At the Rochester Board of Health’s last meeting on August 6, they went over various health updates in the community. The threat of mosquito-borne illness is still a cause of discussion, though health officials are not necessarily worried about the diseases. West Nile was detected in Tri-Town mosquitos last month by the state Department of Public Health. The whole state is on some level of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis watch; however, the Board of Health follows state guidelines and recommendations, saying to apply insect repellent, wear long sleeves if possible, and avoid dusk to dawn outdoors.
On Saturday, August 23 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is in full swing. “It’s time to bring the skeletons out of the closet!” Residents can bring accepted items to the Rochester Highway Department at 200 Ryder Road. Items include things normally not accepted by trash pickup, such as paint and solvents, household cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides and fertilizers, batteries and electronics. The program is open to all residents, with proof of residency required before the drop off. For a full list of acceptable and unacceptable items, you can visit the town website at: www.townofrochestermass.com/home/news/household-hazardous-waste-collection-day.
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Health is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3 at 4:00 pm in Town Hall.
Rochester Board of Health
By Sam Bishop