ARF East Region

COVID-19 Panel Discussion Being Hosted by Watertown-Based Armenian Group

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Hear from a panel of experts on the COVID-19 vaccine at a virtual discussion hosted by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern Region, which is based in Watertown. The group put out the following information:

Join the ARF Eastern Region for a LIVE Covid-19 panel discussion on Sunday, March 14 at 5 pm EST on Facebook Live for the latest information on the Covid-19 vaccine from those working the front lines. To join the livestream, click here: https://www.facebook.com/arfeastusa/posts/1734107006775898

Panelists include John Bilezikian, MD, endocrinology, Columbia University; Kim Hekimian, PhD, public health, Columbia University; Tsoline Kojaoghlanian, MD, infectious disease, Maimonides Children’s Hospital; Lawrence Najarian, MD, ophthalmology, New York University; and, Karine Shnorhokian, MSN, RN, regional director, CareOne. 

There will be an opportunity for participants to ask panelists questions.

Government

Plan to Add Bike Lane to Section of Waverley Ave. Approved by Council

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An illustration of the new bike lanes on the uphill part of Waverley Avenue between Orchard and Belmont streets. Bike lanes will be added on the uphill parts of the section of Waverley Avenue near Orchard Street, in a plan that will also add curbing and planting strips along the roadway. The Town Council approved the renovation of the section of the roadway running between Orchard and Belmont streets at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. The option was chosen over another that would have had cyclists share the roadway with motor vehicles and would have preserved more on-street parking. Both options studied by the Department of Public Works would have met the Town’s Complete Streets goal, which calls for Watertown’s roadways to be designed for a variety of transportation options, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transportation.

Government

LETTER: Councilor Discusses Upcoming Meetings Look at Police Services in Watertown

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The following statement was first read by Councilor Lisa Feltner at the March 9 Town Council meeting:

Watertown is very proud of its police department. The men and women who have served here, have served with distinction, and we appreciate overall their dedication to keeping us safe. They put their lives on the line for us every day. There are members of our community that have some concerns, which is understandable given all that has happened over the past year and in light of the pandemic, which has prompted questions about municipal and societal priorities across the country. The Town Council unanimously recommended the Public Safety Committee hold meetings to discuss current services and operations of our police department.

Government

State Sen. Brownsberger Hosting Virtual Office Hours, See How to Participate

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

State Sen. Will Brownsberger will host virtual office hours for Watertown residents on Saturday, March 13. The meeting, which will be conducted on Zoom, will take place from 2-4 p.m. on March 13. Brownsberger said he plans to have a smaller group discussion during people can raise concerns. See the Zoom meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/92820069846?pwd=VEpNbXJWMXMvOFh1c3dCaUtSZ1VnQT09

Meeting ID: 928 2006 9846Passcode: 692210One tap mobile+13017158592,,92820069846#,,,,*692210# US (Washington DC)+13126266799,,92820069846#,,,,*692210# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)Meeting ID: 928 2006 9846Passcode: 692210Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/avt7wQIqp

COVID-19

See When Watertown Elementary Students Will be Returning to School Full-Time

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Elementary school students in Watertown will return to school five days a week beginning April 5, and middle and high schoolers will follow at dates to be determined, Superintendent Dede Galdston announced Tuesday. The State Eduction Board voted to give Commissioner of Education Jeffrey Riley the authority to reopen schools for in-person learning on March 5. Galdston said plans for Watertown Middle School and Watertown High School students will be “determined in the coming days.” According to the state’s guidance, middle schools are supposed to return by April 28. No date was given for high schools, but the state will give districts notice of the return date at least two weeks ahead.

ALS TDI

Non-Profit Biotech Brings its ALS Research to Watertown

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A scientist working on a treatment for ALS at one of Watertown’s newest biotechs — ALS Therapy Development Institute. One of the Kendall Square biotech transplants to Watertown brings its unusual business model to Town, and plans to invite in the public to see what they are about when the pandemic is over. The ALS Therapy Development Institute, or ALS TDI, seeks to find treatments for ALS, which is also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Unlike most life science firms, ALS TDI is a non-profit biotech, supported by donors, said Carol Hamilton, Senior Director of Development. “We are the first and, as far as I know, still only non-profit biotech.

Buses

Bus Service on Multiple MBTA Routes in Watertown to be Decreased

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An MBTA bus in Watertown. Several bus routes serving Watertown will see service decreased by the MBTA beginning on March 14. Among the routes affected by the service reduction are the 71 and 73 buses. The 70 and 57 buses will see increases at some times of day and decreases at other times. The Red, Green and Orange subway lines will also see significant reduction in frequency.

Police/Fire

Middle School Video: Statements from Teacher, School Officials & Police Union

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Watertown Middle School

The showing of a video to a group of Watertown Middle School students caused an uproar in Town. The video is being called anti-police and misleading, with some calling for the teacher who showed it to be disciplined or fired. The video, which was created by MTV, was not sanctioned by Watertown School officials before it was shown during Community Meeting at WMS in February. Superintendent Dede Galdston said that she cannot share details of a personnel matter, that the Watertown Public School officials are looking into the incident. “While personnel matters cannot be shared publicly, please know that District leadership will address this incident directly in a way that is consistent with School Committee policies and procedures,” Galdston wrote in a statement released Saturday.