Around Town

Watertown COVID Cases Creep Up for Third Week, Nearly 40% of Residents Got First Vaccination Shot

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Watertown’s COVID-19 cases continued to increase for the third straight week. according to the Mass. Department of Public Health report, and nearly 1-in-5 Watertown residents have at least started the vaccination process. The Town had 93 cases over the previous 14 days, according to the state’s report from April 8, a dozen more than the previous week. The positive test rate also rose for the third straight week, from 1.48 percent on April 1 to 1.72 percent on April 8.

Around Town

See What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA for Kids & Families

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The following information was provided by the West Suburban YMCA:

There’s lots going on at the Y for kids and families right now!  Let me know if you need any more info. Family Fun at the West Suburban YMCA  

“Back to School Sale” – Family Membership Promotion 

Sign up for a Family Membership in April and you’ll receive 20% off your monthly membership fees for April, May, and June! Members enjoy priority registration and reduced rates for programs, camp, personal training, and more. For more information on these promotions, contact the Welcome Center at 617-244-6050 ext. 0 or visit www.wsymca.org/membership-promotion  

Late Spring Program Session: April 26-June 20.  Register Now!  It’s time for a fresh start. Reset your routines and regain your wellness by signing up for spring programs at the Y! The Y’s 8-week Late Spring Program Session will run from April 26-June 20. Stay active as a family by signing up for swimming, sports, music, and fitness programs!  Visit the Y’s website for more details and to register: www.wsymca.org/find-a-program  

Afterschool Care at the Y 

The Y’s Out of School Time (OST) program offers afterschool care that follows the Newton Public Schools schedule, including half days, and transportation to the Y is available from most Newton schools. A free healthy snack is also provided and lunch is also provided on half days. OST includes physical activities, outdoor time, games, service learning, and homework support.

Around Town

2021 Memorial Day Parade Cancelled, Several In-Person Events Planned

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The Watertown Provincial Guard re-enactors joined the 2019 Memorial Day Parade. For the second year in a row, Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Town Manager Michael Driscoll announced the cancellation in his weekly Coronavirus update. Veterans Services Officer Patrick George said the move was made based on the State’s COVID-19 restrictions on the size of gatherings. “It wasn’t an easy decision — frankly, when this all started, I thought we’d be back open by LAST Memorial Day — but it’s the safest decision we could make with the current public health data available,” George said.

Around Town

Watertown Boy Who Beat Cancer to be Featured at Make-A-Wish Gala

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Young cancer survivor Noah McManus thanks the Watertown Police, Fire Department and Department of Public Works for putting on a parade outside his home on Friday. A Watertown boy who beat cancer will be featured by Make-A-Wish during an online event. Noah McManus recently received a drive-by parade with vehicles from the Watertown Police, Fire Department and Department of Public Works to celebrate his bill of good health (see details here). Make-A-Wish provided the following announcement about the gala:

Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island will feature the story of Noah McManus, 3, from Watertown, MA, during the Make-A-Wish® Gala: Heroes for Hope, a live virtual event taking place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Noah, who has undergone chemotherapy for Langerhans cell histiocytosis, wished for a superhero playhouse and his wish was granted through generous community support.

Around Town

COVID-19 Update, Free Testing Extended, New Groups Eligible for Vaccine

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COVID-19 cases rose for the second straight week in Watertown, as did the rate of positive tests. Some new groups of people are now eligible to receive the vaccine, including people age 55 and older. The number of cases reported by the Mass. Department of Public Health was 81 over the previous 14 days, according to the April 1 report. That is up eight from the previous week.

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Registration Open for Watertown Recreation’s Spring Programs

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The Watertown Recreation Department has a variety of programs this spring. See the descriptions below. The Recreation Department provided the following inforrmation:

Programs will operate indoors & outdoors, please look out for updates prior to scheduled programs. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor participants will be notified by text/email that the program will be canceled or ended early. General

• All programs are offered to Watertown residents only.• Before registering, check that the participant meets the age/grade level qualifications.• Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until a program fills or begins.• Payment must be made in full prior to the start of the program (contact Director Centola if you wish to seek other arrangements). Cancellation Policy

• If insufficient enrollment causes an activity to be canceled, participants will have their choice to accept a full credit to their Recreation account or receive a refund check in 4-6 weeks.

Around Town

April Senior Events: Meet the State Rep., Nature, Music History & More

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Watertown Senior Center

The Watertown Senior Center has a variety of events coming up in April. See some below, and more in the senior newsletter. The Senior Center provided the following information:

GUEST SPEAKERS via Zoom

The Secret Lives of Backyard and Migratory Birds with Sean Kent, Education Manager, Museum of American Bird Art. Friday, April 9, at 1 pmSpring is a great season for bird watching with migrants returning from their winter grounds in all their breeding finery. This illustrated lecture will feature birds that are commonly seen through out the spring and give you a glimpse into the secret life of birds.