Around Town

Town Council Clears Way for Sale of Former East Branch Library

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After many years of trying to lease the former East Branch Library, the Town Council voted Tuesday night to seek proposals to sell the property on Mt. Auburn Street. The vote was 8-1 to approve seeking proposals, with Councilor Michael Dattoli voting against the proposal. The minimum bid would be $1 million, said Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon. For some Councilors, the decision was a reversal of what they had pushed for before.

Around Town

Concert Across America to End Gun Violence to be Held in Watertown

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On Sunday, Sept. 25 over 200 communities will host a concert to “End Gun Violence and Remember the Victims of America’s Gun Violence Epidemic.” Watertown is one for the communities that will host a concert. The effort was initiated by Watertown resident, Amanda Peacock and is co-sponsored by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, World in Watertown, Progressive Watertown, and Sustainable Watertown, said Watertown Town Councilor Tony Palomba. It will take place on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Saltonstall Park (next to Town Hall).  The program will include three bands and a series of short presentations by those affected by gun violence and those working to address the problem.

Around Town

Watertown-Belmont Chamber Hosting Free Interactive Social Media Workshop

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Learn about how to use Social Media during a free interactive workshop hosted by the Watertown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce and ArcPoint Strategic Communications. The workshop is the Chamber’s second Business Before Hours workshop and will be held Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, from 7:30-9 a.m. at Watertown Police Community Center, 522 Main St. Learn about: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and LinkedIn. The event is free and open to the public.

Around Town

Watertown Health Department Offers Series of Flu Clinics

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While it is still summer and temperatures are at record highs, this is the best time to start thinking flu vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older should get the flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine is available in your area, the Watertown Health Department announced. The Watertown Health Department will kick off our free public flu clinics on Thursday September 22nd from 9am – 11am at the Watertown Senior Center for those 55 and over, followed by a clinic on Tuesday September 27 from 5 -7 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library for 6 months and over. For a complete list of all of the Watertown Health Department’s Free Public Flu Clinic, see our schedule below or visit http://www.mylocalclinic.com for a list of all flu clinics in our area. Please remember to wear a loose fitting shirt and bring your insurance and Medicare cards with you for billing purposes where applicable.

Around Town

Watertown Fire Department Remembers 15th Anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001

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The Watertown Fire Department held a somber ceremony Sunday morning to remember the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and those lost that day and since then. 

It has been 15 years, but for those at the ceremony the memories still seem fresh. Fire Chief Mario Orangio was not on duty that day, but he took part in some of the remembrances soon after 9-11 in New York City. “We went to some of the funerals (of the New York Firefighters),” Orangio said. “And in Oct.

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Forum This Week Focuses on the Opiates Crisis, Recovery and Prevention

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The opioids crisis is a growing crisis, and the WATERtown Task Force on Substance Abuse will sponsor a forum about addiction and recovery in September. The number of opioid-related fatal and non-fatal overdose rates are higher thus far in 2016 compared to 2015, said Deborah Rosati, director of the Watertown Health Department. “Educating the entire community about this significant public health issue is critical,” Rosati said. “There will be information for everyone (at the event).” There will be speaker presentations as well as on our resource tables which will have flyers and brochures on proper prescription medication disposal, substance use prevention information for parents, naloxone information and vouchers, and intervention, treatment and recovery information.

Around Town

Improper Bostonian, Run by Watertown Family, Celebrates 25 Years

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The Improper Bostonian magazine, which is owned by two Watertown natives – Leon and Bob Semonian, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a party in Boston. 

Nearly 300 people gathered at The Exchange in Seaport to celebrate with Wendy, her father Leon and the rest of the Improper team. Among those at the anniversary celebration were Linda Pizzuti Henry, Jenny Johnson, Billy and Meredith Starr and many more. Founded in 1991 by Mark Semonian of Newton, the locally owned family business is headquartered in the Back Bay of Boston reaches more than 550,000 readers. Leon Semonian (Mark’s father) owns the magazine, and did so with his brother Bob, who passed away a few months ago. Wendy Semonian Eppich, publisher of the magazine for the last 14 years, started as an intern at The Improper during the summer of 1991 and helped her brother release the first issue 25 years ago.

Around Town

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Hosts Back to School Night Party

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Watertown Boys & Girls Club will host a “Back to School Night” on Friday, Sept. 16 from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate the start of another fun year. Children, ages 7-18, are welcome to attend and enjoy art projects, free swim, capture the flag, dodgeball, and much more! Pizza, popcorn, and drinks will be available for purchase. Free for Club members; $2/child for non-members.