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Yes, we have exemptions for seniors, veterans, widow, widower, blind as well as tax deferrals. We also have a work program for seniors 65 and older. All applicants must qualify under the Department of Revenue guidelines.
Yes, you may file within 30 days upon receiving your 3rd and 4th actual real estate bill.
Applicants requesting a Section 14 License cannot purchase alcoholic beverages from a package store. The alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a licensed wholesaler / importer, manufacturer, farmer-winery, farmer-brewery or special permit holder.
A separate bond shall be required for each different name under which the dealer conducts his business and for each city or town in which the dealer has a place of business.
Board of Assessor’s Office
Town Hall, 1st Floor
A Business License (Business Certificate) is obtained in the Town Clerk’s Office.
The pledge must be approved by the local licensing authority and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
The town must have a copy of the dealer’s bond or an alternative that will be accepted, such as a certificate of deposit or irrevocable letter of credit equal to the bond amount, upon submission of the application for a new license or license renewal. Failure to provide these will result in the town denying the issuance of a current-year license.
DPW Engineering Division85 Quincy AvenueBraintree, MA 02184
Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911 is the Town of Braintree’s official emergency alert and notification system. This system is used to send alerts to the public during emergencies. Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911 is a free service that allows you to sign up online to receive customized alerts via text message, email, and voice message.
In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about severe weather, safety, health, utility disruptions, major traffic incidents, and more. This service is provided by the Town of Braintree at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply.
When emergencies happen, be the first to know. The Town of Braintree uses Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911 to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions they may need to take to keep themselves and their families safe. By signing up for Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911 you are taking a large step toward improving your personal safety.
When an emergency occurs that meets the criteria for sending out an alert to the public, the Town of Braintree’s emergency dispatchers will gather the necessary information and push out an alert to the affected area. Alerts can be sent out city-wide to everyone who has opted-in to the system or to a specific area or neighborhood for more localized events.
This service is provided by the Town of Braintree at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone services.
While Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911 is an excellent system, we cannot guarantee that you will receive notification in all cases. Disasters and emergencies are chaotic and unpredictable, and notification is dependent on external providers such as your wireless carrier or email delivery service outside the Town of Braintree.
Emergency alerts are sent 24/7 when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications.
These include notifications about:
You are not able to reply to texts or emails sent by Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911. Voice messages provide a dial-back number to replay an alert message.
Once you have signed up online and confirmed your contact information within the system, you will begin receiving alerts
For information on how to change your notification preferences and contact information used by Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911 visit the Smart 911 FAQ and help desk page.
The frequency for which you receive alerts depends on the addresses you provide and the types of alerts you select to receive as well as the frequency of actual emergencies. Emergency alerts will only be sent when there is an immediate threat to life and / or property. Community notifications will be sent when the criteria for sending an alert are met.
This system is not intended to bombard you with information. The City will only send you alerts about the information you select to receive. To change your alert settings, login to the Smart911 website and edit your preferences.
No, your information is private and will not be used or distributed in any manner. The information that you provide is exempt from public disclosure and will be used for emergency purposes only.
Personal information provided to Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911 is private and only used to notify you for official Town of Braintree communications and to support the Town's emergency services.
Your information is not used for marketing purposes and will not be sold to telemarketers or data-mining organizations. A variety of "opt-in" mechanisms are available to ensure you are getting just the messages you want to receive, delivered via the devices and communications modes that you choose.
Braintree Alerts powered by Smart911 utilizes the highest standards in physical and computer security technologies and conducts regular audits to ensure all information is kept secure.
It is Braintree Emergency Management Agency, your Town’s Department of Civil Defense.
It is a Town department of an organized body of civilian trained volunteers that help the armed forces, police, and emergency services in the event of a national emergency, or a natural disaster for the protection of life and property in our community.
BEMA meets twice a week, every week to train and make sure the equipment that we have such as radio communications, lighting and generators are in working order at all times. “Trained Volunteer Ready at a Moment's Notice”.
Yes; the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which is a program that educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist their family and others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event, when professional responders are not immediately available to help.
BEMA encourages CERT members to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in our community.
Yes. Effective March 31, 2006, every residential structure that presently contains fossil fuel burning equipment or has enclosed parking shall be equipped with CO detectors by the owner or landlord.
No. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in addition to smoke detectors already in place.
One carbon monoxide detector is required on each living level of the home, including “walk up attics” (those with a staircase, not pull down stairs).
The carbon monoxide detectors must be within 10 feet of a bedroom, but not located in a bedroom unless it is an additional detector. Carbon monoxide detectors are not to be placed within 10 feet of a carbon monoxide producing appliance, ( furnace, gas stove, etc.) and also is not to be placed within 10 feet of a garage, under or attached.
The fire department doesn’t recommend any specific brand, but does recommend that the carbon monoxide detector be battery operated.
The plug in type are recommended only if the detector has battery back-up in order to function if there is a loss of power. If using a plug in type detector with battery back-up, make sure that it is not plugged into an outlet that is controlled by a wall switch. Carbon monoxide detectors with out battery back-up are not compliant with the law.
Proper location of smoke detectors differs with home style. Smoke detectors should be placed on each living level.
Additional information is available at the fire station or on the Massachusetts State website.
House numbers are covered under law along with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The house numbers must be at least 3 inches high, contrasting color to the house, clearly visible from the street, and permanently attached to the house.
The fire department does not recommend adhesive numbers, due to weather conditions adhesive numbers tend to fall off.
Outside Open Burning season begins on January 15 by permit only. Permits are available at Fire Headquarters between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Permit fee is $10 by check only payable to Town of Braintree. A complete list of rules will be given to permit holders upon receipt.
Burning is subject to weather and drought conditions* and is permitted by the department shift commander daily. Permit holders must call each day they wish to burn after 8:30 am: 781-843-3600, ext. 0.
*weather and drought conditions as well as other factors are governed by the State Department of Fire Services and subject to be changed at any time.
Copies of records can be obtained in person at the Records Division of the Braintree Police Department during normal business hours. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Records Division is located in the front lobby of the Police Station at 282 Union Street. When you enter the front door the window to Records will be on your right. Records requests can also be made via mail or email. See the Police Contact List page for the email address to Records Division clerks or contact the Records Division at 781-794-8611 for further details.
For emergencies call 911. For non-emergency crime or suspicious activity that you'd like to report, call the Braintree Police Department at 781-794-8601 and you will be guided through the menu options.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle crash, and someone was injured or there was over $1,000 of damage to either a vehicle or property, you are required to file a Motor Vehicle Crash Report to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) with a copy to the police department in which the accident occurred. Accident reports must be filed within 5 days.
Residents of the Town of Braintree can apply for a firearm license from the Chief of Police. Firearm Licensing is handled by Officer John Twohig. You may contact him with any questions. Applications are available in the Records Division or online.
Yes, cell phone calls are received and handled by the Massachusetts State Police. State Police call handlers will determine your location and transfer your phone call directly to the appropriate police agency.
The Braintree Police Department is committed to making our roads safe. You may either call in the complaint to the Traffic Division at 781-794-8764 or email your inquiry to the Traffic Division. Email requests are checked by the Traffic Division Monday through Friday.
If you have a problem with noise from a neighbor, you may call the Braintree Police Department at 781-794-8601 or 781-794-8602 for a police officer to respond to the location of the noise. The responding officer has some discretion in how to deal with the noise complaint.
Find information about the seat belt law on the Children's Seat Belt Law page.
You can go to the Braintree Police Department and request information. You must be at least 18 years of age, present a valid form of identification and complete a Sex Offender Information Request Form. You will be provided with a dissemination sheet regarding Level 2 and Level 3 Sex Offenders. Level 1 offender information is not made available to the public and they are only required to register once a year via the mail to the Sex Offender Registry Board. The Braintree Police Department does have information on all Level 1 Sex Offenders that work or live in Braintree.
Sex offenders are categorized into three levels.
You can contact the Athletic Department at 781-848-4000, go onto our website at Braintree Schools and go onto the BHS Athletics link.
Transportation fee and Athletic fee letters are mailed out to current students and their families during the summer months prior to the start of school which outlines the fees. Questions and / or payments can be addressed at the Business Office in the Administration building at 781-794-8485.
Your child will have a monthly newsletter that will outline upcoming events for the month or you could go onto the Braintree Public Schools website at Braintree Schools and under schools you can link to your home school.
Brochures are mailed out at the start of the school year from the Director of Continuing Education. You can also access this information via our website at Braintree Schools and link onto Adult Education.
Go to the Braintree Public Schools website at Braintree Schools and link onto Curriculum and Instruction.
Requests to apply for Free and Reduced lunches are made directly through Sarah Coughlin, Food Services Coordinator for the Braintree Public Schools. Please email Sarah Coughlin. . The forms are also available on the school’s website.
The Director of the Special Services Department is Jeffrey Rubin. He can be reached at 781-848-4000, ext. 7620.
You need to contact the school that you are assigned to based on your address. The secretary can assist you in getting the application packet out to you and answering any questions. If you do not know which school your child will attend, please call the administration offices at 781-794-8476.
You can contact the Transportation Department at 781-380-0728. The bus stop listing is located on our website. There are also alternate bus routes for snow purposes listed. The Braintree Forum publishes the bus stop listing 2 weeks prior to the start of school.
The following forms /documents are available on our website for downloading:
There is a yearly calendar that is published in the school newsletters from each school and on our school website. Please refer to the website for the most current school year calendar.
The Homework Policy is broken down by Elementary School, Middle School and High School. The full policy can be found on the website.
Beyond new construction or interior alterations or additions, a building permit is required for such projects including but not limited to roofing, siding, new or replacement windows and doors, decks, porches, pools, dormers, sheds, garages, walls, and changes in grade. A good rule to follow is that if you are unsure to contact the Building Division at 781-794-8070.
Under the State Building Code (780 CMR), it is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain the building permit if the property is between a one to four family, owner-occupied structure. This does not prohibit a property owner from obtaining their own building permit and acting as their own contractor. It should be noted, however, that persons obtaining their own permit are not eligible for recourse due to poor workmanship, contract issues or the like under the State Home Improvement Contractor Program. Additionally, liability for the accidents involving persons working under the direction of a homeowner during construction could be the responsibility of the homeowner regardless of other existing insurance policies.
Yes, it is the law for work valued at over $1,000. The contract should be as explicit as possible in order to remove any doubt as to what the contractors responsibilities will be and whom will be responsible for what costs (i.e. permits, material) Please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety, Sample Contract (PDF).
View the fee schedule (PDF) that lists all permit fees.
Depending on the type of work involved, review periods vary. Please contact the department for more specific information.
As with any waiver of this kind, should damage to your property occur as a result of improper wiring, recourse to pay for such damage could take far longer and be substantially more difficult for the homeowner. As such this department suggests that homeowners not sign this waiver.
No, Massachusetts General Law requires a licensed plumber / gas fitter to obtain all required permits and perform all work described on such permit. However, there are certain exceptions to the requirement for a plumbing permit that homeowners may perform. A plumbing permit is not required for the repair of leaks in a faucet, valve or other working part of a plumbing fixture or the clearing of a clog in a pipe.
Yes, any size shed requires a permit.
Setback Requirements: The shed must be set back 5 feet on both sides and rear, and 20 feet from the street. A shed cannot be placed in a front yard.
Foundation Requirements: A shed of light frame construction, up to 600 sq. ft in area, does not require a foundation with frost protection.
1. Is a plot plan required? - If the work involves a new structure or an addition to an existing structure (including a vertical addition), a plot plan is required.
2. I have a mortgage plan that was given to me by the bank when I purchased the property. Can this be used? - The purpose of a plot plan is for determination of compliance with dimensional controls of the Zoning Ordinances. A mortgage plan is only a rough approximation of where the house is located, and was prepared only for mortgage purposes. Due to the inaccuracy of these plans, they can only be used if the project involves non-permanent structures such as an above ground pool or a shed where no change in grade is proposed.
3. Can I prepare my own plot plan if I am certain where my property line is? - No. Plot plans can only be prepared by a Registered Land Surveyor, and must bear that person’s stamp.
4. What if I have over 100 feet to my property line and it is obvious that I will not be anywhere near the required setbacks? - A stamped plot plan is still required. There may be easements, wetlands or other restrictions that the homeowner is not aware of and will only be shown on a stamped plot plan.
5. What information is required on a plot plan? - The surveyor will know the procedure for preparing a plot plan and the information required. Setbacks to all structures must be shown. If any structure is to be demolished, its location must be shown. Also, any easements must be indicated on the plan. Any new driveway must have setback from the property line and its slope shown on the plan. Trees with a diameter of 8" or more must be shown, and grades (before and after construction), must be shown. Some of these requirements may be waived if the work is of a minor nature.
6. If I have a plot plan, can I draw my addition on it? - No.
7. If I don’t have a plot plan, where can I get one? - Mortgage plans can sometimes be obtained from the bank. In addition, the Department of Municipal Licenses & Inspections has plans on file for many properties in the town. If available, these may be acceptable. Otherwise, you must contact a Registered Land Surveyor to prepare a plan for you.
8. Can the town recommend a surveyor? - No. We suggest that you use one that is familiar with the area, and also shop around because the cost can vary greatly.
9. How much is a plot plan? - You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a simple job to a few thousand dollars for more complex jobs. There are too many variables to give an accurate estimate. This amount should be considered when you are estimating the cost of your project.
10. How does the Department of Municipal Inspections know if the structure was placed in the proposed location? - For all new houses, a certified "as-built" plot plan must be submitted to the Department of Municipal Inspections after completion of the foundation. Framing cannot proceed until the plot plan is submitted.
Yes. State Building Code defines a swimming pool as any structure that contains water over 24 inches (610mm) in depth and which is used, or intended to be used, for swimming or recreational bathing.
Setback Requirements for a swimming pool: A swimming pool must be set back a minimum of 10 feet to the water line from the side and rear lines, and 20 feet from any street line. Swimming pools are not allowed in front yards.
Fence Requirements: Swimming pools must have a fence at least 4 feet high (for a residential pool), with a self closing and self-latching gate. If the wall of the house serves as part of the enclosure, any doors leading from the house to the pool must be alarmed.
Building permits are only required for fences over seven feet in height. Fences over seven feet in height, in addition to a building permit, require the approval of the Town’s Fence Viewer to ensure that the fence will not cause a dangerous or detrimental situation to abutting properties. The Town does not prescribe which side of the fence must face a neighbor, and fences may be placed up to the property line, although it is recommended that individuals maintain a minimum of a one foot offset from property lines so as to be able to maintain both sides of a fence without trespassing onto an abutting property. Additionally, if the boundary line is not known or not otherwise clearly defined, it is recommended that individuals engage the assistance of a Registered Land Surveyor to determine the location of such lot lines.
1. What if my project makes it impossible to comply with a provision in the building code? - The Department of Municipal Licenses does not have the authority to waive a requirement of the building code. If code compliance is not possible due to a unique situation, a variance must be obtained from the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
2. How do I obtain a variance? - Applications are available in the Department of Municipal Licenses or at the State Department of Public Safety. It is a lengthy process so allow ample time in your project scheduling.
3. What if something is not covered in the building code? - In that unlikely situation, the building inspector has the authority to approve or disapprove the proposed method of construction.
4. What if I don’t agree with a decision of the inspector? - If the disagreement cannot be resolved, an appeal can be filed with the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards, using the same application for a variance.
Matters involving disputes over property lines can only be handled by the County Land Court. A suggestion which is often made is to have your property surveyed by a Registered Land Surveyor, and if your concerns are confirmed, contact your neighbor and relay this information. If matters cannot be resolved through such dialogue you may consider legal action through a filing with the Norfolk County Land Court.
While churches and public/private schools are allowed in residential districts, the only business allowed to be operated from a residence is a home day care.
The information is not available at this time. The tax rate is set in December of each year.
If you come into our office our staff can assist you in providing this information.
Treasurer / Collector Office
1 John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive
Braintree, MA 02184
The money collected is put in the General Fund and is used to provide services to the residents of Braintree.
All checks are to made payable to the Town of Braintree.
The fee set for the trash bill is based on the cost of providing curbside pickup and disposing it at the transfer station. As a Braintree resident, you have a choice of optioning out of curbside pickup. To do so, you will need to provide proof, such as a contract or paid bill, that your household trash is being picked up by a private contractor. If you come into our office our staff can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork.
Yes, please click here to pay your ticket online.
The Department does not recommend Land Surveyors or Professional Engineers. However, you are welcome to look through our application files which contain contact information for these professionals. In addition, the Inspections Division maintains a list of Land Surveyors.
The Department Staff will review the Flood Insurance Rate Maps generated by FEMA and determine whether or not your property is within the floodplain. Based on your Floodplain designation and the proposed project the Department Staff will advise you as to what local permits from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission are required.
The Conservation Staff is available to make a site visit to determine the presence of jurisdictional wetland areas and advise you as to permitting requirements and processes. Generally work within 100 feet of a wetland and 200 feet of a perennial river will require Conservation Commission review. Staff is available to assist.
Please call the Department of Planning and Community Development 781-794-8230 for staff assistance.
The Zoning Bylaw may be purchased for $20 at the Town’s Clerk office in Town Hall. In addition, you can visit the Planning Board where the Zoning Ordinance can be viewed or downloaded in PDF format by Article.
The Department charges a nominal fee for copying ($.20 a page). A full size plan sheet is currently $5 per copy. If a request for documentation requires staff time to research and compile, the charge will be the hourly rate of the administrative staff based on the number of hours required.
The Conservation Commission typically meets on the second and fourth Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Please check the Conservation Commission page for the current meeting schedule.
The Department keeps only plans approved by the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. If the property in question was part of an application submitted for review there may be a plan on file. Residents are urged to inquire to Planning and Community Development.
Call the Department of Elder Affairs at 781-848-1963 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to reserve a ride.
The transportation service starts when the Department of Elder Affairs opens at 8:30 a.m. The earliest pick up is at 8:45 a.m. The latest appt. can be scheduled up until 1:30pm.
If you know of someone who may need help, and you are unsure what to do about it, please call the Outreach program at 781-848-1963 at the Department of Elder Affairs. Every situation is treated respectfully and remains confidential. We will attempt to contact the person in need and assist them with obtaining services that will help them remain safely in their own homes. We will contact appropriate agencies and resources on their behalf.
The Department of Elder Affairs has an equipment loan program. We accept donations of gently used or new medical equipment which we then loan out on an as needed basis. When someone doesn’t need the equipment anymore, we ask that it be cleaned and returned to us so someone else can benefit from it. We have a short loan information form to be filled out when the equipment is picked up.
Absolutely. That is what we are here for. Please call the Department of Elder Affairs at 781-848-1963 and ask for the Outreach program. We can work with you to help your parents. It is often tricky dealing with a family situation such as yours, but if the issues are approached with sensitivity, positive changes can be effected which will help both you and your parents.
Braintree has many options for seniors who sell their homes. The Braintree Housing Authority manages senior only and mixed family unit developments in town. Their telephone number is 781-848-1484 for more information. There is also the option of assisted living facilities. If one’s ability to care for themselves is declining, local nursing homes may be considered. For a more complete listing of housing options in the South Shore area you can call South Shore Elder Services Inc., at 781-848-3910. Ask for their Information and Referral department.
The Department of Elder Affairs vans go to Braintree and the surrounding South Shore towns of:
Rides into Boston may be available through our MAP program.
We have many different positions available. Some of the positions are:
Let us know what your expertise is and we are sure we can find a volunteer position to match your skills.
We ask our volunteers what hours, days, and times they are available and we work closely with them to accommodate their schedules. You can volunteer from one hour to 100 hours a month or year…it’s your choice! You could also possibly start new activities that would utilize your skills and knowledge. We are always open to new suggestions and ideas. Come check us out!
The Board of Health are residents of Braintree, who are appointed to a term of office and are given the legal authority to set policies and make regulations to protect the public and environmental health.
The employees of the Health Division are responsible for the daily operation of the Division.
Typically, two times a year, with higher risk establishments, such as nursing homes, school cafeterias, daycare kitchen facilities, being conducted more often. Lower risk establishments, such as a package store are conducted once a year.
When handling ready-to-eat foods, such as a sandwich, cooked pizza, donuts, no bare hand contact is required. No bare hand contact can be accomplished with the use of utensils, waxed paper or single service gloves.
No, bake sales are exempt, as long as food items are not potentially hazardous and are individually wrapped. However, temporary food events opened to the public do require permits.
First, contact your health care provider. Second, contact the local health division and provide as much information as possible regarding the suspected illness to better assist the division with undertaking an investigation.
No. Anonymous complaints are accepted and investigated.
The Health Division offers free seasonal flu immunizations to residents that are 18 years of age and older.
No. The Health Division does not retain childhood immunization records. We recommend contacting the child’s pediatrician for that information.
The Health Division does accept SHARPS needles for disposal, during normal office operating hours, in an approved SHARPS container for a nominal fee.
Yes. Public bathing beach water is tested at least once a week during the beach season, which is normally June through August.
A completed application with applicable permit fee must be submitted to the Health Division, at which time a site inspection is scheduled. Prior to issuance of a permit to install a well, application documentation and site inspection findings are reviewed for compliance with regulations.
The State Housing Code requires that the heating system be capable of maintaining the temperature daily at 68 degrees from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and 64 degrees from 11:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. during the heating season.
We generally post vacancies under Job Opportunities on this website as well as on the Human Resources Department bulletin board.
The Mayor acts as the Chief Executive Officer of the town government; therefore, the Mayor oversees the town's daily operations as well as other municipal departments. The Mayor also represents the Town of Braintree in intergovernmental relations.
The Mayor is an elected official and serves a four year term.
The Mayor's Office is located at 1 John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive, Braintree, MA 02184 on the second floor of Town Hall.
All requests must be made in writing at least two weeks in advance of the event. Please include the name of the event, sponsoring organization and logistics of the event (date/time/location). Also, include RSVP deadline information, as well as the phone number of a contact person in case of further questions. The Mayor's Office will reply back to you by telephone or letter at their earliest convenience.
You can visit the Parking Ticket Appeal Process page on the Town Website to learn how to dispute a parking ticket.
For missed pickups please contact Sunrise Scavenger directly at 617-361-8000. For more information on our trash/recycling programs, visit the Curbside Collection Services page on the Town Website.
You can download the Commonwealth Connect app on your mobile device and report the issue there.
For questions on your excise bill or tax bill, you can visit the Collector page on the Town Website or contact the Treasurer/Collector office at 781-794-8130.
Please fill out the Special Event Application (PDF) and return it to the Mayor's Office at Town Hall.
You can fill out the Constable Application (PDF) and return it to the Mayor's Office at Town Hall.
Note: at the present time, no new appointments are being made.
You can fill out the Yard Sale Permit (PDF) and bring to the Mayor's Office at Town Hall.
Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD) is a municipal electric utility providing low-cost and reliable electric service to the Town of Braintree. You can contact BELD at 781-348-BELD (2353) and learn more at their website. The Water & Sewer department can be reached at 781-843-8097 or you can visit their web page.
You can contact the Braintree Public Schools at 781-380-0130. To learn more about Braintree Public Schools, visit their website at https://www.braintreeschools.org/.
Curbside collection day depends on what street you live on. Refer to the Town of Braintree Street Listing (PDF) to find out what day your trash will be collected. If you missed pickup - call Sunrise Scavenger directly at 617-361-8000.
The 2018 dog licensing period will run from April 1 until June 30. All renewal requests either in person, by mail or online, must be submitted by this time to avoid a late fee. The licenses will be valid from April 1, 2018, through March 31, 2019. Beginning April 1, 2018, you can also register your dog online for the current licensing period. Use Braintree's Online Dog Licensing System to license or register your dog.
Beyond new construction or interior alterations or additions, a building permit is required for such projects including but not limited to roofing, siding, new or replacement windows and doors, decks, porches, pools, dormers, sheds, garages, walls, and changes in grade. A good rule to follow is that if you are unsure to contact the Building Division at 781-794-8070. View a digital
Residential Building Permit Application (PDF).
Thayer Public Library is the local library and located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184.
For more information on the library and its hours you can visit their website at http://www.thayerpubliclibrary.org/.
Most licenses and certificates can be issued by the Town Clerk's Office. You can contact the Town Clerk's Office at 781-794-8240.
You can find all information on voting at our Voter Information page.
You can find out what items are recyclable at our Recycling Information page.
The Department keeps all plans approved by the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. If the property in question was part of an application submitted for review there may be a plan on file.
The Planning Staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to meet with anyone interested in discussing a potential project, the permitting process and / or the requirements for application submittal. It would be prudent to call and schedule an appointment to ensure staff will be in the office when you would like to come by.
There are two kinds of applications heard by the Planning Board: those necessitating publication of a legal notice and those which do not. If an application is submitted in a timely manner and does not require a Public Hearing, it may be placed on the Planning Board’s next agenda.
If an application must be heard by Public Hearing, it could be between 30 and 45 days from submission of application to being scheduled as an agenda item. Obviously, scheduling is dependent on current project load.
The Department charges a nominal fee for copying ($0.20 a page). A full size plan sheet is currently $5 per copy. If a request for documentation requires staff time to research and compile, the charge will be the hourly rate of the administrative staff based on the number of hours required.
The Planning Board has scheduled meetings for 2010 on the second Tuesday of each month (7:00 PM) in the Town Hall (Cahill Auditorium). View the Planning Board page for the schedule of meetings, which can be downloaded in PDF format, and the current agenda.
Town records and aerial photos can be examined to see approximately where property lines fall with respect to visible features. This will give a rough idea. If a definitive answer is needed a surveyor must be engaged by the resident. The Town does not survey private property. The information examined may be helpful in describing the potential survey site to the surveyor. The Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers website may be of some assistance in selecting a surveyor.
Fences are normally erected on or immediately adjacent to property lines. Since property lines are precisely defined and are most often invisible, it is essential that the location of property lines be identified by a Registered Professional Land Surveyor.
Calls to the Highway and Grounds Division and to the Planning/Community Development Department (which includes “Conservation”) are often referred to the Engineering Division for determination of “public” or “private.” Some instances can be determined in-office from records and the town-wide Geographical Information System, but some require field investigation. Response time depends on weather conditions and workload, but answers are normally delivered within a couple of days. If the tree is within Town property it cannot be removed without the approval of the tree warden. Healthy trees are generally not removed. Trees with unhealthy limbs will be prioritized by the tree warden for pruning. Dead trees will be prioritized by the tree warden for removal. If the tree is mostly or entirely on private property, its removal or trimming is not the Town’s responsibility.
The status of a “way” must be addressed on a case-by-case basis, but in most cases a way that was laid out as a street but never constructed (often referred to as a “paper street” because it shows up on plans but does not appear on the ground to be a street) is not even owned by the Town. Unless they were specifically laid out or accepted as public ways by Town Meeting (or more recently by the Mayor and Council) they were probably created years ago when an owner of a large tract of land divided the land up into lots and streets, then sold off the lots without ever retaining a specific deed to the streets. Many of the streets were constructed and became public ways or were left private ways open to public travel. To resolve the issue of ownership of undeeded private ways, the State Legislature passed laws that essentially say that an undeeded private way is owned to the centerline by the abutters but cannot be altered to prevent it’s use for roadway purposes. The laws pertain to the unconstructed ways as well. So the answer in many cases is that you already own to the center of the street, but you can’t do anything on the property that would prevent it from being used for roadway purposes. The way to eliminate those restrictions on the property is a long and expensive process through the Massachusetts Land Court where the court will require that others with rights to use the land for roadway purposes be identified and that the court be satisfied that they no longer need those rights.
To report a pothole please report it on Commonwealth Connect by visiting this link: Commonwealth Connect
Rental of Daughraty Gym involves filling out facility use permit, providing certificate of insurance or waiver of liability for the town on space available basis.
Department makes available and delivers through local schools in May each Spring brochures explaining programming contact individuals and how to sign up for any activity available to Braintree families.
First come basis is how registrations or enrollments are handled.
New programming ideas are always welcomed at the Recreation/Community Events Office at any time.
The department employs nearly 80 summer, seasonal employees with hiring preference given first to current college age applicants, then high school graduating seniors before high school underclassmen are considered. Applications are available a the office beginning April 1 each Spring.
Sign ups for youth sports programs are handled by each individual program and usually held months in advance of the program; i.e., for Babe Ruth baseball, sign ups are held in the Fall for the ensuing Spring. Call our office for further information at 781-794-8901 or view a listing of all town youth leagues websites on the Braintree Resources page.
Call CAPITOL WASTE AT 617-569-1718
Call Capitol Waste Services at 617-569-1718 at least one week in advance. You will be scheduled for collection at that time. Mattresses must be in a plastic bag (box spring bagging optional but helpful). Bags are available for $5. at Town Hall, Treasurer's Office, Water and Sewer Department, 85 Quincy Ave and Richmond Hardware, So. Braintree Square.
Two pieces are allowed out for collection per week. Call Capitol Waste at 617-569-1718 to schedule pickup.
Only if cut into 4 ft. lengths and bundled/tied...Up to 3 bundles per week. NO WOOD IS ALLOWED IN CARTS. Pallets are not collected curbside or at the Recycle Center Dropoff.
Only if in securely fastened paper bags and dropped off at the Recycling Center at 257 Ivory Street (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 7:15am-2:45pm & Sat 7:15-noon)
Bring to the Rotary Club Electronics Collection. You can also take TVs/Electronics to Best Buy or McConnell Enterprises, both in Braintree.
Compost Bin Purchases – Available to Braintree Residents Only - Only allowed 2 per year per address
Compost bins can be purchased at Treasurer/Collector’s Office, 1 JFK Memorial Drive, Braintree, MA 02184. The Treasurer/Collector’s Office will process your request and the Compost Bin will be delivered to your residence. Beginning April 3, 2023 the Compost Bins will cost $35.
Construction & Demolition Bulky Waste
Construction and Demolition bulky waste, is not picked up curbside and not accepted at the Residential drop-off center. Construction and Demolition (C&D) includes: windows, doors, flooring, roof materials, fencing, pallets, toilets, etc. - ANY NON-Household trash item per new MA Dept. of Environmental Protection Regulations. Construction and Demolition bulky waste including pressure treated wood, may be brought to:
*....Call to Confirm Cost & Hours
CONCRETE BLOCKS, BRICKS, STONE, ETC.:
TLC 36 Vernon Street, Quincy 617-773-0055
A member must be employed by the Town of Braintree or Braintree Housing Authority for 20 or more hours per week.
No. As an active member of this Defined Benefit System, your funds must remain on deposit until separation from service.
As long as you remain eligible for membership, you must contribute the required statutory amount. As an employee of the Commonwealth, you do not contribute to Social Security; therefore, you are required to contribute to this retirement fund.
Absolutely! Please contact our office and complete a change of name or address form, and you may want to add your new spouse as a beneficiary as well. Please see our Reports, Forms, and Applications page for applicable forms.
This depends. When you complete your application for Braintree Retirement Membership, the form requires you to identify any prior Massachusetts public employment. If your funds remain on deposit with another political subdivision, those funds and creditable service shall transfer over to our system. If you have taken a refund, then you may be able to purchase this service time back. Please visit or call the office for more details.
Inquiries regarding retirement are confidential until you submit your Application for Retirement. This document is a public record, and after this is signed by you, this office notifies your employer that you have made application for retirement.
Your retirement allowance will last throughout your lifetime. Please bear in mind that the option you choose at the time of retirement will determine whether or not you leave a survivor benefit. All options will be discussed at length upon making an appointment with the Retirement Office.
This office recommends visiting the Social Security Office prior to Retirement if you also qualify to receive a Social Security benefit. You most likely will be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), and you will want to know how that will affect your Social Security Benefit. For more information on WEP visit the Social Security website.
Your pension allowance is a defined benefit based on three factors. Your age at the time of retirement, your years of creditable service, and your high three consecutive years’ salary. The Retirement office will calculate estimates for you upon request, and can explain the actual factors used in determining the benefit.
You should notify the Retirement Office of any change in status so that we can keep your data current, and in the event we have important news to share with you, we know how to reach you. This typically becomes an issue around tax time. We want to be sure that you receive your 1099.
Any person, whether individually or as a partnership, conducting business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner(s). Any corporation doing business in a name other than its corporate name.
File with the Town Clerk, either in person or by mail, in every city or town where an office of said business may be situated.
Upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business or in the case of a change or residence of such person or of the location where the business is conducted, a form must be filed with the office of the Town Clerk. A change of business name requires a new business certificate and the discontinuance of the old business name. A Business Certificate Amendment Form (PDF) can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours.
A business certificate is in full force and effect for four (4) years from the date of issue. A new filing must be made every four years as long as the business is being conducted.
No. However, you must provide a copy upon request.
Business Certificate Application Form (PDF) is only required for any business when first applying for a business certificate. Multiple departments are required to sign off on the application before processing it at the Clerk's Office.
Business Certificate - Renewals/Notarized Form (PDF) is used for all business certificates renewals and when all owners are unable to sign the certificate in the presences of the Town Clerks Office, in which case all owners must have their signatures notarized. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope, check or money order payable to the Town of Braintree along with the notarized business certificate. A registered copy of the Business Certificate will be returned to you.
Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part. Exemptions may be found at Chapter 4, Section 7(26) of the Massachusetts General Laws. For more information visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.
A public records request is a request to either inspect, and/or copy, public records. There is no requirement that the request be made in person or in writing, or be in any particular form. The person making the request is not required to identify himself/herself, or to provide information about the reason for the request or how the records will be used.
The request must be clear enough to enable the Town to conduct a meaningful search. The Town may ask questions about the request in order to respond to the request fully and in a timely manner. The State acknowledges that access to information is a fundamental and necessary right of every citizen.
Certain public records are available for inspection, downloading or printing from the Town website. To view public records currently maintained by the Town online visit the Document Center, Archive Center, Bid Postings or Agenda Center.
To obtain a copy and/or inspect public records maintained by the Town, you may submit your request in anyone of the following ways:
The Records Access Officer must furnish a copy or permit inspection of public records within ten business days as long as:
If the Records Access Officer is unable to provide a full response to your request within the ten business days he or she must respond to your request and include the following information:
*Responses will be delivered by email if an email has been provided otherwise; the response will be delivered by first-class mail.
For 2023, there are two scheduled elections:
*Braintree Charter - Section 7-3(c) Condition making preliminary unnecessary — If at the expiration of time for filing statements of mayoral candidates to be voted upon at any preliminary election, not more than 2 statements have been filed with the town clerk for the office of mayor, the candidates whose statements have been filed with the town clerk shall be considered to have been nominated to the office, and their names shall be voted upon for this office at the succeeding regular town election.
Scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th - Polls are open from 7:00am until 8:00pm.
The following races will appear on the ballot:
Mayor - Councilor-at-large - District Council (one for each of the six districts) - School Committee - Library Trustee -- Electric Light Board - Housing Authority.
Nomination papers are now available at the Town Clerk's Office through September 15th at 5:00pm
Voter Registration Deadline: Friday, October 27, 2023 - 5:00pm (last day at town hall - Town Clerk's Office will remain open after 1:00pm) Saturday, October 28, 2023 - 5:00pm (online only - click following link: Registering to Vote (state.ma.us)
Click the following link and register to vote on line Elections Division (state.ma.us) or, to register in-person, visit the Office of the Town Clerk - 1st Floor, Braintree Town Hall.
You can find information on how to register to vote on the Elections Division (state.ma.us) .
The deadline for applying for an absentee ballot for the two elections to be held in 2023 are:
by mail in-person
*Local Primary Election: Sep 9th - 5:00pm Sep 18th - Noon
Local General Election: Oct 28th - 5:00pm Nov 6th - Noon
Use the following link to obtain additional information on absentee voting Elections Division (state.ma.us)
*Braintree Charter - Section 7-3(c ): Condition Making Preliminary Election Unnecessary – If at the expiration of time for filing statements of mayoral candidates to be voted upon at any preliminary election, not more than 2 statements have been filed with the town clerk for the office of mayor, the candidates whose statements have been filed with the town clerk shall be considered to have been nominated to the office, and their names shall be voted upon for this office at the succeeding regular town election.
Beginning January 3, 2023 you can begin to apply for an absentee ballot.
Visit the town clerk’s office to complete an application.
Find more information about absentee ballots on the Elections Division (state.ma.us)
Use the following link Elections Division (state.ma.us) for information on running for state office.
If you are considering to run for public office visit the Massachusetts Office of Campaign Finance at the following link OCPF - Welcome to the OCPF Home Page, then click the "Getting Started" tab to help guide you in setting up a campaign committee.
Find out where you vote on the Elections Division (state.ma.us) website or, using your mobile device, click qrcode and scan with your camera.
Find out which voter precinct you live in on the Elections Division (state.ma.us) website. or, using your mobile device click qrcode and scan with your camera.
All voter center locations are open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
To find out who your federal and state elected officials. click on this link - Elections Division (state.ma.us)
To find out who your local elected officials, click - Local Elected Officials 2022-2023
You can find information on the Elections Division (state.ma.us) website.
Yes, If you are a registered voter we need your signature with your new address information. Town Clerk


The Solar Walk iPad app is designed to put the entire Universe at the user's fingertips through detailed 3D graphics and touch screen technology to pan and zoom in and around planets and stars.
Users can explore everything from Earth and its satellites to the moon, all the planets in the solar system and far beyond deep into the entire Universe.
The planets appear exactly how they would in real-time with the proper portions illuminated by the sun.
Michael Tchao, an expert on Apple's products said, "one of the great things about Sola Walk is being able to see the scale of the Universe around us."
"It's a beautiful way to learn about our Universe," he added.
The Solar Walk app is available to download from Apple for £1.99.


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Is the mummy based on a true story?
“Most of this movie is based on real myths and real legends even though it's a story about a 3,000-year-old walking, talking corpse,” claimed director Stephen Sommers of the first campy film in the series. The story hinges on the unintentionally awakened shape shifting creature that summons the 'ten plagues of Egypt'.
Who was Imhotep's wife?
Did pharaohs bury their wives with them?
The women buried in the tombs were most probably servants, concubines and wives. Unfortunately, we know very little about the lives of the sacrificed retainers. It remains an obstacle to uncovering why the practice was discontinued in Early Dynastic Egypt.
Who killed Horus?
After the battle, the warship was won back by the forces of Chaos led by Ezekyle Abaddon, Captain of the 1st Company. Abaddon found Horus's body and ordered the retreat into the Eye of Terror. The body of Horus is said to have been put on display in a temple, the Sons of Horus revering the Warmaster even in death.
Did Isis marry Horus?
Isis was loved by ancient Egyptians for her fierce devotion to her husband Osiris and her son Horus.
Who was Horus The God of?
Horus, Egyptian Hor, Har, Her, or Heru, in ancient Egyptian religion, a god in the form of a falcon whose right eye was the sun or morning star, representing power and quintessence, and whose left eye was the moon or evening star, representing healing.
How did Horus lose his eye?
Eye of Horus, in ancient Egypt, symbol representing protection, health, and restoration. ... According to Egyptian myth, Horus lost his left eye in a struggle with Seth. The eye was magically restored by Hathor, and this restoration came to symbolize the process of making whole and healing.
Is Eye of Ra evil?
Ra, the Egyptian god of the Sun, had two eyes: the Sun and the Moon themselves. The solar eye ("Eye of Ra ") represents Ra's destructive side, the heat of the Sun, as well his power to vanquish evil beings, such as the mythological Apep.
Why is the Eye of Horus evil?
It was believed by the Greeks and Romans that an evil heart could get to the eye. The thought-to-be-powerful effects of eyes and optics created the myth that the energy-producing power of the eye had the ability to cast evil spells with just a glance.
What happened to the Eye of Horus?
During the battle, Horus lost his left eye, but was restored by Khunsu, the god of youth and moon. His right eye came to represent the sun, and the left eye, the moon, which covered most of the “sky” part of his title. ... As the eye was “magically” restored, it became the symbol of healing and sacrifice.
- What is the meaning of vesicle?
- What Pharaohs are mentioned in the Bible?
- Does Egyptian history mention Joseph?
- Why was the book of the dead so important?
- Can you name 5 game rules?
- Why did they replace Rachel Weisz in The Mummy?
- Why are the noses missing from statues?
- Who is the famous Upper Egyptian king?
- What board games did they play in ancient Egypt?
- How much is Ini Edo worth?
You will be interested
- Who made the first pyramid in Egypt?
- Why are European buildings so old?
- What did pharaohs write on?
- How long did Djoser live for?
- What does Egypt mean in English?
- What is the full Hippocratic oath?
- Is imhotep a good game?
- Who played Pharaoh in the mummy?
- Who was Imhotep married to?
- What is the forgotten Zodiac?

domain: library


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The next-generation of video gaming is almost upon us and the UK retailer GAME is trying to help ease gamers into next-gen by offering customers a guaranteed £40 trade-in when they upgrade their current gen copies of Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4 and FIFA 14. The offer is valid when you are trading in a version of the game for the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 against the price of a copy of the same game on the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
For example, if you had a Call of Duty: Ghosts for the Xbox 360 and wanted to trade it in to get £40 off a copy of the same game on the Xbox One and you would only have to pay £10 difference as the next-gen version costs £49.99. Battlefield 4 and FIFA 14 are similar priced but it is worth nothing that the offer is only available in-store according to the small print.
So are you interested in this offer or do you think that it is worth just waiting and buying the next-gen version when it is released? Please let us know in the comments below.

domain: entertainment


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Crop Diseases: Types, Control, And Prevention
Plant diseases are a severe threat to the entire production. Therefore, it is essential for farmers to effectively deal with them and check them with the help of timely prevention. Depending on the agricultural area size, this task can be difficult, especially since the list of harmful crop diseases is quite impressive. Modern technologies come to the aid of farmers. EOSDA Crop Monitoring allows you to identify dangerous areas and apply an individual approach to yield treatment, significantly increasing disease control effectiveness.
Types Of Crop Diseases & Their Causal Agents
Traditionally, there are several types of crop disease: abiotic (also known as non-infectious) and biotic (infectious).
Unfavorable environmental conditions often generate non-communicable diseases. Examples are low or high temperature, excess, or lack of moisture. Also, diseases are usually caused by harmful impurities in the air. They can accumulate due to the presence of nearby chemical or metallurgical plants. Usually, the unhealthy physicochemical composition of the soil is the disease source. The latter factor is often the result of poor-quality treatment of fields with some herbicides. These examples prove the importance of sustainable agriculture not only for protecting the environment but also for a profitable business.
Even an unfavorable light regime can cause negative consequences, especially for plants produced in greenhouses. Toxins that some embryophytes (higher plants) and fungi release into the soil can also be causal agents of crop diseases.
As the crop disease triangle shows, а disease will take place if there is a crop susceptible to a certain pathogen agent and the conditions are favorable for a disease to spread.
The plant must be a pathogen’s host, meaning that pathogens don’t attack non-host plants. For example, Pseudomonas syringae pv. Glycinea threatens growing soybeans causing bacterial blight, while bacterial leaf spot on peppers and tomatoes occurs due to Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria infections. It should be mentioned that healthy crops, as well as resistant cultivars and pre-treated seeds, are less susceptible to crop diseases.
We will consider relevant crop diseases and their causative agents in the following sections.
Crop Diseases Caused By Bacteria
Among the most common infections in agriculture are crop diseases caused by bacteria. In this regard, the prevention and control of this kind of disease are pretty tricky.
To infect the causal agent needs to get into the culture’s tissue. It occurs mainly through damaged areas, such as caused by agricultural tools, insects (fleas), or simply unfavorable weather conditions (dust, wind, heavy rain). But bacteria can also infect plants through natural holes or glands (for example, which secrete nectar).
Another feature of bacterial crop diseases is that causal agents, once in a plant or soil, can remain dormant for a long time until favorable conditions arise for them. First of all, significant temperature fluctuations and high levels of humidity act as catalysts for bacterial activity.
Symptoms Of Bacterial Crop Diseases
The main bacterial disease indications include vascular wilting, necrosis, soft rot and tumor.
Although this type of plant disease can be identified due to its pronounced symptoms, identifying a specific causal agent requires laboratory methods.
Common Bacterial Diseases
As noted earlier, due to a huge number of bacteria, there are many disease types. Here are some examples of the most common diseases of crop plants:
- Granville wilt exposes itself in growth retardation, wilting of the high culture’s part, and the death of roots.
- Fire blight symptoms include necrotic weeping ulcers, wilting and rolling of leaves, while the dried parts of a plant do not fall off.
- Wildfire of tobacco is widespread in the world and shows itself as yellowish-green spots on leaves.
- Blight of beans affects leafage with yellow-greenish spots, either localized or systemic. The discolored parts may turn necrotic.
- Aster yellows can be noticed on most vegetables and weeds through malformations and chlorosis.
Measures of Bacterial Disease Control
It is complicated to control bacterial diseases of crop plants for several reasons: high spreading rate and protection from exposure to chemicals due to being inside the plants. Preventive measures may include using pathogen-free seeds produced in drought-prone regions, hot water for seed treatment, soil solarization, control of plant diseases with germicidal compounds of seeds.
Also, crop diseases can be prevented by spraying. Of course, sanitary measures are imperative, which include weed control, sterilization of tools, proper waste disposal, and avoidance of cultivation under conditions when leaves are wet.
Crop Diseases Caused By Fungi
Pathogenic fungi are the most typical agricultural problem. According to research, this plant disease type destroys about a third of all food crops every year. In this regard, this problem is severe both from a humanitarian and economic point of view. Like bacterial crop diseases, these infections affect plants mainly through wounds, stomata, and water pores. Also, fungal spores are often carried by gusts of wind.
Symptoms Of Fungal Crop Diseases
Often, a fungal infection is expressed in local or general necrosis. Also, crop diseases caused by fungi can interfere with the average growth or contribute to its abnormal burst, called hypertrophy. Other crop diseases symptoms include:
- spots on leaves;
- curls of leaves and warts.
Common Fungal Diseases
The list of crop diseases caused by fungi is pervasive, so that we will limit ourselves to just a list of some of the most common examples of crop plant diseases:
- Late blight of potato is expressed by dark green, purple or black lesions with white mold around the edges.
- Black stem rust of wheat is a dangerous disease that mainly affects cereals. It is expressed in the appearance of rust-colored sori on a plant.
- Symptoms of Coffee rust are powdery yellow-orange spots with a brown center on the lower part of leaves.
- Corn smut reveals abnormal formations of various sizes on different corn plant parts, including stalks, leaves, ears, and tassels.
- Loose smut typically affects grasses like barley, oats, or wheat and is diagnosed through atypical olive-green heads due to the presence of fungi spores.
- Powdery mildew looks like powder cover on plants (from trees to grasses) that are typically grey or white. First, the crop disease shows spots on leaves but spreads to larger areas as it develops.
- Anthracnose of grape shows black round spots on foliage leading to its chlorosis and falling. Anthracnose of grape can also damage stems and fruits.
- Fusarium wilt of tomato results in slowed plant development, foliage wilting, black stripes, and eventually entire plant decay.
Fungal Disease Management
Preventive measures to check crop plant diseases caused by fungi are pretty varied. Key management actions include destroying plant matter containing dangerous fungi, using healthy seeds, regular crop rotation, chemical, and biological fungicides.
EOSDA Crop Monitoring
Performing fields analytics based on relevant satellite data to ensure effective decision-making!
Crop Diseases Caused By Nematodes
Nematodes are parasitizing plants roundworms, which usually cannot be seen without special equipment. They live in the soil, and therefore mainly affect roots, tubers, and bulbs. There are over 4100 dangerous nematode species .
Symptoms Of Nematode Crop Diseases
Essentially, nematodes feed by sucking juices from plants. Because of this, plants affected by these parasites often appear dried out, as if they are suffering from drought. Other symptoms are also similar:
- growth retardation;
- lack of response to fertilizers and water;
- the gradual general decline of a plant;
- reduction or even destruction of root systems.
Common Nematode Diseases
Diseases directly depend on the type of nematodes:
- Fusiform thickening of the stems is provoked by stem worms. The disease is expressed in the deformation of leaves, swelling of petioles, and the appearance of dark spots on tubers.
- Aphelenchoides, a disease of rice, is provoked by Aphelenchoides besseyi. Disease marks are blemishes on the tops of leaves, lack of grains, and culture depletion.
- Tylenchulus semipenetrans cause serious citrus diseases. It is characterized by the gradual death of not only leaves but also branches.
- Root-knot nematodes cause swelling-like malformations on roots of more than 2000 host species including fruit trees, strawberries, vegetables, or cotton.
- Root-lesion nematodes destroy plant roots. These pests are often an indirect cause of root rots because the lesions they make are a favorable environment for pathogenic fungi and bacteria.
- Golden nematode seriously threatens potato fields and reveals tiny golden spots on plant roots, which are nematode cysts with up to 500 eggs.
Control Of Nematode Diseases
Parasite control involves a wide range of activities. In particular, crop rotation, improving crop disease resistance, and soil treatment with appropriate fumigants with nematicides are effective measures. You can also destroy nematodes and their eggs with hot water (about 50°C/120°F). However, this method of controlling crop diseases requires accuracy. You should adjust the watering time according to the temperature to not harm the plants themselves. Measures that promote plant growth are practical against individual nematodes: heavy mulch, fertigation, watering in drought, and summer and autumn fallow.
Crop Diseases Caused By Virus
The most minor but most critical plant enemies are viruses and viroids (subviral contagious agents). After infection, it is almost impossible to save a plant. Therefore the effect of plant diseases on crop production is of critical importance throughout the world. In most cases, the infection spreads as a result of healthy plants with sick contact. Viruses can also spread through vegetative reproduction, through seeds, pollen, and insects. But viruses most often spread through the soil.
Symptoms Of Viral Crop Diseases
The symptoms of crop diseases caused by virus are usually divided into four types:
- malformations, such as abnormal growth of shoots, distortion of leaves and flowers;
- necrosis, wilting and the appearance of annular stripes and spots;
- dwarfism, growth retardation of both individual parts and the whole plant;
- discoloration, e.g. yellowing, and vein clearing.
Root crop diseases, which are expressed in their rotting, are a characteristic indication of the presence of a virus. However, some plants may not show symptoms and are latent carriers of a disease. Therefore, extreme vigilance is required in the fight against this infection type.
Common Viral Diseases
Among the common examples of viral diseases in crop plants:
- Tobacco mosaic manifests in dwarfism and mosaic-like patterns on leaves. The disease is widespread throughout the world and can have significant economic consequences.
- Tomato spotted wilt is accompanied by the appearance and growth of necrotic yellow rings that gradually turn reddish-brown.
- Potato spindle tuber inhibits plant growth, tubers become fusiform and shrink.
- Cucumber mosaic virus produces mosaic dots and discolorations, malformations and distortions on fruits, narrow younger leaves, round spots, and causes general stunted growth.
- Barley yellow dwarf is a cereal crop disease that is also dangerous to growing wheat. The symptoms include pale green leaves, chlorosis, poor tillering and flowering, smaller grains, and reduced yields.
- Prunus necrotic ring spot virus produces round dots on the leaves of plums, apricots, peaches, nectarines and other trees of the Prunus family. Early signs are yellowish and brownish leaves while at severe stages, the symptoms include foliage holes and premature dropping.
- Citrus exocortis causes stunted development in infected plants and affects leaf midribs and crowns, leading to necrosis. Another sign is root bark peeling (aka rootstock molting).
Yes, they do. Soil microorganisms increase immunity, protect plants from many pathogens. Moreover, if beneficial microbes are present in the roots of a plant, it can fight pests more effectively while maintaining natural growth.
Control Of Crop Diseases Caused By Viruses
Unlike previous infections, most vegetable crop disease caused by viruses is extremely difficult to defeat, often impossible. Therefore, control, in this case, should be as effective as possible. Among the most common measures is the cultivation of resistant crops, indexing, determining the absence or virus presence that is not mechanically transmitted. The plant under study is grafted onto an indicator plant, which develops corresponding symptoms in the virus presence. Unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary to destroy infected cultures, and if large agricultural areas are affected, even to introduce quarantine to save the rest of the crop yield.
Crop Diseases Caused By Parasitic Plants
Parasitic plants are among the most dangerous plant pests in the world. With the help of particular organs, these plants settle in a host plant and satisfy at the expense of it (most often its vascular system). Although many parasites only weaken their “prey”, some can kill a plant and pose a severe economic threat to agriculture. Depending on the species, parasites can attach from one to several dozen plant species.
Common Parasitic Plants
This semi-parasitic plant is widely represented throughout the world and is evergreen. As a parasite, mistletoe can exist on a significant number of plant species. It spreads thanks to special seeds that stick to birds and are carried with them to other plants. These seeds germinate through the host plant bark and connect to its food system.
Cuscuta spp. is a parasitic bindweed plant, which is very dangerous for various plants. It actively spreads, disrupts the metabolism of host plants, reduces productivity, and often leads to the death of plants. Moreover, Cuscuta spp. can be a carrier of viral plant and animal diseases. Because of all these features, the weed is a quarantine object.
It is a dangerous root parasite without green leaves that cannot photosynthesize, and is utterly dependent on a host. For seed germination of Orobanche spp., it is required that a suitable plant is planted in the soil. Then the weed will attach to its roots and begin to receive ready-made food. The parasite leaves up to 100,000 seeds. They remain viable in the ground for over ten years while waiting for a host. All it makes Orobanche spp. a dangerous pest.
This group of parasitic plants is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions and belongs to quarantine plants. In African countries, they are classified as a pandemic since Striga spp. can destroy up to 100 percent of a plant and cause irreparable economic damage. Primarily, this herb infects cereals but can also parasitize other plants, for example, when growing sugar cane. It’s spread through seeds, growing together when ripe with the root system of a host plant. These parasites are very tenacious, so re-planting of a previously infected area is possible after nine years. In regions dependent on agriculture, the Striga spp. can even lead to the migration of people.
Witchweed is a renowned parasitic plant of the Striga family that grows in the countries of Africa and Asia. Witchweed damages the roots of corn, sorghum, sugarcane, and other agricultural types. In particular, witchweed threatens growing rice. Depriving host plants of water and nutrients, this parasitic plant significantly reduces yields. The deprived plants suffer from chlorosis and stunted growth, and often die prematurely. A single witchweed plant can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds that can survive in the soil for years. Wtichweeds are quite hard to control and are typically tackled with crop rotation, trap plants, and treatment with herbicides.
Methods Of Controlling Crop Diseases Caused By Parasitic Plants
There are different ways of pest control. One of them is “suicidal germination,” cultivating the soil to create favorable conditions for a parasite. In the absence of a host, the germinated seeds will die.
Also, farmers actively apply herbicides to resistant crops, which prevents parasites from attaching to them. However, these preparations are pretty expensive. Therefore, it is often necessary to use manual weeding and rotation of crops that are not hosts. However, the most helpful remedy remains the use of naturally sustainable plants.
Crop Protection And Disease Control With Satellite-Derived Data
The first step towards crop disease management is understanding the essence of an illness and the process of its development. Also, remember that any crop can get sick, and abiotic factors, such as unfavorable weather conditions, weaken the plants and increase the risk of infection. Causal agents are activated in the presence of many factors; therefore, the prevention measures of crop plant diseases should be well-thought-out and comprehensive. The use of satellite data allows farmers to arm themselves with all the necessary information for these purposes. They can remotely monitor the state of fields, predict future changes, and plan agricultural processes, including preventive measures to prevent crop disease.
Disease Risk Detection And Assessment
Because it is by far easier to mitigate yield losses by taking prompt actions before crops are affected, it is important to detect any risks early. Now, the Disease Risk feature on EOSDA Crop Monitoring enables farmers to eradicate losses by reporting critical situations. Furthermore, our feature doesn’t only allow for early crop disease risk detection but also for risk assessment, reporting the zones with various risk severity. This way, agriculturalists can prioritize their efforts and, respectively, tackle the problem first where the risk is high.
Thus, ongoing disease risk monitoring helps save the plants before the disease spreads on the field and makes irreparable damage to crops. Another pleasant benefit of the new feature is that knowing the risks early also reduces expenses and saves resources on managing crop disease when it has already developed in the field, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Crop Susceptibility Monitoring
Since each crop is more resistant to some diseases and less resistant to others, rotation effectively avoids spreading the same causal agents. When the same crop is grown annually on one field, often used in industrial/intensive agriculture systems, EOSDA Crop Monitoring allows you to monitor the productivity of this area and understand the yield trend (increase or decrease) using regularly updated satellite imagery. Also, the Data manager in EOSDA Crop Monitoring enables you to analyze data from harvesters. Manual comparison of this info with the data of productivity maps allows you to make a more accurate analysis of your yield and the factors that influenced it in certain places of a field. Productivity maps divide fields into corresponding zones over a given period, reflecting how well or poorly the plants are developed in certain areas during that period. Managing crop diseases pay attention to enlarging areas of low productivity. Biotic pathogens may cause them.
In crop rotation practices, productivity maps provide information on the productivity of all crops in the system. EOSDA Crop Monitoring can help you analyze remotely how specific rotations are effective against particular diseases. It allows you to experiment with cultures for crop rotation, monitor their productivity, and choose the best crop rotation option for a field, including for disease-preventive purposes.
Monoculture farming contributes to the accumulation of pathogens in the soil. The rotation of different plants using crop rotation reduces their population because by losing the host, the pests die.
Abiotic Stress Level Indicators
As mentioned above, abiotic factors can severely weaken plants and thus reduce their natural ability to resist disease. Thanks to using satellite data, EOSDA Crop Monitoring has several functions that help to identify abiotic stress of various origins timely:
- monitoring soil moisture levels;
- automatic alarm for heat and cold stress;
- extensive weather analytics, including air temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity;
- NDMI maps for monitoring plant water content.
Each indicator can signal crop stress. The EOSDA Crop Monitoring package of vegetation indices helps to analyze the impact of the above and other abiotic factors on the health of crops.
Pathogen Attack Detection
EOSDA Crop Monitoring uses vegetation indices (NDVI, NDMI, ReCl, NDRE) to help identify infected areas remotely. Also, the system has a scouting function to check for the presence of a pathogen or a disease itself. With its help, farmers can set scouting tasks based on satellite data on the state of a field. The EOSDA Crop Monitoring interface is very convenient for the scouts themselves. When confirming the detection of crop damage, the scouts can immediately select the one of types of crop disease (biotic or abiotic) and describe it to agronomists and farmers.
If necessary, scouts can attach a photo. And farmers get all this information without a direct presence in a field or personal communication with the scout. This approach to identifying and verifying the problem saves resources: daily remote checkups from EOSDA Crop Monitoring reduce the amount of fuel for agricultural equipment, the working hours of scouts and farmers, and allow quickly responding to any deviations from the norm of crop development.
Another feature included in the zoning functionality on EOSDA Crop Monitoring is vegetation maps. When the scouts have confirmed the problem, based on such maps, farmers can monitor how diseases develop in their fields, generate a vegetation map and differentiate herbicides, fungicides, or other chemicals that help fight diseases, and watch the effectiveness of ongoing operations. Thus, farmers save money on the substances themselves and prevent them from contaminating areas not requiring intervention.
Thus, crop plant diseases are inevitable, so sooner or later, any farmer will face them. However, even if we cannot eliminate the likelihood of crop disease, we can minimize it with effective crop disease control and integrated weed management. Modern technologies such as satellite data help monitor the condition of fields remotely and identify potentially dangerous areas timely. However, applications like EOSDA Crop Monitoring are practical for more than just identification and management. They have a whole host of valuable features that farmers can use around the entire growing season and in-between.
About the author:
Vasyl Cherlinka is a Doctor of Biosciences specializing in pedology (soil science), with 30 years of experience in the field. He attended the engineering college in Ukraine and received his degree in agrochemistry, agronomy and soil science in the Chernivtsi National University. Since 2018, Dr. Cherlinka has been advising EOSDA on problems in soil science, agronomy, and agrochemistry.
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domain: agronomy


We're never going to have a political system that tackles the very real issues that face this country (and globe) as long as that is the priority for Republicans. Yes, we can mitigate that by giving President Obama stronger majorities in Congress. But our politics will always be debased and the outcomes compromised when power is an end in itself.
In the Republican debate Saturday night, Mitt Romney stood with Senator McConnell when he criticized John Huntsman for serving as the Ambassador to China in the Obama administration.
I think we serve our country first by standing for people who believe in conservative principles, and doing everything in our power to promote an agenda that does not include President Obama’s agenda.
I do NOT support Huntsman for president. But I will support him in condemning Romney and suggesting that this kind of thinking is at the root of what is wrong with America right now.


Health care providers in emerging economies understand that the pursuit of universal health coverage by 2030 will place considerable pressure on already over-burdened health systems. The fundamental challenge is that demand greatly outstrips supply.
Health care leaders operating at all points along the continuum of care understand that UHC by 2030 will require them to do a lot more with the same amount of resources. Fourth Industrial Revolution, or 4IR, technology, enables more efficient, effective management and implementation of health resources and interventions — this is where much of its application to achieving UHC by 2030 can be seen today. The real catalytic potential of 4IR technology — in combination with better management of resources — is its ability to fundamentally change models of care so that patients are empowered to take greater ownership of their health care, with a focus on prevention.
The application of 4IR technology in overcoming the challenges of and ultimately achieving UHC 2030 is not hypothetical or a lofty ideal future state — it’s happening today. For example, learnings from a South African first in the fight against the HIV pandemic have built a strong foundation for 4IR and UHC by 2030 in South Africa’s public health sector.
Working in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and the Department of Health in Kwa-Zulu Natal, BroadReach Consulting applied 4IR technology to help them achieve the significant, resource-intensive feat of achieving UNAIDS’ 90-90-90 targets towards HIV epidemic control in the key district of Ugu.
By using Vantage — a 4IR analytics and workflow technology platform — Ugu has been able to manage the daily performance of individual health care workers and clinics. This has allowed Ugu to make real-time resource allocation and management decisions to boost performance. As recently as 2016, Ugu was widely considered the global epicenter of HIV, but a few weeks ago I took part — alongside Minister of Health Dr. Zweli Mkhize — in the celebration of achieving UNAIDS’ 90-90-90 targets.
“The application of 4IR technology in overcoming the challenges of and ultimately achieving UHC 2030 is not hypothetical or a lofty ideal future state — it’s happening today.”— Dr. John Sargent, co-founder and co-CEO, BroadReach
Based on this success, the KZN department of health is pioneering the way in achieving UHC using 4IR technology and has implemented Vantage to monitor and boost staff and clinic performance in both HIV and tuberculosis across the province, to cover hundreds of facilities and thousands of health workers. By expanding this work into other disease areas including noncommunicable diseases, health care providers can establish a strong first step in achieving UHC 2030. This achievement is a prime example of what UHC by 2030 looks like in real-world context.
Other real-world examples of 4IR technology changing the model of care and in so doing driving forward the UHC 2030 agenda include Zipline’s drone drug delivery, which makes medicines more accessible to people in hard to reach locations in countries like Rwanda and elsewhere. AI-powered apps such as Livongo and Babyl, which help people self-manage their chronic diseases easily and safely are also having an impact.
Data drives more effective management
Read more on UHC
As this example highlights, data, as it relates to a health program’s operations, is an invaluable resource; it can be used to optimize the way a health program is run and thereby increase the program’s impact in communities. It’s important to note that when thinking about data, the real value lies in extrapolating insights from the data and then proactively delivering predictive and prescriptive decision support customized to each individual stakeholder and assisting them to be much more effective in their work.
This is very different from the current practice of creating retrospective, descriptive, and passive visualizations and dashboards. We look at data as it relates to boosting individual decision-making and performance in several operational areas including workforce management and adaptive management. We find that working with data across interconnected operation areas enables more effective, systemic decision-making.
Data-driven insight can provide both a broad and deep organizational oversight for leaders and — if captured in real-time and analyzed shortly thereafter, e.g. daily and weekly — it enables more dynamic management. If managers can identify program issues early, they can resolve them sooner and reduce the drain that these issues may have on health resources.
Predictive analytics is a fundamental driver of adaptive management. For example, our Patient Retention Best Practice, which uses predictive analytics to identify patients who are at risk of dropping off treatment, has been applied to a large-scale HIV program in South Africa with a patient base of 550,000 people. It has yielded predictive accuracy scores of between 80% and 88%, according to internal data, and allowed health care workers to feel empowered in intervening early and preventing patients from dropping off treatment — a far less resource-intensive job than trying to bring a patient back into treatment.
Workforce management is an obvious starting point when thinking about how to overcome the health resource burden.
Workforce management looks at how health care leaders can effectively manage large workforces to deliver quality care, at scale. Data-driven insight can be utilized to give management a consolidated view of what their entire workforce is doing and how they are tracking against achieving tasks and targets.
We leverage Vantage — AI-powered technology — to take workforce management one step further by providing program leaders with prescriptive recommendations for what each team member needs to do to contribute to the delivery of targets. We have seen great success in using this type of insight to help our clients spend their next hour more effectively.
4IR technology is by no means a “silver bullet” for solving the challenges of and achieving the ambitious and noble goal of UHC by 2030. However, they are certainly critical tools that will help health care leaders use their next dollar more efficiently and spend their next hour more effectively to deliver quality care to more people.


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Manchester United 1
Eric Cantona's entire future in English football was placed in serious jeopardy last night, after the Manchester United striker became embroiled in amazing and disgraceful scenes in which he traded punches and launched himself two-footed at a supporter after he had been sent off at Selhurst Park.
As mayhem ensued, other United players joined in the fracas and Paul Ince was also seen to aim a punch. Both players look certain to be charged by the police, but both were allowed to return home on the team coach. The Football Association has already promised action, it announced late last night that charges will follow. The two fans who had levelled complaints against Cantona and Ince were taken to South Norwood police station, where they underwent a medical examination.
There had been no hint before of what was to come when, in the 49th minute, the volatile Frenchman suddenly lost his head and then proceeded to lose any remaining respect that football followers, in fact any human being, still retained for a player of unquestioned ability but who periodically descends into the behaviour of an ale-house brawler. It was the fourth time he had been sent off in less than 12 months and the fifth time in all over the last two seasons.
When the ball was played into the United half, Cantona, preparing to challenge for it with Richard Shaw, suddenly lashed out at the defender's legs. The red card from the referee, Alan Wilkie, was immediately brandished.
Cantona began the long walk along the touchline to the dressing-room and in front of the main stand at Selhurst Park, only yards from the home supporters. He heard something and turned, then, sensationally, he moved towards a fan who was on his feet and appeared to be gesturing at him and took off, in kick-boxing fashion, landing his feet into the chest of the man. Cantona staggered back, recovered his balance and then landed at least two punches on the fan and received one in return.
Eye-witnesses said the spectator had run down 11 rows to confront the United player. They said he had made abusive signs to Cantona. David Haddock, a Crystal Palace fan for 41 years, told what happened: "As Cantona was walking away, the crowd were givinghim a lot of abuse. He turned to one guy and then jumped through the awning with a two-footed kick into the guy's stomach. The fan retaliated and Cantona punched him as well. It must have gone on for about 20 seconds."
Eventually Cantona was dragged away by a steward and the United kit man, Norman Davies. The police and stewards tried to restore order as tempers escalated. United players raced to the scene and a red-faced Alex Ferguson jumped out of the dug-out, pointing animatedly at the area of the stand where the incident took place.
When the game resumed, police officers took statements from more than two dozen spectators who were willing to offer evidence. The head of police at Selhurst Park, Chief Superintendent Terry Collins, of the South Norwood Police, said: "We have received serious allegations from two fans. They are now at the police station for medical examination, which is the usual procedure in the case of assault. No charges have been made as yet, but they could follow. They could be to do with assault and incitement. The players concerned, Eric Cantona and Paul Ince, have been allowed to go home and they will be interviewed at a later date."
The flashpoint was seen by David Davies, the FA's Director of Media Affairs, who was at the game. In a statement issued late last night, the FA announced that it intended to issue charges as a matter of priority.
However much Cantona was provoked, his response was totally outrageous and he deserves to be banned for a very long time, possibly for life. The temperamental French national captain was, of course in trouble even before he set foot on these shores. Thatwas why he came to England in the first place because, after a series of outbursts, he had refused to play on in his native country. But never has he degenerated to these depths before.
Ferguson refused to attend the post-match press conference and Alan Smith, the Palace manager, did not want to discuss what had happened. He said only: "Obviously I was pleased my players did not get involved but it would be wrong of me to comment because I don't want to make things more difficult for Alex and Manchester United."
Paddy Crerand, a former United player, was at the game in his role as a radio summariser. He said: "There is no excuse for what Cantona did. I've never seen anything like it in my life, but you have got to ask what the stewards were doing, were they justhaving a night out?"
The outcome of the game was very secondary. Eight minutes after the red card, David May gave United the lead with his first goal for the club, heading in at the far post after Lee Sharpe had crossed from the left. After Andy Cole had missed a good chanceand Sharpe had hit the bar, Gareth Southgate equalised 10 minutes from time with a neat shot on the turn, after a hectic goalmouth scramble.
Crystal Palace (4-4-2): Martyn; Patterson, Shaw, Coleman, Gordon; Southgate, Pitcher, Newman, Salako; Armstrong, Dowie (Preece, 75). Substitutes not used: Bowry, Wilmot (gk).
Manchester United (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Keane, May, Pallister, Irwin; Giggs, Ince, McClair, Sharpe (Kanchelskis, 83); Cantona, Cole. Substitutes not used: Scholes, Walsh (gk).
Referee: A Wilkie (Chester-le-Street).Reuse content

domain: sports


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Letter sent by Mary Durang to her brother Judge Thomas White on April 4, 1866. Mary writes that she is unhappy to hear that Judge White continues to be in poor health, but she hopes that the recent change in the weather would help to improve his condition. She goes on to discuss a number of other people she knows who are in poor health. She notes that a few of her acquaintances have undergone some sort of therapy with electricity. The individuals she knows seem to have been healed by the treatment, but Mary is wary of a procedure that is thought to cure so many illnesses. Mary then writes about how much prices seem to have changed recently. Meat in particular has seen a great increase, while dry goods have fallen to more reasonable rates. She also complains about workers striking for higher wages. She believes that the United States has gotten itself into what she calls a "grand labyrinth."
Durang, Mary White, d. 1880, Correspondence. White, Thomas, 1799-1866, Health. Indiana (Pa.), Economic conditions, 19th century. Indiana (Pa.), History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Social aspects. United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Economic aspect
Durang, Mary, "Letter from Mary Durang to Thomas White, April 4, 1866" (1866). Indiana, Pennsylvania in the Civil War. 137.
The digitized images of letters, photographs, and other items from the White Collection in the “Indiana, Pennsylvania in the Civil War” exhibit are the property of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, Pa. These images may only be used for non-commercial, educational purposes under “Fair Use” guidelines. For additional information contact: HGSIC, 621 Wayne Avenue, Indiana, Pa. 15701; (724) 463-9600. Email firstname.lastname@example.org.
The Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, PA; White Collection