Around Town

Public Invited to Help Create Principles for Watertown’s Community Preservation Process

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The Community Preservation Committee is determined not to let the COVID-19 pandemic slow progress toward awarding the first set of projects, but before that can happen they have some work to do and are seeking the public’s help to do so. The next step is a Webinar on Tuesday, June 30 from 6-7 p.m., which is being held in lieu of the second public forum. (See more information about the webinar and how to register below). In January, the group had a public forum to hear what types of projects residents want to see the Community Preservation funds used on. They also did an online survey and held focus groups in March just before for the shutdown, and had planned a second public forum in April but that had to be cancelled, said Lanae Handy, the Community Preservation Coordinator.

Around Town

Mutual Aid Program Has Linked Dozens in Watertown to Help Each Other During COVID-19

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As the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown began, a new program paired up people who needed help doing things like going to the grocery stores or getting masks with Town residents who could help them. So far, the Mutual Aid Network in Watertown has had 50 people reach out for assistance and nearly double that number offer to help, with 65 of those being matched with someone, said Program Coordinator Sophia Suarez-Friedman. The program is run by the Wayside Youth & Family Support Network and is funded by a grant from the Watertown Community Foundation. Recently, the Foundation provided enough money for Mutual Aid to run through the end of the year. 

Positive Feedback

Suarez-Friedman has collected “success stories” from some of the people who have received assistance through Mutual Aid or volunteered to help out. A person who feared going to get groceries when the cases of COVID-19 were surging was able to get help going grocery shopping.

Around Town

Banners in Watertown Square Feature Student Artwork, Tell Tales of Migration

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One of the banners now hanging in Watertown Square. This one features the artwork of Hosmer School students and show their families’ migration story. The following information was provided by the creators of the Watertown Square Banners Project:

The next time you travel through Watertown Square take a few minutesto admire the colorful new banners hanging on poles throughout the square. They were the brainstorm of local graphic designer Carole Katz and feature works developed by students from the Hosmer School and the Watertown Middle School. Driving through the square one day Katz decided the square needed some colorful banners to replace the current historical banners (that she designed) that have been hanging for several years now.

Around Town

Watertown Library Has Anti-Racism Reading Lists, Resources; Many Activities This Week

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The historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. The following information was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

Beginning this week, the Library is adding evening hours for curbside pickup. The new schedule is: Monday 1 pm – 4 pm | Tuesday 4 pm – 7 pm | Wednesday 11 am – 2 pm | Thursday 4 pm – 7 pm | Friday 9 am – 12 pm. Learn how to place your order here: watertownlib.org/pickup

WFPL REMINDERS

Curbside Pickup: WFPL is now offering curbside pickup for library books and materials. Learn how to place your order at watertownlib.org/pickup

Open a Library Card: Yes, you can open a Library card from home! Complete this registration form to sign up. 

Contact WFPL: If you’re having trouble logging into our digital services because of account issues, we’ll do our best to get you connected. Click here to ask question. 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Anti-Racism Readings and Resources: We hope you’ll use these booklists and resources to better understand the history and present reality of racism in this country, start conversations, and take action.

Around Town

Watertown Woman Named a 2020 Commonwealth Heroine

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Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin, was named a Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Here she speaks at the 2016 Unity Breakfast. The following information was sent out by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women:

Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin, of Watertown, will be honored as a member of the ’s 2020 class of Commonwealth Heroines. State Rep.Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Jonathan Hecht recommended Hershman-Tcherepnin for this recognition due to her outstanding work on immigration and refugee issues. Hershman-Tcherepnin will be honored with the other Commonwealth Heroines at the 17th annual Commonwealth Heroines celebration.

Around Town

Flags Retired During Ceremony at Ridgelawn Cemetery, First Veterans Event During COVID-19

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Veterans Agent Patrick George watches as a member of the Department of Public Works lights the retired American Flags during the Flag Day Ceremony at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Watertown’s veterans groups got together at Ridgelawn Cemetery for the first ceremony since the start of the COVID-19 shutdown Sunday to honor the American Flag and retire some during the annual Flag Day Ceremony. With the cancellation of the Memorial Day Parade, the town’s biggest event involving veterans, the Flag Day Ceremony took on a bit more significance this year. Veterans Services Officer Patrick George read a statement that he normally does during the Memorial Day activities in late-May. “Typically what we do on Memorial Day is rededicate memorials around Watertown,” George said.

Around Town

See How to Preorder Items at the Watertown Farmers Market

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Many vendors at the 2020 Watertown Farmers Market will be accepting preorders, including those selling produce, meat, fish and baked goods. Find out more in the information provided by the Market organizers. Vendor Preorder Information

How do I preorder? View each vendor’s preorder information below. Shoppers may have to visit a vendor’s website or online storefront, send an email, or make a phone call to place their order.

Around Town

Faire On the Square is Latest COVID-19 Casualty; Tennis Courts, Dog Parks Opening Soon

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Children had plenty of fun options during Saturday’s Faire on the Square. Town officials announced that the 2020 Faire on the Square will be cancelled as a safety precaution during the COVID-19 outbreak. Some additional Recreation facilities will be opening on June 17. Town Manager Michael Driscoll announced the cancellation of the Town’s annual celebration in the June 12 Town Manager’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update. “Given the COVID-19 pandemic and as a follow-up to discussion with the Town Council President, the Chair of the Faire on the Square Committee and the Director of Public Health, this year’s Faire on the Square is cancelled out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of its participants and vendors,” the Town Manager’s latest COVID-19 Update.