Mass Pike

MassDOT Holding Series of Meetings on Toll Plaza Removal, Electronic Tolling

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced four public meetings to update the public on the status of the implementation of All Electronic Tolling and the progress of demolishing existing toll plaza infrastructure and reconstructing the roadway. Representatives of MassDOT will discuss the construction progress in 23 work zones, timeline for completion, what to expect as the project moves into the spring and summer months and other issues. These public meetings will be to receive feedback from users of I-90, (the Massachusetts Turnpike), and neighboring communities and to provide interchange specific information about what the traveling public can expect during 2017. All meetings will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and are scheduled as follows:

• Wednesday, January 11 – Westborough Town Hall, 34 West Main Street
Plaza Focus: Sturbridge / I-84, Worcester/Auburn/I-290, Worcester/Rt. 146, Worcester/Millbury, Westborough/I-495, Framingham, Natick/Rt.

Around Town

Watertown Youth Coalition Gets Grant to Map Tobacco in the Community

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The Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders, part of  Wayside Multi-Service Center, have been awarded a $2,000 mini-grant from The 84 Movement, which helps mobilize young people across Massachusetts to take action to protect their communities from the influence of the tobacco industry, WYC announced. The grant is one of ten awarded this year to youth groups from across the state. Previously, WYC Peer Leaders have received funding from The 84 to support surveys about pricing and availability of flavored cigars in Watertown, as well as use of different tobacco products by Watertown High School students. During a survey administered last spring, WYC Peer Leaders learned that of those students who had ever tried a tobacco product, 74.8% first tried an e-cigarette product. Over 63% of students felt it was “easy” or “somewhat easy” to get flavored tobacco products, providing explanations such as “Most stores sell them” and “You can go to the store and buy it.” 52% of students who got flavored tobacco products within the last 30 days got their products from Watertown.

Weather

Winter’s First Nor’easter Heading Toward Watertown on Thursday

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Winter’s first big storm will hit the Boston area on Thursday, with three or more inches of snow forecast for Watertown. 

Snow will fall before 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, and will turn to rain. At 5 p.m. it will be a mix of rain and snow. After 11 p.m. the precipitation will turn back to snow. WCVB Channel 5’s early snowfall forecast shows Watertown on the edge of the areas with 1-3 inches and 3-6 inches. The Cape will get less than an inch, while West of Worcester and New Hampshire will get more than 6 inches. Friday’s forecast is for sunny weather with a high of 37 degrees.

Government

Get Rid of Your Styrofoam, Shred Your Paper at the Public Works Recycling Event

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If you have styrofoam piling up after all your gifts have been opened, the Public Works Department will offer a chance to recycle it – and also shred paper and dispose of old tires. The Recycling event will be held Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Watertown Recycling Center (on Green River Way off  Waltham). Bring your styrofoam cups, peanuts and takeout containers to the event. You can also have your sensitive documents shredded while you watch.

Around Town

Toyota of Watertown Fills Pickup Truck With Toys for Children

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The staff at Toyota of Watertown got into the Christmas spirit this year and collected enough toys to fill a truck! The dealership gathered so many toys that they filled the back of a Toyota Tacoma when they delivered them to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive, said Adam Skolnick, general manager of Toyota of Watertown. “It fabulous for the kids!” he said.

Entertainment

Celebrate the New Year With a Day of Art, Performances at Mosesian Center for the Arts

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The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts is excited to announce the return of First Day… on the Second! The second annual event takes place on January 2nd from 11am to 2pm and features live performances from Magician Evan Northrup, Saxophonist Tim Hall, and a Broadway Sing-Along. The Center will also host Visual and Performing Arts workshops for children to experiment with paint, paper, collage, performance, movement, and more! This event is free to the public and open to families with children of all ages (donations gladly accepted).