麻州農業資源局大E展即日起至10月1日

 Massachusetts Building at the Big E Fair Officially Open

Over 30 businesses and organizations set to represent and promote

Massachusetts’ Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism Industries

 WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) today announced the annual opening of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building during the 2023 Eastern States Exposition, better known as “The Big E.” This year, the 2023 Big E will run from Friday, September 15, 2023, to Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

The Massachusetts State Exposition Building opened in 1919 and is the oldest of the six original statehouse replicas representing each New England state located along the Avenue of States. The mission of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building is to showcase Massachusetts agriculture, culture, commerce, and tourism through informational, educational, promotional, and retail exhibits. 

"From clam chowder to maple syrup, the Big E is a tremendous opportunity for visitors to learn about Massachusetts’ diverse businesses and products,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to see what Massachusetts has to offer as the Healey-Driscoll Administration works to better position the state as an innovative leader in developing a local economy around agriculture.” 

Attendees of this year’s fair will be able to visit over 30 vendors inside and around the building including local artisanal small business owners, agricultural commodity groups, commercial vendors, and state agencies. Visitors can also expect to find a wide variety of products, including clam chowder, apples, Finnish pancakes, honey, maple syrup, candles, soaps, chocolates, jewelry, photography, dips, seafood, smoothies, sandwiches, and more. 

Special days for the Massachusetts Building include Military Day on Friday, September 15^th, Massachusetts Day on Thursday, September 21^st and Harvest New England Day on Friday, September 29^th. Big E gates open at 8AM daily and the Avenue of States hours are 10AM to 9PM daily. Directions, parking, and ticket details are available online.

Below is a list of this year’s Massachusetts State Exposition Building vendors and exhibitors for the 17-day fair: 

Amy's All Natural Soaps *- Offers 35 unique varieties of goat milk soaps, unscented/natural shea butter, moisturizing lip lotion and gift baskets. Soaps are made locally using a family recipe which contains no artificial colorants, scents or synthetic materials. 

Andrew Gordon Jewelry * - Provides a passion for the craft of handmaking one-of-a-kind sterling silver jewelry, including rings, bracelets, earrings and charms. 

Bees Boards *- Locally sourced, handcrafted cribbage boards, cutting boards, clocks, charcuterie boards, barware, cheese slices signs, kitchen, home goods and custom orders.  

Common Ground Ciderworks* - Small batch, hand crafted, hard cider, wine and beer made in North Brookfield. 

Finn Cakes - What is a Finnish Pancake?  It is a sweet tasting egg pancake topped with Massachusetts Maple Syrup. It contains the same custardy taste from 50 years ago and it’s a one of a kind on the fairgrounds! 

Gibby's Gourmet Marshmallows - Locally sourced marshmallow products that are loaded with flavor and come in a variety of shapes and styles. All come in YUMMMY!!! 

Hampden County Beekeepers Association - Non-profit organization that provides a forum to educate the public and promote local honey products including liquid, creamed, comb, chunk and straws. Bee products including pollen granules, liquid propolis, moisturizer, lip balm, sip straws, and candy are available to purchase.

I Love Boston Sports * - Curates unique themed art-based products based on the rich history and athletic achievements of the New England sports teams.  These one-of-a-kind products are imprinted on t-shirts, sweatshirts, wall prints and novelty items.  

Impeckable - If you love to feed the birds, these one-of-a-kind bird feeders and houses will make a unique gift. Impeckable was created with the dual intention of being able to make you smile and give nature a helping hand. 

Joey's Deli & Market - The Biggest Little Deli - The deli cases are always changing with a variety of sweet treats, create your own dinners, sides, cold salads and more.

Koffee Kup Bakery * - Chicopee based bakery that offers top quality made-from-scratch baked goods including everything from cakes, breads, sweets and more. 

Macken's Sliders * - Family owned and operated mobile catering company that specializes in BBQ Cowboy, Garlic Bomb, Bacon Waffle, and Vegetarian Caprese Sliders.

Main Street Deli * - Enjoy delicious "Comfort Foods" such as homemade hot entrees like the Pilgrim Sandwich and the Thanksgiving Bowl, made-to-order sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, salads and delicious desserts. 

Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) - The Department’s mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.. Visit their website to find local farms, farmers markets and more!

Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) - Manages state parks and oversees more than 450,000 acres throughout Massachusetts. It protects, promotes, and enhances the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. 

Massachusetts Department of Fire Safety (DFS) - Helps keep communities safe by providing firefighter training, public education, fire prevention, code enforcement, licensing, fire investigation, hazardous material response, and emergency response. 

Massachusetts Farmers Markets - Partners with farmers, consumers, and communities to improve the health of individuals, strengthen community vitality, and enhance local farm viability through farmers markets. Visits their website to find a farmers’ market near you!

Massachusetts Maple Producers Association – MMPA works with more than 250 producers across the Commonwealth to help them make delicious, all-natural, pure maple products. Visit your nearest sugarhouse, or order online! 

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) - MOTT promotes the Commonwealth as a four-season travel destination. MOTT highlights Massachusetts’ culture, history, cuisine and outdoor resources and works closely with the 16 tourism offices across the state. To plan your Massachusetts getaway, visit www.visitma.com.

Massachusetts Secretary of State – The Secretary of State’s Office is the chief record-keeping, public information, securities regulator, and elections officer of the Commonwealth. Their office is responsible for the maintenance of public records, administration of elections, storage of historical data, preservation of historical sites, registration of corporations, and the filing and distribution of regulations and public documents.

Massachusetts State Grange - Are you interested in agriculture and leadership?  If so, the Massachusetts State Grange creates opportunities for leadership and community improvement through its commitment to expand agricultural education in order to raise the quality of life for all. Check out their website for a Grange location near you. 

Massachusetts State Lottery * - Feel like a winner? Try your luck at the Massachusetts State Lottery!  Each year, the Massachusetts State Lottery returns net profits to the Commonwealth for distribution of essential unrestricted local aid to all 351 cities and towns. 

Massachusetts State Treasury - Paid out over $225 Million over the last 2 years and has over $3 Billion dollars in unclaimed property.

Maureen's Sweet Shoppe * - True candy boutique that offers the finest handmade chocolates which are made in small batches to assure freshness. Caramel is made on site to ensure only the finest ingredients in their products. In addition to fine chocolates, they offer over 50 bulk candy choices including the world's best gummies. 

Moeshmallows - Creating treats that bring the humble marshmallow into the limelight and let it be the star of the show. Nostalgic in nature, Moeshmallows will bring out the kid in you, sure to make you smile.

My Main Squeeze * - Get your squeeze on by visiting My Main Squeeze juice bar. A place where cold-pressed juice can help to supplement a healthy lifestyle and no matter what you purchase (even sweet treats!) you will know it's good for you (no processed or refined ingredients and no additives). Visit their website for the best smoothies, protein balls, acai bowls, and superfood mix you will ever have.  

Nantucket Wild Fish - From their Boats to Smoke to Table- try fish in a new way- smoked in either a tuna wrap, whole in a croissant or in a stuffed quahog. 

New England Apple Association - With more than 120 varieties grown in New England, you are sure to find a perfect apple for any occasion. Visit website to find an orchard near you!

Patrick Zephyr Nature Photography * - See all the beauty the world has to offer in a picture. Patrick Zephry is a nationally known artist and instructor whose works are available through print, notecards, calendars, wooden puzzles, coaster and more. Visit the Patrick Zephyr Nature Photography website to see his amazing works. 

Rustic Wood Flags by Wedge* - Hand crafted customized wooden agricultural, military, and patriotic flags, themed cutting boards, challenge coin holders and so much more!

S & P Foodies Hub*- Using Massachusetts products, Thai fries are fresh cut potatoes with a dry rub seasoning topped with cheese, spicy honey aioli and a habanero lemon basil aioli then covered with such toppings as bacon bits, gluten free chicken, and cheese. Yum!! 

Simply Dip-Licious * - From bread to dips to desserts, Simply Dip-Licious is committed to offering you the finest and freshest ingredients that you will taste in every bite. They offer a large variety of gourmet dips and olive oil blends for all your dipping occasions.   

Sniffs of Adventure​​​​​​​ - Our products tell a story of adventures which are attributed through their smells. Our candles are whimsical and should transport you to a time and place that brings back a nostalgic memory. Our candles are 100% soy infused with natural fragrance oils, which are made in our Newbury Street and Provincetown store locations. 

Springfield Thunderbirds * - Calling all hockey fans. The Springfield Thunderbirds are a minor league professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League that began playing during the 2016–17 season. Show your Springfield pride by visiting their website to see their amazing apparel or to purchase game tickets. 

Valley Malt * - Have you ever wondered where malt comes from? Valley Malt is bringing the Malthouse back by offering artisanal malts from locally grown grains for craft and home brewers. Check out their website for growing and brewing partners.

Worcester Red Sox * - The Worcester Red Sox (nicknamed the Woo Sox) is a professional minor league Triple-A Affiliate baseball team for the Boston Red Sox. The Woo Sox began playing at Polar Park in Worcester in April 2021. 

* Denotes a businesses that offers products or is open year-round.

波士頓台灣夜市因天氣延至 9/17 舉行

波士頓大陳同鄉慶中秋祝大壽期盼大陳文化之旅

大陳同鄉會會長梁娜玲(前右一)和同鄉們合影。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 大陳同鄉會9月12日在波士頓華埠新月宮餐廳舉辦近4年來第一次的實體聚會，順道為9月壽星過生日，不下60人在杯筷交錯中寒暄、敘舊，探問別後種種，感嘆時光流逝，歡喜享用盛宴。

大陳同鄉會會長梁娜玲夫婦(右一、二起)和她父母，以及游勝雄夫婦，
吳孟啟，謝謝嘉賓波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽，波士頓
僑教中心主任潘昭榮等出席。(周菊子攝)

              接任大陳同鄉會會長約10年了的梁娜玲坦言，最近這幾年，許多大陳同鄉年紀漸長，陸續出售各自經營的餐館，或放下工作，開始串門子，遊世界，過起退休生活。

九、十月的壽星，左起，梁有德、周仙梅、
吳孟啟和游勝雄夫婦，以及嘉賓鄭增壽合影。(周菊子攝)

梁娜玲在波士頓大陳同鄉會中，算是年輕一輩，2013年把她位於阿靈頓的外賣餐館關了，才接任會長，為大陳同鄉服務。她透露，自己的祖父輩是1955年跟隨蔣經國從大陳島遷徙到臺灣的最後一批人之一。他們大陳人大都講台州話，離鄉背井到台灣後，人數既少，又語言不通，生活不容易，於是有些人選擇移民美國，又再經歷一次在異國他鄉打拼的辛苦。就是在這種特殊經歷下，他們同鄉之間的彼此團結互助，凝聚力之強，當年在波士頓可是很出名，幾乎人人都知道，得罪一個大陳人，就等於得罪了所有大陳人。

周仙梅還保留著1990年大陳同鄉會在
州政府註冊立案的證書。(周菊子攝)

1990年在麻州州政府註冊，正式創立波士頓大陳同鄉會的周仙梅回憶當年，好不風光。他從康州來到大波士頓後，先進游勝雄開設的樂宮樓餐廳打工，後來在駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處開館處長林水吉任內，成立了大陳同鄉會。成立那天在華埠漁村酒家設宴，有300多人出席，盛極一時。大陳同鄉會也從那時起，和波士頓經文處結緣，大陳同鄉需要辦證件，就透過他找經文處，每到雙十國慶遊行，他們大陳同鄉會總有逾百人參加，聲勢之大，儼然遊行隊伍中之最。

只是這麼多年過去後，許多大陳人都退休了。9月12日這天，他們環顧一圈，發現在參加聚會的人中，竟然只剩下現年已75歲的吳孟啟還在經營餐館。不過他也說，曾經擁有的七、八家餐館都賣了，只剩下Winchester的「中國天 (China Sky)」餐廳還開著，全因為兒子想留著。

由於當年有許多大陳同鄉在游勝雄開設的許多家餐館中打過工，會長梁娜玲特地邀請游勝雄夫婦和波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮出席做嘉賓，和2名9月壽星，吳孟啟、梁有德同坐主桌，沾點喜氣。

              梁娜玲透露，整個社會現在逐漸恢復正常，大陳同鄉們也將恢復聚會，希望將來有機會組團回台灣，也來一次大陳文化之旅。

( 僑務電子報:   https://ocacnews.net/article/350228)

這天有60多名大陳同鄉出席中秋節暨9月慶生會。(周菊子攝)

波士頓吳弭市長宣佈9月15日至10月15日慶祝拉丁傳統月

MAYOR MICHELLE WU KICKS OFF LATINX HERITAGE MONTH The celebration runs September 15 - October 15

BOSTON -  Friday, September 15, 2023 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston celebrate the start of National Latinx Heritage Month, which runs today through October 15. The City will be providing a variety of programming and events in honor of Latinx cultures and communities that contribute to the vibrancy of Boston. “Our Latinx residents are an essential part of Boston’s cultural fabric, and we honor their contributions during Latinx Heritage Month and beyond,” Mayor Michelle Wu said. “I’m thrilled to announce our Latinx Heritage Month programming, where Boston residents can celebrate and learn about the diversity of Latin American culture and communities all month long.” Ahead of the official start of Latinx Heritage Month, the City’s Equity and Inclusion Cabinet and Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG) co-hosted their annual Mexican Independence Day Celebration on September 14 at 12 p.m. They will also host a Central American Celebration event on September 17 at 11 a.m. to recognize the independence day of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Both events will take place at City Hall Plaza. On September 19, the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet and Latinx ERG will co-host a Latinx Heritage Month celebration party. The celebration will take place on City Hall Plaza from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. and feature food, music, dance, and other resources. “The City of Boston’s Latinx Employee Resource Group believes in the power of our unity across our various Latin American identities and honors our cultural similarities as well as differences,” said Luz Johanna Pérez, Chair of the Latinx ERG. “Our annual Latinx Heritage Month celebration will showcase the cultural diversity within our city’s Latinx diaspora. We hope you will join us and experience this culturally vibrant event.”  “Latinx Heritage Month is our moment to be loud and proud of our culture and communities,” said Gladys Oliveros, Latinx Cultural Liaison, Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. “I look forward to celebrating with the Latinx community in City Hall and throughout Boston neighborhoods all month.”   The Boston Public Library will also be hosting resources and programming throughout Latinx Heritage Month to expand opportunities for residents to celebrate and learn about Latin American culture. A full list of events and resources is available on the BPL website.

Throughout Latinx Heritage Month, the City will also launch Fiesta en la Plaza, a series of Latinx-centered cultural activities that will take place over four weekends on City Hall Plaza. The series is produced by Ágora Cultural Architects, a production and consulting firm founded and directed by Latin American women, with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.  Welcome Fiesta - September 17, 2023 at 12 p.m. This event will celebrate the start of Latinx Heritage Month and feature a comparsa and performances from various Latin American artists residing in Boston, including Jorge Arce, Agua, Sol y Sereno, Eguie Castrillo, Veronica Robles, and Claudio Ragazzi. Cuatro & Poetry - September 22, 2023 at 7 p.m. Artists such as Yara Liceaga and Fabiola Méndez will perform during this celebration of Afro-Antillean rhythms and Latin women's voices. Salsa Night - September 23, 2023 at 5 p.m. Residents can learn Salsa through dance classes on City Hall Plaza and enjoy performances by Clave & Blues and guests. CineFest Latino Boston - October 5, 2023 at 3 p.m. This event will feature two Latin films for a movie night celebrating Latinx culture. Closing Fiesta - October 14, 2023 2 p.m. The final event of the series will include a discussion on Afro-Latin arts and cultures, a performance from the Hyde Square Task Force youth dance group, and a musical closing with Venezuelan harpist Eduardo Betancourt and Newman Fellow Cristela Guerra. “Boston is home to so many incredible Latinx artists, and we look forward to highlighting their cultural legacies through song, dance, film, spoken word, and more during Fiesta en la Plaza,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts & Culture. “Fiesta en la Plaza will be a celebration of art, joy, and community para todos!” “Fiesta en la Plaza invites us to meet friends and families to celebrate everything that unites us,” said Principal and Co-Founder of Ágora Elsa Mosquera-Sterenberg. “With Fiesta en la Plaza, we evoke that traditional community meeting space that our parents and grandparents had in their towns of origin.”

麻州公衛廳提高3社區東部馬腦炎危險程度

State Health Officials Raise Risk from EEE to High in Three More Communities 

Residents should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites 

BOSTON (September 15, 2023) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in an additional mosquito sample collected on September 13 in Brimfield. This finding raises the EEE risk level to high in Brimfield, Sturbridge, and Holland and to moderate in Wales. 

This is in addition to the six communities already at high risk for EEE: Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, Sutton, and Webster. Auburn, Charlton, Grafton, Millbury, Northbridge, and Uxbridge are at moderate risk. 

“The forecast is for cooler temperatures which will start to reduce mosquito activity,” said Dr. Catherine M. Brown, State Epidemiologist. “However, the risk for spread of EEE virus from mosquitoes to people is still present. Everyone in these moderate- and high-risk areas should take the recommended steps to prevent mosquito bites; this includes avoiding outdoor activity between dusk and dawn in the high-risk communities.” 

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths and 5 human cases with one death in 2020. There were no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021 or 2022. No human or animal case of EEE has been detected in Massachusetts so far this year. 

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes. 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

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

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

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

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

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

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

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800. 

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

麻州長奚莉提醒州民預防颶風 Lee

 Governor Healey Issues Emergency Declaration, Activates National Guard Ahead of Hurricane Lee 

National Weather Service officials do not expect the hurricane to make landfall in Massachusetts; Tropical Storm Warning in effect along the state’s coast 

 

(Photo by Chutze Chou)

BOSTON – In advance of the wind, rain, and coastal flooding expected from Hurricane Lee, Governor Maura T. Healey has declared a state of emergency and requested that FEMA issue a Pre-Disaster Emergency Declaration under the Stafford Act, which would make Massachusetts eligible for Direct Federal Assistance for response costs including personnel, equipment, supplies, and evacuation assistance. Additionally, the Governor is activating up to 50 National Guard members to provide support for storm preparations and response, including operating highwater vehicles. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also sharing important guidance for residents to stay safe, along with ongoing state measures to respond to the needs of local communities. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) encourages all residents and visitors to visit Mass.gov/KnowYourZone to learn if you live or work in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone; assemble an emergency kit with supplies like food, water, a flashlight, and radio; prepare for power outages; and stay informed by enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts on your cell phone.   

 

“I am declaring a state of emergency ahead of anticipated impacts from Hurricane Lee to ensure that the state can mobilize quickly to respond. I am also calling on FEMA to issue a Stafford Act declaration to free up resources that we can use to help communities with any recovery that might be necessary,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the extensive efforts of public safety officials who are responding to emergencies to keep people safe. All of us can do our part to help our friends and neighbors – and we encourage every Massachusetts resident to make sure they are prepared for this storm.” 

 

“As a former mayor, I understand the unique challenges that municipal leaders face during extreme weather events, and we appreciate their efforts to ensure their communities stay safe and help them recover from any damage,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This emergency declaration is a step to help bolster the process for delivering relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Lee.” 

 

Hurricane Lee is expected to bring wind, rain and coastal flood impacts to coastal southern New England Friday night into Saturday. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect along the entire Massachusetts coastline, including the Cape and Islands. Cape Cod and the Islands have the greatest risk of seeing tropical storm force winds. The strongest winds will impact the Cape and Islands with 50-60 mph gusts possible. Gusty winds are expected to knock down trees and limbs, which may cause power outages. The most significant coastal flooding is expected to impact the northern shoreline of Cape Cod (bay side) and Nantucket around the early morning high tide Saturday. The Cape and Islands may see 1-3” of rain Friday night into Saturday. 

 

“I am thankful for our emergency management partners at every level of government, as well as our private and non-profit partners, who have been coordinating daily to provide situational awareness and preparing for potential impacts, which include storm surge flooding, strong wind and the possibility of power outages,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “We are prepared to operate the State and MEMA East Regional Emergency Operations Centers 24/7 for as long as they are needed. MEMA will deploy one of our local coordinators to support the Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center on Cape Cod, where some of the most significant impacts are expected.” 

  

Preparation & Response Capabilities  

In anticipation of the storm, local, county, and state officials have participated in daily coordination calls with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. MEMA also initiated standard pre-impact planning with emergency support function partners that offer capabilities including search and rescue, mass care, debris management, communications, and damage assessment in the event they are needed. 

 

On Saturday morning at 7 a.m., the State Emergency Operations Center in Framingham, along with MEMA East Regional Emergency Operations Centers in Franklin and Tewksbury, will activate to provide a dedicated space for interagency coordination in response to requests for support from municipalities, state agencies, and organizations. 

 

Transportation 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is underscoring that the public should plan ahead if traveling during the severe weather. Although MassDOT does not anticipate any restrictions on passenger vehicles during this storm, drivers are reminded to take care and never drive through standing water. MassDOT is ready to respond to any impacts the storm may have on transportation infrastructure.  

 

Truck drivers should take special care if they must travel. if there are strong winds, upwards of 75 mph, MassDOT may restrict some truck travel for brief periods on specific bridge structures in the path of the storm should sustained winds and gusts create dangerous conditions.   

 

MassDOT Highway crews have been inspecting catch basins, drainage inlets and cross pipes and removing any obstructions from them over the last few days. Heavy equipment, pumps, and generators are fueled up and ready to be deployed if needed. Staff will be patrolling during the storm and emergency response crews are on standby. 

 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is preparing for potential flooding on roadways or parkways within its jurisdiction and may close affected areas as needed. Like MassDOT, DCR has teams standing by to address any fallen trees that require attention.  

 

The MBTA is closely monitoring the weather forecast and will provide updates as needed. Passengers should plan accordingly and allow extra travel time if they are traveling during periods of inclement weather. Ferry service will be adjusted on Friday, September 15, cancelled on Saturday, September 16, and operate normally on Sunday, September 16. Riders are encouraged to sign up for and check T-Alerts for the latest service information. 

 

Massport advises Boston Logan passengers to reach out to their airlines on the status of their flight. Information related to flight status can be found here.    

 

Recreation 

DCR has contacted all campers with reservations for this weekend and offered them the opportunity to cancel at no cost or to transfer their reservation to another campground that is outside of the forecasted storm area. 

 

As a reminder, waterfront services have ended for the season, including lifeguard services at all DCR-managed inland and coastal beaches across the state, and swimming is no longer permitted at these locations. DCR is encouraging the public to stay off of coastal beaches in areas that are in the forecasted path of the storm. 

 

Public Services 

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will close several customer service centers in Eastern Massachusetts on Saturday, September 16, and road test appointments are being postponed.  Customers may find additional information on mass.gov/RMV. 

 

Massachusetts residents are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For the latest updates, follow the National Weather Service Boston/Norton and MEMA on Facebook and Twitter. Visit Mass.gov for more information on hurricane preparedness.  

 

Resources for flood impacted residents, businesses and municipalities can be found at mass.gov/floodrecovery.