Watertown Group Screening Movie on U.S.’s Role in Gaza

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment:

The Peace and Common Security Working Group of Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment will present a film at 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 29 at the Watertown Free Public Library – Watertown Savings Bank Room. The film is “The Night Won’t End: Biden’s War on Gaza.”  The Group experienced a rough time securing a venue for this screening. Showing the film was twice canceled at the last minute by two different churches in Watertown.  Thus we are hoping for a strong turnout. Thank you for your support. The Night Won’t End.

See Public Skating Hours During School Vacation at Ryan Arena

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Here are School Vacation Public Skating Hours at the John A. Ryan Arena located at 1 Paramount Place, Watertown from December 22-January 5, 2025:

Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 2:10PM-3:30PM

Friday, December 27, 2024 from 3:20PM-4:20PM

Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 2:10PM-3:30PM

Monday, December 30, 2024 from 4:00PM-5:30PM

Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 2:10PM-3:30PM

Free skating! Bring your own skates and enjoy! (Helmets and gloves recommended)

Dates and times can change without notice. Learn more about the Skating Rink by clicking here.

State Rep. Lawn Named Legislator of the Year by Mass. National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Staten Rep. John Lawn (right) received the Legislator of the Year Award from MassNAELA Executive Director Clarence Richardson. At its annual meeting held on December 12, 2024, the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA) honored several individuals for their advocacy efforts and commitment to raising awareness of legal issues affecting older adults. Watertown State Rep. John Lawn was named the Legislator of the Year for going above and beyond in supporting legislation that protects the rights and improves the lives of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Mary Freeley, Director of the Attorney General’s Elder Justice Unit, received the Arthur Stavisky Award, an honor MassNAELA bestows each year to a person in the community who has dedicated themselves to advocating for seniors and promoting elder causes. Four organizations were presented the Deborah H. Thomson Advocacy Award, which recognizes efforts in advocating for elder issues in state government: Berkshire Arc, Guardian Community Trust, Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of MA and RI, and The Arc of Bristol County.

Small Saves Spreads the Christmas Spirit

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Holiday Travel Tips from the Mass. Department of Transportation

The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan ahead for any upcoming holiday travel. Motorists and public transportation customers should check websites for real-time travel information on major statewide roads, MBTA schedule information, and the weather forecast before leaving home. 

“MassDOT encourages the public to use our real-time traffic tools before heading to their holiday destinations. MassDOT also wants to remind roadway users to be safe, courteous, and to adhere to traffic laws and regulations,”said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. 

The MassDOT Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on roadways and will be shutting down scheduled construction activities on major roadways from 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 24, until 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, and 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, until 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2.  

In addition, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its afternoon hours by opening at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, as well as at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27. 

The Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed on Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1, with normal deployment resuming at 5:00 a.m. the following morning. 

MassDOT strongly urges all drivers to minimize distractions by turning off or putting away cell phones, traveling the posted speed limit, driving sober, and devoting full attention to what is ahead on the road. MassDOT encourages travelers to make an extra effort to be courteous on the roads and report to law enforcement any reckless driving. 

For travelers getting to and from Logan Airport in Boston, please note: 

See the MBTA’s helpful online user guide on using T services to get to and from Logan Airport: www.mbta.com/Logan  

MBTA Silver Line provides service between South Station and Logan’s terminals. Outbound service from Logan Airport to the South Boston Seaport District and South Station is free.   

Silver Line 1 (SL1) service to Logan operates about every 15 minutes or faster and stops at all terminals. On weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the week of Christmas, the SL1 will improve service frequency to every 7-8 minutes due to the increase in holiday travel. 

Silver Line 3 (SL3) operates about every 15 minutes or faster and stops at Airport Station.  

The Hingham/Hull Ferry operates some trips to and from Long Wharf in Boston to the Logan Airport Ferry Terminal.

Meeting Posting: Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, 10 a.m.

The City of Watertown provided the following notice (First published on Dec. 19, at 4 p.m.):

In accordance with Chapter 87 of the Massachusetts General Laws, a Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing will be held via Zoom. On: Friday, December 27th at 10:00AMAt: https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/81211901286

This hearing is to consider the proposed removal of (1) one tree due to sewer reconstruction work. The species and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

One (1) Lacebark Elm (10”DBH)

Location: 547 Main Street

Requested by: Water and Sewer Department

Reason for hearing: Proposed removal due to sewer reconstruction work. Questions or concerns regarding this posting should be directed to the

Tree Warden’s office at (617) 972-6420 or email: mmicieli@watertown-ma.gov

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban to be Temporarily Lifted

Watertown’s overnight winter parking ban will be temporarily lifted starting the week of Christmas. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Effective December 23, 2024 enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will be temporarily suspended – barring any snowfall that would require plowing or sanding. Should there be a snow event please refer to the City’s website for available off-street parking locations. All homeowners are encouraged to continue using available off-street parking during the overnight hours.

New Assistant Director Hired for Watertown Recreation Department

The City of Watertown announced the hiring of a new Assistant Director in the Recreation Department. See the details, below. The City of Watertown is excited to introduce Jon Kazanjian as the Department of Recreation’s new Assistant Director of Recreation! Jon joins Watertown after eight years with the Town of Littleton, most recently serving as the Town’ Recreation Supervisor, and previously in the role of Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator. A Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), he comes to Watertown with an impressive career in building and managing successful recreation programs. This includes the respected Camp Tahattawan, where he oversaw 400 campers and 55 staff for 10 weeks each summer, as well as his Adult Recess program, which received the 2024 Regional Agency of the Year Award for Program Outreach from the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association.