Around Town

OP-ED: Stand Up for Great Public Schools for All Kids

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By Shaunna Harrington

President Trump is gunning to weaken our K-12 public schools, and that should outrage all of us in the Commonwealth. Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Education announced all education institutions must eliminate DEI programs in 14 days to maintain federal funding. 

The Trump administration wields DEI as a bogeyman to scare people into believing it is causing grave injustices. But the bogeyman is no longer frightening when we talk about what diversity, equity and inclusion actually mean in our K-12 public schools in Massachusetts. 

Our commitment to diversity means we make sure kids from non-majority groups do not feel invisible, excluded, devalued, or unsafe. It means we celebrate multiple cultural traditions and teach kids to respect people different from themselves. We express our commitment to diversity in anti-bullying policies.

Government

Council Newsletter: CPA Projects Approved, Memorialization Committee, Intersection to be Named for Gorky

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Watertown City Hall

The Watertown City Council voted on using Community Preservation Act funds on two projects, naming an intersection for an Armenian immigrant and artist, and discussed creating a Memorialization Committee. See more in the City Council Newsletter provided by the City of Watertown. City Council Newsletter: February 11, 2025 Meeting

Residents can view the recording of the February 11th meeting here. 

President’s ReportCouncil President Mark Sideris thanked the Department of Public Works as well as other city staff for their handling of last weekend’s snowstorm.He expressed gratitude for residents who have signed up for alerts through Everbridge and encouraged more residents to do so. This will ensure they receive notices of snow emergencies and other emergencies in the city on their cell phones. Residents will not be contacted frivolously, only for emergencies.

Around Town

Mount Auburn Street Project for Week of Feb. 18-22 Delayed

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UPDATE (Feb. 19) Mount Auburn Street Construction Work Paused for Week of February 18 – February 21, 2025. The Below Work Anticipated to Restart on February 24, 2025

The Mt. Auburn Street renovation continues this week with installation of drainage, a traffic signal, and tree protection, as well as soil testing. See details below provided by the City of Watertown.

Entertainment

Watertown High School Musical, “Anything Goes,” Hits the Mosesian Center Stage

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This year’s Watertown High School Musical, “Anything Goes,” will go on stage at the Mosesian Center for the Arts from Feb. 28 to March 2. See the information provided by the school below. Come enjoy an evening of live musical comedy performed by the students of Watertown High School. Anything Goes is a story of laughter and love with a little intrigue to boat (boot!). The show is presented in two acts with a 15-minute intermission.

Business

Marvelous Barber Lounge Expands to Arsenal Yards

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Marvelous Barber Lounge opened recently at Arsenal Yards in Watertown. (Contributed Photo)

The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Marvelous Barber Lounge (MBL), a symbol of excellence and community-driven success in the Boston area, is thrilled to announce the recent opening of its newest location at Arsenal Yards in Watertown. Founded by Lex Andre Daluz, a second-generation Master Barber and entrepreneur whose journey from cutting hair at home to owning multiple successful barbershops is nothing short of inspirational, MBL aims to elevate the grooming experience for everyone who walks through its doors. Lex began his career as an apprentice at the age of 12, learning about the art of barbering from his father who has over four decades of professional experience. Since then, Lex has honed his craft into an art form and has garnered national and international recognition from various outlets, including Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston, The Boston Globe, The Kelly Clarkson Show, BarberEVO Magazine, The Source Magazine, and others. 

He has always envisioned creating a space where clients can experience unparalleled service and luxury in an open, welcoming environment.

Around Town

No Snow Emergency for Watertown, but Winter Parking Ban Still in Effect

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There will not be a snow emergency for Saturday’s storm, but cars still must be off the street, according to the announcement from the City of Watertown. See more information below. The City of Watertown would like to advise you of expected snow starting later today, Saturday, February 15, 2025, which will turn into icy conditions heading into Sunday, February 16, 2025. The City is not declaring a Snow Emergency Parking Ban, but the Winter Overnight Parking Ban remains in effect and will be strictly enforced. We strongly encourage residents to park in their driveways or municipal parking lots by the time the storm begins around 6pm, if possible.

Around Town

See the City Manager’s Statement on the Housing Discrimination Test Program Findings

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Watertown City Manager George Proakis released a statement on the findings of a Housing Discrimination Test Program conducted in Watertown, and a dozen other are communities. A pair of meetings, one virtual on Feb. 19 and one in-person in Newton on Feb. 26, will be held to discuss the reports findings and recommendations. See the statement provided by the City of Watertown below.

Around Town

City Closings & Trash Schedule for Presidents Day Week

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The City of Watertown announced that some municipal buildings and facilities will be closed for Presidents Day. See the information from the City below. Watertown City Hall, Parker Annex, Senior Center, Department of Public Works Office, and Watertown Free Public Library, will be closed on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17, 2025. Please note that there is a one day delay for trash and recycling pickup the week.