INDIAN SUMMER
You always hear about those warm days that occur in the fall after a spell of cold weather, or a brief hard frost. However, where did Indian Summer get its name?
According to the Old Farmers Almanac, the most probable origin goes back to the early settlers in New England. Each year they would welcome the arrival of cold wintery weather in late October when they could leave their stockades without worrying about Indian attacks. This provided time to prepare their fields for the following Spring plantings because the Indians did not like attacking in cold weather. But, there came a time almost every year, around St. Martin’s Day, Nov. 11th, when it would suddenly turn warm again. This provided the Indians with one more go at the settlers, even though it was longer than their normal raiding season. “Indian Summer” is what the settlers called it.
SERVICE and DELIVERY DEPARTMENT HINTS:
- Change the batteries in your automatic / setback thermostats. Old batteries can keep your heating system from coming on when it is supposed to. This is the reason for many of our service calls. (Good idea: replace them every time you move your clocks for Daylight Savings.)
- Test your heating system. Speaking of thermostats**, turn it up if you haven’t already. Testing your sys-tem now can eliminate a service call on a cold day when you need it most.
- House numbers. Do you have one and is it visible from the street? We know most of you, but it still helps us find you when you need service or an oil delivery. (Note: The Police and Fire departments appreciate good numbers also.)
- Leave a light on for us. If you need us for an after hours call, it helps us out if we can see where you are.
- Trim back the shrubs. During the summer those shrubs grow quite a bit. If they are covering your fill pipe, it makes it tough for us when making deliveries.
(Note: Shrubs cut back away from the house helps with air movement and prevents mildew and rot too.) - Phone numbers and contact information. Over the years we may have accumulated several numbers to contact you. However, some of these numbers are no longer in use. Please take a moment to call or email us with your current contact information and preferred method of contacting you.
**PLEASE NOTE: NEST THERMOSTATS. We can not be responsible for any service done on these thermostats. (Parts and Labor are not covered by your Service Contract since it is not a product we sell) If you choose to install one, we recommend you get a licensed electrician to make sure its done correctly.
GET OUT THERE AND HELP SUPPORT ONE OF THE MANY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT…..VIRTUALLY!
The Marshfield Boys and Girls Club is having its SIXTH ANNUAL MARSHVEGAS 4 MILER ROAD RACE. Also known as SOUTH SHORE TURKEY TROT. This is normally a 4 mile route around some side streets in Marshfield that begins and ends at the South River School on South River St. This year, however will be safe for all to participate. Whenever you can between 11/22 and 11/29, complete any 4 mile route, anywhere you want. Then send in your times when you finish. For more information and for registration, visit: http://marshfieldbgc.com or www.racewire.com
FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SOUTH SHORE RESIDENTS
Once again, the South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth, will be administering the Fuel Assistance applications. If you have been on this program in the past, you are most likely eligible if your situation has not changed. However, you still need to register for the benefits again this year. We urge anyone who feels they can use some as-sistance with winter heating bills, to call them as soon as possible. SSCAC can be reached at 508-747-7575, and you can call us with any questions too.
Ready to save the Environment? Sign up for email statements.
Send us an email and we can make that switch for you. Be sure to check out our website if you haven’t already. WWW.RANDHANDY.COM. Here you can get account information, update your con-tact information, and even pay bills. It really is that easy so take a look and call or email us if you have any questions. Thanks!
OFFICE HOURS FOR NOVEMBER 2020
Monday-Friday 8:00 – 4:30
The office will be closed to observe Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th; and Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th.
However, we are always available for Emergency Service if you need us. 781-834-8831.
October’s OIL DRAWING WINNERS
1st Prize: Ellen C. — Duxbury (24 yr. customer)
2nd Prize: Michelle B. — Marshfield (12 yrs.)
3rd Prize: Rick F. — Hanson (21 yrs)
Please note that you can now enter the oil drawing online. Please complete the form at right to be entered in next month’s drawing.