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Watertown Cable’s New Studios Showcased at Grand Opening, Public Can Use the Facility & Equipment

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Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown Cable staff gave the public a look around their new studio during the grand opening on April 11. After years of planning, and months of construction, Watertown Cable Access Television officially opened its new and improved studios in the basement of the Phillips Building. On April 11, WCA-TV invited the public to take a look at the new facility, which features a new studio, control room, editing suite, and a brand new addition: a podcasting studio. While Watertown Cable may be known for broadcasting government meetings, producing news shows, and covering local sports, Executive Director Andrea Santopietro said WCA-TV facilities are for the community, too. “All of the spaces that you will see today are available to you to create.

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WBC Life Science Panel Spotlights Collaboration Between Schools & Life Science Companies

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If you missed the fourth annual Watertown Business Coalition Life Science Panel on April 9 focusing on the collaboration between the Watertown Public Schools and local life science companies, you can see the video produced by Watertown Cable Access Television. The collaboration is known as CoLAB High School STEM Career Collaboration, and has been organized by Watertown’s Merle Kummer and the group’s board. CoLAB is a nonprofit organization in Watertown where local life science professionals and high school educators collaborate to inspire student interest in STEM careers — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math — and build new levels of STEM self-confidence.  The Life Science Panel was held at Mosesian Center for the Arts. The event included panelists from Addgene and Acrivon Therapeutics, and a Watertown High School Junior shared his experience on what it is like to have a real scientist as a mentor.”We are proud to partner with life sciences professionals, working together to mentor our students and future scientists,” the Watertown Business Coalition said after the event. See the video below:

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Earth Day Discussion Features Leader of Beyond Plastics Group

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Joshua TousterWatertown’s Eileen Ryan, founder of Beyond Plastics Greater Boston, advocated for legislation to limit plastic in front of the State House. Earth Day in 2024 is coming up on Monday, April 22. The theme this year is Planet vs. Plastics. For our April monthly meeting, we are pleased to present Eileen Ryan as our featured speaker.

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LETTER: Social Worker Calls for City Leaders to Include Senior Housing in Watertown Square Plan

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As a clinical social worker for older adults and their families, I see the impact of the housing crisis every day. Housing shortages, coupled with a rising number of aging residents, leave many seniors with extremely difficult choices as they age. It has become harder than ever for people to age with dignity and independence. While many older adults would choose to age in place, this option is often untenable for a variety of reasons. 

Financial constraints can leave long-time residents unable to stay in homes, which frequently means leaving the communities where they have lived for decades. Physical needs change too.

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April Vacation Irish Dance Open House Taking Place in Watertown

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The following announcement came from O’Shea Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance:

Boys and girls ages 4 & up are invited to spend part of April break trying Irish dance with O’Shea Chaplin! Our school, celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, offers performance, competitive, and recreational opportunities. Come see why dancers join our family in preschool and choose to stay with us through high school, college, and beyond. This event is FREE to attend and all open house guests will be entered into a raffle for $50 off tuition. Monday April 15th – NewtonBalera Studio105 Rumford Ave5:00-5:45 PM

Tuesday April 16th – WatertownAOH Hibernian Hall151 Watertown Street5:15-6:00 PM

Thursday April 18th – ReadingKnights of Columbus11 Sanborn Street5:00-5:45 PM

Saturday April 20th – NewtonBalera Studio105 Rumford Ave12:30-1:30 PM

Questions?

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See How to Take the Watertown Square Area Plan Survey Online, Deadline to Submit Input is April 13

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The online survey about the Watertown Square Area Plan, including the plan to meet the MBTA Communities Act housing requirement, is now available. It will be open through Saturday, April 13. See the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Take the Watertown Square Area Plan Feedback Form from the Public Forum on April 4, 2024! The City of Watertown is excited to hear your feedback on the project at the link below!

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CORE Mental Health Launching New Initiative to Promote Racial Equity in Mental Health

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The following announcement was provided by CORE:

Formerly CHNA17, one of many community health networks serving Massachusetts with general community-based services, the organization has renamed itself CORE (Coalition for Racial Equity and Mental Health) to make clear its current focus – the urgent issue of racial equity in community mental health supports. On April 28, CORE is holding a Launch Party to share with the public its programming that re-imagines mental health supports in communities of color in Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Watertown, Waltham, and Belmont.  The gathering will be from 2-4:30 PM at the Arlington Community Center, 27 Maple Street in Arlington. There will be food, music, and connection with our community mental health supporters, our Fellows, and our Steering Committee, who are all working to advance racial equity in mental health. Pietra Check, Interim Planning Director, said “This event is an opportunity for both long-time supporters and new friends to get to know and support our mission and exciting work, while connecting with others interested in racial equity and mental health.” 

Anyone interested in attending can register for the event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/core-mental-health-launch-party-tickets-858289395687.   

CORE Mental Health is a nonprofit coalition that works to advance racial equity in mental health at the institutional and individual levels through innovative community collaborations. According to CORE Steering Committee Chair Betty Burkes, “We have a medical system that was created for white individuals, and has historically caused harm to Black patients. Most Black residents will never see a therapist, let alone a Black therapist.