Tag: Boston

Beloved Massachusetts zoo closed after powerful storm damages animal enclosures: “It was overwhelming”

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A beloved Springfield, Massachusetts, zoo is closed, after significant damage from a powerful macroburst on Saturday. Before the gates at The Zoo in Forest Park can reopen, there’s a lot of work to do to make sure it’s safe for the animals and the people who come to see them. The animals are safe, but their home took a direct hit that left parts of the zoo unrecognizable. “It was overwhelming. It was really overwhelming,” said zoo executive director Sarah Tsitso. Enclosures were crushed, narrowly missing animals inside. Fifty-year-old oak trees were ripped from the roots, and debris was scattered everywhere from broken tree limbs.

Trees fell during a macroburst, crushing animal enclosures at The Zoo in Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts.   CBS Boston “To know that every single animal here not only survived but was unharmed and that’s just really remarkable,” Tsitso said.  Since Saturday’s storm, the people who care for the animals are still figuring out how to put their home back together. More than 220 rescue and rehab animals find sanctuary at the zoo, and many have been reshuffled to other parts of the zoo. “At the end of the day, all these animals still live here and no matter what’s happened we still have to feed the animals, clean up after the animals, take care of them and make sure they’re safe and happy and healthy every day,” said Tsitso. The Zoo in Forest Park is a seasonal nonprofit, relying on admission revenue during its limited season. “We’re losing out on $35,000 of revenue every week that we’re closed,” said Tsitso. “

So, the financial part is daunting.” The public is already stepping up, reaching out to offer donations and help with cleanup, hoping there’s still a staple for this community to come back to. “We were really in a bad place when this happened. You never want to see a place you love have something like this happen to it, but the one good part has really been the community rallying around us and showing their love and support for the animals and for the place that so many people come to every year,” said Tsitso.

Source: Beloved Massachusetts zoo closed after powerful storm damages animal enclosures: “It was overwhelming” – CBS Boston

By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
1 John 4:13

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Over half a dozen sharks seen on video near popular Maine beach in two days

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Five sharks swimming over white sandy seabed with sunlight patterns

More than half a dozen white sharks have been spotted close to shore in Scarborough, Maine over a 48-hour period, prompting warnings and increased monitoring near a popular beach. The sightings have generated interest from both beachgoers and biologists. Scarborough Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata said many of the sharks spotted in the area are juveniles, including one captured on video by a paddleboarder. “Usually we’ll see one or two [sharks] here and there. This is a large volume, larger than I’ve seen, and I’ve worked this area for 30-plus years,” Granata said. “Five to seven, fairly good-sized sharks, probably six to eight feet. And then there were some drone videos of some larger ones. You know, 10-12 feet, but we’re just keeping an eye on it.”

Granata joined biologists on a boat to survey the waters near a popular sandbar at Pine Point Beach where the sharks have been spotted. The area is also frequently used by swimmers and people fishing from the water. “We know it’s a place where people recreationally fish in waist-deep water; they typically swim right there,” Granata said. “They’re right in an intertidal zone. At low tide, it’s exposed. At high tide, there’s 10 feet of water.” “We started flying aircrafts and drones, and making sure that we can keep track. And they’ve been there consistently for the last  48 hours,” Granata added. While it is not rare to see sharks along the New England coast this time of year, some less common sights are becoming more frequent. Like the volume of sharks in Maine and the variety, like the tiger shark, which was reeled in off the coast of Falmouth, Massachusetts, this week. New England Aquarium adjunct scientist John Chisholm, who was with the crew aiming to tag sharks in Scarborough, said warmer water is making the region more hospitable to some sharks.

“[Tiger Sharks] were just coming up here occasionally. Now they’re coming up here reliably year after year because the water temperature is hospitable to them,” Chisholm said. “The waters in New England are warming faster than any other places in the ocean around the world.” “That’s more like numbers we see down when we’re tagging off of the Cape; the numbers were a little surprising,” Chisholm said about the number of sharks seen in Maine. “But it’s definitely not unusual for white sharks to be in this area this time of year. Chisholm said the recent sightings are also a reminder that people entering the ocean are entering a wild environment. “Be aware of your surroundings and prepare before you go to the beach because you’re going into a wilderness area,” Chisholm said. At Pine Point Beach, beachgoer Mark Coleman said sharks are something he keeps in mind while visiting the coast.

“I don’t want to get eaten, but no problem. Sharks are sharks; they’ll stay out there, and I’ll stay here, no worries,” Coleman said. For those who do choose to enter the water, experts recommend avoiding splashing, seals and schools of fish.

Source: Over half a dozen sharks seen on video near popular Maine beach in two days – CBS Boston

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
Hebrews 8:6

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Fisherman treads water for hours, miles off Cape Cod before rescue: “We were there for a reason”

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A fisherman who treaded water for hours several miles off the coast of Cape Cod was rescued after he was spotted by another fishing crew. The three-man crew aboard the fishing boat Seel Jr. had been in the home stretch of a nine-day trip Saturday when they changed course to lend a hand.  “A distress call came over the radio about 12:15 more or less from the Western Edge stating to the Coast Guard that he was missing a crewmember,” Joao DaSilva recalled.  Coincidentally, the captain of Western Edge used to own the Seel crew’s boat. They traveled in that direction for about an hour. Then suddenly, about eight miles off of Truro, they could hear cries for help.  

“As I’m going up the ladder Phil’s like ‘it’s either a seal or somebody’s head. I see something bobbing in front of the boat about 200 feet.’ I turned forward and there’s the lime green shirt and this dude waving his hand and he’s bobbing in the water. I’m like ‘that’s him! He’s right there! He’s alive!’ We just started crying,” DaSilva said.  Just a few months ago, the Seel crew spotted an orca off of P-Town. The rare sight is believed to be a good omen. It’s been a tragic year for the fishing community, making this outcome especially meaningful.  “It’s been a horrific year. It started with Lily Jean up in Gloucester, which was seven lives that were lost to the ocean. Tommy Williams – big part of the waterfront down in Connecticut. We had the Yankee Rose that went down off of P-Town which was out of New Bedford; two guys got lost there. It’s nice to pull somebody out of the water alive,” he said.  The man they rescued Saturday had been treading water for two and a half hours without a life jacket. The Seel crew tossed him a life ring and other floatation devices, and alerted the Coast Guard who arrived with a rescue swimmer to pull him to safety.  The man was treated for hypothermia. DaSilva said he’s already seen him back at the dock. “Saturday was just special,” DaSilva said. “We were there for a reason you know what I mean? And it wasn’t to catch fish on that last tow.”

Source: Fisherman treads water for hours, miles off Cape Cod before rescue: “We were there for a reason” – CBS Boston

Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.
Genesis 9:11

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“One more rough day”: Sensitive groups urged to limit exposure to wildfire smoke in Massachusetts

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city in fog

The sky over Boston has become a yellow haze that has turned the air into a smoke scented frustration as people try to enjoy the summer weather. The haze is the result of roughly 800 wildfires in Canada that have pushed smoke into New England and created an alien feel. “I thought I was on Mars, except I could breathe and I wasn’t too cold,” said Mike Cloud who came to the city for Sail Boston. “Someone this morning was pointing out the sun looked orange.”

“It almost felt like you were at a campsite with an active fire going,” said West Roxbury resident James Venezia. WBZ meteorologists say the haze began to descend on Wednesday, which resulted in an air quality alert statewide through Thursday night. “Honestly, I felt like I was getting a little issue with my heart and with my breathing. As I inhaled, I don’t know if it was my mind playing tricks on me, or if it was truly the environment just bothering me,” said Keneshia Venezia. Wildfire smoke health concerns James and Keneshia came to the city with their two little ones to see Sail Boston. The thick air left her concerned. “I was just thinking is it even safe for us to be out here? He’s two, he’s four. Can their little lungs handle this?” said Keneshia.

“Any kids that have asthma, similar symptoms to that, should probably limit their exposure and their exertion just today and tomorrow,” National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Frank Nocera said on Wednesday. He says ozone and smoke particulates are to blame for some of the breathing issues. “Unfortunately, people who have any sensitivities to smoke or any pollutants are suffering today, and unfortunately it looks like we have one more rough day coming up tomorrow,” said Nocera.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is monitoring air quality from one of their 26 stations around the state. They took WBZ inside their one in Kenmore Square. “In here we have air monitoring analyzers. Each analyzes for a different air pollutant,” said Massachusetts DEP Deputy Division Director Sean Dunn. Air quality alert through Thursday When those thresholds get too high, they issue an air quality alert. They have extended the alert through Thursday. “Currently we are in the orange part of that air quality index. That is unhealthy for sensitive groups which include young people or senior citizens,” said Dunn. “We recommend limited activity outdoors and staying inside when possible.” “I’m fine. I can deal with it.

I smoked 22 years, two packs a day, but I quit in 1990. I knew when to quit,” said Dennis Quick, a tourist from Pennsylvania who was also taking in Sail Boston. Quick spent years on a research vessel for Columbia University. They were tasked with gathering 40,000 samples from the ocean floor. During his travels at sea, he saw some interesting skies, but never a yellow haze like the one over Boston. “Out there in the sky, I saw a green flash when the sun went down on the horizon,” said Quick. He will be sure to watch the sunset Wednesday evening as well. Whatever color that may be.

Source: “One more rough day”: Sensitive groups urged to limit exposure to wildfire smoke in Massachusetts – CBS Boston

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
Philippians 1:23-24

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Snow in the weather forecast? Unusual storm could bring flakes to Massachusetts Saturday.

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snow covered shrubs in winter landscape

Believe it or not, the possibility of snow is in the weekend weather forecast for part of Massachusetts. It would be one thing to have a rainy day, like last Sunday, but the forecast for this Saturday truly takes the cake and has even our weather team shaking their heads. We have issued a NEXT Weather Alert for late Friday and Saturday for a very chilly, wet and windy spring storm in the Boston area. This is a highly anomalous storm for a number of reasons.   Omega Block affecting Boston weather Take a look at the jet stream forecast in the coming days. You don’t need a degree in meteorology to recognize that something isn’t right.

WBZ-TV graphic CBS Boston There will be a huge ridge of high pressure extending from the Midwest way up into Canada. This will bring record heat to areas up near Hudson Bay with temperatures expected to top 80 degrees. Conversely, major troughs in the jetstream will form on either side of that giant ridge, one in the Pacific Northwest and another right over New England. This specific configuration is known as an “Omega Block,” and when you get this much twisting and turning, some wild weather is bound to occur. And, wouldn’t you know it, New England is in just the right (or wrong) place. The storm is literally coming right out of the Arctic Circle and making a beeline for our backyard. Boston weekend weather forecast There will be a few showers Friday evening and overnight. The storm will peak during the day on Saturday when a band of windswept rain will pivot from north to south across central and eastern Massachusetts.

It will have the feel of a nor’easter at times on Saturday, with strong northeast winds pushing waves of rainfall inland. Winds will gust between 30-to-50 mph within that band of heavy rainfall, perhaps even leading to some minor tree damage.

Source: Snow in the weather forecast? Unusual storm could bring flakes to Massachusetts Saturday. – CBS Boston

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 4:24

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Over 37,000 American flags planted on Boston Common for annual Memorial Day tradition

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an american cemetery

Tens of thousands of American flags are on display on the Boston Common as part of the annual Memorial Day weekend tradition.  It’s the 16th year the flags have been on display, honoring over 37,000 Massachusetts service members who have died since the Revolutionary War.  Daniella Palma has spent the last five years volunteering to help place the whopping number of flags. Hundreds of volunteers from Home Base, A Sox Foundation, Mass General programs and Military Families of the Fallen take part.  “I love it. I think it’s a great thing that we do for the people that have served,” Palma said. “For me, it’s a hope that people take a moment and pause and reflect on what people have given for this country.”

Governor Maura Healey, alongside other state officials, visited the flags ahead of Memorial Day to honor fallen service members.  “What makes this memorial so meaningful is that it’s built by people showing up, year after year, to remember. A simple act of love and gratitude that, together, becomes something even more powerful,” said Governor Maura Healey in a social media post.  People walking around the historic park stopped to remember those who served and gave their lives for their country.  “I know a lot of people [who served], people I graduated with were in the Vietnam War,” Elizabeth Kingsley said.  “My late father served in World War II. I am active with Home Base and a couple of other veteran organizations to honor his memory,” Ed Scheinbart said. Doug Dell served in Vietnam and said Memorial Day has a deep meaning for him. He said that it took him a while to visit the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, but now he makes sure he stops by every year.

Source: Over 37,000 American flags planted on Boston Common for annual Memorial Day tradition – CBS Boston

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

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Tree falls on Massachusetts school playground, injuring 2 children, adult

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playground with colorful fence in city

Two children and an adult were injured after a large tree fell onto a school playground in Melrose, Massachusetts on Monday afternoon. The city is calling it a “serious accident.” It happened at the Winthrop Elementary School just moments after school was let out for the day. “It was after school; kids were playing on the playground as they usually do,” said Nancy Clover of Melrose. “The wind picked up and a tree fell.” Police caution tape was put up around the swing sets and slide where the tree fell. The trunk of the tree bent a fence as it fell from the neighboring property onto the playground.  The Melrose Fire Department said two children and an adult were injured and taken to the hospital in ambulances. The ages and conditions of those who were injured were not released.

Source: Tree falls on Massachusetts school playground, injuring 2 children, adult – CBS Boston

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139:13-14

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United flight from Germany to Chicago diverted to Boston due to unruly passenger, airline says

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airplane in flight against cloudy sky

An unruly passenger caused a United Airlines flight from Germany to Chicago to be diverted to a Boston airport on Monday morning. United Airlines flight 945 was diverted to Logan Airport, where it landed around 8:30 a.m. Chicago time due to the unruly passenger. According to the Massachusetts State Police, the passenger was restrained on the flight, but was cooperative by the time troopers boarded the plane. EMS also responded to evaluate the passenger, who declined medical attention.

The flight, a Boeing 787, was heading to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport from Frankfurt International Airport. It had 231 passengers and 12 crew members on board.  United said in a statement after the passenger was removed, “the flight then continued to Chicago.” The individual was placed into custody by U.S. Customs officials and was later taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Source: United flight from Germany to Chicago diverted to Boston due to unruly passenger, airline says – CBS Boston

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Matthew 6:26

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Little Joe, gorilla that once escaped Franklin Park Zoo, is on the move again and is leaving Boston

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close up of the head of a gorilla

Little Joe is leaving Boston after decades at the Franklin Park Zoo. The zoo did not say exactly where the 33-year-old gorilla is going, but said he’ll move to an accredited institution, “where it is hoped that he will be successful in starting his own family.” In 2003, Little Joe made national headlines when he escaped his enclosure and ran into the city, injuring a 2-year-old girl. The zoo made safety upgrades in the years that followed. Little Joe is a western lowland gorilla, which is a critically endangered species that is threatened in the wild by disease and poaching, as well as logging and mining practices, the zoo said.

“This news is bittersweet to share as we will all miss Little Joe, but we are also excited for this opportunity for him to lead his own troop and start a family, which is important for the preservation of the species,” Zoo New England president and CEO Stephanie Brinley said in a statement.  Little Joe will leave Boston sometime in the coming months. As part of the breeding program, he will be replaced by two young gorillas in the spring. One of them is an 8-year-old named Moke that is currently at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Later in the year, a male silverback gorilla will come to Boston from another zoo. The two young gorillas will join a 5-year-old at Franklin Park Zoo named Pablo to form a “bachelor group,” the zoo said. “Pablo is reaching the age where he will be testing his family and pushing boundaries more,” assistant curator Erica Farrell said. “We hope that Pablo will bond with his new bachelor troop members while they are still young and develop relationships that will help them grow together through their teenage years, and beyond.”

Source: Little Joe, gorilla that once escaped Franklin Park Zoo, is leaving Boston – CBS Boston

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
Psalm 73:25

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