Transportation

Overnight Closures on Mass. Pike Begin Soon

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced that there will be various overnight impacts including lane closures on I-90 east and westbound as well as short-term detours of Commonwealth Avenue east and westbound in the area of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and the Boston University Bridge from Monday, July 22 through Saturday, August 10. These impacts will take place during overnight hours only and will allow crews to safely and effectively conduct scheduled construction operations on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The impacts will vary depending upon the work being conducted, but in general, the I-90 lane closures will take place from approximately 9 p.m., through 4:30 a.m., and the Commonwealth Avenue detours will take place from 1:30 a.m., to 4:30 a.m.

As always, work is being conducted in ways that minimize impacts on the traveling public and local community. For example, operations are being conducted during overnight hours to prevent travel disruptions. These impacts are associated with the larger bridge replacement project and are necessary to conduct final scheduled construction activities per project plans.

Entertainment

Small Saves: Rainy Day

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning, Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal–then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Around Town

Member of Watertown Troop 30 Earns Scouting’s Highest Rank: Eagle Scout

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Luke Black recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Here he is with his parents Lee and Mary Helen Black at the Eagle Scout Ceremony. Recently, Luke Black — a member of Watertown Boy Scout Troop 30 — reached an achievement that only a handful of boys reach in their time as scouts. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout. On June 13, Luke Black received his Eagle pin from Scoutmaster Chris Derocher at a ceremony held at Watertown-Belmont United Methodist Church.

Around Town

MTBA CharlieCards Now Available in Watertown

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The MBTA announced that the Town of Watertown has partnered with the T in the growing initiative to increase the availability of CharlieCards to residents who rely on public transportation. Under the initiative, free no-balance CharlieCards are available at the following Watertown locations:

•        Watertown Town Hall 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472

CharlieCards available in the Clerk’s Office on the ground floor and in the Planning Department on the third floor. •         Watertown Free Public Library 123 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472

The Town of Watertown joins a growing list of Cities and Towns partnering with the MBTA to increase access to CharlieCards. The City of Chelsea partnered with the MBTA in January 2019 with CharlieCards pre-loaded with $5 as well as free no-balance CharlieCards available in the Treasury Office of Chelsea City Hall. CharlieCards available in the City of Lynn and the City of Salem are also coming soon.

Real Estate

A Variety of Open Houses to Check Out in Watertown

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Check out this week’s Watertown open houses. $399,000 – 10 Williams St. Unit 57, 3 room, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom high-rise, Open House: Sunday 12-1

$799,000 – 31 Olney St., 8 room, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom colonial, Open Houses: Saturday 1:30-3 Sunday 11:30-1:30

$599,900 – 311 Waverley Ave. Unit 311, 7 room, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse, Open House: Sunday 11:30-12:30

$749,000 – 31 Charles Street Unit 1, 6 room, 3 bedroom, 2 full & 1 half bathroom townhouse, Open Houses: Saturday 1-2:30 Sunday 1-2:30

$489,000 – 50 Evans St. Unit 50, 6 room, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom 2/3 family, Open House: Sunday 11-12:30

$835,000 – 9 Chandler St.

Around Town

A Little Library in Watertown Brings Together Book Lovers, Neighbors

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Rebecca Conlon and Emily Neill stand next to the Little Free Library that recently went up on Hall Avenue. Watertown’s branch libraries closed in 2007, but book lovers can now visit a little library just off Belmont Street in Watertown that is not much bigger than a mailbox. Standing on a single post, the library holds about 30 books. People are welcome to grab something to read, as well as dropping off something for someone else to enjoy. The selection includes fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, books for teens, and tweens, and more, said Rebecca Conlon, who volunteered to house the library in her front yard.

Entertainment

Celebrate Beatrix Potter’s Birthday with Crafts, Songs & Stories

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Mall:

Watertown Mall and Watertown Families Together come together to celebrate the 153 rd birthday of Beatrix Potter, author of the beloved book, Peter Rabbit. This free event will consist of Peter Rabbit themed crafts, songs and stories. The celebration will take place on Thursday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. This event will take place in the back hallway, across from Carter’s. Attendees will have the opportunity to win a copy of Peter Rabbit! We look forward to seeing you there!

Around Town

Mini Grants Available from Tufts Health Plan Foundation

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The following announcement was provided by Tufts Health Plan:

Tufts Health Plan Foundation announced Momentum Fund mini-grants of up to $10,000 are available to advance age-friendly and dementia-friendly work in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. These one-year awards are designed to build on community experiences and insights as they advance age- and dementia-friendly cities and towns. 

“The strongest ideas for engaging on aging issues come from community,” said Nora Moreno Cargie, president of Tufts Health Plan Foundation and vice president for corporate citizenship at Tufts Health Plan. “Our desire is to ensure these resources support those ideas.” 

As the only regional funder focused exclusively on healthy aging, Tufts Health Plan Foundation works to strengthen and support communities to help them become great places to grow up and grow old. Since 2008, it has given nearly $34 million to community organizations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The Foundation will begin funding in Connecticut this year. 

To inform decision making, review proposals and make recommendations for funding, the Foundation has convened local committees in each state.