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See the Online Programs Coming Up at the Watertown Library

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

Our doors are still closed, but online, the Watertown Free Public Library is busy as ever. This week, get your kiddos excited for cookie baking with Emily and the new Lunch Bunch Book Club via Facebook Live. Do you know a teen in need of a creative outlet? Tell them about our collaborative web comic. For adults, we’re offering new workshops, craft meetups, and more via Zoom.

Around Town

Two More COVID-19 Related Deaths in Watertown, New Cases in State Falling Slightly

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The Watertown Health Department announced Monday that the number of COVID-19 related deaths rose to seven, with the two most recent fatalities. Watertown’s total positive Coronavirus cases rose to 147, and 46 people have recovered, according to the Health Department. The new cases in Massachusetts have been going down, according to the latest information released by the Mass. Department of Public Health. On Monday, the state had 1,566 new cases, and there were 103 more COVID-19 related deaths.

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Find Out More About Pandemic Unemployment Benefits

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Massachusetts State House. The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance provided the following Q&A about Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, the program that was created by the Federal CARES Act. The new program provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment, including gig-workers, self-employed, those who have lost work hours and people who had a job offer rescinded due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Find out more information and how to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program by clicking here. Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CARES Act provide benefits to workers who have been ineligible for regular or extended benefits until now?

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Hatch Makerspace Running Classes Online Using Zoom

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The Watertown Library’s Hatch Makerspace is currently closed, but the Hatch staff will host online classes to demonstrate a variety of skills. Here are some of the upcoming classes. Home DIY: Hanging Pictures *via Zoom*Wednesday, April 22, 2020

This week we’ll be hanging framed artwork. We’ll cover hardware, wiring, what to do on different types of walls, and tools of the trade. There’s no better time to redecorate (or finally hang those pictures)!

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Free Produce Deliveries Available for SNAP/HIP Customers

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Farmers Market:

Mass Food Delivery is offering SNAP/HIP customers a variety of options to access Farm Fresh food with FREE delivery to your door. (free delivery for SNAP eligible customers only)

See information here https://massfooddelivery.com/

Are you looking for a way to access your $40 HIP benefit? Mass Food Delivery is offering a 15 lb. mixed produce box of fruits & vegetables (a$40 value). Delivered to your door FREE with a HIP transaction.

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Registry of Motor Vehicles Extends Deadlines for Renewals of Registrations, Licenses

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing today it will be implementing further extensions to the renewal timelines for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and licenses and permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Commercial Driver’s License Permits (CDLs / CLPs). While the RMV has previously announced 60-day extensions for most credentials, passenger plate registrations and inspection stickers expired or expiring in March and April, today’s action will apply the same 60-day extension to those expiring in May. Those with March 2020 expirations impacted by the first 60-day extension, will have an additional 60-day extension applied. These additional extensions under Governor Charlie Baker’s declaration of a State of Emergency the week of March 9th, replicate the ongoing measures the RMV is taking to reduce the need for customers to physically visit an RMV Service Center or one of its business partners’ facilities, allowing for ‘social-distancing’ by decreasing non-essential travel and customer volume. The new changes to expiration extensions are now in effect as follows:

All non-commercial driver’s licenses, ID cards, and Learner’s Permits that expire in May 2020, will now expire in July 2020 and do not need to be renewed at this time. This extension will also apply to those whose expired March 2020 credential was already extended by 60 days.

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Watertown Library Creates One-Stop COVID-19 Info Webpage

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The Watertown Free Public Library has created a one-stop guide for information about COVID-19 and related issues, including unemployment, where to get food assistance and people’s physical and mental health. See more information in the announcement sent out by the library below:

There is so much information about the COVID-19 pandemic available, sometimes it can feel overwhelming. To help Watertown residents navigate this confusing time, the Watertown Free Public Library has developed a COVID-19 Resource Guide, a “one-stop shop” website that makes it easy to find the latest health guidance and assistance programs available. View the Watertown COVID-19 Resource Guide here: watertownlib.org/covid19guide

In Watertown, there are many resources available to those who are struggling with physical and mental health concerns, unemployment, and food insecurity. Now, as so many lives and livelihoods are turned upside-down by the COVID-19 pandemic, those resources are more valuable than ever. 

WFPL’s Resource Guide covers food security, financial assistance, housing assistance, elder care, scams, community engagement and more.

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Information About Individual Stimulus Payments from the CARES Act

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Watertown residents may already have received an Economic Impact Payment from the Federal government in their bank accounts as part of the stimulus payments as part of the CARES Act. For others, a check will be coming in the mail. People who make less than $75,000 in gross income will receive the full $1,200, and anyone making under $99,000 will receive some payment. For details, and to check on your payment status, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

Also, Watertown Savings Bank has provided an information guide about the CARES Act individual payments, See it below:

Economic Impact Payment—What you need to know

The federal government recently passed the CARES Act to support millions of people during these unprecedented times caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). This sweeping legislation offers financial assistance directly to individuals and families.