Worcester Towing 24

Expect Heavy Traffic on I-190 this Summer Due to Bridge Work

WORCESTER - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is repairing and resurfacing the bridges carrying I-190 over the Providence and Worcester railroad in Worcester.

Traffic impacts on I-190 will take place starting this summer through fall 2022 during which drivers will experience extended lane reductions and shifts, ramp closures, and detours.

MassDOT is hosting a live virtual public information meeting on June 1 at 6 PM. The meeting will provide an overview of the I-190 Over P&W Railroad in Worcester Bridge Preservation Project including project timeline, traffic management, and detours.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments. To register in advance, click here.

Memorial Day Map: Visit Worcester's Many War Memorials

WORCESTER - There are memorials throughout the city honoring local soldiers and the ultimate sacrifice they made fighting in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Southwest Asia War.

See the Map Below: Worcester's War Memorials

The following information is provided by the City of Worcester. For more information on these memorials, visit the city's website here.

Civil War:  the Soldiers' Memorial on the Worcester Common was built in 1874 by Randolph Rogers. It honors the 4,000 soldiers from Worcester who fought for the Unionduring the Civil War. There are four tablets engraved with 398 names of war dead, arranged alphabetically below their service unit.

World War I: the Worcester Auditorium at Lincoln Square was built in 1933 as a World War I War memorial in the form of a multi-purpose hall, the Auditorium has a 116-foot-wide (35 m), proscenium. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 as part of the Institutional District.

World War I: the Memorial Grove in Green Hill Park feature s a grove of maple trees - one for each of the 100 residents who died in the war.

World War II: The World War II memorial on the Worcester Common features a series of water jets that include two large jets for the two main theaters of World War II; six medium-sized jets for the six military branches; and 52 smaller jets for the 518 Worcester residents who died in the war - two granite piers engraved with the names of Worcester residents who were killed or missing in action during WWII and informational kiosks that highlight Worcester's contribution to the war effort.

World War II: The Citizens of Color Honor Roll at Lincoln Square is a re-creation of an original monument displaying the names of 145 men and women of color from Worcester who enlisted through October 1943 to serve in the military during World War II.

World War II: The Roll of Honor (pictured above) is located at the corner of Lake Avenue and Hamilton Street and pays tribute to 253 local WWII veterans. It was built and dedicated in 1947.

Korean War: The Korean War Memorial on the corner of Front and Foster Streets near Washington Square honors the 191 young soldiers from Worcester County who died in the Korean War.  A bronze statue of a Korean-era American GI and a Korean child was added later. This statue representes the 100,000 orphans saved by the soldiers during and after the war.

Vietnam War: The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans' Memorial is located at Green Hill Park. The four-acre memorial is comprised of three distinct sections, called "Places." Amongst these three sections you will also find a pond and fountain, walking paths, park benches and beautiful landscaping.

The Vietnam Veterans' Memorial "Places" consist of the PLACE OF FLAGS, PLACE OF WORDS and PLACE OF NAMES:

• The PLACE OF FLAGS is a beautifully landscaped, circular monument consisting of three flags: an American Flag, the State Flag of Massachusetts and a POW/MIA Flag.
• The PLACE OF WORDS displays text etched in granite, taken directly from hand-written letters home by some of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who died while serving in Vietnam.
• The PLACE OF NAMES lists all of the names of Massachusetts residents who died in combat or as a result of wounds received while in action in Vietnam, or are still MIA.

See a map of Worcester's war memorials here:

AG Healey Issues Advisory on Baby Formula Shortage

BOSTON - The Office of Attorney General Maura Healey issued an advisory related to the nationwide shortage of baby formula.

Healey's office also warned consumers about potential scams, exorbitant prices, and other unfair or deceptive business practices that may happen result from the shortage.

Any family having trouble finding formula should consult with their pediatrician before making changes to their baby’s diet. Families can also contact formula manufacturers for assistance finding formula, such as:

• MyGerber Baby Expert website
• Abbott’s Consumer Hotline: 1-800-986-8540
• Reckitt’s Customer Service line: 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has also created a resource on what families can do and what they should avoid during the shortage. Do not attempt to make your own formula, water down formula, or use recalled or expired formula. Consult the Food and Drug Administration’s website to check whether your formula has been recalled before use.

Families are encouraged to remain vigilant in order to avoid falling victim to scams. Some tips include:

• Shop for formula at trusted retailers;
• If purchasing formula from an unknown source, search online for the company’s name, and look for keywords like “scam,” “complaint,” or other negative consumer reviews;
• Call your pediatrician to see if they have formula in stock.

Consumers with concerns about scams, exorbitant prices, or other unfair or deceptive business practices should file a complaint online with the Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or call the Consumer Hotline at 617-727-8400.

The Cause of the Shortage

The primary cause of the current shortage is the shutdown of an Abbot facility in Sturgis, Michigan, that produces Similac. On February 17, Abbot initiated a voluntary recall after four infants were hospitalized with bacterial infections after consuming formula from that facility. Two of those infants died. The factory was shut down by the FDA and it has identified no further cases.

The first known case was discovered in September 2021. The first FDA inspection of the facility happened four months later. Another three weeks elapsed before Abbot ordered a recall.

Abbott and Reckitt Benckiser, which makes Enfamil - produces about 80 percent of the formula in the U.S. Four companies produce 90 percent of the market. The Abbott facility in Sturgis produces about 20 percent of the national supply and is the largest single production facility of formula in the country.

On Thursday, May 19, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf testified in a congressional hearing about the facility, saying, "I think we are on track to get it open within the next week to two weeks.”

The company and the FDA have offered conflicting timelines on when the facility will restart.

Abbott says it could take another two months after production at the facility is restarted before formula begins arriving at stores.

About 98 percent of formula in the U.S. is produced domestically.

Retired Mass. State Trooper Sentenced for Overtime Abuse

WORCESTER - A retired Massachusetts State Trooper avoided prison time when sentenced in federal court on Thursday, May 26, in connection with overtime abuse at the Massachusetts State Police (MSP).

U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf sentence Daren DeJong, 60, of Uxbridge, to two years of probation, with the first six months served in home confinement. DeJong must also pay a fine of $5,500 and restitution in the amount of $14,062.

DeJong pleaded guilty in January 2019 to one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. DeJong, now retired, was a Trooper assigned to Troop E at the Weston barracks.

According to federal prosecutors, DeJong received overtime pay for hours that he either did not actually work at all, or shifts in which he departed one to seven hours early. DeJong concealed the fraud by submitting citations that were issued outside the overtime shift, altered the citations to create the appearance that citations were issued during the overtime shift, and/or submitted citations that were never issued and never took place.

Trooper DeJong earned $200,416 in 2016, which included approximately $68,394 in overtime. Prosecutors say $14,000 was attributable to shifts he left early or did not show up for.

DeJong is the eight and final defendant sentenced in the case involving MSP Troop E overtime abuse.

VIDEO: Worcester Beer Garden Opens at Mercantile Center

WORCESTER - The Harpoon Worcester Beer Garden officially opens its doors just in time for the start of the summer season.

Located at the Mercantile Center Plaza, in the heart of downtown Worcester, the garden provides high end craft beer, live music and entertainment for local residents, as well as an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages and other light snack food.

WATCH: See video of the opening of Harpoon Worcester Beer Garden, below.

Reunion Tap and Table operates the garden, as part of a partnership between themselves and Massachusetts's largest brewery. According to organizers, the Mercantile Center originally proposed the idea back in April and reached out to Boston-based Harpoon Brewery to make their idea of hosting a beer garden a reality.

Besides beer tap, guests at the gardens can enjoy an assortment of beers from local breweries on a rotating basis along with other wines, seltzers, cocktails and frozen margaritas. On top of drinks, light appetizers such as hummus and charcuterie, and deserts like ice cream and cookies, are also on the menu.

The Garden will be open this summer through the end of September with the following operating hours:

Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
Friday: 4 PM – 11 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM

5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester - May 27

In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.

These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.

In today’s edition - Friday, May 27 - the Worcester Bravehearts are celebrating their home opener tonight, Massachusetts launches a new data hub, the EcoTarium opens a new exhibit partially inspired by "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," Red Sox World Series champion Mike Timlin to visit Polar Park and tips from fire officials on seasonal safety.

Worcester Bravehearts Home Opener Tonight

The Worcester Bravehearts host their home opener tonight at Fitton Field at the College of the Holy Cross. The team dropped its opener on the road in Brockton Thursday night and comes home to hosts the Nashua Silver Knights starting at 6:30 PM on Friday.

Opening night features the unveiling of the team's new fan wall and post-game fireworks. Free parking is available at each Bravehearts home game.

The Bravehearts will also unveil baseball's first-ever rally jersey this season. If the Bravehearts are losing after seven innings, players will change into a special jersey to inspire a late-inning rally.

Tickets start at just $9 and for $22 the team offers an all-you-can-eat ticket that allows the ticket holder to sit anywhere in the park and access to unlimited hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, chips, popcorn and soft drinks.

Tickets are available at the Bravehearts website or by calling (508) 438-3773.

The New Massachusetts Data Hub

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology Services & Security announced the launch of the Massachusetts Data Hub, a new, user-friendly data search tool developed by the Executive Office of Technology Services. The Data Hub allows users to search state resources and data by topic and keyword, as well as browse featured data published by state government.

The Massachusetts Data Hub aggregates state agency-published data and web pages, and organizes content around topics that make data easier to find. As of its launch, the Hub includes more than 250 pages of content where state agencies have published datasets, dashboards and reports on subjects such as  COVID-19, births and deaths, state finance and vehicle crash data.

Users can search by topic – such as Health and Social Services, Energy and Environment, Transportation – or by keyword. This enhanced search feature allows constituents to review data published across state government without needing to know which state agency collects the information or where to find it on their websites.

How People Make Things Opens at the Ecotarium

"How People Make Things," a new exhibit opening at the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature on May 28, tells that story by linking familiar childhood objects to a process of manufacturing that combines people, ideas, and technology.

Inspired by the factory tour segments from the "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" television series, the exhibit offers hands-on activities using real factory tools and machines to create objects with four manufacturing processes - molding, cutting, deforming, and assembly. Many common manufactured products help tell how people, ideas, and technology transform raw materials into finished products.

Red Sox World Series Champion Mike Timlin at Polar Park on June 2

Red Sox World Series Champion Mike Timlin will visit Polar Park and meet fans on Thursday, June 2, to help the WooSox focus on ALS awareness as Baseball celebrates “Lou Gehrig Day.”

The WooSox, who will be hosting the Syracuse Mets that night at 6:45 pm at Polar Park, will pay tribute to the Mary Beth Benison Foundation, the ALS Association of Massachusetts, and the UMass Chan Medical School’s Cecil B. Day Laboratory for ALS research in special ceremonies before and during the game on June 2.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease for which there is no cure, took the life of Gehrig on June 2, 1941.

Timlin, the four-time World Series Champion who helped the Red Sox win the 2004 and 2007 Fall Classics, lost his mother, Sharon Timlin, to ALS in 2002. She was born just 10 weeks after Gehrig died.  The veteran right-hander, who pitched 18 major league seasons, also won the World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993.  He will greet fans in the Sherwood Diner from the third through sixth innings after he participates in pre-game ceremonies.

Fire Officials Urge Seasonal Fire Safety

With the Memorial Day weekend coming up, State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey, Shrewsbury Fire Chief James Vuona, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, and Chief Fire Warden David Celino of the Department of Conservation and Recreation are asking residents to practice fire safety this summer.

“Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and we want to remind everyone to play it safe as they enjoy the warm weather,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “Take the appropriate safety precautions against fires and burns so you can have fun all summer long.”

“Don’t let a fire or serious burn ruin your summer,” said Chief Vuona. “Practice fire safety with friends and family safely this season, and you won’t have your local firefighters showing up as uninvited guests.”

“We’ve seen increased brush and wildland fire activity and larger fire growth during the spring fire season this year,” said Chief Fire Warden Celino. “As more people spend more time outside in the warm months ahead, we want to be sure everyone enjoys the great outdoors safely and responsibly.”

Grilling Safety

More than 75% of grilling fires in Massachusetts occur between May and September. Between 2012 and 2021, there were 908 fires involving grills, hibachis, and barbeques. These fires caused 35 civilian injuries, 10 fire service injuries, and $8.9 million in estimated damages.

General safety tips for grilling:

• Always grill outdoors, never inside.
• Do not use a gas or charcoal grill on any porch, balcony, or fire escape.
• Place grills 10 feet away from the house and deck railings. Make sure grills are not under eaves or overhanging branches.
• Gas grills can be used on first floor decks or patios, only if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or it is at ground level.
• Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
• Create a circle of safety. Keep children and pets three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills.

Charcoal grill safety:

• Only use charcoal starter fluid. Do not use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill.
• Never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Doing so may cause a flash fire and result in serious burn injuries.
• Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Always use charcoal grills outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• For proper disposal of grill ashes, allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal.
• If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

Gasoline Safety

“Serious gasoline-related burns peak in the summer months, with about 40% reported from June through August,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey.

Gasoline vapors are highly flammable and refueling a hot motor can ignite them. Gasoline spilled onto clothing or rags can give off vapors until completely dry and be ignited by any heat source. Gasoline vapors can travel a long distance to find an ignition source, which is why gasoline must not be stored inside the house. There have been nearly 900 gasoline-related fires in Massachusetts over the past 10 years, causing nine deaths, 132 injuries, and over $19 million in damage.

Gasoline safety tips:

• Never use gasoline to start a fire or add it to any fire.
• Store gasoline only outside the home, such as in a locked shed, and always in an approved container. Never store gasoline in the home or basement.
• Gasoline should only be used as fuel for an engine, not as a solvent.
• Refuel lawnmowers, leaf blowers, mopeds, and other devices only when the engine is cool. Never refill while it is hot.
• Keep gasoline away from all heat sources, such as smoking materials, campfires, and grills.

Smoking Safety

Smoking materials have been the leading cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts for decades, and there have been many fires this spring from improperly discarded smoking materials on porches and in backyards. Smoking fires can be particularly dangerous because they may smolder undetected and then erupt into flames that grow rapidly. A fire that starts on a porch, balcony, or exterior stairway can get a strong hold before smoke alarms inside warn anyone of the danger.

Massachusetts fire departments reported almost 5,000 smoking-related structure fires between 2012 and 2021. These fires claimed 108 lives, including the life of a Watertown firefighter, caused 610 injuries to civilians and firefighters, and resulted in nearly $200 million in damages. Cigarettes and other smoking materials cause an even higher number of fires outdoors, including brush fires.

“If you still smoke, or if you’re having guests who smoke, please do it responsibly,” said Chief Vuona. “Always use a deep, sturdy ashtray or a can with sand or water. Don’t let people toss smoking materials into the mulch, leaves, grass, or planters, and don’t stub them out on the porch railing or stairs. Remember to put it out, all the way, every time.”

Brush and Wildland Fire Safety

According to Department of Conservation & Recreation data, there were more than 1,100 wildland fires on non-federal land in Massachusetts last year, burning more than 1,600 acres. More than 1,000 acres have burned in more than 400 fires so far this year. Everyone can and should play a part in preventing them by using caution and common sense when camping, cooking on the barbecue, extinguishing smoking materials, or riding dirt bikes or ATVs in wooded areas.

“More than 98% of wildland fires in Massachusetts are caused by human activity,” said Chief Fire Warden Celino. “These fires threaten our forests, they can severely tax local and regional firefighting resources, and they put people and homes in harm’s way.”

Brush and Wildland Fire Safety Tips:

• Before setting up a campfire, be sure it is permitted by checking with the local fire department.
• Clear away dry leaves and sticks and overhanging low branches and shrubs.
• Avoid burning on windy, dry days.
• Keep campfires small so they are easier to control and attend to them at all times.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids.
• Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire.
• Make sure your campfire is out cold before leaving.
• If using an ATV, dirt bike, or other off-road vehicle, be sure the spark arrestor is properly installed, as required by Massachusetts law
• Don’t park an ATV, dirt bike, or other off-road vehicle on or near dry vegetation, and turn the engine off when stopped for an extended period of time.

Fireworks Safety

Massachusetts law prohibits the use, possession, or sale of fireworks in Massachusetts without a license, even if they were purchased legally elsewhere and then transported into the state. Their possession or use carries a fine of up to $100, and sale carries a fine of up to $1,000 and a year behind bars.

 “People are injured and property is lost every single year in Massachusetts because of fires that start with illegal fireworks,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “If you want to watch fireworks this summer, many cities and towns will have displays that are carefully managed and organized by licensed experts. For the safety of our friends, families, and communities, let’s leave fireworks to the professionals.”

34-Year-Old Worcester Man Faces Drug and Gun Charges

WORCESTER - Officers pursuing an off-road vehicle led to the arrest of a Worcester man on gun and drug charges on Wednesday, May 25.

Officers with the Neighborhood Response Team conducting off-road vehicle enforcement and began to follow an ATV at around 3:40 PM on Summer Street. Officers lost sight of the ATV and started a canvass of the area.

The ATV was located at Lucky Mart at Prospect Street and Eastern Avenue a short time later.

According to the Worcester Police Department, when officers approached the driver, Carlos Lopez, 34, of Gage Street. He was carrying a bottle of Pepsi and wearing a fanny pack. Lopez told officers he forgot something in the store and entered it. When he returned, he was no longer holding the Pepsi or wearing the fanny pack.

While an officer spoke to Lopez, another officer went into the store and located the fanny pack, which contained what appeared to be cocaine, oxycodone, five packets of Suboxone, a loaded firearm, and a baggie with bullets inside.

When the officer came out of the store with the fanny pack, Lopez fled up Eastern Avenue on foot. Officers apprehended Lopez near 75 Gage Street.

Lopez faces charges of:

• Improperly Storing a Firearm;
• Resisting Arrest;
• Carrying a Firearm Without a License;
• Two Counts of Possession of Ammunition Without An FID Card;
• Firearm Violation With 2 Prior Drug Crimes;
• Disorderly Conduct;
• Operating After Having a Suspended License;
• Operating a Rec Vehicle On a Public Way;
• Unregistered OHV; and
• 3 Counts of Possession of a Class B Substance.

Large Fight in Clinton Leads to Arrests

CLINTON - Police responded to reports of a fight on Water Street on Wednesday, My 25, at around 1 PM. Some reports said a firearm was involved in the altercation.

According to the Clinton Police Department, officers arrived at the scene to find a crowd of people on the side of the roadway. Officer also observed a vehicle leaving the scene with five individuals inside and engaged in a traffic stop. Two replica Airsoft handguns were located inside the vehicle.

A number of people at the scene had visible injuries, but all refused medical attention.

During the investigation, officers learned that some of the individuals involved in the altercation were juveniles.

The Clinton Police Department said five individuals would face charges.

5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester - May 26

In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.

These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.

In today’s edition - Thursday, May 26 - find Memorial Day ceremonies in Worcester, WRTA announces closures on Memorial Day, MassHire is hosting a job fair at the DCU Center, Auburn is hiring a 911 communications director and enter to win a pair of Ray-Bans by taking a five-minute survey for the Worcester Arts Council.

Memorial Day Ceremonies in Worcester

There are four ceremonies commemorating Memorial Day in Worcester this weekend.

• Water Ceremony - Elm Park, Sunday, May 29, 1 PM.
• Memorial Day Observance Remembrance Ceremony - Hope Cemetery, Monday, May 30, 9 AM.
• Wreath Laying Ceremony - Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Green Hill Park, Monday, May 30, 11 AM.
• Wreath Laying Ceremony, Korean War Memorial, 52 Foster Street, Monday, May 30, 1 PM.

WRTA Closures on Memorial Day

The WRTA will provide no fixed route bus or para-transit service on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.

All administrative offices and the customer service center at 60 Foster Street are closed.

MassHire Hosting Job Fair Next Month at DCU Center

The MassHire Central Job Fair  will take place at the DCU Center on Tuesday, June 7 from 11 AM to 3 PM.

The event is free to all jobseekers and no pre-registration is required. For a fast check-in, you can set up a MassHire account here.

The fair will feature over 100 employers, including those listed below: 

• Amazon
• Applied Behavior Institute
• Center for Living and Working
• Charter Communications (Spectrum)
• Chick fil-A
• College of the Holy Cross
• Community Healthlink
• Country Bank
• DHL
• Digital Federal Credit Union
• Eaton Corporation/Wright Line
• Emerson Hospital
• Henke Sass Wolf of America
• HMEA
• IPG Photonics
• Kraft Group LLC
• MAPFRE Insurance
• NFI Massachusetts
• Open Sky Community Services
• PalAmerican Security
• Reliant Medical Group
• Riverside Community Care
• Seven Hills Foundation
• Sherwin Williams
• Teknor Apex Company
• Town of Southbridge
• UMASS
• United States Postal Service
• Worcester Red Sox
• YMCA
• YWCA

Auburn Hiring 911 Communications Director

Emergency Communication Center is looking for a
Director of Communications.

The director is the head of the division and reports directly to both the Police and Fire Chief. The Director is responsible for overseeing daily operations including budgeting and personnel matters as well as establishing and communicating the vision of the Center.

The listed salary for the position is $79, 133.

Interested candidates for the position should submit cover letter and
resume to the Town Managers Office,C/OJulie Jacobson,102 Central Street, Auburn,MA 01501 or e-mail the cover letter and resume to the Town Managers Office at townmgr@town.auburn.ma.us.

The deadline to apply is Friday, June 17, at noon.

pic.twitter.com/Nnot2XBHwj

— Auburn Fire Rescue (@auburnmassfire) May 25, 2022

Take the Worcester Arts Council Survey, Enter to Win Ray Ban Sunglasses

The Worcester Arts Council is seeking community input on arts and culture in Worcester through its 2022 Funding Priorities Survey.

The online survey is open now through Aug. 8, 2022, and can be completed here.

Responses to the survey will help determine WAC’s funding priorities for its 2023 grant cycle, which opens in September 2022.

Those who complete the survey also have a chance to win a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses of their choice, worth up to $300. WAC is offering the raffle prize to encourage survey participation.

Mosquito Control Spraying in Worcester Scheduled for June

WORCESTER - The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project notified the Worcester Division of Public Health and Department of  Inspectional Services that it plans to spray areas of the city with mosquito pesticides on June 1, 7, 14, 22, and 28.

The scheduled dates are subject to change due to weather conditions, mosquito populations, mosquito virus activity,and/or special event spraying. According to the CMMCP, the mosquito control program will cease once cool nighttime temperatures become predominant in the area.

Residents may opt out of having their property sprayed during wide area pesticide application by following instructions on the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website, and more information is available by calling 508-281-6786 or emailing MosquitoProgram@mass.gov.