Tomorrow night at 5:30 PM, Tuesday, September 26^th, Mayor Menino will introduce the Boston Society of Architects/Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy Forum on the Greenway. The BRA is a co-sponsor with the City of Boston and the BSA and Conservancy.  Please join at Faneuil Hall to learn more about the status of the Greenway Parks, the development and ramp parcels and the Crossroads.

P u b l i c   H e a l t h   A d v i s o r y

West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes in Riverway Area of Boston

Although summer over, residents reminded precautions still needed.

This Saturday and Sunday Sept 16 & 17 is the amazingly popular South End Open Studios, the Union Park Annual Picnic in the Park and te South End Greek Food Festival!  Come on out to the studios on Waltham, upper Harrison and our very own ArtBLOCK at 731 Harrison. 

“The heat that we are expecting in our city this week presents a dangerous situation to many of our residents,” Mayor Menino said. “We are preparing by adding additional resources to help assist residents keep cool and healthy. I am appealing to everyone in our city to check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or infirmed.”

Starting today and going through Thursday, the city will extend pool hours until 9:00 p.m. and will open cooling centers. A list of locations can be found below. The city will also be making automated phone calls to all households asking residents to check on neighbors and alerting residents to city services.

Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and injuries, but everyone should remember to limit their activities during very hot weather, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.  Additional measures to beat the heat include avoiding cooking, taking cool showers or baths, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing. 

The city’s Commission on the Affairs of the Elderly has put out alerts and will distribute information to the elderly about the upcoming heat wave. Elderly residents are advised to call the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366 or the Mayor’s 24 - Hour hotline at 617-635-4500 if they experience problems and to drink plenty of water and avoid outside activity. The city is also reaching out to all elderly homebound clients and congregate housing sites to make sure they have what they need. The Mayor’s Senior Shuttle will be on call all to accommodate any requests for rides to cooling centers.

Residents are reminded that fire hydrants should not be tampered with or opened; doing so may hinder fire prevention capabilities. Residents who see open hydrants should immediately report the situation to the Mayor’s 24 Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500. Open hydrants reduce water pressure and put both neighborhoods and firefighters at risk in the event of a fire.

The City has been in touch with NStar on any possible power outages due to expected record-breaking demand for electricity and is asking all residents to conserve energy over the next few days.

All residents should limit their exertion outdoors and should be mindful of warning signs for heat illness, which include: dizziness, weakness, fainting and vomiting, stomach cramps or cramping of the legs or arms, and confusion and agitation. If anyone experiences any of the symptoms listed above, they should first stop what they are doing and, if possible, move themselves to a cooler area.  If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Family, friends and neighbors are also urged to check in frequently with elderly residents who may need assistance during the hot weather.

For questions about heat-related city services, residents should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617 635-4500.

CityLab Academy is currently recruiting Boston residents for the Fall 2006 class. CityLab Academy is a free, nine-month Boston University Medical Center (BUMC) academic and job skills training program for those that are interested in pursuing a successful career in biotechnology. In 2004, BUMC embarked on a major expansion of its commitment to CityLab Academy by funding a $1 million job training initiative to provide biomedical research and biotechnology job training targeted exclusively at Boston residents. 

Students who successfully complete the program often find employment in an academic laboratory or a biotechnology company in town. As part of the CityLab Academy, they earn 12 college credits.  Many students also use this as a stepping stone to further their education.

Recruitment for the fall class is currently underway. Requirements include a high school diploma or a GED, an interest in math and science and a desire to learn. 

For more information on CityLab Academy, visit the www.bu.edu/citylabacademy or call 617-638-5664