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.

Around Town

New Vendors Joining Watertown Farmers Market — Opening Day June 17

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The start of the Watertown Farmers Market is around the corner and shoppers have some new options to choose from this year, which will be offering baked goods, bagels, produce, tahini and more. The first farmers market will take place on Wednesday, June 17, from 2:30-6:30 p.m. in Saltonstall Park, at the corner of Main Street and Whites Avenue, next to Town Hall (149 Main St.). The Market will run rough Oct. 14, and — to begin with, at least — will operate with social distancing measures (see farther below). The managers of the Farmers Market sent out the following statement”

The start of the season has been challenging for many small farms and businesses from loss of staff and the need to make changes to business operations with new safety precautions in place.

Around Town

Watertown Library Kicking Off Summer Reading Drive-Thru on June 16

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The Watertown Library sent out the following announcement:

How do you throw a summer reading kick-off party in the age of social distancing? The Watertown Free Public Library has hit on a fun solution: it’s the first-ever Summer Reading Drive-Thru! On Tuesday, June 16, you’re invited drive (or walk) to the Library and pick up summer reading booklists, bingo boards, and more for children and teens. WFPL librarians will be stationed in the parking lot handing out grab bags to take home. There will be music, there will be balloons … so bring the kids along for the ride.

Around Town

Second Vigil for Black Lives Draws Crowd, Some Controversy; Council Pres. Makes Statement on Issue

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Protesters at the Vigil for Black Lives in Watertown Square on Tuesday hold signs and wave at passing cars. A few hundred people came out. For the second week in a row, hundreds showed up in Watertown Square to remember George Floyd and protest against racial inequity. Tuesday’s event included a march to the Square, and also chalk drawings which became the focus of some disagreements. Also Tuesday, Town Council President Mark Sideris read a statement during the Town Council meeting supporting the protest, but adding that he did not support efforts to defund or cut funding to the Watertown Police Department.