Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/39/)
District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner. District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner will be joined by City Manager George Proakis for a Meet & Greet. The City sent out the following announcement:
Join City Councilor Lisa Feltner for a District B Meet and Greet with City Manager George Proakis on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 6:-7:30 p.m. at the Parker Annex, Suite 2E, 124 Watertown Street.
Dear Editor and Residents,
Last week, a proposal to regulate Short Term Rentals (STRs) went before the City Council. It was rejected 6-3.
Now, the city attorney has been asked to draft a proposal to ban STRs. So it would seem this is moot. I went to the meeting advocating for the regulation, hoping that the councilors would deliberate and amend the imperfections away. I advocated for the regulation because STRs serve a different market, and the supplier is different from other small service providers, such as landlords, bed & breakfasts or home offices. The supplier is a resident who needs a very low barrier to entry. He/she is trying to age in place, has a variable income or has experienced a sudden price hike or loss of income. The demand comes from those who need an affordable place to stay for less than 30 days. They come here to see a graduation or medical care professional, attend a wedding or funeral, to see off a deployed family member, to provide palliative care, or clear out the estate of a loved one. And yes, they come for the Marathon, the regatta, playoffs and concerts. https://www.watertownmanews.com/2024/04/11/council-votes-down-proposal-for-short-term-rentals-in-watertown
I understand why councilors voted against the regulation.
By Kendra FoleyChair, Watertown School Committee
It has been a busy month for the Watertown School Committee as we wrap up the FY25 budget process. In the last three meetings, our board has heard a number of important presentations, voted on policy changes, and celebrated major accomplishments. We have come to an agreement with Superintendent Galdston on a 4-year contract extension through 2028. Dr. Galdston has been an excellent leader for Watertown, bringing expertise, commitment and stability. We are thrilled to have her leading the Watertown Public Schools for another four years.
Courtesy of Mosesian Center for the ArtsJack and Tim (center left and right) play for young artists and actors at the Mosesian Center on April 18. On April 25, the Mosesian Center for the Arts will welcome Jack & Tim, who were finalists in the Britain’s Got Talent TV show, but some youngsters attending programs at the Arts Center got a sneak peek performance this week. See the announcement from the MCA, below. Britain’s Got Talent finalists Jack & Tim surprised young artists and actors at the Mosesian Center for the Arts’ vacation-week program on Thursday (April 18) with a short performance in the art center’s lobby gallery. The father and son pair were there to promote an upcoming concert on Thursday, April 25, on the art center’s main stage, the Charles Mosesian Theater.
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.”
The following announcement was provided by MassBay Community College:
MassBay Community College will hold its annual Spring Open House on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on its Wellesley Hills campus. The Spring Open House is an opportunity for prospective students to talk with current students, faculty, and staff to learn about the 70 degree and certificate programs offered at MassBay. Participants will learn how to pay for college, including a financial aid session and discussion about available scholarships and the MassReconnect program (free community college for students who are 25 and older). Additional topics include how MassBay credits transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, free academic support services, information for veterans, free resources available on campus such as emergency grants and free food, information about free mental health counseling, and more. The Open House will feature a self-guided tour of campus and on-the-spot-admissions where staff will help you start the process of enrolling for college.
The Charles River Regional Chamber has plenty going on this spring, including a talk with the Transportation Secretary, a young professionals group, Small Business Day at the State House and an LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour. See the information provided by the Chamber below:
Addressing our transportation challenges: A conversation with MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt
Tues. May 14, 9:30 to 11 a.m.Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond Street, Watertown$10 for members, $15 for nonmembers
It’s not possible to meet our region’s housing, climate, and workforce challenges without a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system that meets the needs of all users whether they walk, bike, take public transit, or drive. Join us for a conversation with Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for an overview of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s plans for improving the state’s transportation system and the role we all must play in supporting this effort. 9:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking
10 a.m.: A Conversation with Secretary Tibbits-Nutt
Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another guest.
RSVP HERE
LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour at Flora’s Wine Bar
Wed.
The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
Calling automobile enthusiasts of all ages! Watertown Department of Public Works is hosting a Touch-a-Truck on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 124 Orchard St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Guest experiences will include a Road Sign Maze as well as a Planting Station where participants can plant seeds in a paper cup to take home. Free popcorn and giveaways for children will be available while supplies last. You can plan to see DPW vehicles and others from around the city, including Watertown police and fire, the library’s bookmobile, plus recycling and compost trucks!