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, June 4 – MassDOT will hold a trial run for bridge work on Mass Pike this weekend, the WCAC is hosting a vaccination clinic in Southbridge next week, get free doughnut holes at Glazy Susan today, the DPH offers summer safety tips to stay clear of ticks and mosquitoes and FEMA rolls out campaign on the dangers of having kids and pets in hot cars.
Bridge Replacement ‘Trial Run’ on Mass Pike This Weekend
The Acceler-8 Bridge Replacement Project on I-90 [the Mass Pike] this summer will replace eight bridge between Westborough and Southborough.
The project updates the 60-year-old infrastructure over eight weekends between June 18 and August 16.
During the weekend work, the Mass Pike will reduce to two lanes in each direction. Local roadways below each bridge being replaced will be closed, causing detours for thru traffic.
This weekend, from Friday, June 4, through Sunday, June 6, there will be a “trial run” lane shifts on the Mass Pike. Work on the bridges will begin on June 18.
Travelers should expect delays on the Mass Pike and the potential of local roadways being affected.
Here’s a map of the bridges to be replaced:
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Southbridge on Monday, June 7
The Worcester Community Action Council [WCAC], in partnership with the United Way of South Central Massachusetts and Harrington Hospital, hosts mobile vaccination clinic at 25 Cole Ave. in Southbridge on Monday, June 7, from 3 PM to 5 PM.
The vaccination rate in Southbridge is reportedly 48%, well below the statewide rate of 63% reported on May 25th by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The clinic will administer the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine to anyone 18 years of age or older. Insurance card and ID are suggested but not required. Name and date of birth is required for medical records and vaccination card purposes only.
Free Doughnut Holes at Glazy Susan for National Doughnut Day
Glazy Susan, a specialty doughnut company at 50 Foster St. in Worcester, celebrates National Doughnut Day today with free “Susies” with every doughnut purchase.
Susies are vanilla glazed doughnut holes.
Glazy Susan also has limited quantities of vegan Susies. Both offers are available while supplies last.
Glazy Susan is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
DPH Warns on Upcoming Season for Tick and Mosquito Bites
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health [DPH] released summer safety guidance on Friday, June 3, reminding residents to take precautions to keep young children safe this summer.
Prevent Tick Bites
Tick can cause illness when they bite, and children often come into contact with them in brush or grassy and wooded areas. Ticks do not fly or jump and only attach when in direct contact.
Some tips to prevent tick caused illness:
- Check yourself for ticks once a day — it’s the single most important thing you can do.
- Use repellents that contain DEET on your exposed skin and those that contain permethrin on your clothes.
- When walking or hiking, stick to main pathways and the center of trails if you can. Brushing against tall grass and bushes will increase your exposure to ticks.
- Weather permitting, wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and long pants tucked into socks. This will help keep ticks away from your skin and make it easier to spot ticks on your clothing.
Mosquito Bite Prevention
DPH says the historical patterns indicate that both Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus are likely to be active again this summer. Both peak during August, but practicing good prevention all season long can help individuals protect themselves from potentially dangerous illness.
Some tips to prevent mosquito bites:
Drain standing water in and around your house or yard to prevent mosquito breeding.
Repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient according to the directions.
Wear clothing to reduce exposed skin when weather permits.
FEMA Campaign on Dangers of Hot Cars for Kids and Pets
The Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] recently launched a campaign for summer warning to never leave kids or pets unattended in a hot car.
According to Ready.gov, temperature in a car on a hot day can rise up to 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
According to the National Safety Council, 53 children died in hot cars in 2018 and 2019. Almost 900 children have died from vehicular heatstroke in the last 20 years. Of those deaths, 54 percent resulted from a child being forgotten in the car. Another 25 percent resulted from a child gaining access to the vehicle.
