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Intergenerational Event in Watertown for Read Across America

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Photo by Brigham HouseA group of young people listen to a story at an event hosted by Watertown Families Together at the Brigham House. The following announcement was provided by Watertown Families Together:

Generations will come together on March 14th at  Brigham House Assisted Living Residence (341 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown) at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the joy and importance of reading.  

This event is sponsored by the Marshall Home Fund and will spotlight the many humorous works of children’s favorite and famous  author – Dr. Suess.  Many generations have enjoyed these books and have cherished reading stories like the “Cat in the Hat” to their children and grandchildren. 

We invite families with young children to drop by to enjoy a Dr. Seuss story or two, music with Ruth, crafts, treats and a visit with from the CAT IN THE HAT! This fun intergenerational morning is brought to you by the Marshall Home Fund, Brigham House and Watertown Families Together.

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Watertown Residents Can Request a Street Tree Planting in Front of Their Property

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The City of Watertown will plant a street tree in front of homeowner’s properties. See how to request a tree in the announcement from the Department of Public Works. Did you know you can request to have the City plant a street tree in front of your property for free! The Forestry Division planted 360 street trees during the 2023 season, and they aim to meet or exceed that number in 2024. Our urban tree canopy is vital to improving shade and air quality, while diminishing the urban heat island effect and managing stormwater runoff. 

The request cutoff for spring plantings is the second week of April.

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Learn About Watertown’s Free Ride Program for Seniors & People with Disabilities

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Department of Senior Services is offering seniors and persons with disabilities Free GoGo Grandparent Memberships and 2 free roundtrip rides a month through June 2024. (Certain restrictions apply.)

Members can order rides for seniors, groceries, prescription medications, meals, home chores and more with a simple phone call! How it works: Call the toll-free number for assistance scheduling a ride. The first 2 roundtrip rides a month are free. You will need to add funds to your account for additional services or rides.

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Ed Walsh Foundation Housing 10th Anniversary Fundraiser in Memory of Lost Firefighter

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The following information came from the Ed Walsh Foundation:

March 26, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the deadly 9 alarm fire at 298 Beacon St, Boston that took the lives of two of Boston’s bravest, Boston Fire Lt. Edward J. Walsh Jr., who grew up in Watertown, and Boston Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy. Fenian Sons will be performing at the event. Our yearly fundraiser at the American Legion Post 440, 295 California St, Newton, Ma will take place on March 29, 2024 at 7 p.m. At this 10 year anniversary we thank you in advance for your consideration for this worthwhile fundraiser and appreciate your kind thoughtfulness to help continue Ed’s spirit which was devoted to serving others and his dedication to helping people in need. Proceeds from the event will be used for our Smile-On Grant program that provides grant money to teachers, coaches, parents and specialists who help children in school and sports. Find out more about the event by clicking here.

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Free Conversation About Changes Facing Women in Their 40s and 50s at Watertown Fitness Studio

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The following announcement was provided by Get Lively Health and Fitness Studio:

“What the Forty, What the Fifty, What the Heck is Going on with My Body?” 

Let’s demystify what is going on with us as we approach (i.e. attempt to live through!) perimenopause and menopause with our Studio Conversations Series: “What the Forty, What the Fifty, What the Heck is Going on with My Body?” 

Led by Registered Dietitian, Rachel Caine, owner of Trefo Nutrition, join us for a casual, yet highly informative session where we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of hormonal changes, hot flashes, and everything in between. Rachel will help us to cut through the confusion of what we are experiencing – AND all the products being sold to us – while helping to empower us with practical tips to look to nutrition to thrive during this phase of life. From mood swings to metabolism, we’ve got you covered! Come ready to chat, connect, learn, and of course, laugh with other women as we navigate the ups and downs of perimenopause and menopause together. We are all in this together!

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Projects Wanted for 10th Annual Watertown Helps Out

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

Got a to-do list that just keeps getting longer? Watertown is full of energetic volunteers willing to help get those jobs done. During our 10th annual WATERTOWN HELPS OUT the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) will bring projects and volunteers together for a month of community service during May, 2024. We want to help connect you to the resources and people you need to get your work done. Connect Your Organization to the Watertown Community

Volunteers can help with projects such as cleaning, trash pick-up, gardening (spring clean-up, planting, raking, pruning, etc), organizing closets/shelves, handyman work, general errands, light carpentry, delivery/posting of flyers, office work, data entry, painting or decorating projects and more. You’ll also raise awareness of your organization and strengthen your relationship with people, businesses, and employees interested in supporting your work. BY MARCH 30, 2024: IDENTIFY A PROJECT YOU NEED HELP WITH

Watertown’s life-science companies and local businesses want to give back to Watertown by encouraging their employees to volunteer here in town.

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LETTER: What’s Happening With Watertown High School’s Trophies?

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To: School Administration, Town Officials, Historical Society of Watertown and to the editor of the WatertownMaNews, 

Recently during the deconstruction of the Watertown high school, I was made aware of a recent discovery or a better description, recovery of a WHS sports trophy. It was pulled out of a pile of debris being loaded onto a construction vehicle. My first thought was, who cares, is it a big deal, does it really matter??? It’s only one trophy but is it “only one” trophy or were the rest of the trophies dishonorably trucked out too? And when you think about it, it does matter, it matters to the winning Coaches, it matters to the outstanding Athletes that earned those trophies and the Watertown community.

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Registration Open for 25th Annual Charles River Cleanup

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The following information was provided by the Charles River Watershed Association:

Registration is now open for the 25th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup on Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20, 20241 Each year, the Charles River Cleanup brings together over 3,500 volunteers to improve the parks, forests, playgrounds, and paths and keep the Charles River and its tributaries clean, safe, and beautiful for all. The Charles River Cleanup builds on a national effort as part of American Rivers’ National River

Cleanup, which, to date, has removed over 32.5 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways, as well as the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Park Serve Day, a statewide cleanup initiative now in its 18 year. Since 1999, Charles River Cleanup volunteers have gathered each Earth Day to pick up litter, remove invasive species, and assist with park maintenance along all 80 miles of the Charles River and the 1,100 acres of Emerald Necklace parkland surrounding the Muddy River, a tributary of the Charles. Volunteers have a long-lasting impact–the Charles River Cleanup empowers ordinary river lovers to give back to their communities in a tangible way, forge new connections with nature and each other, and become life-long stewards of our river. “We are so grateful to the thousands of volunteers who turn out to remove trash from the banks and parks and roadways near the Charles,” said Emily Norton, Executive Director of Charles River Watershed Association.