Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/20/)
Charlie BreitroseThe Commander’s Mansion in Watertown. Greetings Councilors:
“They don’t know what they don’t know.” How did the revival of the Commander’s Mansion come to be? What was the process that restored this beautiful edifice to its full glory? The story, behind the story, can be found in the attached September 23, 2005 Final Report of the Watertown Arsenal Development Corporation.
Federal Class Action Filed to Confront the Erasure of Black Americans and Their Constitutional Standing
Civic advocate Clyde L. Younger of Watertown has filed a federal class action lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other federal officials, challenging what he calls a “coordinated federal displacement” of Black Americans under the guise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The complaint asserts that federal agencies have reclassified Black Americans into generalized diversity categories, stripping away constitutional protections and weakening access to education, health care, housing, and civic institutions — without due process or public remedy. This reclassification, the suit argues, erases the distinct civic identity of Black Americans and undermines their standing as a people whose labor, leadership, and sacrifice helped build the foundation of this nation. “This is not just a legal filing — it’s a constitutional reckoning,” said Younger. “We are fighting back against the erasure of Black American history and the dismantling of the institutions we built. Our contributions are not diversity — they are the bedrock of American greatness.”
The urgency of the case was underscored recently, when the Trump administration announced it would cut $22 million in federal grants for schools serving predominantly Black students, declaring such programs unconstitutional.
The following information was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:
The chamber’s Environmental Committee is hosting a webinar on the Main Streets energy efficiency program, which is now available to businesses, commercial property owners, non-profits, and houses of worship in Watertown and Newton Centre. Main Streets is a partnership between local energy providers, like Eversource and National Grid, and communities across Massachusetts to help small business owners become more energy-efficient. In this webinar, you will learn about how Watertown and Newton Centre business and property owners can access enhanced incentives under the Main Streets program before they run out later this fall. Including:
• no-cost, no-obligation energy assessments
• weatherization
• LED lighting
• refrigeration and kitchen upgrades
Unlock Energy Savings for Your Business: Main Streets Incentives in Watertown & Newton Centre
Thurs. Sept 18, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Via Zoom, Free
REGISTER NOW
The Watertown Transportation Management Association (TMA) received a grant of $159,469 from the Mass Department of Transportation to analyze data on travel patterns and use findings to inform development of new mobility alternatives, all in an attempt to reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting. See details about the program provided by MassDOT, below. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing the awarding of $3 million in funding for 13 Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), one TMA membership association, and one consulting firm, to support 19 projects which encourage transportation alternatives and expand transportation options in communities across Massachusetts. Awards include funding to operate and publicize shuttles, improve bus stop infrastructure, expand ferry service, and more. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) TMA Grant Program first launched in Fiscal Year 2025 and is now in its second year. The goals of this grant program are to reduce single occupancy vehicle (SOV) travel, reduce emissions, encourage mode shift, and expand mobility.
“Our investments in community transportation are about connecting people to jobs, schools, and services today and into the future,” said Transportation Secretary & CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The projects supported through the TMA Program are vital to building a more reliable, resilient, and accessible transportation network.
The following announcement was provided by Emerson College:
Emerson College student Nel Blinman of Watertown earned a Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies Award in spring 2025 at the end of the academic year, recognizing students for their achievements during a ceremony. Blinman, who is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and is a member of the Class of 2027, earned the Robert E. Engel Award. The award, established in 2011 in honor of Bob Engel, a Marlboro faculty member for 36 years, is awarded to a student who demonstrates Bob’s passion for the natural world and his keen powers of observation and inquiry as a natural historian. The Marlboro Institute puts the “I” at the center of Emerson students’ education-one that is Individualized, Interdisciplinary, Inquiry-based, and Integrative in approach with respect to the different liberal arts disciplines on offer and their connectivity to the arts and communication strengths of Emerson College. About Emerson College
Emerson College is uniquely dedicated to the arts and communication, educating and inspiring storytellers and artists to impact and advance creative industries and media throughout the world.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:
You may have already seen the stunning new photo triptych on loan in the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) stairwell. On Thursday evening, Sept. 18, the Library invites all community members to hear from the artist that created “Agricultural Panel B” — celebrated photographer and Watertown resident Archy LaSalle. During the program, LaSalle will discuss the vision and work that went into creating this compelling piece, as well as the relationships he made with immigrant farmers from World Farmers featured in it. World Farmers Program and Policy Director Jessy Gill will join us to talk about the organization’s mission and operations.
The process of removing the old asphalt to prepare for the repaving of on Mt. Auburn Street will begin this week. Also, hydrant installation and sidewalk pouring will take place in the East End. See details in the City of Watertown’s announcement, below. Sidewalk Concrete Installation and Excavation
Sidewalk concrete installation and pouring will take place on the westbound side of Mount Auburn Street, between Belmont Street and Prentiss Street from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Concrete pouring is scheduled to take place between Belmont Street and Prentiss Street on Monday, September 15, 2025.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:
DEAF, Inc. and the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) are thrilled to welcome award-winning, NYT bestselling author, translator, and Deaf rights activist Sara Nović to the Library! Nović will visit WFPL on Tuesday, September 30, for an author talk and book signing. ASL and CART services will be provided. Books will be available for purchase from All She Wrote Books. Nović is the author of the instant New York Times Bestseller True Biz, as well as the books Girl at War and America is Immigrants.