Transportation

Holiday Travel Tips: Don’t Wrap Gifts if Flying, Free Coffee for Drivers and More

By |

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) encourages travelers to plan ahead this holiday season, utilize MassDOT’s many travel tools and resources and take public transportation if possible. “We want everyone to reach their travel destinations safely and enjoy this holiday with their friends and loved ones,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “Drivers should minimize distractions, stay sober and have a designated driver, and the MBTA will offer free service on all modes of transportation after 8 p.m., New Year’s Eve, to encourage travelers to make smart choices when celebrating.”

“We encourage travelers to monitor weather conditions, use our technology tools such as mass511 and our web-based real-time information, and make informed decisions to ensure they safely reach their holiday destinations,” said Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin. “In case of inclement weather, our snow and ice crews will be prepared to respond and drivers should remain at least 200 feet back from snowplows and road equipment at all times to ensure safe travel.”

For traffic and road conditions, drivers may use the following options to make decisions:

Travelers, before getting on the highway, may utilize the MassDOT Real-Time Traffic (“Go-Time”) informational displays by visiting this link: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/TrafficInformationMap.aspx
The public may dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions on I-90 and other roads. Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.

Around Town

Watertown Insurance Agency Runs Successful Toys for Tots Drive

By |

H&K Insurance Agency is excited to announce another great Toys for Tots drive with more donations from the public than ever before! H&K Insurance has been participating in Toys for Tots for the last ten years and continues to grow with each passing season. This year, through the support of their customers, partners, staff, and the local community, they were able to collect an astounding amount of 65 toys. A big contributor this year were individual donations from the public, more than any time in the past. “We are thrilled to see our staff and the Watertown community unite as one to be a part of such an amazing program,” said Paul Perry, the Treasurer and General Manager of H&K.

Around Town

Watertown Boy’s & Girl’s Club’s Holiday Party Coming Up

By |

Watertown Boys & Girls Club announced it will be hosting their annual Youth Member Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 21 from 4–6 p.m. All Club members are invited to join staff and volunteers for a night of holiday-themed fun. There will be games, activities, food and lots of holiday cheer! All members will leave with a present from Santa sponsored by The Arsenal Project, Cambridge Savings Bank, The Mews, and Tufts Health Plan Foundation. Please contact Kristina Norris, Marketing & Development Coordinator, at knorris@watertownbgc.org with questions or concerns.

Entertainment

Local School, Choral Groups Putting on Holiday Performances at Mall

By |

The Watertown Mall is proud present holiday performances by local elementary and high school bands, choral and spring groups as well as semi-professional music groups from the Greater Boston are throughout the month of December, mall officials announced. After taking your picture with Santa at Santa’s Village, stay for the music and shopping! The following is an entertainment list for December. Please visit our website at www.watertown-mall.com for a complete schedule of December events and entertainment. Holiday entertainment Calendar:

December 8th @ 12 p.m.: St.

Around Town

Watertown Church Hosts ‘Blue Christmas’ Service for Those Not So Jolly

By |

The Church of the Good Shepherd announced it will host Blue Christmas, A Service of Hope and Healing on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

This interfaith gathering is particularly for those who are lonely, down, or feel the weight of loss during the holiday season. We welcome all people who want to stand together in honesty at a time when the culture presses us to be “jolly.” A light reception follows. All are welcome.

Entertainment

Catch the Revels Twelfth Night Celebration in Watertown

By |

Revels’ 9th annual Twelfth Night Celebration will be Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Grace Vision Church, 80 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, the group announced. Help us “put Christmas to bed” at our 9th annual Twelfth Night Celebration in Watertown! Join us for an afternoon of family fun with carol singing led by David Coffin, morris and sword dancing, and a traditional mummers’ play which has been performed on 12th night in England for centuries. We’ll also have a visit from old Father Christmas, a special bean cake ritual, a family dance, hot cider, goodies and more!

Around Town

Tree Lighting, Santa Draw Hundreds to Watertown Square

By |

The grassy area of Watertown Square teamed with anticipation Friday evening as scores of children and their parents waited for Santa Claus arrive. The fifth annual Watertown Belmont Chamber of Commerce Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration proved to be a big draw on an unseasonably mild night. This year, the Rotary Club of Watertown joined with the Chamber to sponsor the event. When Santa rolled into the Square on his sleigh, a bright red Watertown fire engine, he was mobbed by enthusiastic youngsters. After Santa greeted the children, and posing for some photos, the countdown for the tree lighting was lead by Chamber President Mike Albano.

Around Town

Watertown Mall Hosts Breakfast & Photo with Santa, Gift Wrapping Booths

By |

The Watertown Mall has some fun and helpful holiday activities this month. Breakfast & Photo with Santa
Enjoy breakfast at Papa Gino’s and have your picture taken with Santa at Santa’s Village, December 16 at 9:30 a.m.! Breakfast will be available for $5 each person, and each kid’s meals include a photo with Santa, Space is limited and so we are selling tickets in advance. Registration is required for admittance. Call us to make reservations at 617- 926-4968 ext.