Around Town

Watertown Group Discussing Immigration Issues Locally & Globally

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment:

Please join us for the February Monthly Meeting of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment for a presentation by Watertown Citizens Refugee Support Working Group. Topics will include updates, concerns and activities regarding immigrants at the international, national and state levels, as well as the local endeavors of the working group in our community. There will also be opportunity for comments and questions. The zoom meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 PM. You can zoom in at 6:45 PM for a bit of socializing prior to the official beginning of the meeting.

Around Town

Health Department Getting More Vaccine, Free COVID-19 Testing Continues

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Town officials gave a big “shout out” to the members of the Watertown Health Department for all the work they have done during the pandemic, including the recent free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. This week, the first members of the general public, age 75 and older, got the vaccine from the Health Department, and Town Manager Michael Driscoll said more vaccinations will be done next week. The Town will also continue to offer free COVID-19 testing through the end of February. Town Council President Mark Sideris took time during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting to thank the Health Department. “I wanted to give a shout out to our Health Department, which has gone above and beyond for just about a year to make this community as safe as possible during the pandemic,” Sideris said.

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Watertown COVID-19 Cases Dropping, Lowest Since December

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The number of COVID-19 cases continued to drop, and the number of recent cases dropped to its lowest point since the beginning of December. According to the latest Mass. Department of Public Health report, Watertown has had 157 cases over the prior 14 days. The number dropped by 78 from the previous week’s report. The last time the Town had fewer cases over the previous 2 weeks was the Dec.

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Watertown Library Wants to Know How Accessible the Building, Materials are to Patrons

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The Watertown Library sent out the following announcement about the survey on how accessible the materials and building are to all residents:

WFPL is committed to making our building and materials accessible to all. If you use the Watertown Free Public Library or Hatch Makerspace, please take a moment to complete our accessibility survey. Your responses will help us improve on our deficits as well as build upon our successes. 

Take the survey, either online or by printing it out, by clicking here. If you choose to print the survey, please complete and return it to the Library. You may also type and email your responses to Caitlin Browne at cbrowne@watertown-ma.gov. Any responses received with identifiable information will be kept confidential.

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Town Upgrading Website, Social Media, Adding New Ways to Communicate with Public

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The landing page for the Town of Watertown’s cell phone app. Website upgrades, building social media presence and high-tech billboards are some of the ways which the Town of Watertown is trying to reach residents. Complaints about the ease of accessing information about local government has come from residents and elected officials alike. The website has been a particular focus of the dissatisfaction. The Town of Watertown added personnel specifically to work on technology issues, hiring Chief Information Officer Chris McClure in the fall, and the Town will soon be hiring another person focused on social media and the website.

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This Week’s Senior Center Events, Vaccine Info for Seniors

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Watertown Senior Center

The following information was provided by the Watertown Senior Center:

Programs for Week of February 8, 2021

Join us via Zoom for the following programs. Call for access info: (617) 972-6490. New participants always welcome in every program! We hope you’ll join us! Monday:   10:00 AM, Art Class with Dawn Scaltreto12:30 PM, Chair Yoga with Diane2:00 PM, Zoom Meet & Greet with our new State Representative Steve OwensTuesday:     12:30 PM, Tai Chi & Meditation with Marie2:00 PM, Line Dancing with Bradley                                     Wednesday:LAST DAY TO ORDER VALENTINE GRAB & GO LUNCH (617) 972-64909:30 AM, February Book Club: The Dutch House by Anne PatchettUpcoming selection for March: Glass Hotel by Emily St. John11:00 AM, Exercise with Joanna2:00 PM, LGBTQI Roundtable: Celebrating Love!4:00 PM, Council on Aging Board MeetingThursday:        9:00 AM, Pilates with Marina Z.10:30 AM, Talk with Tom: Coffee & Casual Conversation2:00 PM, Zoom with us for a tour of the Peabody Essex Museum!Friday:            10:00 AM, Exercise with Shannon Lee Jones     12:00 PM, Seated Strength & Balance with Pearl1:00 PM, New! Weight Management with Pearl ~see the newsletter for details.NEW TIME!

Around Town

Watertown Offering Vaccine Clinic for Residents 75 & Older

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Health Department:

The Watertown Health Department has received a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines and per state requirements is hosting a clinic for Watertown residents age 75 and older only (anyone born prior to 1945). The Watertown Seniors Over 75 Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10. To register and for more information, go to: https://www.maimmunizations.org/clinic/private_registration/46e75165-f79b-4a45-aff3-8114d48036ac

Pre-registration is required for all appointments and seniors requiring assistance with registering can call the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 for assistance in making an appointment. Residents who have other means to get the vaccine (Veterans who utilize the VA; persons with transportation to get to mass-vaccination clinics) are encouraged to schedule appointments at those sites as soon as possible so they can get an early appointment. Because the clinic is limited, attendees will be required to provide proof of Watertown residency and are advised to wear loose clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm for administration of the vaccination. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.

Around Town

Recycle Styrofoam, Shred Paper at Public Works Event

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Recycle your Styrofoam at the special DPW event. The Watertown Department of Public Works sent out the following announcement:

Styrofoam and Paper Shredding Event

Feb. 20, 2021, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

124 Orchard St., Waterotwn

Bring your styrofoam and shredding only to the Department of Public Works at 124 Orchard St., Watertown, MA 02472 on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

COVID-19 safety precautions: Masks and safe distancing is required. When you arrive on the site please observe signs and directions from staff in order to safely and orderly unload your vehicle.