Daily Five: Penguin Awareness

1. Stonington Public Schools will test radon levels beginning Jan. 28 and ending on Jan. 31. The tests are mandated. For more information visit: http://www.stonington.org/uploaded/Departments/Facilities/Radon_Testing_2013.PDF

2. Penguin Awareness Day is on Jan. 20—so bundle up your kids and take them to the Mystic Aquarium, to learn more about penguins. This is a great opportunity to get everyone out of the house and see penguins in action.

Penguin Awareness Day became a holiday in order to raise awareness to the fact that these flightless birds are on the endangered species list.

3. The Cartells perform at Maugle Sierra Vineyards beginning at 6 p.m., tonight. The Ledyard vineyard is open this winter on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce is taking sponsorship forms for the 15th Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race.

On Saturday, April 27 more than 20,000 rubber ducks will be dropped in the Pawcatuck River. The corporate race takes place at 1 p.m. and the main race at 1:30 p.m. Docks cost $5 each and the race benefits a number of local charities.

For information and/or to sponsor a duck contact the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce at 401-596-7761 or by email evak@westerlychamber.org.

5. A raccoon from the area of Fishtown Road in Mystic has tested positive for rabies, the Ledge Light Health District said in a public health alert. The animal was tested on Wednesday, the alert said.

“The public should refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals,” the health alert said.

In August, a raccoon from the Noank Ledyard Road area in Mystic tested positive.

In addition, the district said three skunks found in downtown Mystic in April were believed to have rabies.

Groton Animal Control captured the skunks in the downtown Mystic area during the week of April 22 to 29. The skunks were not tested for rabies, but animal control officers felt the animals were positive for rabies due to erratic behavior and their physical condition, a press release said.

Rabies is a caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and can be deadly. Wild animals usually spread the virus, but stray cats and dogs can also become infected with rabies.

The virus lives in the brains and saliva of animals, so it can be spread by bites or scratches that come into contact with saliva.