Watertown Church Hosting Kids Week, Registration Open

The following announcement was provided by Grace Chapel:

Join the Fun at Grace Chapel’s “Start The Party” Kids Week! Grace Chapel Watertown is thrilled to invite your children to an exciting week of fun, learning, and friendship at our “Start The Party” Kids Week! We believe that children are beloved and treasured by God, and so, it is a core value of the church to care for kids and provide safe and exciting spaces for kids to thrive. Check out this video recap of last year’s Kids Week! What to Expect: Interactive Crafts: Each day, children will make fun and simple crafts that will engage their creativity and artistic expression.

Residents Wanted to Serve on Cable Access Board of Directors

City Manager George J. Proakis announced he is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application. Board/Commission/Committee:  Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors

Description:  The Watertown Cable Access Corporation (WCA-TV) is a non-profit corporation established to ensure access to cable television channels and facilities; provide public education and training regarding the use of facilities and channels; assist in the development of educational, cultural, and informational programming, including working with local institutions and organizations to share their resources; and to operate channels and programming space. The WCA-TV mission is to provide coverage of local events, City meetings, and news, as well as access to our equipment and facility to engage our community and amplify their voices. City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors.

Join Watertown’s Community Engagement Specialist for a Chat

The following announcement was provided by the City of Waterotwn:

Join Watertown Community Engagement Specialist, Tyler Cote for the first in a series of sit-down coffee hours, at Watertown Chats. Tyler will be at Tresca’s Eating Place, at 25 Church Street on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 9:30am-11am for anyone to stop by and chat with him about Watertown. Whether you have a question, an idea, concern, or just looking to speak with a member of the City, you can stop by anytime between 9:30am and 11am and meet Tyler. To learn more about the Chats and to keep up to date on the schedule, visit watertown-ma.gov/1343/Watertown-Chats

Eric Mintel Quartet to Perform Tribute to Dave Brubeck at MCA

The following announcement was provided by the Eric Mintel Quartet:

Jazz enthusiasts are in for a treat as the acclaimed Eric Mintel Quartet takes the stage at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 PM. The evening promises a rich blend of the timeless music of Dave Brubeck, original compositions by Eric Mintel, and much more. Eric Mintel, a celebrated pianist and composer, has a storied career spanning over 30 years. His impressive résumé includes performances by invitation at the White House, over ten appearances at the Kennedy Center, and a special concert at the United Nations. His quartet’s dynamic sound and captivating performances have made them a favorite among jazz fans worldwide.

See What Will be Closed for July Fourth in Watertown

The City of Watertown announced the following closings on July 4, 2024:

Watertown City Hall, Parker Annex, Department of Public Works Offices, Senior Center and the Watertown Free Public Library are closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in observance of Independence Day. Please be aware that due to the Independence Day holiday on Thursday, July 4, 2024, trash and recycling pickup will be delayed one day. The pickup schedule is Monday, July 1-Wednesday, July 3, 2024 and Friday, July 5-Saturday, July 6, 2024. A holiday postpones pickup by one day.

Patriots Foundation Honors Watertown Man for Years of Giving Blind People Chance to Play Baseball

Patriots Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett (far left) and Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley, congratulate Bryan Grillo from the Association of Blind Citizens Boston Renegades for being selected as a 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner. During the June 6 luncheon, the Kraft family, the Patriots Foundation and Gillette awarded $275,000 in grants to 26 New England nonprofits. The Association of Blind Citizens Boston Renegades received a $10,000 grant in honor of Bryan’s volunteer efforts. (photo courtesy of Eric J. Adler/New England Patriots)

The following announcement was provided by the New England Patriots Foundation:

On Thursday, June 6, the Kraft Family and New England Patriots Foundation celebrated the 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners. They recognized 26 volunteers for their contributions to the New England community at an awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium.

MassDOT Advises Travelers to Plan Ahead for Busy Fourth of July Travel

The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers to plan ahead and expect increased volumes of traffic for the Fourth of July holiday period.  If traveling, MassDOT recommends utilizing “real time” travel tools, checking holiday schedules for public transportation, and planning trip departure times and routes based on available information.    

“With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday approaching, we’re encouraging drivers to plan ahead and make use of MassDOT resources when planning holiday travel,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Travelers should also be aware that the monthlong closure of the Sumner Tunnel will begin on Friday, July 5, and are encouraged to consult MassDOT materials on detours and mitigation options. All of us at MassDOT wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.”  

All Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices are closed on Thursday, July 4, including Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) customer service locations. Many RMV transactions can be done online:  www.mass.gov/RMV.  In addition, any resident who is a member of AAA can also make appointments at AAA locations for some Registry transactions.  

The Sumner Tunnel in Boston will be closed seven days a week, from Friday, July 5 to Monday, August 5. During this time, traffic will be diverted through other signed detour routes.  This information can be found on the project website at  www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel 

Using traffic data, MassDOT has created a traffic forecast for the holiday weekend.

Multi Award-Winning Musican Mwalim Will Perform at Watertown Library

Mwalim will perform at the Watertown Library on July 14. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

On Sunday, July 14, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) and the Watertown Pigsgusset Initiative invite you to experience the electrifying album THUNDERCHILD by Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor. All are welcome! As a multi-award-winning artist and Mashpee Wampanoag elder, Mwalim infuses his latest album THUNDERCHILD with musical history and innovation. Blending soul and blues with undertones of funk, Caribbean, and punk rock – the result is a mesmerizing journey through sound, story, and musical authenticity.