Middlesex DA warns local parents of child drownings, window falls, and car heat
The following is based on a prepared statement sent by the Middlesex DA's office:
The Middlesex District Attorney’s office is launching a three-prong summer safety awareness campaign aimed to educate parents, caretakers, and their children on how to be safe during the summer season, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone announced.
Last week, Leone’s office launched a “Splash into a Safe Swim Season” public awareness campaign focused on water safety. These efforts have been expanded to include window fall prevention and car safety, two additional areas of child deaths and near fatalities that occur often this time of year.
“With the onset of warm weather and the desire to be outside, come seasonal dangers we’d like parents to be aware of in and around water, cars and windows," Leone said. “All too often, we see the tragic results of accidental drownings, window falls, and overheating from being left in a car... the bottom line is that these child deaths and near fatalities are all completely preventable.”
The DA's office will distribute a safety brochure this summer, which features key prevention and safety tips around water safety, window safety and car safety.
The brochure will be distributed by Middlesex YMCAs, hospitals, and schools, as well as the Middlesex Children's Advocacy Center's multidisciplinary team, which includes members of the DA's Child Abuse Unit, law enforcement, and the Department of Children and Families.
Leone's office will also promote the information on its website, providing the information in a format easily accessible to parents and caretakers.
Every year, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, local Child Fatality Review Teams, the Office of the Child Advocate, and DCF review numerous accidental child deaths and near fatalities caused by water drownings, falls from windows and overheating after being left in a motor vehicle.
An estimated 5,000 children are hospitalized each year due to unintentional drowning related incidents, with 15 percent dying and 20 percent left with permanent brain damage.
The following are tips for parents and caretakers to ensure water safety:
- Actively supervise children at all times
- Never leave a child alone near a pool or other body of water
- Teach children to swim
- Stay within arms reach of preschool-age children
- Provide locked safety barriers for swimming area when not in use
- Keep climbable objects away from pool barrier
- Teach children about water safety
- Learn CPR – use infant CPR until age one, then child CPR until age eight
- Be alert when visiting homes with a pool
- Remove toys from pool after use
- Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys - they are not designed for safety
- Older children are most vulnerable in bodies of fresh water
- Always use US Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating
- A four-foot-high barrier, not including a house, enclosing the swimming area, even if you don't have children
- Access gates that self-close, lock, and open outward from the swimming area
- Opening/locking mechanism that must be located 54 inches high or on the pool side of the gate
- Access ladders or steps that should be removed, locked, or secured to prevent usage by children
Contact your city or town hall for additional requirements.
Landscaped water features and koi ponds are also safety hazards for children, Leone's office said.
The DA's office also seeks to warn caretakers about window falls, which are the leading cause of injury to children. On average, 14 children a day are injured in window falls, Leone's office said.
The most common injuries are head and brain trauma, as well as extremity fractures.
To prevent window falls, parents and caregivers should:
- Be sure children are always supervised
- Lock all unopened doors and windows
- Keep beds, furniture, and anything a child can climb on away from windows
- Open windows from the top, not from the bottom
- Install quick release window guards - screens do not protect children from falling out of windows
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates a closed car sitting in the summer sun quickly turns into an oven, with temperatures rising from 78 degrees to 100 degrees in just three minutes, and to 125 degrees in six to eight minutes.
In addition, children can be injured while getting out of moving cars, or can be run or backed over by motor vehicles.
To keep young children safe in and around cars:
- Never leave children alone in a parked vehicle, even when they are asleep or restrained or if the windows are open
- Always lock your car and keep the keys out of children's reach
- Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away
- Ensure adequate supervision when children are playing in areas near parked motor vehicles
- If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk
- Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare
- Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle such as placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle
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Jaclyn Reiss can be reached at jaclyn.reiss@globe.com
Charles River Museum to host children's open house, "Mill Children" exhibit
Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation
Lewis Hine, who inspired "The Mill Children" exhibit, photographs children circa 1910 in a slum.
The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation will host a children's open house, where kids receive free admission, this Sunday to encourage them to visit the museum's exhibit that explores life for young mill laborers.
The exhibit, "The Mill Children," will feature paintings, photographs, music, film, and narrative inspired by early 1900's photographer, Lewis Wickes Hine.
Hine visited the Eclipse Mill in North Adams, Mass. in late August of 1911 to photograph child laborers on behalf of the National Child Labor Committee. Hine’s photographs contributed to the creation of labor reform laws for American child and adult workers, museum officials said.
One hundred years later, a group of artists working in North Adams used nine of Hine’s photos for inspiration. The resulting exhibit, “The Mill Children,” will be on display in Waltham through June 15.
Sponsored and created by the Brill Gallery in North Adams, this exhibit features both images of the original Hine photographs, art inspired by his work, historical narratives of children photographed and interviews of the artists currently working in the Eclipse Mill building.
What started as a fact-finding mission became a labor of love for Brill Gallery owner and curator Ralph Brill. For years, visitors to his gallery - located in the Eclipse Mill in North Adam - told him stories of family members who had worked there, and he started conducting research on the topic.
Brill realized in his research that through the efforts of Hine, the mill and its children had played a major part in child labor reform movement in America. So in 2010, Brill assembled a team of artists, a historian, a musician, a filmmaker and educators to helped him tell the story of what it was like to be a child worker in the Eclipse Cotton Mill in 1911.
Although the exhibit focuses on a local mill, it also spotlights the conditions American children faced each day working in the mills across the country, including the Boston Manufacturing Company, and other factories in Waltham, said Charles River Museum Elln Hagney in an e-mail.
“The stories of these children are important to tell and I can think of no better place to tell the story of child labor than in our galleries," Hagney said.
The children's open house begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 3.
At the event, kids can interact with exhibit artists, watch a performance by The Drury High School Chorus from North Adams performing music evocative of the mill workers' experiences, meet Hine as portrayed by historian Joe Manning, and participate in hands-on activities designed to bring the exhibit to life, according to the museum.
There will also be an artist talk and book signing at 6:30 p.m. by Gene Dattel, author of Cotton and the Race in Making of America.
Refeshments will also be served.
For more information, visit the museum's website.
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Jaclyn Reiss can be reached at jaclyn.reiss@globe.com
Newton-Needham business group gets new president
Greg Reibman, a former community newspaper publisher and a founder of a Newton-oriented blog, has been named the president of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.
Reibman replaces Bob Halpin, who accepted a job as the Framingham Town Manager after about a year as the head of the Chamber of Commerce.
Until last year, Reibman had been the publisher of the Newton Tab and headed up several of GateHouse Media Inc.’s Boston-area newspapers. Gatehouse eliminated his position last year as part of cost-cutting measures.
Soon after he left GateHouse, Reibman launched Village 14, a community blog that focuses on Newton issues. Reibman said he will continue to be involved with that website.
The Chamber selected Reibman because of his business experience in Newton and Needham and his familiarity with the community and its leaders, said Joseph De Vito, chamber chairman, in a press release.
“We are especially pleased to be bringing in someone who already knows our communities, our elected leaders, our businesses and the challenges we face as we emerge from a long recession,” De Vito said.
Reibman said he hopes to use his social media and community engagement skills to broaden the Chamber’s on-line presence. He said he expects to update the business group’s website and offer members the traditional networking opportunities and seminars on such issues as using Twitter.
“We’re ready to modernize,” he said.
Reibman said he also plans to start a shop local initiative to promote businesses, especially in the village centers.
With major developments in the pipeline, including several Route 9 projects, and the Riverside mixed-use proposal, the Chamber will likely have a role to play in ensuring that commercial space in Newton and Needham is best-used, Reibman said.
“This is a really critical time,” he said.
Deirdre Fernandes can be reached at deirdre.fernandes@globe.com
Needham Public Health Department warns residents about rabies
As warm weather brings people and animals outside, the Needham Public Health Department is reminding residents to be on the lookout for bats and wild animals, which can carry rabies.
Rabies, which can be lethal, can be spread from animal to human if a person is scratched or bitten, or if saliva gets into an open cut or wound or mucous membrane like the eyes, nose or throat.
In Massachusetts, said Donna Carmichael, public health nurse in Needham, bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes and woodchucks are the animals most likely to have rabies.
“Rabies is preventable, so that’s what we want to do,” said Carmichael.
She provided a list of steps that residents should be taking to avoid exposure to rabies:
- Vaccinate your pets! Cats, dogs, and ferrets all need to be vaccinated by a veterinarian regularly. If you own livestock, you should make sure their vaccinations are up to date. - If you get a bite or a scratch from a dog, cat, or other domestic animal it should be reported to the Needham Health Department and Needham Animal Control officer. Get the contact information on the animal so follow up can be done to make sure everyone stays healthy. (so, when out walking or riding a bike and a bite occurs write down the contact information on the animal and report the incident) - Don’t feed or water your pets outside. Even empty bowls will attract wild and stray animals. - Do not feed or handle wild animals. Teach children that although a baby skunk, bunny or raccoon may look cute and friendly, it can be very dangerous. - Do not feed or touch stray animals including stray cats, and avoid all sick or strange-acting animals and report to animal control. - Cover your garbage cans, and don’t leave pets’ food outside where it can attract wild animals. - Keep your chimney capped and repair holes in attics, cellars, and porches to help keep wild animals like bats and raccoons out of your home. - Do not keep wild animals as pets. Not only is this dangerous for you and the animal, it’s also against the law. REMEMBER – THERE IS NO CURE FOR RABIES! (It’s not worth the risk.) - Discourage the permission of allowing animals into the classroom (you have no idea if this animal is up to date on their vaccines!). - Do not touch or pick up dead animals. - Leave bats alone. - Never handle a bat, especially with bare hands. Use thick gloves, tongs, or a shovel to remove a dead bat, or call in bat-removal experts. Please see resource for how to capture a bat properly for testing. - If you wake up with one flying above your head, you should assume that rabies exposure was possible. A bat's bite is so small, you may not even feel it! Contact animal control to capture the bat for rabies testing and seek prompt medical attention. - Do not let your pet play with bats. - Keep bats out of the house or other buildings by closing or covering the attic or other dark sheltered areas. Put screens on the windows.
The Public Health Department can be reached at 781-455-7500x511, and Needham Animal Control can be reached at 781-444-1212.
Evan Allen can be reached at evan.allen@globe.com
Plenty of change in final regular season girls' lacrosse Top 20
While the top remains mostly the same with Needham hanging strong to the No. 1 spot, there were some big changes in this week's Top 20, the final one of the regular season.
Concord-Carlisle had a rough second half of the season, finishing at 12-6. The Patriots lost to both Norwell and Framingham, teams that were at the bottom of the rankings and completely out of it, respectively.
The losses coupled with the overall record, drop the Patriots all the way down to the No. 19 slot. Norwell, which also beat Duxbury, jumps from No. 20 to No. 18, while Framingham makes its way into the line-up at No. 20.
The Ipswich Tigers also made a jump from the No. 16 slot to No. 10, finishing the season a strong 13-3.
Duxbury, which received a No. 1 seed the Division 2 South for the MIAA tournament, finishes at 13-4-2 in the No. 15 spot.
Westford also had a strong end to its season, finishing at 16-4 in the No. 8 spot.
The Andover Golden Warriors (17-3) finished the season on an eight-game winning streak, solidifying themselves in the No. 6 spot. They're three loses have kept them from breaking into the strong all-Division 1 Top 5, but come tournament time, Andover could upset one of the top seeds.
On the other end of the spectrum, Archbishop Williams finishes at 18-2, but the Bishops play a weaker schedule. Their record gained them a No. 9 seed in the South Division 2 bracket and a first round bye. But the Bishops will have to put on a strong performance to avoid an upset.
Legislators seek to install MetroWest seat on council influencing tax breaks
The MetroWest area would be represented on a state council that influences tax incentives for companies throughout Massachusetts under a proposal adopted by the state's House of Representatives today.
According to the amendment, the governor can appoint an additional representative from the MetroWest region to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council, the group charged with administering the Economic Development Incentive Program.
There are currently seven gubernatorial appointees sitting on the council. If the Senate also adopts the amendment and the governor signs it into law, there would be eight appointees, plus seven state designees.
The EDIP is a tax incentive program designed to foster full-time job creation and stimulate business growth throughout the state, according to the agency.
Participating companies may receive state and local tax incentives in exchange for full-time job creation, manufacturing job retention, and private investment commitments.
The council also approves all Economic Target Area, Economic Opportunity Area, and Certified Project applications.
The approval comes after Framingham Town Meeting members voted overwhelmingly Tuesday night to allow substantial tax breaks to locally-headquartered TJX if the company agreed to stay in Framingham and spend $143 million on expanding.
The bill amendment is sponsored by 13 state representatives from the MetroWest area.
"The seat on the Council is well-deserved and overdue," said state Representative David Linsky, a Natick Democrat, in a prepared statement. "The MetroWest is a vibrant, economically vital area for the Commonwealth. It is the second largest employment base in the state and is leading Massachusetts in job creation."
State Representative Tom Sannicandro, an Ashland Democrat, agreed.
"MetroWest is a hub of the type of innovative industries that we are seeking to promote in this bill and as part of our long term economic development strategy,” Sannicandro said. “It only makes sense that MetroWest be represented as its own distinct region.”
State Representative Denise Garlick, a Needham Democrat, also touted the economic vitality of her town, citing its close proximity to Boston, ease of transportation to the city, and the area’s focus on local education to develop the next generation’s workforce.
“Having a voice from the MetroWest area on the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council is key to encouraging the further economic growth in this region and the Commonwealth," Garlick said in the statement.
"Our cities and towns will benefit from the opportunities presented, as members of the council, both in fostering full time job creation and the potential for business growth,” said Representative Kate Hogan, a Stow Democrat.
The council currently has gubernatorial-selected representatives from eastern, western, southeastern, and central Massachusetts, as well as Cape Cod and Merrimack Valley. The governor also must appoint a higher education official to the council.
There are no set communities defined in the amendment legislation currently.
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MWRA to open aqueduct trails for public access west of Boston
MWRA-owned aqueduct trails in 14 communities, such as the one pictured above at the Weston Aqueduct in Framingham, will now be open to the public, the agency announced today.
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority will open 40 miles of scenic aqueduct trails for public use in 14 communities, including Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton, Wellesley, and Weston, the agency announced today.
With this policy, the MWRA is now formally encouraging public access through partnerships with neighboring communities.
Municipalities can enter into agreements with the MWRA to assume some stewardship responsibilities, allowing for the trails in their towns to be officially open to the public for recreational use.
Previously, anyone using the closed trails would be considered trespassing on MWRA property.
The aqueducts form a recreational trail network through 14 communities, including Berlin, Boston, Clinton, Framingham, Marlborough, Natick, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Wayland, Wellesley, and Weston.
Local legislators, Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Chris Walsh, had also filed a bill in January 2011 to open the trails.
The bill would allow residents to engage in "passive recreation" along the aqueducts, unless the MWRA's Board of Directors votes to prohibit access to a particular area for security reasons.
Needham Farmers Market planning grand opening June 10
The Needham Farmers Market is gearing up for its grand opening on Sunday, June 10 at 1 p.m. on the front lawn of the First Parish on Dedham Avenue.
The market will feature vendors including MacArthur Farm, Neighborhood Farm, Community Farm, Globe Fish, John Crow, Susie’s Bakery, Foxboro Cheese and Gay Grace Tea.
There will also be tables staffed by local non-profits, plus art and music by local artists. Board members and Needham High School students will be working as volunteers.
“It is an entirely different experience from shopping for groceries and our view is that it will increase the sale of fresh foods throughout the community from all merchants in the town,” said farmers market webmaster Tom Gehman in an email. “It is all about venue, making a community event centered on healthy food and spiced by local participants that enrich the life of our town.”
For more information, including a calendar that shows each week’s vendors, go here.
Evan Allen can be reached at evan.allen@globe.com
Needham's Volante Farms holding grand opening of ice cream stand on Friday
Just in time for rising temperatures, Volante Farms in Needham will hold the grand opening of its new ice cream stand on Friday.
The family-owned farm has been a fixture in Needham for the last 50 years. The opening of the ice cream stand completes a total renovation of the farm stand – the old open-air barn has been replaced with a closed barn that will be open all year round. Volante Farms kicked off their season at the end of March.
The ice cream stand will service hand scooped, locally-made Crescent Ridge ice cream and frozen yogurt. The stand will offer 20 flavors plus sundaes and frappes. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
The new farm stand also contains a deli and a bakery, and sells hot entrees. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Evan Allen can be reached at evan.allen@globe.com
Needham Community Council Hillside Thrift Shop announces new Saturday hours
The Needham Community Council’s Hillside Thrift Shop is announcing new Saturday hours, beginning on June 2.
The thrift shop is usually open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The new Saturday hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There is no income eligibility requirement to shop at the store, and all proceeds go to support the programs the Council offers, including English as a second language programs, the food pantry and the medical loan closet.
The thrift shop accepts donations Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No furniture, appliances, or items needing repair are accepted. The shop is located at 570 Hillside Avenue in Needham.
Evan Allen can be reached at evan.allen@globe.com
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