Around Town

Town Hosting Meetings on Mt. Auburn St. Corridor, Bus Priority Pilot Program

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The Watertown Department of Public Works will host two meetings about potential changes to Mt. Auburn Street: one about the redesign of the roadway and one about a bus priority pilot project being worked on by Watertown and Cambridge. 

The following information was provided by the DPW:
Join Us at a Mount Auburn Street Corridor Open House
Date: Monday, May 14, 2018
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hosmer Elementary School – Cafeteria
1 Concord Road, Watertown

The Town of Watertown Department of Public Works invites you to attend an interactive Open House presenting Complete Streets improvements recommended for Mount Auburn Street. Stop by any time between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to review the planned Complete Streets plan for the corridor. You can also discuss your questions with members of the team and Town staff on topics including traffic, safety, bicycle and pedestrian issues, parking and loading concerns, and transit operations on Mount Auburn Street. The updated plans will be posted on the project website and announced with a separate email prior to the Open House.

Around Town

Mount Auburn Hospital Named a LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer

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Mount Auburn Hospital, announced their “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization. The designation was reported in the 11th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2018 survey.  Among the HEI participants, 95 earned a “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” designation. “Mount Auburn Hospital strives to create an atmosphere of compassion, respect and commitment to all patients,” said Michael O’Connell, Vice President of Marketing at Mount Auburn Hospital. “Every patient is given appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment, without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, language, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic status.

Around Town

Public Works Has Rain Barrels Available for Purchase at a Discounted Price

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With spring here (or almost here?) the Watertown Department of Public Works announced it has rain barrels for residents to purchase at a discounted rate. 
Rain barrels can offset homeowner’s water usage, particularly in the spring, summer and fall seasons when outdoor watering needs increase. Also, stormwater from the Town’s drainage system flows directly to the Charles River without treatment and is one of many contributors to pollution in the river. Rain barrels can help reduce stormwater runoff. The DPW requests that people call in advance (617-972-6420) before picking up a barrel. The DPW sent out the following information:

Did you know that using a rain barrel to collect precious rainwater not only conserves energy and you may even save money on your next water bill?

Around Town

Recycle Styrofoam, Shred Paper and Get Rid of Tires at DPW Event

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Watertown’s Department of Public Works will host a special recycling event where styrofoam will be collected, paper will be shredded and tires will be taken. The recycle event will be on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is for Watertown residents only, ID will be required. Also, no commercial or business items.

Clean, white styrofoam will be accepted, including cups and trays, but no foam peanuts or colored styrofoam. Paper will also be shredded and tires will be accepted, but no rims.

The event will be at the DPW’s Recycling Center on Green River Way, off Waltham Street. Directions: West from Watertown Square on Pleasant Street, North (right) on Bridge Street, West (left) on Waltham Street and South (left) on Green River Way.

Around Town

Red Cross’ Watertown Strong Blood Drive Coming to WHS Soon

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The Watertown Strong Blood Drive will be held on April 21, 2018 at Watertown High School, the American Red Cross announced. The American Red Cross will run the blood drive on Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at WHS, 50 Columbia St., Watertown. To book an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or got to redcrossblood.org and enter “Strong” to make an appointment. You can streamline your donation visit by up to 15 minutes by completing the pre-donation reading and health history questions on redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.

Around Town

Rabies Vaccination, Microchip Clinic Coming Up This Weekend

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Belmont-Watertown Animal Control announced it will host a rabies vaccination and Microchip Clinic on Saturday, April 14, 2018. The clinic will be at Chenery Middle School, 95 Washington St., Belmont (Rear of Building). CATS in Carriers from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

DOGS and CATS 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

DOGS 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fee: $10.00 per Vaccine, $10.00 per Microchip

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Panel Discussion on How “Dark Money” Influences American Democracy

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ProgressiveWatertown will host an event about how “Dark Money” is influencing democracy in the United States. 

The group will has assembled a panel that will explore “Dark Money” during a free event open to the public at the Watertown Free Public Library on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. The event will be in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. The panel includes Boston Globe Columnist Joan Vennochi, Harvard Kennedy School Senior Lecturer on Public Policy Marshall Ganz, and Theda Skocpol of Harvard, the author of the The Tea Party and the Remaking of Republican Conservatism.

Around Town

Tickets Available for Watertown Boys & Girls Club Annual Auction

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Watertown Boys & Girls Club will host their Annual Spring Auction this year on Thursday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. This yearly event raises crucial funds for the organization, including over $10,000 for summer camp scholarships. The event will be held at the Oakley Country Club and will include a silent and live auction, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a performance by Club members! Tickets can be purchased online at http://events.eventzilla.net/e/2018-annual-spring-auction-2138943105. Those interested in donating an auction item or sponsoring the event are encouraged to reach out to the Club’s Director of Marketing and Special Events, Kristina Norris at knorris@watertownbgc.org.