Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/)
After a rise in cases for the prior three weeks, Watertown’s COVID-19 cases dropped in the most recent Mass. Department of Public Health report, but the Town had two more deaths. Vaccinations are open to everyone age 16 and older. Watertown had 78 cases over the prior 14 days, according to the Mass. DPH report of April 16.
An MBTA bus in Watertown. The MBTA today announced updates to current fare pilots that include an extension of the Five-day Flex Pass on mTicket as well as upcoming fare change proposals that include improvements to the Youth Pass and converting all Outer Express Bus Routes to Inner Express Bus fares. These changes help to improve reduced fare programs and simplify complex fares for both customers and operations. “We’re pleased to temporarily extend the availability of the Five-day Flex Pass, which has been a popular fare option for our Commuter Rail riders as travel patterns have adjusted and evolved during the pandemic,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We’re also excited about our upcoming fare proposals that make improvements to the Youth Pass and Express Bus Route fares.
The Cunniff Elementary School PTO announced a fundraiser where you can get a piece of the old school. The event is open to the public. The silent auction where 40 bricks from the old school building can be bid on will run from April 26 to May 7, and will be he held online at https://www.32auctions.com/cunniffbricks
The following information came from the Cunniff PTO:
Our beautiful new Cunniff school facility is currently being built, though the old school will always hold special memories for former and current Cunniff Cougars. The Cunniff PTO is holding a silent auction featuring bricks from the old Cunniff building, and the proceeds will help raise money for classroom supplies, future field trips, social activities, and classroom enrichment programs for our students. Now is your chance to show your Watertown pride and display a piece of school history in your home!
Watertown’s COVID-19 cases continued to increase for the third straight week. according to the Mass. Department of Public Health report, and nearly 1-in-5 Watertown residents have at least started the vaccination process. The Town had 93 cases over the previous 14 days, according to the state’s report from April 8, a dozen more than the previous week. The positive test rate also rose for the third straight week, from 1.48 percent on April 1 to 1.72 percent on April 8.
The following information was provided by the West Suburban YMCA:
There’s lots going on at the Y for kids and families right now! Let me know if you need any more info. Family Fun at the West Suburban YMCA
“Back to School Sale” – Family Membership Promotion
Sign up for a Family Membership in April and you’ll receive 20% off your monthly membership fees for April, May, and June! Members enjoy priority registration and reduced rates for programs, camp, personal training, and more. For more information on these promotions, contact the Welcome Center at 617-244-6050 ext. 0 or visit www.wsymca.org/membership-promotion
Late Spring Program Session: April 26-June 20. Register Now! It’s time for a fresh start. Reset your routines and regain your wellness by signing up for spring programs at the Y! The Y’s 8-week Late Spring Program Session will run from April 26-June 20. Stay active as a family by signing up for swimming, sports, music, and fitness programs! Visit the Y’s website for more details and to register: www.wsymca.org/find-a-program
Afterschool Care at the Y
The Y’s Out of School Time (OST) program offers afterschool care that follows the Newton Public Schools schedule, including half days, and transportation to the Y is available from most Newton schools. A free healthy snack is also provided and lunch is also provided on half days. OST includes physical activities, outdoor time, games, service learning, and homework support.
Roche Bros. opened in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards on April 9. Watertown’s newest grocery option has opened at Arsenal Yards, and packs a wide variety of produce, prepared food and made-to-order items into a smaller space than a typical supermarket. Roche Bros. officially opened April 9, and features a deli, bakery, a cheese shop, butcher, floral section, cafe and more, said Arther Ackles, Vice President of Merchandising for Roche Bros.
The following information was provided by Gore Place:
What’s a Living Salad Bowl? Now available from the Farm at Gore Place! A living salad bowl is a container of growing salad greens. We’re offering these special living salad bowl arrangements created by Farmer Scott at Gore Place. He’ll use a variety of greens including red and green leaf lettuce, chard, and spicy microgreens (all “cut-and-come-again” varieties).
The Watertown Provincial Guard re-enactors joined the 2019 Memorial Day Parade. For the second year in a row, Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Town Manager Michael Driscoll announced the cancellation in his weekly Coronavirus update. Veterans Services Officer Patrick George said the move was made based on the State’s COVID-19 restrictions on the size of gatherings. “It wasn’t an easy decision — frankly, when this all started, I thought we’d be back open by LAST Memorial Day — but it’s the safest decision we could make with the current public health data available,” George said.
Young cancer survivor Noah McManus thanks the Watertown Police, Fire Department and Department of Public Works for putting on a parade outside his home on Friday. A Watertown boy who beat cancer will be featured by Make-A-Wish during an online event. Noah McManus recently received a drive-by parade with vehicles from the Watertown Police, Fire Department and Department of Public Works to celebrate his bill of good health (see details here). Make-A-Wish provided the following announcement about the gala:
Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island will feature the story of Noah McManus, 3, from Watertown, MA, during the Make-A-Wish® Gala: Heroes for Hope, a live virtual event taking place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Noah, who has undergone chemotherapy for Langerhans cell histiocytosis, wished for a superhero playhouse and his wish was granted through generous community support.
