Government

Rep. Hecht Provides Year End Review of Work in the State House, in Town

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Watertown State Rep. Jonathan Hecht wrote up a review of the accomplishments for his district and the state on his website, including increasing state dollars coming to Watertown, approval of the Greenway path in East Watertown and studies to improve major roadways in town. Hecht’s office sent out the following statement:

State Rep. Jon Hecht invites Watertown residents to read the 2017 year-end review he has posted on his website: http://www.jonhecht.com/2017-in-review/. Learn about legislation adopted this year in Massachusetts, get an update on district projects and priorities, and see what’s in store for the second half of the 2017-18 legislative session. Anyone wishing to receive Rep. Hecht’s updates and office hour announcements by email can sign up at http://www.jonhecht.com/sign-up/

Transportation

New Year’s Travel Info: T Free New Year’s Eve, Free Coffee at Rest Stops

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA, and Massachusetts State Police remind travelers to plan ahead for the New Year’s holiday, take public transportation if possible, and drive sober and limit distractions if behind the wheel of a vehicle, according to a release from MassDOT. “We encourage everyone who is traveling or celebrating this New Year’s Eve to make smart decisions in order to safely enjoy the holiday with family and friends,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “The MBTA will provide free service for all forms of transportation after 8 p.m., and drivers should minimize distractions, remain sober or use a designated driver, and exercise safe driving habits at all times.”
“Travelers should monitor weather and road conditions, try out our online resources such as mass511.com or our GoTime travel app, and make the appropriate decisions on route and timing of travel,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “Our first priority is safety, and we advise the public to make travel plans or accommodations before they head out and celebrate in order to ensure this is a safe and happy New Year.”
“Troopers will be on the lookout for any signs of impairment by motorists, and for any other dangerous driving behaviors,” said Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “Please make smart decisions about getting behind the wheel so you, those close to you, and other motorists can truly have a happy start to the New Year.”
MassDOT is taking steps to ensure safe and reliable travel for all citizens who utilize transportation systems across the Commonwealth and will be shutting down scheduled roadway construction for the New Year’s holiday travel period effective at 12 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2017. Normal scheduled construction operations will resume at the start of business on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Around Town

Drop-in Substance Use Recovery Resource Night Coming to Watertown

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A resource night will be held for those seeking information on recovery from substance use. The event is hosted by W.A.T.E.R.town (Watertown Access to Treatment, Education, and Resources) Substance Use Disorder Task Force, in collaboration with Metro-Boston Project Outreach. The program is partially funded by the
Watertown Community Foundation. The group sent out the following information:

Join us for non-judgmental conversations with a wide variety of support & treatment providers

• Learn about community resources & treatment providers

• Meet representatives from recovery centers

• Find out about free support groups

•Free Narcan and Narcan training available

It will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main Street, Watertown. All are welcome

Childcare will be provided and there will be activities for kids. Light refreshments will be served

For more information:

Website: watertown-cares.com
Email: watertown.ma.cares@gmail.com
Phone: 617-972-6446

Entertainment

Watertown Resident Singing as Part of Boston’s First Night Day Celebrations

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Watertown resident Kim Leeds will sing alto in The Museum of African American History/The Handel & Haydn Society’s Sixth Annual Jubilee Day Concert, which is part of Boston’s First Night Day Celebrations. The Handel & Haydn Society sent out the following information:

The Handel and Haydn Society and the Museum of African American History proudly announce the sixth annual Jubilee Day Concert, part of First Night First Day Boston, and in partnership with Trinity Church Boston. Conducted by Scott Allen Jarrett and featuring narrated passages from the Emancipation Proclamation by poet Regie Gibson, the concert takes place Sunday, December 31 at 2 pm at Trinity Church, located in Boston’s Copley Square. The concert is free and open to the public, on a first come, first served basis. This year’s Jubilee Day concert program features music by Mendelssohn, Bach, and Handel as well as readings of the Emancipation Proclamation – all based on “two broader themes of ‘Hope in the Lord’ and ‘Be Not Afraid,’” shares conductor Scott Allen Jarrett.

Around Town

New Watertown Non-Profit Helping People with Special Needs Lead Productive Adult Lives

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Nearly 70 people, including a number of young adults with special needs, gathered at the Sons of Italy hall on December 14 for an evening of fun and games – with a serious purpose. The following information was provided by Watertown non-profit byond22:

The holiday-themed event, dubbed the “byond22 Dance4All,” featured a DJ, disco dancing, karaoke, raffles and prizes. It also marked the official launch of byond22, a newly formed Massachusetts nonprofit aimed at helping young people with special needs transition to happy, productive adult lives. “The dance was a wonderful way to both celebrate our kickoff and raise awareness of our mission,” says Yariela Brandao, president and founder of byond22. “I was very gratified by the turnout and by the tremendous support for our organization.

Around Town

January at the Senior Center: Learn About Local Taxes & Exemptions, Visit from Therapy Dog and Much More

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The New Year is filled with activities and events at the Watertown Senior Center, including a session to learn about local property taxes, medication management and a visit from a therapy dog. The Senior Center’s January Newsletter can be seen below:

January Notes from the Director

Happy New Year from all of us at the Senior Center! An amazing year has come and gone and we at the Council on Aging are all looking forward to more good times, friendship and service in the New Year. Thank you to all of the patrons who visit the Senior Center and who ride the Senior Shuttle. Thank you to the volunteers who assist us with programming and who work at the Food Pantry, to the Board members who provide advice and guidance, and to the Friends who contribute to our efforts.

Business

Belmont Savings Collects Gifts for Home for Little Wanderers

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Belmont Savings Bank recently collected more than 100 gifts for the upcoming annual Big Wishes Gift Drive to benefit the Home for Little Wanderers, according to a bank press release. Several bank branches, including Watertown, started the drive on Thanksgiving Day. Residents interested in participating were encouraged to stop by the branches and select an ornament from the giving tree that was on display. Each ornament indicated the age and gender of a child, as well as the type of gift needed. All gifts collected from the drive were delivered to the Home for Little Wanderers before Christmas.

Around Town

Cancer Won’t Stop Mount Auburn Hospital Nurse from Helping Newborns at Christmas

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A 45-year-old Mount Auburn Hospital maternity nurse battling stage 3 brain cancer is giving back to the hospital’s newborns in a big way. But not alone. Here’s a true story of holiday friendship, according to the hospital. 
Over the past month Framingham resident, Patricia White, with the help of Mount Auburn Hospital maternity nurse and Leominster resident, Jane Dubrule, has assembled over 70 newborn baby gifts, each including a handmade fleece swaddling blanket and an ornament. Each gift is given to the families of newborns at the hospital throughout the month of December. Not only has Jane Dubrule purchased supplies for the gifts, helped Patricia White with the parts that required fine motor skills, and delivered them to families at the hospital together her and fellow nurses have donated their vacation time to allow Patricia White time to rest and relax. Just a great holiday story of friends helping friends in a time of need.