Hear How Watertown is Tackling the Growing Problem of Hunger at a Live Roundtable Discussion

After the ceiling collapsed in the church that hosts the Watertown Food Pantry, pickup was moved outside for several weeks. (Photo by Kathy Cunningham)

A lack of food has long been a problem for some Watertown residents, but the number of people worried about going hungry increased during the Pandemic and the numbers have only declined slightly in the past few years. On Feb. 12, Watertown News and Watertown Cable Access Television will host a live discussion with some of the people working on the problem of food insecurity in town. The Watertown Food Pantry has seen the number of families served each week double from pre- to post-pandemic.

Retiring Board of Health Member Honored by Council, New Member Appointed

GradientDr. Barbara Beck. The City Council recently honored Watertown Board of Health board member Barbara Beck for her 28 years of service. When she announced her retirement from the Board of Health, the City Council passed a proclamation honoring Beck. “I’ve been really honored to serve on the Board of Health,” Beck said. “We started off working on hazardous materials recycling form auto body shops all they way through the pandemic to biotechs, it’s been a learning experience and an honor to be able to serve the people of this community.”

Watertown Community Foundation Offering Youth Sports League Grants

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

On February 1, the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) opened the 2024 application process to provide financial support to Watertown’s youth sports leagues so any child can play a league sport, regardless of ability to play. Applications for Youth Sports Leagues will be accepted until February 28, 2024

These grants provide funding to eligible organizations to help pay for participation and equipment for student athletes who otherwise can’t afford to play. Examples of programs eligible for Youth Sports Leagues Grants include:

Baseball/Softball

Football/Cheerleading

Soccer

Basketball

Lacrosse

Hockey

You can learn more about how to apply for Youth Sports Leagues Grants here. Applications will be accepted until February 28.  

About Watertown Community Foundation 

The Watertown Community Foundation works to build and sustain a vibrant, close-knit community in Watertown – now, and for future generations.

February at the Library: Winter Concert, Photography, See Packing Party & More

Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. The Watertown Free Public Library has many programs coming up in February. See details from the newsletter provided by the WFPL. Watertown artist and fine art photographer Archy LaSalle is the founder of WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT, a grassroots organization whose mission is to bring attention to and help art institutions rectify past injustices of under-representing Black and Brown artists in their permanent collections. On Wednesday, 2/28, he’ll join us for an invigorating presentation about cultural institutions and representation at WFPL!

How Unenrolled Voters Can Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

If you are voter filling out the Unenrolled Vote by Mail Application and you are NOT enrolled in a Party, you must select a Ballot type for the Primary elections on March 5, 2024 and September 3, 2024. 

To receive a primary ballot by mail, you must choose a Democratic, Republican, or Libertarian ballot. The application is incomplete and cannot be processed without a ballot selection and the voter’s signature. Please call the City Clerk at 617-715-8686 for help answering your questions.

See What’s Happening in February at the Watertown Senior Center

Watertown Senior CenterThe Watertown Senior Center. The Watertown Senior Center will host programs on heart health, tax preparation and has trips to museums around the area in February. See more information about what’s happening at the Senior Center in the monthly Watertown Senior News, provided by the Department of Senior Services, below:

February is National Heart Disease Awareness month, please join us for a Heart Health Presentation with Stroke Nurse Marie McCune, of the Mount Auburn Hospital, Wednesday, February 21, at 3:30 pm. This month, we offer trips to the Boston College Art Museum on February 2nd, the Institute of Contemporary Art on February 9th, the MA Historical Society on February 12th, the Armenian Museum on February 16th, and the Peabody Essex Museum on February 26th. We will have a tour of the Watertown Square branch of the Watertown Savings Bank on February 13th.