Popular Seaside Ice Cream Shop Closes After 40+ Years: Patch PM

It's Tuesday, Jan. 12. Here is what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts today.

Popular Revere Beach Ice Cream Shop Closes

A popular seaside ice cream shop has closed after decades at Revere Beach. Banana Boat announced its closure Tuesday, with a statement from the shop saying in part:

"It is with a heavy heart we have made the tough decision to close Banana Boat Ice Cream. Words will never be enough to express our gratitude to our family, hard-working employees, dedicated customers, suppliers, and each person who has supported us over the years."

The property was bought in 1977 by the Schena and Fanara families, who saw it as an investment opportunity amid rumors a casino was coming to Revere Beach. Though the casino never came to fruition, Tony and Ann Schena held on to the building and turned it into Banana Boat.

Read more here.

In and Around Middlesex County

Somerville Board Member Under Fire For Attending Trump Rally

An appointed member of a Somerville board that manages affordable housing funds is taking heat for attending the "Stop the Steal" rally in Washington, D.C. last week that led to rioters storming the U.S. Capitol building.

Jessica Turner, who serves on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, said she participated in the rally but was not among the group that stormed the Capitol.

Malden Hobby Shop Thieves Target 'Magic: The Gathering' Cards

A hobby store in Malden was broken into by thieves who were after one thing: "Magic: The Gathering" cards. Photos from Hobby Bunker show the glass on the shop's front door smashed following the break-in last Friday.

According to a statement on the shop's Facebook page, the business "suffered minor damage" and nothing was stolen except for some cards. The owners learned that two other businesses in the area had experienced similar break-ins.

Greater Boston League Sets 2021 Sports Calendar

The Greater Boston League has set its athletic schedule for the remainder of the school year after delaying fall sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sports like football, cross country and soccer were pushed to the Fall 2 season, which starts as winter sports wrap up.

The Greater Boston League includes Malden, Medford, Somerville, Everett and Revere.

Melrose Police Get Gun Upgrades — And This Time, No Controversy

Last June, the question of whether to appropriate $26,000 for the police to upgrade aging firearms nearly split Melrose in half.

Fast forward more than six months to the first Appropriations Committee meeting of the year Monday night. That same funding request passed unanimously with a kumbaya feel.

So what changed?

Burlington Begins Vaccinating First Responders

Burlington began vaccinating first responders Tuesday at the Human Services Building.

The first shot was administered at 9 a.m., the fire department said.

First responder vaccinations began across the state Monday. Burlington clinics are scheduled for Jan. 12, 14, 19 and 21 at the Human Services Building.

Across Massachusetts

Natick Residents Petition To Oust Official Seen At Capitol Riot

Natick Town Meeting member Sue Ianni was photographed in the U.S. Capitol with Mark Sahady of the group Super Happy Fun America.

FBI: No MA Threat Amid Warning of Nationwide Armed Protests

The FBI warned of plans for armed protests across the country if President Donald Trump is removed from office before his term expires.

Wellesley Police Catch Trio Involved In Car Break-Ins

Wellesley police caught and arrested three minors who were involved in the break-ins of several cars in town and the theft of one.