Around Town

See What is Open and What’s Closed on Presidents Day

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Monday is President’s Day, and many government offices will be closed, but most businesses will be open. See how it will impact your life, including trash pick up. Town Hall: Closed

Watertown Free Public Library: Closed

Watertown Seniore Center: Closed

Schools: Closed Monday and the rest of the week

Trash/Recycling Pickup: Delayed one day this week

Post Offices: Closed

State offices: Closed

Registry of Motor Vehicles: Closed

Federal offices: closed

Courts: Closed

Retail Stores: Open

Restaurants: Open

Liquor Stores: Open

Banks: Closed

Stock Market: Closed

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation’s Affirms its Mission to Serve a Diverse Town

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The Watertown Community Foundation released the following statement. 

Watertown thrives as a community because of the people who have come to it, for 387 years, from all corners of the world. Within the town’s small geographic footprint is an incredible diversity of cultures, heritages, and languages, each contributing to the strength and richness of our town. The mission of the Watertown Community Foundation is to build and sustain a vibrant, close-knit community in Watertown, Massachusetts — now and for future generations. We are proud to support the role of every member of this community, new or old, regardless of where they have come from, what languages they speak, how they worship, or who they love. Watertown Community Foundation: Here for good.

Around Town

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Open With Extended Hours During February Break

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Watertown Boys & Girls Club announced it will be open with extended hours for most of February Vacation Week! Monday, Feb. 20: CLOSED for Presidents’ Day

Tuesday to Friday, Feb. 21 to Feb. 24: OPEN 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Club will be open for drop-in programs Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Activities will include free swim, arts & crafts, gym games, games room tournaments, computer time, and more!

Around Town

Town Council Disappointed to Hear About Delay of Watertown Shuttle

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After years of pushing for a shuttle as an addition to the public transportation options in Watertown, Town Councilors were disappointed to hear that for the second time the roll out of the shuttle buses would be delayed, and that there was a suggestion to do away with the shuttle. On Tuesday, the Ad Hoc Committee on Transportation report from its Jan. 12 meeting was presented to the Town Council, including word that the shuttles would not start in the spring, as hoped, but in the fall of 2017 – at the earliest. This comes after it was announced in September that the start of the shuttle would be delayed from the Fall of 2016 to the spring of 2017. The effort to create a Watertown Transportation Management Association (TMA) is being spearheaded by the 128 Business Council, which has been hired as a consultant.

Around Town

Non-Profit Spotlight on New Repertory Theatre

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{Note, this is the first in a series of features on local non-profit organizations}
By JJ Ramberg
New Repertory Theatre was established to bring the joy of theatre and art to people in the Boston area. Now in its fourth decade, New Repertory Theatre has been known for its electrifying, compelling, and poignant productions, and in a time where it is so important that plays reflect our world and community, New Rep brings us shows that are provocative, intelligent, and entertaining. We must continue to support the work of up-and-coming artists, and New Rep is leading that charge. Like life reflecting art, New Repertory Theatre is committed to bringing new works to the stage. Since 1984, New Rep champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays for the American theatre.

Around Town

Two Days, Two Storms for Watertown DPW to Clean Up

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Thursday’s snow posed quite a challenge for Watertown’s Department of Public Works, and it comes just a day after a surprise ice storm. Public Works Superintendent Gerry Mee estimated that more than 60 vehicles are plowing and treating the streets of Watertown Thursday, with about 53 contractors supplementing 18 DPW vehicles. Crews pretreated the roads early Thursday morning, Mee said. “That held well until about (noon),” Mee said. If the snowfalls come in as forecast, this will be the biggest storm for a couple years – since “Snow-mageddon.”

Around Town

Commander’s Mansion’s Annual Wedding Showcase Expands to Other Events

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This year, the Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion will again host the Annual Wedding Showcase, but this year the event has been expanded to include other events hosted by the historic home. The Showcase will take place on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5 from 1-4 p.m. each day. Different vendors will be featured each day. Tammy McKenna, facilities manager at the Commander’s Mansion, said the home has not only been a favorite venue for weddings but for all kinds of events, so the expansion of the showcase was a natural one. It can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Around Town

Mental Illness Support Group Meets This Month in Wellesley

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The National Alliance for Mental Illness will host a free support group for family, caregivers and loved ones of people living with mental illness. Mental Illness 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 support group will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7:30 – 9 pm in the Board Room of the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church at 207 Washington St. in Wellesley. This is organized by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).