Around Town

Group Releasing Results of Study of Mental Health, Racial Equality in Local Hospitals

By |

Waltham/Watertown Speaks is a public health strategy designed to share information about mental health and racial equity in Waltham/Watertown that was collected last spring as part of an assessment conducted by the community coalition Community Health Network Area 17 (CHNA17), the group announced. CHNA17’s goal was to better understand the successes and challenges that African Americans experience when accessing mental health services. The initiative was funded by Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge and McLean Hospital in Belmont. In-depth interviews with community members and mental health organizations in Waltham/Watertown provided insights about ways that Waltham/Watertown could improve access to care. One participant commented, “When I went to first get services closer to my home, I noticed all of the patients in the waiting room were White.

Around Town

The Impact of the Opioid Crisis Discussed on Latest Episode of Inside Watertown

By |

The most recent episode of Inside Watertown focuses on the opioid crisis in Watertown, what is being done to slow it and where people can turn for help. Lt. Daniel Unsworth from the Watertown Police Department and Pete Airasian, one of the founders of Watertown Against Addiction, spoke with hosts Paul Airasian and Charlie Breitrose about how opioids have increased in town and efforts to curb the influx locally. They also covered ways people can seek treatment for opioid use and other drugs and alcohol. Watch the episode in January on Watertown Cable’s Public Channel on the following days times: Sundays at 8 p.m., Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Fridays at 9 p.m.

Or, watch anytime on the WCATV website by clicking here: http://watertown.vod.castus.tv/vod/?video=d3bb4910-ad99-465d-bafd-86cafd006c01&nav=programs/Inside%20Watertown

Around Town

Mental Illness Support Group Being Held at Newton Wellesley Hospital

By |

Mental Health Family Support Group: NAMI Family Support Group is a free, structured, confidential peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness, the group announced.  

A support group will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 7:30 – 9 pm at the Bowles Conference Center on the second floor of the main building of Newton Wellesley Hospital at 200 Washington Street in Newton. This is organized by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).

Around Town

Watertown Declares Snow Emergency; Schools, Town Hall, Other Facilities Closed

By |

{Updated on Jan. 4, 2018 at 2:38 p.m.}

With a foot or more of snow expected in Watertown, the Department of Public Works has announced a snow emergency starting at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, and Town offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday. The Watertown Public Schools will be closed, Superintendent Dede Galdston sadid in an announcement:
“Due to the incoming snow storm, all Watertown Public Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, Thursday, January 4. All school-related and extracurricular activities are canceled tomorrow as well. Stay warm and be safe!”

Around Town

Watertown Styrofoam, Tire Collection Event Postponed Until February

By |

The Watertown Department of Public Work’s recycling event scheduled for this weekend has been postponed until Feb. 10, 2018. Collect all your unwanted styrofoam and tires, and dispose of it at an event hosted by the Watertown Department of Public Works. The DPW sent out the following information:
On Feb. 10, 2018 there will be a recycle event at the Watertown Recycle Center, 76 Stanley Ave., Watertown, MA (off of Waltham Street).

Around Town

18th Annual Watertown Unity Breakfast Will Celebrate Life of Martin Luther King Jr.

By |

On Monday, January 15, 2018 Watertown will celebrate its 18th Unity Breakfast on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The event brings together hundreds of people, representing Watertown’s diverse population, to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the man who devoted his life to ending prejudice and racism in our country. The Unity Breakfast has become a Watertown tradition, drawing over 400 guests. The program includes a timely keynote speaker, lively choral music, essays and art projects by Watertown middle and high school students, and the presentation of the Unity Award to Watertown individuals or community organizations that have demonstrated outstanding community service to the town. This year the Honorary Host will be Darshna Varia, Co-President of the Watertown Community Foundation.

Around Town

Find Out What’s Open and Closed on New Year’s Day

By |

See what is open and closed on New Year’s Day, as well as travel information. Grocery Stores: Open

Pharmacies: Open

Liquor Stores: Open

Post Offices: Closed

Watertown Library: Closed

Watertown Senior Center: Closed

Town Government Offices: Closed

State Government Offices: Closed

Federal Government Offices: Closed

Buses/Subways/Trains: MBTA will operate on a Sunday Schedule on Jan. 1. On New Year’s Eve:

All Subway lines will operate on rush-hour schedules between 3 p.m and 2 a.m.

Most Commuter Rail lines will operate with additional outbound service beginning at 1 a.m.

The RIDE will operate until 2 a.m.

Fares will not be collected after 8 p.m.

Bicycles are prohibited on all inbound Commuter Rail trains between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and outbound trains after 4 p.m.

See more information about travel on New Year’s Eve click here.

Around Town

Drop-in Substance Use Recovery Resource Night Coming to Watertown

By |

A resource night will be held for those seeking information on recovery from substance use. The event is hosted by W.A.T.E.R.town (Watertown Access to Treatment, Education, and Resources) Substance Use Disorder Task Force, in collaboration with Metro-Boston Project Outreach. The program is partially funded by the
Watertown Community Foundation. The group sent out the following information:

Join us for non-judgmental conversations with a wide variety of support & treatment providers

• Learn about community resources & treatment providers

• Meet representatives from recovery centers

• Find out about free support groups

•Free Narcan and Narcan training available

It will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main Street, Watertown. All are welcome

Childcare will be provided and there will be activities for kids. Light refreshments will be served

For more information:

Website: watertown-cares.com
Email: watertown.ma.cares@gmail.com
Phone: 617-972-6446