Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Awards $110K in Grants to 19 Non-Profits

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

In the largest grant cycle of the year, the Watertown Community Foundation has provided financial support to non-profits and programs across the city, so all Watertown’s residents continue to thrive in a vibrant, welcoming community. The Foundation awarded a total of $110,000 to 19 non-profit organizations and the City of Watertown. Funds will support the ongoing work of many local non-profit organizations, as well as specific programs, that prioritize work to address the needs of vulnerable residents, support public arts and culture, invest in environmental sustainability, promote youth development, and foster a sense of welcome and belonging for all who live and work in Watertown. Forty percent of this year’s funding went to support organizations working to meet the needs of some of Watertown’s most vulnerable residents. “We know residents in Watertown are struggling and continue to need support for basic needs including housing, food, mental health, emergency assistance and learning English.

Around Town

Watertown Church Hosting Kids Week, Registration Open

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The following announcement was provided by Grace Chapel:

Join the Fun at Grace Chapel’s “Start The Party” Kids Week! Grace Chapel Watertown is thrilled to invite your children to an exciting week of fun, learning, and friendship at our “Start The Party” Kids Week! We believe that children are beloved and treasured by God, and so, it is a core value of the church to care for kids and provide safe and exciting spaces for kids to thrive. Check out this video recap of last year’s Kids Week! What to Expect: Interactive Crafts: Each day, children will make fun and simple crafts that will engage their creativity and artistic expression.

Around Town

Residents Wanted to Serve on Cable Access Board of Directors

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City Manager George J. Proakis announced he is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application. Board/Commission/Committee:  Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors

Description:  The Watertown Cable Access Corporation (WCA-TV) is a non-profit corporation established to ensure access to cable television channels and facilities; provide public education and training regarding the use of facilities and channels; assist in the development of educational, cultural, and informational programming, including working with local institutions and organizations to share their resources; and to operate channels and programming space. The WCA-TV mission is to provide coverage of local events, City meetings, and news, as well as access to our equipment and facility to engage our community and amplify their voices. City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors.

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Join Watertown’s Community Engagement Specialist for a Chat

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Waterotwn:

Join Watertown Community Engagement Specialist, Tyler Cote for the first in a series of sit-down coffee hours, at Watertown Chats. Tyler will be at Tresca’s Eating Place, at 25 Church Street on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 9:30am-11am for anyone to stop by and chat with him about Watertown. Whether you have a question, an idea, concern, or just looking to speak with a member of the City, you can stop by anytime between 9:30am and 11am and meet Tyler. To learn more about the Chats and to keep up to date on the schedule, visit watertown-ma.gov/1343/Watertown-Chats

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See What Will be Closed for July Fourth in Watertown

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The City of Watertown announced the following closings on July 4, 2024:

Watertown City Hall, Parker Annex, Department of Public Works Offices, Senior Center and the Watertown Free Public Library are closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in observance of Independence Day. Please be aware that due to the Independence Day holiday on Thursday, July 4, 2024, trash and recycling pickup will be delayed one day. The pickup schedule is Monday, July 1-Wednesday, July 3, 2024 and Friday, July 5-Saturday, July 6, 2024. A holiday postpones pickup by one day.

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Patriots Foundation Honors Watertown Man for Years of Giving Blind People Chance to Play Baseball

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Patriots Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett (far left) and Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley, congratulate Bryan Grillo from the Association of Blind Citizens Boston Renegades for being selected as a 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner. During the June 6 luncheon, the Kraft family, the Patriots Foundation and Gillette awarded $275,000 in grants to 26 New England nonprofits. The Association of Blind Citizens Boston Renegades received a $10,000 grant in honor of Bryan’s volunteer efforts. (photo courtesy of Eric J. Adler/New England Patriots)

The following announcement was provided by the New England Patriots Foundation:

On Thursday, June 6, the Kraft Family and New England Patriots Foundation celebrated the 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners. They recognized 26 volunteers for their contributions to the New England community at an awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium.

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MassDOT Advises Travelers to Plan Ahead for Busy Fourth of July Travel

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The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers to plan ahead and expect increased volumes of traffic for the Fourth of July holiday period.  If traveling, MassDOT recommends utilizing “real time” travel tools, checking holiday schedules for public transportation, and planning trip departure times and routes based on available information.    

“With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday approaching, we’re encouraging drivers to plan ahead and make use of MassDOT resources when planning holiday travel,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Travelers should also be aware that the monthlong closure of the Sumner Tunnel will begin on Friday, July 5, and are encouraged to consult MassDOT materials on detours and mitigation options. All of us at MassDOT wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.”  

All Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices are closed on Thursday, July 4, including Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) customer service locations. Many RMV transactions can be done online:  www.mass.gov/RMV.  In addition, any resident who is a member of AAA can also make appointments at AAA locations for some Registry transactions.  

The Sumner Tunnel in Boston will be closed seven days a week, from Friday, July 5 to Monday, August 5. During this time, traffic will be diverted through other signed detour routes.  This information can be found on the project website at  www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel 

Using traffic data, MassDOT has created a traffic forecast for the holiday weekend.