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.

Neighborhood Covered in Dusting of Flour from Nearby Food Factory, Neighbors Frustrated by Response

A coating of flour can be seen on the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway path and fence that sit in the shadow of the silos of Newly Weds Foods. The flour was released from the factory on Dec. 12. (Contributed Photo)

Residents of one East End neighborhood woke up last week to what appeared to be a coating of snow, but what was falling from the sky for several hours was not flakes but flour. The flour came from the nearby Newly Weds Foods factory, located on Grove Street and abutting a neighborhood off Mt.

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.

Man Who Was Arrested for Drug Trafficking in Watertown Had 500 Grams of Fentanyl

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Massachusetts provided the following announcement about the New York man arrested in the parking lot of the Watertown Home Depot for allegedly selling drugs to a federal informant. Members of the Watertown Police assisted in the operation. See the announcement below. A New York City man has been arrested and charged for allegedly distributing multiple kilograms of fentanyl in the greater Boston area that he transported from New York. Cesar Nunez Lopez, 42, was charged with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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.