Business

Citizens Bank & NECN Honoring Non-Profit Groups That Close Social Equity Gaps

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The following information was provided by Citizens Bank and NECN:

Citizens and NECN announced that they will be accepting applications under the bank’s Champions in Action®program from local non-profit organizations that are focused on closing Social Equity & Inclusion gaps within local communities through education, advocacy and relevant programming. The winner for the second half of 2021 will be announced in July. 

Organizations selected for inclusion in the program will receive financial, volunteer and public relations support to help further extend their reach and impact. Areas of focus for the program change twice-yearly. Eligible nonprofits typically work in collaboration with partners, neighborhood groups, schools, or other organizations to address issues related to the chosen focus area that affect local communities. The non-profit applying for the award should include specific and measurable goals for their program.

Around Town

Watertown Library Wants to Know How Accessible the Building, Materials are to Patrons

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The Watertown Library sent out the following announcement about the survey on how accessible the materials and building are to all residents:

WFPL is committed to making our building and materials accessible to all. If you use the Watertown Free Public Library or Hatch Makerspace, please take a moment to complete our accessibility survey. Your responses will help us improve on our deficits as well as build upon our successes. 

Take the survey, either online or by printing it out, by clicking here. If you choose to print the survey, please complete and return it to the Library. You may also type and email your responses to Caitlin Browne at cbrowne@watertown-ma.gov. Any responses received with identifiable information will be kept confidential.

Entertainment

New Rep Presents Virtual Romeo & Juliet for Schools, Community Groups

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Schools and community groups can view a recording of #RomeoJuliet, New Rep and Queen Mab Productions’ interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s classic plays. New Repertory Theatre and Queen Mab Productions present #RomeoJuliet, a raw and relevant 2-person interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo & Juliet, directed by Benjamin Evett and starring Diana Lobontiu and Sharmarke Yusuf. Considering our shared experiences of 2020, this production examines deeply the play’s themes of isolation, separation, and what sacrifices we make as we attempt to cross boundaries. The performance will be available to view March 15 – June 15, 2021 for school and group organizations only. More information about #RomeoJuliet can be found athttps://www.newrep.org/productions/romeojuliet/

“We are so thrilled to collaborate with Queen Mab Productions to produce this innovative and contemporary educational version of Romeo & Juliet.” shares New Rep’s Communications Director, Jaclyn Dentino.

Biotech

Former Watertown Flag Company Turned into Life Science Space

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A former flag factory in Watertown has been transformed into life science lab space. The former New England Flag and Banner building at 165 Dexter Ave. has been renovated and prepared for life science labs. The following information was provided by Ebbrell Architecture + Design:

Enticed by an open floor plan flooded with natural light, executives at startup Via Separations knew they found the perfect home in a former Watertown flag factory. Massachusetts-based Ebbrell Architecture + Design, a certified Woman-owned Business Enterprise, worked closely with Via Separations in rolling out a phased plan for the new headquarters, complete with a state-of-the-art wet lab that houses eight fume hoods — six benchtops and two walk-ins — as well as extensive prototyping space for the company’s revolutionary membrane filtration research.

Around Town

This Week’s Senior Center Events, Vaccine Info for Seniors

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Watertown Senior Center

The following information was provided by the Watertown Senior Center:

Programs for Week of February 8, 2021

Join us via Zoom for the following programs. Call for access info: (617) 972-6490. New participants always welcome in every program! We hope you’ll join us! Monday:   10:00 AM, Art Class with Dawn Scaltreto12:30 PM, Chair Yoga with Diane2:00 PM, Zoom Meet & Greet with our new State Representative Steve OwensTuesday:     12:30 PM, Tai Chi & Meditation with Marie2:00 PM, Line Dancing with Bradley                                     Wednesday:LAST DAY TO ORDER VALENTINE GRAB & GO LUNCH (617) 972-64909:30 AM, February Book Club: The Dutch House by Anne PatchettUpcoming selection for March: Glass Hotel by Emily St. John11:00 AM, Exercise with Joanna2:00 PM, LGBTQI Roundtable: Celebrating Love!4:00 PM, Council on Aging Board MeetingThursday:        9:00 AM, Pilates with Marina Z.10:30 AM, Talk with Tom: Coffee & Casual Conversation2:00 PM, Zoom with us for a tour of the Peabody Essex Museum!Friday:            10:00 AM, Exercise with Shannon Lee Jones     12:00 PM, Seated Strength & Balance with Pearl1:00 PM, New! Weight Management with Pearl ~see the newsletter for details.NEW TIME!

Government

Watertown Calls Snow Emergency for Sunday’s Snow Storm

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A Watertown Department of Public Works snow plow. Watertown’s Superintendent of Public Works Gregory St. Louis announced a snow emergency for Sunday’s snow storm. The Watertown DPW sent out the following announcement:

The Superintendent of Public Works is declaring a Snow Emergency effective 12:00 Noon, Sunday, February 07, 2021. Watertown is expecting approximately 6-8 inches of snow with additional storms forecasted for later this week.

Entertainment

Small Saves Meets the Paparazzi in This Week’s Comic

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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.”

Around Town

Watertown Offering Vaccine Clinic for Residents 75 & Older

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Health Department:

The Watertown Health Department has received a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines and per state requirements is hosting a clinic for Watertown residents age 75 and older only (anyone born prior to 1945). The Watertown Seniors Over 75 Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10. To register and for more information, go to: https://www.maimmunizations.org/clinic/private_registration/46e75165-f79b-4a45-aff3-8114d48036ac

Pre-registration is required for all appointments and seniors requiring assistance with registering can call the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 for assistance in making an appointment. Residents who have other means to get the vaccine (Veterans who utilize the VA; persons with transportation to get to mass-vaccination clinics) are encouraged to schedule appointments at those sites as soon as possible so they can get an early appointment. Because the clinic is limited, attendees will be required to provide proof of Watertown residency and are advised to wear loose clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm for administration of the vaccination. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.