PRINCETON – After a week of biting cold temperatures across Massachusetts, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes of Wachusett Mountain Sunday evening, celebrating what some said feels like old times.

Coldest week in years

“It’s a blast! You’ve got to dress right, but it’s pretty good,” said Brett, a snowboarder at the ski resort. 

This past week was one of the coldest weeks New England has seen in years and the harshest week of winter thus far, kicking off with several inches of snow in much of Massachusetts.

“Compared to what we saw last year, with the freeze-thaw cycle, hot cold and all the rain and what not, it’s definitely starting to feel like a true New England winter now,” said Alex Arcangeli, Wachusett Mountain’s lift manager. “So, we’re seeing a lot of guests come out. They’re excited to ski, excited to get some fresh snow.”

Prefer skiing in colder weather

Some people told WBZ-TV, they actually prefer skiing in colder temperatures.

“Honestly yeah. Because you get really hot,” said Bre, a guest at the resort.

“Once you get on the slopes, on the hills, you start to warm up for sure and it becomes more comfortable,” said another guest.

Instead of traveling to a beach far away from New England to celebrate his birthday, Vinnie Timauro told WBZ-TV he opted to hit the slopes instead. “I think that this is the most fun way to do it. It’s better than being locked up inside.”

According to these guests, finding ways to stay warm is just part of the fun experience on the mountain. 

“You do a couple runs, then come down, hang out with some friends by the fire.” said Brett, a snowboarder on the hill.

A crash on Interstate 495 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Sunday seriously injured two people, one of whom has life-threatening injuries, state police said.

The highway was temporarily shut as a medical helicopter was flown to the scene, at mile marker 100, after the crash was reported about 9:30 a.m., police said.

One person, identified only as female, was taken in that helicopter to a hospital in Boston with life-threatening injuries, while a woman was rushed to local hospital with serious injuries, according to police.

They were investigating what led to the crash.

Joann T. Panneton

OBITUARY

Beloved Mother and Wife

Westford, Massachusetts

Joann T. Panneton passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side, on January 12, 2025. She was the widow of Robert Panneton, who passed in 1988. Joann was born in Greenwood, WI to the late Jakov Gasparac and Mary (Briski) Gasparac.

She met the love of her life, Robert in Illinois and after a brief courtship, moved to Forge Village where they raised their four children. Joann resided there until her passing.

Joann received her higher education from Wisconsin State College and had several occupations as she journeyed through life. Among her greatest pleasures; aside from spending time with her family, were her hobbies that included dancing, knitting, gardening, crafting, yard sales, antiques collecting, reading, cooking, baking, rug braiding and sewing.

She is survived by her four children: her son Michael and his wife Elaine, her son Rodney and his wife Maura, her son Edward and his wife Sherri and her daughter Lisa and her husband John. She leaves her 7 grandchildren: Mikayla, Mathew, Riley, Conor, Jack, Lindsey and Alex. Joann is also survived by her 3 sisters: Mae, Ann and Kathy and her brother, Jack, and is preceded in death by her brother Frank.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Littleton. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit www.badgerfuneral.com