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.

Around Town

YMCA Open for Swimming, Personal Training; Offering Lunches for Kids

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The following information came from the West Suburban YMCA:

The West Suburban YMCA is now open! 

The West Suburban YMCA reopened its doors to new and existing members on July 6, following the state’s transition into Phase 3 of its reopening plan. New protocols are in place to align with all guidance and recommendations outlined by the CDC, state, and local health departments. Some of the new practices include:

•        Brief health pre-screen at check in for all members and staff

•        Use of face coverings/masks when in the building

•        Social distancing and reduced capacity in all facility spaces

•        Frequent cleaning and sanitation of all equipment and surfaces

•        Single entry and exit points: Enter through the main doors and exit through the basement level trackside door

Visit our reopening guide for more about the West Suburban YMCA’s new protocols. What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA

Summer EatsThe West Suburban YMCA has partnered with the Metrowest YMCA to participate in Summer Eats, Massachusetts’ Summer Food Service Program. The federally funded nutrition program provides free, healthy meals to all children ages 18 and under when school is not in session.

Around Town

LETTER: Watertown Group Commemorating Bombing of Hiroshima, Nagasaki

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Candleboats float on the Charles River in Watertown in memory of those who died in the nuclear bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment is holding a commemoration of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Sunday, August 9, the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki. NEVER AGAIN – NO MORE HIROSHIMA and NAGASAKI – NO MORE VICTIMS – ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS

7:30 PM – Silent Vigil – Watertown Square8:00 PM – Music and Testimonials8:30 PM – Launching of the Candle boats on the Charles River

NEVER AGAIN! NO MORE VICTIMS! ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS!

Around Town

Virtual Library: Yoga Class, Cinnamon Buns & Storytime

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

WFPL reopened last week for browsing and checkouts only. To keep everyone safe, we’ve made a lot of changes inside the building. Our website has more information about what to expect. Please take a look before you visit: watertownlib.org/reopeningPR

This week on Zoom, tune in to our Wednesday yoga class with Groundwork Studio and get your kid bakers excited to make cinnamon buns with Emily!