Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/404/?sfw=pass1705501616)
Cartoon by James Demarco
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.”
An illustration of the Common Street Reconstruction Project, including the roundabout at Orchard Street and a redesigned intersection at Spring Street. The Department of Public Works announced that sections of Common Street, including the rotary, will be closed while the final paving work is completed on the project. The Watertown DPW sent out the following announcement:
The Common Street project is scheduled to install top course paving on Common Street starting on Tuesday, September 8th. Work is anticipated to begin at Orchard Street and proceed towards Spring Street. To facilitate the paving, the roundabout and intersecting streets will be closed to vehicular traffic.
The following information was provided by Arsenal Yards:
In partnership with local Boston and Watertown fitness studios, Arsenal Yards is hosting a socially-distanced outdoor fitness series this month. Fitness classes are complimentary to guests and residents of Arsenal Yards, offering the chance to take a class with a favorite local fitness studio, or try something new! Outdoor fitness classes will run through Thursday, October 1,, 2020. Located on the River Green, across from Shake Shack, classes are complimentary and registration is required, with sign-ups opening the week before the class. Limited capacity available, and classes are weather-dependent.
The following announcement was provided by New England Friends of March of the Living:
First Annual Stephan Ross ‘Excellence in Holocaust Education’ Award to be presented to local Holocaust survivor Sidney Handler — Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7 pm (Virtual event).
FREE and open to the entire community. To benefit N. E. Friends / March of the Living Teen Scholarship Fund heritage teen trips to Poland and Israel to retrace roots of the Holocaust and educate about dangers of hatred and intolerance. Among Community Partners for this event are The New England Holocaust Memorial, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Magen David Adom, Temple Israel of Sharon, Temple Emanuel, and Combined Jewish Philanthropies. The event is free and open to the entire community.
The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:
Although we are a long way from normal, there are still so many ways to enjoy and access the Library right now. If you prefer scouring the shelves, the Library is open for browsing and checkouts. If you’d rather use curbside service, you can now schedule your pickup time online. Of course, our eLibrary is open 24/7. And we hope to see you on Zoom!
The ban on stores using single-use plastic bags has been re-instituted in Watertown after being put on hold during the Governor’s COVID-19 shutdown. The Watertown Zoning and Code Enforcement office sent out the following announcement:
Dear Watertown Business Owners and Residents,
As of Friday July 10, 2020, Governor Baker has lifted the freeze on the plastic bag ban ordinance, as well as the ban on reusable bags. The Watertown Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance is now back in effect. In order to give business owners time to make the transition away from plastic bags, enforcement will not begin until October 1st. We encourage businesses to make the transition as soon as possible.
The following information was provided by NAMI:
The virtual NAMI Family Support Group will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm using zoom.us so the next one will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8. We will offer this until we are able to meet in person again. This group is for caregivers of persons with mental illness. See namimass.org for information regarding peer groups for people themselves experiencing a mental illness.
Dear Voter,
I write with pleasure to endorse Steve Owens to represent the 29th Middlesex District, the seat that is being vacated by Rep Jonathan Hecht. Rep Hecht has been a progressive legislator and a great friend. I have total confidence that Steve will continue Jon’s path. Steve was a critical team member in my campaigns for Town Council. He resuscitated a moribund Watertown Democratic Town Committee and it has become known as one of the most dynamic groups in the state.