Around Town

January at Hatch: Binding, Laser Cutters, and Many More Workshops

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See what’s happening in January at the Watertown Library’s makerspace — Hatch. Hatch sent out the following information:

Hatch Makerspace is located at 20 Summer Street in Watertown, MA. An extension of the Watertown Free Public Library, it is a public workshop with space, equipment, and materials available for your use. Hatch hours: Monday-Thursday, 1-9 p.m. | Friday-Sunday 1-4 p.m.

Hatch will close at 5pm on 12/31/2019 for New Year’s Eve

Hatch will be closed on 1/1/2020 for New Year’s Day

Hatch will be closed on 1/20/2020 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Hours are updated regularly online: watertownlib.org/hatch

Workshop spotlight

Art Studio – Stab Binding Learn how to make a stab binding, starting with the basic pattern, then advance to other variations! More about the artist: www.yibinliang.com

Upcoming Workshops & Events

1/5, Laser Cutter 101

1/6, Tools For Makers

1/10, Art Studio: Stab Binding

1/11, Sewing Basics: Soup Bowl Cozy

1/13, Vinyl Cutter 102

1/13, Intro to 3D Printing

1/15, Laser Cutter 101

1/18, Intro to the Sewing Machine

1/20, Intro to 3D Modeling for Kids 1/20, Intro to 3D Modeling for Adults

1/25, Inkscape 101

1/27, Arduino 102

1/30, Intro to Soldering

Visit wfpl.eventbrite.com to register >>

Drop-Ins

Drop-ins are weekly themed sessions that are designed to give you insight into the subject matter.

Around Town

Police Chief Announces Temporary Suspension of Winter Parking Ban

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Watertown residents will get a brief reprieve from the winter parking ban, the Watertown Police announced. Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn sent out the following announcement:

Watertown –

With the Holidays fast approaching, the Watertown Police Department recognizes the need for additional overnight parking to accommodate visiting family members and friends. Chief of Police Michael P. Lawn wishes to announce that effective December 22, 2019 officers will temporarily stop enforcing the All Night Parking Ban – barring any snowfall that would require plowing or sanding. Should there be a snow event please refer to the town website for available off street parking locations. Chief Lawn still encourages all homeowners to use available off street parking during the overnight hours.

Around Town

Watertown Residents Can Enjoy a Discount on Cookies and Baked Goods

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Geoff & Drew’s offers cookies and brownies made from all-natural ingredients. Watertown’s Carol Spickler is president and “chief cookie girl.” A cookie business co-owned by a Watertown resident is offering a special discount to town residents looking for a last minute gift or something tasty for a New Year’s celebration. Watertown’s Carol Spickler is the president and “chief cookie girl” of Geoff & Drew’s, which features cookies, brownies and other baked goods made with all-natural ingredients. 

Watertown residents, friends & family enjoy a 20 percent discount off any non-discount items when ordering from Geoff & Drew’s. Enter Promotion Code: NEW20 at checkout at www.gdcookies.com 

Geoff & Drew’s  Gourmet Cookie & Brownies offers a wide selection of gift boxes and baskets overflowing with their award-winning bakery treats, Spickler said. 

The business began in 2001 as Late Night Cookies — a cookie and milk delivery service in Boston.

Around Town

Recycle Your Styrofoam at the Watertown DPW Event

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Recycle your Styrofoam at the special DPW event. Just in time for the post-holiday cleanup, the Watertown Department of Public Works will host a styrofoam recycling event. Watertown residents will will also have a chance to shred paper and to get rid of tires (no rims). I.D. will be required. It is not open to businesses or commercial entities.

Around Town

Watertown-Based Foundation Hands Out Nearly $1 Million in Grants

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Tufts Health Plan Foundation today announced nine new community investments totaling $972,000 and demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to policies and practices that support healthy aging. These investments are in addition to $3.9 million in grants announced earlier this year. “The Foundation is proud to support community efforts to be vibrant, healthy and equitable,” said Tom Croswell, Tufts Health Plan president and CEO and a member of the Foundation’s board of directors. “Advocating for public policy change is essential to achieving social change at scale.”

Tufts Health Plan Foundation is the only regional funder exclusively focused on healthy aging. The new grants support engagement of older people as advocates on critical policy work to include addressing gaps in food and health care access, transportation and community safety.

Around Town

Decision on Sale of Mt. Auburn Cemetery Land Coming in January

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The bids have been submitted for the land being sold by the Mount Auburn Cemetery on Grove Street, but a decision will not be made until after the New Year. Bids were due in late November and the Cemetery’s Board of Trustees met on Dec. 12 to look at the proposals. Dave Barnett, President and CEO of Mount Auburn Cemetery, said the board is still considering the proposals. “We are fortunate to have multiple attractive bids,” Barnett said.

Around Town

Winter Programs for Kids Hosted by the Recreation Department

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Watertown children can join a variety of programs put on by the Recreation Department this winter, including skiing, floor hockey and the community sports and games weekend

The Recreation Department sent out the following information:

Wachusett Mountain Ski-Board Program

Who: Grades 6 – 12

Description: This program is designed to provide middle and high school students with a fun and safe atmosphere to learn elements of skiing or boarding or to improve their skills. All participants must wear helmets while skiing or boarding. Space is limited on the bus provided by the recreation department. Please register early. All participants’ parents must register online with Wachusett Mountain.

Around Town

LETTER: Standing Up For Immigrants

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“We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and in justice, equity, and compassion for all.”

So reads a large banner recently placed on the front lawn of the First Parish of Watertown. The banner is the centerpiece of a larger display of statements on smaller signs affirming the central role immigrants have played in the history of this country, and the deplorable conditions that they are now facing at our border with Mexico. As the signs confirm, President Kennedy once said “Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.” Yet “Since 2018, at least 7 children have died in U.S. immigration custody, after 10 years in which no child reportedly died in U.S. Customs and Border Patrol custody.”

Another smaller sign tells us that according to Dr. Julie Linton, Co-chair of the Immigration Health Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Detention facilities are basically concrete floors with mats and barbed wire fencing and bright lights 24/7.”

The display calls public attention to the harsh and inhumane treatment thousands of immigrants have received at the Mexican border, and seeks to rally widespread support for immigration reform. It also aims to reassure immigrants in Watertown that they are welcome, respected, and valued in this community, in keeping with the words of U Thant, third Secretary General of the United Nations, who said “Every human being of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must respect others even as we respect ourselves.”

Near the end of the row of signs, a statement by Dina Nyeri reminds us that “It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks.” The very last sign poses the challenge “What will you do?” A handout of positive actions everyone can take to support immigrants is available in a box next to this sign.