Guest Writer | Page 481 | Watertown News

Around Town

Watertown Library Closed for 3 Weeks, Online Services Available

By Guest Writer | March 16, 2020

Watertown Free Public Library

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

The Watertown Free Public Library will be closed to the public from March 14 – April 6 to help minimize the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19.) The Library is currently scheduled to reopen on April 7. This date is subject to change. During the Library’s closure, patrons are encouraged to keep borrowed items at home, even if they are overdue. The Minuteman Library Network (MLN) is extending all due dates until at least mid-April. Fines will be waived while the Library is closed.

Schools

Minuteman High School Closes Temporarily in Response to Coronavirus

By Guest Writer | March 14, 2020

The following announcement was provided by Minuteman High School:

Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School will be closed through Friday, March 20, due to ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, joining numerous other school districts in the region that have cancelled classes as a precautionary measure.

This afternoon (Friday), Minuteman administrators were notified that one student, who resides in Arlington, is under self-quarantine after being exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. The student is not exhibiting any symptoms.

Superintendent-Director Edward A. Bouquillon issued the following email to all students, families, and staff this afternoon:

Dear Minuteman High School Community:

We are writing to provide you several important updates about what Minuteman is doing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our school and communities. We continue to ask our students, staff, and families to visit Minuteman’s coronavirus web page for updates. Several important announcements are outlined below.

One Minuteman student from Arlington is under self-quarantine after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. We were notified of this information this afternoon, Friday, March 13. The student is not exhibiting symptoms and is under quarantine as a precaution.

Cartoon

See What Gets Small Saves Excited About Math in This Week’s Comic

By Guest Writer | March 14, 2020

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

OP-ED: Cancel It if You Can – Taking Responsibility for Controlling the Pandemic

By Guest Writer | March 12, 2020

State Sen. Will Brownsberger

Will Brownsberger is the State Senator for Watertown, Belmont and parts of Boston:

The pandemic will eventually touch many of us. What matters most is the speed of the pandemic. If the virus spreads too fast and too many of us are sick at the same time, we will overwhelm the health care system. People may not be able to get the care they need – for the virus or for any other health problem. That’s what is starting to happen now in Italy. Doctors are discussing how to make brutal triage decisions effectively condemning weaker patients to die. We need to slow the virus down and since none of us are immune and there is no vaccine yet, we have only one way to protect our community: To reduce unnecessary contact.

Ed Markey

U.S. Rep. Clark Attends Watertown Dems Event, Delegates to Support Sen. Markey

By Guest Writer | March 12, 2020

Congresswoman Katherine Clark appeared at the Watertown Democratic Town Committee Caucus at Hosmer School on Sarturday. The following information was provided by the Watertown Democratic Town Committee:

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, Watertown Democrats held a caucus, electing delegates to the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s May 2020 nominating convention in Lowell. Congresswoman Katherine Clark kicked off the event, telling the 150 assembled Democrats about her efforts to hold the Trump administration accountable. The caucus was organized by the Watertown Democratic Town Committee. “In 2020, Democrats are energized and ready. We will expand and strengthen our grassroots infrastructure to defeat Donald Trump and elect a Democratic House and Senate this November,” said Committee Chair Steve Owens.

Around Town

CANCELLED: Celebrate Spring with Watertown Families Together Kids’ Event

By Guest Writer | March 12, 2020

UPDATE: The Watertown Mall announced that the Spring into Spring event has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Mall:

The Watertown Mall, located at 550 Arsenal St., together with Watertown Families Together invite you to come on March 19, 2020 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. for “Spring into Spring”, an event to celebrate Spring & Easter. There will be Spring time songs, stories and crafts as well as making your own basket, bunny or chick. This is a free event & all ages are welcome, although the stories and songs are catered to younger children. This will take place in the back hallway of the mall, across from Carter’s.

Around Town

Local Cable Station Collecting Food for the Watertown Food Pantry

By Guest Writer | March 11, 2020

This year WCA-TV announced it is putting on a food drive for the Watertown Food Pantry. The collection runs from March 16 to April 6, and will be ending in time for Passover and Easter. Drop off locations will be at the Watertown Cable studio, in the basement of Watertown High School, at the high school (50 Columbia St.), or at the Watertown Police Station (552 Main St.). The Watertown Pantry needs include: coffee, cold cereal, baked beans, canned vegetables, canned fruit, boxed oatmeal, tomato sauce and dried pasta and rice. Please do not donate opened or expired food.