Around Town

Blood Drive Being Hosted by Residence Inn in Watertown

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A Watertown Community Blood Drive sponsored by the Residence Inn by Marriott will be held on March 30. The blood drive will take place in the East End Watertown Room at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 570 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472 on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Watertown to schedule an appointment. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment. Come give in March and get a $10 Visa Prepaid Card by email. PLUS, get a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card to help with gas or grocery expenses!

Around Town

Watertown Savings Assures Customers the Bank is Safe, Secure and Insured

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In the wake of the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank, Watertown Savings’ President and CEO Brett Dean sent out a message to customers saying that the local bank is “safe, secure and insured.” See the email sent by the bank below:

Dear WSB Customer,

The recent events starting with Silicon Valley Bank and the ensuing market volatility have understandably raised concerns about the banking industry. We would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that all of your deposits at Watertown Savings Bank, in any amount, are fully insured through both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF) for all deposits above $250,000. This means that you can find comfort and peace of mind knowing that all of your funds are fully protected at WSB. As a 153 year old community bank, Watertown Savings Bank has had a longstanding commitment to our customers and the communities we serve.

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LETTER: The Watertown Community Fridge Needs Your Help

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The Watertown Community Fridge is an outdoor refrigerator and small food pantry located at the Belmont-Watertown United Methodist Church, 80 Mt. Auburn St., near Watertown Square. It is maintained solely by volunteers. Operating on the principle: Take what you need, give what you can, the Fridge provides free food to anyone in need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no questions asked. In this time of high inflation, many people in our community are experiencing food insecurity, and are not able to afford basic necessities, like food and personal hygiene products.

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Learn About the History of American Lighthouses at Historical Society Event

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The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

In a work rich in maritime lore and brimming with original historical detail, Eric Jay Dolin, presents the most comprehensive history of American lighthouses ever written, telling the story of America through the prism of its beloved coastal sentinels. Set against the backdrop of an expanding nation, Brilliant Beacons traces the evolution of America’s lighthouse system, highlighting the political, military, and technological battles fought to illuminate the nation’s hardscrabble coastlines. Eric Jay Dolin grew up near the coasts of New York and Connecticut, and since an early age was fascinated by the natural world, especially the ocean. He earned a double-major in biology and environmental studies, a master’s degree in environmental management from Yale, and a Ph.D. in environmental policy and planning from MIT, where his dissertation focused on the role of the courts in the cleanup of Boston Harbor. He enjoys writing and telling stories and has written 15 books.

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Watertown Declares Snow Emergency, See the Impacts

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The City of Watertown announced a snow emergency on March 14 for the storm expected to turn to snow Tuesday afternoon. Overnight parking and after school activities will be impacted. Schools

Watertown Public Schools will have no after school activities, late buses, extended day program, or athletics tomorrow, School officials announced Monday night. Parking

The Superintendent of Public Works is declaring a Snow Emergency effective 12 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2023. On street parking will be banned and any motor vehicle left on the street will be subject to towing.

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Watertown Cable Board Names New Executive Director

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WCA-TVAndrea Santopietro has been named Watertown Cable Access Television’s Executive Director. The following information was provided by Watertown Cable Access:

Watertown Cable Access Corp. (WCA-TV) is thrilled to announce that its Board of Directors has named Andrea Santopietro as the new Executive Director of the station. Andrea has worked at WCA-TV for almost nine years and has served as Interim Executive Director for the past six months. 

A native of Warwick, Rhode Island, Andrea graduated from the New England Institute of Art with a Bachelors of Science in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production in 2014. She was hired as a videographer at WCA-TV shortly after graduating and was quickly promoted to Media Outreach Coordinator.

Around Town

Boys & Girls Club Celebrates Rising Stars, 2023 Youth of the Year

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Ashley Leal is presented the 2023 Watertown Boys and Girls Club’s Youth of the Year award by Doug Orifice of the Watertown Business Coalition. The Watertown Boys & Girls Club celebrated the Rising Stars and presented the Youth of the Year Award during the third annual event on March 8. The Youth of Year Competition embodies Boys & Girls Clubs of American’s three priority outcome areas of academic success, good character, and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. Being recognized YOY is the highest honor bestowed upon Club members. The Club sent out the following statement:

The nominees and judges of the 3rd Annual Watertown Boys & Girls Club Rising Stars Celebration and Youth of the Year Competition.