Hello, all:

Our Esteemed MVFD President Jeff Koonz last night apprised the Select Board about the potential disruptions in our area during the weekend before the historic April 8th eclipse. Because Middlesex is in the band of totality, we'll be a hotspot for tens of thousands of visitors. According to Jeff, the madness will begin the weekend before, so if you need to go grocery shopping, go on Thursday, the 4th. (New coupons!) Chances are the interstate, VT RT 12 and US RT 2 and even our back roads (don't start with me on those, please!) will be packed as day trippers from surrounding areas try to find the best viewing spot. Open fields like those near Rumney School will likely be popular destinations. (Can anyone duct tape the free EV charger lest we're bankrupted by Boston Teslas?? Or perhaps we can hit them up for donations to cover the WCUUSD budget.) Camp Meade is holding a big celebration which should be fun since they're pretty good at those. Due to the projected traffic jams along US Route 2, we've decided to close the Town Clerk's Office for the day since our chances of finding parking will probably be nil.

Jeff recommends you stay safe - or, at the very least, out of the emergency room - if possible. And for heaven's sake, whatever you do DON'T LOOK AT THE ECLIPSED SUN!! Even be careful photographing it lest you go blind. For more info, here's a helpful link: https://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html

Chances are, the sky will be cloudy. But if it's not, there's a chance of also seeing the "Devil Comet." https://www.npr.org/2024/03/17/1239056873/devil-comet-solar-eclipse-12p-pons-brooks

Look, the eclipse/comet thing might all be heralding the end of the world. Or maybe just the end of mud season. Either way, I, personally, am glad for the distraction from a very tough, muddy and gray winter. Finally, we get to have some fun.

Sarah Merriman
Town Clerk/Select Board Assistant

PS. Sorry, we are all out of eclipse glasses.

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