Around Town

Hundreds Celebrate Chanukah at Chabad Watertown’s Third Annual Menorah Lighting

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Rabbi Dovid Zaltzman lights the ice menorah at Arsenal Yards during the third annual Watertown Chanukah Celebration. Looking on are Assistant City Manager Ari Sky, right, Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson (far left), and Police Capt. Dan Unsworth. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The fire that lit the Third Annual Watertown Chanukah Celebration at Arsenal Yards mesmerized and brought warmth to a crowd of several hundred people on Monday evening. Before the lighting of a menorah, which stood several feet high and was made of ice, the crowd of more than 300 people enjoyed treats, games, crafts, and a performance by a fire dancer. Rabbi Dovid Zaltzman from Chabad Watertown lit the candles on the menorah with help from Watertown Assistant City Manager for Finance Ari Sky.

Around Town

Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad Watertown at Arsenal Yards

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The following announcement was provided by Chabad Watertown:

Celebrate Chanukah with Us: Ice Menorah Lighting, Fire Show & Gelt Drop! Monday, Dec. 30th, 4-6 PM

In partnership with Arsenal Yards, we’re thrilled to invite you to our 3rd annual public menorah lighting ceremony and celebration! – A mesmerizing live fire dance performance

– Chanukah crafts for all ages

– Live music and festive vibes

– Complimentary treats to enjoy

– A Special Gelt Drop from the Watertown Fire Department

Where: Arsenal Yards Mall – Bond Square, 130 Arsenal Yards, Watertown, MA, 02472

RSVP TODAY Here

Sports

Watertown Sports: Field Hockey Coach of the Year, Wrestler Wins Holiday Tournament

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Watertown Field Hockey Coach Eileen Donahue holds her plaque for being the MIAA Field Hockey Coach of the Year. She was joined by family, her fellow coaches, and school administrators. (Courtesy of the Watertown Public Schools)

Watertown Field Hockey Coach Eileen Donahue collected another accolade this month when she was honored by the MIAA, and Watertown wrestler Tessa Master kicked off her season with a win in a major holiday tournament. Donahue was named Field Hockey Coach of the Year, and was honored at a banquet held by the MIAA. In November, she coached the Watertown to the team’s fourth straight State Championship, and the Raiders finished undefeated at 22-0.

Around Town

State Rep. Lawn Named Legislator of the Year by Mass. National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

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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.

Around Town

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

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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.

Around Town

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban to be Temporarily Lifted

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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.

Around Town

Toys Delivered to 100s of Watertown Families in Need by Police & Firefighters for the Whooley Foundation

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Some of the toys collected for the 2024 Sonny Whooley Foundation. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The mission given to 40 Watertown police officers and firefighters Tuesday morning was to fill boxes full of gifts, and then deliver them to more than 150 families around the Community. They had their choice of hundreds of toys, games, balls, even bicycles that filled the Community Room at the Watertown Police Station. All were donated to or purchased with funds given to the John “Sonny” Whooley Foundation, named after a former Watertown Police officer who would raise money and give it to families in need during the holidays. Watertown Police Justin Chief Hanrahan looked over the hive of activity as people packed boxes with gifts.