Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/913/)
Watertown officials celebrated the new historical marker in honor of General Lafayette. From left, Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli, Council President Mark Sideris, Marilynne Roach of the Historical Society, City Manager George Proakis, Julien Icher of the Lafayette Trail, Joyce Kelly from the Historical Society, and City Councilor Caroline Bays. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
On a drizzly, cool morning, a small crowd of Watertown history buffs came out to celebrate a Frenchman who played an important role in winning the American Revolution. During the ceremony, Watertown’s newest historical marker was unveiled, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, who served as a general in the American Army.
By Kendra FoleyChair, Watertown School Committee
The Watertown School Committee has been busy over the last two months tackling budget decisions, discussing policy changes, and reviewing educational data that affects our school community.
The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
The Boston Renegades, who practice in Watertown, got to play at Fenway Park for the first time on April 12. The beep baseball team has members who are visually impaired and others who are not, all of whom wear blindfolds. (Photo by Jim Vershbow)
BOSTON — Bravery. It comes in all shapes and sizes. Among the bravest, in my opinion, are those individuals who are forced to live their lives visually impaired. Sight is a precious thing, and not having it is one of the cruelest things you could inflict on any human being. Yet, over the years so many incredible techniques and equipment have been devised and developed to allow the visually impaired community to do things that those of us with sight take for granted. One of those things is the opportunity to play the great sport of baseball, more commonly known to the visually impaired community as Beep Baseball.
With schools closed at least through May 4 due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Watertown Public Schools officials unveiled the second phase of the virtual learning for students, and are debating whether to keep spring break.
The following information was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment:
Our April monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, April 15, at 7 PMAfter a brief business meeting and updates, Watertown Citizens for Black Lives will lead a discussion on systemic racism based on Peggy McIntosh’s article “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.” Please join us for this online meeting via Zoom. To connect to this meeting, go to the Watertown Citizens’ website at http://watertowncitizens.org. We look forward to seeing you.
Cartoon by James Demarco
James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning, Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal–then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”
Watertown’s Town Hall.
Town Manager Michael Driscoll announced Friday that Watertown has had its first death due to the Coronavirus.
Watertown School officials continue to work on the school building projects at the three elementary schools and the high school during the Coronavirus outbreak, but they may eventually hit a roadblock due to restrictions imposed during the outbreak.
The Watertown Farmers’ Market will be back this June, organizers say.
Residents can support the vendors who appear at the Watertown Farmers Market even before the season begins in June, and organizers say that the market plans to open on schedule in June.
The following information was provided by the Mass. Cultural Council:
Mass Cultural Council believes in the power of culture, and we recognize that the work done by creative and innovative individuals is key to our vital communities. We know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has caused major disruptions for the careers of individuals who earn income through their work in the cultural sector. In response, Mass Cultural Council has launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals.
Dr. Kristin Cox wears a protective mask that has become a staple at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and other medical facilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Cox is the Medical Director of Quality and Safety at Newton-Wellesley.
Massachusetts has been in prevention mode to help curb the spread of COVID-19 for the past few weeks and the predicted peak of the virus is expected to hit in mid-April. Meanwhile, hospitals in the Bay State, including two that serve many Watertown residents, have been planning and adapting to the new virus to make sure they are prepared for the worst of the outbreak.