For those of you who haven’t already come across the signs scattered about the building, there’s an impromptu gathering in the alley between our building and Canal Place 2 at 5:58 this evening to celebrate the official departure of winter—and to say “hi” to your neighbors while enjoying the hint of spring that’s in the air today. Please bring your own beverage and chair.

FYI: The snow emergency officially ends now, at 9:00, which means if you’re taking advantage of free parking in a city garage they will start to charge you at 11:00.

A snow emergency has been declared for 6:00 this evening with a parking ban on city streets beginning at midnight. The association rules are a tad fuzzy on whether this means cars need to be moved from the surface lot by 6:00 or by 12:00 to avoid being towed, but given that the snow is supposed to be starting around 8:00, sooner would be better than later. Thank you for your cooperation.

The city offers free parking for residents who do not have access to off-street parking during the ban at three locations: the Ayotte Parking Facility, 1 Post Office Square, the Downes Garage, 75 John Street, and the Lower Locks Garage, 90 Warren Street. Cars parked in those locations need to be moved within two hours of the ban being lifted to avoid being charged. The Leo Roy Garage next door to our building requires paying a fee.

Lowell’s annual Winterfest takes place at JFK Plaza and along Arcand Street starting at 5:00 tonight. The festival runs through tomorrow evening with lots of music and food and fun. Tomorrow also includes the Chocolate Festival at St. Anne’s and the annual Soup Competition at the Masonic Center. Don’t miss a great chance to shake off cabin fever!

Needless to say, Arcand Drive will be closed for the duration.

And, while I was trying (unsuccessfully) to find some official statement about Winterfest road closures, I found a different piece of info for the downtown area. It appears work on the high school roof will involve rerouting some traffic beginning Monday.

The cat has been found. Please disregard that last posting.

A message from Georgi:

Lost Cat – I had workers in my unit today (4th floor) and he must have slipped out the open door because I can’t find Bear the Cat anywhere in my unit.

Bear has only been with me for a few weeks so he doesn’t come when called.

He’s a 15-lb dark tabby and if you have found him don’t let him near any food – he is a feline vacuum!

Please call me if you have seen him.  – 978-764-5570

Thank you.

A request from Georgi:

I bought a ‘put-it-together-yourself’ desk; figured “how tough can it be?”

I’ve discovered that my brain doesn’t twist that way and it’s REALLY hard – for me. 

I’m looking for someone whose brain can handle this type of instruction manual, ‘cause it’s way beyond me!

If you think you can handle it – and you want to earn a little extra money – please give me a call. The desk is in my loft area just waiting for someone who knows what they are doing.

Give me a call – 978-764-5570 – and you can have a look to see if you want to give it a go.

I’m really looking forward to my new desk! —Georgi May

A message from Georgi:

My grandson found a chain in the back elevator lobby area yesterday.

If you can identify it, it’s yours.

Call me at 978-764-5570.

A snow emergency/parking ban has been declared starting at midnight tonight. DO NOT leave your car in the surface lot tonight or you risk getting towed. Here’s the information as given on the Lowell Police Department’s Facebook page:

A Snow Emergency Parking Ban has been declared effective on: 

Date: Sunday, January 20, 2019

Time: 12:00 A.M.

FREE Parking for City residents who do not have access to “off-street” parking during “Snow Emergency – Parking Ban” is available in the garages listed below:

Joseph Downes and Lower Locks Parking Garage will be open at 6:00 PM on Saturday, January 19, 2019.

Garage Open @ 6:00 PM
Joseph Downes Garage
75 John Street
Lowell, MA 01852

Garage Open @ 6:00 PM
Lower Locks Parking Facility
90 Warren Street
Lowell, MA 01852

Garage Open @ 10:00 PM
George Ayotte Parking Facility
1 Post Office Square 
Lowell, MA 01852

Please note that due to an event at the Tsongas Arena, parking at the George Ayotte Garage will be available at 10:00 PM on Saturday, January 19, 2019.

Once the “Snow Emergency” is lifted, any City of Lowell residents that have parked in the free parking spaces will have 2 hours to remove their vehicles from the facility without incurring any additional expenses. Vehicles not removed within two hours will be assessed a fee from that time until the vehicle is removed.

I haven’t yet been able to find a link to information, but my understanding is that a snow emergency and parking ban goes into effect tonight at midnight. Please DO NOT leave your car in the surface lot overnight tonight or you risk getting towed. Although some of the local garages usually offer free parking for residents during a snow emergency, the Leo Roy Garage next door generally does not so be prepared to pay if you leave your car there. If anyone has a link to offer with more information, please let me know.

Stay warm and safe everyone!