Government

Watertown Residents Wanted to Serve on Several Committees and Boards

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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.

Transportation

MBTA Announces Multi-Day Red Line Suspension Beginning This Weekend

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The MBTA provided the following announcement:

The MBTA is reminding riders of the upcoming multi-day Red Line service suspension as part of the Track Improvement Program.  

Red Line service will be suspended between Harvard and Broadway beginning at approximately 8:30 PM through the end of service on Sunday, November 17. Red Line service will continue to be suspended between Harvard and Broadway all day and every day November 18 – 23. On November 24, the planned service suspension will be extended between Harvard and JFK/UMass. 

The decision to include an evening service suspension this Sunday and extended location limits on November 24 was made following a review of the logistical challenges associated with placing construction equipment on and off the tracks in this complicated area.  

Riders can find complete information soon at mbta.com/RedLine. More information on these service changes and alternate travel options is below: 

Beginning at 8:30 PM November 17, November 18 – 23: 

Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Harvard and Broadway with the exception of Park Street and Downtown Crossing.  

Riders heading southbound should instead disembark at Otis Street @ Summer Street and use the Winter Street Concourse to travel between Downtown Crossing and Park Street.  

Riders heading northbound should instead disembark at Federal Street @ Franklin Street and use the Winter Street Concourse to travel between Downtown Crossing and Park Street.  

Shuttle buses will also serve State (on the Orange and Blue lines) and Haymarket (on the Orange and Green lines) for easier connections to other subway lines.  

Direct shuttle bus service will operate between Harvard and South Station on weekdays from 6 AM to 8 PM every 15 minutes.   

Direct shuttle buses at Harvard will be located at Massachusetts Avenue @ Holyoke Gate.

Around Town

Charles River Food Co-op Announces Second Annual Meeting

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The group seeking to bring a food co-operative to the Watertown area will host its second annual meeting on Nov. 21. Members and potential members may attend. See details below. The Charles River Food Co-op is pleased to announce its second Annual Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Around Town

Brownie Troop Hosts Drive-Thru Food Drive in Watertown to Support Local Food Pantry

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Watertown Brownie Troop 84267 announced it will be hosting a drive-thru food drive to help out a local food pantry. See more information below. Our local Brownie Troop is hosting a Drive-Thru Food Drive to benefit the Watertown Food Pantry on Saturday, November 16, from 1-3 PM at First Parish Church in Watertown, 35 Church St. This event is an opportunity for people in the community to give back easily and safely. Donors can drive up and drop off non-perishable food items without even getting out of their car.

Around Town

Critical Drought Declared for Area, Tips for Conserving Water

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With a Critical Drought declared for much of Massachusetts, including Watertown, the City of Watertown sent out the following tips for residents. See information below. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Central and Northeast Regions which includes Watertown. Due to unprecedented low rainfall over the last two months, with many locations recording their lowest rainfall ever, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is experiencing significant drought conditions. Wildfires are occurring across the state (208 fires in October and 115 fires in November so far).

Around Town

Local Jam Maker Holding Pop-Up and Food Drive for Watertown Food Pantry

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If you missed Berry Mari and Belle at the Watertown Farmers Market, you can buy Hanna Opdahl’s jams and preserves at a pop-up and she will also be collecting items for the Watertown Food Pantry with donors being entered into a drawing for jam and spices. See details below. Berry Mari and Belle will be having a jam pop-up at Curio Spice Co., 2265 Mass. Ave., in Cambridge on Saturday, Nov. 23 (12-4 p.m.), and will be collecting donations for the Watertown Food Pantry.

Around Town

See the Dates of the Watertown Winter Parking Ban for 2024-25

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The City of Watertown announced the dates for the 2024-25 Winter Parking Ban. See information below. For the 2024 – 2025 parking ban, enforcement will start on December 2, 2024. The regulation reads in part; “No vehicle may remain on any public way for more than one hour between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. all days of the week.”

For residents who lack sufficient off-street parking, the City allows for temporary parking at any municipal parking lot and other locations. Read more information.

Schools

Wicked Bagel Hosting Fundraiser for WPS Diversity & Belonging Councils

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This weekend, Wicked Bagel will host a fundraiser for the Watertown Public Schools Diversity and Belonging Councils. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. For each half dozen bagels purchased at regular price Wicked bagel is donating 50 percent of the sale to the councils. Customers only need to mention the fundraiser at checkout. Watertown’s three elementary schools — Cunniff, Lowell and Hosmer — and Watertown Middle School have their own Diversity & Belonging Council (DBC).