Transportation

MassDOT Holiday Travel Tips, Post-Travel Quarantine Reminder

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding members of the public to plan ahead for the upcoming holiday season, utilize the appropriate technology tools to make informed decisions, and be aware there may be limited public amenities on trips due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, travelers should pack essential items including face coverings, and, if visiting specific states, travelers will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Massachusetts. “As per the CDC’s strong recommendation, we are asking people not to travel during these next few weeks of the holiday season because of Covid-19,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, adding, “But if you must be on the roadway, you are advised to plan ahead, minimize stops, be aware of all out-of-state quarantine requirements, wear a face covering if you are traveling with someone not living in your household, and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.”

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has information about the pandemic and regulations pertaining to COVID-19, including the need to quarantine for 14 days when returning to Massachusetts after visiting specific states. Information can be found at: www.mass.gov/coronavirus. The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its hours to be open from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 22, and from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 23.

Around Town

Watertown Temporarily Lifting Winter Parking Ban

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Watertown’s winter parking ban will be temporarily lifted for the holiday season, which allows residents to park on the street overnight unless weather requires plowing. The Watertown Police Department sent out the following announcement:

With the Holidays fast approaching, the Watertown Police Department recognizes the need for additional overnight parking. Chief of Police Michael P. Lawn has announced that effective December 24, 2020 officers will temporarily stop enforcing the All Night Parking Ban – barring any snowfall that would require plowing or sanding. Should there be a snow event please refer to the town website for available off-street parking locations. 

Chief Lawn still encourages all homeowners to use available off-street parking during the overnight hours. Enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will resume on January 4, 2021.

Around Town

State Order Reduces Capacity at Watertown Library, Biggest Impact Likely on Children’s Area

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

On Saturday, December 26 Watertown Free Public Library capacity will betemporarily reduced further per Governor Baker’s order restricting users to 25% of total capacity. The Children’s and Teen rooms will be reduced from 20 patrons to 10 patrons simultaneously and the second floor will be reduced from 80 patrons to 40 patrons simultaneously. It is expected that the biggest impact will be on the children’s room which has been the only area in the library toreach capacity, albeit only a handful of times. “We opened with a capacity already well below the mandated 40% limit. We’re taking this further step to ensure that we can remain open for thepeople who need us” said Library Director, Leone Cole.

Entertainment

Watch the Perkins School for the Blind Holiday Concert

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Perkins School for the Blind

Students at Perkins School for the Blind kept the tradition of the annual Holiday Concert going in 2020. This year they performed it virtually. Perkins sent out the following message, and video of the concert:

We want to wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season from the entire Perkins community. In that spirit, we’re excited to invite you to enjoy a video of this year’s virtual holiday concert! We had to do things a bit differently this year but music education at Perkins has continued and the students love it.

Holidays

Watertown Police Increasing Patrols for Impaired Drivers During Holidays

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR) awarded the Watertown Police a grant to increase the number of impaired driving patrols during the holiday season. The Watertown Police join other departments across the state and the State Police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign. “When an impaired driver is behind the wheel, everyone is at risk,” said Chief Lawn of the Watertown Police Department. “These funds will increase our traffic enforcement presence over the holidays. Regardless of the type or level of impairment, if a driver is dangerously operating their vehicle, they will be stopped.”

Around Town

Senior Online Events: Pilates, Art & Conversation with Tom

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Watertown Senior Center

The Senior Center will be hosting a number of programs during the week of December 21, 2020. Join us via Zoom for the following programs. Call for access info: (617) 972-6490. New participants always welcome in every program! We hope you’ll join us! Monday, 12/21:     10:00 AM, Art with Dawn Scaltreto12:30 PM, Chair Yoga with Diane                Tuesday, 12/22:10:00 AM, Public Safety Coffee12:30 PM, Tai Chi & Meditation2:00 PM, Line Dancing                      Wednesday, 12/23:  10:00 AM, Discover Your Purpose Part 211:00 AM, Exercise with Joanna                    Thursday, 12/24: Center closes at Noon for Christmas Eve. 9:00 AM, Pilates10:30 AM, Conversation with TomFriday 12/25: Closed for Christmas Day. Merry Christmas!

Business

Boutique Running Pop Up at Arsenal Yards

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The Blue Butterfly will be running a pop-up at Arsenal Yards. Belmont-based boutique The Blue Butterfly will be opening a temporary location in Watertown leading up to Christmas. Arsenal Yards sent out the following information about the pop up shop:

Need to finish some last-minute holiday shopping? Head to Watertown’s Arsenal Yards for The Blue Butterfly’s Pop Up Shop now through Wednesday, December 23! Based in Belmont, The Blue Butterfly is coming to Watertown for one week only, and will be setting up shop in the space next to Ben & Jerry’s at Arsenal Yards from 12noon to 7pm on Friday, December 18th through the 23rd.

Around Town

More Free COVID-19 Testing Appoints Offered by Town of Watertown

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Town officials announced additional slots and days for free COVID-19 testing for Watertown residents. The Town of Watertown will be offering additional slots, by appointment only, of COVID-19 testing for Watertown residents. Testing is free, does not require a medical referral, and you do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms to get tested. Pre-registration is required to receive a test (pre-registration details below). Testing will be held inside the Commander’s Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and times:

Monday December 21 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (New Additional Day)Tuesday December 22 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Additional Slots have been added)Wednesday December 23 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Additional Slots have been added)Monday December 28 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (New Additional Day)Tuesday December 29 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Additional Slots have been added)Wednesday December 30 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Additional Slots have been added)

In order to obtain an appointment a Watertown resident must pre-register by clicking on the following link: https://proemscovidtesting.as.me/watertown

This is not a drive up test.