Police/Fire

Watertown Man Pleads Guilty to African Sports Ponzi Scheme

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The following information was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts:

A Watertown man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to defrauding investors who believed they were financing lucrative short-term sports ventures in Africa. Adrian Kawuba, 33, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. United States District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2024. Kawuba was arrested and charged in November 2022. Kawuba told his victims that he would invest their money in short-term financing of sports ventures in Africa and elsewhere overseas and that he would personally guarantee their investments.

Around Town

See the Holiday Hours for City Hall, Senior Center, Library and DPW

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Photo by Charlie BreitroseA decorated Christmas tree at the Commander’s Mansion Holiday Open House. Watertown’s City Hall and other facilities will be closing for Christmas, and hours on other days will be impacted. The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

Watertown City Hall, Senior Center, and Department of Public Works office are closing at noon on Friday, December 22 and will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023. The Library is closed on Sunday, December 24 and Monday, December 25, 2023, and open limited hours on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 1 to 7 PM. Please be aware that there is a one delay for trash and recycling pickup for the week due to the holiday.

Around Town

Holiday Road, Transit & Logan Travel Tips from MassDOT

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan for upcoming holiday travel by recognizing that traffic volumes and the number of travelers on public transportation are anticipated to be higher than normal. 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.   

The MassDOT Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on roadways and will be shutting down scheduled construction activities from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, and from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 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 21, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, as well as at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29. The HOV lane will be closed on Monday, December 25, with deployment resuming on Tuesday, December 26, and on Monday, January 1, with deployment resuming on Tuesday, January 2.   

MassDOT will not be closing the Sumner Tunnel the weekend of December 22 or the weekend of December 29 due to anticipated high traffic volume on roadways nearby.

Around Town

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban to be Lifted Temporarily Over Holidays

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Effective December 23, 2023 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. Enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will resume on January 2, 2024. Have a safe and healthy holiday season.

Entertainment

LOVEFOOL Returns to the Mosesian Center for the Valentine’s Day Weekend

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Michael John Ciszewski returns to the Boston area with his third solo show LOVEFOOL to celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with two performances at Watertown’s
Mosesian Center for the Arts. The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

This February, NYC-based queer actor and comic Michael John Ciszewski returns to Boston with his third solo show LOVEFOOL to celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with two performances at Watertown’s Mosesian Center for the Arts after a smash 2023 tour that filled houses from comedy clubs to Pride festivals across the northeast with big gay joy. The show is co-created and produced with Brian Dudley and directed by Noah Simes. Following packed performances in New York City (Asylum NYC, Pete’s Candy Store, QED Astoria), Jersey City (Jersey City Theater Center), Provincetown (Redroom), Providence (Fletcher House), Philadelphia (Yellow Bicycle Theatre), and Boston (Rockwell & New Rep), the LOVEFOOL team is thrilled to bring their “celebration of queer love” back to the community that raised them for the third year running! LOVEFOOL is a dazzling and deliciously silly romp through flings, flirtations, and first loves that brims with heart and hilarity.

Government

Watertown’s New Chief Financial Officer Appointed by City Manager

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Ari Sky has been named Watertown’s Chief Financial Officer. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is pleased to announce the appointment of Ari J. Sky as Watertown’s new Chief Financial Officer effective February 5, 2024. Mr. Sky most recently served as the Town Administrator for the Town of Lakeville. As the Town’s chief administrative officer, Mr. Sky provided strategic and operational direction to the organization, administered the Town’s personnel systems, coordinated communications with the various boards and commissions, oversaw procurement activities and the annual operating and capital budget processes and provided advice and support to the Select Board. Over the course of Mr. Sky’s tenure, he facilitated the development of new processes and recruited key staff to enhance the organization’s ability to respond to growing challenges and to define and maintain a commitment to the Town’s core principles.

Around Town

Applications Available for Students, Seniors to Participate in Snow Shoveling Program

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Department of Recreation and Council on Aging Snow Shoveling Program Applications for both our seniors, middle school and high school students are included in this communication. 

If you are a senior citizen and are requesting shoveling assistance, please fill this form out below. Senior Citizen – Snow Shoveling Application Form

If you are a middle school or high school student from Watertown and are interested in participating in this service, please fill this form out below. Middle School – High School Snow Shoveling Participation Form

Both documents are fillable. Return to recreation@watertown-ma.gov or to the Watertown Recreation Department in the City Hall ground floor at 149 Main Street. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please contact the recreation department at 617-972-6494 or recreation@watertown-ma.gov

Around Town

Bricks from Old High School Available, Lane Closing for Project

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The old Watertown High School has been mostly demolished. This photo, courtesy of Watertown Cable, was taken in late November. The following announcement was provided by Vertex:

Exciting progress continues on the Watertown High School project as the existingbuilding is more than 50% demolished and foundation work has started. Please see below forupdates regarding specific project details. Upcoming Work Affecting Traffic Pattern of Common Street

On Wednesday December 20th contractors will be performing work on Common St.