Local Photographer to Join Patch Crew

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 22. Here are five things you need to know today.

1. There are a lot of really wonderful things about my job. But one of them is that I get to work with a wonderful and talented group of people – I’m taking about the writers and photographers who contribute to this site, and most of them live in Charlestown. This week I’m starting a new feature that will highlight the work of one more local talent. Starting on Thursday, photographer Nicole O’Neil will be publishing a weekly gallery of images from around the town. She’ll be on the lookout for events to take photos at and people to take portraits of – so feel free to make suggestions. And if you want to check out some of the work she does professionally, you can visit her site – or take a look at the cutie pictured with this column.

2. And it’s Day 2 of school vacation week. Thanks, Kelly Pellagrini for another tip for family-friendly activities this week: There are extended hours at the O’Neil Skating Rink. Open skate runs from noon to 5 p.m. every day this week. And Diane Grant delivered another suggestion — six, actually – that are listed on the Circle of Moms web site, right here. They include her favorite indoor and family fun activity: dress up.

3. Yesterday I mentioned a complaint I received about dog poop piling up in local parks and on the sidewalks. Several of you chimed in, saying you’ve also noted this problem of late. Susie Howard, quite the generous soul, says she’s bringing extra bags with her when she walks her Jack Russell terrier, Maura – just to help pick up after other owners. She also mentioned that the Friends of the Charlestown Dog Park have an event called April Stools Day, where they go to key areas and cleanup poop. Also, quite generous. You can read more comments about this problem at the bottom of .

4. Save the date: On March 10, Friends of the Navy Yard are hosting a t in the lobby at Parris Landing. Dr. Carol R. Johnson, superintendent of Boston Schools and a Navy Yard resident, as well as Tom Cunha, president of the Neighborhood Council, will be recognized at the event. For more details, check out the listing in our .

5. Wow, was it cold yesterday. It will be just as cold today. High near 28, wind chill as low as -4.