Around Town

A Nod to the Watertown Boys & Girls Club Alumni as the Club Celebrates 50 Years

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

As the Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) approaches its 50th anniversary Gala celebration on October 28, 2022, the list of those who have contributed to the Club’s success is long. As part of the celebration, the last two executive directors Renee Gaudette and Allen Gallagher, who shepherded the Club for more than 30 years consecutively, recollected some of those who helped make the Club such a welcome resource for the children and teens of Watertown. The list includes folks who guided the kids every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, and even some of the notable Club kids. The list of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here’s 50 for 50, a by-no-means comprehensive and in-no-particular-order list of those who come to mind for Gaudette and Gallagher. “Our alumni reflect our emphasis on character development and good citizenship.

Around Town

Health Department Running Flu Shot Clinic for Residents 18+

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Health Department:

The Watertown Health Department will be offering influenza vaccine to Watertown Residents (age 18+) on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room. Please register for your appointment and secure your dose. The clinic is open to everyone with or without insurance. Please bring your health insurance card(s) with you (if you have insurance).

Around Town

Healthy Watertown Grants Available from Community Foundation

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The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) announced the release of the Fall 2022 Healthy Watertown Grants to support organizations that work to create new or existing programs to keep our community healthy. A total of $10,000 will be distributed through these health grants. Past Healthy Grant awardees have included: Local food pantries; nutrition and meal programs for school age children and seniors; programs and services fostering healthy aging; mental health first aid training for first responders; programs designed to combat the opioid crisis and provide services and supports for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders; and health-related programs for infants and their families. Eligible organizations may apply for a maximum of $2,500. The average amount awarded will range from $500 to $2,500.

Around Town

City’s New Trash & Recycling Rules & Fees Start This Week

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Watertown DPWA curbside composting toter sits next to Watertown trash and recycling toters. The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown recently ratified the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan. This plan establishes the goal of a 30 percent statewide reduction in disposal tonnage between now and 2030. The Watertown Department of Public Works is implementing new programmatic changes that will allow Watertown to achieve the 30 percent reduction in our disposal tonnage based on a 2019 baseline. New programs and policies have been created to increase diversion of materials away from disposal through reduced consumption, reuse of existing items, and expansion of recycling programs. Thank you to all Watertown residents for your support and patience as we transition into these new policy changes.

Around Town

Lights on the Delta Shining in Honor of Indigenous Peoples Day

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Charlie BreitroseThe new lights on the trees on the Watertown Square Delta can change colors and display patterns. This picture shows what the trees looked like in December 2019. The following announcement was provided by Jennifer Wolfrum on behalf of members of the Pigsgusset Initiative:

As part of Watertown Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day, the Watertown City Council proclaimed Monday, October 10th as Indigenous Peoples Day. Aligned with this Proclamation, Councilor Nicole Gardner asked the Department of Public Works to make the colors of the lights on the Delta to reflect a central aspect of Indigenous culture. The red, yellow, white and black lights represent the colors of the medicine wheel, which is important to Indigenous People and their spiritual worldview.

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Supporting “Yes” on Question 1 Fair Share Amendment

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I’m writing to encourage my Watertown neighbors to vote Yes on Question 1, the Fair Share Amendment. The Fair Share Amendment will create permanent, urgently needed funding for education and transportation without placing an additional financial burden on middle- and working-class families. Here’s how it works. We currently all pay the same income tax rate. That’s written into the state constitution.