Elections

OP-ED: Sen. Brownsberger Discusses Voting by Mail in Mass.

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

The following was provided by State Sen. Will Brownsberger, who represents Watertown, Belmont and parts of Boston:

Massachusetts voters will have three options in the statewide elections this fall: They will be able to vote early by mail, vote early in person, or vote in person on election day. The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill providing these options (Tuesday, June 16) and the House has already passed a similar bill. Our hope is that final legislation will be on the Governor’s desk very shortly. The new voting options are intended to reduce the risks of transmitting COVID-19. We hope that many voters will choose to vote by mail and avoid physically appearing at the polls.

Around Town

Watertown Library Has Anti-Racism Reading Lists, Resources; Many Activities This Week

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The historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. The following information was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

Beginning this week, the Library is adding evening hours for curbside pickup. The new schedule is: Monday 1 pm – 4 pm | Tuesday 4 pm – 7 pm | Wednesday 11 am – 2 pm | Thursday 4 pm – 7 pm | Friday 9 am – 12 pm. Learn how to place your order here: watertownlib.org/pickup

WFPL REMINDERS

Curbside Pickup: WFPL is now offering curbside pickup for library books and materials. Learn how to place your order at watertownlib.org/pickup

Open a Library Card: Yes, you can open a Library card from home! Complete this registration form to sign up. 

Contact WFPL: If you’re having trouble logging into our digital services because of account issues, we’ll do our best to get you connected. Click here to ask question. 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Anti-Racism Readings and Resources: We hope you’ll use these booklists and resources to better understand the history and present reality of racism in this country, start conversations, and take action.

Around Town

Watertown Woman Named a 2020 Commonwealth Heroine

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Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin, was named a Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Here she speaks at the 2016 Unity Breakfast. The following information was sent out by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women:

Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin, of Watertown, will be honored as a member of the ’s 2020 class of Commonwealth Heroines. State Rep.Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Jonathan Hecht recommended Hershman-Tcherepnin for this recognition due to her outstanding work on immigration and refugee issues. Hershman-Tcherepnin will be honored with the other Commonwealth Heroines at the 17th annual Commonwealth Heroines celebration.

Schools

MassBay Community College Holding Fall Classes Online

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The following announcement was provided by MassBay Community College:

MassBay Community College courses for fall 2020 semester will be taught either online or via a remote format. Courses listed in the fall 2020 course schedule as having specific class days and times will not meet face-to-face, but will be offered remotely. Fall classes begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, and registration is now open to students. “MassBay is firmly committed to the health and safety of all our students, faculty, and staff, and given the uncertainty we face in the coming months, the most feasible course of action is to limit access to campus,” said MassBay President, Dr. David Podell. “This is not an easy decision as we enjoy being on campus with all our students, but we make this decision now to allow students and their families the time they need to prepare and adjust their schedules.”

MassBay defines online classes and remote formatted classes as follows:

An Online Course does not meet at a particular time or day (known as an “asynchronous course”) and all work is completed in the learning management system, Blackboard.

Transportation

RMV Expanding Hours, Providing More Flexibility

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The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing new initiatives to provide additional flexibility to its customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including expanded appointment hours at open Service Centers, additional Service Center reopenings, an online Learners’ Permit test and exclusive permit appointment hours, online license renewal incentives, new road test and in-car observation protocols for students, and limited supervised driving privileges for eligible teenagers who have turned or are turning 16 between March and June 2020.                                                                                    

 “The RMV appreciates the public’s continued patience and understanding throughout this pandemic as we have expanded many credential deadlines and worked to provide essential in-person services in accordance with all public health and safety guidelines,” said Acting RMV Registrar Jamey Tesler. “Today we are announcing additional steps to help customers, including more appointment hours, flexible guidance for supervised driving, an online learner’s permit test, and an incentive to renew their licenses online now instead of waiting to obtain a REAL ID.”

The RMV is announcing the following additional service offerings: 

Additional Appointment Capacity at Open Service Centers:  customers will now be able to make appointment-only reservations between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Service Centers currently open [including Watertown] to the general public. The RMV anticipates reopening the South Yarmouth Service Center for appointments on Monday, June 22.  

Learner’s Permit Tests Restart Online with Exclusive Permit-Only Center & Hours:  effective this week, customers have been able to make an appointment to once again take their Learner’s Permit exam. Applicants will be required to take their Learner’s Permit test online at home up to 60 days after completing their appointment in a Service Center. Historically, customers have been required to remain at the Service Center to take the test on classroom computers.

Letters

LETTER: Parent Critical of Watertown School’s Slow Response to Racial Issues

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I sat on replying to this for some time because I am pretty angry like many people are. But maybe not for the same reasons you all are. 

In the WPS Statement: (WPS) “are committed to confronting racism in our school community, as well as creating and ensuring welcoming, affirming, and supportive learning spaces for every single one of our students and their families. We commit to our efforts to promote and live anti-racism and social justice in our schools, as well as to serve and support the distinct needs of our students and families of color who are far too often targets of racism and racist acts.” This is absolute [B–s–]. 

My husband and I spoke at a school committee meeting on January 6th about bullying and racism. I spoke up for multiple families who were too afraid to speak for themselves out of fear of retaliation and others who had tried and received a bunch of lip service and no serious support.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Accepting Applications for Citizens Police Academy

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For the 30th time, the Watertown Police Department will be hosting the Watertown Citizens Police Academy. Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn sent out the following information:

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! 10 WEEK PROGRAM – Fall 2020

WHERE: Watertown Police Station

WHEN: Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m.

WHAT: Watertown Police Officers share and exchange information designed to educate residents with police operations, policies & procedures and community policing programs of the police department. TOPICS INCLUDE:Constitutional Law, Motor Vehicle Law, Community Policing/Programs, K-9Unit, Use of Force, Domestic Violence, Patrol Procedures, ALICE, DefensiveTactics & Courtroom Procedures, Crime Scene Investigation, NarcoticEnforcement and a discussion relative to the President’s Task Force on 21stCentury Policing. Students will have the opportunity to participate in ride-alongs with officers on patrol and tour the police station.

Entertainment

Dreaming About Hockey in the Latest Small Saves Cartoon

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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.”