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Dear Westford residents,
I predict the ice storm we recently experienced will become known as the Ice Storm of ’08. It will be talked about for years to come, and those who lived through it will compare stories with each other, and share tales with their kids and grand kids. Hopefully we have learned something about ice storms, much as we did about snow storms after the Blizzard of ’78. My heart goes out to all residents who went without power – anywhere from a couple of hours to days on end. I received hundreds of emails and phone calls from exasperated residents – many frustrated by the lack of information regarding when their power would be restored, many tired of waiting “on hold” for National Grid customer service, many at wits-end for being told their power would be restored by a
certain day or time, only to see that pass by. Those of you who emailed me, I believe I responded to. Those who telephoned had to wait several days (or are still waiting!) as I was and have been very busy managing our response to the event in conjunction with the public safety department heads. During the storm, I was on the phone constantly with our National Grid area supervisor, his supervisors, and local and state officials on the myriad of issues surrounding the storm. We are currently drafting a proposal for selectmen to consider regarding storm debris collection for residents. We have learned that MEMA/FEMA may cover these costs so we are proposing offering more assistance for residents, as not all have the resources to dispose of tree limbs and other storm debris.
As I am a “silver-lining” kind of person, the positives that came from the storm included witnessing many individuals who went above-and-beyond to assist others during this terrible event. The Board of Selectmen plan to commend these people at an upcoming meeting. The efforts of the town’s fire, police, and highway departments were extraordinary. Even with tree limbs and poles crashing down around them, some tearing wires down while falling, these brave workers stayed the course to make our roads passable by public safety vehicles. The Board of Health did an excellent job of providing care at our emergency shelter, and the Senior Center personnel performed and coordinated well-being checks on elderly and shut-ins, and kept the Senior Center open for those wanting to warm up or have a bite
to eat. We are fortunate that (as far as I am aware) no serious injuries occurred that were attributable to the storm. (I did learn of one resident who slipped on ice afterwards though, breaking his leg!)
I would especially like to thank those of you who took the time to write or call me with thanks for how the town handled the storm (other than the time it took to restore power!) I was overwhelmed by the positive support - particularly on the heels of a very difficult storm, which tried the patience of many. Many town employees worked around-the-clock from Friday the 12th through Thursday the 18th, and it was nice to know our efforts were appreciated.
In closing, I would like to wish you all a very joyful holiday season, and extend my best wishes to each of you for a happy, healthy “ice-free” new year!
Sincerely,
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