12th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup

12th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup
The “People’s River” gets a spring cleaning from nearly 3,000 volunteers!

WHAT: For the past eleven years, the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup has been the largest coordinated Earth Day cleanup in Massachusetts, attracting over 100 volunteer groups from businesses, universities, neighborhoods, civic associations, and scout troops. Cleanup volunteers make a huge difference in the health and beauty of the River by picking up trash at numerous sites along the 80-mile River from Milford to Boston. One of the largest single-day river cleanups in the country, the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup is a great opportunity to celebrate Earth Day and for Greater Boston residents to engage in service for their communities.

The official event kick-off will take place at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade at 9am with state and local government officials and representatives from local environmental organizations in attendance. Volunteers will be gathering at sites throughout the watershed; please contact Eivy Monroy for a complete list of volunteer sites and groups involved.

The Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup is organized by Charles River Watershed Association, The Esplanade Association, Charles River Conservancy, State Senator Steven Tolman’s Office, the City of Newton, The Trustees of Reservations, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The event is sponsored by International Power Bellingham, Amgen, Inc., Hannaford, Russo’s, Boston Marriott Newton, Swartz True Value, and The Cadmus Group, Inc.

Photo and video opportunities will be available.

WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 9am to 12pm

WHERE: Sites all along the Charles River, including DCR Dealtry Swimming Pool 100 Pleasant St. Watertown, Ma 02472

Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to use science, advocacy and the law to protect, preserve and enhance the Charles River and its watershed. One of our country’s first watershed organizations, CRWA formed in 1965 in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles River. Since its earliest days of advocacy, CRWA has figured prominently in major clean-up and watershed protection efforts that have dramatically improved the health of the Charles.

For further information click here.

Don’t get scammed by disaster relief efforts in Japan

Please follow this link to the FBI’s Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes.

Turn your clocks ahead

Remember to turn your clocks ahead Sunday March 13, 2011 at 2 AM, this marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time. This is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.springahead

Parking Ban Modified 02-18-2011

Chief Deveau, Chief Orangio and Superintendent of Public Works Gerry Mee would like to inform you that effective immediately the parking ban is being modified. Parking will now be allowed on the EVEN sides ONLY of all secondary roads. The Overnight parking ban still remains in full effect.

There have been two recent major house fires in our town, thanks to your continued cooperation with the parking ban, emergency vehicles were able to quickly and safely respond and gain access to the areas.

WATER LEAK

5:00 AM 02-04-11

Fire Hydrant struck at Main and Myrtle. Water leaking onto street. DPW on scene and has shut off water. Main St. from Myrtle to Green St. iced over. DPW attempting to salt and sand area. Traffic into Watertown Sq. may be affected for the AM commute.

TOWN OF WATERTOWN ANNOUNCES TOWN-WIDE EMERGENCY PARKING BAN FEBRUARY 2, 2011

TOWN OF WATERTOWN
ANNOUNCES TOWN-WIDE
EMERGENCY PARKING BAN
FEBRUARY 2, 2011
As a result of this winter’s higher than normal accumulation of snow, streets in Watertown have become narrower with unusually high snow banks. This has made it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass through when responding to calls for assistance. Therefore, the Town must take action of banning on street parking 24 hours a day until further notice. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this action causes but this action is being taken strictly in the interest of public safety.
The normal winter overnight parking ban will remain in effect. However, other than the streets listed below, on street parking on all other secondary roads will be banned 24 hours a day until further notice. Any vehicles parked on secondary roads will be subject to tow.
Normal parking procedures shall be allowed on the following streets (arterial and collector ways):
Arsenal Street
No. Beacon Street
Main Street
Mt. Auburn Street
Galen Street
Watertown Street
Pleasant Street
Grove Street
Walnut Street
Nichols Avenue
Normal parking procedures shall be allowed in the business district areas only on the following streets:
Waverley Avenue
School Street
Bigelow Avenue
Dexter Avenue
Orchard Street
Waltham Street
Belmont Street
Arlington Street
Coolidge Avenue
The frequency and accumulations of this winter’s storms have proven to be challenging for everyone. The Town advises all residents to check in on neighbors who may need additional assistance such as the elderly, keep fire hydrants and catch basins clear of snow, keep sidewalks clear and passable and refrain from throwing snow into the roadways. Please remember that snow removal operations continue long after the end of the storm so while it may appear acceptable to park on the street, this has a negative effect on snow removal and emergency operations.
The continued cooperation by all residents and business owners helps keep Watertown a safe place for all.

Schools Closing – Feb 1, 2011

All Public Schools will be closing early on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 due to Snowstorm

Watertown High School – Closing at 11:30 AM
Watertown Middle School – Closing at 11:45 AM
Watertown Elementary Schools – Closing at 12:15 PM

Snow Emergency

A Snow Emergency will be effect starting at 9:00 am on Tuesday February 1st.

Snow Emergency Lifted

The Snow Emergency has been lifted as of Thursday 01/27/2011 at 5:00 PM

Snow Emergency Towing

01/27/2011 0300 hours, due to the in effect declared Snow Emergency, the DPW has authorized and begun towing any motor vehicle impedding the snow removal on public ways.