Around Town

Drug Overdoses Continue to Plague Watertown But Narcan Has Saved Many

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Heroin and opiate painkillers continue to be a problem in Watertown in 2016, but the anti-overdose medicine Narcan has helped save lives. 

Deaths due to overdose have been reported in Watertown for the past few years, but the problem escalated in 2015, with several deaths and scores of overdoses. Town officials hosted an event to bring attention to the crisis, which often begins with legally prescribed painkillers, and a candlelight vigil was put on by local citizen-run groups

This year, Watertown’s first responders have responded to dozens of drug overdoses, said Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn. “It was a quiet time for a little while,” Lawn said. “There have been overdoses in other towns, too. Fitchburg had like 10 over (a recent) weekend.”

Around Town

Watertown Library Offering Free Estate Planning Seminar

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The Watertown Free Public Library will be running a Free Estate Planning Seminar for town residents. The Watertown Free Public Library is pleased to welcome Matthew J. Metsch, Esq., of Metsch & Associates for a free informational session on estate planning and preparing for your future on Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m.

Topics will include the differences between wills and trusts, protecting the family home, the supporting documents you need for protection, the impact of potential estate taxes on your estate, and protecting your assets. Registration is required. Register at the Reference desk, 617-972-6436 or wfpl.eventbrite.com

Around Town

Singer/Songwriter Will Talk About Mental Illness at Film Screening in Watertown

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During the month of May, communities across the country are bringing awareness to mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports one in five Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime and every American is affected or impacted through their friends and family and can do something to help others. Wayside Youth & Family Support Network and the Department of Mental Health present a free screening of “Pack Up Your Sorrows,” a documentary film about singer/songwriter Meg Hutchinson, which explores the realities of living a healthy life while coping with mental illness. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a live Q&A after the screening with Meg. Pack Up Your Sorrows follows Meg, a Massachusetts native, as she learns to live a healthy life with Bipolar Disorder.

Around Town

Hundreds Turn Out to Support the Watertown Boys & Girls Club

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The annual Watertown Boys & Girls Club auction drew around 250 people last Thursday evening, when the raised money for the summer camp and honored some people who have helped the club over the years. The ballroom at the Oakley Country Club was hopping with people chatting, and bidding on the silent auction. Later they had a live auction with some bigger auction. Executive Director Renee Gaudette said the turnout was better than previous years. “We had 160 last year,” Gaudette said.

Around Town

Watertown Police Offering Free Anti-Overdose Medication to Residents

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The Watertown Police Department is pleased to announce the kickoff of the Free Community Narcan Distribution Program. A collaborative effort on the part of several entities made this initiative possible. Our first partner in this project was the Watertown Community Foundation which provided support in the form of grant funding. The Watertown Police Department was then able to establish a partnership with the Walgreen’s pharmacy located at 15 Main St. in Waltham.

Around Town

Boy Scouts Hosting Car Wash, Donations Help Support the Troop

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Get your car washed May 14 by members of Boy Scout Troop 30 on Mt. Auburn Street in Watertown, the troop announced. The car wash is being provided by your local scouts as a public service. Donations will be accepted by Watertown Scouts to offset the purchase of camping and scouting equipment. The car wash will be held at St.

Around Town

The Townwide Yard Sale is Coming Up This Weekend!

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Get ready for the annual Townwide Yard Sale on Saturday, May 14. 
There will be more than 70 yard sales at addresses around Watertown. The annual event benefits Watertown Community Education. Address lists will be available on May 13 at the Watertown Free Public Library, at Watertown Town Hall and at www.watertown.k12.ma.us/dept/wce. Sponsored by Watertown Community Education

Around Town

Revels Joins Perkins School for 16th Annual Celebration of Spring Concert

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Revels and Perkins School for the Blind’s 16th annual presentation of “A Celebration of Spring” will be held on Thursday May 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Patrick Swanson;  Music Direction by George Emlen, the concert will be at Perkins School for the Blind in Dwight Hall, 175 No. Beacon Street, Watertown. Admission is FREE! Join us as Revels partners with Perkins School for an inspiring and memorable music-filled Celebration of Spring. This hour-long performance of seasonal music and dance will feature the Perkins Secondary Chorus (Arnie Harris, director), Revels Singers, song leader and musician David Coffin, a young rapper sword team, and a great band of musicians.  And it wouldn’t be a Revels celebration of spring without morris dancing and a visit from the ancient and mysterious Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss, all the way from Cornwall, England! Revels’ partnership with Perkins School these many years has been rewarding in so many ways.  We hope you can share the joy of this special evening with us.