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Watertown Library Trustees Fill Open Seat with Candidate from 2021 Election

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Maja Young was appointed to the Board of Library Trustees. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

On January 10, 2022 the Watertown Free Public Library Trustees and Town Council President Mark Sideris appointed Maja Young to fill the open seat on the Library Board of Trustees. She will serve for two years. A Watertown resident, Young explains that the Watertown Free Public Library has always been an important constant in her life:

“As a kid, I loved getting a giant pile of books from the Library to bring home. In high school, my friends and I studied, researched papers, used the computers, and socialized at the Library.

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Watertown Community Foundation Seeking Deputy Director

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The Watertown Community Foundation has created a new Deputy Executive Director position and it seeks candidates for the position. The Foundation sent out the following information:

The Watertown Community Foundation works to build and sustain a vibrant, close-knit community in Watertown, Massachusetts—now and for future generations. Founded in 2003, WCF has steadily increased grant-making, fundraising, and programmatic impact, and now seeks a Deputy Executive Director (ED) to increase the capacity of the foundation and help lead and manage the current period of unprecedented pandemic related need, population growth and demographic change in the community.  

This 30 hour/week position offers the opportunity to collaborate and shape WCF’s impact in its core focus areas: essential needs, education, health, arts, and the environment. In partnership with the Executive Director and an engaged 20-member board, the Deputy ED will be both an external and internal co-leader of a dynamic and diverse community’s foremost philanthropy, will help craft WCF’s vision, and will oversee its implementation. 

For a complete job description and to apply:https://www.watertownfoundation.org/job-opportunities

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Library in February: First Watertown, USA Summit, Author Talk, History of Hip Hop

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The Watertown Free Public Library previewed the events coming up in February:

Here’s one of the more delightfully quirky programs we’ve ever hosted: On Tuesday evening, 2/8, join WFPL for Watertown Where?! — the first-ever Watertown, USA summit. We’ll meet up virtually to swap local history stories and share what makes our Watertown unique. Watertowns represented include MA, NY, SD, CT, MN, and TN. 

Also coming up: Jerald Walker will join us virtually to discuss his award-winning essay collection, How to Make a Slave, and the acclaimed Illstyle & Peace ensemble will present The History of Hip Hop at the Library for children grades K and up! Library News

We’re wishing happiness, good health, and relaxation to Library Director Leone Cole as she retires from WFPL after 27 years. The Library as you know it today wouldn’t be possible without Leone’s steadfast commitment to providing exceptional library service.

Around Town

Find Out About the Senior Center’s Tax Preparation, Parking Permits & the Senior Shuttle

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Town of WatertownWatertown Senior Center

The Watertown Senior Center is hosting a number of events this week, including:

AARP Tax Preparation

The AARP Tax Prep Volunteers will be returning to the Senior Center starting February 8 through April 15 on Tuesdays and Fridays to prepare tax returnsfree of charge with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low to moderate income and have no rental income. You don’t have to be an AARP member. All of AARP’s tax preparations are done by trained volunteers who must complete training and pass IRS certification annually to assist in tax preparation. This year, tax assistance will be available at the Watertown Senior Center by appointment only, and available options can change on short notice based on COVID-19 conditions. Call the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 to schedule your appointment.

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Lego Robotics, Sports for Kids & Adults, Vacation Programs Coming Up in Rec Dept.’s Winter Session II

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Registration is open for Watertown Recreation’s Winter Session II and there are a multiple activities from which to choose. Activities for youth include Lego Robotics for grades 2-5, All-Sports programs for elementary school aged kids, creative crafts and more. Middle schoolers can participate in Cops ‘n Rec futsal, volleyball and a fun & games night. Volleyball is also available for high school students. The Recreation Department is running week-long programs during February and April vacations.

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Watertown’s Shick House to be Remembered with Historic Marker

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Watertown Free Public LibraryThe Shick House has been located on Grove Street since the 1800s. It was home to the owners of one of the few Jewish farmers in Massachusetts. Bob Bloomberg recalls the first time he got to look inside the Shick House. The house oozed history, but it was clear then, he said, that the home of the owners of one of the few Jewish-owned farms in Massachusetts was not in good shape. “I was in the house twice, the first time was about a year ago, and at that point we could go to the second floor,” said Bloomberg, a member of the Historical Society’s board who has researched the history of the house.

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New Watertown News Commenting Policy: Full Names Required

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Commenters will now be required to sign their full names on stories on the Watertown News site starting Feb. 1, 2022. Previously one comment was allowed anonymously. Commenters can also provide more information about themselves, such as what town, neighborhood or street they live on, or other pertinent information, but it is not required. If I cannot easily confirm a name you may be asked to provide more information, which will not be published.

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Veterans Office Wants to Hear from Groups Interested in Marching in Memorial Day Parade

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Charlie BreitroseMembers of the Watertown AmVets Post wave to the crowd during the Memorial Day Parade. Planning has begun for the 2022 Watertown Memorial Day Parade, and groups interested in participating can reach out to the City. The Watertown Veterans Services Office, which organizes the event, sent out the following announcement:

It has been two years since the City of Watertown has been able to hold a Memorial Day Parade. Watertown Veterans’ Services is looking to hear from organizations interested in participating in the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Interested organizations should contact Watertown Veterans Services: 617-972-6416 or PGeorge@watertown-ma.gov.