Mosesian Center for the Arts Receives Emergency Grant from Watertown Community Foundation

The Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown. (Courtesy Photo)

The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts Board:

The Mosesian Center for the Arts (MCA) received an off-cycle, emergency stabilization grant from the Watertown Community Foundation to offset the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Arts non-profits were hit hard during the pandemic. In an effort to build back after months of being shuttered, pandemic relief funds were used to create additional programming which also came with additional staffing. With the sudden and noticeable loss of the New Repertory Theatre, revenue did not keep up with the expanded programming,” explained MCA Board Chair, Shaunna Harrington.

Watch the Chamber’s Forum on the Impact Housing Cost; the State’s Competitiveness

On Wednesday, the Charles River Chamber hosted an event focused on economic development in the region, and heard from the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation, as well as hosting two panels: one of young professionals and another with the planning directors from the Chamber’s four communities — including Watertown’s Steve Magoon. The Chamber provided the following information:

Earlier this week we hosted a program on the UMass Amherst Mount Ida campus exploring our region’s top economic challenges, including housing and workforce, as well as Massachusetts’ competitive strengths and weaknesses. Here’s the event recording, and here’s direct links to the event’s three segments:

– Mass Taxpayers Foundation presentation by Doug Howgate. – Planning directors discussing housing, commercial and economic development

– Young professionals share their housing challenges.

OP-ED: Two Different Outcomes of Property Revaluation in Watertown

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

A Tale of Two Streets

When Charles Dickens wrote his famous novel, A Tale of Two Cities, his intent was to highlight societal injustices, and with great effect he showed us the dichotomy between living very well and simply surviving. In Watertown, in many ways the seeds of rancor and discontent are being sown … no guillotines involved! Follow me on this journey, if you will. I’m calling this “A Tale of Two Streets.”

On December 2nd a very important and transparent government document was shared through the Watertown Assessors Office with the people of Watertown.

School Committee Update: Teacher Honored, Field Hockey Team Recognized, Enrollment Rising

Watertown’s State Champion Field Hockey Team was honored by the School Committee. (Courtesy of Watertown Field Hockey)

Watertown School Committee Chair Kendra Foley provided a round up of the most recent School Committee meeting. See what happened below. There has been much to celebrate over the last month at our Watertown School Committee meetings. We were thrilled to honor Cunniff music teacher Liz Schorr, who was recently chosen as the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Educator of the Year.

Medium Rare “Steaks” Its Claim in Beantown at Arsenal Yards

Steak and frites is on the menu at Medium Rare, which opened at Arsenal Yards. (Courtesy of Medium Rare)

Arsenal Yards welcomes a new restaurant specializing in steak frites. See details in the announcement below. Medium Rare, the original sizzling single-choice Steak Frites prix fixe meal experience from Washington, D.C., is now “steaking” its claim in the greater Boston area. The new location at 107 Bond Sq.

Russell Cooperative Silent Auction to Raise Funds for Preschool Programming

An acorn painting by Todd Coyne is one of many unique items in this year’s auction. The following announcement was provided by Russell Cooperative Preschool:

Russell Cooperative Preschool invites the Watertown community to participate in its highly anticipated Winter Gala Silent Auction, a cornerstone event that supports the preschool’s annual fundraising efforts. This year’s auction features an array of unique and exciting items for every interest. Highlights include:

A Visit from the Watertown Library’s Bookmobile: Bring the joy of books and reading directly to your neighborhood or school with this exclusive opportunity to host a personalized visit. Gift Cards to Watertown Square Cafés and Restaurants: Including O’some Café and Not Your Average Joe’s.

Affordable Housing Trust Hosting Listening Session, City Will Submit 5-Year Plan

Watertown’s Affordable Housing Trust will be hosting a listening session to find out the housing needs, and create a strategy to include in the City’s five-year plan. See information in the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Every five years the federal government asks cities/towns that receive its housing money (like Watertown) to submit a 5-year plan with information about housing needs and strategies. If you want to comment on housing needs and strategies, the City (through its Affordable Housing Trust) will be holding a listening session on December 17, 2024, at 6 PM. The Affordable Housing Trust will take comments from the members of the public on Watertown’s housing needs and strategies at its December 17, 2024, meeting (meeting details at the bottom of this message).