Around Town

Trees for Watertown Annual Meeting Features Talk by City’s Senior Environmental Planner

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The following announcement was provided by Trees for Watertown:

In the coming decades, our New England region will be at the heart of climate change impacts. According to a 2022 University of Massachusetts report, at current CO2 emission levels, the number of 90-degree days our city sees will increase to 80 per year by the end of the century, vector-borne diseases will increase, and animal and plant species will be lost. 

Of particular importance to Watertown, precipitation rates and river resulting stormwater flooding are set to rise substantially.  Storms will be more intense, leading to costly home flooding and personal property loss.  

In January 2020 the World Economic Forum launched the One Trillion Tree initiative. In July 2022 the Biden Administration announced the US government aims to plant over a billion trees.  Along with restoring forests, a healthy established population of urban shade trees is internationally recognized as one of the most powerfully effective means for protecting us from the most punishing effects of climate change. Cities across the world are planting thousands of trees to increase their tree canopy. However, the success of tree-planting efforts world-wide and here in Watertown depends on proper planning for the long term. Trees provide exponentially more protective ecological services when they are mature. This means it’s important to take good care of existing healthy trees, and to select, site, plant and maintain new trees carefully so that they can have long healthy lifetimes.

Police/Fire

Fire Department Hosting Kids’ Art Contest, Winners to be Announced at WFD Open House

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The Watertown Fire Department sent out the following annoucement:

Come join us for some fun, food, and live demonstrations. Learn about fire safety and what you can do to keep your friends, family, and pets safe. Watertown Fire Department Open House: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Watertown Fire Department Children’s Art Contest

This contest is open to all Watertown Elementary School students. We would like to see your best Fire Department themed drawings. Please include your name, your parent/guardian’s name, phone number and email address.

Around Town

LETTER: Fair Share Amendment Committee Members Back School Committee Candidate

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As members of Watertown for the Fair Share Amendment Committee, we very happy to write in support of Rachel Kay for School Committee. 

For over a year and half, a small group of us worked to successfully promote the passage of the Fair Share Amendment. Rachel understood early the value of the FSA to local schools and jumped in with enthusiasm. Voters of Massachusetts voted in favor of it in November 2022. The 4 percent tax on incomes over one million is projected to bring in over $2 billion every year. This revenue will support improvements to schools, higher education, early education, vocational training and adult education, plus transit. The Watertown for the Fair Share Amendment Committee organized forums, canvases, information campaigns, and did outreach to residents and community groups. We also asked the city council to join other Massachusetts councils in endorsing the Fair Share Amendment, which it did. All of these efforts led to the additional funding for our schools and learners.  

Rachel contributed more than hard work and steady diligence to this project. She stepped up when needed; taking initiative, facilitating communication, informing decision-making. Rachel is well organized, a fast learner, a good communicator and a strong collaborator.

Business

New Watertown Fitness Studio Hosting Open House with Free Classes & Refreshments

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The following announcement was provided by Fly Together

Come celebrate the grand opening of our second location and flagship studio in Watertown

Explore over 4,000 sq. ft. of movement arts space. Enjoy FREE taster classes and light refreshments. Check out our classes: pole dance, heels dance, sensual movement, conditioning, flexibility, twerk, acro, handstands, chair and more!

Around Town

Star Market to Give Back to Operation American Soldier in Reusable Bag Program

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The following announcement was provided by Star Market:

Operation American Soldier has been selected as a beneficiary of the Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program for the month of October. The Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program, which launched in March 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work. Operation American Soldier was selected as the October beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Star Market located 699 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge. Operation American Soldier will receive a $1 donation every time the $3.00 GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during [month], unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

Government

Save the Date: Watertown Square Planning Meetings

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Save These Dates for the Watertown Square Area Planning Events. The City will hold a public launch event for the Watertown Square Area Plan on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. On November 28 through 30, 2023 the City will hold a Design Charrette for the planning effort. Please save these dates so you can participate in this exciting initiative to reimagine Watertown Square! The Watertown Square Area Plan will address all aspects of how the City’s “downtown” works—including transportation, housing, public spaces and sustainability.

Around Town

Watertown Church Hosting Family Harvest Fest

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The following information was provided by Grace Church Watertown:

Gather your loved ones and savor the beauty of New England this fall at the annual Grace Chapel, Watertown Harvest Fest!  

Carve out some family time as you connect with your friends and neighbors while enjoying music, tasty fall treats, games, and don’t forget about face painting and our famous bounce houses! Who could ask for more? This event is FREE for the whole family! Save the date: October 14, 2023 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Rain date: October 21, 2023, same time.

Around Town

Free Qigong Classes Start Tuesday at Watertown Library

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The following announcement was provided by Live Well Watertown:

Live Well Watertown is offering FREE, drop-in, Qigong for Health & Healing classes at the Watertown Free Public Library on Tuesdays, from 1:00 – 2:00pm, September 12 through October 17, 2023! This class is easy, fun, and relaxing, with movements similar to Yoga and Tai Chi. Class description below:

As the seasons turn from late summer to Fall, our immune systems become more susceptible to colds/ flu/allergies/fatigue to name a few. Now more than ever, we need to keep our immune systems strong and our body and mind grounded. This can be achieved by improving the flow of energy in your body and calming your mind.  This series will consist of practicing body tapping, meridian stretching, practice feeling energy, and meditation as a means to achieve this goal.  These movements help to increase your vitality, flexibility, and power on a physical level and bring you to a more peaceful place in your heart and mind.