Around Town

Watertown Runner Honored by the Boston Celtics

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Legally blind since she was a child, Watertown’s Marla Runyan did not let her impairment stop her from reaching her goals as a long-distance runner. 

On March 4, the Boston Celtics honored Runyan before the game against the Utah Jazz. In 2000, Runyan became the first legally blind athlete to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team. She ran in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games and stands as the only woman to compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic games. She was the top American finisher in the Twin Cities, New York, Chicago and Boston Marathons. Marla now teaches at Perkins School for the Blind and serves as their official spokesperson.

Around Town

Free Movie Looks at Media Coverage and Who Owns Major News Outlets

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The New England premier of the documentary film “The Power Of Media Deception” will be held at on March 22 in Watertown. The free showing of the movie will show at the Watertown Free Public Library at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 and is sponsored by Boston 911 Truth. The group sent out the following announcement:

New England Film Premier Of An Eye-Opening Documentary Exposing The Manipulation Of Public Perception By The Media & The Education System. Have you ever questioned what passes for reporting by the corporate media in creating support for more war, more surveillance, more militarization & the continued erosion of our civil rights & liberties through acts like the NDAA, which allows US citizens to be imprisoned indefinitely without charge? Does the lack of truthful coverage on vital issues such as fracking, chemtrails, vaccine fraud, GMO’s & poisoning of our water supply concern you?

Around Town

MIT Expert Coming to Watertown to Speak About Vibrant Aging

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Join your Watertown neighbors for an interactive presentation from the MIT AgeLab on Tuesday, March 31. Julie Miller, MSW, will talk about the MIT AgeLab and its research, “Forecast the Aging Future of Generation Y,” and screen/discuss her documentary film, “Vibrant Aging.” The event is open to the public and will run from 7-9 p.m. (6:30 Sign-in) at the Apartments at Coolidge School’s Auditorium, 319 Arlington St., Watertown. Miller is a Research Associate at the MIT AgeLab and a Lecturer at Northeastern University. Julie’s background in gerontological social work and mixed media production is reflected in her qualitative research. She received her Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Gerontology from The University of California, Berkeley.

Around Town

Wildlife Having a Tough Time Dealing With Snowy Winter

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The dense covering of snow on lawns, plants and other areas has made it difficult for some wildlife to get a meal, and some are suffering. 

Watertown Animal Control Officer Karen O’Reilly said she had seen unusual behavior by wildlife around town because the snow had covered a valuable food source. “We are seeing many animals, such as skunks, who are wandering around during the day desperately looking for food,” O’Reilly said. “They are traveling up and down plowed/ shoveled paths such as the sidewalks and streets as they are the easiest paths to take.” Geese have also struggled this winter. They depend heavily on grass for food, O’Reilly said.

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Watertown Community Foundation Has Grants for Education, Institutions

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The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) announced two Spring 2015 grant programs to support local nonprofits, programs and projects. Approximately $70,000 will be distributed. One: WCF’s Educational Program will award grants designed to help organizations that serve Watertown develop new or continue existing programs with an educational focus, broadly defined. Two: WCF’s Institutional Support is designed to help institutions central to the Watertown community by providing funds to maintain critical programming and retain paid staff. Grants under this program impose neither restrictions on the use of funds nor any program requirements.

Around Town

Watertown Pet Hospital Helping Stray Animals, Pets of Low Income Families

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Watertown’s Pet Haven Animal Hospital has signed up to be part of a state program to help spay and neuter stray animals and help low income residents who have a dog or cat. 

The Massachusetts Animal Fund provides vouchers for local homeless animals and low income families.  Pet Haven has signed up as one of the providers. To promote the fund, they are hosting ‘The Commonwealth Fix’ on March 26, 2015. Any low income resident who owns a dog or cat that is not spayed or neutered can call Watertown Animal Control Officer Karen O’Reilly at 617-972-6446 to request a voucher for the event. With the voucher the procedure is free to the resident.

Around Town

St. Patrick’s Priest Leads Nationally Televised Mass

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Father Bob Connors of St. Patrick Church of Watertown presided over a mass that could be seen across the country on CatholicTV. The daily Catholic Mass was celebrated at the Watertown studios of CatholicTV in the Chapel of Holy Cross. Connors presided at the daily mass today in honor of the second week of Lent. Parishioners of St.

Around Town

Find Out How to Live Healthy and Well in Watertown

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Live Well Watertown will host dozens or groups, agencies and organizations that promote healthy living and well being at a community forum on Sunday. 

The event will be held Sunday, March 8 from 2-4 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library in the Watertown Savings BankRoom. About 24 groups – civic groups, agencies and organizations – will participate. Come and hear about the many wonderful efforts happening in Watertown!