Around Town

Recycle Styrofoam, Shred Paper at Public Works Event

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Recycle your Styrofoam at the special DPW event. The Watertown Department of Public Works sent out the following announcement:

Styrofoam and Paper Shredding Event

Feb. 20, 2021, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

124 Orchard St., Waterotwn

Bring your styrofoam and shredding only to the Department of Public Works at 124 Orchard St., Watertown, MA 02472 on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

COVID-19 safety precautions: Masks and safe distancing is required. When you arrive on the site please observe signs and directions from staff in order to safely and orderly unload your vehicle.

Around Town

MassDOT Grant Funds Watertown Bluebike Station, Other Improvements

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A Bluebike station in Watertown Square was paid for by a state grant. Watertown received a grant from the Mass. Department of Transportation to build a Bluebike station in Watertown Square and make other road and sidewalk improvements. The $280,218 grant was part of the third round of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Shared Winter Streets and Spaces program. The bike share station is next to the entrance to the Charles River Path in Watertown Square.

Around Town

Join the Historical Society’s Watertown Trivia Contest

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The Historical Society of Watertown is hosting a trivia contest about the Town’s history. The winner will receive a book of pieces about Watertown’s history. The Historical Society sent out the following information:

The Historical Society is having a trivia contest! The winners will receive a copy of the book “Watertown Echoes: A Look Back at Life in a Massachusetts Town” by Sigrid Reddy Watson. Sigrid wrote a Watertown history column for the Watertown Tab/Press from 1997 – 2001.

Around Town

Rec. News: Sneaker Give Away, February Vacation Program, Snow Removal

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Recreation Department:

The Marra Sneaker Donation Event will be Friday, February 5 from 12:00 to 5:00. Please select the link below for detailed information and instructions.Marra Sneaker Donation Event – Friday, February 5

FEBRUARY VACATION PLANS ANNOUNCED: FEBRUARY 16th – 19th (TUESDAY – FRIDAY)

A mini version of very popular February Vacation Program will be offered from February 16 – 19 at the Watertown Boys and Girls Club.  We will offer 8 separate 2 hour sessions, 2 a day geared for different ages and interests. Please select the link above for more detailed information. SNOW REMOVAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

We are still accepting snow shoveling removal program recipients but are really in need of shovelers.  If you are a Middle, High School or even a College student looking for community service, volunteerism and a stipend through the generosity of the Marshall Home Fund, please fill out the application and send it in to the Recreation Department. WINTER SESSION II FINALIZING PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES, LOOKING FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: FEBRUARY 22–APRIL 3

We are in the process of finalizing program offerings for Winter Session II and would appreciate recommendations / comments / concerns and questions be sent to recreation@watertown-ma.gov or feel free to call the office at 617-972-6494.  

BUCKINGHAM, BROWNE & NICHOLS SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP

Our friends at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School is again offering a generous scholarship opportunity for their fantastic Summer Camp.

Armenia

Watertown Museum Hosting Free Concert to Honor Armenia

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The Armenian Museum of America will host a free online concert honoring Armenia. The following announcement came from the Armenian Museum of America:

The Armenian Museum of America recently announced the third in its bi-monthly Online Concert Series. The performance is being recorded live in New York by three Armenian sopranos, Hasmik Meikhanedjian, Alvard Mayilyan, and Anahit Zakaryan. They will be accompanied by pianist and composer Hayk Arsenyan. The concert, “Kez het Hayastan” (With You, Armenia!), is dedicated to Armenia. 

The event will be aired online on Sunday, February 14 at 2:00 pm EST (11:00 am PST and 11:00 pm in Armenia).

Entertainment

This Month at the Library: Zines, Virtual Author Talk, Pet Parade

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The Watertown Free Public Library. The following information was provide by the Watertown Library:

The Watertown Free Public Library has a full February in store! This month, we’re offering free zine making kits for all ages, hosting a Zoom talk with bestselling author Barbara Delinksy, and collecting photos for a social media pet parade. A full list of virtual programs is included below. FOR CHILDRENZine MonthFebruary 1–28 | Zines are DIY publications that can foster personal expression, storytelling, and activism.

Environment

LETTER: Say No to CleanChoice, but Yes to Green Electricity

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CleanChoice Energy has been sending mailings to Watertown residents. The Town of Watertown also offers a clean energy option. Editor:

Maybe you were tempted by a mailing you got from CleanChoice Energy offering you 100% renewable electricity.  If so, you might want to look closer at local options. The CleanChoice Energy solicitation was for 12.40 cents per kilo watt hour but that rate will vary monthly.  If you look at their website, they are offering twelve month plans for 14 cents/kwh and 16.8 cents/kwh. Compare this to what you get by opting up on our local town sponsored Watertown Electricity Choice. You may already be getting your electricity through the Watertown Electricity Choice Standard plan where 55% of the electricity delivered to you is green. If you haven’t already done so, you can get 100% green energy through WEC for 12.718 cents per kwh. Unlike CleanChoice Energy, rates under WEC are guaranteed through Dec.

Around Town

RMV Closing Early Due to Storm, MassDOT Encourages People to Avoid Roads

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising the public against traveling as the National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snow rates per hour in the early afternoon today, Monday, February 1. Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour on Monday afternoon and Monday night. The very strong winds will lead to blowing snow and greatly reduced visibility during the height of the storm. “We urge the public to take this storm seriously because driving conditions will be difficult, with heavy snow falling at a fast rate and gusty winds expected,” said Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “During the storm, we are advising the public to stay home and don’t drive if you don’t have to.” 

“We are encouraging those workers who have the ability to work remotely to do so tomorrow,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “If you do have to be on the roads we urge you to plan ahead and to be off the roadways by mid-day. We expect roadways to become snow covered and slippery in the afternoon and through the evening with limited visibility and high winds as the storm progresses.”

MassDOT’s snow and ice operations will be deployed throughout the Commonwealth as conditions necessitate. Highway Districts continually conduct preparation activities in advance of new weather systems and are able to pretreat roadways with brine and Magnesium Chloride when necessary.