“Expert Pairings” for Edible Watertown Project Announced

Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Edible Watertown, a vibrant public art initiative by the Public Arts & Culture Committee that explores the city’s local ecology, is thrilled to announce the lead artists and scientists selected for its “Expert Pairings” project. This exciting collaboration pairs talented artists with knowledgeable scientists to create temporary, educational public artworks focused on edible plants, local resilience, and environmental awareness. The selected Expert Pairings are:

Sophy Tuttle (Artist) & Amber Siegel (Scientist, Charles River Watershed Association)

Jenn Houle (Artist) & Patrick Fairbairn (Scientist)

Ira Klein (Artist) & Yi (Jenny) Wang (Scientist)

Leah Craig (Artist) & Nicole Weber (Scientist)

About Edible Watertown:

Now in its third year, Edible Watertown fosters community engagement through artistic and scientific exploration of the town’s edible plants. This interdisciplinary project aims to connect residents with their local environment, highlighting the importance of local flora and ecosystems. Ultimately, Edible Watertown serves as a catalyst for environmental stewardship and appreciation for the natural gifts found right outside our doors. (Link to website)

About Expert Pairings:

Expert Pairings invites artists and scientists to collaborate on temporary public artworks exploring Watertown’s ecology.

How Legendary Football Coach John Barbati Helped WHS Hall of Famer Clean Up His Act

The following piece was submitted by the Coach John Barbati Testimonial Dinner Committee:

On November 26th, former players and supporters of Watertown High School athletics are hosting a testimonial dinner for legendary coach John Barbati whose life-changing impact is still being celebrated more than 30 years after his retirement from coaching. As a mentor and cheerleader for his kids, Barbati sparked countless connections for his student athletes as he opened doors for them. One such example is WHS Hall of Famer Joe Antonellis who was a stalwart Raider and later starred at Harvard University. Antonellis, however, almost never made it on to the gridiron until Coach Barbati interceded. “My parents, Italian immigrants, forbid me to play football,” said Antonellis.

Watertown Citizens Monthly Meeting Focusing on War in Ukraine

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment:

A presentation – How to End the War That Didn’t Have to be Fought: While There is Still Time – at Watertown Citizens Monthly Meeting is on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 6:45 PM/7:00 PM until 8:30 PM/8:45 PM and it is a zoom meeting. Please join us for a provocative and stimulating program – How to End the War that Didn’t Have to be Fought: While There is Still Time with Paul Shannon. The presentation will look at how the Ukraine war could have been avoided, how Ukraine’s independence could have been protected, and how this war might be brought to an end. Paul will address how the dominant narrative about the war in the west has led to the ongoing destruction of Ukraine and made the world a much more dangerous place. Paul Shannon worked for the American Friends Service Committee for 40 years and is now on the Executive Committee of Mass.

City Hosting Info Session on Heat Pumps, Seeks Coaches and Ambassadors

The City of Watertown’s Sustainability Team will be hosting a session where residents can learn about heat pumps for their homes, and the City also seeks residents to become heat pump coaches and ambassadors. See more information in the announcements from the City. Heat Pumps 101

Save the date for Heat Pumps 101 on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 11-12:30 pm at the Watertown Free Public Library in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. Come join Steve Breit, co-founder of HeatSmart Alliance, in a discussion around fundamentals of heat pumps systems. You will also have the chance to learn about the Mass Save program. Together, we will outline key factors homeowners should consider when deciding to upgrade their HVAC systems.

Heat Pump Coaches and Ambassadors Wanted

The City of Watertown Sustainability Team is inviting talented and caring residents to join us to promote heat pump installations in town!

See What Small Saves is Up to in This Week’s Cartoon

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

LETTER: First Path Day Care Center Moved Into New Location on Boyd Street

First Path Day Care Center relocated to its new home at renovated historical University Prints Building on Boyd Street in Watertown that is 0.5 mile away from its old location. For over a quarter of a century First Path Day Care Center has been providing affordable high quality child care services to the Watertown’s community. We are happy that First Path that was founded in Watertown in 1998 is staying in Watertown and will continue to serve the Watertown’s families. We are grateful to everyone in the community who supported First Path, our families and our teachers during the trying transition period. First Path’s last day of operation at the old location at 25 Whites Avenue was on Nov.

Watertown Residents Wanted to Serve on Several Committees and Boards

Residents have the opportunity to apply to serve on multiple City of Watertown committees and boards, including the Residents Advisory Committee, the Licensing Board, the Historic District Commission, the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, the Watertown Cultural Council, and the Conservation Commission. The City provided the following information:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on multiple committees and boards. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application. 

The Licensing Board issues all licenses in the City and has jurisdiction over licenses to sell alcohol; entertainment licenses; common victualer licenses; motor vehicle repair licenses; taxicab and livery licenses; and other licensed activities in the City. Candidates should have a background in law, business, or a related field.  Member requirements are defined to be in compliance with MGL c.138, s.4.