Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/2/)
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.”
The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:
Watertown has seen an increase in dead bird sightings. While the state has not yet confirmed the presence of bird flu in Watertown, they have said that bird flu is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in communities where there has not been a confirmed positive. To keep our community safe and healthy, please follow these precautions:
Keep Your Distance: Avoid interacting with or approaching wild birds, including feeding them. Do not touch any sick or dead birds or other animals.
Avoid Contaminated Areas: Steer clear of surfaces that may be contaminated with bird saliva, mucus, or feces.
Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential contact with birds.
Protect Your Pets: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and kept away from wildlife. Cats are susceptible to bird flu and may die from an infection, so keep your cats indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife.
For Owners of Domestic Poultry or Birds: Prevent shared food or water sources between your birds and wild birds.
Cynthia Essex born on February 14, 1937 and raised in Coventry, Rhode Island, died on January 7, 2025. She graduated from Coventry High School and the University of Rhode Island and later received a master’s degree from Boston College. After graduating from college, she became a third- grade teacher at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA with a specialty in mathematics. She advanced to become Supervisor of the Lower School at Perkins in 1964 and later Supervisor of the Junior and Senior High School. At her retirement after more than 50 years of service, she became a Member of the Corporation at Perkins.
Nicole Gardner, District A Councilor. All City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public according to the recent changes to the City Charter. District A City Councilor Nicole Gardner announced the date of her meeting. See info below. District A City Councilor Nicole Gardner’s Annual Councilor Community Meeting is Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 7-8 p.m. at the Coolidge School Apartments, 319 Arlington Street.
The City of Watertown and Watertown Community Conversations will host a community discussion about accessory dwelling units (ADU), also known as in-law units. The input from the event will help inform how Watertown’s ADU Ordinance is written. See information in the announcement from the City, below. Save the Date! The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), in partnership with Watertown Community Conversations (WCC), will be hosting an “Accessory Dwelling Units Community Dialogue” on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 6 to 8:30 PM, at the at the Coolidge School Apartments, 319 Arlington Street, including time at the beginning for attendees to enjoy light food and beverages.
The following piece was provided by the New York Army National Guard:
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Huijing Yang from Watertown, Mass., and assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, received a promotion December 16, 2024 to the rank of specialist. Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential. These promotions recognize the best qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
The following announcement was provided by MORE Advertising:
MORE Advertising, an integrated marketing communications agency recognized for its behavior change and cause-driven campaigns, announced the sale of the company by Founder and CEO Donna Latson Gittens and Managing Partner and President Judi Haber to two of the firm’s senior leaders: Principal of Account Services Megan Palamé and CFO Beth LePage. Palamé is assuming the role of CEO and LePage will serve as COO & CFO. Palamé and LePage have each been instrumental in shaping MORE’s strategy, growth and campaign successes. Selling the agency internally ensures a seamless transition with intact account, creative and operational teams and continuity of key relationships. “As we reflect on the agency’s history and growth, we take immense pride in how our work has advanced important social causes,” said Gittens. “We have always sought to create campaigns that make a meaningful difference by challenging the status quo, empowering communities and helping to encourage positive behavior change.”
MORE has developed and launched campaigns addressing substance use stigma and vaping harms, as well as promoting the use of HIV/AIDS preventive medications and trusted sexual and reproductive health services. The agency secured its largest accounts to date when it was selected to create and lead campaigns for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to promote adoption of the COVID-19 vaccine.
A portion of the City of Watertown’s Bingo Card. Join in the City of Watertown’s game of Bingo and go out and eat, shop, and more around town. The bingo card was created by Watertown Economic Development, and you can participate on social media. The City of Watertown provided the following information:
If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to shop local more often, Watertown Economic Development’s Resolutions Bingo is for you! Support Watertown businesses by completing the challenges on the card.