Around Town

List of COVID-19 Resources Provided by Congresswoman Clark

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Congresswoman Katherine Clark

The following letter was sent out by Congresswoman Katherine Clark, whose district includes Watertown. Hello Friend,

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put a significant strain on families and students. I want to update you on what I’ve done in Congress to support the needs of our families and students, and also connect you to some relevant resources that are currently available for you and your loved ones. Last month, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act, two emergency funding packages that take important steps to help address the urgent challenges facing our education system as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, these new laws provide essential child care services for front line workers that are keeping us safe, as well as paid extended leave for parents and caregivers. For K-12 students, we have enacted increased access to child nutrition programs and far-reaching academic support so that classrooms in cities and in rural America can take advantage of remote learning tools.

Around Town

Carroll Center Offers Virtual Rehabilitation for the Blind & Visually Impaired

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The following information was provided by the Carroll Center for the Blind:

To ensure that people who are blind and visually impaired receive training and support during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, MA has launched virtual program offerings for individuals of all ages and all stages of vision loss. The adjustment to vision loss does not stop given the ongoing pandemic—in fact, the need to stay connected to critical blindness rehabilitation is more important than ever. Although the nonprofit is not currently providing face-to-face instruction on its campus or in the community, the renowned blindness rehabilitation institution is providing instruction through a variety of remote methods to school-age students, adults, and seniors across the nation. The Carroll Center’s team of expert vision professionals are remotely teaching on a variety of topics, including:

·       Activities of Daily Living

·       Technology Skills and Assistive Technology

·       Braille

·       Low Vision Devices

·       Employment Readiness

·       Health Management

Recognizing that schooling and many workplace meetings are now being offered through Zoom and similar telecommunications platforms, the nonprofit is also teaching consumers how to effectively use these technologies. Additionally, the Center is providing counseling support, assistance with resources and diabetes management, as well as support to use the variety of remote methods such as Zoom.

Around Town

Watertown Library Moves Programs & Classes Online

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The historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. Even though the Watertown Free Public Library building is closed, the staff continues to provide services to residents online, including classes and programs.

The activities will be presented in a variety of virtual formats, including using Facebook Live and Zoom meetings. The library sent out the following information about its programs:

Yoga is back. Knitting group is back. Cook the Books is back.

Around Town

U.S. Postal Products Available from Home, No Computer Needed

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The following announcement was provided by the U.S. Post Office:

You don’t have to go to the Post Office to use many postal products and services. In fact, most simple tasks can be done from the convenience and safety of your home with or without a computer. Like purchasing stamps. Using your computer, you can go to the Postal Store on usps.com and select different stamp denominations. USPS will deliver them right to your home.

Around Town

Watertown Citizens Group Holding Monthly Meeting Online

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The following information was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment:

Our April monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, April 15, at 7 PMAfter a brief business meeting and updates, Watertown Citizens for Black Lives will lead a discussion on systemic racism based on Peggy McIntosh’s article “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.” Please join us for this online meeting via Zoom. To connect to this meeting, go to the Watertown Citizens’ website at http://watertowncitizens.org. We look forward to seeing you.

Entertainment

In This Week’s Cartoon, Small Saves is Ready for the Emergency Call Up

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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.”

Around Town

Mass Cultural Council Offers Relief Fund for Individuals

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The following information was provided by the Mass. Cultural Council:

Mass Cultural Council believes in the power of culture, and we recognize that the work done by creative and innovative individuals is key to our vital communities. We know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has caused major disruptions for the careers of individuals who earn income through their work in the cultural sector. In response, Mass Cultural Council has launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals. The purpose of the COVID-19 Relief Fund is to support individuals whose creative practices and incomes are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Around Town

LETTER: U.S. Post Office Using Social Distancing to Protect Mail Carriers During COVID-19 Outbreak

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Dear Editor:

During these challenging times, postal employees are working hard to ensure residents stay connected with their world through the mail. Whether it’s medications, a package, a paycheck, benefits or pension check, a bill or letter from a family member, postal workers understand that every piece of mail is important. While service like this is nothing new to us, we need our communities’ help with social distancing. For everyone’s safety, our employees are following the social distancing precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials. We are asking people to not approach our carriers to accept delivery.