Business

Watertown Farmers Market Plans to Open on Schedule, Vendors Offer Delivery & Pick Up Ordering

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The Watertown Farmers’ Market will be back this June, organizers say. Residents can support the vendors who appear at the Watertown Farmers Market even before the season begins in June, and organizers say that the market plans to open on schedule in June. While the COVID-19 outbreak has closed many businesses, Stephanie Venizelos, manager of the Watertown Farmers Market, said that the market will be opening in June. “Farmers markets have been declared an essential business, like grocery stores,” Venizelos said. “We are planning for a safe market that adheres to all the guidelines.”

Around Town

Mass Cultural Council Offers Relief Fund for Individuals

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The following information was provided by the Mass. Cultural Council:

Mass Cultural Council believes in the power of culture, and we recognize that the work done by creative and innovative individuals is key to our vital communities. We know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has caused major disruptions for the careers of individuals who earn income through their work in the cultural sector. In response, Mass Cultural Council has launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals. The purpose of the COVID-19 Relief Fund is to support individuals whose creative practices and incomes are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Around Town

Area Hospitals Preparing for Peak of COVID-19 Outbreak in Massachusetts

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Dr. Kristin Cox wears a protective mask that has become a staple at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and other medical facilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Cox is the Medical Director of Quality and Safety at Newton-Wellesley. Massachusetts has been in prevention mode to help curb the spread of COVID-19 for the past few weeks and the predicted peak of the virus is expected to hit in mid-April. Meanwhile, hospitals in the Bay State, including two that serve many Watertown residents, have been planning and adapting to the new virus to make sure they are prepared for the worst of the outbreak. Statewide, there have been 16,790 positive cases of COVID-19, 433 deaths and 1,583 people hospitalized, as of April 8.

Government

Find Out About Unemployment Benefits for Those Impacted by the Coronavirus Outbreak

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Gov. Charlie Baker, with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. Gov. Charlie Baker discussed details of the unemployment benefits available through the Federal CARES Act, including for those who don’t traditionally qualify for such benefits. Those who qualify can get an additional $600 on top of the normal unemployment benefits, and payments will be retroactive to March 29, and will extend through the end of July. Unemployment benefits will also be available to self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and others who otherwise would not normally qualify. Find out more information and how to apply below.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Using Resilience Funds to Help Food Pantry, Fund Coordinator

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Just weeks after creating the Resilience Fund to help Watertown weather the Coronavirus outbreak, the Watertown Community Foundation has awarded money to help make sure residents have food, and to fund a coordinator to help those in need of assistance. The fund started with $40,000 from the Foundation’s unrestricted fund and donations from board members and staff. That amount has increased to more than $60,000 thanks to donations from individuals, local businesses and foundations, said WCF Executive Director Jan Singer. The money is intended to help people who are struggling due to the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some of the funds have already been distributed to help restart the operation of the Catholic Coalition Food Pantry in East Watertown, and to hire a part-time coordinator to help match people with the assistance they need.

Around Town

LETTER: U.S. Post Office Using Social Distancing to Protect Mail Carriers During COVID-19 Outbreak

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Dear Editor:

During these challenging times, postal employees are working hard to ensure residents stay connected with their world through the mail. Whether it’s medications, a package, a paycheck, benefits or pension check, a bill or letter from a family member, postal workers understand that every piece of mail is important. While service like this is nothing new to us, we need our communities’ help with social distancing. For everyone’s safety, our employees are following the social distancing precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials. We are asking people to not approach our carriers to accept delivery.

Around Town

Mass. Grocery Stores Ordered to Limit Capacity to Prevent Spread of COVID-19; Most New Cases & Deaths in 1 Day

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Grocery stores in Massachusetts will be limited to allowing less than half their capacity of shoppers after an order sent out by the Mass. Commissioner of Public Health. The move is aimed at limiting the spread of the Coronavirus. Stores will be allowed to have 40 percent of their capacity, according to the order issued on Tuesday, according to a report by WHDH Channel 7. The order from Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel reads, in part:

“Each Grocery store shall limit occupancy to 40 percent of its maximum permitted occupancy level as documented in its occupancy permit on record with the municipal building department or other municipal record-holders in order to provide for in-store social distancing while preserving sufficient access for the public to supplies of food and necessities.”

Around Town

Know of Someone Doing Something Awesome in Watertown, Nominate Them

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Kate and Allie are the first people featured in Watertown Wednesdays, which focuses on people and groups doing something awesome in Watertown during the Coronavirus outbreak. Looking for a way to celebrate the positive things during the time of COVID-19, a Watertown business has started a weekly feature focusing on a person, group or even a pet doing something great in town. Ballroom in Boston will post the weekly honoree on its Facebook page as part of what co-owner Lilia Weisfeldt has dubbed “Watertown Wednesdays.” “This idea occurred to me that I hear about lots of cool things people are doing around town, especially while we’re all stuck at home,” Weisfeldt said. “I thought we could all use some local positive info in our social media feeds and that this would be a great way to make that happen.”