Around Town

Tonight: Health and Human Services Community Forum

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

This is a reminder about the Health & Human Services Community Forum happening on Monday, January 29, 2024 in the Watertown Free Public Library! This event will begin at 6:00pm and all residents are encouraged to attend and participate! This event is hosted by the City of Watertown and will be facilitated by the consultancy group, Health Management Associates. As part of the City’s on-going health and human services study, this forum looks to give residents the opportunity to share their perspectives into the health and human services offered here in Watertown, all with the goal of identifying how to make the city a healthier, more resourceful community for all! We encourage all residents to attend and participate in what we anticipate being a great event!

Entertainment

See This Week’s Small Saves Cartoon

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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.”

Schools

LETTER: Parent Opposes Holding Lockdown Drills at School

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Dear Superintendent Galdston and School Committee,

I read with alarm in Watertown News that our schools are planning to conduct lockdown/ALICE/active shooter drills. Please reconsider this decision. I understand that there have been issues with false alarms, but it is extremely unclear how past false alarms should have any effect on whether we conduct these terrifying and dubiously effective drills. There is zero research to suggest that these drills do anything other than terrify students. In fact, your own announcement said “Sometimes it is too frightening for children,” and that you had decided not to do ALICE drills at elementary schools in the last few years for that reason.

Business

Mass. Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development to Speak at Chamber Event in Watertown

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Lauren Jones, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development. The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber of Commerce:

Women in Government series presents A conversation with Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development Lauren Jones, Tuesday, Feb 6, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond St., Watertown Networking and continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m., program begins at 9 a.m. open to members & nonmembers. Join us for a timely conversation about jobs, hiring and workforce development with Secretary Lauren Jones, who was appointed by Gov. Maura Healey last year to head up the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Jones has more than 17 years of experience working in local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, with a particular focus on workforce development. As Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Jones led the organization’s workforce development policy and strategy.

Around Town

OBIT: Richard “Richie” O’Reilly, 63, Graduate of Watertown High, Brandeis & New England School of Law

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Richard “Richie” O’Reilly

A Funeral Mass for Richard “Richie” O’Reilly will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 10 AM in the Church of St. Patrick, 212 Main St. Watertown. Mr. O’Reilly was born in Boston to Catherine A. (McCarthy) O’Reilly and the late Joseph O’Reilly. Richie passed away after a 15-month battle with cancer on Jan.

Entertainment

Celebration of Black Artists at Watertown Fitness Studio

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The following announcement was provided by Fly Together Fitness:

Fly Together Fitness is thrilled to partner with Watertown resident Phil Gordon and Joey’s Home Entertainment to bring you Art In Motion at Fly Together Fitness’ Watertown Studio (100 Parker St., Watertown)

At Fly Together Fitness we believe in supporting community initiatives and doing our part in building platforms to empower creative individuals. Whether your self expression is visual, physical, or aural you are welcome to show up as your authentic self and know that there is space for you. Because TOGETHER anything is possible. 

The goal of Art In Motion is to provide a platform to highlight Boston-metro Black creatives in music, visual art, artisan production, apparel and hospitality through curated event experiences at inclusive community spaces. Art in Motion aims to address the lack of historic and regional opportunities for local Black creatives to grow their careers while capturing opportunities to bridge diverse networks and create new relationships between artists and community members around the Greater Boston area. * Tickets sales go towards compensating the artists for their time, (which is not a traditional model but one that we believe is fair and should be standard) we encourage you to select the ticket tier you are most comfortable with.

Around Town

LETTER: Questions About New Position on Traffic Commission

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Democracy?  I know you’re out there somewhere…

This is not a letter that I could even imagine having to write, but here goes. When I looked at Tuesday night’s agenda for the City Council meeting, I noticed an unusual item. Then I started getting phone calls. Other people were curious about this item as well. So I got curious. Why would there be a sudden change to the structure of the Traffic Commission without any visible input from them?

Around Town

Local Fitness Studio Celebrates Galentine’s Day with Free Taylor Swift-Themed Event

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The following announcement was provided by Get Lively:

Get ready to shake off the winter blues and celebrate friendship, fitness, and fun at Get Lively®: Health & Fitness! In honor of Galentine’s Day, our fitness studio is hosting a FREE event that combines the best of both worlds – a heart-pumping workout with the magic of Taylor Swift. Get Lively®’s Galentine’s Day extravaganza will kick off with an energetic workout set to the songs of Taylor Swift!  Whether you’re a Swiftie or just looking to have a blast with friends, this workout is designed for all fitness levels. Our night together doesn’t end with the workout – stick around for some locally made treats and social time! Connect with fellow fitness and Taylor enthusiasts, make new friends, and enjoy the positive and inclusive community atmosphere that Get Lively® is known for.