Environment

OP-ED: How Will Climate Change Impact Transportation in Massachusetts?

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The following piece was submitted by State Sen. Will Brownsberger (D – Belmont) who represents Watertown:

I spent Wednesday morning at a Rappapport Institute forum on climate change and transportation infrastructure. When I think about the local impacts of climate change, what I worry about most is water — flooding due to sea level rise. Increased precipitation is also an issue, but for the coastal region that I represent, the big issue is sea level rise. The areas I serve are sheltered from direct coastal flooding and do not face immediate inundation risks, but every legislator has to be concerned about the vulnerabilities of the transportation system that the region depends on. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has lead the region’s efforts to understand climate change — making the initial investment in the Boston Harbor Flood Risk Model to better understand the risks to the central artery and harbor tunnels.

Government

Town Hosting Open House on Planned Changes to Arsenal Park

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The Town of Watertown announced it will host a meeting where residents can comment on the conceptual designs for renovating Arsenal Park. The Town sent out the following information:

Please come to an Open House to see the final Conceptual Design Plan for Arsenal Park. The Conservation Commission, who has care, custody and control of the Park, has reviewed the design and recommended to move forward with the plan and with this open house presentation. WHEN: June 13, any time from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Town Council Chamber
WHAT: Concept Plan (Click here to see the plans)

Around Town

Gore Place’s Annual Plant Sale Features Flowers, Vegetables & Herbs

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Gore Place Estate will host its annual Plant Sale on May 18, 19, and 20, 2018, with a variety of flowers, plants, vegetables and herbs. The sale hours are Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Gore Place sent out the following information:

This year’s offerings feature vegetable garden transplants including many varieties of hard-to-find hybrid and heirloom tomatoes, heirloom annuals, herbs, and beautiful perennials! It’s not only the large selection that makes this sale special; it’s also the chance to speak with gardener Scott Clarke. Scott knows a lot about these varieties, and he’s eager to share his knowledge with you! Everyone is encouraged to bring their own box for transporting their purchases.

Around Town

Watertown Library Presents Storytime for Kids at the Watertown Mall

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The Watertown Mall sent over the following information:

The Watertown Mall, located at 550 Arsenal St., Watertown, will be hosting
Watertown Free Public Library’s Storytime at the Watertown Mall on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:15 a.m.

During Storytime at the Watertown Mall, children and their parents will listen to WFPL children’s librarian, Kathleen Brennan, read stories about summer, participate in a simple, hands-on craft activity, and learn more about WFPL’s summer reading program which runs from June 23 to August 21, 2018. So what are you waiting for? Encourage your children to engage with books and give reading a chance by joining us on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:15 a.m., in the back hallway, near Carter’s. This event is FREE to the general public; so get ready, get set, and READ! About the Watertown Mall

The Watertown Mall is wheelchair accessible and accessible by MBTA Bus routes 70 and 70A.

Around Town

Nominations for Community Spirit Awards Sought by Watertown Youth Coalition

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Youth Coalition:

Watertown Youth Coalition is currently seeking nominations for the 2018 Community Spirit Awards, which honors people committed to the health and well-being of Watertown’s youth and families. People can be nominated if they served as a positive influence or mentor to a Coalition member or to others in the community, had the courage to address challenging issues that affect youth and the community, or have actively taken steps to improve the Watertown community (in big and small ways). If this sounds like someone you know, please nominate them! Nominations are due Monday, June 4, 2018. To nominate someone CLICK HERE. The Community Spirit Awards event will be at Arsenal Park on Monday, June 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Around Town

Town Offering Babysitter Training & Pediatric First Aid/CPR Courses

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The Watertown Recreation Department will be offering courses on babysitter’s training and pediatric First Aid and CPR training run by the American Red Cross. 

The courses are offered to Middle and High School Students (Watertown residents only) on June 16 and 17, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Watertown Police Station’s Community Room, 552 Main St., Watertown. The fee is $100. and registration is available online by clicking here. Watertown Recreation sent out the following information:
Course Descriptions
Babysitting

Purpose: To provide youth who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. This training will help participants to develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe and help children behave; and learn about basic child care and basic first aid.

Around Town

Volunteers Sought to Place Flags at Veteran’s Graves for Memorial Day

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The Watertown Veterans’ Services Office sent out the following information:

Watertown will hold its annual Flag Marker disbursement at Veterans Gravesites on Wednesday May 23, 2018 beginning at 5:00 p.m.

If anyone would like to volunteer to assist in this honorable event, please meet at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown or call the Veterans Office at 617-972- 6416. In the event that it rains, we will shift the date to the following day, Thursday May 24, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

Around Town

Field ‘Resting,’ Installation of Lights May Impact Users of Filippello Park Fields

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The Watertown Recreation Department will host a meeting to discuss the impact of the temporary closing of part of one field at Filipello Park and the installation of lights on May 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall. 

The fields are used by Watertown Youth Soccer, Watertown Men’s Softball and other users. The Recreation Department sent out the following announcement:
As you may be aware, the Department of Recreation sent out a proactive email on Monday, May 7 identifying the concern that the late school start time for high school and middle school students will impact field schedules by at least 30 minutes, and to announce that because of renovation project of the Filippello (Grove) entrance, and the requested resting of the field, Filippello (Grove) most likely will be closed in fall 2018. 
The Town is also in the process of finalizing plans for new LED field lights for both Filippello (Grove) and Filippello (Arlington) for the possible installation in fall of 2018. The later start time for schools and the construction activities at Filippello Park will have obvious impacts to a number of programs, and we want to engage in a conversation to exchange information regarding this situation and to discuss all options to resolve these impacts. As a result, the Town will hold a meeting with various Town representatives, and community members on May 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber to have a conversation about these challenges. Please feel free to reach out to the Recreation Department in advance to identify any specific issues and questions that you might have.