Labor Day

Labor Day Travel Tips for Drivers, MBTA & More

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising Labor Day travelers to make informed decisions, utilize all the available technology tools including www.mass511.com, and consider public transportation if possible to reach destinations. MassDOT is taking several steps to ensure reliable travel for members of the public who utilize transportation systems across the Commonwealth and will be shutting down construction outside of fixed work zones for the Labor Day travel period effective at 5 a.m., Friday, August 30. Scheduled road work will then resume at the start of normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3. “We know there typically are higher volumes on some state highways during Labor Day weekend, and we advise everyone to make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel and heading to their holiday travel destinations,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Everyone should utilize the appropriate technology tools and wayfinding resources, consider the best route and time to travel, remain sober or use a designated driver, and exercise safe driving behavior at all times.”

The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will have normal morning hours this week and open early for the afternoon commute at 2 p.m., on Thursday, August 29, and 1 p.m., on Friday, August 30.  The HOV lane will be closed on Monday, September 2, and will then re-open for regularly scheduled hours on Tuesday, September 3.

Around Town

UPS Foundation Helping Group That Sends Care Packages to Troops

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The UPS Foundation recently presented a donation to Operation American Soldier, which packs and sends care packages to American servicemen and women. The group’s base is at the Marine Corps League Shutt Detachment. The following announcement was provided by the UPS Foundation:

Operation American Soldier received a $10,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, which drives global corporate citizenship and philanthropic programs for UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used towards building repairs for our facility. We will especially be focused on repairing our front walkway and steps.

Around Town

Roadwork Causing Detours on Arsenal Street This Week

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Drivers on Arsenal Street will be detoured in one direction beginning this week, and the Watertown Department of Public Works provided the following announcement:

Emergency work to replace the collapsed culvert on Arsenal Street, near #275 Arsenal Street and Louise Street, will recommence tomorrow, Tuesday, August 27. The next phase of work includes performing a test pit over the Cambridge water main to determine its depth and then completing removal of the collapsed stone-laid culvert and replacing with 15-inch PVC pipe. To facilitate the work, Arsenal Street WESTBOUND thru traffic will be detoured at School Street during the working hours of 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Local traffic will continue to have access to the businesses abutting Arsenal Street up to Tile Showcase (#285 Arsenal Street) and Lexus (#314 Arsenal Street).  MBTA buses will be allowed through the work zone. Arsenal Street EASTBOUND will remain open to thru traffic through the work area, but intermittent delays should be expected. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during this necessary work. This phase of work will complete the emergency repairs, with the old stone culvert having been removed from Arsenal Street and replaced with upgraded infrastructure

Around Town

Historical Society Delves Into Architecture of Charles Brigham

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The following information was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

On Wednesday, September 11, 2019, the Historical Society of Watertown will present a slideshow lecture by David J. Russo, “Going Places: Charles Brigham’s Architecture of Travel,” at 7 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room of the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Come join us as David Russo, avid chronicler of the architectural work of Watertown’s own Charles Brigham, tells us about the vast array of buildings the renowned architect designed from churches to seashore cottages, city townhouses, cemetery monuments, carriage houses and barns. Not to be missed. You may read more information on Charles Brigham’s designs at www.davidjrusso.com. David Russo is on the Board of the Watertown Historical Commission and is a volunteer for the Historical Society of Watertown.

Around Town

Watertown Cultural Council Accepting Grant Applications

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Cultural Commission:

The Watertown Cultural Council (WCC), a program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), announces the 2020 Call for Grant Proposals for community-oriented Arts, Humanities and Science programming. 

Online applications will be available on September 1 at www.mass-culture.org and the deadline for proposals is October 15, 2019. Guidelines for WCC proposals can be found at http://www.watertownculturalcouncil.org . 

An informal grant information session with Watertown Council Members will be held September 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Mastrangelo Room of the Watertown Public Library. Organizations, schools and individuals may apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. Examples of artistic projects and cultural activities include exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, workshops, lectures and performances in schools, community centers and other public places.  Last year, WCC awarded $10,680 in grants to 21 grant recipients. Grants ranged from $300 to $1,000, averaging $500 per grantee. About WCC: The Watertown Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year.

Entertainment

Small Saves: New vs. Old Gear

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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

See the Age-Friendly Events Around Watertown in September

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The following announcement was provided by the Marshall Home Fund:

Throughout September, Watertown’s older residents can attend a series of workshops on affordable housing; learn about services the Fire Department offers; visit the Farmer’s Market; and celebrate Grandparents’ Day at Brigham House. These events are supported in part by the Marshall Home Fund, a local foundation that gives grants to non-profit organizations to make Watertown an Age-Friendly Community. All the events are free and open to the public. See details below. Affordable Housing How-Tos.

Schools

MassBay Invites Current, Prospective Students to Campus

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The following information was provided by MassBay Community College:

MassBay Community College be open this Saturday, August 24, 2019 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Wellesley Hills campus for students to get ready for the start of the fall semester on September 3, 2019. Prospective students, new students and returning students can apply for admission to the College, register for classes, pay their tuition bills, fill out and drop off financial aid paperwork, speak with an advisor, attend new student orientation, and more. “With August coming to a close, students are starting to finalize their fall semester plans,” said MassBay Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management Lisa Slavin. “Whether you’re returning from military service, your fall college plans have changed, there is still plenty of time to enroll at MassBay for the fall classes. Course offerings include day, evening, weekend, online, accelerated, and hybrid courses.