As Tobin Bridge Gets Gussied, Traffic Could Back Up

Today is Friday, March 11. Here are five things you need to know today.

1. If you hadn’t already heard, the Tobin Bridge is getting a bit of a makeover. And – put this in your calendar for the next three summers -- it could mean some traffic delays for the neighborhood. According to a Boston.com story, the bridge will be getting a fresh coat of paint, but the work will be done over three “painting seasons.” It will start this June and, while it’s on-going, traffic will be restricted between Charlestown and Chelsea. You can read the Boston.com story here, but stay tuned: We’ll have more info soon.

2. It’s officially St. Patrick’s Day Week, if there is such a thing. Celebrations for Charlestown’s second favorite holiday (after Bunker Hill Day) are underway starting this evening with . Rep. Gene O’Flaherty and the Flatley Company are bringing their parties together this year. There will be corned beef and traditional music by the Andy Healy Band. Here’s another new feature this year: Free admission. Party starts at 6 p.m.

3. Speaking of holidays – we missed one last week. But you probably had no idea. Last Friday, starting at sundown, was National Day of Unplugging. I didn’t know myself until I read about – a few days too late – in a New York Times parenting blog. The day is meant to encourage us to turn off our devices, disconnect from the interwebs and re-connect with actual human beings and tactile experience. We don’t really need a national holiday to make this magic happen. And I personally don’t think it’s a bad idea to unplug on a regular basis. If you’re interested in the principles of National Day of Unplugging for your own adaptation, you can read more about it here.

4. You want to be in a movie with Kevin James? There’s an open casting call this weekend for a feature film starring the former King of Queens. The film’s called Here Comes the Boom, and it’s an action-comedy that Adam Sandler is reportedly producing. Variety says that it’s also starring Salma Hayek. The open call for extras is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Quixote Studios at 184 Everett St., Boston. You’ve got to be 18 or over to audition. And make sure you bring a photo. For more info, visit bostoncasting.com.

5. It will be warm today: high near 54. But there will be no sun. Rain all day and it may be heavy at times, so don’t go out without your umbrella.

For more info on what's happening around the neighborhood, check out our events calendar.