Business

Plastic Bag Ban Goes Back into Effect in Watertown

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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.

Around Town

NAMI Family Support Group Meeting Virtually in September

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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.

Elections

LETTER: Former Town Councilor Backs State Rep. Candidate

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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.

Entertainment

Small Saves Gets Some Goalie Commiserates About Missing Hockey in This Week’s Comic

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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

West Suburban YMCA Hiring, Fall Programs & Private Lessons

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The following information was provided by the West Suburban YMCA:

What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA 

The West Suburban YMCA is Hiring! 

The Y has an immediate need for Youth Group Leaders for the Fall 2020 Out of School Time program. Youth Group Leaders will provide academic support and facilitate enrichment opportunities for K-8 students enrolled in the Y’s Out of School Time program. The Y offers generous benefits, free membership, and professional development opportunities. Youth Group Leaders who work 20+ hours per week and have a child enrolled in the OST program also receive 50% off the program tuition. Learn more and apply today at www.wsymca.org/careers. 

Out of School Time Enrollment, Grades K-8 Program begins September 21, 2020 

This fall the Y’s Out of School Time (OST) program is offering a full day program from 7:45am-5:00pm to support distance learning and complement the Newton Public Schools schedule. Families have the option to enroll their child for 5 days, 3 days, or 2 days per week. The EEC-certified Out of School Time program provides academic support, study strategies, and structured routine, as well as opportunities for physical activities and enrichment activities. Learn more at www.wsymca.org/OST.  

Fall Programs: Mini Sessions Early Fall Program Session starts September 21, 2020 

The Y is offering three 4-week mini sessions this fall. Register for programs such as swimming, sports, music, and fitness! Small group and private sessions are available. All programming follows state health and safety guidelines. Visit the Y’s website for more information and registration.  YMCA Preschool Enrollment, Ages 2.9 – 5 yearsFall 2020 Program Begins September 21, 2020

The EEC-certified Preschool Center for Youth Development at the West Suburban YMCA is accepting enrollments for Fall 2020. The program offers full day care from 7:45am-5:00pm with the option to enroll 5 days, 3 days, or 2 days per week. The program has been newly structured to keep children and teachers safe and healthy amid the ongoing pandemic, with small cohorts, individual materials and student supplies, and frequent handwashing, sanitizing, and disinfecting. For more information regarding enrollment, contact Tricia Mansfield at triciam@wsymca.org.  

Private Lessons: Sports, Swim, Music, and More 

One-on-one or small group private lessons are available for many Y programs, including swim lessons, basketball, soccer, sports-specific athletic training, music lessons, and more. Our instructors are highly experienced in their program areas and will tailor a program to meet your needs!  Most private lessons have the option to be held indoors, outdoors, or virtually.

Around Town

Notice of Community Outreach Meeting — Sira Naturals

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(PAID LEGAL NOTICE)

Notice is hereby given that Eskar LLC (d/b/a Sira Naturals, Inc.) will hold a virtual Community Outreach Meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2020. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM and will include discussion about the proposed siting of a co-located Medical Marijuana Treatment Centerand Adult Use Marijuana Retail Establishment at 48 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472 in accordance with M.G.L. ch. 94G and the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s regulations at 935 CMR 500.000 and 935 CMR 501.000 et seq. Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include, but not be limited to:

The type(s) of Medical Marijuana Treatment Center and Adult-Use Marijuana Establishment(s) to be located at the proposed address;Plans for maintaining a secure facility;Plans to prevent diversion to minors;Plans to positively impact the community;Plans to ensure the establishment will not constitute a nuisance to the community; andPlans to compassionately care for medical patients, including sliding fee scales for patients with verified financial hardship. This virtual meeting will be held via Zoom.

Elections

LETTER: Chair of Progressive Watertown Endorses State Rep. Candidate

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I ask you to vote for Democratic State Committee member Steve Owens in the Middlesex 29th District State Representative race. I have known Steve since 2012 and have come to know his wife Pia and their two sons over the years. They are dedicated parents raising their boys to become curious, confident, standup adults and citizens. Even among all of this chaos, they remain steadfast. As a representative, Steve will be exceptional for several reasons.

Around Town

Watertown Senior News: Medical Open Enrollment, Pilates, Health Care Proxies & More

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Watertown Senior Center

The following information was provided by the Watertown Senior Center/Council on Aging:

September 2020 Watertown Senior News

THE SENIOR CENTER IS CLOSED FOR ALL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, but staff is available to answer calls and e-mails. CALL (617) 972-6490 for updates, or e-mail SeniorCenter@watertown-ma.gov.

The September 2020 edition of the Watertown Senior News is now available. To keep our senior community safe, the Senior Center remains closed to visitors for all programs, exercise classes, social activities and shuttle bus services until further notice as we adhere to recommendations for a safe re-opening. However, our calendar for this month has many new offerings via Zoom. We will be hosting a special presentation with Honoring Choices Massachusetts about the importance of completing your Health Care Proxy, and we will explore the lives of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman by reviewing their connections to each other in film. We will also be talking about falls prevention with Mount Auburn Hospital later in the month.