Around Town

Hatch Maker Space Reopening, Watertown Library Featured in Globe

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

Big news for makers: Hatch Makerspace is reopening for appointments next week. Beginning on Monday, August 17, you will have the option to use our sewing machine, vinyl cutter, or laser cutter. Workstations will be cleaned between each use. Review our new safety policies and schedule your appointment here: watertownlib.org/hatchbooking (See more info below)Since we can’t host gatherings at the Library right now, virtual programs continue. We hope to see you online! This week via Zoom, watch and discuss the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, learn how to assemble wire armature for sculpting, and explore 3D modeling with Fusion 360. A full list of virtual programs for this week is included below.

Around Town

Council Preview: Proposed Polling Places Changes, Water/Sewer Rates, Noise Ordinance

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Watertown residents cast their ballots at Watertown Town Hall in the Massachusetts Presidential Primary. Early voting runs through Friday. The Town Council will discuss proposed changing the locations of three poling places for this fall’s elections on Tuesday. The agenda also includes the vote on the water/sewer rates. Beforehand, a Council subcommittee will discuss proposed changes to the Noise Ordinance.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Suspect Caught Sneaking Into Unoccupied Home, Co-Workers Get into Fight

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

None

Incidents

July 28, 8:14 p.m.: A man from Waltham who works at a gas station on Mt. Auburn Street reported getting into a physical altercation with a co-worker. On July 23, he and another man got into an argument about getting in each other’s personal space. The man said he was pushed and fell, then the co-worker punched him in the face and chest.

Schools

See How the Watertown Schools Preparing to Return In-Person When Possible

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Lowell School in Watertown. When the school year begins, Watertown Public School students will start off learning from home, but officials have designed a plan to transition back to in-person learning without drastic changes to students’ schedules. Thursday night, the School Committee approved the “Bridge to Hybrid” plan proposed by Superintendent Dede Galdston. Under the plan students will start in remote learning, but Galdston said it will be more structured, and teacher focused than the spring. Meanwhile, the schools will be prepared to welcome back students while complying with COVID-19 heath and safety guidelines.

Schools

Watertown Schools Starting Remotely, Plans to Move to Some In-Person When Virus Allows

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The School Committee approved a plan from Superintendent Dede Galdston to have Watertown students start the school year learning remotely, but with eyes on moving to some in-person learning when the pandemic allows. The Watertown School Committee voted unanimously Thursday night. The decision was based on both safety and what is best for student learning, Galdston said. She said that the best option educationally would be to have al students in schools, but said the safety of students and staff also needed to be taken int account. Galdston also acknowledged that any decision will be seen as wrong by some people.

Around Town

Many Watertown Bus Routes Will See Service Changes in Fall

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The 71 bus will have increased service beginning Aug. 30. It is one of several MTBA routes serving Watertown that will see changes. Several bus routes serving Watertown will see changes in service beginning August 30, including increased service on the 70 and 71 buses. Other routes begin operating on a limited schedule, or route, one will have increased weekend service and one will continue to be suspended.

Around Town

Watertown Mall Ready for Business in Time of COVID-19

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If you have not been to the Watertown Mall in a while, it will look a bit different inside with hand sanitizers in various locations and the massage chairs removed temporarily, but all the retailers in the center are open for business. Mall officials sent out the followingstatement: “Along with our own routine sanitizing, we require that all visitors to the mall wear a face covering mask, practice good hygiene by washing hands often and thoroughly, maintain a physical distance of six feet from others, and remain home if they are sick. While these are uncertain times, we are committed to opening our doors to our community as safely and efficiently as possible.” While the Watertown Mall never completely closed due to the COVID-19, stores — and the Registry of Motor Vehicles — have adjusted to the state’s Coronavirus rules, said Patricia Stenson, general manager of the Watertown Mall. “Although everybody is open, it’s been kind of staggered,” Stenson said.

Reopening Plan

School Committee to Choose Reopening Plan on Thursday, Union Endorses Remote Option

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On Aug. 6 at 7 p.m., Watertown Public School officials will present their recommendation for how to reopen the public schools in the fall. They will choose between three options: in-person, remotely or a hybrid of both. The School Committee delayed the decision on which option to use from Monday to Thursday. The meeting will be held online, with option to join by Zoom, phone, or watch on cable.