Around Town

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.

Around Town

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.

Around Town

Join the Historical Society’s Watertown Trivia Contest

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The Historical Society of Watertown is hosting a trivia contest about the Town’s history. The winner will receive a book of pieces about Watertown’s history. The Historical Society sent out the following information:

The Historical Society is having a trivia contest! The winners will receive a copy of the book “Watertown Echoes: A Look Back at Life in a Massachusetts Town” by Sigrid Reddy Watson. Sigrid wrote a Watertown history column for the Watertown Tab/Press from 1997 – 2001.

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Rec. News: Sneaker Give Away, February Vacation Program, Snow Removal

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Recreation Department:

The Marra Sneaker Donation Event will be Friday, February 5 from 12:00 to 5:00. Please select the link below for detailed information and instructions.Marra Sneaker Donation Event – Friday, February 5

FEBRUARY VACATION PLANS ANNOUNCED: FEBRUARY 16th – 19th (TUESDAY – FRIDAY)

A mini version of very popular February Vacation Program will be offered from February 16 – 19 at the Watertown Boys and Girls Club.  We will offer 8 separate 2 hour sessions, 2 a day geared for different ages and interests. Please select the link above for more detailed information. SNOW REMOVAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

We are still accepting snow shoveling removal program recipients but are really in need of shovelers.  If you are a Middle, High School or even a College student looking for community service, volunteerism and a stipend through the generosity of the Marshall Home Fund, please fill out the application and send it in to the Recreation Department. WINTER SESSION II FINALIZING PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES, LOOKING FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: FEBRUARY 22–APRIL 3

We are in the process of finalizing program offerings for Winter Session II and would appreciate recommendations / comments / concerns and questions be sent to recreation@watertown-ma.gov or feel free to call the office at 617-972-6494.  

BUCKINGHAM, BROWNE & NICHOLS SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP

Our friends at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School is again offering a generous scholarship opportunity for their fantastic Summer Camp.

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Watertown CVS Will be COVID Vaccine Site, By Appointment Only

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CVS announced that starting next week 15 locations in Massachusetts will offer COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment to eligible people, including in Watertown. Which of Watertown’s three CVS locations, if not all, will have the vaccine is not clear. The report by Fox 25 Boston just mentions Watertown in the list of the sites to offer the vaccine. The doses will be shipped by the Federal Government directly to the pharmacies. Last week, the Mass.

Around Town

Parking Ban Lifted, Trash & Recycling Delayed by Storm

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The parking ban called for the storm that hit Watertown Monday and Tuesday has been lifted. The Watertown Police sent out a Twitter post declaring the end of the parking ban, beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. ❄️The Snow Emergency parking ban has been lifted as of 9:00 am today❄️ pic.twitter.com/p2VMtfpw8s— Watertown Police (@WatertownPD) February 2, 2021

Public Works Superintendent Gregory St. Louis sent out the following announcement:

The Superintendent would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation during the snow emergency and would request that every resident assist in clearing of fire hydrants and catch basins in your area. Also, clearing of the sidewalk in front of your property would benefit all.