Traffic and tantrums
It’s not your imagination.
Your afternoon commute along the Mass Pike is taking longer than it did before the pandemic.
How much worse? Your west bound afternoon drive from downtown (I-93) to I-95 along the Mass Pike takes about two minutes (or about 9 percent) longer than it did in 2019.
You have a lot more afternoon company when traveling east bound along the same route too: It now takes nearly 5 minutes longer (up by 23 percent) than the same pre-pandemic drive, according to Mass DOT.
Those added minutes may not seem like a lot right now. But remember a lot of offices in Boston and our communities remain entirely, or mostly, closed.
On the other hand, your west bound morning Mass Pike trip from Boston to I-95 is two and a half minutes shorter (19 percent) right now, suggesting that workers who used to travel from Boston to jobs in our communities are likely still working remotely.
Meanwhile a more encouraging report finds that many more people took up walking during the pandemic. However that data shows that people in higher-income areas walked more during the pandemic, while people in lower-income areas walked less (Boston.com).
You’re not imagining this either
Yes, adults are throwing more tantrums in restaurants, planes and at home,
“The whipsaw of renewed gloom from the COVID-19 Delta variant following the burst of optimism from spring vaccinations makes the current pandemic phase more grueling than past ones, psychologists say," writes Anne Marie Chaker at the Wall Street Journal.
"It’s getting harder to muster empathy or regulate our knee-jerk reactions."
Customer satisfaction is at the lowest level since 2005, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index. A poll of restaurant workers found that 80% said they either witnessed or experienced hostile behavior over virus-safety measures.
Sure enough, customers at one New York City restaurant punched a hostess last week for asking to see proof that they had been vaccinated as required.
In Framingham, an unruly patron smashed the glass door at Taqueria Mexico after being asked to leave. And just yesterday, a hospital worker in Taunton was stabbed.
Hiring bonus program still available in Newton
A reminder to Newton-based employers that your newly-hired employees, or future hires, may be eligible to receive a bonus of up to $1,000.
In order for your new employees to become eligible you must:
- Be a Newton based employer (including nonprofits) with a physical brick and mortar location in the City of Newton.
- Register your business and available job openings with MassHire Metro South/West. You can register retroactively if you’ve already made your hire(s).
- Employees hired any time after Aug. 1, 2021 may direct their hired employees to retroactively register with MassHire to determine if they qualify.
The program -- funded by the City of Newton, in partnership with MassHire Metro South/West and the chamber -- still has funds available.
Contact Devra Bailin at Newton City Hall if you have questions: 617-796-1122
Opioid epidemic rages on
While we’ve all been understandably focused on COVID-19, the opioid epidemic grinds on with few signs of improvement, according to data released by Boston Indicators.
The report shows that while opioid epidemic peaked in 2016 -- with 29.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, more than twice the national rate -- deaths in Massachusetts have held steady at historically high rates. Read the report here.
Another reason why we need vaccine passports
Want to see the Celtics or Bruins?
You’ll need to be vaccinated and wear a mask.
The just announced restrictions apply to all guest 12 and older. Masks will be required for guests 2 years of age and older, except when eating or drinking, as required by the City of Boston. Added restrictions may apply to other TD Bank events.
The arena joins theaters, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues requiring vaccines for entry.
In the spring Gov. Charlie Baker said it wasn’t the right time for the state to be talking about implementing a vaccine passport. But last last week he said he is looking at systems other states have already implemented.
Some Brookline businesses push back on tobacco ban
Brookline’s efforts to gradually phase out all legal tobacco purchases is facing a court challenge.
The owners and operators of Brookline Sunoco, One Stop Market and Commonwealth Mobil claim the town bylaw is preempted by state law and violates equal protection guarantees in the state's constitution by "arbitrarily dividing the adult population into two classes with distinctly unequal rights," WBUR reports.
Brookline's ban is likely the first in the nation to prohibit tobacco sales for all adults born after a certain date. Attorney General Maura Healey has said the Brookline ban was in line with state and federal laws.
Small biz grants for Watertown businesses
Watertown businesses that opened prior to Oct. 1, 2019 are eligible to apply -- or reapply -- for Microenterprise Funds through Mass Growth Capital Corp.
If you have previously been awarded this grant you may apply again but the total amount of funding may not exceed $25,000. Details.
Wellesley merchants reach out to students
The chamber’s Wellesley Business Alliance committee has launched a pilot program designed to encourage students to shop and dine locally through a student discount program.
Businesses in and near Wellesley can add their offer here. If the program gains traction we’ll expand it.
Other need to knows
- Is your cloth mask protecting you from COVID-19? Experts explain how you can check (WCVB)
- Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Needham is conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment to understand the unmet health needs in the community. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. For every 200 completed surveys, one name will be drawn to receive a $100 virtual Visa gift card.
- Needham restaurants, along with Needham Public Schools, will highlight healthy menu items as part of Needham Public Health’s 2nd annual "Nutritionally Needham" healthy eating week, Oct. 3-9. The program will guide residents in making nutritious choices when eating out. chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Program believes in the power of books
Over the past two years Wellesley Books has sent more than 20 boxes of new books to the Prison Book Program.
The initiative believes in the life-changing power of literature. Along with each hand-selected package, volunteers send personalized notes to each reader.
You can help by purchasing a book here. The store refreshes its wish list frequently, so check back often. Call or (781) 431-1160 or email with questions.
And that’s today’s need to knows, unless you need to know, is it marijuana or is it a crayon?
Be back tomorrow.
Greg Reibman (he, him)
President & CEO
617.244.1688
