COVID-19

OP-ED: State Sen. Brownsberger on Updated Mask Guidelines

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

This week, as the delta variant has spread, we’ve gotten new advice from the Centers for Disease Control, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. I’m personally going with the stronger CDC advice. New general advisory from DPH (July 30)

Today, in response to the emerging evidence of about the infectiousness of the Delta variant of the COVID virus, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a new mask advisory. Masks remain mandatory in certain locations where risks of transmission are higher (including public transportation) and are newly advised in some additional circumstances. The mask rules page on the state’s website now includes the following summary.

Around Town

August at the Library: Patio Concert, Summer Reading, Community Yoga

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Watertown Free Public LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. The Watertown Library has a wide variety of events going on this month, here is a selection provided by the library. Look at the calendar links for a full listing. LIBRARY REMINDERS

COVID-19 Reopening | WFPL has resumed full hours of operation, with some COVID precautions still in place. Face masks are required for all people 2 years and older in the Children’s Room. Learn more: watertownlib.org/reopening

Public computers are available for walk-ins and by appointment.

Cartoon

Small Saves Joined by New Cat Themed Cartoon by Watertown Native James DeMarco

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and had a love of cartooning. He started drawing Small Saves in 1991, which features another of his loves — hockey. Recently, DeMarco debuted a new comic strip featuring a cat named Trouble. “The cartoon is about a little kitty named ‘Trouble.’ The cartoon actually originates from my high school days back in the early ’80s,” DeMarco said.

Government

Watertown State Rep. Backs Legislation Promoting Electrification of Vehicle Fleets

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State Rep. Steve Owens. The following piece was provided by State Rep. Steve Owens’ office:

At a hearing held today by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined colleagues and advocates to support her legislation promoting the electrification of fleets and vehicles. Efforts to advance a transition to electric vehicles in statute are part of a broader trend that recognizes the pressing need to decarbonize the transportation sector, both within and beyond the United States. Massachusetts and California have already indicated commitments to have all new cars sold in each state be electric by 2035. The United Kingdom and Norway have made similar commitments, making plans for car sales to be zero-emission by 2035 and 2025, respectively.

Entertainment

Volunteers Wanted for First Watertown Arts Market

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The Town of Watertown is happy to support this year’s inaugural Arts Market, hosted by a coalition of arts and business organizations in Town, taking place at Arsenal Park on August 21 from 12-5 PM (rain date August 28th). 

The Watertown Arts Market is an outdoor event that will follow a similar format to a farmers’ market: Watertown-based artists, authors, creatives, musicians and music teachers, arts and culture organizations, and beyond will each host a table at the event. Attendees can wander through the Market, learning about the artistic and cultural offerings in Watertown. Artists and cultural organizations can share information about their work and sell visual art, music, services, and more.The Arts Market will need volunteers to help out between 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM on the day of the event  to assist with set up at Arsenal Park in the morning, to help throughout the day with various tasks, and clean up in the evening. Volunteers may work one 4 hour shift or two consecutive four hour shifts with with a one hour break. 

Visit watertownartsmarket.com for more information and to sign up to volunteer.

Election 2021

LETTER: Vote in November, the Town Election Will be an Important One

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown residents cast their ballots in 2020. Dear Watertown Residents,

I strongly urge you to vote in this fall’s municipal elections. As a lifelong resident, I know this election will be consequential! It will set the trajectory for Watertown for many decades to come, just like those held forty years ago did. What you will be voting for on NOVEMBER 2nd:

Town Council is your legislative branch.  They chair committees, pass ordinances, make budget recommendations, and most importantly, hire and fire the Town Manager, aka CEO. The Town Manager hires persons such as Assessor and Chief of Police. The current Town Manager is retiring after close to 30 years in the position.

Election 2021

LETTER: Councilor At-Large Candidate Seeks to Serve His Hometown

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John Airasian declared his candidacy for Town Councilor At-Large. My name is John Airasian and I hope to secure your vote for the Councilor At Large Race on November 2, 2021. I have lived in Watertown my entire life and have seen first-hand the extraordinary changes this community has gone through. I am a graduate of Watertown Public Schools (’95) and co-owner of Eastern Clothing also located here in East Watertown. My wife, Jackie, and I met here, and we have three boys: Vincent (11), Michael (10) and Jack (9).

District A

LETTER: Candidate Announces Run for District A Councilor, Seeks to Represent East End

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Nicole Gardner is running for District A Councilor. Dear District A Neighbors,

I’m running to serve as Watertown’s next District A Town Councilor because I love this town and the East End. 

When my husband David and I moved here five years ago to be closer to our kids, we really had no idea that the East End would offer so much: a close-knit community, a vibrant mix of cultural institutions, businesses, and restaurants, as well as beautiful public spaces like the river walk, Filippello Park, and Mount Auburn Cemetery. What a dream! Watertown is now at a pivotal moment. As you know so well, the incredible pace of development is bringing significant challenges as well as benefits to our community.