Around Town

Free Workshop for Supporting People Developing Mental Health Issues

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

The Watertown Free Public Library is partnering with Wayside Multi-Service Center to offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for the Watertown Community. MHFA teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. Two sessions will be offered: one for adults interacting with adults, one for adults interacting with youth. Sign up now for a free mental health first aid workshop by clicking here.

Entertainment

Watertown Children’s Theatre Presenting “The Laramie Project”

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Children’s Theatre:

Watertown Children’s Theatre at the Mosesian Center for the Arts presents The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project. In October 1998, Laramie, Wyoming was the site of a violent crime against a young man named Matthew Shepard. Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie over the course of a year and a half, in the aftermath of the violent attack and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing Shepard. Kaufman and Tectonic Theater members have constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable. In this online production, WCT features a cast of 9th-12th graders exploring what this story means for a new generation of performers and audiences over twenty years later.

Schools

Minuteman High School Celebrating Class of 2021, Holding Limited In-Person Graduation

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The following piece was provided by Minuteman High School:

Dear Minuteman High School Community,

As the weather gets warmer and more people are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, there’s a level of optimism and energy that’s palpable. It’s invigorating to see more Minuteman students back in school and deeply satisfying to observe more in-person learning taking place. Spring is also a time to celebrate our seniors – a rite of passage that was greatly limited one year ago. Now, we are better able to plan safe events to honor the Class of 2021. In place of a traditional prom, Minuteman is holding multiple events for the senior class.

Around Town

Watertown Teens Take to Streets on Earth Day to Call Attention to Climate Change

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Sunrise WatertownSunrise Watertown marched on the streets of Watertown on Earth Day to bring attention to climate change. The following piece was provided by Sunrise Watertown:

Fifteen months ago, Sunrise Watertown convened with the intention of hosting a 2020 Earth Day event for the community. Little did we, or anyone, expect, our plans would come to a screaming halt at the hands of the pandemic. Nevertheless, we reworked our ideas by hosting a virtual Earth Day event; We invited community members to make signs to post pictures with, sign our petition to enact a Massachusetts Green New Deal, and watch some of the videos we had created through Zoom. Since then, we have gone on to meet with Massachusetts Senators, town councillors, and a whole host of other people willing to help us fight for a livable future.

Entertainment

Small Saves Deals With an Injury in This Week’s 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.”

Angeline Kounelis

LETTER: Resident Sad to See Kounelis Step Down as East End Town Councilor

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Editor:

I was disappointed to see Angie Kounelis give her notice that she was stepping down as a Town Councilor!! First and foremost Angie was special in keeping East Enders in the know on what was happening in our part of town!! But more than that she was different. She took no money at all she placed no signs on lawns. She spoke her mind and she got elected every time!! She paid attention and knew the issues like the back of her hand!

Police/Fire

Watertown Assistant Fire Chief Accredited by Mass. Fire Service Commission

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Watertown Fire DepartmentWatertown Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. The following information was provided by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission:

The Massachusetts Fire Service Commission granted accreditation to Assistant Chief Ryan Nicholson of the Watertown Fire Department on March 18, 2021 who has demonstrated the required fire service experience, education, and certifications for accreditation. This accreditation is granted through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for the level of fire chief. Palmer Fire Chief Alan Roy, who serves as chair of the commission says, “The program establishes requirements based on education, training, and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief. It establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department and their community.” The applicant’s documentation is reviewed by a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission to determine if the individual has attained a minimum level of credits for education, training, and experience.