Around Town

Rising COVID-19 Cases Concerns Watertown Health Director

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An upturn in the new COVID-19 cases concerns Watertown Health Director Larry Ramdin, who worries that the state may go back into more strict shutdown rules if the trend gets worse. During the first week of August, Watertown had its first COVID fatality reported since the second week of May, bringing the total to 24. For the first time in several weeks, the number of new positive COVID-19 cases is into the double digits in Watertown, and the state numbers are growing by around 2,000 a week. “People are going on vacation, it is summer, there is a little complacency,” Ramdin said. “People are going to social gatherings, they are not social distancing, not wearing face coverings, expose themselves.”

Around Town

Recreation Adds K-2 Program at Casey Park, Scholarships Available

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The Watertown Recreation Department still has a couple more weeks of its Park Adventure program for children, and the department has added a program for children in grades K-2 at Casey Park. The park on the Southside of town already had programs for older students. The one-week sessions run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the fee is $100, but there are scholarships available from the Watertown Community Foundation (click here for information). The Park Adventure program is a half-day summer program for all with activities ranging from arts & crafts, sports, drama, and many other geared toward their interests and age. More information can be found on the Watertown Recreation website (click here).

Around Town

Watertown Group Remembers Victims of Hiroshima, Nagasaki Bombs

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Attendees of a vigil for the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bombs hold a banner. The event on Aug. 9 was organized by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice & the Environment. The following report was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment:

On Sunday evening August 9, over sixty people gathered for an annual remembrance of the more than 210,000 lives lost in the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Organized by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, the remembrance was co-sponsored byMassachusetts Peace Action (MAPA), New England American Friends Service Committee and Survival Education Fund.

Around Town

Solar Panels Donated to Watertown Boys & Girls Club Will Generate Power, Funds

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Solar panels are being installed on the roof of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. They were donated by Peter Glick and Rise Up Solar. The Watertown Boys & Girls Club received a donation of an array of solar panels, which will reduce electricity costs in the short run, and long term will generate revenue for the club. The solar panels were donated by Peter Glick who teamed up with Rise Up Solar, a Cambridge-based company which helps community-based non-profits gain access to solar panels. The Club will reap the environmental and financial rewards.

Around Town

Applications for Senior Tax Work Off Program Available

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The Town of Watertown will accept applications from seniors looking to work off the some of their property tax bill. See information distributed by the Town about how to qualify and to apply below. Dear Resident,

This program allows for up to ten Watertown residents: Seniors (age 60 and older) or Veterans, a $1,500 deduction from their property tax bill in exchange for 118 hours of work for a Town department, from July 1, 2020 until March 1, 2021. (Based on $12.75 per hour State minimum wage for all positions.)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Town departments are continuing to determine what types of positions would be available for this year, and the program may be modified or canceled at any time, but please apply now if you are interested and we will work to identify an appropriate position for you should you qualify. At this time, there is immediate need for work with the Town Clerk’s office for the upcoming Elections and with various Town departments for shredding and administrative work.

Around Town

Hatch Maker Space Reopening, Watertown Library Featured in Globe

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

Big news for makers: Hatch Makerspace is reopening for appointments next week. Beginning on Monday, August 17, you will have the option to use our sewing machine, vinyl cutter, or laser cutter. Workstations will be cleaned between each use. Review our new safety policies and schedule your appointment here: watertownlib.org/hatchbooking (See more info below)Since we can’t host gatherings at the Library right now, virtual programs continue. We hope to see you online! This week via Zoom, watch and discuss the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, learn how to assemble wire armature for sculpting, and explore 3D modeling with Fusion 360. A full list of virtual programs for this week is included below.

Around Town

Part of Filippello Park Closed for 2 Weeks, More Construction Coming

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Filippello Park. The Watertown Recreation Department announced further closing of part of Filippello Park due to ongoing construction work, and another project will begin in the fall. The following information was sent out by Recreation Director Peter Centola:

The Filippello (Arlington) section of Filippello Park closure has been extended and will not be open to the public and all users until Friday, August 28 at 6:00pm due to the installation of new field lighting system. This includes the field, walking track, tot lot / playground and table and grill areas within the Filippello (Arlington) section of the park. The contractor is performing conduit trenching through next Friday August 14th.

Around Town

Many Watertown Bus Routes Will See Service Changes in Fall

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The 71 bus will have increased service beginning Aug. 30. It is one of several MTBA routes serving Watertown that will see changes. Several bus routes serving Watertown will see changes in service beginning August 30, including increased service on the 70 and 71 buses. Other routes begin operating on a limited schedule, or route, one will have increased weekend service and one will continue to be suspended.