 years in State Prison to run concurrent with the sentence the defendant received out of Worcester County.

“This plea is a culmination of years of hard work by police and prosecutors to ensure that the defendant’s crimes in Massachusetts did not go unanswered for,” said District Attorney Ryan. “This case is an example of the dedication and commitment of law enforcement officials to ensuring that perpetrators of crimes in their communities do not go unpunished.”

Hopkinton Police Chief Lee stated that, “This investigation showcases the gold standard of multi-jurisdictional collaboration in the criminal justice system.”

On August, 14, 2003, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a woman in Hopkinton awoke to find the defendant, who had broken into her home, holding a knife over her. The victim struggled with the defendant, receiving injuries from the knife before physically throwing him out of her home. After the victim called the police, an investigation began. It was determined that the assault was consistent with other assaults that had taken place in nearby residences in Westboro. A manhunt ensued for the defendant, spanning several years. In 2007, based on forensic evidence obtained in New Jersey, both the DNA from the Westboro assaults and a fingerprint from the Hopkinton assault were linked to this defendant. He was subsequently placed in Massachusetts custody on June 11, 2014 and arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court on these charges on August 6, 2014.

The prosecutor assigned to this case was Assistant District Attorney Suzanne Kontz. The Victim Witness Advocate was Anne Foley.

Drivers' Ed Class

CMSC Auto School has announced plans to offer a Drivers Education class in Hopkinton during the week of Christmas school vacation! Class will take place Monday, December 26th through Friday, December 30th 8:30am-3pm at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton, MA. The course covers all material that the Massachusetts RMV requires teenagers to know for the Learner’s Permit test prior to taking road lessons and obtaining a drivers license.
About CMSC Auto School:

The Central Massachusetts Safety Council “CMSC” Auto School, headquartered in West Boylston, was founded in 1986. The company started with a handful of locations throughout Worcester County, and has grown substantially ever since. CMSC proudly employs a team of 50 highly qualified driving instructors, operating our fleet of 35 vehicles. Our large team allows us to better serve customers compared to much of the competition.
Additional Training- for FREE!

CMSC offers a unique class based on emergency reaction driver training called the Driver Skills Development Program, also known as Skidz School. This hands-on, 4 ½ hour course teaches students how to properly react in skidding and other emergency situations. The class is approved by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and most insurance companies offer an additional discount to individuals that choose to participate.

Fun Fact! Liberty Mutual Insurance Company of Hopkinton provided considerable engineering help to CMSC when the training track was built in the late 1980’s!

The cost for the full Driver’s Education program including Skidz School is $875. Additional discounts are available for AAA members, pay-in-full customers, and customers that have sent children through CMSC’s Drivers Education before.

To register, visit our website: www.centralmasafety.org  or give CMSC a call today! (508) 835-2333 ~Press Release

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Town, Officer Moran Inch Toward Agreement

A "Thank You" from the HPLF

~Photo courtesy of: Mariah Comolli Photography

To the Editor:

As we turn the page on 2016 and look forward to 2017, Hopkinton Public Library Foundation wishes to say “Thank You” to the many residents, organizations and businesses that have so generously supported the planned restoration, renovation and expansion of Hopkinton Library.

In addition to leveraging a $4.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Hopkinton Public Library Foundation is coordinating the effort to raise $1 million in private donations. We are pleased to announce that through the generosity of countless members of the Hopkinton community, our town has now collectively raised more than 80% of that goal!

With the long-awaited construction well underway, now is the time for you to help finish the story of the improvement of Hopkinton Library by joining 1000 Homes for Hopkinton Public Library. Individuals, families, groups and businesses who contribute $1,000 will be included in a collage plaque in the new Library. The great part about 1000 Homes is that your $1,000 gift can be broken up in any way that suits you and your family. For example, you may choose to give $500 a year for 2 years, $250 a year for 4 years, or $20 a month for 4 years. Naming opportunities are available for contributions of $2,500 or more. Please look for a full list of naming opportunities posted on www.HPLFinc.org. In addition, gifts in any amount are welcome and appreciated, and do make a difference!

Please look for a mailing from the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation offering you the opportunity to contribute to the restoration, renovation and expansion of Hopkinton Library. Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 16, Woodville, MA 01784, or made online at www.HPLFinc.org. For more information and updates about 1000 Homes for Hopkinton Library, upcoming events and other fundraising programs, as well as the planned expansion of our Library, please visit our website at www.HPLFinc.org and follow us on Facebook.

Hopkinton Public Library Foundation wholeheartedly appreciates the Hopkinton community’s tremendous generosity to date, and appreciates your continued support!

Very truly yours,
Laura Barry
Chairperson, Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Inc.

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MEMA Encourages Residents to Stay Safe During Extreme Cold Weather

Bitter cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills are forecast for later this week. Forecasts from the National Weather Service for late Thursday night and early Friday morning include low temperatures between 10° and -5° and wind chill values expected to be cold as -15° to -25° across the interior and -5° to -15° near the coast. While temperatures are expected to warm up by the weekend, extreme cold temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous.

"MEMA urges residents to take precautions during the upcoming extreme cold weather. If you must go outside, dress for the conditions by covering up as much as possible and wear warm layers." said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. "Please check on your family, friends, or neighbors to make sure they are safe during the extreme cold."

Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to serious health issues including frostbite and in extreme cases, hypothermia. Therefore, MEMA urges residents to minimize outside activities during the extreme cold and to follow these safety tips:

      - Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

      -  Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
     - Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.
    - The warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.  Get the victim to a warm location. If the person's temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care.
     - Have a well-stocked home Emergency Kit<http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/be-prepared/kit/> that includes a flashlight, sleeping bag or blanket, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food. Add seasonal supplies to your emergency kit such as extra winter clothing and blankets.
   - Make sure your car is properly winterized.  Keep the gas tank at least half-full.  Carry a Winter Emergency Car Kit <http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/emergencies/winter-storms/driving.html#emergency-car-kit> including blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, a can, waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshields scraper, shovel, sand, towrope, and jumper cables in the trunk.
     -  Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need additional assistance.
     - Limit outdoor time for your pets<http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/emergencies/cold/pets.html>. Freezing temperatures are dangerous to animals as well as humans.
     - Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of newspapers covered with plastic to keep them from freezing. Allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the past.  This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze.  If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold.  A hair dryer, used with caution, works well to thaw pipes.
     -  Although temperatures may be cold, bodies of water covered in ice are likely unsafe given recent temperature fluctuations. Residents are urged to stay off frozen bodies of water until ice is at least 4" thick.

Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity. When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, take necessary safety precautions:
       - Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it properly.
       - Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven or charcoal barbecue grill.
      - Make sure all heating devices are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Make sure you test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause flulike illness or death. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 immediately, get the victim to fresh air, and open windows.

  - Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters. See more winter heating safety tips <http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/osfm/pubed/fs-topics/keep-warm-keep-safe.html> from the Department of Fire Services.

If you need information on the location of open warming centers or shelters check with local authorities or call 2-1-1.

For additional information about MEMA and Extreme Cold Safety Tips, visit www.mass.gov/mema/cold<http://www.mass.gov/mema/cold>.

Governor Charlie Baker Participates in Wreath Laying Ceremony at Yad Vashem

JERUSALEM – December 14, 2016 -- Governor Charlie Baker participated yesterday with First Lady Lauren Baker and their son, Charlie Baker Jr., in a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Yad Vashem was established in 1953, as the world center for documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust. After touring the museum, mission participants gathered in the Hall of Remembrance for a memorial ceremony. The Governor and First Lady lit a flame in remembrance and laid a wreath. At the conclusion of the tour at the Children’s Memorial, the Governor signed a memorial book.

“I was deeply moved by what I saw. The human horror of the Holocaust must never be forgotten. On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth, I was honored and humbled to be able to pay respects to the millions of innocent lives taken during this terrible time,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am confident the good people of Massachusetts will never forget the memories of those who were lost, and will honor the strength and courage of the survivors who endured unimaginable pain and cruelty. The museum, and the story it tells, stands as a constant reminder that it is up to all of us to promote tolerance, acceptance and human rights.”

John Hancock Announces Return of Champions to 2017 Boston Marathon

BOSTON, MA, December 14, 2016 — John Hancock Financial, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon since 1986, today announced the return of 2016 Boston Marathon champions Atsede Baysa and Lemi Berhanu Hayle of Ethiopia to defend their titles at the 121st running of the race on April 17, 2017.

Additional champions returning to seek another win include Caroline Rotich of Kenya, Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia, Meb Keflezighi of the United States, and Wesley Korir of Kenya.

 Much More on:

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Updated: February 27, 2018 08:40:29 AM

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