Rockland Trust Offering Renewable Scholarships

The following announcement was provided by Rockland Trust:

Rockland Trust is pleased to announce the launch of its 20th Annual Scholarship Program, which is open to students who are enrolling in a part-time or full-time post-secondary studies for the first time at an accredited two or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year (2024-2025). Rockland Trust will award up to 16 $3,000 renewable scholarships this year. Applications are available online at RocklandTrust.com/Scholarship. “For two decades, our scholarship program has enabled hundreds of local students to advance their journey through post-secondary education,” said Andrea Borowiecki, Vice President of Charitable Giving & Community Engagement. “Each year, we’re inspired by the ambition and talent of the students as they work toward their goals, ultimately bettering our communities.”

Applications will be considered based on financial need, academic performance, and unusual personal or family circumstances. Applicants must reside in a county Rockland Trust serves. To learn more about guidelines, eligibility criteria, and access the application, please visit RocklandTrust.com/Scholarship.

Small Saves Meets the New Goalie in Town in This Week’s Comic

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.”

Library Chooses Best Selling Author’s Title for One Book, One Watertown

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

This year, the Watertown Free Public Library’s One Book, One Watertown selection invites us to consider what happens when we reject hostility and dread to embrace compassion and curiosity. Our Missing Hearts by bestselling author Celeste Ng is a poignant tale of family survival, and a powerful refusal to abandon hope. All community members are invited to check out the book from the Library, and join in themed programs during the month of March. This year’s community read will culminate in “An Evening with Celeste Ng” on Thursday, March 21 at the Watertown Free Public Library, free to all. Registration begins on March 1st. Our Missing Hearts can be reserved in the Library catalog at watertownlib.org.

Watertown Yoga Studio Offering Free Classes at Open House

Artemis Yoga in East Watertown will host free classes on Jan. 27, 2024. (Courtesy of Artemis Yoga)

The following announcement was provided by Artemis Yoga:

Artemis Yoga is inviting the local community to an Open House on Saturday afternoon, January 27th from 1 to 3:15 p.m. at their east end location in Watertown. With an afternoon of FREE classes, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover Artemis Yoga, a local independent yoga center that just celebrated its 8-year anniversary, having opened its doors at 639 Mt. Auburn St.

Share Your Opinions on Health & Human Services in Watertown at Forum

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown is hosting a Community Forum on Health & Human Services at the Watertown Free Public Library (123 Main St.) at 6 p.m. on January 29, 2024, and we encourage all residents to join! Please attend and share your opinions about the City of Watertown’s health and human service needs and strengths in this facilitated discussion to help Watertown become a healthier community for all! You can also participate on Zoom or watch the event broadcasted live! Please find those links and more information about the event here: Health & Human Services Study Webpage.

OP-ED: Importance of Setting New Years Resolutions for Older Residents

By Andrea Forde

A new year brings new resolutions that can lead to improvements in daily habits as well as health benefits for many older Americans.  

In fact, according to a 2020 study, older adults who engaged in healthy lifestyle choices such as physical activity, not smoking, not heavily drinking, following a healthy diet, and taking part in mentally stimulating activities, had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. For people who are already suffering from chronic conditions, setting simple and realistic goals that are manageable with their health challenges is important.  

As you consider changes and goals for 2024, here are five achievable resolutions that can help kick off the new year on the right foot.  

Pursue an active lifestyle.  

Staying active is an admirable goal to have every year.

City: Check On Your Neighbors During Period of Cold Weather

The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

During the period of dangerously cold weather through Sunday, January 21, 2024 we ask that you please take the time to check in on your neighbors to ensure their health and wellbeing. We invite everyone to get warm by visiting the Watertown Free Public Library at 123 Main Street. They are open Monday to Thursday from 9 AM – 9 PM, Friday from 9 AM – 7 PM, Saturday from 9 AM – 5 PM, and Sunday from 1 PM – 5 PM. Get Extreme Cold Safety Tips, such as how to prepare your home, winter pet safety tips, a car checklist, and more.

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting After Hours at Olespana

The Watertown Business Coalition’s first networking event of 2024 will be an after hours event at Olespana in East Watertown. The WBC sent out the following announcement:

Join Us for a WBC After Hours Event at Olespana

If you have yet to check out Olespana, now is your chance! Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in a fun and festive setting right in your East End here in Watertown! Thank you to owner, Peter Pyne, for being our host for the evening! Our programming aims to help connect our community and residents to the City’s issues and initiatives. Our morning Coffee Connects, After Hours get-togethers and Civic Events will continue to give you the opportunity to visit places of business in town, meet people, learn something, chat with city government … and maybe even have a laugh along the way. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Cash Bar – Light Bites provided 

RSVP HERE

This event is FREE and open to Watertown Businesspeople & Stakeholders,  Watertown Residents & Watertown Employees – Join Us!