Fog Of War

So when the fog lifts this morning homeowners along Pelham Road will have a sorry sight to behold

 Somebody left a trail of destruction, targeting innocent mailboxes as part of their drunken hijinks 

Mailbox down!

Meanwhile, not far from the scene of the crime, it looks like the boys at 807 Main Street had a party last night.  Hmm ...

807 Main Street (turns into Pelham Road)

Blarney Blew It

McMurphy's Uptown Tavern 1:00 PM

Even though the "Half Way To Blarney Blowout!" promotion disappeared from their Facebook page only 24 hours after it was first posted (long enough to get over 130 "people are going" responses) that did not stop college aged youth from lining up at their door starting well before noon. 

McMurphy's Facebook page September 19 (since deleted)

Before this weekend even started ETOH (alcohol OD) transports by Amherst Fire Department to Cooley Dickinson Hospital so far this month were tied with last year's September total. 

Last night into early this morning there were at least four ETOH runs.

And based on the line at McMurphy's this morning, today's gorgeous weather, and what happened last year at the Blarney Blowout, tonight could be alcoholically epic.

Bring It Home AC

 New Field House

When the unbeaten Lord Jeffs take the field later this afternoon for their home opener against Bowdoin, they will be playing second fiddle to their spectacular playing field as today marks the first time Amherst College Pratt Field will host a football game after a mega-million dollar renovation. 

 

What's left of mainstream media will have nifty new press box

 

Newly realigned banked running track 

Best seats in the house

 

Amherst:  Where only the h is silent (or, even the h)

Camperdown Elm almost became collateral damage but was gently moved (at $100K cost) out of the way

Things That Go Bump ...

 1st of five speed bumps Lincoln Avenue

After many years of wishing and hoping and a false start or two, the "speed calming" efforts via more permanent speed bumps on Lincoln Avenue are now in place -- all five of them. And nearby Dana Street and Blue Hills Road as well.

Curiously only the middle section of Lincoln Avenue between Amity Street and Fearing Street have the built in obstacles as apparently homeowners on the other two stretches of Lincoln Avenue were not overly enthusiastic about them.

 Amity Street Lincoln Avenue intersection

Probably because they did not look forward to having their teeth rattled every time they left their driveway.

Residents in the bumper zone hope the new project will not only slow traffic down but perhaps, if regular commuters get seasick from the obstacles, they may choose an alternate route.

 

Rt. 9 Lincoln intersection no bumps down to Amity.  Also not repaved

Phil Jackson, a main instigator for the project, is hoping UMass will do a traffic study later this spring to determine if those lofty goals are met.

Meanwhile, residents on neighboring Fearing Street are waiting to see if the project drives more traffic down their street.  The town had talked about installing speed bumps on Fearing Street as well, but nothing ever came of it. 

Of course it will not be long now before town officials start hearing reminders. 

Strike!

 Striking union workers, Triangle Street, near the High School

So no, I don't know the particulars of the grievances the union has against Warner Brothers, Inc or Gagliarducci Construction Corp -- but I do know from first hand experience, as a proud member of the Teamsters Union thirty year ago, that strikes are kind of like nuclear weapons:  most effective when used as a threat, but destructive when actually detonated.

But strike they have done.  

Since the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 98 is involved with the reconstruction on Triangle Street it has now become a town concern, as that important project seems to have come to a standstill.

 North Pleasant Street, UMass

Both construction companies have a reputation for doing excellent work (one reason they won the construction bids).  But you only do good work by hiring highly skilled workers.

I hope they work it out.  Soon.

Another Amherst Flag Raising

Alan Snow gingerly places flag of Japan in holder on Town Hall turret

Flag of Japan to honor delegation from Kanegasaki Sister City

 

Flag of Japan side-by-side with Amherst town flag

Old Glory, state, town, and the flag of Japan

Amherst Flag Raising

374 North Pleasant Street, Pike Frat

We did it