ARF East Region

COVID-19 Panel Discussion Being Hosted by Watertown-Based Armenian Group

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Hear from a panel of experts on the COVID-19 vaccine at a virtual discussion hosted by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern Region, which is based in Watertown. The group put out the following information:

Join the ARF Eastern Region for a LIVE Covid-19 panel discussion on Sunday, March 14 at 5 pm EST on Facebook Live for the latest information on the Covid-19 vaccine from those working the front lines. To join the livestream, click here: https://www.facebook.com/arfeastusa/posts/1734107006775898

Panelists include John Bilezikian, MD, endocrinology, Columbia University; Kim Hekimian, PhD, public health, Columbia University; Tsoline Kojaoghlanian, MD, infectious disease, Maimonides Children’s Hospital; Lawrence Najarian, MD, ophthalmology, New York University; and, Karine Shnorhokian, MSN, RN, regional director, CareOne. 

There will be an opportunity for participants to ask panelists questions.

Letters

LETTER: Group of Parents Calls for Reopening Schools When Safe for Student & Staff

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The following letter was signed by 60 residents, and is being sent to the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee:

Dear Dr. Galdston,

Before addressing anything else, we want to thank you for your stewardship of Watertown Public Schools during the pandemic over the past 12 months. As we approach the anniversary of our community’s move to remote learning, we recognize your work, leadership and sacrifices,and are cognizant that the personal tolls of our circumstances not only affect our families, but yours as well. In addition, we recognize the tremendous pressure you are under to immediately, and fully reopen our schools. While we empathize with the hardships of our fellow families and community members, we unequivocally cannot support this plan. Though a vocal group of ourpeers are demanding a full return to in-person learning, there are just as many families who want to keep their children remote or hybrid for the remainder of the school year due to safety concerns.

Around Town

Watertown COVID-19 Cases Dropping; Teachers Soon to be Added to Vaccine List, New Site

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Watertown’s COVID-19 cases dropped below 100 for the fist time since before Thanksgiving. Also, the list of those eligible for the vaccine will soon include teachers, and those looking for vaccines have a new option in the area. The town had 89 cases over the previous 14 days according to the Mass. Department of Public Health’s most recent report on Feb. 25.

Around Town

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Watertown Residents Age 65+ Planned

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UPDATE: All the appointments for this vaccine clinic have been filled. The Watertown Health Department announced that it will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for Watertown seniors age 65 and older. The Watertown Health Department has been allotted 100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, per State requirements. 

A First-Shot clinic will be held for Watertown residents 65 and older ONLY (no caregivers) on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Community Room, Watertown Police Department, 552 Main Street. An appointment is required to get a vaccine. No walk-ins. Registration for the clinic can be done by following this link: https://www.maimmunizations.org/reg/5161005892

Watertown Seniors requiring assistance with registering for this clinic can call the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490.

Around Town

COVID-19 Vaccine Info for Seniors, Virtual Events from the Senior Center

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Watertown Senior Center

The Watertown Senior Center provided the following information:

Programs for Week of February 22, 2021

Join us via Zoom for the following programs. Call for access info: (617) 972-6490. New participants always welcome in every program! We hope you’ll join us! Monday:   10:00 AM, Art Class with Dawn Scaltreto12:30 PM, Chair Yoga with Diane2:00 PM, Zoom KNITTING Group!Tuesday:     10:00 AM, Public Safety Coffee12:30 PM, Tai Chi & Meditation with Marie2:00 PM, Line Dancing with Bradley                                     Wednesday: 10:00 AM, Pet Lovers Group – Zoom with your furry friend!11:00 AM, Exercise with Joanna2:00 PM, Coffee with Director Anne-Marie: Looking to Spring.Thursday:        9:00 AM, Pilates with Marina Z.10:30 AM, Talk with Tom: Coffee & Casual Conversation2:00 PM, Zoom to the Peabody Essex Museum!Friday:            10:00 AM, Exercise with Shannon Lee Jones     12:00 PM, Seated Strength & Balance with Pearl1:00 PM, New! Weight Management with Pearl ~ see the newsletter for details.NEW TIME! 2:45 PM, Mellowtones Chorus with Anne Silverman

Senior Shuttle Bus Update

The Watertown Senior Shuttle Bus is back on the road for grocery 

shopping. Due to COVID-19, the bus is limited to 4 riders plus the driver.

Government

Health Director Rips Governor’s Decision to Take Vaccinations Away from Local Health Departments

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Watertown Health Director Larry Ramdin said he was “extremely disappointed” with Gov. Charlie Baker’s decision to remove local health departments from the COVID-19 vaccination process and handing it to privately run vaccination sites. Ramdin told the Board of Health that received word of the change on Wednesday, the same day that the Watertown Health Department gave vaccines to 100 residents age 75 or older. He said health departments have better training and can administer more doses than pharmacies and other vaccination sites. “We have been going through this. Every one of the clinics we host is a drill for an emergency dispensing site.

Around Town

State’s COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility List Expanded

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Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn gets a COVID-19 vaccination shot during the clinic for police and firefighters run by the Watertown Health Department. Massachusetts residents ages 65 and older can begin getting the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Thursday, Feb. 18, along with others added to the groups that qualify. The additions to the vaccination list were announced on Wednesday by the Mass Department of Public Health. Others added to the list include people who have at least two comorbidities, as well as residents who live and work in low-income or affordable senior housing facilities.