Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/15/)
Watertown’s Got Talent has become an annual event at Arsenal Yards. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
The following information came form Arsenal Yards:
Think you got what it takes to be the 2025 Watertown’s Got Talent Superstar? Apply Now! Email us your talent description and video at hello@arsenalyards.com TODAY for a chance to compete! All applications are due by Monday, September 29th.
Watertown hired a new Veterans Services Officer, who is a Navy and Army National Guard veteran with experience in frontline medical care, and most recently worked in the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services. See the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. The City of Watertown is excited to introduce Jerome (Jay) Terminiello as the City’s Veterans Services Officer (VSO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. Jay joins the City having served 6 years with the Navy, and 3 years with the Army National Guard. During his time with the Navy, Jay delivered frontline medical care to Marines and Sailors, as well as facilitated access to physical and mental health resources to those serving.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:
Inspired by the artist-led organization For Freedoms, the Watertown Free Public Library Teen Department is helping to ensure that the voices of Watertown teens are heard this coming local election season. Beginning September 20, young people ages 13-17 are invited to the Library to create signs that express what issues are most important them, as teens living in Watertown. The signs will be installed on the front lawn of the Library in mid-October. Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” — freedom of speech, freedom to worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear — the For Freedoms project is designed to encourage teens to think deeply about what values are important to them. Each sign represents one young person’s viewpoint.
Watertown Recreation announced the 2025 Turkey Bowl adult flag football tourney on Nov. 23. See more info below. Get ready to burn off some early holiday calories and bring your A-game to the Turkey Bowl 2025 — our first annual Co-Ed Adult Flag Football Tournament happening on Sunday, November 23rd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Tournament Details:
Playing 5v5 format
Roster Size: Unlimited
Bring your own Team Jerseys / Football – Extra footballs will be provided.
The Snow Season is upon us, which, in my 30 years’ experience, can run from Halloween to Tax Day. Best to be prepared with a shovel (human, gas, or electric powered), windshield scraper and wiper fluid, pet-safe ice-melt — and a review of the Residential Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance. Passed in January 2024, only this year does it go into full effect, including fines for violations. The City has a helpful FAQ webpage here: https://www.watertown-ma.gov/1237/Residential-Snow-Ice-Removal-Ordinance-F. Both the ordinance and the debate over it were well-covered in these pages.
Candidates for Watertown City Councilor At-Large. The following information was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:
Join us for a virtual forum with candidates for Watertown City Councilor At-Large ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election. The focus for each forum will be on issues related to economic development, housing, workforce, supporting our non-profits, and the environment; however, general topics may also be discussed. Questions from the business community in advance are welcome.
The following announcement was provided by PBS World:
Watertown filmmaker Lisa Olivieri is thrilled to announce that Recovery City will have its National Broadcast Premiere on PBS WORLD Channel on Sept. 29th at 8 p.m. Filmed over the course of four years in Worcester, Massachusetts, Recovery City is a raw exploration of what it means to be in recovery as seen through the eyes of four women whose lives share a common thread: addiction. An unflinching look at addiction and recovery as seen through the eyes of four women. Christine fights to regain custody of her children. Janis and Rebecca navigate the city’s toughest corners trying to save lives, while Bridget’s daily meetings uplift those still struggling. Recovery City highlights the resilience and camaraderie of a community rallying around the belief that recovery is possible.
Massachusetts State House (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
The following announcement was provided by the Healey-Driscoll Administration:
On Sept. 22, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act making appropriations for fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects to ensure critical funding for hospitals and community health centers in Massachusetts while also reimbursing for services for uninsured and underinsured residents.
While the state experiences significant demand for uncompensated care every year, hospitals and health centers are more acutely feeling strain this year due to more hospitals accepting patients on public payor insurance, growing expenses and increased use of services. In order to address the immediate shortfall, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and partners in the Legislature moved quickly to provide additional funding and relief for hospitals and community health centers.
Key provisions of the bill include:
$122 million for acute care hospitals serving a high percentage of low-income patients and under financial distress.
$77 million for the Health Safety Net Trust Fund, to reimburse hospitals and community health centers for services provided to uninsured and underinsured individuals.
An additional $35 million to community health centers and hospital licensed health centers, including $2.5 million earmarked for shared services.
“Thank you to the Healey Administration, House and Senate leadership, and all of my colleagues for recognizing the urgency of delivering critical funding to support our hospitals and community health centers,” said Representative John Lawn (D-Watertown), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “The Commonwealth will not turn away patients, abandon providers or retreat from our responsibility to ensure that every resident has access to high-quality care.”
“It is important to support our hospitals and community health centers so our residents get the access and quality of care they deserve across Massachusetts. This package is a step forward in maintaining our world-class health care ecosystem,” said Governor Maura Healey.