5 Things You Need to Know Today, Jan. 10

Today is Monday, Jan. 10. Here are five things you need to know today. 

1. If somehow you managed to miss it
The has been restored to its full and former glory. The scaffolding that was hanging on the monument’s northern and eastern sides since this summer has finally come down. But that doesn’t mean the work is done. , including the repointment of all of the granite blocks, the replacement of the handrail and a new paint job on the metal grills over the windows. When she opens back up to tourists, she won’t look a day over… 150 or so.

2. What’s better than being a lawyer from Charlestown?
Being a “Super Lawyer” from Charlestown. According to a story in the Bridge this week, Helen C. Lockhart of Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C. — that’s the largest New England firm devoted to intellectual property law — was named a “Massachusetts Super Lawyer.” Who appointed her? The authority on these things: Massachusetts Super Lawyers magazine.  The magazine chooses the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state, as selected by their peers. Congrats to Ms. Lockhart.

3. Beat the crowds
And go over to the hardware store today and grab whatever supplies you’ll need for the mid-week snowpocalypse we’re hearing about. Forecasters are saying we could get hit with a nor’easter Tuesday evening, extending overnight and into a potentially ugly Wednesday commute.

4. And speaking of weather…
Today’s forecast from the National Weather Service (that’s weather.gov): Sunny, with a high near 33. Northwest wind between 10 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 19. Northwest wind between 5 and 8 mph.

5. Join the conversation
Last Tuesday Jack Kelly gave us a — and the importance of preserving it as a community asset. There have been some great comments in response, including by user named John Tag. Here’s an excerpt:

Some 4 plus years ago, a gentleman introduced himself to this neighborhood who was extremely interested in purchasing the Charlestown Rink. He was then and is currently owner and operator of the Boston Bruins practice facility north of Boston. His plan was to expand the operation of the rink 9 months a year, enhance programming and in the offseason the rink would operate as a community center during the summer months….Unfortunately at that time, a small faction of active parents and those in power at the State House opposed his plan. Today the rink is 4 plus years older with minimal improvements. …I applaud Jack Kelly for putting this important issue back on the radar screen! This neighborhood cannot afford another missed opportunity!

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