Environment

Town Council Considering Plastic Bag Ban in Watertown

By |

A Town Council subcommittee has begun wading into whether the town should have a ban retail stores using plastic bags in Watertown. The Rules & Ordinances Committee discussed a possible ban last week, but did not come up with any decisions, but the committee may start steps toward creating an ordinance, said committee Chairman and Councilor Ken Woodland. “We are forming a draft of an ordinance with the help of the town attorney and will review that draft at the next committee meeting,” said Woodland. “The next meeting is when we will work out the final details and make more concrete decisions.” Woodland said the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 3.

Entertainment

Director of Children’s Theatre Play to Speak About Upcoming Production

By |

Award-winning Composer, Playwright, Music Director and Educator Steven Bergman will speak at the next free Text + conText program in advance of Watertown Children’s Theatre’s premiere of his musical, “Reigning Cats & Dogs.”

This free series brings creative artists and audience together in an open forum setting to discuss craft and the creative process. Bergman will speak at the Arsenal Center for the Arts on Feb. 17, 7 p.m., according to the Arsenal Center for the Arts’ announcement. Reigning Cats & Dogs is a new musical for young audiences about acceptance, personal identity, friendship and loyalty. It offers the opportunity for the cast to explore roles, text and music without reference to tried and true versions, a stretching experience.

Around Town

New Grant Will Help Wayside Educate Youth About HIV/AIDS

By |

A new grant received by Wayside Youth & Family Support Network announced will be used to create a social media campaign to inform youth about preventing HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. The $125,000 grants was provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and it will target minority teens and youth in Watertown and other area communities. The Youth Media Action Project (Y-MAP) will use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to increase prevention messages to youth ages 12-18 about HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. The target audience is African American, Haitian and Latino youth living in and around public housing in Somerville, Waltham and Watertown, Mass. Wayside will also work closely with Gay Straight Alliances at high schools in these three cities, according to an announcement from Wayside.

Around Town

MBTA Severely Cuts Service Monday Night & Tuesday

By |

The MBTA announced Monday that public transportation in and around Boston will be suspended starting Monday night and continue through Tuesday.All trolley, subway and commuter rail service will stop at 7 p.m. Monday so that snow and ice can be removed from tracks, reported Boston.com. Bus service available, but routes operating on narrow streets and hills may be operating on “snow routes.” Check the MBTA site for more information and updates – http://www.mbta.com/winter/

Government

Snow Covered Sidewalks Frustrate Watertown Residents

By |

Trying to take a walk around Watertown these day can be a frustrating and even hazardous because many sidewalks remain un-shoveled and those that are cleared often have piles of snow blocking the end. Many residents have had it with the lack of shoveling and plowing of sidewalks in their neighborhood and around town. They point to the lack of a requirement for residents to clear their sidewalks, as approved in surrounding communities. When the snow-covered walkways are near schools, it is particularly upsetting for parents. “Many routes have huge snow banks, and unplowed sidewalks, leaving kids to have to walk in the streets, which are very narrow and congested during drop-off and pick-up time,” said parent Naomi Ridge.

Business

Watertown Bank Wins Award for Watertown Strong Campaign

By |

Watertown Savings Bank won First Place in the Public Relations-Events category at the New England Financial Marketing Association (NEFMA) Awards Night. NEFMA is an independent organization consisting of over 300 marketing professionals from banks, credit unions and financial service companies throughout New England. The awards were held in January at the Crown Plaza Boston-Natick. WSB submitted their Watertown Strong campaign, which was developed in reaction to the successful capture of the Boston Marathon bombing suspect that occurred in Watertown in April 2013. WSB Vice President of Marketing Carole Katz was honored to accept the award on behalf of the Bank and its employees.

Government

State Rep. Jonathan Hecht Announces Office Hours

By |

Have an issue or a question about Watertown or state government, you can bring it up with State Rep. Jon Hecht at his upcoming office hours. Hecht will hold office hours on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the small conference room on the third floor of Watertown Town Hall and on Monday, March 2 from 5-6 p.m. in the Raya Stern room in the Watertown Public Library. Constituents are invited to meet with Rep. Hecht to discuss pending legislation or any other issue of concern to them. Anyone unable to attend these office hours can call Rep. Hecht at 617-722-2140 to schedule an appointment at another time.

Government

Snow Impact: Tuesday Closings, Parking Ban & Trash Update

By |

 

The latest, ongoing snow storm looks to be a biggie, and will impact Watertown residents this week. 

The National Weather Service forecasts 8-16 inches of snow overnight and during the day Monday. The Watertown Public Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Town Hall, the Watertown Free Public Library and the Watertown Senior Center will be closed Monday. The School Committee meeting has been rescheduled to Feb. 23, said Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald.