Around Town

Virtual Library: Author Talk, One-Woman History Performance and More

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

Although we are a long way from normal, there are still so many ways to enjoy and access the Library right now. If you prefer scouring the shelves, the Library is open for browsing and checkouts. If you’d rather use curbside service, you can now schedule your pickup time online. Of course, our eLibrary is open 24/7. And we hope to see you on Zoom!

Around Town

Erase the Stigma Online Event to Discuss Substance Use Recovery During Pandemic

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The Watertown Youth Coalition and W.A.T.E.R.town (Watertown Access to Treatment, Education, and Resources) will host a virtual event about erasing the stigma of substance use discovery and recovery. The event, called “Erase the Stigma, Recovery is Possible” will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic will be one of the topics of the discussion. Local medical experts and community members will share stories of hope and recovery. The discussion will be lead by Dr. Laura Kehoe, a Watertown resident and director of the MGH Substance Use Disorder Bridge Center.

Around Town

Community Forum Planned for Proposed Marijuana Dispensary on North Beacon

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A rendering of the proposed Sira Naturals medical and recreational marijuana dispensary on North Beacon Street. A community meeting will be held about the proposed marijuana dispensary proposed to go on North Beacon Street outside Watertown Square. Sira Naturals will host the virtual Community Outreach Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The applicants seek to establish a facility to be used both as a medical marijuana treatment center and an adult use marijuana retailer at 48 North Beacon St., which is currently Anthony’s Florist.

Around Town

NAMI Family Support Group Meeting Virtually in September

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The following information was provided by NAMI:

The virtual NAMI Family Support Group will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm using zoom.us so the next one will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8. We will offer this until we are able to meet in person again. This group is for caregivers of persons with mental illness. See namimass.org for information regarding peer groups for people themselves experiencing a mental illness.

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West Suburban YMCA Hiring, Fall Programs & Private Lessons

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The following information was provided by the West Suburban YMCA:

What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA 

The West Suburban YMCA is Hiring! 

The Y has an immediate need for Youth Group Leaders for the Fall 2020 Out of School Time program. Youth Group Leaders will provide academic support and facilitate enrichment opportunities for K-8 students enrolled in the Y’s Out of School Time program. The Y offers generous benefits, free membership, and professional development opportunities. Youth Group Leaders who work 20+ hours per week and have a child enrolled in the OST program also receive 50% off the program tuition. Learn more and apply today at www.wsymca.org/careers. 

Out of School Time Enrollment, Grades K-8 Program begins September 21, 2020 

This fall the Y’s Out of School Time (OST) program is offering a full day program from 7:45am-5:00pm to support distance learning and complement the Newton Public Schools schedule. Families have the option to enroll their child for 5 days, 3 days, or 2 days per week. The EEC-certified Out of School Time program provides academic support, study strategies, and structured routine, as well as opportunities for physical activities and enrichment activities. Learn more at www.wsymca.org/OST.  

Fall Programs: Mini Sessions Early Fall Program Session starts September 21, 2020 

The Y is offering three 4-week mini sessions this fall. Register for programs such as swimming, sports, music, and fitness! Small group and private sessions are available. All programming follows state health and safety guidelines. Visit the Y’s website for more information and registration.  YMCA Preschool Enrollment, Ages 2.9 – 5 yearsFall 2020 Program Begins September 21, 2020

The EEC-certified Preschool Center for Youth Development at the West Suburban YMCA is accepting enrollments for Fall 2020. The program offers full day care from 7:45am-5:00pm with the option to enroll 5 days, 3 days, or 2 days per week. The program has been newly structured to keep children and teachers safe and healthy amid the ongoing pandemic, with small cohorts, individual materials and student supplies, and frequent handwashing, sanitizing, and disinfecting. For more information regarding enrollment, contact Tricia Mansfield at triciam@wsymca.org.  

Private Lessons: Sports, Swim, Music, and More 

One-on-one or small group private lessons are available for many Y programs, including swim lessons, basketball, soccer, sports-specific athletic training, music lessons, and more. Our instructors are highly experienced in their program areas and will tailor a program to meet your needs!  Most private lessons have the option to be held indoors, outdoors, or virtually.

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Notice of Community Outreach Meeting — Sira Naturals

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(PAID LEGAL NOTICE)

Notice is hereby given that Eskar LLC (d/b/a Sira Naturals, Inc.) will hold a virtual Community Outreach Meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2020. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM and will include discussion about the proposed siting of a co-located Medical Marijuana Treatment Centerand Adult Use Marijuana Retail Establishment at 48 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472 in accordance with M.G.L. ch. 94G and the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s regulations at 935 CMR 500.000 and 935 CMR 501.000 et seq. Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include, but not be limited to:

The type(s) of Medical Marijuana Treatment Center and Adult-Use Marijuana Establishment(s) to be located at the proposed address;Plans for maintaining a secure facility;Plans to prevent diversion to minors;Plans to positively impact the community;Plans to ensure the establishment will not constitute a nuisance to the community; andPlans to compassionately care for medical patients, including sliding fee scales for patients with verified financial hardship. This virtual meeting will be held via Zoom.

Around Town

Mass. Sales Tax Holiday Coming Up, See What Qualifies

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A lot of money was raised and spent on the 2015 Watertown Election. The Sales Tax Holiday in Massachusetts is coming up on Aug. 29 and 30, 2020, when most items on which sales tax is normally charged will be tax free. The tax holiday applies to retail items purchased in stores, as well as those purchased online. Merchandise does not have to be taken home or delivered during the tax holiday, but they must be paid for in full.

Around Town

Watertown Senior News: Medical Open Enrollment, Pilates, Health Care Proxies & More

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Watertown Senior Center

The following information was provided by the Watertown Senior Center/Council on Aging:

September 2020 Watertown Senior News

THE SENIOR CENTER IS CLOSED FOR ALL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, but staff is available to answer calls and e-mails. CALL (617) 972-6490 for updates, or e-mail SeniorCenter@watertown-ma.gov.

The September 2020 edition of the Watertown Senior News is now available. To keep our senior community safe, the Senior Center remains closed to visitors for all programs, exercise classes, social activities and shuttle bus services until further notice as we adhere to recommendations for a safe re-opening. However, our calendar for this month has many new offerings via Zoom. We will be hosting a special presentation with Honoring Choices Massachusetts about the importance of completing your Health Care Proxy, and we will explore the lives of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman by reviewing their connections to each other in film. We will also be talking about falls prevention with Mount Auburn Hospital later in the month.