Massachusetts

Longest zip line in the US will send riders from New York to Massachusetts

Published

7 months ago

March 14, 2024

Longest zip line in the US will send riders from New York to Massachusetts

Out of snow but still want to rocket down a mountain at breakneck speed? Catamount Mountain Resort is on hand to scratch that itch, with what will soon be the longest zip line in the United States.

Opening in May, the Catamount Zip Tour will send riders from upstate New York into Massachusetts on a cable suspended hundreds of feet above the trees — a 5,523-foot line that traverses the Berkshire/Taconic Mountains.

That’s a bit more than a mile, and the entire ride takes roughly two hours.

Thrill-seekers are assured they won’t be left be haplessly hurtling, as they’ll have braking privileges. But riders can also let their speed flags fly on a section the resort has dubbed the “Cata-monster,” which starts about 1,300 feet into the ride when the ground drops away, leaving the rider suspended 270 feet in the air.

“Our unique braking system allows you to control your speed — race each other down our dual-spans at speeds of up to 55+ mph, or take it nice and slow while soaking in the magnificent views of the Berkshires and the Hudson Valley,” the resort’s website says.

The ride first carries passengers about 15 feet above the ground, and then 1,300 feet later, the Earth drops out from under.

Passengers sail along with views of the New York Capital Region, Massachusetts and the southern Vermont mountains, alighting at the Massachusetts end next to the cable’s concrete anchors.

The journey includes safety training, harness fitting and a chairlift ride to the starting point at the top of the mountain. The ride opens for the season in mid-May and runs through mid-November, at a cost of $99 for weekdays and $109 on weekends and holidays.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts line workers, tow truck drivers to provide relief from Helene

Published

4 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Press Room

Massachusetts line workers, tow truck drivers to provide relief from Helene

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Now, to Helene response from folks in Western Massachusetts. From line workers to tow truck drivers and firefighters, it really takes a village to restore and local residents we spoke with said they’re up for the challenge.

“We’ve seen a lot of tree damage, some building damage, in the areas I’ve een to some total loss,” noted Randy Purinton.

Randy Purinton is one of several crews Chicopee’s Interstate Towing sent down south to lend a hand for Hurricane Helene relief efforts more than a week ago. He’s currently in Jacksonville, Florida.

“We’ve been moving a lot of generators, water pumps, portable light towers to help the electric companies be able to go out and night and see, to get the power and stuff restored,” explained Purinton.

Getting the lights back on is the hands of line workers including Ryan Callan from Westfield Gas and Electric. He told Western Mass News when he arrived for his assignment in the Spartenberg, South Carolina area, thousands were in the dark and there’s no word yet on when they will cross the finish line.

“Its doing much better now, but we’re not quite sure its not your average storm down here,” said Callan. “We have at last count over 500 broken poles just in these 7 counties.”

Meantime, crews from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency are making their way back to the commonwealth after working with local firefighters from Greenfield, Charlemont, and others, offering relief to first responders in the impacted areas and bringing back new experience to apply to a potential emergency in the bay state

“If a big hurricane hits Massachusetts again the next tropical storm Irene we’re better prepared to help the state and our local communities respond,” expressed Tracy Rogers.

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Massachusetts

Spotted lanternfly invasion in Massachusetts

Published

12 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Press Room

Spotted lanternfly invasion in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species, has been detected in several areas including Springfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Chicopee, Holyoke, and parts of Mount Tom State Reservation near South Hadley and Easthampton. This pest, which feeds on over 100 plant species by piercing and sucking out the sap, poses a threat to agriculture and native trees. Originating from Vietnam and China, it was first identified in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since been confirmed in 16 states.

UMass Extension Entomologist Tawny Simisky highlighted the minimal current impact on Hampshire County’s agricultural sector but emphasized vigilance due to the potential threat to breweries, wineries, and orchards. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has been monitoring the spread, encouraging residents to report sightings to aid in tracking and management efforts.

The invasive species is known for its preference for the tree of heaven, another invasive plant, although it can complete its life cycle without it. The spotted lanternfly breeds in late summer, leaving egg masses on various surfaces. Residents are urged to report sightings to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and can employ nonchemical methods like sticky traps for control, reserving chemical treatments for severe infestations.

Source: Daily Hampshire Gazette

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts town warns parents, students of dangerous ‘galaxy gas’ trend

Published

20 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Press Room

Massachusetts town warns parents, students of dangerous ‘galaxy gas’ trend

Medfield’s school district warned parents and students about a viral TikTok trend that could be deadly in the most severe cases.

Galaxy Gas, a brand of canned Nitrous Oxide for culinary use, has taken social media by storm. Young adults can be seen inhaling the gas that causes lightheadedness, dizziness, and weakness.

Medfield’s Social Emotional Learning department said they haven’t dealt with a case at any district schools.

“A lot of this is preventative medicine,” said Dr. Dave Worthley, director of the Social Emotional Learning department.

He works daily with students at the high school to catch onto the latest trends.

He asks the student body questions like, “What kinds of stuff are you seeing online? What kinds of stuff are you exposed to? What do you see as far as your friends? What do you see in other communities?”

Dr. Worthley and the district issued a statement to parents this week about the TikTok trend that can cause long-term damage.

The statement about Galaxy read in part:

· It is easy to get.

· It is legal to purchase over 18

· It is technically for culinary purposes only

· It is being packaged in bright, fun colors and designs to appeal to kids

· It is in all area Vape shops

· It is extremely dangerous and can lead to brain injury, cardiac injury, and death.

· Galaxy Gas may have paused distribution (on Friday) but many other brands are selling Nitrous Oxide, and Vape shops, Walmart, and other places have lots of stock, as well as Amazon.

Worthley told Boston 25 Thursday, “I’ve had a lot of parent responses saying, ‘Thank you. I hadn’t heard of this. I never knew this existed. I’ll go home and talk to my kids right now.’”

David Richards, CEO of Fish Public Relations and a professor at Emerson College, said this is the latest of many social media trends.

“Parents are 10 steps behind,” he said.

Richards blamed young adults with easy access to social media as the root cause of the viral trend.

He added, “It’s exposing children to all kinds of issues and problems and bad behaviors.”

Galaxy Gas reportedly halted their sales Friday after the social media craze.

A statement on their website reads in part:

“Products containing nitrous oxide are sold solely as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use only. It is unlawful for a person to purchase products containing nitrous oxide for any purpose not intended herein and legally authorized.”

The district is asking parents in Medfield and across the state to have tough conversations with their children to safeguard them from dangerous substances.

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