Government

Sen. Edward Markey Holding Town Hall Discussion in Newton on Sunday

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Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) will hold a town hall on Sunday, September 17 in Newton, Massachusetts. He will discuss the latest efforts in the U.S. Senate on health care, immigration, the threat of a nuclear North Korea, and climate change and take questions from the audience, his office announced. WHO: Senator Edward J. Markey

WHAT: Town hall discussion and Q&A

WHEN: 6:00–7:30 PM, Sunday, September 17, 2017 (Doors open at 5:30 PM)

WHERE: 457 Walnut Street, Newton North High School, Newton, Mass.

Letters

LETTER: Resident Concerned About Health Risks From Artificial Turf

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I begin these comments with the central point of my message. I am opposed to artificial turf playing fields, chiefly for health reasons. I believe that mounting evidence demonstrates that the plastic blades, the crumb rubber infill, and other additives contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals that are especially harmful to children and to adults with compromised immune systems.

Our current artificial turf field is going on six years old, with a realistic total life expectancy of eight to ten years. As with all such fields, it is naturally degrading due to weather and normal usage. The stress of sun, heat, cold, rain, and snow, along with the pounding of feet and bodies break down the plastic and rubber, creating dust and vapor that are released into the air and can be inhaled, ingested, and absorbed into the skin.

Elections

LETTER: Councilor At-Large Seeks Re-election to Second Term

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Dear neighbors,

I am currently in my first term as a Watertown Councilor At-Large. Throughout
the past two years, I have worked to create positive outcomes for residents
through my involvement advocating for school building improvements, open
space, housing affordability, and increased transparency. During this period, the residential exemption was increased for homeowners for
the first time in fifteen years, as were affordable housing and LEED sustainability
requirements for many new development projects. Members of police and fire
departments are now both carrying Narcan, and several new town positions were
created and funded in the recent budget for Recreation, the Library’s Hatch, and
wellness services. The town has a new ambulance, which accommodates the
recently implemented Advanced Life Services (ALS) program.

Around Town

State Landlords Group Hosting Local Event on Construction Fires and Safety

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Following two major building fires in the Boston area, a group representing landlords across Massachusetts will hold a meeting about fire safety. 

MassLandlords will host the Construction Fires and Safety event on Tuesday, Sept. 19 in at the Best Western in Waltham (380 Winter St.) beginning at 5:45 p.m. The group sent out the following information:

This summer there have been two major building fires in the Charles River area that have left construction sites smoldering. Both structures were constructed with wooden frames and ended up as piles of ash and debris. At this event, Waltham City Councilor Bill Fowler will be discussing how to prevent construction disasters like these summer infernos and we’ll also discuss fire safety in existing structures. Following safety codes keeps your investment safe and could save lives.

Entertainment

Back to School Celebration With Crafts, Songs, Recipes and More

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Celebrate Back to School with the Watertown Family Network at the Watertown Mall on Wednesday, September 20 at 10 a.m.! The Watertown Mall sent out the following announcement:

Join the Watertown Family Network and the Watertown Mall to celebrate going back to school with fun and easy recipe ideas for kids! There will be songs, stories and surprises for kids of all ages. Alongside the Watertown Family Network will be the Watertown Free Public Library, WIC, Parent Child Home Program of Watertown and Chop, Chop magazine to enjoy stories, songs, and crafts for the children, plus lots of handouts and recipes for nutritious meals that are also EASY. A nutritionist from the WIC Program will offer ideas on good food choices for “picky eaters” and be available to answer your questions on nutrition etc.

Government

Second Arsenal Park Design Meeting Moved, Survey Results from First Meeting

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The second meeting for the Arsenal Park Design has been moved to Wednesday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Commander’s Mansion, the Department of Community Development and Planning announced. The DCDP sent out the following announcement:

Below is a summary of the information about the upcoming meeting and links to documents from the first meeting:

Community Meeting # Two: Options for Design and Enhancements

When: Wednesday, October 11 –6:30-8:30 PM
Where:  Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Avenue

See the Content for Community Meeting # One held August 15, 2017

Survey Results:  Arsenal Survey #1 Results 
Meeting Documents: Click the link to explore the presentation, breakout meeting summary, and look at the breakout sessions map exercise with comments received: Document Center Meeting Folder
With the folder, there is also a link to the online comments received prior to the meeting. Presentation: Meeting Presentation with Breakout summary report out. Project Webpage: http://www.watertown-ma.gov/index.aspx?NID=867

Around Town

Family Support Group Meeting for Loved Ones With Mental Illness

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A support group meeting will be held for family and loved ones of people living with mental illness. The group sent out the following announcement:

NAMI Family Support Group is a free, structured, confidential peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. A support group will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7:30 – 9 pm in the Board Room of the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church at 207 Washington Street in Wellesley. This is organized by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).

Transportation

Seniors Can Get CharlieCards to Ride the T Without Going Downtown

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Senator Will Brownsberger announced he will sponsor a Senior CharlieCard Day on Monday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Faneuil Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 419 Faneuil Street in Brighton. Seniors age 65 or older can save a trip to the MBTA offices in Downtown Boston and apply for a Senior CharlieCard at this event. Sen. Brownsberger’s office sent out the following information:

Staff from the Office of Senator Brownsberger will be on hand to take photos and process applications, which will be provided. Seniors will just need to bring a valid, state-issued photo ID that includes date of birth. No advance sign-up required.