Around Town

What Happens When We Study Delight? Library Invites Community to Find Out

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

This year, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) has selected poet and author Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights for their annual community read, One Book, One Watertown. Taking cues from the book, the Library invites the local community to read along, attend themed programs in March, and consider the question, “what happens when we study delight?”

On Tuesday, March 18, WFPL will welcome Ross Gay, virtually, for “An Evening of Delight.” Attendees can chat with Ross Gay by joining from home via Zoom or in person, in the library, with Ross Gay up on the big screen. CART Services and ASL will be provided on Zoom. Also coming up in March: live music, a plant care workshop, art making, and more.

Entertainment

Weekend Fun: Valentine Dinners, Owls, Gardening & Magic

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It’s Valentine’s Day on Friday, so if you feel like celebrating with your sweetie by going out for a special multi-course meal, I have found three in Watertown that look quite wonderful, Red Lentil, Ravello and Cha Yen (get your reservations!). Saturday morning, whether single or coupled, there is a workshop at Watertown Center for the Healing Arts on how to improve communication with a partner or a date. Perhaps it would come in handy if you had any trouble the night before. 

If you would just as soon forget that it’s a day to celebrate Cupid, you might want to head over to Mt. Auburn Cemetery Saturday for a show about owls. I went last year and it’s fascinating and educational for all ages. There are three starting times.

Around Town

Local Podcast Chats with Police Chief, the Library Director & a Dancer/Scientist; Also Hear the First Episode of Creative Chats

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Hear about the Watertown Police Chief’s unusual childhood, the library director’s career in books and libraries, and about a dancer/scientist in their conversations with Watertown podcast host Matt Hanna. In “Little Local Conversations,” discover the people, places, stories, and ideas of Watertown. Hanna has conversations with various businesses owners, community leaders, creatives, and other interesting folks in Watertown to learn about what they do and get to know a bit about the people behind the work. 

Justin Hanrahan

Meet Justin Hanrahan! He’s the Police Chief here in Watertown. In our conversation we get into his unconventional childhood and how the Watertown community was important in getting him through it, his early experiences in policing from protecting “boothies” to a career defining moment that instilled in him that policing is much more than just catching criminals, his rise through the ranks in Watertown and the shift in culture he’s been a part of, his impact in teaching and training departments all over the state, the changes he’s enacted in his time as chief and the programs and initiatives he’s looking forward to in the future.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Rock Climbing, Pole Flying, Hockey Cancer Fundraiser, Kid’s Concert & More

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What a range of activities Watertown is offering this weekend! Yes, it’s Super Bowl weekend, but there’s so much more. There’s a great mix of opportunities to get out and be physically active, a rock climbing competition on Friday evening and adult and child pole flying on Sunday morning. Take in a hockey cancer benefit presented by the Boston Gold Kings on Saturday evening. If you’d like to stretch your vocal chords a little bit, head to the library on Saturday morning with your young child or grandchild for a singalong with Matt Heaton. A local gallery will hold a reception for its new show featuring works inspired by Maine and New Mexico.

Around Town

Watertown Library’s Project Literacy Offering U.S. Citizenship Tutor Training

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The Watertown Free Public Library has announced that it will offer U.S. citizenship tutor training sessions this spring. These trainings are intended for anyone interested in helping immigrants prepare for all facets of the naturalization process. The Library’s English language learning program, Project Literacy, is leading the effort and sessions are open to all. The two-part training in February will be led by Project Literacy’s Citizenship Tutor, Nancy Kleinrock. Nancy has designed a training that can help tutors and advocates understand the citizenship process.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Running Club, Children’s Theatre, Yoga, Pottery Class

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I heard a story on the radio yesterday about the health effects of socializing regularly in local community groups. Don’t trust my memory, but I believe they said that the probability of getting dementia is decreased simply by being among your neighbors. So this weekend, keep that in mind when you are choosing between running solo or in a group, doing yoga with Youtube or in a group class. I recommend choosing to play with others. 

Sure it’s a little cold out, but joining a group will motivate you to run more regularly (and no dementia!). Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. you can run and meet neighbors with the Watertown Running Club. Rest up after the run while you help out at the library to set up their seed library.

Around Town

Watertown Library’s Hatch Makerspace to Celebrate 10 Years

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

The Watertown Free Public Library’s Hatch Makerspace turns 10 this month! The Library invites you to join us in celebrating a decade of community creativity! Founded in 2014, Hatch Makerspace marked its official opening in January 2015 at the Arsenal Mall in Watertown. One of the first Library-run makerspaces in the region, Hatch was envisioned as a free workshop space where everyday people could share tools, materials, and expertise that would otherwise be inaccessible to most individuals. Now located at 20 Summer Street in a space generously donated by The Residence In Watertown Square, Hatch is open to the public six days a week, no appointment needed.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Lantern Making, Armenian Christmas Dance, La Befana, Open Gym

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Feeling crafty? This coming weekend is going to start with a workshop for making lanterns at the Hatch Maker Space on Saturday. (Are you aware of the River of Light Festival coming up on the 18th?)

After making a beautiful lantern, walk over to the library for the craft swap in the afternoon. Maybe you’ve been inspired to be more creative and need some supplies. Saturday evening brings a delicious dinner and dance in celebration of Armenian Christmas at St.